ã€ŠReturn of the Swallowã€‹


 Chapter 1: Return to the Manor

    <h4>Chapter 1: Return to the Manor</h4>

    The tenth month of the year had just begun. It wasn¡¯t yet the eighth day, which heralded theing of winter, but the days were already turning cold. Even the few pots of chrysanthemums, ced along the hallways of the upper house in the prime minister¡¯s manor, had begun to wilt.

    A great matter had urred in the estate; the servants had no mind to spare for the flowers. The chrysanthemums were left to weather the wind and frost as they would.

    Qin-mama rubbed her hands together and huffed into them as she walked swiftly into the Garden of Loving Piety, passed through a connecting corridor, and set foot into a passageway paved with square limestones. She hurried all the way to the main house, her inky-green cape, woven of fine cotton fibers, fanning out behind in her haste.

    When she reached the corridor of the main house, a young maid, yet to grow out her hair, eagerly offered forth a brass cauldron hand-warmer. ¡°You¡¯re back, Qin-mama.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin-mama raised an eyebrow and thetter immediately made herself scarce without further ado.

    The heavy, padded curtains in front of the doors to the main house were embroidered with inky-green characters for fortune and longevity. They lifted as head maid Jixiang ducked outside after hearing the disturbance.

    When she saw Qin-mama, Jixiang quickly pulled her aside and spoke lowly, ¡°Old Dowager is feeling a bit better now. The girls are keeping herpany.¡±

    Qin-mama rubbed her chilled hand against the hand-warmer, responding in a simr hushed voice, ¡°Is Senior Madame in?¡±

    Jixiang shook her head and pointed in the direction of the Garden of Tranquility, pulling an expression of mock crying. ¡°Second Madame and Third Madame are trying to talk some sense into her.¡± Her expression snapped back to seriousness. ¡°Has the lord brought that person back yet?¡±

    Qin-mama nodded gravely as Jixiang¡¯s face shed through a series of minute changes. The two turned, lifted the curtains and went inside, cing the hand-warmer on a sandalwood ent table with bowed legs, sitting in the corner where two outer walls met.

    Qin-mama patted her cheeks, still slightly stiff from the cold, and squeezed out a small smile appropriate for the asion. Only then did she swiftly trot around a ckcquered panel, carved with magpies alighting on plum blossoms, making her way into the side hall.

    Compared to the outer room, the old dowager¡¯s quarters were as warm as spring.

    Sunlight streamed in through windows gridded with Goryeo paper, gracing the exquisite, carved sandalwood decorations inside with a softyer of light. Pale-green brocade cushions scattered with flowers sat on chairs, and more flowers blossomed on soft, brocade carpets from Persia. Fine, glittering charcoal glowed in a brazier in the middle of the room.

    Two young marrieddies attired in fine jewels were in the middle of shifting stools over to the brazier for warmth, and five other charming young girls were either standing or sitting next to the luohan bed that was ced by the window. The bed, made from fine grain sandalwood, was adorned with carvings of well wishes and good luck.

    Sitting cross-legged on the luohan bed, the old dowager was wearing a dark gold jacket with a row of buttons down the front, topped with a high, round cor. A brocade headband of the same color, embedded with jade, wrapped itself around her head. A golden hairpin tipped with a jade flower had also been slid in diagonally into her hair. A pale-green cylindrical seat cushion adorned with inky-green flowers supported her back.

    As Qin-mama walked in, she was tugging on a young, delicate girl next to her who was wearing a light blue beizi 1. The old dowager¡¯s expression was quite benevolent and loving, no different from what it was normally.

    Nevertheless, Qin-mama was inwardly at solemn attention. The fourth miss was the most favored one alright! Her status in the old dowager¡¯s heart still hadn¡¯t decreased in the slightest even after such an event!

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin-mama made her greetings. Everyone in the room quieted in bizarre ord as they all looked at her with strange expressions.

    The old dowager¡¯s face darkened. She spoke lowly, ¡°Has she been brought back yet?¡±

    Qin-mama carefully bent at the waist, her head lowered. ¡°Yes. This servant received a message from those in the second residence. They say that the senior master, second elder master, master, and second master brought the girl through the Door of Ceremony. This servant has hastened to bring you this message.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°But did you see what kind of girl she is?¡± Without waiting for Qin-mama to respond, she spoke again, her voice cold. ¡°No matter what, she¡¯s a girl from our household! Our darling Huining has been with us for fourteen years! I¡¯ve held her in the palm of my hand and loved her as my precious jewel. How did she turn from my dear granddaughter into a fake?!¡±

    The girl d in blue sitting closely to the old dowager started sniffling and crying again when she heard this.

    The old dowager sighed and tugged on the blue-d girl¡¯s hands, soothing her, ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my darling. My heart breaks so when you cry.¡±

    Qin Huining huped as she snuggled closer to the old dowager, tears streaking her cheeks. Her bright, almond-shaped eyes were almost as puffy as walnuts after all the crying she¡¯d done.

    ¡°Grandmother, your granddaughter has freely enjoyed all these years of your love. To you, and the Qin family... how can your granddaughter be fake? How can I be fake?¡±

    The rest of the room was dead quiet as the blue-d girl sobbed out her grievances. All the girls in the room looked at the old dowager as one.

    The old dowager couldn¡¯t bear to see the only granddaughter from her eldest son cry. She gathered the girl in her arms and wept with her. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry! No one will dare tell you to leave! I watched you grow up, how are you not your parents¡¯ daughter? This matter isn¡¯t settled yet! Who knows, they might have brought back some savage runt who only wants power and wealth! Grandmother wants you no matter what. Grandmother loves you no matter what!¡±

    ¡°Grandmother!¡± Qin Huining knelt in front of the old dowager, visibly moved. She hugged her grandmother¡¯s legs, resting her tear-stained face on the old dowager¡¯s knees. No matter what happened, she would still be the eldest Qin daughter of the official wife, as long as the old dowager loved her!

    The old dowager patted Qin Huining¡¯s head with a wrinkled hand that bore a jade ring. How would anyone not understand this heartwarming scene by this point? The young girls of the second and third branches of the family 2 were all moved as a few tears were shed.

    ¡°Old Dowager, the senior master, second elder master, master, and second master have returned.¡± The young maid¡¯s voice traveled in crisply from outside the door as a gust of cold air barreled inside with the lifting of the curtains.

    Everyone craned their necks for a look as the men circled around the panel. Next, a tall, limber young girl with delicately arched eyebrows and eyes came into view. She was bashfully beautiful.

    The eyes of those assembled lit up when they saw her walk into the room. She was thirteen or fourteen years old, wearing new clothes of in downy yellow and a cloak embroidered with flowers. She walked with a light step, and although she was skinny, there was a certain bearing to her frame. Her jet-ck hair was first coiled into two small buns that then trailed down past her shoulders, held into ce by only two downy yellow ribbons.

    She wore no powder on her cheeks and her plump lips appeared a bit pale. Her eyebrows extended gracefully to frame two almond-shaped eyes that glittered with light, presenting quite a beautiful sight. Her features bore a remarkable likeness to the senior master Qin Huaiyuan in his youth!

    It was apparent that the girl had never seen such arge asion that was currently on disy in front of her in the Qin home. She was standing with her head slightly lowered, a bit of apprehensive shyness and slight panic intermixed with her quiet demureness. It was enough to evoke pity from those who saw her.

    The Qin family was known for beautiful children, and Qin Huaiyuan had excelled among his peers in that. He¡¯d been hailed as the head of the ¡°four gentlemen of the capital¡± in his youth, and all the youngdies had flocked after him. His carriage was always filled with flowers and fruit whenever he took a spin around the city.

    He was well read and highly intelligent, his plots without parallel. He¡¯d used a scheme to drive a wedge between the then ruler of Northern Ji and General Pang Zhongzheng, the Protector of the Nation, at the age of twenty three, sessfully getting rid of thetter. That had caused Northern Ji to slowly self destruct in a wave of chaos. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s rise had been meteoric since then and he was now prime minister of Great Yan.

    Although Northern Ji had now changed its name to be Great Zhou, and General Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s remaining child was currently carving his way into Great Yan and was almost at the doorstep of the capital with an army in tow, Qin Huaiyuan still retained his looks and talents. Taverns even told tales of the ¡°Wise Pan An¡¯s Marvelous n¡± 3 in getting rid of a wily enemy.

    The girl in front of them was the spitting image of the young ¡°Wise Pan An¡± in both looks and demeanor. There was no need to investigate anything¡ªshe was absolutely Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter. But, if she was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter, then who was Qin Huining who¡¯d spent 14 years in the eldest Qin son¡¯s household?

    Everyone¡¯s gaze unconsciously flitted between Qin Huining and the young girl until Qin Huining¡¯s face turned beet red with indignation. The old dowager made a moue and busied herself with patting Qin Huining¡¯s handfortingly on one hand, whilst sizing up the young girl with a dismissive expression on the other.

    The girl was dressed decently, but she didn¡¯t even dare lift her eyes. She was the very picture of a country bumpkin with the little airs of someone who¡¯d never been in a big city... apart from looking like her eldest son, there was none of the proper air that the official firstborn of an old and well-known family should have.

    My darling Huining is so much better! The old dowager tightened her grasp on Qin Huining¡¯s hand, bringing untoldfort to the girl.

    ¡°Greetings to mother (Old Dowager).¡± Qin Huaiyuan, second elder master Qin Xiuyuan, master Qin Yu, and second master Qin Han all paid their respects to the old dowager.

    The old dowager spread out her hands. ¡°You may rise.¡± She kept her eyes fixed on the young girl.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, why haven¡¯t you kowtowed to your grandmother yet?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked coldly.

    ¡°Daughter Yi?¡± The old dowager arched an eyebrow.

    ¡°Yes mother, she¡¯s only had a nickname in the outside world all these years. Your son has given her a proper name already¡ªYining.¡± He red at the dumbly staring girl with displeasure. She¡¯s someone who grew up in the countryside alright. She knows nothing of the world and has no manners at all. She¡¯s just standing there like a block of wood.

    The young girl pursed her lips and mentally ran through the courtesies that her second elder cousin Qin Han had taught her in the inn. She knelt down docilely to go through the proper courtesies.

    ¡°This granddaughter greets her grandmother.¡± Her voice was as if an oriole¡¯s ringing tones out of a valley, quite moving.

    The old dowager took in her movements with a sideways nce. She barely manages to pass muster. She snorted softly, ¡°You¡¯re called Yining now? Then what were you called before?¡±

    ¡°In response to grandmother, I was Little Creek before.¡±

    ¡°And why were you called that?¡±

    ¡°Because my foster mother found me by the side of a little creek. That¡¯s why she called me Little Creek.¡±

    Everyone had different thoughts when they heard this. Some jeered while others sighed. Qin Huining clenched her fist tightly, but put on a heartbroken expression on her face. Qin Han sighed with pity. He really felt for this younger cousin of his, who¡¯d led such a hard life since youth.

    The old dowager however, smiled mockingly. ¡°You were called Little Creek because you were found by a creek? Then wouldn¡¯t you be called Doggy if you were found in a den of dogs? Stupid, ignorant peasants who didn¡¯t even know how to name a child! I think you can forgo being called Yining, you¡¯re not worthy of it either. Just keep your ¡®Little Creek¡¯.¡±

    Everyone was gravely silent.

    Qin Yining rose her head with surprise to look at the old dowager. It appeared that this family didn¡¯t wee her in the slightest, and her grandmother even openly disliked her. Well, I suppose that only makes sense.

    She¡¯d heard that the concubines ofrge families in cities would plot and scheme for a long time for just a bit more to make it through the winter. Now that her true father had found her and brought her back just like this, she must have stolen someone¡¯s ce or be an eyesore...

    And truth be told, she rather preferred being called Little Creek.

    But she was a daughter of the Qin family! Why did she have to offer up with both hands what belonged to her? Was it her fault that one of her father¡¯s political enemies had stolen her when she was born? Should she note home after arduously making it through all these years?

    The old dowager somehow felt ufortable as the girl¡¯s clear, beautiful almond-shaped eyes gazed into hers.

    ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been hiding deep in the mountains all these years by yourself?¡± The matriarch spoke coldly again.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining looked down again.

    ¡°Why did you go to the mountains?¡±

    ¡°Because of the war. People are destitute in the cities and there are many who want to take advantage of the nation¡¯s troubles to get rich. So they kidnap people to sell as ves. I was afraid that would happen to me after my foster mother died, so I went up into the mountains myself.¡±

    The city of Liang where she¡¯d been was on the border of two countries. Fires of war had raged there for more than ten years, and nine out of ten houses were deserted by now.

    ¡°Well aren¡¯t you clever, knowing to take shelter in the mountains.¡± The old dowager snorted.

 Chapter 2: Mother

    <h4>Chapter 2: Mother</h4>

    It was deathly silent within the side hall. The very air seemed to have frozen in the face of the old dowager¡¯s displeasure. The servants were dead silent as Qin-mama, Jixiang, and the other head maids all took cover in the outer hall. They hardly dared to even breathe loudly.

    Qin Yining raised her head from her kneeling position on the carpet of brocade flowers to look at the old dowager. She spoke slowly, ¡°My foster mother told me to hide with her dying words. She said my life would be ruined if I was sold. It¡¯d be better if wild beasts ate me.¡±

    Those words hid much resignation and hardship. She¡¯d been the treasured flower of the prime minister¡¯s manor, but had been stolen away by viins when she was born and abandoned in a random plot ofnd.

    She¡¯d had the extreme luck to run into a kind foster mother, but her foster mother had been taken away from her early, leaving her orphaned at the tender age of eight. She¡¯d had no other choice in the chaos of war but to hide in the mountains and eke out a chance at survival alone. She¡¯d managed to hang on with tenacity as she fully experienced the coldness and bitterness of the world and life until her birth father had found her at fourteen.

    How would such a girl not evoke pity from others? Would any one of them been able to survive for six years in the deste wilderness from the tender age of eight?

    No one present possessed such confidence. They likely wouldn¡¯t have been able to suffer through six days. Setting aside the matter of needing to find food and shelter, just living alone wasn¡¯t something that just anyone could withstand. There would be no one to take care of them when they fell sick, nor anyone to look after them in the depths of summer or winter. In fact, there wouldn¡¯t even be someone to talk to!

    The human heart was made of flesh and blood after all, and the gazes of many in the room turned tender and tinged with pity.

    ¡°You... life has been difficult for you.¡± The old dowager also sighed inwardly and softened her brittle tone.

    Qin Huining clenched her fists tightly when she saw the old dowager moved withpassion. Her nails dug in and formed four ghastly white crescents on her palm, almost to the point of bleeding. However, the pitiful expression on her fair face grew even more obvious as tears started leaking out of her swollen, almond-shaped eyes.

    She took three quick steps forward and raised Qin Yining up with both hands. She caressed Qin Yining¡¯s coarse and callused hands with her slender, white jade ones. Qin Huining spokepassionately, ¡°Younger sister Little Creek, you¡¯ve suffered greatly.¡±

    That simple name of Little Creek was a subtle affirmation of the old dowager¡¯s non eptance of Qin Yining. Everyone present in the crowd was shrewd and calcting, so who wouldn¡¯t understand this? Some of the girls subtly lowered their heads to avoid looking at the sight, while others whispered in each other¡¯s ears.

    Qin Huining¡¯s hands were mmy and cold, somehow reminding Qin Yining of the cool skin of a snake. She blinked and swiftly withdrew her hand. This person¡¯s enmity towards her had been the most overt ever since she¡¯d set foot through the door. It looked like this person was the unknown foster daughter that had been switched with her. Qin Yining¡¯s return was an usurpation of her position.

    Having survived in the wild for so long, Qin Yining had an almost innate perception of hostility. Otherwise, she would¡¯ve long be scraps for wild animals. Although she lived deep in the mountains, it wasn¡¯t as if she¡¯d never ventured forth from them.

    She¡¯d plucked herbs and hunted in order to barter for some necessities at the foot of the mountain, so she¡¯d often interact with merchants and hunters. She¡¯d also scrabbled out a living in the city with her foster mother before then, so she understood more of the dark sides of human nature than these highly coiffed, noble personages in front of her.

    Those had been troubled times, and she¡¯d seen the dirtiest and darkest things that people would resort to in order to survive. Thus, she was genuinely repulsed by Qin Huining¡¯s hypocritical tenderness, pursing her lips.

    Second master Qin Han frowned disapprovingly and walked up to make a bow. ¡°Old Dowager, it¡¯s fine if Yining¡¯s nickname stays Little Creek. This is a show of our gratitude for her foster mother raising her for eight years. But the current generation of Qin daughters all have the character ¡®Ning¡¯ in their names, whether it be Jianing, Huining, Shuangning, Anning, and Baoning. There are no exceptions. Not to mention that senior uncle has already bestowed upon Little Creek the name of Yining. If Old Dowager...¡±

    ¡°When was it time for juniors to debate my words? Am I so old that I have no authority over this family anymore?! Or are you in charge to issue the orders in the Qin family?!¡±

    Although Qin Han was the son of the official wife from the third branch of the family, his father 1 was concubine-born. The old dowager disliked children from concubines and naturally didn¡¯t like Qin Han much either. She would show him some face in ordinary circumstances, but with her temper provoked, all that was flung out the window.

    Second wife n¨¦e Meng 2 walked up to tug on Qin Han¡¯s sleeve, reminding her husband to not go against the old dowager to her face. However, Qin Han had a heroic heart and his stubborn temper red to match the old dowager¡¯s unreasonable exhortations.

    ¡°Although Yining grew up in the wild countryside, she¡¯s senior uncle¡¯s daughter after all! Anyone who isn¡¯t blind can tell that with just one nce. No one¡¯s doubting her identity, so why does Old Dowager speak in such a manner?¡±

    The old dowager pursed her lips and fired back wrathfully, ¡°There are many in this world who look simr to each other! Is everyone who looks like your senior uncle a child of the Qin family?!¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager, you know full well in the depths of your heart that Yining is the child that senior uncle¡¯s political enemies stole away that year! None of us are saying that anything should happen to Huining now that Yining is back, so what are you nervous about? You can lovingly raise a girl with an unknown background, why can¡¯t you love your own granddaughter?!¡±

    Qin Huining flushed beet red at the words ¡°unknown background¡±. Two streaks of tears immediately started to flow down her fair, delicate cheeks. She flung herself into the old dowager¡¯s embrace with a sob, ¡°Grandmother, it¡¯s all granddaughter¡¯s fault, it¡¯s all granddaughter¡¯s fault!¡±

    The old dowager felt her nose twinge and cried as well, patting Qin Huining¡¯s back, ¡°Don¡¯t cry my darling Hui, no one will dare do anything to you with grandmother around!¡±

    It was as if the others wanted to chase Qin Huining away. However, everyone knew that this was just how the old dowager was, so they were resigned to this spectacle.

    Eldest wife n¨¦e Yao walked up to speak some pacifying words, ¡°Younger brother-inw, think of the old dowager and speak a few words less.¡±

    The second wife2 tugged on Qin Han¡¯s sleeve again, hinting at him to speak less for fear he would cause the others to dislike him. However, Qin Han summarily dismissed all of it. He spoke up again, this time in a carrying voice, ¡°It¡¯s simply too unfair to not call Cousin Yi by her name, Yining! Cousin Hui, you reside in the prime minister¡¯s manor without worry for food and clothing thanks to Cousin Yi! You should be speaking up on her behalf right now, not attacking her with spears and clubs.¡±

    Qin Huining lifted her teary eyes to look at Qin Han with an ashen face.

    ¡°The fires of war now burn everywhere as the nation sits in peril,¡± he continued. ¡°Nine houses out of ten are empty in the city of Liang¡ªthe sight makes me heart stricken! If you all had seen the sights for yourself, all of you would understand Cousin Yi¡¯s difficulties and struggles! I feel that half of my heart has frozen over after this trip, and I quite admire Cousin Yi¡¯s bravery in being able to survive. To speak of nothing else, if it¡¯d been any of you who¡¯d lived her life, the grass on your graves would be three feet tall by now! We should just happily acknowledge that one of our own has been found. The very nation might burn in two days, but at least we¡¯ll die together as a family!¡±

    Qin Huining choked out with a reddened face, ¡°It¡¯s I who stole younger sister Little Creek¡¯s life. It¡¯s all my fault!¡±

    Qin Han rolled his eyes and curled his lip when he heard this.

    ¡°Enough, younger brother, you always speak too much.¡± Qin Yu waited until Qin Han was done before nomittally speaking.

    Old Dowager had wrapped her arm around Qin Huining and was now so enraged that she was pointing at Qin Han with the finger adorned with the emerald ring. ¡°You vile spawn! I only said one word, but you unleashed this flood to cause me such distress!¡±

    ¡°I know Old Dowager is distressed whenever you see me, so I¡¯ll take my leave from your line of sight then!¡±

    ¡°You better stay as far away as possible!¡±

    Qin Han snorted and turned to pull his wife away with him as he stalked off.

    The old dowager was so incensed that she mmed her hand on the low tea-table next to her, yelling towards the outside with a hotly flushed face. ¡°Vile spawn! Vile spawn! Leave and don¡¯te see me again!¡±

    ¡°Please calm yourself, grandmother,¡± Qin Huining counseled with a choked up voice. ¡°Second cousin¡¯s always been a direct and straightforward person. He didn¡¯t say anything wrong either, it¡¯s me who¡¯s unworthy.¡±

    The old dowager couldn¡¯t keep her emotions controlled after Qin Huining¡¯s words. The two grasped each other tightly and sobbed loudly, as the other girls started to cry as well. The room descended into a chaotic mess for a long moment.

    Qin Yining watched from off to the side, the light in her eyes slowly fading away. These people wearing rich clothes of new red and pale green, adorned with gold and jade, seemed to be living in another worldpared to her. They were right in front of her, but made her feel like they were so very far away. If it¡¯d been an age of peace and prosperity outside, she really would¡¯ve just left. She would rather spend her life in spartan conditions¡ªshe¡¯d at least be free then.

    But Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to ept that! This was her home! She finally had a family, so did she now have to give up with her own hands what belonged to her? Her second elder cousin had said that her mother was alive.

    Mothers always loved their children. Her foster mother had loved her with all her strength, even though her foster mother hadn¡¯t given birth to Yining. If a foster mother could have been so loving, then her real mother must be even more so. Qin Yining grew a bit anxious and looked back to the heavily frowning Qin Huaiyuan. She asked apprehensively, ¡°Father, where is my mother? Why haven¡¯t I seen her?¡±

    Qin Huining whipped her head around to look at Qin Yining at those words. Qin Huaiyuan made a faint sound of assent and waved his hand to summon Jixiang, ¡°Go ask Senior Madame toe.¡±

    Jixiang backed away after acknowledging the order. Qin Yining no longer watched the reactions of Old Dowager and the others, instead peering hopefully at the door instead. She¡¯d known since she was young that she was a child who¡¯d been picked up off the streets. She would daydream and imagine everyday what her mother looked like. Now that she was about to meet her, her hands turned mmy with sweat, even with her steady personality that had been tempered by many years of hardship.

    Scattered footsteps sounded outside at that very moment. A young maid immediately reported from outside, ¡°Old Dowager. Senior Madame, Second Madame, and Third Wife have arrived.¡±

    The heavy curtains were lifted to reveal a beautiful middle-aged woman wearing a light purple, cinched waist brocade dress and a in cloak. A golden phoenix hairpin with a multi-hued dangle of precious gems swayed as she charged into the room. She stood by the round curio shelf as her eyes, swollen from crying, immediately snapped towards Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining¡¯s hands were clenched tightly as she instinctively took two steps forward, her eyes also fixed on this woman.

    Their eyes met. No one had to tell her anything, she knew this woman was her mother.

    ¡°You...¡± N¨¦e Sun walked slowly towards Qin Yining, her body seeming to weigh a thousand tons. She lifted a trembling hand and reached for Qin Yining¡¯s face.

    Tears finally welled up in Qin Yining¡¯s almond-shaped eyes as she murmured, ¡°Mother.¡± She raised both arms and unconsciously took another two steps forward.

    As if pped awake, n¨¦e Sun immediately covered her mouth and began crying, backing up while shaking her head, ¡°Impossible, impossible! The child I¡¯ve raised all these years isn¡¯t my child, how can this be?!¡±

    Qin Huining immediately flung herself into n¨¦e Sun¡¯s embrace with reddened eyes. She began to bawl loudly, ¡°Mother, your daughter has let you down! Your daughter is unworthy of your love! Your daughter has taken younger sister Little Creek¡¯s position, but I didn¡¯t mean to! I really didn¡¯t mean to!¡±

 Chapter 3: To Stay or To Go

    <h4>Chapter 3: To Stay or To Go</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun wrapped her arms around Qin Huining when thetter flew into her arms. The daughter she had treasured for fourteen years was sobbing brokenheartedly, cutting n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart to bits. Qin Huining was right, this had nothing to do with her! The one who¡¯d swapped her child was the true viin! N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t control herself anymore and hugged her daughter tightly, joining her in wracking sobs.

    Qin Yining¡¯s arms slowly came back to her side as tears unknowingly trickled down her cheeks. The cor of her downy yellow shirt began to show spots of discoloration as her tears fell. Her lips trembled, but she curved them up into a smile in a vain attempt to control herself. So this is my mother¡¯s attitude towards me.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, mother, it¡¯s so wonderful now that younger sister Little Creek has returned to you. I will never forget the debt of gratitude for all your care these past years. Nor Old Dowager¡¯s love either. Even if I leave the manor in the future, I will still be your daughter! Please don¡¯t cry, father and Old Dowager will be needlessly pained if you do!¡± Qin Huining put on a brave face and held back her tears, using her handkerchief to wipe at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face as the woman soundlessly heaved and sobbed.

    The fragile, gentle-looking girl¡¯s eyes had already swollen from all the crying, but she was stillforting her agitated mother. The old dowager couldn¡¯t help but feel the depths of Qin Huining¡¯s maturity, to be so cognizant of the bigger picture even in such emotional times. How could she part with her darling granddaughter? The thought alone was almost unbearable, and immediately dried up any feeling of sympathy or pity for that wild chit.

    ¡°Just what wrongs have Imitted to deserve this?! Why is this happening to us?!¡± N¨¦e Sun was of the same mind when faced with her darling daughter¡¯s filial piety, and started bawling even harder. Second Madame and Third Wife all hastened to her side tofort her as n¨¦e Sun cried like an aggrieved child.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t cry, mother! I cane back and see you whenever you miss me. Younger sister Little Creek is your flesh and blood, she¡¯ll surely take my ce in bringing you delight. Look at Little Creek, she looks just like father. She must be his flesh and blood, there¡¯s no doubt about it. It¡¯s heavenly fortune that has allowed our family to reunite. Mother, only good days lie ahead, so please don¡¯t be sad.¡± Qin Huaiyuan quicklyforted n¨¦e Sun, her words of filial piety thickly masking the needle of her implications.

    No one had mentioned a word about sending her anywhere, but she had already brought it to the fore of the conversation several times. It was more than apparent that her primary worry was centered around this. Third Miss Qin Jianing and Sixth Miss Qin Shuangning looked at each other, then lowered their eyelids silently. On the side, Seventh Miss Qin Anning pursed her lips. On the other hand, N¨¦e Sun had fallen silent. She had caught Qin Huining¡¯s words and lowered hershes, falling into thought.

    Qin Yining was standing in front of her mother, her hands clenched in fists. She gazed upon the picturesque scene of the mother-daughter duo in front of her with an indescribable expression. In the end, her eyes came to rest on that most wonderful of actresses, Qin Huining. N¨¦e Sun seemed to sense her gaze, looking up just as Qin Yining¡¯s eyes flicked over to meet hers. My darling Hui is right. This chit does look like her father.

    The girl¡¯s beautiful brows and eyes... that exquisite face... it was very reminiscent of a young Qin Huaiyuan. But upon closer inspection, n¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t find a shred ofmon ground between this girl and her!

    In her youth, she had always been pretty and demure, but this chit looked nothing like that. She was simply stunningly attractive. Even women could feel this girl¡¯s allure. How was this like her at all? How was everyone certain that this was indeed her daughter? Her eyes turned to Qin Huining.... now this girl was the one who showed traces of the young n¨¦e Sun¡¯s prim and proper personality.

    Apparently Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s trusted confidante had seen the girl in the city of Liang and grown suspicious after seeing her stunning resemnce to his master. He had investigated, and finally brought this girl back after a few twists and turns. But this is only Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s story! N¨¦e Sun looked at her silent husband who was standing off the side with furrowed brows.

    Could he have had a mistress and fathered this girl?

    After all, the girl was simr in age to daughter Hui, and Qin Huaiyuan was known as someone who protected his own. Could it be that he¡¯d fathered some bastard whelp years ago and sought to bring her back into the fold now? And made up this piteous story for some sympathy?

    Indeed, although Qin Yining looked quite thin from malnourishment, her bearing was very calm and steady. Even though she exhibited the normal shyness of one who was faced with strangers, she didn¡¯t seem afraid. How did this demeanor belong to a wild ¡°heathen¡± who¡¯d grown up in the mountains? Perhaps Qin Huaiyuan had made all of this up to prey on the family¡¯s sympathies!

    Qin Huaiyuan possessed great power and status, but few children. He only had one daughter, and who knew how many women outside wanted to bear his children? N¨¦e Sun had never felt quite secure in her position as the prime minister¡¯s wife. She also refused, from the bottom of her heart, to ept that the daughter she¡¯d raised for fourteen years wasn¡¯t her own flesh and blood. She suddenly felt that she¡¯d grasped the crux of the problem as her thoughts came to a close. Clear suspicion glinted in her eyes as she looked at Qin Yining.

    Qin Huining had been secretly and nervously observing her mother all this time, and was slightly reassured to see n¨¦e Sun obviously suspect Qin Yining. Meanwhile, the newfound Qin daughter¡¯s heart had cooled. When she¡¯d been young, before the mes of war had crept up on Liang, her foster mother had taken her to a fortune teller.

    There, the fortune teller had said, ¡°You will have no support from your sisters. In the same vein, your rtives will be as cold as extinguished coal.¡± It looked like the second part of his words had indeede true.

    The judgmental look in her birth mother¡¯s eyes was even more unbearable than when wild foxes had set their sights on her. A bone-biting cold dug into her bones as her blood turned to ice. So I was just being greedy. I shouldn¡¯t have wanted more. Qin Yining closed her eyes.

    When she opened them again, a stubborn light shone out of them. If there was one thing that had tempered in every single moment of her struggle to survive, it¡¯d been her tenacity. For years, the more dire the circumstances had been, the more indomitable she had be.

    She had met countless dangers on the path thaty behind her, and had she rxed her guard even slightly, she may not have had a chance to stand before these people today. That iron core she¡¯d depended on, forged through hardship and trial, allowed her to keep her head high even in the face of the worst of blows.

    Although this home was cold and unfeeling, it was still easier than living in the mountains. Besides, it wasn¡¯t as if she couldn¡¯t slowly change these people¡¯s minds. And, there was no reason to expect them to like her as soon as they met, right? Her clenched fists slowly rxed as she drew on her resolve.

    Qin Huining had been surreptitiously observing Qin Yining and was dazzled by the force of will that rose in thetter¡¯s eyes. She¡¯d considered this neer to be a wild brat who would retreat with just a show of intimidation. But it seems she¡¯d underestimated this brat.

    ¡°You lived in the city of Liang?¡± N¨¦e Sun walked towards Qin Yining.

    Am I to be questioned again?

    ¡°Yes, my first memories are of Liang. My foster mother, n¨¦e Liu, was a widow. She told me of my background when I was old enough to remember, and passed away from ailment when I was eight.¡±

    ¡°Judging from your speech, you seem to know how to read and write too?¡± N¨¦e Sun found this suspicious.

    ¡°My foster mother used to be a maid in an established family, and her husband was a schr. She could read and write a little, and taught me when I was young. However, life was difficult afterwards and we were attacked by robbers a few times. We lost most of our books in the chaos, and my foster mother didn¡¯t have much time to teach me then because she was focused on providing for us.¡±

    There were no holes in her exnation. N¨¦e Sun twisted the handkerchief in her hands as she circled the girl once, looking her up and down. The entire room was now aware of the senior madame¡¯s suspicion of Qin Yining. Some were confused, more perceptive ones scornful. All sorts of looks were levied at Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun.

    If it¡¯d been any other girl, one who hadn¡¯t seen much of the world, she would¡¯ve long been petrified by fright by this kind of scrutiny. However, Qin Yining was quiteposed and allowed them to size her up as they would. After a long moment of silence, N¨¦e Sun spoke, ¡°When¡¯s your birthday?¡±

    ¡°I only know that I was born in the ninth year of our current calendar cycle. [1. Apologies, this is the world¡¯s biggest simplification to avoid going into a three page exnation of the lunar calendar. Every 60 years is a stem-branch/sexagenary cycle, and the sixteenth year is the jimao year. A year starts from the official start of spring until the official end of winter. The raws say jimao year, but it seems out of character for Qin Yining to speak of this time keeping convention inplex detail.] My foster mother found me in the early morning of the sixth day of the six month. She said she found me by a little creek to the rear of the Four Jade Mountains, south of the capital.¡±

    ¡°So this means you once lived in the capital for a while when you were young?¡±

    ¡°Possibly, but my memories only start from Liang. Mom, you...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me mom!¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s violent reaction startled everyone present. Perhaps realizing that her attitude was a bit too extreme, the senior madame stiffly transitioned to, ¡°Families with status like ours don¡¯t use ¡®mom¡¯. Those with titles are hailed as ¡®madame¡¯, and those without are dy¡¯. Only peasant families use ¡®mom¡¯ and ¡®dad¡¯.¡±

    Qin Yining fluttered her long eyshes, refraining from pointing out that Qin Huining had used ¡°mother¡± earlier. She docilely switched to, ¡°Madame.¡±

    The old dowager coughed. ¡°Since we¡¯re certain that she¡¯s Meng¡¯er¡¯s daughter, then she can stay. But I¡¯m saying this first, my darling Hui isn¡¯t leaving me!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s secondary personal name was ¡°Meng¡±, and the old dowager often used the nickname ¡°Meng¡¯er¡±. Upon further thought, she added, ¡°The girl¡¯s grown up in the countryside after all. She won¡¯t know the rules if she¡¯s just dropped in the manor like this. Granddaughter Jia is having hering-of-age ceremony in two days, and we will be hosting a manor full of guests and friends. It would be bad to lose face. Why not send the girl to the country estate first and have a mama teach her the rules? We can bring her back some other day.¡±

    Everyone looked askance at the old dowager. They hadn¡¯t thought that she would be this biased towards Qin Huining. If they really did send Qin Yining to the country estate, it would be difficult to say when she would be brought back. If the old dowager wasn¡¯t pleased, she could very well ask a fortune teller for the most auspicious day ande up with all manner of dying excuses.

    It was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s turn to hesitate. Although she didn¡¯t like this wild child and had her own suspicions about the mother being a mistress, she was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s flesh and blood after all. And... there was a chance the girl was her own daughter... So, she spoke after thinking for a while.

    ¡°My lord has few children and only one daughter after all these years. Even if we keep both girls, the main branch of the family will still only have two daughters. Old Dowager, this daughter-inw asks for a favor. Although we¡¯ve found daughter Yi, daughter Hui shares great destiny with our family. She is still my firstborn, and daughter Yi can be my younger daughter. May we record her in the family books as the second born of the official wife?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s proposal lined up with the old dowager¡¯s wishes perfectly. ¡°It is most ideal that you think this way.¡±

    ¡°As for the rules that you¡¯ve spoken of, we can request a mama from the pce to be her teacher. She can also go to the country estate. This will give both me and darling Hui, as well as all the sisters in the household, some time to adjust.¡± It seems that N¨¦e Sun was going to follow the old dowager¡¯s wishes and send her daughter away. Qin Huining heaved an invisible sigh of relief as her heart finally settled down.

    Qin Yining bit her lip and looked imploringly at Qin Huaiyuan. She hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, so why was she being sent away? Wasn¡¯t she a Qin daughter?

    The look in her eyes was so helpless and tender that it moved Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Daughter Yi will remain in the manor. The mama and her other teachers can alle to the manor.¡± The master of the house had finally spoken. ¡°The firstborn is the firstborn, and a foster daughter is a foster daughter. Is daughter Yi not the firstborn of my official wife just because she wasn¡¯t by our sides?¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s freshly rxed nerves began to draw taut again.

    The old dowager hastily asked, ¡°Meng¡¯er, what do you mean?¡±

 Chapter 4: Authority

    <h4>Chapter 4: Authority</h4>

    When Qin Huaiyuan heard the tone of distress in the old dowager¡¯s voice, he raised his hands slightly and injected aforting tone into his voice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious, mother. I have no intention of sending daughter Hui away. It¡¯s just that the Qin bloodline should remain clear, and the family books should not be confused. Qin Yining will be entered into the family books and Qin Huining taken off. We will report to the ancestors that daughter Hui was mistakenly brought into our family and will now be our foster daughter. She will not be listed in the family tree in the future. Qin Yining will be the official firstborn of the main family branch, the fourth miss of the Qin family.¡±

    Everyone looked at Qin Yining and Qin Huining with varying looks. The old dowager was silent. The family books indeed couldn¡¯t have errors in them, but she couldn¡¯t bear to give up Qin Huining!

    Qin Huining felt like a thunderbolt had struck her. She¡¯d be a foster daughter with unknown origins from now on, no longer the official firstborn daughter of Prime Minister Qin! She would be of age next year, and Prime Minister Qin had been scouting for good matches for her these past few years. She wasn¡¯t married yet, what would she do when her status plunges into the abyss?

    Why did this bad luck have to fall on my head at this time?! Why did Qin Yining have toe back! She couldn¡¯t ept these blows to her future, and once again started to bawl. But unlike before, these tears were real.

    In the end, she was the daughter that n¨¦e Sun had raised, so the senior madame couldn¡¯t bear to see Qin Huining so grief-stricken. She pulled on the girl¡¯s hand and turned to Qin Huaiyuan anxiously. ¡°My lord, can¡¯t you...¡±

    ¡°Even if daughter Hui bes a foster daughter, she stays by your side and uses the same things as your own flesh and blood.¡± Qin Huaiyuan looked at n¨¦e Sun; his eyes brooked not the slightest sign of dissension as they narrowed. ¡°Must I send daughter Hui to the Hall of Fosters, or search out and return her to her birth parents before the madame is satisfied?¡±

    This was a naked threat! He was denying her face for the sake of a wild brat he¡¯d just brought back! N¨¦e Sun flushed beet red in her anger and blurted out, ¡°Is a wild brat worth you acting like this? You didn¡¯t even watch her grow up! Qin Meng, which mistress did you have this girl with!? Why didn¡¯t you bring back her fox of a mother too, instead of just her!? You¡¯ve long since disliked me and dear Hui anyways, so just go enjoy your life with your mistress in the future!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was a daughter from the official wife of the Duke of Ding, a vaunted duke of the state. Her birth was lofty and so her personality naturally a bit more haughty. Her sisters-inw usually gave way to her in the past since she was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s official wife. The old dowager loved her first-born grandson and fourth granddaughter the most, so she was more tolerant of n¨¦e Sun as well.

    Thebination had nurtured the senior madame¡¯s personality as a domineering spitfire. Anyone else wouldn¡¯t have dared argue with their husband in public like this. But n¨¦e Sun¡¯s family was a strong bulwark for her to rely on, so she wasn¡¯t afraid at all.

    When Qin Huining saw that her mother was still willing to defend a foster daughter like this, she was so touched that she wrapped her arms around n¨¦e Sun and called out in a little mewling voice, ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be angry. Don¡¯t be angry at father because of me...¡±

    N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t pay her any attention and just kept ring at Qin Huaiyuan. He couldn¡¯t take any more of his wife, ¡°What ridiculous nder!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous!¡± N¨¦e Sun jabbed Qin Yining¡¯s forehead with a redcquered fingernail. 1 ¡°Well? Where¡¯s your mother? Is your father putting her up in some house?¡±

    Qin Yining looked at n¨¦e Sun with incredulous disbelief, taking two steps backwards after being poked. Her heart felt like a deste wastnd. When she saw Qin Huining hanging onto her mother¡¯s arm yet still allowing n¨¦e Sun to push forward as she would, Qin Yining seemed to understand something. It looks like good acting skills are needed even to survive in a great manor.

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes filled with tears, and she knelt before n¨¦e Sun, her voice quavering, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, madame. I know you find it hard to ept at face value, but I really doe from the city of Liang. I lost thest soul who would support me when I was eight, do you know how I¡¯ve lived until today?¡±

    She gently caught n¨¦e Sun¡¯s well maintained hands with her callused, scarred ones. ¡°Look at the calluses and scars on my hand. They¡¯re proof enough that I¡¯m not someone who¡¯s enjoyed a good life. With father¡¯s character, he epted Huining even though he knew that she wasn¡¯t his. If I really was his bastard, would he have let me live such a hard life?

    ¡°Besides, father is the prime minister, the treasured subject of the emperor. He is above all and below only one. If he really did have a woman he liked, why would he need to keep her as a mistress? He could just bring her home. Who could stop him? He has no need to lie. I can wait for you to ept me if you can¡¯t right now. I¡¯m also willing to live amiably with Huining. So please don¡¯t be impulsive and harm your rtionship with father because of some angry words.¡±

    Qin Yining was a beautiful child, and her arms were rail thin to begin with. Her piteous remarks and looks were enough send most of the womenfolk in the house reaching for their eyes to dab tears away. N¨¦e Sun remained where she was, looking down at a heart-rending face covered with tears from her lofty position. As she felt the calluses on the girl¡¯s rough hands, she believed Qin Yining a little bit. Besides, the girl¡¯s words didn¡¯t induce any distaste, particrly thatst line.

    N¨¦e Sun looked at Qin Huaiyuan out of the corner of her eye. Her husband had an extremely dark expression on his face. If Qin Huaiyuan gives me a way out that saves face, I will let this pass.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan was moved to pity after hearing his daughter¡¯s words. When he recalled how ravaged Liang had been and Qin Yining¡¯s experiences over the past six years, pain and anger instantly suffused his heart. He¡¯d been frazzled enoughtely!

    The two countries had been locked in war for many years, and Great Yan was showing signs of defeat. The suprememander of Great Zhou¡¯s armies was now Pang Xiao, the child of Northern Ji¡¯s Protector of the Nation, Pang Zhongzheng. The child had been born shortly after Qin Huaiyuan had consigned his father to death with his schemes.

    Pang Xiao, secondary name Xi, was twenty two years old this year. Great Zhou¡¯s emperor had awarded his father with the title of ¡°Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡± after Pang Zhongzheng had been acquitted of his crimes. Pang Xiao had inherited the position, and was known as ¡°the little prince¡± in the jianghu. He was the onlymon born prince since Great Zhou had been founded two years ago and was quite loved by the people.

    He¡¯d risen up in arms with the Great Zhou emperor Li Qitian to opposed Northern Ji¡¯s tyranny when he was only fourteen. His authority was now well established in the army. He didn¡¯t even need the propermand tokens tomand and deploy troops. His very presence was legitimacy enough.

    Although he was young, he¡¯d already spent eight years on the battlefield. His tactics were strange and treacherous, and Pang Xiao was well known for being ruthless and cold-hearted in battle.

    Back in the day, the Northern Ji emperor had sentenced Pang Zhongzheng to death by slicing. The man had been slowly sliced into pieces while he was alive and fed to the dogs. It also turned out to be the instrument which Pang Xiao had used to exact revenge. Of the officials who had framed and set up his father, he¡¯d personally skinned and dismembered three. Who knew how many there were that he hadn¡¯t personally handled? It was said that servants had been unable to get rid of the stench of blood even after scrubbing the ground outside the Meridian Gate 2for three days and nights straight.

    And he, Qin Huaiyuan, was the ¡°culprit¡± of the scheme that had cost Pang Zhongzheng his life back in the day! After Great Zhou had been founded, it had set out in a path of domination towards Great Yan. The two had fought for many years and weakness had long since set into Great Yan. How was it supposed to contend with a Great Zhou that was now in its prime? If the walls of the capital were breached one day, how would Pang Xiao forgo revenge for his father?

    Qin Huaiyuan found it hard to sleep whenever he thought of that murderous demon being out there. War had long since emptied the national coffers, but the hawk faction and the two other main factions at court spent their days arguing. No one was actually doing anything. He was already being slowly crushed by his workload, but these ignorant women at home were also raising a ruckus in his household. How dare they cause trouble over such a minor matter?!

    Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t be bothered to go into all the details with the womenfolk, and cared even less to cater to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s tantrum. His frustration boiled over, and harshly snapped, ¡°This matter is so decided¡±.

    Without another word, he left with a flourish of his sleeves, leaving n¨¦e Sun frozen where she was. Everyone could tell that Qin Huaiyuan was truly angry this time. In the end, he was the master of the house. If he was really angered, there existed no one who could go against his wishes.

    N¨¦e Sun was also a bit frightened at her husband¡¯s response. She¡¯d started the fight, but softening her stance first would be a loss of face. She was caught between a rock and a hard ce, and could only sniffle with great injury.

    The old dowager was also displeased that n¨¦e Sun had openly called her son¡¯s character into question. Her eyes fell on Qin Yining; this chit was the cause of everything that had gone wrong recently. She disliked this new granddaughter even more now.

    ¡°Clean up Snowpear Courtyard for the fourth miss. Darling Hui will move in with me.¡± Shemanded, her tone low. The old dowager was forced to acknowledge Qin Yining¡¯s identity, but that didn¡¯t mean she was left without a response. She arranged for Qin Yining to live in the remote Snowpear Courtyard, while moving Qin Huining into the Garden of Loving Piety. Although Qin Huining had lost her status as the official firstborn, Old Dowager¡¯s actions in suppressing one granddaughter while raising the other were obvious.

    Seeing that the old dowager had already made up her mind, everyone else could only assent. N¨¦e Sun was still brimming with tears. She felt like she¡¯d been dealt a great injustice. She didn¡¯t want to stay any longer either. She spoke a few words with Qin Huining in a hushed voice and took her leave without looking back. She refused to give Qin Yining a sliver of care.

    It was rather n¨¦e Sun¡¯s trusted old servant, Jin-mama, who curtseyed to the old dowager and then the same to Qin Yining. ¡°This servant wishes Fourth Miss good health.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t recognize this person, and it was the first time someone had called themselves a servant in front of her. She didn¡¯t quite know how to respond to something like that.

    However, a girl of about twelve years old, her hair in twin buns, wearing light powder and a flowery cotton-padded jacket, sidled up to her and whispered softly in her ear, ¡°This is senior madame¡¯s wet nurse, Jin-mama. She¡¯s the senior madame¡¯s mostpetent mama.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled gratefully at the girl and then nodded at Jin-mama. ¡°Hello Jin-mama.¡±

    ¡°The madame has put a lot of thought in for you. She picked out maids for you out of her own staff early this morning. This servant will lead them to youter.¡± Jin-mama smiled at her.

    ¡°Many thanks to Jin-mama.¡± Qin Yining nodded, and the old servant took her leave with another smile.

    The old dowager had already given orders to Qin-mama to bring Qin Huining¡¯s things to Garden of Loving Piety. When the old dowager saw the crowd still loitering around, she had them all disperse. Qin Yining imitated what the girls around her were doing and curtseyed. She turned to leave with the others and had just reached the door when she heard the old dowager call her back, ¡°Qin Yining.¡±

    The girls all hesitated for a moment, but had to leave with their curiosity afire since the old dowager hadn¡¯t summoned them. Qin Yining turned back to curtsy again. ¡°Grandmother.¡±

    The old dowager immediately rolled her eyes impatiently. ¡°Didn¡¯t your mother tell you just now that a great family such as ours doesn¡¯t use such terms? You should be using our titles.¡±

    Qin Yining shifted her gaze to the floor and tried again, ¡°Old Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± The old dowager drew out a note. ¡°Although you can stay in the manor, I¡¯m still a little worried. You need to move and speak with care in the future. We¡¯ll hire teachers for youter. You must learn well and not bring any of those city airs in here. The girls within the manor are all pure and noble, so don¡¯t you corrupt them now.¡±

    In her sleeves, Qin Yining¡¯s hands had balled themselves into fists again. She didn¡¯t look up, but her jaw had locked into ce. After a long moment of silence, a docile voice slipped out from between clenched teeth, ¡°Old Dowager speaks truly, I will be careful.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you can lord it over granddaughter Hui just because you¡¯vee back. She was the official firstborn daughter for fourteen years. Her manners and etiquette are exquisite, and her skill at the zither, chess, calligraphy, and drawing are all quite advanced. Her talent isn¡¯t something that a wild thing like you can measure up to. Make sure to learn from her in the future.¡±

 Chapter 5: The Prince

    <h4>Chapter 5: The Prince</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to get into an argument with the old dowager, so she simply kept her head down and responded simply, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The old dowager was much appeased by her obedience and continued, ¡°Even though the situation is thus, you must learn as quickly as possible. Granddaughter Jia ising of age in two days, and you and granddaughter Hui will follow next year. I¡¯ll keep an eye out for suitable husbands, but if you¡¯re a disappointment that can¡¯t be helped, I won¡¯t help you. Especially if others disdain you and we can¡¯t find a good marriage for you.¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. A harmless smile had appeared on her face when she lifted her head again. ¡°Old Dowager speaks truly. I will learn well to not let you down.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face was an exquisite little thing to begin with, and although she possessed mesmerizing looks, her eyes were as clear as a pool of water. Her dimples when she smiled were even more adorable. The old dowager was almost disarmed by her pleasing smile and docile attitude. However, long practice had taught her to keep a stern look on her face as she waved her hand. ¡°You may go.¡±

    ¡°Understood, this granddaughter takes her leave.¡± Qin Yining dipped in a curtsey and backed away.

    ¡°Go find Qin-mama if you have any needs.¡± The old dowager added on stiffly.

    ¡°Understood, thank you Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining immediately disyed an appropriately startled and gratified smile.

    The old dowager watched Qin Yining exit docilely through the door. Only after her figure had disappeared did the old dowager speak to the old servant by her side. ¡°Lujuan,1 what do you think of this child?¡±

    Lujuan was Qin-mama¡¯s nickname. The old servant smiled and stepped forward to give the old dowager a brass hand warmer, etched with flowers, that was just the right temperature. She smiled, ¡°The old dowager has a wise, keen eye and is thinking of shaping this raw jade, no? She¡¯s the senior master¡¯s own flesh and blood after all, so that alone is a guarantee of her nature. The old servant also feels that she must be a tenacious and intelligent youngdy to be able to survive until now after so much hardship.¡±

    If she wasn¡¯t tenacious, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to live alone for six years at such a tender age. If she wasn¡¯t intelligent, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to survive the perils of the city streets and mountain wilderness to stand before them today.

    The old dowager sighed. ¡°I feelplicated about her as well. Maybe it¡¯s because of our blood ties... Has my darling Hui been settled in? You must look after her well and not stint her on anything!¡±

    Qin-mama could say nothing further after she saw that her mistress wasn¡¯t really listening to her. So for now, she could only respond with a smile.

    ......

    Qin Yining felt a vengeful look lock onto her as soon as she left the main residence and was making her way to the garden. She instantly whipped her head around, but only saw a halftched window. There didn¡¯t seem to be anyone there. She wasn¡¯t afraid of pests anyways, there were plenty of people in this manor who disliked her. She tossed it into the back of her head as she swiftly made her way out of the Garden of Loving Piety.

    Inside, Qin Huining finally threw down a much abused handkerchief after Qin Yining left. Her head maid Bitong immediately proffered a cup of warm honey water. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, miss. She¡¯s just a wild child with no foundations to speak of.¡±

    Qin Huining chugged the contents of the cup in one go. The sweetness of the drink soothed her, and she focused on her next task. ¡°Wet nurse.¡±

    N¨¦e Cai immediately responded with a smile. ¡°What are your orders, miss?¡±

    ¡°I remember that you can speak a few words with my mother¡¯s Jin-mama.¡±

    N¨¦e Cai was Jin-mama¡¯s niece. ¡°Naturally, what are your wishes?¡±

    ¡°Come here.¡± Qin Huining beckoned n¨¦e Cai closer and murmured a few sentences in her ear.

    ......

    Qin Yining had just walked out of the residence and hadn¡¯t even had time to orient herself properly, before the young girl who¡¯d reminded her earlier came to curtsey before her. She smiled, ¡°Hello fourth sister. I¡¯m Baoning, eighth in our generation. My father is the third elder master. Oh right, the fellow the old dowager yelled at is my brother.¡±

    Qin Baoning had helped her just now, and Qin Han had stood up for her just before. He¡¯d also taken good care of her on the way back to the manor and was someone who spoke openly and forthrightly. This made Qin Yining feel greatly predisposed towards her already. She imitated the younger girl¡¯s greeting in response, ¡°Hello younger sister Baoning.¡±

    Qin Boaning smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve juste back, fourth sister, so there¡¯s much you don¡¯t know in the manor. You cane find me if you have any questions. I live in the lodge called Green Retreat with our third sister.¡± Speaking of, she pulled at Qin Jianing who was off on the side. ¡°This is our third sister.¡±

    Qin Jianing pulled out her hand of the girl¡¯s grasp and muttered, ¡°You rascal! Aren¡¯t you worried about annoying our fourth sister with all your chattering?¡± Qin Baoning stuck out her tongue, but didn¡¯t continue speaking. Instead, Qin Jianing continued with a smile. ¡°This girl made me stay here to wait for you. I told her it¡¯d be better to go visit you when you¡¯re settled in, but she wouldn¡¯t listen to me. Don¡¯t we have to part for now after just a few words? Jin-mama is still waiting for you. Let¡¯s get together when you¡¯ve found your footing!¡±

    ¡°Third sister is right. I¡¯ll be imposing you a lot when I¡¯m settled in.¡± Qin Yining spoke a bit slowly because she had to think of what words to use first. The slower cadence of her words rang pleasantly in their ears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so polite, fourth sister! It might be me bothering you first if I can¡¯t wait!¡± Qin Baoning pulled on her hand with a giggle. Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but smile in return.

    Jin-mama came over when she saw Qin Jianing and Qin Baoning take their leave. ¡°Miss, shall we go?¡±

    ¡°My apologies for keeping you waiting.¡± Qin Yining hastily said with a smile.

    ¡°Serving you is this servant¡¯s duty. The miss shouldn¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡± Jin-mama took Qin Yining in the direction of Snowpear Courtyard.

    The Prime Minister Manor was a traditional rectangrpound, with houses on four sides around courtyards. 2 The old dowager¡¯s Garden of Loving Piety was situated in the southwest and upied one of thergest gardens in the innerpound. If one took a left out of the old dowager¡¯s residence and followed the square limestone path, one woulde up to a flower-hung gate on the right hand side. 3

    Jin-mama pointed at the gate. ¡°The misses are not allowed past this gate. If you have any errands to run, give your orders to your maids. It¡¯s locked at the hour of the dog4 and unlocked at the beginning of hour rabbit5. Please make note of the times if you would like to buy something or look for someone.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your guidance, Jin-mama.¡±

    Jin-mama smiled, taking Qin Yining further down the long limestone path. She pointed out Erudite Terrace, belonging to the third branch of the family, and Garden of Peace, belonging to the second branch. They passed by the rear garden that held an enormous pond in its center. A white pebble-stone bridge soared over the remnants of lotuses in the water, bringing to mind thoughts of summer and the beautiful sight of the willows dipping into the turquoise waters below. A closer look at the pond would elicit the realization that this pond had an eddy reminiscent of a water current. This pond was actually formed by diverting water from outside the manor! Red fences offset the white stone in the distance, as flora interwove with each other to break up the sunlight into rays that carpeted the soft grass. The luxuriousness and exquisite nature of this garden was something that Qin Yining had never seen before.

    Jin-mama tilted her head when she noted the obvious delight on Qin Yining¡¯s face. When they passed the garden, the old servant pointed artlessly, ¡°That¡¯s Green Retreat, and Garden of Tranquility is around the corner. The senior master and senior madame lives there.¡±

    However, she then took Qin Yining in the opposite direction, moving further away from the center of thepound. They followed an alleyway to its end, where it buttressed the rear walls of theplex. This was when Jin-mama finally pushed open a redcquered door, ¡°This is Snowpear Courtyard.¡±

    Beyond the door was first a small yard, a path of small stones meandering through it to reach a covered hallway. The yard contained several patches of bamboo, a few pear trees, and an immense pagoda tree. The principal residence had three houses, with the east and west wing residences formed of two houses each. Three servant houses in the back, facing away from the other structures,pleted the ensemble. In one word, this residence was quaint. In another, deste.

    ¡°This courtyard is charming and elegant, the most perfect for you, miss. It¡¯s just that the old dowager¡¯s arrangements were a bit sudden, so we haven¡¯t had time to clean up yet. This servant will have someone do so now, and bring the maids that the senior madame arranged for you. Please rest here for a moment.¡± Jin-mama was exceedingly polite.

    Qin Yining nodded in thanks, but she was well aware that if they truly valued her, they would never allow a girl not yet of age to live in a courtyard that was right next to the manor walls. They wouldn¡¯t bring her here before cleaning up either. If she saw right, the house doors were still locked. This was merely an intimidation tactic. But even so, it was still much better to live here than in the caves and grassy shelters that she¡¯d upied on the mountain.

    Qin Yining took a seat on a stone stool next to a bamboo patch. But who knew that this quick wait would lengthen into two hours? She wanted to summon someone when noon came by, but Qin Yining had no idea who she could ask for in this expansive manor. Thankfully years of hunting had taught her the value of patience and silence, so she sat quietly on the stool.

    Gusts of cold wind sent stray bamboo leaves dancing elegantly through the air. The downy yellow of the young girl¡¯s outfit ented the crisp green of the bamboo around her, creating a veritable painting beneath the radiance of the midday sun. The girl sat with her head lowered, her jet ck locks curled on her neck further highlighting the fair skin of her long neck. Her side profile was exceedingly charming. It was a scene that the two people crouched on the courtyard roof drank in.

    The leader of the two was dressed in ck, his features exquisite and wless. Two long eyebrows flew energetically into his sideburns. A pair of phoenix-shaped eyes housed a cold and sharp, yet profound, look. His eyes seemed to glitter with the radiance of the cold night sky. Other than a slight pursing of his lips, he was currently expressionless. His bearing was noble and poised, like a sharp de that had been unsheathed. One look was enough to make any onlooker lower their head, afraid to directly meet his eyes.

    He was looking silently down at Qin Yining in the yard, then quietly left with his bodyguard. At this side was a young man, who was roughly around eighteen years old. This bodyguard was vigorous and energetic, d in deep blue fighting clothes and his long hair wrapped up in a ponytail. After they left, the young man asked curiously, ¡°Master, was the girl just now who you were looking for?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s amazing that she lived! Sir Zheng said that she was only seven when youst saw her.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°The Qin family are seriously animals! How could they make her wait outside on a cold day like this? They didn¡¯t even give her something warm to wear. Then again, her patience is really something!¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°But it serves her right for being Qin Meng¡¯s daughter! Sir Zheng said you even gave her silver that year so her foster mother could see a doctor? Master, I¡¯ve really got to say, you¡¯re really too kindhearted. Who cares if the child of your enemy lives or dies! If she dies, she¡¯d just be repaying the debt of her despicable father! What¡¯s the point in caring so much about her?¡±

    The man¡¯s footsteps halted as he looked expressionlessly at the young man. It didn¡¯t take long for the stare to utterly unnerve thetter. The bodyguard¡¯s hairs was almost vertical from the stare, so he didn¡¯t dare open his mouth again. His master was great in everything, but he was just too cold hearted. In all the years he¡¯d served his master, he¡¯d never seen his master truly smile. His master hadn¡¯t even been that happy when the emperor had washed away General Pang¡¯s crimesst year, and awarded the general the posthumous title of ¡°Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡±. Perhaps he¡¯ll only be happy when he¡¯s had his revenge?

    ¡°Eh, master, wait for me! Where are we going!?¡±

 Chapter 6: Making Arrangements

    <h4>Chapter 6: Making Arrangements</h4>

    Qin Yining had no idea that someone had been present, let alone spent time watching her. Nevertheless, she waited well into the afternoon, and was freezing to the bone before Jin-mama arrived with the maids.

    ¡°It ended up being a while longer as the madame gave me some errands just now which dyed things.¡± Jin-mama only made the barest of exnations and didn¡¯t give Qin Yining time to speak before introducing the four maids behind her. ¡°This is Yuxiang and Run, second-rank maids by the senior madame¡¯s side. They are exceedingly gentle and amiable, and have been specially sent to serve you. These two are Liuya and Qiulu, third-rank maids.¡±

    Qin Yining sized the four up. They were all around seventeen years old. Yuxiang was tall and skinny with eye-catching looks, but her eyes roved a little too aggressively. Run had more meat on her and an open, honest smile. Liuya¡¯s lips were thin, seemingly indicating someone who was quite eloquent. Qiulu had her head trailed downwards and rathercked presence. She was most likely a person ustomed to being quiet. The four of them walked up to curtsey to Qin Yining. She nodded lightly back at them and gestured for them to stand to the side.

    ¡°We also have a mama in charge of the general household and some serving girls in charge of sweeping and cleaning.¡± Jin-mama continued, her words apanied by the entrance of an olddy and three 10 year old girls wearing red and green. ¡°This is Zhu-mama, she will be in charge of all manner of things in Snowpear Courtyard in the future. These are some serving girls for your needs.¡±

    ¡°This servant greets the fourth miss.¡± Zhu-mama was a chubby woman with an honest expression. Wisps of white had already begun to decorate her sideburns, putting her age somewhere around fifty.

    ¡°Please rise, Zhu-mama.¡± Qin Yining responded serenely.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already brought your people here, so miss canmand them however you like. Miss cane find this servant if you have any orders,¡± Jin-mama remarked.

    ¡°Many thanks to Jin-mama.¡± The old servant departed after curtseying, causing Qin Yining to slightly crease her brow. She was newly arrived and had no money on her to give asrgesse. If Jin-mama had felt more kindly disposed towards the girl, she could¡¯ve easily given a few orders to these new servants. With the old servant¡¯s status in the manor, her words would be so much more effective than Qin Yining¡¯s.

    But Jin-mama had only paid lip service to her duties and hadn¡¯t been willing to say another word to these people. She was one of Senior Madame¡¯s people, so her will was the senior madame¡¯s will. It looked like her birth mother really didn¡¯t like her.

    Qin Yining took a shallow breath in and looked at the eight people standing in front of her. Her life since her youth had been a struggle for one more day, where would she have learned to order people around? She really didn¡¯t know what to do at this moment. When they saw their new mistress silently gazing at them, the servants looked at each other, uncertain of what to do. After a while, Qin Yining looked at the locked principal residence and wing houses and spoke slowly, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re all well aware of my situation. It is indeed hard on you all to be sent here. Although I wasn¡¯t so lucky before today to grow up beside my parents, I am my father¡¯s daughter after all. Just do your jobs well and we¡¯ll make it through the future together.¡±

    These words held many meanings, and they were the most suitable words that Qin Yining could think of. She just wanted to live out the rest of her days peacefully.

    ¡°Understood.¡± The eight servants made the return greetings as befitted their stations and also snuck a few looks at their new mistress. It was said that thisdy looked remarkably simr to Prime Minister Qin, but they didn¡¯t understand just how simr until they¡¯d personally set eyes on her. Although she¡¯d grown up in the countryside and had lived for a time on a mountain as a barbarian, that bearing emanating from her was no illusion. No one dared overstep themselves after looking at her. The servants privately dismissed a portion of theirints about their bad luck.

    Qin Yining¡¯s first order was to clean up the houses. The three houses of the principal residence would be her quarters. One of the east wing houses was arranged for Zhu-mama, the other for the two second-rank maids. One of the west wing houses was set aside for the two third-rank maids, and the serving girls were sent to the servant houses that faced the rear. Those also neighbored the little kitchen on the grounds.

    They had just finished a cursory cleaning when Jin-mama came by again. She arrived with nkets, bed curtains, containers, decorations, the four treasures of the study, clothing, socks, shoes, and powder. She also handed over two taels of silver to Qin Yining. ¡°Miss, this is the stipend for this month. The manor¡¯s rules are to give two taels each for the youngdies. You¡¯ll need to send someone to the main kitchen each meal to fetch the meal boxes. You¡¯ll also need to greet your parents in the morning and evening...¡± The old servant grew irritated at having to exin so much. ¡°You¡¯ll understand it all after living here for a while.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Jin-mama, I¡¯ll call on the senior madame after a short while.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly. The old servant smiled in return and left with great fanfare without saying anything else.

    The residences lookedpletely different after two hours of work. Furniture was already present in the houses, so they only switched in some new pale-green seat and arm cushions. Brand new pale-greenting was draped around the bed 1, and there was even an exquisite fragrance ball ced on it. The nkets wereid down generously, and Zhu-mama was inserting a foot-warmer into them for warmth.

    Yuxiang and Run were organizing her trousseau and wardrobe, fiddling around with some bottles and containers. After everything was in order, they ced some flowers around to brighten the rooms. The little serving girls were walking in and out with wooden basins, hurriedly cleaning up the wing residences and rear servant quarters.

    This would be her home in the future. Although there was still an abandoned atmosphere in the air and a slight humidity that spoke of long vacancy, it was so much better than her cave in the mountains. She wasn¡¯t sure if those beside her were kindly disposed towards her, but having someone to talk to other than the squirrels and rabbits would be a nice change. She had faith that things would turn better if she was patient and worked hard. Qin Yining sat on a soft seat cushion in the main hall, a slight smile blossoming on her beautiful face.

    ¡°Miss.¡± Qiulu walked up with a tea tray and set down a white porcin tea cup with wintersweet detailing next to Qin Yining¡¯s hand on the ck,cquered square table.

    She hadn¡¯t had a drop to drink since returning to the manor, and she had also endured the bitter cold outside for two hours. She¡¯d long since been chilled through and through. The warmth rising from the tea cup seeped into her very heart, and Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°Many thanks.¡±

    ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare,¡± Qiulu hastily responded. When she heard the disturbance, Yuxiang pursed her lips from her position organizing the trousseau. Run looked at Qiulu and took out a beige brocade cloak from a redwood dresser. It¡¯d just arrived, and the maid offered it with a smile, ¡°Miss, wear this for now. Don¡¯t get sick from the cold. I will have someone go fetch the meal box.¡±

    Qiulu left with the tea tray, and Liuya came in with a hot water thermos, wrapping it in a handkerchief and cing it on Qin Yining¡¯s legs. Qin Yining smiled at her as well, but didn¡¯t thank the servant because she had seen Run¡¯s look just now. She had to get used to her new identity, and fast. Qin Yining happened to glimpse something out the corner of her eye. Yuxiang was cradling a record book. ¡°What is that? I¡¯d like to take a look.¡± She set down the teacup in her hand.

    Her back to her mistress, Yuxiang rolled her eyes before turning around with a face wreathed in smiles, handing the record book over. ¡°This is an inventory of all items in Snowpear Courtyard.¡±

    Qin Yining began leafing through it with great interest. Yuxiang curled her lip and locked eyes with Run over their mistress¡¯ head. No way she knows how to read!

    There was a moderate amount of items within the houses, and Qin Yining stopped when she reached the trousseau¡¯s page. She pointed at a line, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen this gold headband that¡¯s embedded with pearls yet.¡±

    Yuxiang¡¯s expression froze. Hasn¡¯t she just been sitting there, not moving? So many people have been walking in and out, each of them bringing armfuls of stuff. How can she have remembered everything?

    Run quickly walked towards the trousseau and looked around, then searched the luohan bed with her back to Qin Yining. She pulled out the headband after a while, smiling, ¡°Found it! This servant didn¡¯t pay attention and left it beneath the nkets.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled faintly and pointed at the clothing and essories page, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen the blood-jade gourd dress weight 2 listed here either.¡± She closed the book and handed it back to Yuxiang, dimpling, ¡°Make sure you¡¯re cleaning up properly, I don¡¯t want to step on an earring when I put my shoes on one day.¡±

    Her small joke made Yuxiang flush to the tips of her ears and caused an awkward expression to appear on Run¡¯s face. Qin Yining didn¡¯t say anything further as she continued to hug the thermos, while a few more small items magically reappeared in the trousseau and wardrobe. She looked downwards, finding the situationical.

    Qin Yining knew that it was a tall order for her tomand respect and obedience as soon as she arrived, but she hadn¡¯t thought that the maids of her house would openly steal her things. They likely didn¡¯t know that her memory was extraordinarily retentive. Her many years of bartering with hunters and medicine ingredient merchants had imbued her with an internal set of scales. She could estimate weights with just her hand, and she was always urate to within 50 grams. She rested her callused and scarred yet fair hands on the hot water thermos for warmth. It looked like her future path would be littered with some more hardships. She would have to settle those by her side first.

    ......

    ¡°Have all the arrangements been made properly?¡± Qin Huining asked n¨¦e Cai with a smile after partaking of dinner. Bitong had handed her a cup of tea to cleanse her pte.

    ¡°In response to the young miss, everything is done. We switched out three of the original group and sent Yuxiang, Run, and Liuya instead. They all have exceedingly good temperaments, and we¡¯ve sent Zhu-mama as the overseeing mama.¡±

    ¡°Zhu-mama?¡± Qin Huining indicated unfamiliarity.

    ¡°Her son¡¯s the overseer in the stables and her daughter-inw works in the kitchen,¡± n¨¦e Cai exined.

    ¡°Zhu-mama has a gentle temper and will be able to coexist peacefully with Yuxiang, Run, and Liuya.¡± Qin Huining smiled at the report and held the old servant¡¯s hands with both of her own. She smiled, ¡°Thank you for your help in this, wet nurse.¡±

    N¨¦e Cai looked back to Qin Huining with a look full of love. ¡°What¡¯s all this, miss? I was your wet nurse, and if I could say something out of turn, I see you as my own child. How could I bear seeing you in this situation? Don¡¯t worry, the days ahead are long yet, and this manor¡¯s waters run deep.¡±

    This was precisely what Qin Huining wanted to hear. She hugged her wet nurse in gratitude. ¡°Come, let¡¯s go to Garden of Tranquility for the evening greeting.¡±

    ¡°The neer might not even know that this needs to be done.¡± N¨¦e Caiughed.

    Qin Huining flung on the red silk woven cloak that her maid handed her andughed in response, ¡°She¡¯ll understandter on.¡± But it¡¯ll be toote when she does, her uncouth reputation will have spread already.

    Qin Huining brought n¨¦e Cai and Bitong to the senior madame¡¯s residence. She¡¯d thought that Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t understand the rules and not know toe every morning and evening, but to her very great surprise, she actually bumped headlong into Qin Yining dressed in a beige damask cloak, walking over with Run and Qiulu.

 Chapter 7: The Slap

    <h4>Chapter 7: The p</h4>

    Qin Huining¡¯s pupils contracted violently when she saw the other walking over, looking stately beneath the setting sun. Qin Yining¡¯s tall figure was eye catching in the light of evening, her beige cloak ring open slightly with every step, revealing ripples of her downy-yellow long skirt. The movement of the fabric made her appear quite light-footed, lending a hint of athleticism to her fragile looks. Her spine was upright, and she smiled slightly when she saw Qin Huining. That uncanny resemnce to a young Prime Minister Qin left Qin Huining feeling like she came off worse in theparison.

    Taking a deep breath in, Qin Huining reminded herself sternly, I¡¯m the official firstborn! I¡¯m well versed in the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting! That¡¯s just a barbarian! This is my home territory! It should be Qin Yining who should be nervous!After shoring up her mentality some, Qin Huining walked up to Qin Yining with a smile and reached out for the other¡¯s hands, bending her knees in greeting. ¡°You¡¯re here, younger sister Little Creek. I was just about to send someone to Snowpear Courtyard and summon you. We have a rule of greeting our parents every morning and dusk.¡±

    She¡¯s still making an issue out of my name? Is there no end to her antics?! Qin Yining smiled and returned the greeting. ¡°Thank you for your kind intentions, Miss Huining. Jin-mama told me of this already and prevented me from embarrassing myself in front of the madame. But I thank you for your thoughts.¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s smile froze for a second when she heard ¡°Miss Huining¡±. When she heard that it¡¯d been Jin-mama to offer this information, she began to suspect the senior madame¡¯s intentions. She flicked a surreptitious nce to n¨¦e Cai, who immediately blinked back at her with great understanding. Qin Huining took Qin Yining¡¯s arm and gracefully strolled into Garden of Tranquility together. She spoke gently, ¡°Since you¡¯re newly returned and don¡¯t understand much of the manor, you cane ask me if you have any questions. I¡¯m no sage, but I still understand some of the basics.¡± An exploratory jab started the conversation; the implication being that Qin Yining didn¡¯t even understand the most basic of rules.

    ¡°Many thanks to Miss Huining. Father will naturally arrange teachers and a mama for the rules.¡± Qin Yining spoke slowly, warmth in every word. ¡°I grew up in the countryside and wasn¡¯t so lucky as Miss Huining to grow up in the manor.¡± A riposte with sharp fangs ended it; an imposter who took another¡¯s ce by luck was feeling this proud?

    The two walked across the gstones to the covered hallway, small smiles on their faces as they gazed at each other. Qin Huining kept her eyes trained on Qin Yining¡¯s at first, but possibly due to thetter¡¯s resemnce to her father, Qin Yining¡¯s eyes seemed to be able to see through everything. A merciless glint that would be more appropriate in a wild beast gleamed deep in her eyes. It was ruthless enough to make Qin Huining subconsciously evade the other¡¯s look, but when she realized what she was doing, she began sulking again. This girl¡¯s fangs haven¡¯t been blunted at all by what¡¯s happened so far!

    ¡°Fourth Miss and Miss Huining, you¡¯vee!¡± Head maid Caiju¡¯s voice cut through the awkward situation as she bent her knee in greeting, lifting the door curtains to one side.

    Qin Huining¡¯s emotions instantly hit rock bottom. That title of ¡°fourth miss¡± was no longer hers. A single word from father had turned her from the daughter of the official wife to a foster child. Qin Yining caught all the changes in her expression clearly, her brows knitting together slightly.

    The lights lit at dusk reflected a faint hue on the ground beneath the two girls¡¯ feet. A gust of warm air and the soft fragrance of nuts wafted towards them, as if it were spring. The two girls handed their cloaks over to the maids as Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but look around with avid curiosity. She¡¯d thought that her ce was well off enough already, but finally knew what the word ¡®luxury¡¯ meant when she arrived at Garden of Tranquility. At the very least, her ce wasn¡¯t as warm as here.

    They circled around the room divider into the side hall, and Qin Huining took the initiative to smile sweetly, ¡°Mother, have you had dinner?¡± She bent her knee in greeting and swiftly took a ce at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side, looking at Qin Yining with clear provocation in her eyes.

    Qin Yining made a mannerly curtsey and called out, ¡°Madame.¡± She was a bit envious at the proximity that n¨¦e Sun allowed with Qin Huining.

    N¨¦e Sun patted Qin Huining¡¯s hand and looked at Qin Yining with aplicated look. She responded coolly, ¡°You may sit down as well. Have you had dinner?¡±

    Caiju instantly brought over a garden stool 1 and ced it five steps in front of n¨¦e Sun.

    Qin Yining sat down sideways, her lowered eyes flicking towards Qin Huining¡¯s position and how her hand was tightly sped with n¨¦e Sun¡¯s. Her gaze began to chill, but she responded politely, ¡°In response to the madame, yes.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun snorted in response. She didn¡¯t know what else to say.

    The atmosphere grew a bit stiff.

    Qin Huining seemed to understand n¨¦e Sun¡¯s awkward straits and smiled, ¡°Are you getting used to Snowpear Courtyard, Little Creek? Are you missing anything?¡±

    ¡°Right, tell the servants if you¡¯re missing anything and have them prepare it.¡± N¨¦e Sun immediately seized on the chance to break the awkward silence and tapped Qin Huining¡¯s nose approvingly.

    The intimate gesture made Qin Yining feel even more like an outsider. In truth, she¡¯d be an outsider the moment that n¨¦e Sun suspected her of being a mistress¡¯ daughter, hadn¡¯t she? The girl buried both hope and disappointment deep in her heart and curved her lips up in a self deprecating smile. Two dimples appeared on her cheeks, ¡°Yes, many thanks for the madame¡¯s concern.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun looked at Qin Yining, her gaze softening slightly. This was a girl who looked so simr to Qin Huaiyuan and didn¡¯t have an ounce of his irritating personality. It really was difficult to dislike her. But there was still a trace of suspicion in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart, she just didn¡¯t know for sure if this girl¡¯s mother was a mistress from the outside.

    Qin Huining grew a little uneasy when she saw n¨¦e Sun¡¯s attitude begin to soften. She acted cutely, asking a question that she knew very well shouldn¡¯t be asked, ¡°Mother, where¡¯s father? Is heing back today?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression instantly darkened at the question. Qin Huaiyuan had four concubines, and it was Concubine Hua¡¯s turn today. He had just sent word earlier that he wouldn¡¯t be returning tonight. When her mind was once again reminded of the fact that they¡¯d argued over this wench, and now that she was denied the chance to clear the air tonight, n¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t help but grow angry again. Unconcealed disgust and hate grew in her eyes as she continued to gaze at Qin Yining. She couldn¡¯t contain her urge to speak sourly. ¡°My lord dotes on you and has already requested a mama from the pce to teach you manners and rules. He¡¯s even spent good money to hire a teacher for you. This is all treatment that daughter Hui and the others never had.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun felt more aggrieved the more she talked, and she now believed her own words before anything had been confirmed. She felt that Qin Huaiyuan treating Qin Yining so well was a reflection of his feelings for that unknown mistress, and her voice unconsciously grew in volume as well. ¡°I don¡¯t care where your mother is, but if you are to live in this manor, you must obey our manor¡¯s rules. If I tell you to learn well, you better bend your back to the task. Don¡¯t think about beingzy or making excuses! A family like ours has plenty of opportunities to meet others in the future, and if you disgrace yourself outside and lose face for the manor, I¡¯ll have your skin!¡±

    This diatribe had sent Qin Yining surging to her feet. Even though her face remained expressionless and her longshes hid her eyes, part of her heart was cut out by the knife n¨¦e Sun had just unleashed. In that moment, her heart froze over into an icy scab. Her mother, her birth mother refused to acknowledge her and suspected her origins. She¡¯s been in this manor for just half a day, but her grandmother didn¡¯t like her, the servants tried to bully her, and now her mother treated her like this!?

    Had shee back just to act as everyone¡¯s favorite target? She had endured blow after blow already, seeking to win these people over with a docile and mature attitude, but what had she gotten in return!?

    Perhaps she¡¯d been too naive, dreaming of an idyllic life in a powerful noble family. Everyone who lived here seemed to harbor malicious intentions as they spected on one¡¯s every thought, motion or remark. There was nothing that remained for them to vanquish, but they still wanted to step on others to highlight how mighty they were. These people were even more terrifying than wild beasts! Wild beasts ate men in order to live, but these people ate men for their own selfish desires!

    In that moment of heartbreak and icy realization, Qin Yining suddenly understood that giving way, showing weakness of any kind, would not result in affection or pity. If she continued to be so genteel, even her own servants might dump poison in her food one day!

    ¡°Madame, do you still not believe my identity? You have been a married couple with father for many years already, has he ever lied to you about something of this importance? Father has few children to begin with, so if he really did have another child outside, he could bring the child back openly with no one saying anything! Why would he have to lie to you, a woman? Grasping wildly at straws and making something out of nothing without a care for hurting your daughter is one thing, but don¡¯t you care about hurting father?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s face went beet red in anger. The words of ¡°few children¡± had stabbed deeply at her, not to mention all the usatory questions that came after it. Her mother-inw had already made her opinion on n¨¦e Sun clear when it came to the topic of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯sck of children. N¨¦e Sun was unable to bear more, so she could only allow Qin Huaiyuan to take concubines. But when the concubines couldn¡¯t bear children either, it clearly pointed to the problem lying with the man. However, that capricious mother-inw of hers doggedly believed that n¨¦e Sun was simply jealous of the concubines and had doctored their food and drink. This wench was now openly mentioning this hot coal of a topic, how would n¨¦e Sun not fly into a rage?

    ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± N¨¦e Sun pointed at Qin Yining with a trembling finger. ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?! How dare you retort when I lecture you out of kindness? I give you an inch, and you run with it to take a mile?! Servants,e and teach this wild brat a lesson!¡± N¨¦e Sun gestured randomly, summoning head maid Caiju.

    Caiju made a affirmative noise, rolling up her sleeves. She marched forward, her hand rising to p the impertinent girl when Qin Yining¡¯s eyes snapped to hers. A cold shudder traveled down her back as she quailed under that arctic gaze. Her hand remained in the air, she didn¡¯t dare to bring it down. This miss is a wild barbarian alright! The look in her eyes is just like a wild beast!

    N¨¦e Sun was incensed at Qin Yining¡¯s disy of nerve and strode forward, pushing Caiju aside. Her hand shed out, and the sound of a full force p rang in the air.

    Qin Yining reeled back, one hand holding her face. The incredulous look in her eyes slowly turned into one of jade eptance. The crisp p had numbed n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand, but she was feeling so much better for it. She reached out, twisting Qin Yining¡¯s cor with one hand and pulling her in as she bit off her words, ¡°I will naturally investigate whether you are my daughter or not, but in either case, you have no right to speak in front of me! Is it my fault that Qin Mengcks children? If you think he¡¯s been wronged, then just recognize him as your father. There¡¯s no need to recognize me, ¡®a woman¡¯, as your mother!¡±

    ¡°Madame, please quell your anger.¡± Jin-mama hastily stepped forward to call for calm when she saw that n¨¦e Sun was saying any and everything that crossed her mind in her anger.

    Qin Huining also picked the right timing to tug at n¨¦e Sun to the side, tears swimming in her eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry mother, it¡¯s all your daughter¡¯s fault. None of this would¡¯ve happened if I hadn¡¯t been swapped at birth. You wouldn¡¯t be suffering like this either! Don¡¯t be angry anymore mother, isn¡¯t that stabbing further into my heart?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun pursed her lips when she heard her daughter¡¯s words, her anger turning to grief again as fat tears started to trickle down and plop onto herp as well. When she looked at the girl who¡¯d been dazed by her p, n¨¦e Sun felt a tinge of guilt and heartache. But she resolutely stomped it out, focusing on the fact that she, as the official wife, had the right and obligation to educate the children whether or not they were her own. Having sessfully suppressed her guilt, she spoke coldly, ¡°Get the hell out!¡±

    Qin Yining watched the act that Qin Huining was putting on, learning a few more things in the process. She lowered her head and hid her cold smile, responding gently, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry anymore, madame.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun turned her head aside, refusing to look at the girl. Qin Yining was about to leave when the sound of the door curtains being lifted traveled into the room. Qin Huaiyuan stepped into the room, wearing a light grey cloak with arge cor and bearing an extremely dark expression on his face.

 Chapter 8: The Counter

    <h4>Chapter 8: The Counter</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t thought that Qin Huaiyuan would suddenly return, and didn¡¯t know how much of her words he had heard. A guilty conscience assailed her as she blurted out, ¡°What brings you back? Weren¡¯t you spending the night with Concubine Hua?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s knitted forehead grew even tighter. Idiotic woman who speaks of everything in front of our daughters! ¡°The two of you are dismissed. I have something to discuss with your mother. Jin-mama, use the best ointment on Fourth Miss. It will look ridiculous if her face swells up tomorrow!¡±

    Jin-mama answered affirmatively, but didn¡¯t move as she looked worriedly at n¨¦e Sun. She was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s wet nurse and naturally knew what kind of temper the woman had. She was quite afraid that the madame would say something she shouldn¡¯t in front of Qin Huaiyuan again, and so wanted to stay and y mediator. But the lord had just given her direct orders to fetch ointment, so she couldn¡¯t just ignore those either.

    Qin Huaiyuan picked up on Jin-mama¡¯s hesitation and snorted coldly. ¡°What, does Jin-mama only listen to the orders of your madame, and considers this official¡¯s words as empty air? Or do you fear that this official will bully your madame?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had spent many years at court, so the aura and bearing he naturally exuded wasn¡¯t something servants could stand up to. Jin-mama¡¯s legs began trembling as she immediately apologized, ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare! This servant will apply ointment to Fourth Miss immediately.¡±

    She followed the twodies out of the door, downcast, and closed the door carefully. But as expected, the door did nothing to inste n¨¦e Sun¡¯s shrill voice. Her words had no problem reverberating in everyone¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Qin Meng, so you¡¯vee back to throw your weight around in my quarters! Throw your weight around outside if you¡¯re man enough! What¡¯s so strong about acting all high and mighty with a woman...¡±

    Jin-mama was feeling quite pained by the madame¡¯s carrying-on, and received a further shock when she lifted her head and saw the two young misses standing beneath the covered hallway. She hastily walked forward to grab both of their arms, murmuring lowly, ¡°Don¡¯t stand here, misses!¡±

    Recalling Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s orders and looking at Qin Huining¡¯s worried expression, Jin-mama thought for a moment and brought the two to the side room adjoining the main room. It was usually reserved for tea breaks. She whispered, ¡°Please sit here a moment, misses. This servant will go fetch ointment for Fourth Miss right away.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, but didn¡¯t thank her this time. The stinging p on her cheek from her birth mother had forced her to fully recognize the reality of her situation. She¡¯d been home for less than twelve hours¡ªand how much grandstanding and ostracism had she been subject to already? The old dowager dismissed her, her birth mother rejected her, and the rest turned in whatever direction the wind blew. Even her maids dared to brazenly steal her things, and went so far as to hold back some of her coal when she called them out for the theft. This usurper foster daughter was the pinnacle of it all, provoking fights and encouraging misunderstandings left and right. Each and every one of them thought of her as an easy target, trying to take advantage of the fact that she had no backer in the Qin manor !

    She was the sort who would rather die on her feet than live on her knees. Qin Yining had faced down this cold world and lived through everything it¡¯d thrown at herl, how would she ept defeat so easily here? She¡¯d enough courage to face down wild wolves and patience to hunt her own game. True, she cherished the hopeful dreams of a family, but that didn¡¯t mean that she would constantly give way to these people! Qin Yining touched her cheek gently with one hand, her fingertips pinching softly at the swollen part of her cheek while a chilling smile blossomed on her lips.

    Jin-mama waspletely distracted by the happenings in the main room and didn¡¯t pay attention to any of this. On the other hand, Qin Huining was witness to Qin Yining¡¯s bloodthirsty smile. She seems like some savage beast staring down her prey. Qin Huining grew uneasy at this new development. She was just about to speak up when Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s argument next door traveled faintly into their ears again.

    Prime Minister Qin¡¯s voice was low, his words short and to the point. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice was shrill as she gave vent toint afterint. They couldn¡¯t hear much of the argument at first, but n¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice soon reached a furious screech at the end, so the two girls would¡¯ve been hard pressed to not listen in.

    ¡°...even a young girl like our daughter Hui can tell, so how could you, my husband, still try to lie to me?! Why was I so blind in marrying you? Would your career have been this smooth if it hadn¡¯t been for my father helping you? You don¡¯t even know to thank my family or treat me better now that you¡¯re the prime minister! And now you even bring a bastard back to fool me with!¡±

    ¡°Will you give it a rest!?¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s voice was thick with anger. ¡°Idiot woman, I can¡¯t be bothered with you any longer!¡±

    Bam! The door next to the main room mmed open, and in the same breath, the two girls heard n¨¦e Sun¡¯s broken wail. Qin Yining and Qin Huining hastily made their way out of the side room and were just in time to catch Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s back stalking off into the distance in a huff. Under the night sky, that back looked all the more burdened. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s heartbroken wail pierced through their ears, ¡°Why is my life so hard?!¡±

    The two turned back to see n¨¦e Sun sitting on the doorstep, hugging the door frame and sobbing so hard that she looked ready to faint.

    ¡°Please get up, the floor is cold.¡± Qin Yining frowned and was about to help her mother up, but Qin Huining shoved her hand out of the way and shouldered the other girl aside.

    ¡°Younger sister Little Creek, is it not enough that there¡¯s no peace in our family since you¡¯vee back, must you make mother sad as well?!¡± Qin Huining helped n¨¦e Sun up after shoving the other girl aside and spoke tearfully, her voice catching in her throat. This was enough to make n¨¦e Sun re at Qin Yining again. And wasn¡¯t that right? Why would so much have cropped up if it wasn¡¯t for Qin Yining¡¯s return? Qin Huaiyuan knew very well how weak her constitution was, but he¡¯d just left her here, all sad by her lonesome. He¡¯d just left with a flourish of his sleeves and hadn¡¯t evenforted her at all! She¡¯d only lectured Qin Yining with a few words and pped her once, but look at how Qin Meng was acting! That mistress of his was definitely a fox alright!

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as she pushed Qin Yining roughly with both hands. She roared, ¡°You blight on this family! I haven¡¯t had a day of peace since the day we¡¯ve heard of you. Get out of my way!¡± She turned and screeched at Jin-mama, ¡°Wet nurse, prepare the carriage for me! I¡¯m going back to my family¡¯s manor!¡±

    Jin-mama was so rmed that all color drained from her face. ¡°Madame, it¡¯s almost curfew. It won¡¯t be good for you to just go back now. Why not rest for now and go back first thing next morning? We¡¯d able to exin things to the old dowager as well...¡±

    ¡°No! I have to go back now! I can¡¯t spend another moment in this manor! Qin Meng will be the death of me!¡± N¨¦e Sun sobbed,pletely beyond reason, ¡°If you won¡¯t allow it, then I¡¯ll walk back myself!¡±

    In her anger, n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t even pay attention to Qin Huining. She shook off her daughter¡¯s hand and stalked outside. However, the madame had used so much force that Qin Huining stumbled backwards from the momentum, her bound feet unable to find steady footing. If it wasn¡¯t for Bitong reaching out a timely hand and Cai-mama giving a pull as well, she would¡¯ve tumbled down the steps. The foster girl frowned with displeasure.

    N¨¦e Sun was in the full throes of her temper tantrum. When Jin-mama saw that she couldn¡¯t cate her mistress, she could only order the maids to quickly prepare the carriage, have Can fetch n¨¦e Sun¡¯s cloak with a fur cor and an exquisite brass hand warmer, and fling a meaningful look at head maid Caiju. She spoke to her in a low, urgent voice.

    By now, it was impossible for word of fighting in the main branch due to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s temper tantrum not to spread. The servants might as well tell Old Dowager themselves lest a misunderstanding develop from someone else passing the message along. It¡¯d be a free show for the second and third branch of the family if that came to pass. Caiju went to Garden of Loving Piety with a resigned and rueful expression on her face.

    Jin-mama and Can supported the sniffling n¨¦e Sun out of Garden of Tranquility. Peace was finally restored to the previously raucous yard. The final smear of color from the setting sun vanished silently behind the mountains, leaving behind a bright crescent in the night sky. Heavy clouds partially obscured the radiance of the moon, drenching the silent residence in cold, blue light.

    The little serving girls were so frightened that they didn¡¯t even dare breathe loudly. They crept lightly across the courtyard and hung up the eveningnterns in silence. Warm, orange light began to spread slowly, casting circles of light onto the covered hallway.

    Qin Yining smiled coldly at Qin Huining. Thetter grew nervous under the unsettling gaze and took out a handkerchief to dab at her tears. Her voice caught in a choke, ¡°Don¡¯t me me for saying too much, Little Creek. How could I have not spoken a few words to mother just now when she was like that? Your words were jabbing right into her. You haven¡¯t spent these years by mother¡¯s side, so you don¡¯t know her pain. It¡¯s natural that you might say something out of turn.¡± When she saw Qin Yining slowly walk towards her, Qin Huining smiled amiably through her tears. ¡°Little Creek, your face is swollen quite badly. I have a very good ointment for swelling. I¡¯ll have Bitong bring it over to you in a while.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Then it looks like I have to thank you.¡± Qin Yining nted her feet in front of the other girl, a cold light shing deeply in her beautiful, almond shaped eyes. Qin Huining felt like a rabbit on the receiving end of a hungry wolf¡¯s stare.

    ¡°No, no need.¡± She couldn¡¯t help but swallow nervously. ¡°You and I are sisters after all, we...¡±

    SLAP!

    A crisp p reverberated through the air! Qin Huining¡¯s ears rang as stars swam before her eyes. She copsed in a heap, her senses deserting her at the sheer force of the blow. Off to the side, Cai-mama, Bitong, Run, and Qiulu were all bbergasted. They couldn¡¯t even form the presence of mind to help the young miss up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need your ointment, save it for yourself!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± The dazed Qin Huining came to at the sound of Qin Yining¡¯s voice and shrieked. Her mouth began to bleed freely, garbling her words. ¡°You dare p me?!¡±

    ¡°Yes, and here¡¯s another!¡± Qin Yining bent at the waist, drawing her elbow back with gusto and whipping it across and down in a fierce blow. She had chopped her own wood and skinned her own game on the mountain; the strength in her hand was not to be underestimated. Both psnded in the exact same spot, and Qin Huining¡¯s cheek swiftly began to swell.

    The foster girl screamed loudly as she pointed at Qin Yining, ¡°You wild barbarian! How dare you hit me! Servants, grab her!¡±

    Cai-mama and Bitong finally snapped out of their daze and rolled up their sleeves, preparing to restrain Qin Yining. Even Run was eager to join the fray. The three of them rushed Qin Yining, two aiming for the girl¡¯s arms and one for her hair. But they didn¡¯t even manage to touch the hem of her clothes.

    Qin Yining sidestepped Run, sending her sprawling with a neat hook of the heel. Her left foot came back down hard on Run¡¯s back. An arm whipped out, backhanding Cai-mama¡¯s upper arm with a slice. As for Bitong, by the time the dust had settled, Qin Yining¡¯s other hand was firmly clutching her throat.

    The three were ashen-faced with pain. Bitong was even holding her breath in fright, not daring to do anything. Qin Yining ground her foot down onto Run¡¯s back, wrenching an agonized cry from her lips. The fourth miss smiled coldly. ¡°It¡¯s one thing for outsiders to try to grab me, but my maid? You went and joined them instead of protecting your mistress? Do you want to die?!¡±

    ¡°Mercy, miss, mercy!¡± Run¡¯s voice broke as she pleaded. The other servants of Garden of Tranquility who¡¯d wanted to charge Qin Yining down all looked at each other. The desire to rush forward had been doused as thoroughly as a pail of water on a candle. All of them shuddered. Who would dare to look at Qin Yining as dismissively as they had before?

    Qin Huining finally managed to scramble to her feet and stumbled behind a column to take shelter. ¡°You, you, you barbarian! Lowborn harlot with no manners!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am a barbarian!¡± Qin Yining discarded Cai-mama and Bitong like strays, leaving Run moaning on the ground, and headed straight for the foster daughter. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough. I¡¯ve done my best to please you, and yet all of you still treat me as a barbarian. If that¡¯s the case, then why don¡¯t I show you what a barbarian does?!¡±

 Chapter 9: Consideration and Decision

    <h4>Chapter 9: Consideration and Decision</h4>

    ¡°You! Shameless thing! Poisonous skank! B*tch!¡± Qin Huining shrieked in a trembling voice as she pressed herself against the column in vain.

    ¡°Just who¡¯s the shameless one here?¡± Qin Yining grabbed Qin Huining¡¯s cor and looked right into her eyes, the two a nose-width apart. ¡°I¡¯d never once thought of hurting you. I was perfectly fine to live together in peace. But you, you just wouldn¡¯t stop causing trouble, making mother misunderstand me and causing our parents to fight without end! A foster daughter like you upying my rightful ce, I¡¯d think of you as a human being when I¡¯m in a good mood, and absolutely nothing when I¡¯m not!¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s eyes had gone bloodshot in her rage, but she was just a sheltered girl of the manor, how could she possibly stand up to a ¡°barbarian¡± who¡¯d scrapped and fought to survive? Her battle strength waspletely dwarfed, so she could only resort to threats, ¡°Grandmother will sweep you out the door when she finds out what you¡¯ve done to me!¡±

    ¡°What a joke! I¡¯ve already pped you, so why would I be afraid of this? If that happens, I¡¯ll just go back and be a ¡®barbarian¡¯. My life would be all the better for it!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s cold, sharp gaze swept across the shell shocked maids frozen in the courtyard. She flicked a nce at n¨¦e Cai and Run still on the ground, revealing her pearly whites in a small smile. In the dusk of night, her stark white teeth coupled with her bloodthirsty expression only elicited more terror from those assembled. ¡°I¡¯ve killed wolves and eaten their flesh, and you think you lot can scare me!? I didn¡¯t bother to quibble before because I didn¡¯t think it was worth it, but did you really believe that I was afraid of you!? Don¡¯t you forget that, as much as you all disdain me, I¡¯m still the firstborn of the official wife!¡± She yanked Qin Huining hard, dragging her outside. ¡°Come, we¡¯re going to see Old Dowager! Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll let you off easy after you drove a wedge between father and mother!¡±

    In all these years, Qin Huining had lived with the status of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s only official born daughter, the apple of the old dowager¡¯s eye. When had anyone even harmed a hair on her head?! But now there was someone who pped her and started to drag her around. Qin Huining lost every scrap of her self-control andposure. The girl struggled, sobbed, and cursed without pause, loudly, along the way, spewing every ugly and base insult that crossed her mind. It was not a sight fit for civilizedpany.

    Yet, through it all, Qin Yining dragged her along serenely, so easily that it didn¡¯t seem she was hauling anyone at all. It seemed more like she was carrying a chicken ready for the ughter. Go on, keep cursing. Let¡¯s have everyone in the manor see your true colors. Qin Yining¡¯s feet had never been bound, and many years of scaling the mountain had left her as surefooted as a goat. Therefore, she naturally set a brisk pace on level ground.

    On the other hand, Qin Huining had bound feet and was currently bent over at the waist, floundering mightily with every step. Even at a trot, she couldn¡¯t keep up and kept getting tugged off bnce when she tried to walk. She couldn¡¯t convince Qin Yining to stop, couldn¡¯t curse her into oblivion, couldn¡¯t push her away, and couldn¡¯t fight her off! The foster daughter¡¯s most desperate struggles couldn¡¯t free her from the death grip on her cor. None of the servants dared help her, though she gave them plenty of meaningful looks.

    Qin Yining enjoyed an unobstructed journey to Garden of Loving Piety, the very picture of a hunter bringing in her catch of the day. A train of servants bumbled along in her wake, but not a one dared speak. Qin Huining anticipated seeing a friendly face when they reached the door, so she gave vent to a loud shriek, ¡°Help me, grandmother! Someone wants to kill me!¡±

    The shriek carried far into the night and scared the old dowager so badly that she almost dropped the long-stemmed pipe cradled in her hands. She had been livid just now when she¡¯d heard of her eldest daughter-inw going home. Qin-mama had expended an enormous amount of effort to cate her mistress and had just lit the pipe when the shriek pierced through the air. The old dowager jumped in startlement, causing the lit tobo to plop onto the old dowager¡¯s snowy white skirt. It immediately burned a hole through the garment.

    ¡°Oh dear, mistress!¡± Qin-mama reacted swiftly and upended a cup of tea onto the skirt, then frantically checked to see if her mistress had been harmed. Thankfully the weather recently had been cold, so everyone had long since put on cotton leggings, sparing the old dowager from any burns.

    Old Dowager threw the tobo pouch aside, her temper back to livid levels, and bellowed, ¡°Who dares make such a fuss?!¡±

    The maid behind the door was frightened out of her wits as she stammered, ¡°I-in response to O-old Dowager, i-i-it¡¯s Fourth Miss and, and Miss Huining.¡±

    The old dowager rose to her feet with a furrowed brow. ¡°What are these two doing sote at night! What kind of strumpet is N¨¦e Sun to have such daughters!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. Here, I¡¯ll help you dress.¡± Qin-mama and the head maid Jixiang cated the olddy, deftly helping her into a new skirt and a peacock blue satin, padded jacket. Theypleted the outfit by fixing a ribbon embedded with sapphires across her forehead. The old dowager¡¯s ire had abated slightly with this pause, but her expression was still stormy as she walked to the Flower Hall with the servants. Normally used for banquets, today it was graced by a kneeling Qin Huining and Qin Yining. Both girls had disheveled hair and reddened faces. Qin Huining¡¯s face was now swollen beyond belief, and her makeup a streaky ruin from crying. Her face was a mess from tears and snot.

    At the sight of a friendly face, Qin Huining broke into louder sobs, crawling forward on her knees to hug the olddy¡¯s thigh. Qin Huining was wailing so brokenheartedly that it seemed like the sky was moments away from falling. Her sobs were so all-pervasive that she couldn¡¯t even summon the breath to speak a word. The old dowager couldn¡¯t bear to see Qin Huining in such straits and instantly bent down to help the girl up. Distress suffused her voice, ¡°What¡¯s this now? Don¡¯t cry dear!¡± Old Dowager turned to n¨¦e Cai and Qiulu, anxiously asking, ¡°Tell me! What happened here?!¡±

    The old servant¡¯s upper arm still hurt from the whip-like strike, so her trembling lips couldn¡¯t summon the courage to voice a word. Meanwhile, Qiulu kept her head lowered, staying quiet as usual. It was Qin Yining who responded calmly, ¡°Please quell your anger, Old Dowager. Qin Huining sowed discord between mother and father, making them fight until father went to spend the night in the outer residence, and mother went back to her family home. I¡¯ve already taught her a lesson, so please don¡¯t harm your body with anger. If you wish to punish her further, please leave it to the servants.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± The old dowager frowned fiercely. She was already angry about n¨¦e Sun returning to her parents¡¯ home, but that matter had something to do with her much doted upon granddaughter Hui?

    Qin Huining shook her head rapidly, her words mangled by her swollen cheek, ¡°That¡¯s not true! Mother herself suspected that an outside mistress is Little Creek¡¯s mother... Mother only pped Little Creek once and yelled at her a bit. Then father got angry over that and started arguing with mother...¡± She was truly very skilled at turning things around.

    N¨¦e Cai chose this moment to pipe up, ¡°In response to Old Dowager, the fourth miss is truly too arrogant. Not only did she p Miss Huining, but she even beat me and two other maids. Even now my arm is in too much pain to be lifted.¡± She moaned some more for effect, clutching at her arm.

    Qin-mama looked at those assembled, then helped the old dowager to the luohan bed by the window. Jixiang was at her side as well, helping the olddy settle down on the thick padded brocade seat cushions while the old servant fetched a hand warmer. The time they spent in walking and sitting back down allowed the old dowager to calm down a bit. When Qin Yining returned to the manor earlier today, she had given off the impression of a docile, steady, and somewhat overawed country girl. The old dowager would never believe that the girl she¡¯s seen back then would hit someone on her first day. However, the throbbing handprint on Qin Huining¡¯s face spoke otherwise.

    Qin Huining panicked when her grandmother didn¡¯t immediately speak up for her. They¡¯re true family alright. The ties of blood run thicker than water, and I¡¯m already nobody after her real granddaughter¡¯se back. In her anxiety, Qin Huining lost some of the filter on her mouth as she started to plead her case. ¡°Grandmother, no matter what, she hit me and beat my wet nurse and maid. She¡¯s the one at fault here! How can daughters of a noble family act like this? What will happen to our family¡¯s dignity if word of this gets out? Isn¡¯t this losing face for father? This kind of barbarian is...¡±

    ¡°Shut your mouth.¡± Although Qin Yining was kneeling, her back was ramrod straight. Her eyes, so simr to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s, shone coldly. Her slender brows were locked tightly and a sharp aura red around her. ¡°How dare you try to sow more discord in front of Old Dowager? Mother didn¡¯t suspect my identity at all at first. It was only after all of your hints and snide words that she thought a mistress to be my mother. Father¡¯s character speaks for itself! He can bring back any woman he likes, why would he secretly keep her outside? And even if he really did have an illegitimate child, why wouldn¡¯t he be responsible enough to bring it back home?

    ¡°And that¡¯s after discounting the fact that father wouldn¡¯t stoop so low to begin with! With his character and talents, how manydies wish to enter our doors and be a concubine? When has father ever been tempted? But you, you were the one who drove mother to suspecting father and created a wedge between them! Prosperityes only when the family is peaceful. Qin Huining, you used public means for a private grudge. You fed your conscience to the dogs, did you?!¡±

    Qin Huining hastily retorted, ¡°Don¡¯t speak so self-righteously. Aren¡¯t you doing all this for yourself? You say you¡¯re the daughter of the official wife, but who knows what really happened that year? It¡¯s only normal that mother suspects you! I¡¯m not starting anything at all!¡±

    ¡°Father is a noble and righteous person. Can there be any falsehood left after his men were done investigating? Daring to bring this up even in front of Old Dowager, how could you possibly say that you¡¯re not starting anything?¡± Qin Yining mmed her final point home, concluding the debate, and looked towards the old dowager.

    Qin Huining trembled as the impact of Qin Yining¡¯s words hit her and her overexcited mind slowly calmed down. I¡¯ve fallen into her trap! This barbarian isn¡¯t an idiot at all! She provoked me into saying all this when I was caught up in everything!However, words spoken were like spilled water. They couldn¡¯t be taken back!

    The old dowager¡¯s forehead was tightly furrowed as a bit of dissatisfaction towards Qin Huining grew in her heart. She didn¡¯t doubt Qin Yining¡¯s origins at all. The girl¡¯s face was the spitting image of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s in his youth, how could there be any doubt? It was true that the olddy favored Huining, but just as her son had said, the bloodline of a noble family could not be muddled. A child of the blood waspletely different from a foster child.

    The old dowager did indeed look down on Qin Yining, but as much as she didn¡¯t like the girl, this was still her most important firstborn¡¯s only official daughter. The old dowager truly liked Qin Huining, but as much as she liked the girl, this one was just a foster daughter. And now, the foster daughter was creating disharmony between her son and his wife in order to solidify her position. Causing all sorts of trouble at home, and making that impulsive, brainless daughter-inw rush home... What will the inws make of this! When this matter spreads tomorrow, how will all the other officials and courtiers gossip about this? What of our Qin family¡¯s dignity?!

    It was wrong for Qin Yining to resort to physical violence, but the old dowager was well aware of the seed that had germinated to cause this. She had been in charge of the inner residence for many years, she knew the tricks. A dark expression appeared on her face as she looked at Qin Huining. The old dowager was unable to conceal her disappointment.

    Incidentally, that look of disappointment thoroughly froze Qin Huining¡¯s heart. Her internal sarcastic diatribe was stoked to new levels. You¡¯re the true family alright! You¡¯re already treating me as an outsider! What kind of nonsense was that earlier about loving me the most? You¡¯re already favoring your real granddaughter!

    The old dowager couldn¡¯t bear to see Qin Huining sniffling in distress. One would have feelings for even a stray dog or cat after keeping them a while, much less a pretty little girl. Even though Qin Huining was a foster daughter, they had still spent more than a decade together. The old dowager rubbed her temple with one hand and turned to Qin Yining in a resigned tone, ¡°Although granddaughter Hui was in the wrong, you were also too excessive today, granddaughter Yi. No matter what, you shouldn¡¯t have used force. As a girl from a noble family, you represent the Qin family in public. Do I have to teach you even this?¡±

 Chapter 10: Ears at the Windows

    <h4>Chapter 10: Ears at the Windows</h4>

    Qin Yining lowered her eyes, having guessed some of the old dowager¡¯s thoughts from the slightly softened tone and her new name. She gave a docile curtsey, following the old dowager¡¯s wishes. ¡°Grandmother speaks truly. I will strive to control my emotions and won¡¯t be like this in the future.¡± If she only knew to sally headlong in a blind charge, then she really would be a ¡°barbarian¡±. A mix of hard and soft tactics was the most appropriate way to approach this.

    The old dowager nodded in satisfaction when she saw this response, her expression loosening greatly. As an elder, she least liked being rebutted by juniors. Although Qin Yining was a bit violent, she was a good girl at heart. This was very much like her eldest son, and guaranteed that the girl¡¯s thoughts wouldn¡¯t go down a dark path. As for Qin Huining...

    Old Dowager had vast experience reading people, and felt her head begin to ache. When she started to think of the rumors that would spread on the morrow, she started to fret even more. ¡°Both of you should learn from today. As young misses of the Prime Minister Manor, you must live together in harmony. How could you two fight like this? How will people talk about you when word of this travels? You both appear quite filial usually, so what of this disy today?¡±

    Although the old dowager was saying ¡°you both¡±, Qin Huining was well aware of the meaning that was hidden beneath those words. How long had it been since Qin Yining had arrived? Yet the former was the one who¡¯d spent longer at their grandmother¡¯s side. The old dowager is giving me a warning! Qin Huining¡¯s heart filled with panic. Her greatest backers in the manor were the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun. Her life in thep of luxury was dependent on having those emotional ties to fall back on. If she lost their favor and trust, what else would she have?

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry grandmother, I know my wrongs.¡± She didn¡¯t dare argue another word as she was afraid the old dowager would dislike her even more. She could only swallow all the blood, sweat, and tears from today.

    The old dowager was heartened by this disy of repentance. She¡¯s someone I raised after all, her character won¡¯t be bad. Although she plots a bit too much, it¡¯s understandable. The olddy adopted a solemn tone, ¡°Granddaughter Yi and Hui, disharmony between sisters is an affront to filial piety. Both of you are punished with the task of copying ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯ ten times, to be handed in during the morning greeting in three days. Do you have any objections?¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for grandmother¡¯s care,¡± Qin Huining hastened to respond first.

    The old dowager was quite gratified to hear this response. Granddaughter Hui knows my thoughts alright, she realizes I¡¯m favoring her. Qin Huining had grown up in the Prime Minister Manor, receiving an education of a noble daughter. Writing was no hard task for her. But Qin Yining had grown up in the countryside and didn¡¯t normally touch brush and paper. There were eighteen sections to the entire ¡°ssic of Filial Piety¡±, so copying it ten times over would tire thetter out tremendously!

    At the heart of things, the old dowager still doted on Qin Huining the most and was dissatisfied that Qin Yining had taken to violence. At the same time, she was the matriarch of the household. She couldn¡¯t openly show favoritism when Qin Huining had clearly done wrong. The whole house would fall into chaos then.

    Sadly, the old dowager thought wrongly this time. Qin Huining wasn¡¯t grateful for this show of favor at all. She was busy dismissing everything. What grandmother? What love?! It¡¯s all fake! She bes biased the moment her real granddaughteres back, and punishes me when I¡¯m the one who was beaten up!

    Qin Yining took in both reactions and found it hrious. It looked like Qin Huining was going to be blind to the old dowager¡¯s good intentions.

    The old dowager rubbed the center of her forehead while Jixiang served a cup of warm honey water to wet her mistress¡¯ throat. Qin-mama adeptly massaged her mistress¡¯ temples from off to the side. When they saw that the old dowager looked tired, Qin Yining and Qin Huining took their leave. She waved her hand nomittally and gave orders to Qin-mama when the two had left. ¡°Lujuan, have servants send the two girls back.¡±

    Qin-mama immediately understood her mistress¡¯ meaning and trotted out. Qin Huining lived in the old dowager¡¯s Garden of Loving Piety, whereas Qin Yining had to travel across half of the internal residence to her Snowpear Courtyard. Qin-mama summoned a serving girl and coached her with a couple of instructions. The serving girl immediately picked up antern and ran off in pursuit of Qin Yining, while the old servant herself headed for Qin Huining¡¯s warm quarters.

    Inside, everything was in shambles. Wet nurse n¨¦e Cai and head maid Bitong had both been injured, and Qin Huining¡¯s face was now grotesquely swollen. Maids and old female servants were frantically rushing back and forth with medicine. Pained gasps and sobs filled the room. No one noticed Qin-mama standing just out of sight.

    Qin Huining started sniffing and crying again, giving vent to her resentment. Bitong rushed tofort her, ¡°Don¡¯t cry miss, it won¡¯t do to harm your eyes from too much crying. The old dowager will be heartbroken.¡±

    Bitong hadn¡¯t gone out with them today and wasn¡¯t aware of the details. She¡¯d thought that mentioning the old dowager would soothe her mistress¡¯ heart. Who knew it would needle precisely where it hurt instead?

    Qin Huining pped away Bitong¡¯s hand and wanted toin about the old dowager¡¯s favoritism, but she was also worried that she wouldn¡¯t be able to control the volume of her voice. She could only shrilly denounce the maid, ¡°Why are you applying medicine so harshly? Don¡¯t you know how to do it at all?¡±

    ¡°This servant didn¡¯t mean to do so, please forgive me miss!¡± Bitong had no idea what was going on, but didn¡¯t dare say anything else and hastily knelt in front of her mistress.

    Qin Huining didn¡¯t feel vindicated enough, so she raised a foot and stomped on Bitong¡¯s chest. ¡°You shameless thing! Poisonous skank! B*tch! You want to be the death of me, don¡¯t you? I¡¯ll stomp the life out of you!¡±

    Bitong fell to the ground with a loud cry. All of the maids in the room cowered and shook; no one dared to speak up. Qin-mama was standing outside the window and discreetly observing everything. She was well aware of what was going on. Resentment had taken root in Miss Huining¡¯s heart, she hated the old dowager now! The old servant had been part of the old dowager¡¯s dowry and had elected to stay faithfully by her mistress¡¯ side all these years instead of marrying. She had weathered many travails and hardships with her mistress, and there were none more loyal than her. Because of the convenience of her identity, Qin-mama likely understood the characters of those by Old Dowager¡¯s side far better than her mistress did herself. Miss Huining had been a good one before, erudite and reasonable, always handling things appropriately. She¡¯d was one of the best candidates out of the younger generation and won deep favor from the old dowager as a result. But who knew that her real nature and a greedy heart would begin to show itself with this matter?

    The senior master isn¡¯t her father after all. This affects her nature ordingly. Qin-mama sighed softly and returned to the old dowager¡¯s side before anyone spotted her. She really wanted to convey all this to her mistress, but was afraid that the act would backfire given the old dowager¡¯s doting of Qin Huining. Qin-mama hesitated, but swallowed her words in the end. Gradually raising the issue to the old dowager wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea either.

    ......

    Qin Yining had brought Run and Qiulu with her for the evening greeting today. Run had been sent back to Snowpear Courtyard after a hearty beating, so there was only Qiulu by her side with antern. There seemed no end to the long alley beneath the night sky, and an asional cold gust of air howled to ent the disquieting atmosphere. It darted into cors and clothing, causing the candle in thentern to flicker, simrly shifting their shadows on the wall and ground.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t make a move today.¡± Qin Yining rubbed her cold hands together.

    Qiulu started at the sound of her mistress¡¯ voice and responded a bit clumsily, ¡°This, this servant was scared.¡±

    Augh escaped Qin Yining. ¡°I know, you¡¯ve likely never seen a young miss act like me. But why didn¡¯t you help Miss Huining capture me?¡±

    Qiulu¡¯s face began burning. She thought her mistress was asking why the maid hadn¡¯t helped her. ¡°Miss, I am your maid and have no reason to help outsiders. Except, I-I really haven¡¯t seen a young miss beat up anyone before. I froze and didn¡¯t think of helping you. When I could move again, you had taken them all out already.¡±

    Qin Yining was in a great mood after hearing Qiulu¡¯s clumsy words. ording to her observations, although Qiulu wasn¡¯t poised and self-possessed, she was someone who knew her ce well. At least I have one trustworthy person by my side.

    Qiulu also rxed when she saw Qin Yining¡¯s rxed expression, some goodwill towards her mistress forming as well. She knew of her own drawbacks, that she was awkward and didn¡¯t know what to do sometimes. But if she followed such a strong Fourth Miss in the future, at least no one would dare bully her!

    Just as the two continued onwards, the pitter patter of rushed footsteps came from behind them. It was the serving girl Qin-mama had given orders to earlier. The little girl curtseyed to Qin Yining and exined her intentions. She then joined Qiulu in helping Qin Yining back to Snowpear Courtyard.

    The little girl discreetly observed the fourth miss as they walked and noted the young miss¡¯ peacefulposure. She took note of everything and would tell Qin-mamater that the fourth miss was the same person they¡¯d previously seen.

    When they reached Snowpear Courtyard, Qin Yining recalled that she would always receive a coin or two when she delivered items for the medicine shop in the past. She ordered Qiulu to hand out somergesse since she didn¡¯t know the rules of the manor. Qiulu had served n¨¦e Sun before, and although the maid hadn¡¯t been by the senior madame¡¯s side, she had still seen much of the world and knew of the rules. She reached a hand into her money pouch and fished out a handful of copper coins, sending the serving girl happily skipping back to her post.

    ¡°You did well.¡± Qin Yiningplimented. Qiulu blushed and looked at her mistress with sparkling eyes, causing Qin Yining to smile in spite of herself. At longst, the two entered their residence.

    It was dark and almost winter solstice. The frosty wind was a solemn presence in the quiet yard, making the rustle of the grass seem even louder than usual. All of the servants were in their rooms, with only a serving girl stooped outside the side wing in a corner, fanning the coals with a cattail hand fan. Qin Yining could hear the faint undertones of a girlining from inside the side wing. If she called correctly, that was Run and Yuxiang¡¯s room.

    Qin Yining walked towards the room without a word, startling the little servant girl. The girl stood up and was about to greet her mistress, but Qin Yining stopped her in her tracks with a cold look. The little girl had been standing watch on Yuxiang¡¯s orders, but she was so frightened now that she didn¡¯t dare say anything. The little girl could only stand to the side with her head lowered.

    Qin Yining drew close to the window of the room and heard a slightly nasally voice shrill, ¡°...and who the hell is she?! Just a barbarian! Even the pretty maids in the manor are all more noble than her! How dare she beat you up like this, sister! I¡¯ll go tell the old dowager tomorrow and teach her a lesson!¡±

 Chapter 11: A Lesson

    <h4>Chapter 11: A Lesson</h4>

    It was as warm as spring in the side wing as Run sat on a bed frame, huddled in a padded cotton jacket. Her swollen face had already turned ck and blue, a testament to how much force had been behind her fall earlier. A delicious fragrance wafted from a te of stir-fried melon seeds ced on a small table that also doubled as a nightstand. Yuxiang dragged over a stool, diving into the food while cursing in the direction of the main residence. Her chin gestured wildly at the main residence as she spat, ¡°...and why doesn¡¯t she think hard about her origins, ah?! She¡¯s throwing her weight around when she¡¯s juste back! Just wait and see, Old Dowager dotes on Fourth Miss so much. Now her precious girl has been pped, Old Dowager will skin that barbarian alive!¡±

    Run anxiously cut her off when she saw that Yuxiang¡¯s voice growing louder and louder without care. ¡°Please, my respected sister, lower your voice! There won¡¯t be a ce for us in Snowpear Courtyard if the miss hears!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re scared of her? Well, I¡¯m not!¡± Yuxiang made a noise of contempt and roughly wiped off the seed shells on her lip. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see Old Dowager and Senior Madame¡¯s attitude towards her? She¡¯s an idiot, pissing off the two most important people in the manor the second she walked in here. Senior Madame¡¯s her birth mother, but even she won¡¯t see that barbarian. What kind of good days could possibly be in store for her now?¡±

    Yuxiang randomly threw the shells onto the lit brazier, undaunted by the charred smell that started to spread. She kept throwing more shells in and sniffed disdainfully, ¡°And aren¡¯t we unlucky! We were just fine in Garden of Tranquility. You and I might have even be a madame ourselves with our looks and how often we served the lord. And now what? We¡¯ve been abandoned to this piss poor ce and we have to deal with that country hick. What kind of good future will we have now? How bloody unlucky!¡±

    These sharp words left Run mute. She might just be a second-rank maid without many opportunities to serve the lord closely, but the lord of the house was so handsome and arresting! Even a faint nce from him was enough to make one¡¯s heart pound. The senior madame had failed continuously to have another child and Run had never considered herself to be bad-looking, so she¡¯d long since had some thoughts of her own. But who knew that she¡¯d be sent to Snowpear Courtyard and then be beaten on the very first day? When she recalled how scary Qin Yining had been, Run felt cold chills run down her back again. She frowned and spoke a cautionary word, ¡°You didn¡¯t see how strong the miss was. Just put those thoughts aside. Regardless of everything, she¡¯s the lord¡¯s official daughter.¡±

    ¡°So what?! She still has to toe the line in front of us! Jin-mama is such a busybody. She wanted to give that barbarian the good charcoal no matter what! The barbarian¡¯s used to burning leaves and branches in the mountain. She probably doesn¡¯t even know of silverfrost charcoal, the kind that doesn¡¯t give off smoke.¡± Yuxiang giggled. ¡°Well, we¡¯re putting it to good use!¡±

    ¡°Oh you.¡± When Run remembered how Qin Yining hadn¡¯t been angry even when she¡¯d discovered that her items had been stolen and could still smile and talk with them, and how the main residence was as cold as an icy cavern, the maid also felt a bizarre thread of happiness run through her.

    Yuxiang snacked on a few more seeds and suddenly smiled. ¡°She beat Miss Huining so badly today, I wonder if she¡¯ll even being back!¡±

    ¡°I know right?¡± Run finally rxed enough tough as well. Just as they were chortling happily, the door to the room opened with a creak. Both of them jumped, but assumed it was the little servant girl. They were about to yell but froze when they caught a clear glimpse of the visitor s. This skinny, beautiful girl wearing a beige damask cloak... wasn¡¯t this the Qin Yining that the two were smearing? Their gazes met, and Run could detect a murderous intent from Qin Yining¡¯s cold eyes. The faint smile on her mistress¡¯ lips made Run¡¯s neck prickle, and she scrambled to put her shoes on, ignoring how much pain the action caused her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve returned, Fourth Miss.¡± Run curtseyed.

    ¡°Fourth Miss.¡± Yuxiang¡¯s expression was quite ugly as she also dipped in a greeting.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare ept this greeting of yours. After all, I¡¯m just a crude country hick. With Miss Yuxiang¡¯s temperament, you may very well have been promoted to a concubine had you stayed in Garden of Tranquility.¡± Qin Yining walked to the bed with her hands sped behind her back, looking down at the fine silverfrost charcoal and the charred melon seed remnants in the brazier with a smile. ¡°Well? Did Jin-mama give the two of you enough charcoal? Shall I send for some more?¡±

    Run¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she immediately sank to her knees. She heard everything we said! This was a mistress who wouldn¡¯t even blink if she had to kill someone. And if she killed two maids, nothing woulde of it either! All she had to do was pin some random crime on them and hand over ten taels of silver when she made her report to localw enforcement. As much as the old dowager disliked her real granddaughter, the matriarch wouldn¡¯t begrudge that little bit of silver to make a problem disappear. Run trembled in fear, trying to recall if she¡¯d said anything too offensive. Thankfully, it¡¯d been Yuxiang who¡¯d run her mouth. She herself hadn¡¯t said much. Thus reassured, Run kowtowed. ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, miss.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry? I¡¯m not angry, so what makes you say that?¡± Qin Yining ignored Run and looked at Yuxiang. She smiled slightly, leaving no clue to her mood.

    When Yuxiang saw how meek this mistress of hers seemed, she lifted her chin arrogantly. The maid was showing more spine than one usually expected. She lifted her chin arrogantly,. ¡°You¡¯re joking, miss. Who made me a concubine?¡±

    Qin Yining carefully looked Yuxiang up and down, the look in her eyes like a sharp knife tempered in ice. It was enough to instantly dete the maid¡¯s confidence as she too started to tremble. She might actually be in for it now. What is this Qin Yining going to do to me? She¡¯s only just returned to the manor and doesn¡¯t understand the rules of a noble family yet. She probably won¡¯t do anything to me, maybe just hit me once or twice. Yuxiang felt much reassured when she was done reassuring herself.

    Just as Yuxiang was thinking of how to get word out to her mother for help, Qin Yining smiled mysteriously. ¡°I need to copy ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯. Run, grind ink for me.¡±

    She¡¯s not going to punish me? Yuxiang smiled gleefully. Run also breathed a sigh of relief and rose with a murmured word of assent. She gasped in pain when the movement tugged at her wound. Yuxiang reached out to help her fellow maid and lectured her mistress with dissatisfaction, ¡°You¡¯re too heartless, miss. How can Run help in the study like this? Let me go grind the ink for you, let Run rest.¡± Her tone hadpletely flipped, as if she was the mistress instead.

    Run began shaking all over as she hastily denied, ¡°This servant is fine. I will go help in the study immediately.¡±

    Yuxiang red at Run, fully bent on sticking up for thetter today.

    ¡°Run will help in the study and Yuxiang will go boil water. I want to take a shower.¡± Qin Yining found Yuxiang to be quite amusing.

    Yuxiang¡¯s eyes widened, taken aback at themand. She was the child of a servant, 1 and her mother was an overseer in the outer residence. She was an elite among servants, and was frequently on call to serve at the side of the masters and mistresses. When had she done any grunt work like boiling water? ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve just returned and probably don¡¯t understand how things are done. Us servants have our own area of responsibility. Everyone has their own job. The serving girls are in charge of grunt work such as boiling water. No one¡¯s ever made a maid at their side boil water. Out of consideration for your reputation, I¡¯ll go help you in the study.¡± Not only was the maid expressing her displeasure, she was even tantly mocking Qin Yining for not understanding the rules.

    Cold sweat began pouring down Run¡¯s forehead. She quickly spoke up, ¡°This servant is fine. I can help you in the study, miss.¡±

    These words set Yuxiang off in a tizzy as she gave Run a vicious pinch. What¡¯s wrong with her?! I¡¯m speaking up for her and she¡¯s ruining all my good intentions! Run frowned fiercely from the pinch, almost shedding a tear.

    ¡°I wonder who the mistress in this yard is? Does Miss Yuxiang want to be the one in charge?¡± Qin Yining was done ying and turned to leave. Her tone brooked no opposition, ¡°Yuxiang will go boil water, the rest will follow.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The maids in the covered hallway chorused. It was only then that Run and Yuxiang discovered Zhu-mama, Qiulu, Liuya and the others all standing in a neat row outside the small room. No one knew how long they¡¯d been there. Run quickly took her ce while Yuxiang, with pursed lips, sullenly went off to the kitchen in the rear facing rooms to boil water.

    Liuya and Qiulu busied themselves with lighting themps in the main residence, while the serving girls distributed charcoal to braziers ording to Zhu-mama¡¯s instructions. Qin Yining took a seat in the rose chair2. Adorned with pale-green seat cushions, it was right next to a ckcquered table that had delicate wisps carved into it. Run immediately ced within hand¡¯s reach a porcin tea cup set, decorated with carps ying amongst the lotuses, and offered up an exquisite hand warmer. ¡°Miss, why not start writing after your hand is warmed?¡±

    Qin Yining found this new behavior quite entertaining. She¡¯s be quite proactive after being beaten! So it would seem that those who were kind would only be bullied!

    The room warmed slowly and Run fetched the four treasures of the study. Sheid out the paper properly and carefully ground the inkstick into the inkstone. Qin Yining randomly selected a brush made of weasel fur and tested the tip with a pale finger. As the servants busied themselves around her, she spoke softly, ¡°It is indeed quite the hardship for you all toe serve me. This sets your future back greatly.¡±

    ¡°These servants wouldn¡¯t dare think so.¡± Zhu-mama led the pack as all the servants in the room stopped their activities and knelt.

    Qin Yiningughed lightly, shing her pearly whites. The illumination from themp light made her beautiful features all the more stunning. ¡°Since we reside within the manor, it is only right to observe its rules.¡± She put the brush down as her gaze fell on the group on their knees in front of her. Her eyes sparkled radiantly as she spoke thoughtfully. ¡°Since Jin-mama sent you to Snowpear Courtyard, you could be considered my people now. I¡¯ve just arrived in the manor and there is much I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t know many of the rules that nobledies are supposed to know either. But, the mama to teach me rules and my teacher will arrive tomorrow. Do you think I¡¯ll always remain in the dark?¡±

    ¡°The miss speaks too severely, these servants wouldn¡¯t dare think so.¡± The group kowtowed as enlightenment sparked in their collective minds. There had to be a limit to their bullying! Their miss was the lord¡¯s only child after all, it was only a matter of time before she found her footing and soared to new heights! Qin Yining¡¯s words created a shift in their attitude to her, one that edged towards respect and perhaps care. But more importantly, it instilled a new sense of belonging. They didn¡¯t feel that the future was dark anymore, not if they followed this miss!

    Qin Yining had spent a great deal of time in the city, and understood well that both kings and peasants moved for profit. If she wanted this group to follow her faithfully, she had to reassure them that they wouldn¡¯t lose their backing at the drop of a hat. She¡¯d actually turned that little speech over many times in her mind before delivering it. She didn¡¯t have experience in ordering people around or lecturing them, but that wasn¡¯t her main worry. She was simply trying to avoid saying the wrong things.

 Chapter 12: Grandmother

    <h4>Chapter 12: Grandmother</h4>

    Judging from everyone¡¯s reactions, she had aplished her goal. Qin Yining¡¯s lips curved slightly with pleasure. ¡°Not to mention, which noble house has a rule where servants can bully their masters? Even a ¡®barbarian¡¯ like me knows this, so those of you who grew up in a noble house would know too.¡±

    By the end, Qin Yining¡¯s tone had dropped to a dangerous low, and Zhu-mama and Run led the others in a kowtow as soon as she paused. ¡°Yes, we understand.¡±

    Nodding with satisfaction, Qin Yining¡¯s tone returned to normal as she continued, ¡°Speaking of rules, morning and evening greetings to grandmother every day is a rule, all of you greeting me whenever you see me is a rule, and me teaching Qin Huining a lesson for stirring the pot is also a rule. When grandmother found out about this, she had both of us copy ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯. This too is a rule. All of you are smart people, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll understand the right and wrong of this matter without needing me to exin further.¡±

    Her next words shocked everyone present. She¡¯d thoroughly beaten up Old Dowager¡¯s most beloved Miss Huining, but her only punishment was to copy a ssic work?! Moreover, Miss Huining had been the one beaten, but she had to share the punishment as well? None of them were fools and instantly understood that there was more than met the eye in this matter. Perhaps Miss Huining wasn¡¯t as innocent as she¡¯d always came off as, and the old dowager didn¡¯t look down on Fourth Miss as much as they¡¯d all thought.

    Zhu-mama, Liuya and the others instantly had a new opinion of their miss¡¯ sharpness. It¡¯d been less than a day since she¡¯d stepped foot in the manor and she¡¯d already coolly given Miss Huining such a setback! Run was even more fearful! Miss Huining had been the apple of the old dowager¡¯s eye, but now she resembled a pig with her swollen face. Even then, the old dowager had only punished Fourth Miss with some lines! And the two of them were being punished together! Run herself was just a servant, the old dowager was such a lofty existence that she would never deign to take note of Run, but wasn¡¯t Yuxiang courting death in wanting to cry for justice tomorrow?!

    When her thoughts reached that point, Run kowtowed heavily again. ¡°Miss, this servant knows her wrongs! I will serve you with the best of my efforts in the future and won¡¯t dare breathe a word ofint. If I go back on my word, may my head be covered in sores and the rot spread throughout me to my stomach!¡±

    The severity of her oath was a testament to Run¡¯s sincerity and further shocked those around her. Run had been a favorite of the senior madame before, but now even she was wholeheartedly devoted to Fourth Miss. Were any of them stronger than Run? Following her cue, all of them curtseyed and expressed their loyalty.

    Qin Yining smiled and waved her hand. ¡°Forget it, all of you can rise. I say this only for you to understand what¡¯s happened. After all, my mother was provoked by Qin Huining into exchanging angry, callous words with my father before returning to her parents. My mother has no fault in this. If anyone asks you about this, you should know what really happened.¡±

    How maniptive of Qin Huining, creating such discord between the senior madame and the lord! The servants kept her words carefully in mind and assented in unison.

    ¡°As for Miss Yuxiang, none of you are as good at boiling water as she is. She¡¯ll be the one working tonight. But all of you should learn from her example, you may end up in charge of it in the future.¡±

    The servants assented again, but they were well aware that the miss was forbidding them to help Yuxiang. Herst sentence hinted clearly that Yuxiang wouldn¡¯t even have the opportunity to boil water in the future...

    Qin Yining dismissed the servants, keeping only Run by her side. She picked up the brush again, recalled ¡°The ssic of Filial Piety¡±, and quietly started writing from memory.

    Zhu-mama, Liuya, and Qiulu left with the three serving girls, all of them exchanging a nce when they cleared the doorway. In the distance, the little kitchen had a small trail of smokeing its chimney. As they watched it be whisked away the wind, all of them felt goosebumps prickle their arms. This miss is too strong! We¡¯ll have to serve her carefully in the future!

    Just as things came to a close in Snowpear Courtyard, the news of the fight between n¨¦e Sun and Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Huining¡¯s savage beating at Qin Yining¡¯s hands spread on the back of wings. Before long, every branch of the family had their own version of the story, each one born with a fresh retelling.

    ......

    In the depths of the night, the usually quiet Duke of Ding Manor saw a burst of uncharacteristic liveliness. The Duchess of Ding, n¨¦e Zheng, listened to the servants babble their news. Sheforted the irritated Duke of Ding, flung on a padded cotton jacket and made her way to the warm receiving hall. Upon arrival, she was greeted by the sight of her daughter¡¯s reddened eyes and tear streaked face. It was enough for her brows to wrinkle into a frown.

    ¡°Daughter Han, what are you on about this time?!¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s full name was Haihan, and frequently referred to by her ¡°Han¡± character as a nickname.

    When n¨¦e Sun heard her mother¡¯s familiar voice, she paid absolutely no attention to the content of her mother¡¯s words and burst into aggrieved sobs. Sheunched herself onto her mother and enveloped thetter into a bear hug. ¡°Mother, you need to seek justice for your daughter! The bastard Qin Meng is going to bully me to death!¡±

    The duchess reeled backwards from the sheer momentum of her daughter¡¯s lunge, and if it hadn¡¯t been for a quick-witted Bao-mama reaching out and subtly bracing her mistress with a hand, both mother and daughter would¡¯ve ended up on the ground.

    ¡°Look at you, how old are you? Still flying off the handle like this, think of the sight you present! And look at the time. Why aren¡¯t you at home? What are you doing here, and why are you crying as soon as you see me? So tell me, how big is the matter? Is the sky falling in?¡± The duchess was unhappy enough to start lecturing immediately. Her head ached as she looked at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s tearful, sniffling self. She had been preupied with being a good wife when she was young and personally tended to all the various matters,rge and small, of the house. She busied herself with personally teaching the sons, and could only give her daughters to the care of her mother-inw. Who knew that her mother-inw would just spoil the girls to no end? Look at what daughter Han has be now.

    Her daughter had always been headstrong and demanded her way in all things. As a child, it had beenbeled as emotional honesty and exined away as the ignorance of youth, but daughter Han was almost forty years old now! How could this still be the endearing ignorance of the young? Even the duchess was troubled her daughter¡¯s behavior, much less her son-inw.

    N¨¦e Sun hade back to loudly vent her grievances, but who knew she¡¯d be in for a round of lecturing before she could manage a word in her defense? She felt more and more like a victim as she sat there and decided to sprawl on the luohan bed off to the side for a good cry. As she listened to her daughter wail, the duchess rubbed her throbbing temples.

    Bao-mama immediately came to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side with a handkerchief and patted her back lightly, finally coaxing her into silence. The old servant gave n¨¦e Sun a bowl of warm water before discreetly retreating to the side.

    The duchess tightened her cor, prompting Bao-mama to immediatelye over with a hand warmer. The duchess allowed the hand warmer to soothe away the cold for a while before asking slowly, ¡°Alright, what is it this time? What momentous asion has sent you scrambling back like a headless chicken?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun sniffled, but didn¡¯t answer immediately. Rather, she grabbed her mother¡¯s hand first. ¡°Mother, you have to help me!¡±

    ¡°Tell me first.¡± The duchess furrowed her brow ever so slightly.

    ¡°I, I want to find someone!¡±

    ¡°Who do you want to find?¡±

    ¡°I, I suspect that Qin Meng has a mistress outside the manor!¡± N¨¦e Sun spilled the beans without the slightest hesitation as she¡¯d broached the subject of her distress, speaking with increasing speed. ¡°I told mother before right? That Qin Meng¡¯s men found a child near Liang that looks very much like him? He brought the child back today, and she looks just as handsome as he did when he was young. Qin Meng dotes on her as the apple of his eye, but that child bears no resemnce to me at all! I suspect that Qin Meng is secretly keeping a mistress outside. That child is definitely a bastard!¡± She rose at this point and spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°Then I questioned Qin Meng today and he actually talked back to me! Although he didn¡¯t touch me, he looked like he wanted to eat me alive! He did all this to me for a girl of unknown origins! Am I supposed to take any random child he brings home as my daughter? He can keep dreaming! I demand an investigation!¡±

    The duchess pursed her lips, falling silent as she allowed her daughter to vent. Off to the side, Bao-mama also lowered her head in thought, asionally ncing at n¨¦e Sun sideways with a look of unknown intention.

    N¨¦e Sun drew closer to her mother, pulling on her hand and pouting cutely when she saw that her mother wasn¡¯t speaking. ¡°Mother, help me~ Give orders to have your people investigate if Qin Meng has a mistress. It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t allow him to take concubines! If he really has a mistress, father has to teach him a good lesson! And, I want to conduct a test between that girl¡¯s blood and mine and see if she really is my child! I can¡¯t just believe whatever people tell me!¡±

    ¡°Not only did you argue with your husband, you also want to investigate if he has a mistress, and conduct a maternity test with the child?¡± The duchess¡¯ words were measured, but unmistakably angry.

    ¡°Yes! Why are you being so mean, mother!?¡± N¨¦e Sun felt very misunderstood by her mother¡¯s tone.

    The duchess clenched her teeth, trying to hold back the urge. But in the end, she couldn¡¯t control her temper. She threw aside the hand warmer, and pped her daughter. It wasn¡¯t a hard p, lighter than the one n¨¦e Sun had given Qin Yining, but then again, n¨¦e Sun had always led a pampered life.

    She¡¯d rarely ever seen her mother in such a temper, not to mention she was almost forty. But here she was, being pped by her mother! Her mentality couldn¡¯t take it and tears began to trickle down her face again, seemingly endless. She wanted to burst out into loud wails, but didn¡¯t dare enrage her mother further. N¨¦e Sun could only remain copsed on the ground, sniffling and huping, the very image of a piteous woman being bullied by the world.

    The duchess was even angrier at this disy and pointed at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s nose, exhorting loudly, ¡°Daughter Han, you¡¯re not a young girl anymore, so why do you still act like this? What kind of person is Lord Qin? How many look up to him and wish for the chance to fawn on him? How could you argue with him like this ande back here at the drop of a hat? You leave him no face in doing so! And you want to investigate if he has a mistress, and conduct a maternity test!? Where did your brains go?! Anyone with the slightest shred of intelligence to them wouldn¡¯t do that in such a situation! Not only can you not conduct any investigation at all, you also have to take her as your daughter, and happily at that!¡±

    ¡°Why must I?!¡± N¨¦e Sun flew into a rage at this seemingly unreasonable mandate from her mother and shouted right back, ¡°Why do I need to take her as my daughter if that wild brat is a bastard?!¡±

    ¡°Fool! Idiot!¡± The duchess stamped her foot in sheer anger. ¡°How many years have you and Lord Qin been married, and yet you only have daughter Hui to this day? Lord Qin has already said that daughter Hui isn¡¯t yours, the new one is. If you use a way to prove that the new one isn¡¯t, then doesn¡¯t that mean you¡¯ve borne him no children at all?¡±

 Chapter 13: Sensibility

    <h4>Chapter 13: Sensibility</h4>

    ¡°You might not have a son, but at least you have a daughter. If even the daughter isn¡¯t yours, then think of the consequences yourself! ¡®Of the three crimes of filial piety, having no children is the greatest¡¯. If you end Qin Meng¡¯s line, you break one of the sevenws! 1 Both your father and I will have nothing to say if Qin Meng casts you out!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was rendered speechless for a moment, unable to collect her wits. When she could gather her anger again, she shrieked, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t, he wouldn¡¯t dare cast me out!¡±

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t?¡± The duchess snorted, feeling her headache worsen as she stared at her seemingly brainless daughter. ¡°What kind of person do you think Qin Meng is?! He has shown nothing but stunning talent and decisive resolve his entire life! He was able to get rid of Northern Ji¡¯s Protector of the Nation as a mere youth, and his career has seen no bump ever since. When has there ever been such a young prime minister in the history of our Great Yan?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun could only shake her head dumbly at this brutal assessment. There truly was no man with as smooth a rise as Qin Huaiyuan in her memory. But she still couldn¡¯t ept this, ¡°That¡¯s all because of father¡¯s help...¡±

    ¡°Idiot!¡± The duchess flicked her daughter hard in the forehead, the force enough to overbnce n¨¦e Sun as she copsed to the floor. ¡°We¡¯re allied to the Qin family by marriage. It is only natural for the two families to help each other. Even I find your constantly superior tone irritating, much less Lord Qin. He¡¯s an outstanding and upright man. Would he be scared to bring back a mistress?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s lips trembled when she thought of everything that had happened after meeting Qin Yining. She murmured softly to herself, ¡°Did I really give birth to daughter Yi? Daughter Hui was someone else¡¯s swapped in at birth?¡±

    When the formerly enraged duchess saw how heartbroken her daughter had be, her heart softened. Her tone became much more gentle. ¡°Since Lord Qin has said so, then it most likely is so. Even if not, you still have to take this child for your daughter, and that too with joy. If you don¡¯t, you bear the crime of having borne him no children at all. Taking her in as your daughter creates anotheryer of support for your status in the Qin family. Daughter Han, do I really need to teach you such basic logic?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tears trickled down like a broken string of pearls. Sobs began to rack her petite frame, ¡°How could the daughter Hui that I¡¯ve raised for so many years be a fake! It¡¯s all Qin Meng¡¯s fault! If it wasn¡¯t for him making enemies, why would my child have been switched at birth!¡±

    ¡°And have you ever thanked him for all the adoring, fawning attention that¡¯se to you because of this marriage? A married couple is supposed to go through the ups and downs of life together!¡± The tiny bit of goodwill born in the duchess¡¯ heart was immediately extinguished by her daughter¡¯s words.

    N¨¦e Sun was thrown into silence by this retort, but then shot right back. ¡°I don¡¯t care! It¡¯s his fault!¡±

    ¡°Has everyone wronged you in your eyes? Forget it, no need to share that with me. Just tell me, what are you going to do from now on?¡± Her mother rubbed her forehead resignedly.

    N¨¦e Sun thought for a moment. ¡°Mother, can¡¯t we quietly get a sample of the girl¡¯s blood and conduct a maternity test without anyone knowing...?

    ¡°You cannot conduct a test! Did I not just exin this to you? Was I just wasting my time and effort just now?!¡± The duchess nearly exploded in anger as she shrilled sharply at her daughter. N¨¦e Sun was frightened into absolute silence and lowered her head, trembling. ¡°You should also know the situation of Great Yan these days. Your father, brothers, and I have analyzed the situation countless times recently. Remember this, Great Zhou is growing stronger by the day. Its emperor is wily and crafty, while Pang Xi 2 ravages thend with brutal ruthlessness. Our Great Yan grows ever weaker, and the future looks dim as well. At this time, it¡¯s even more imperative that our house works well together with the Qin family. There cannot be the slightest bit of discord between us.¡±

    When it came to national matters, even n¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression grew solemn. The charging Prince Pang and his Valiant Tigers 3 were like a sharp de sunk into their belly, twisting with abandon until they begged for relief from the pain. Each breath taken was just another moment towards their deaths. N¨¦e Sun felt her limbs grow cold at the mere thought. Compared to home and country being lost, losing one¡¯s child and finding them again didn¡¯t seem to be so devastating.

    Seeing that her daughter finally a bit calmer, the duchess¡¯ ire abated as well. Her voice turned soothing as she spoke again, ¡°You should trust Qin Meng¡¯s character. He might use schemes in other matters, but he would never tolerate ambiguity when ites to his children and the Qin bloodline. You shouldn¡¯t have questioned him today.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit embarrassed when she recalled Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s beet red face earlier.

    ¡°Daughter Han, you should be thinking carefully about this. Now that you¡¯ve found your real daughter and have daughter Hui by your side, an additional daughter means an additional son-inw in the future. Isn¡¯t that anotheryer of protection and guarantee for you? So you tell me which is better: one or two?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun thought for a moment and nodded docilely in the end. The duchess heaved a silent breath of relief when her daughter was no longer stubbornly throwing a tantrum. That she had to break apart and exin every part of the argument bit by bit to her almost forty year old daughter was a task more tiring than raising her granddaughters. She could make ns for n¨¦e Sun, but she couldn¡¯t be by her daughter¡¯s side forever! Daughter Han is still so immature at her age, whatever will she do in the future?

    By the side, Bao-mama was well aware of the duchess¡¯ concerns and walked up with a smile when she saw that matters had been resolved. ¡°You must be tired after today, mydy. I¡¯ve had someone prepare your old residence. Why don¡¯t you wash up and rest for now, and we¡¯ll take care of the other matters on the morrow?¡±

    Bao-mama had been part of the duchess¡¯ dowry, and so her position amongst the servants in the duchy was quite elevated. Even n¨¦e Sun had to give the old servant a certain degree of respect when she saw her. N¨¦e Sun gave the old servant a grateful smile, then snuck another look at her mother¡¯s visible agitation. She spoke with some embarrassment, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother. I¡¯ll do whatever you want, alright?¡±

    The duchess shook her head wearily. ¡°Bao-mama, have someone send medicine to daughter Hanter. And you, think of an exnation! You¡¯re going back first thing tomorrow morning, and you will need a good exnation for your mother-inw.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? I¡¯ll just say that Qin Meng bullied me.¡± N¨¦e Sun sniffed.

    The duchess was strongly tempted to bury her head in her hands. ¡°How can you possibly say that to your mother-inw? If I were her, I¡¯d punish you with the house rules until you cried! Just tell her that you were in a rush toe here because I wasn¡¯t feeling well. That¡¯s a reasonable exnation for traveling through the night.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do! How could I say that when you¡¯re not sick, mother? Besides, I made such a big fuss that the second and third branch of the family probably knows as well. They¡¯ll know that I¡¯m just making up excuses.¡±

    This silly girl even let the matter spread! If nothing else, the Duchess of Ding felt ten years closer to the grave when speaking to her daughter. She could take it no longer, and waved her hand like she was shooing away a fly. ¡°Go rest, we¡¯ll talk tomorrow.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun could tell that her mother was well and truly irritated. She didn¡¯t dare make any more of a fuss and left docilely. Bao-mama told Jin-mama and Can to serve their mistress well before sending them all on their way. When the old servant saw how tired the duchess looked, she spoke with a smile, ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart, mistress. Thedy is much grownpared to before. It¡¯s just that this matter has to do with the children, and a woman cares most about her children. It¡¯s understandable that she¡¯s reacting like this.¡±

    Parents were always somewhat biased towards their children, so although the duchess felt that her daughter had the finesse of a bull in a china shop and was quite brainless to boot, she wasforted by these words. ¡°Daughter Han¡¯s always worn her heart on her sleeve ever since she was young. I just hope the Qin family will think this way as well.¡±

    ¡°You need to worry even less about this, madame.¡± Bao-mama handed an exquisite, white porcin tea set to the duchess with a smile. ¡°You see, ourdy is still so straightforward even after so many years of marriage. That¡¯s more than enough proof of how well Lord Qin has protected her. Even the Qin¡¯s old dowager is rather tolerant of her daughters-inw. Otherwise with thedy¡¯s intelligence, wouldn¡¯t she have be rather skilled in schemes and plotting after so many years of conflict in the rear court? Naivet¨¦ has its strengths as well. At least this means that thedy has never suffered in Lord Qin¡¯s manor.¡±

    Bao-mama was the mostpetent servant by the duchess¡¯ side alright. Her persuasive words soforted the duchess that it felt like she¡¯d eaten a sweet,te night snack instead, and all of her anger from earlier dissipated. The duchess turned her thoughts to the problem at hand, ¡°You should apany her back tomorrow. Daughter Han is in the wrong, and we¡¯re not a family who disregards the rules. We will need to express our stance clearly and show the Qin family our sincerity. Give the old dowager a detailed exnation... and take a look at the two children.¡±

    Bao-mama nodded carefully. ¡°This servant understands.¡±

    ¡°Also, find out discreetly just what¡¯s happened since granddaughter Yi returned. Pay close attention to both granddaughter Hui and Yi¡¯s reactions. I¡¯ll need a thorough report afterwards so I can make some ns for daughter Han.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Bao-mama¡¯s expression had lost its smile. She knew what to do.

    ......

    Qin Yining rose before the sun had even broken the horizon, as was her custom. After washing up and changing clothes, she hiked her skirt up and fastened it in ce, and started runningps around her yard.

    Yuxiang had been charged with boiling waterst night and hadn¡¯t slept until midnight. Run had endured her pain, grinding ink until the hour of the rat 4 . They¡¯d thought that the miss would sleep in today after all the exertion, but who would¡¯ve thought that they¡¯d wake up to their mistress runningps in the yard? What miss of a noble family would even do something like this in the morning?!

    Run didn¡¯t dare dally as she quickly wiped her face clean and flung on some clothes. Fortunately, Qiulu was already standing under the covered hallway holding a beige cloak. Run walked over, all smiles, and asked in a low voice, ¡°When did the miss wake up?¡±

    ¡°About two hours ago.¡±

    Two hours? Run took a close look at Qin Yining. Her mistress¡¯ face was only slightly flushed; even her breathing remained unchanged. Waves of shock roiled in the maid¡¯s heart. The miss¡¯ energy is greatly different from that of typical noble daughters¡¯!

    Qin Yining felt rather rxed after her exercise. When she took a look at the time, she and summoned Run and Qiulu to help her get ready. ¡°We¡¯ll go to Garden of Loving Pietyter to greet Old Dowager.¡±

    Run and Qiulu looked at each other, both a bit nervous. Mattersst night had grown a bit out of hand. No one knew how the second and third branch of the family would react, nor how the old dowager would respond.

 Chapter 14: Fame With A Single Battle

    <h4>Chapter 14: Fame With A Single Battle</h4>

    Snowpear Courtyard sat in the northwest corner of theplex. If one were to describe it nicely, it was ¡°soothing yet beautiful¡±. In reality, it was rather devoid of foot traffic. It was out of the way from most paths, so its residents would have to cover a lot more ground than the girls from the other branches of the family. Qin Yining decided to bring Qiulu and Run with her, while Zhu-mama, Liuya and the serving girls sent them off at the door. Run smiled appeasingly, ¡°Miss, shall I order some of the old servants 1 used to menial work to prepare a sedan chair? The road is long; I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll tire you out.¡± She thought Qin Yining was likely out of energy after exercising for two hours.

    ¡°No need. The morning air is still fresh, and a brisk walk will loosen everything up. Otherwise, I¡¯ll feel weird all over.¡± Compared to her previous life of having to fend for herself, life had been too easy as ofte. Qin Yining was used to back-breaking work and the edge of starvation every other day. She was afraid that her edge would be blunted by this easy life where everything was proffered on a silver tter.

    Those present couldn¡¯t help but quietly cluck their tongues in amazement. They¡¯d be sprawled on the floor panting if they¡¯d followed their miss¡¯ schedule, but she hadn¡¯t even loosened up yet? Just how strong was her body?! Liuya recovered the quickest and startedplimenting her mistress, volleying with Run. Theirpliments painted Qin Yining as someone who could uproot even mountains, and even the taciturn Qiulu gazed at her mistress with worship.

    Qin Yining listened to the fawning with a slight smile. Compared to their supercilious dismissal yesterday, the servants¡¯ attitude today had undergone aplete transformation. She¡¯d gained fame with a single battle, so her efforts yesterday hadn¡¯t been for naught. This was precisely what she wanted. Since being gentle and mature hadn¡¯t brought the care that was hers by right, then her edge would seize by force. Otherwise, if everyone took her for an easy target, they¡¯d only be too happy to trample her in their wake. In addition, who would wholeheartedly follow an official daughter who couldn¡¯t protect herself? Having no servants she could trust meant having no eyes and ears in the manor. How would she survive in the future?

    The way things stood now was a very good beginning for her. A rxed Qin Yining started off for Garden of Loving Piety with Run and Qiulu in tow. The morning air was crisp and clear, with more hints of civilization than that of the mountains. Whenpared to the deste campsite she¡¯d lived in before, she found that she really did like ¡°home¡± better. She admired the view as she walked, finding interest even in a stone brick that was slightly overgrown with moss.

    Run saw that her mistress was in a good mood, and so walked up to whisper in a low voice, ¡°Miss, Yuxiang boiled water until midnightst night and said that she¡¯d tell on you to the old dowager. Be careful, don¡¯t let her frame you.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile, not saying anything, but also indicating that she¡¯d heard the maid¡¯s words. Run breathed a small sigh of relief at this acknowledgement. It looks like miss isn¡¯t nning on punishing me for my wrongs. A tolerant and charismatic mistress like this gave the greatest feeling of security.

    They followed the alley and took a right at the fork, and the scene suddenly brightened in front of them. Before long, they¡¯d reached the rear garden, and Qin Yining¡¯s feet slowed of their own ord. She looked around with obvious interest. Having seen wild overgrowth everywhere she¡¯d set foot on the mountains, such an exquisite and meticulously arranged garden moved her deeply. Just as she was happily taking in her fill of the garden, a slightly young girl¡¯s shrill voice shattered her serenity from behind, ¡°Oho! And I wondered who it was. You, huh? A barbarian like you actually has the capacity to admire gardens as well?¡±

    Qin Yining turned around, a smile already in her eyes as her hand gently brushed back the side bangs the wind had caressed over her eyes. She didn¡¯t say anything. The neer was a slightly chubby girl with a simr hairstyle of hair trailing down her back from twin buns on her head. Two fine, silver butterflies had seemingly alighted on her head, tucked around a downy-white peony flower. Her silver and red padded jacket and skirt beautifully offset the white rabbit fur around her cor, making her apple-red cheeks even more adorable. She was a plum blossom flowering brilliantly amidst a dreary winter, quite fetching and easy on the eye.

    Run guessed that Qin Yining didn¡¯t know all the girls in the manor, so she smartly curtseyed, ¡°Greetings to Sixth Miss.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyebrow arched when she heard that it was the sixth miss. When she had Run grind ink for herst night, she¡¯d also gained a rough understanding of all the household members. The sixth miss was named Shuangning, and her birth mother was the favored Concubine Lin of the second elder master. Concubine Lin was quite a fortunate woman, since she¡¯d given birth to twin girls. Sixth Miss Qin Shuangning was the older twin, and her sister Anning less than fifteen minutes younger than her. Although they were twins, their personalities and appearances were vastly different.

    The sixth miss was close to Qin Huining and depended greatly on her birth mother, Concubine Lin. On the other hand, the seventh miss was close to the third and eighth miss from the third branch of the family, and was goddaughter to the second madame. Second Madame n¨¦e Su had given birth to Qin Yu, eldest master of the youngest generation, and fifth master Qin Xian. She hadn¡¯t had any daughters, so she¡¯d personally brought up the seventh miss and treated the girl as her firstborn.

    Run had praised the second madame for being a wonderful mother when she had exined it all, but Qin Yining had sensed something else. If the second madame really was so loving, why would she only elevate one of Concubine Lin¡¯s children and suppress the other? With just one, she could hold the girl in the palm of her hands and could mold the child whichever way she wanted. Setting that aside, treating the twins unfairly meant that the one left out would be filled with resentment and jealousy. It would tear the sisters apart.

    Seeing her twin daughters so divided in heart and practice, and one of them distanced from her, Concubine Lin must be the saddest of them all. The second madame seemed to be an expert at muddying the waters.

    Qin Yining smiled, ¡°So it¡¯s sixth sister. Have youe to greet Old Dowager?¡±

    ¡°Naturally. I also wanted to see how fourth sister is doing, but who knew I¡¯d bump into you instead, wild wench! How unlucky!¡± The sixth miss tilted her nose up with a huff.

    The look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes turned cold, but her voice remained gentle. ¡°So this is how sisters in the city greet each other, hmm? I¡¯m learning a lot today.¡±

    The sixth miss was quick to identify the contempt in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes and flew into a rage. ¡°Don¡¯t you be proud of yourself! Look at you, so arrogant and cocky simply because you beat people up the first day aftering back, and fourth sister at that! Just wait until grandmother punishes you!¡±

    ¡°You mean Qin Huining?¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°It looks like your sources haven¡¯t been too urate. In terms of punishment, grandmother has already done so. Qin Huining tried to create discord between my father and mother, severely angering grandmother. She¡¯s already been sent to copy ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You! You¡¯re just spouting nonsense!¡± The sixth miss stamped her foot in anger. ¡°You¡¯re twisting things around!¡±

    ¡°I say, sixth sister isn¡¯t that old, but you¡¯re somehow going senile!¡± A sweet young voice rang through the air. Three young girls had rounded the corner while the sixth miss was angrily using Qin Yining. The one who¡¯d spoken was Eighth Miss Qin Baoning. She had already rushed over like a young sparrow before Qin Yining could respond to the sixth miss,nding with a slight bend at the knee in greeting. Straightening, Qin Baoning red at the sixth miss, ¡°Senior uncle already said yesterday that Qin Huining is just a foster child. Fourth sister has already been entered in the family books, but you¡¯re still messing up the titles. You can¡¯t even tell which is fourth sister, just wait until senior uncle and the old dowager punishes you!¡±

    Qin Shuangning¡¯s eyes had gone bloodshot in her anger. She shrieked, ¡°Qin Baoning, do you even have a heart? You denounce fourth sister as soon as this barbarian enters?! My sources say she beat up fourth sister! Us sisters have lived together for so long, but you don¡¯t care about our fourth sister at all?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do! I care why she deserved to be beaten up! But since she deserved it, she was in the wrong!¡± Qin Baoning rolled her eyes at her sixth sister. She wanted to continue battling, but Third Miss Qin Jianing quietly tugged on her younger sister¡¯s sleeve to make her stop.

    Seeing that the scene was about to erupt out of control, the quiet Seventh Miss Qin Anning quickly walked up and took her twin sister¡¯s arm with a smile. ¡°Sixth sister, let¡¯s go greet grandmother. If not, we¡¯ll bete.¡±

    Qin Shuangning pushed aside her twin contemptuously. ¡°Oh don¡¯t you touch me. Stay away from me. I can¡¯t be bothered talking to some traitorous thing like you. Don¡¯t you like sucking up to the third branch? What are you ying at being a good person for?¡± She brushed off Qin Anning¡¯s hand forcefully and stalked off.

    Qin Anning¡¯s face flushed beet red with indignation. Although the third elder master, born of n¨¦e Wang, had no future as an official, he had a broad and smooth path as a merchant. Therefore, the third branch of the Qin family was the economic lifeline of the entire n. The children of the third branch didn¡¯t need to rely on the family¡¯s coffers for their monthly stipend. Their allowance was naturally on a different levelpared to the rest of the young Qin girls.

    Seventh Miss Qin Anning had indeed received some small presents here and there; but how could she remain calm in the face of such indignity? She immediately retorted, ¡°And don¡¯t you suck up to the main branch of the family? Look at you, you¡¯ve even hugged the thigh of an imposter!¡±

    Eighth Miss Qin Baoning pped her hands andughed with delight at this riposte. Qin Shuangning turned back to re at everyone, but left with a flourish of her sleeves when she considered the numbers against her. Third Miss Qin Jianing took Yining¡¯s hand when the sixth miss had stiffly walked far enough into the distance. ¡°Don¡¯t be taken aback, fourth sister, sister Shuang ys with sister Hui the most. She¡¯s just a bit emotional right now.¡±

    ¡°Third sister speaks truly. Sixth sister is innocent and naive, but she¡¯s rather interesting.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly. She¡¯d always liked to carefully observe a new environment, whether deep in the mountains or a city¡¯s crowds. Only after careful analysis of people and matters would she feel a sense of security. This was why she¡¯d sought to form a picture of her new sisters as soon as possible.

    When the third miss saw Qin Yining¡¯s emotions were carefully regted, and that she didn¡¯t seem as shy as yesterday when dealing with people, Qin Jianing assigned a bit more importance to the fourth miss in her heart.

    The girls soon arrived at Garden of Loving Piety, chattering happily along the way. All of the serving girls in the covered hallway bent their knee in unison when the girls passed over the square tilesid at the entrance. Two maids rolled up embroidered satin curtains stitched onto thin bamboo ts. A pair of jade gourds dangled from the corners, their tassels swaying bingly.

    The door curtains today are different from yesterday¡¯s. Qin Yining inwardly marveled at the extravagance of the rich as she took off her cloak, instructing the maid to keep it well. She followed the rest in circling past the room divider that was carved with diagrams for happiness.

    This morning, the old dowager was wearing a sapphire-colored cotton jacket with loose sleeves, embroidered patterns of fortune chasing down the row of buttons in the front. Her white hair was coiled into arge bun, a gold hairpin embedded with rubies dangling from it. She was currently sitting cross legged on the luohan bed next to the window with an extremely dark expression.

    Second Madame n¨¦e Su, Third Madame n¨¦e Wang 2 were sitting on either side of her, while First Wife n¨¦e Yao and Second Wife n¨¦e Meng 3 were standing behind their respective mother-inws with lowered heads. Between them was Qin Huining, her face so swollen that it was difficult to make out her features. When she saw Qin Yining, her pupils contracted rapidly. She subconsciously shrank back, biting her lip. She invited great pity, as if she¡¯d suffered so greatly but didn¡¯t dare resist.

    The sixth miss had arrived earlier and started raising a hue and cry before Qin Yining and the others could make their greetings. ¡°Old Dowager, look at how swollen fourth sister¡¯s face is! You have to punish that wild wench severely!¡±

 Chapter 15: Tattling

    <h4>Chapter 15: Tattling</h4>

    Sixth Miss Qin Shuangning¡¯s use of ¡°wild wench¡± was enough to irritate even the most cid person, much less someone as straightforward and tough as Qin Yining. But thetter also knew that if she got into an argument with the sixth miss in front of everyone, the family would only ce her on the same level as the sixth miss. There was no need to devalue herself like that. Plus, one had to lose their temper with a purpose. She would only have the upper hand if she was in the right. It wasn¡¯t a matter of having the loudest voice. Otherwise, not only would she not intimidate her opponent, she¡¯d be taken for amon shrieking harlot out on the streets. No one would respect her the longer time went on.

    Besides, she¡¯d just shown her edgest night, and the effects of that hadn¡¯t blown over yet. If she continued in the same vein, she¡¯d really be the barbarian of their eyes, someone who only knew how to use brawn and not her brains. Then, it¡¯d be one thing for others to disdain her, but more importantly, how would she gain footing in this manor without favor from the old dowager and the various madames?

    On the other hand, who said arguing back when provoked was the only way to gain the upper hand? Qin Yining might not understand the twists and turns of women¡¯s minds, but she believed in one strong person being mighty enough to take on ten who knew martial arts. Qin Shuangning, do you think you¡¯re tougher than wild wolves?! She narrowed her charming almond-shaped eyes, sharp as arrows dipped in poison. The look was so cold that it seemed like Qin Yining would pounce on the other girl and eat her alive at any moment. Qin Shuangning, you¡¯re just a wild beast trying to stare me down!

    The sixth miss had always led a sheltered life, how could she possibly withstand such a vicious stare? The hairs on her neck immediately stood on end as chills ran down her back. Cold sweat even trickled down her forehead, and she subconsciously swallowed all of her impolite words. She couldn¡¯t find it within herself to voice ¡°wild wench¡± anymore.

    The sisters had crossed swords for just a breath, but who would¡¯ve thought that the strident sixth miss, causing headaches with all of her shrilling, would suddenly stop after one nce from Qin Yining? First Wife n¨¦e Yao and Second Wife n¨¦e Meng found this amazing and snuck curious nces at both girls. Third Madame n¨¦e Wang smiled with lowered eyes and sipped delicately at her tea cup.

    It was rather Second Madame n¨¦e Su who sniffed contemptuously, rebuking with a dark expression, ¡°Daughter Shuang! Have you no manners at all? What right do you have to be jumping up and down like this when your elders have yet to speak? Old Dowager naturally has the grasp of the situation, stand aside!¡±

    The sixth miss had had no such fortune to be the second madame¡¯s goddaughter, and although she shared the same teacher as her twin sister, her manners had been taught by her concubine mother. The official wife of her family branch openly deriding herck of manners was a p to both mother and daughter!

    Qin Shuangning felt her face burn hotly and was quite rebellious. She looked again at the swollen Qin Huining. Us sisters share the same fate, Qin Yining got us good this time! She really hated the new fourth miss now.

    Qin Yining, the third, seventh, and eighth miss all walked up to the old dowager, kowtowing in the greatest gesture of greeting. The family matriarch had been silent all this time, as if a statue of Buddha. She finally lifted her eyes, ncing first at the sixth miss and then waving her hand in nomittal indication for everyone to rise.

    Qin Yining and the rest shifted to the side. The atmosphere within the room grew a bit heavy. After all, the main branch of the family had had such a great carrying-onst night. The senior madame had fought with the house lord, and then gone back to her own family. Just as everyone was specting what they¡¯d shed about, word came that Qin Yining had violently beat up Qin Huining! Compared to the first bit of news, the second was earth shattering. In a learned household such as the prime minister¡¯s, the young masters wouldn¡¯t physically fight when they disagreed, much less the youngdies.

    There were many versions floating around of what¡¯d happened. Some said that Qin Yining was a barbarian, and her true nature had shown itself, while others said that Qin Huining had been the one to start the fight as she wasn¡¯t satisfied the official firstborn daughter hade back to step on her. Regardless of who the rumors benefitted, they all served to muddy the waters in the manor. It was entertainment for the servants and afternoon gossip for outsiders. This reminded the old dowager of what Qin Huaiyuan had hurriedly said to her this morning...

    ¡°We must handle this as soon as possible. The emperor is growing old and hates seeing affairs like these break out in his subjects¡¯ homes, especially when we¡¯re so swamped with matters at court. Mother must let others know that all is well in our family. How will I be able to administer the nation if I can¡¯t even keep my household in line? If my political enemies seize on this point and exaggerate it out of proportion, the consequences can be disastrous.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s face sank when she thought of this, and she wanted to close the book on this as fast as possible. There were surely rumors circting outside already, and Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s child couldn¡¯t bear the fall out, no matter what. Otherwise, this would be giving her son¡¯s political enemies more ammunition! Lack of educating his children properly and protecting them would point to the ipetence of a father, and if others started mumbling that ws in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s nature were passed on and being disyed by his daughter... wouldn¡¯t that lead to suspicions about his own character?

    When her thoughts traveled here, the old dowager actually began ming Qin Huining slightly. If it hadn¡¯t been for the girl¡¯s plotting and scheming, why would all of this have developed? I can¡¯t even protect her now even if I want to! The old dowager would rather people say that she¡¯d failed as a grandmother in raising her grandchildren then have people conclude that Qin Yining¡¯s disy was a result of bad breeding from her father. Not to mention, the matriarch could indeed see through Qin Huining¡¯s intentions and knew that she was targeting Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s bloodline. Having thought through all this, the old dowager cleared her throat and announced in a stately voice, ¡°You all know what¡¯s happened yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± All of the women and girls curtseyed in unison.

    ¡°Granddaughter Hui is ignorant in her youth and unknowingly incited n¨¦e Sun¡¯s temper with her words,¡± the old dowager continued slowly. ¡°Granddaughter Yi couldn¡¯t ept this and taught dear Hui a lesson. The two little girls don¡¯t know that they should coexist in harmony, and actually ended up fighting instead. I¡¯ve already set them to copying ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯. This matter is now over. None of you shall bring it up again.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s words glossed over the details and turned Qin Yining¡¯s single-sided beating into a mutual fight. This actually cast the girl in a sad light as well, and really turned Qin Huining into the viin who¡¯d been punished for provoking the official wife. Those assembled all nursed different thoughts and looked at Qin Yining differently when they saw even the most biased old dowager actually lecture her pearl, her apple, Huining.

    The second madame, third madame, first wife, and second wife assented in unison. The sixth miss looked incredulously at the still piteously crying Qin Huining, while the third miss and eighth miss all studied their feet. The seventh miss however, looked at the quiet Qin Yining with some curiosity. Qin Huining on the other hand, felt like she¡¯d plummeted into an icy cavern. Her very core was frozen, as the bitter taste of her expectations being met welled up. Right, Qin Yining is the one with blood ties to the Qin family. All of the love and favor I had vanished as soon as she¡¯se back.

    She even held a bit of a grudge against the old dowager. The grandmother who had loved her so much no longer did so now, and was just blindly helping her real granddaughter suppress Qin Huining! What gratitude I should have for her care, what love that we¡¯ve shared all these years?! Blood is thicker than water in the end! She felt so very, very angry and alone, but was afraid to break out in a tantrum. She had to live in the manor after all. Qin Huining didn¡¯t want to be sent away just for struggling over momentary pride. Her tears plopped off her face continuously, presenting an incredibly heartbreaking sight along with with her reddened, swollen face.

    The sixth miss was both anxious and pained. She wanted tofort her sister, but the second madame red at her as soon as she took a step. The sixth miss didn¡¯t dare talk back to the official wife of her family branch, so she switched to lowering her head without another move after some hesitation.

    The old dowager rubbed her forehead with irritation when she noted everyone¡¯s reactions. Life had been easy in the past couple of years. There hadn¡¯t been a need to think about all the ins and outs of the inner residence for a very long time. Qin-mama had a deep understanding of the old dowager¡¯s temper and offered a cup of ck tea at the perfect temperature at this time. The exquisite tea cup rimmed with gold was her favorite, the tea fragrant and strong. It was vored with honey that was a hit of sweetness to the taste buds, settling warmly in the stomach. The tea washed away some of the old dowager¡¯s earlier unhappiness.

    A sharp, sobbing cry traveled in at this time. Careful listening identified it as a girl loudly yelling, ¡°Justice, Old Dowager, I seek justice!¡±

    The voice was quite familiar to Qin Yining as her memory was exceedingly strong. Even though the voice had cracked from how strenuously it was being used, she could still make out that it was Yuxiang. So she does as she says! She¡¯s reallye toin to Old Dowager!

    The old dowager frowned ferociously and set the tea cup down heavily onto the table. ¡°Who is it outside?! This kind ofmotion is ludicrous!¡±

    Qin-mama hastily trotted outside and lifted the door curtains, seeing a maid with disheveled hair and a dirty face being restrained by two serving girls outside. The maid was begging and crying piteously. All of the other maids on duty heaved a sigh of relief when they saw the old servant. One of the little serving girls reported softly, ¡°Yuxiang of Snowpear Courtyard barged in and said that she has a matter she wishes the old dowager to give her justice for.¡±

    ¡°Justice is one thing, you¡¯d still have to see if Old Dowager is in the mood to listen to you had you asked nicely. But here you are, carrying-on and making such a fuss. Can you afford the consequences if you disturb the old dowager?!¡± Qin-mamamanded deep authority in the manor and frightened Yuxiang into silence with these words. But when the old servant turned to go back into the house, Yuxiang¡¯s confidence grew again as she mentally repeated that she was the child of a servant, and that her overseer mother was her support.

    When the old dowager heard Qin-mama¡¯s words, her expression darkened again. ¡°Who is this?! Bring her in!¡±

    Run and Qiulu were waiting in the outer hall when they heard the disturbance and were pacing around in an anxious frenzy. Qiulu nked when she saw Yuxiang enter, and Run knitted her brows together tightly, feeling something bad was going to happen. Yuxiang on the other hand, arched her brow after seeing Run and smirked proudly. She then grabbed Run before the other had time to react and turned on her spigot of tears. ¡°You¡¯re here too sister? You¡¯re still serving today after suffering so muchst night?! Old Dowager is kind and never mistreats the servants. Come! We¡¯ll have her give us justice!¡± She forcefully dragged Run unwillingly in with her into the inner hall.

    Run struggled free of the grasp with effort and almost broke out into tears from fright herself when she saw the various mistresses adorned with jade in the room, and met Qin Yining¡¯s own coollyposed gaze. Heavens be my witness, I really don¡¯t want toe make trouble for the miss!

    Yuxiang had already knelt down in a kowtow, her tears creating two clean streaks down her dirtied face. Her bleak appearance made her seem more like someone who¡¯d just returned from exile. ¡°This servant is Yuxiang, a new second-rank maid of Snowpear Courtyard. I¡¯m here risking death today to seek justice! Please, Old Dowager!¡± She kowtowed with audible thumps after these words.

    The old dowager frowned and looked unhappily at Qin Yining, exhorting, ¡°This is your maid?! Why can¡¯t you keep your servants in line?!¡±

 Chapter 16: Standoff

    <h4>Chapter 16: Standoff</h4>

    The old dowager¡¯s rebuke made everyone turn to Qin Yining. Jin-mama had arranged all the servants for Snowpear Courtyard, she¡¯d pulled most of the candidates from n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side. Qin Yining had just returned for one day, and her servants had arrived only in the afternoon. What time had she had to properly train her servants? If her servants were misbehaving, that spoke to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s training and had nothing to do with Qin Yining.

    Withst night¡¯s events fresh in their minds, no one felt that Qin Yining would suffer this rebuke quietly. They all looked at her meaningfully. Qin Huining¡¯s eyes were sparkling with anticipation. It¡¯d be best if this barbarian explodes and goes head to head with Old Dowager!

    Qin Yining stood up slowly.

    Everyone held their breaths.

    Qin Huining clenched her fists eagerly in her sleeves.

    Qin Yining... gave a proper curtsey and spoke gently, ¡°Old Dowager speaks truly. I didn¡¯t keep my servants in line, please don¡¯t be angry.¡±

    Her meek manner and gentle tone were extremely soothing and moved people as well. This response was indirect protection of n¨¦e Sun. Even the old dowager looked at Qin Yining with a more tender gaze. She¡¯s Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter alright. She is forgiving and virtuous by nature, even though she didn¡¯t grow up by his side.

    All of the old dowager¡¯s pride and joy in her lifey with her eldest son, and when she looked at the girl who looked so simr to him, her anger began to fade and she couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Mm, just keep an eye out in the future. The teacher that your father has requested for you has almost arrived. Make sure you pay attention to your lessons.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you grandmother.¡± Qin Yining curtseyed smilingly.

    ¡°Go and sit,¡± the old dowager waved a hand.

    The tense and charged atmosphere moments ago had been dispelled by a single word from Qin Yining! Qin Huining almost dug bloody crescents into her palms when she saw the benevolent smile her grandmother bestowed onto Qin Yining. Yuxiang still had her forehead on the ground. She was waiting for Qin Yining to argue loudly with the old dowager so she could pipe in at an opportune time about how vicious and cruel to servants the fourth miss was. Who would¡¯ve thought that ¡°the barbarian¡± would do something wholly unexpected?

    A few hints of assessment were in the old dowager¡¯s gaze as she turned to Yuxiang. ¡°What do you want from me? Raise your head when you answer me.¡±

    Yuxiang lifted her head, her dirty face full of coal streaks. The two clean tracks that her tears had cleared were smeared into oblivion again as she rubbed her face. The misses in the room all averted their heads, feeling a bit queasy at the sight. Yuxiang sobbed, ¡°Please give us justice, Old Dowager! Transfer us away from Snowpear Courtyard! I can¡¯t stay there anymore, Fourth Miss will torture me to death!¡±

    The old dowager frowned and flicked a nce at the second madame. Thetter immediately understood and rebuked, ¡°Ludicrous! Fourth Miss is a mistress of the household, how would she purposefully torture her servants? Besides, since when have servants been able to pick and choose where they¡¯d like to serve? It¡¯s your great fortune that you can serve at Snowpear Courtyard. Are you trying to start a mutiny toin to this great honor to Old Dowager and frame the miss?!¡±

    ¡°Please look thoroughly into this, Second Madame! I¡¯m only doing this because I really have no options left! Fourth Miss is too violent! Run and I are like this after serving her for only a day! Fourth Miss kicked Run to the ground and beat her¡ªlook at her face! It¡¯s still swollen!¡± Yuxiang rose to pull at Run and point at the bruised corner of her mouth, then pointed at herself, ¡°And me! Fourth Miss made me boil water for no reason at all and kept me there for half the night, not letting me go to sleep...¡±

    Yuxiang bawled loudly again at this time, and tears once more streaked down to create two pale tracks on her spotted, dusty face. Run on the other hand, wished she could sink straight into the ground. If only I knew how to make myself invisible! Yuxiang seems smart usually, but why did she lose her brains at such a crucial moment?! And it¡¯s one thing for her to be an idiot, why drag me into it??

    Run fell to her knees with a thump, scouring her thoughts for ways to save herself. Yuxiang knelt as well and kowtowed again. ¡°Please help us, Old Dowager! I¡¯m risking death today! If I go back, Fourth Miss will probably beat me to death!¡±

    As Yuxiang was going on about this, the looks of those assembled traveled over Qin Huining¡¯s swollen cheeks several times. If they had to point to someone who really could beat someone up amongst them, Qin Yining did seem like the likely candidate. The emperor advocated a policy of virtue, and servants hadn¡¯t been beaten to death in the prime minister manor for many years. No one had ever seen a noble miss able to beat others up. The old dowager had just glossed over Qin Huining being thrashed, but here was a maid with anotherint! They all wanted to see how Qin Yining would react. She could keep it together in front of the old dowager, but no one thought that she¡¯d be able to tolerate a maid.

    However Qin Yining remained sitting calmly, looking down at the rug at the foot of the old dowager¡¯s bed. She seemed to be waiting for lint to gather on the rug and didn¡¯t voice a single word of defense. She didn¡¯t even look at Yuxiang from beginning to end. It was as if the maid didn¡¯t exist at all.

    Even the old dowager was perplexed by this. It would damage a girl¡¯s reputation if thebel of ¡°cruel to servants¡± was tacked on her. Didn¡¯t she care at all? Or did she not understand the severity of this? The atmosphere grew heavy again. Only Yuxiang¡¯s sniffles could be heard in the quiet room. The old dowager frowned and was about to speak when Run suddenly crawled forward on her knees, then kowtowed loudly three times. She proimed loudly, ¡°Old Dowager, don¡¯t listen to Yuxiang! Fourth Miss is innocent!¡±

    ¡°What, what are you talking about?! Didn¡¯t we...¡± Yuxiang started at these words and whipped her head around to re at Run.

    Run didn¡¯t wait for her to finish and cut in, ¡°Things aren¡¯t as Yuxiang said at all! The fourth miss did make her boil water, but that¡¯s because Yuxiang did something wrong. Yesterday, she stole a lot of the jewelry that Senior Madame gave Fourth Miss. She thought the fourth miss couldn¡¯t read the records and didn¡¯t understand which materials were what. But the fourth miss is intelligent beyondpare and knew what was missing with just a nce.¡± She looked at Qin Yining with a look of admiration at this point. ¡°The fourth miss didn¡¯ty it out at the time and only hinted that Yuxiang should return the items. Yuxiang felt that she lost a lot of face and returned the jewelry, but hated the fourth miss for this. When Fourth Miss and the maids were outst night, she withheld the miss¡¯ charcoal and wouldn¡¯t fill the braziers in the main residence. The main house was as cold as a cer.

    ¡°Last night, I was identally injured when the two misses fought. Yuxiang made up a story to nder Fourth Miss when I returned. I tried to talk her out of it, but to no avail. The fourth miss happened to return at that time and heard what Yuxiang was saying. All of this added together was why she was sent to boil water.

    ¡°How can a maid steal from her mistress and hate her even when the mistress doesn¡¯t punish the theft or say anything?? She even withheld charcoal in winter! This servant feels that Fourth Miss has been kind enough to Yuxiang already. Yuxiang¡¯s actions today vite her conscience!¡± Run kowtowed again when her words traveled here, ¡°Please look at this thoroughly Old Dowager, don¡¯t listen to Yuxiang¡¯s lies and misunderstand Fourth Miss!¡±

    Standing behind the divider, Qiulu also kowtowed when she heard this. ¡°Old Dowager, this servant also heard Yuxiang nder the miss. She said very ugly things. Run¡¯s words are true, all of the servants in Snowpear Courtyard can bear witness.¡±

    ¡°You¡ªyou¡ªall of you¡ªall of you are making this up!!¡± Yuxiang¡¯s head was splitting apart and she pounced forward to scratch Run¡¯s face. Run crashed to the ground with a ¡°very sincere¡± cry of shock. Thankfully Qiulu, Jixiang, and the other maids weren¡¯t too far away. They were able to keep the two apart from each other. Yuxiang shrieked, ¡°This is nder! I just saidst night that I¡¯d get justice for you, but you bite me instead today! You two-faced thing!¡±

    ¡°Yuxiang, shut up.¡± The quiet Qin Yining finally stood up. These three words were enough to make the raucous Yuxiang immediately quiet down. She walked over to the kneeling Yuxiang and looked down from a lofty position. The maid felt yed alive by the frostiness of the fourth miss¡¯ look. She lowered her head to look at Qin Yining¡¯s embroidered shoes instead, bracing for those shoes to kick her in the chest at any moment. However, Qin Yining didn¡¯t do anything and curtseyed to the old dowager instead. ¡°Old Dowager, it¡¯s my fault that this matter has made its way to you. I haven¡¯t kept Snowpear Courtyard in good order. I apologize for having such a matter enter your sight.¡±

    The old dowager had allowed the second madame to respond as she wanted to coolly observe everything that happened, as well as everyone¡¯s reactions. She was quite satisfied that Qin Yining hadn¡¯t demeaned her status to argue with her maid. It was also an impressive demonstration of her newly returned granddaughter¡¯s ability to win over people after just one day, when both Run and Qiulu stepped out to speak for her. Her docile and mature image from yesterday yet lingered in the matriarch¡¯s mind. Qin Yining had the courage to speak out when Qin Huining drove a wedge between their parents, but she didn¡¯t only blindly charge forward as she also knew to preserve her birth mother¡¯s dignity as well.

    All of this made Qin Yining much more pleasing in the old dowager¡¯s eyes. This is a girl with courage and intelligence, one who can bend with the wind. She was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter alright, she even had some hints of a young Prime Minister Qin¡¯s bearing. She waved her hand and had Qin Yining rise. ¡°This has nothing to do with you. This girl is crooked by nature.¡± It was like the one who¡¯d just hectored Qin Yining for not keeping her servants in line was someone else entirely. The old dowager turned to Qin-mama. ¡°Go ask the others in Snowpear Courtyard for verification. Sell Yuxiang immediately when this matter is confirmed.¡±

    Yuxiang widened his eyes in horror when she heard this. ¡°Old Dowager, you can¡¯t do this! I was born of this house! My father is...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care who your father or mother are. They¡¯re nothing good to raise such an unruly daughter.¡± The old dowager frowned impatiently. ¡°Lujuan, I¡¯m handing this matter over to you. Since this servant was born in the manor, then go by the book. Take her away. The sight of her irritates me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin-mama called for strong grannies who gagged Yuxiang with a handkerchief, dragging the maid down. Run was also a bit frightened as she watched the other girl being hauled away. Only one word from Qin Yining was needed at this time, one that shed light on the truth off her attacking her mistressst night, for the same fate to befall Run.

 Chapter 17: To View With New Eyes

    <h4>Chapter 17: To View With New Eyes</h4>

    Run had never felt so strongly before that her life was grasped in her mistress¡¯ hands. She felt sick with regret when she recalled her dismissal of Qin Yining yesterday. But things had developed to this point by now, and a single word from Qin Yining would determine whether she lived or died. Nervous sweat made Run¡¯s hands mmy, and she lifted her head to meet Qin Yining¡¯s calm eyes. She hastily looked down again, attempting to show maximum subservience.

    Qin Yining blinked, dimpled, and moved to the side. An indication that she wouldn¡¯t pursue things further.

    Run¡¯s heart could finally dislodge from her throat to be suffused with gratitude for Qin Yining¡¯s generosity instead. She kowtowed to the old dowager, curtseyed to all the mistresses present, and departed with Qiulu. The second and third madame had witnessed all of this, and they couldn¡¯t help but smile. Further approval of how Qin Yining handled matters colored their thoughts of her. If she¡¯d turned on Run, it¡¯d incite wariness in those who wanted to flock to her banner. After all, immediately selling off someone who¡¯d just helped her wasn¡¯t an action that inducedfort at all.

    When they reviewed the matters of the day again, although not everything had gone smoothly, the old dowager was inly in very good spirits. The second and third madame were quite aware that this calm was only because of Qin Yining¡¯s words just now. The girl had subtly stroked the old dowager¡¯s fur in all the right ces. Whether it was because she was a secretively calcting type, umonly intelligent, or just had that innate sense, Qin Yining was no ordinary character. They¡¯d thought that she was a ¡°barbarian¡±, but they were the ignorant ones instead. The girl looked weak and tender, but she had courage, brains, and knew how to react appropriately to the situation. Such a smart, brave, and perceptive girl was much better than one full of knowledge but woefully ignorant of real world knowledge.

    The greatest use for women born of distinguished families such as themy in strategic marriages. If they were full of learned wisdom, but didn¡¯t know how to handle conflict or conduct themselves, it would be extremely difficult for them to establish themselves in their husband¡¯s home. Besides, themonly epted notion was that a virtuous woman was humble and didn¡¯t overly unt her knowledge. Most families of the current dynasty didn¡¯t require their daughters to be quite so learned. It was enough if they understood the household ounts.

    Qin Yining showed signs of reaching these requirements. She wasn¡¯t any weaker than the other girls, and had a good head on her shoulders. She also had an illustrious background and formidable family n, as well as stunning features that most girls didn¡¯t possess. Just thisst point alone was enough topletely entrance her future husband. If such a girl secured the old dowager¡¯s favor, wasn¡¯t her future bright without parallel?

    The second and third madame had to look at Qin Yining with new eyes after all this analysis, and their attitudes towards her shifted slightly. Out of concern for the girl¡¯s health, Second Madame asked whether her clothing was warm enough. Third Madame spoke with a smile, ¡°I just received a new set of jade ornaments. 1 Niece Yi has just returned and I don¡¯t have a good gift ready at hand. I¡¯ll have someone send it overter.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Third Aunt.¡± Qin Yining rose with a smile to curtsey.

    ¡°Aiya, darling child, we¡¯re all family, don¡¯t be so polite! You¡¯ve juste home, so we should visit each other more often. Come visit your third aunt when you¡¯re free. You cane to us for anything.¡± Third Madame tugged on Second Madame¡¯s hand. ¡°Isn¡¯t that so, sister-inw?¡±

    ¡°Your third aunt is quite right.¡± Second Madame nodded affably. The seventh miss smiled also amiably at Qin Yining, indicating that she would fall in behind the official wife of her family branch and greatly weed Qin Yining. All was in harmony within the room in that moment.

    Qin Yining was the perfect daughter as she kept her elderspany. She was very quiet, but this maturity and keen likeness to her father made others attach a greater degree of importance to her.

    Qin Huining watched coldly off to the side as jealousy surged and threatened to smash through her heart like a burst dam. She was watching with her own eyes the attention and adoration that¡¯d once been hers be someone else¡¯s. The viin that¡¯d harmed her face hadn¡¯t been punished at all, but was being seen in a new light instead! When had she turned into a stepping stone for others to climb to new heights?!

    And yet, she couldn¡¯t resist the new order at all and was powerless to struggle against it. She could only ept it quietly, with a smile... Qin Huining felt the world had done her an injustice. She was enraged, she was jealous, she hatedthat no one was taking her seriously. But despite it all, she could only stuff this away at the bottom of her heart and not let a hint leak out, lest she lose everything else she had left to her name. She lowered her head, clenching her teeth against the tide of emotions swirling in her.

    Head maid Jixiang entered at this time and dropped a curtsey. ¡°Old Dowager, Senior Madame has returned. Bao-mamahas also arrived on behalf of the Duchess of Ding. They request an audience.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s good spirits took a turn for the worse when she heard the words ¡°senior madame¡±. Her eldest daughter-inw was haughty and demanded her way, and she¡¯d never been able to bear a son. All this earned the old dowager¡¯s disfavor and ire. But it so happened that Qin Huaiyuan needed reinforcement from the Duchess of Ding when it came to matters of court. The old dowager knew that help from this marriage was of utmost importance, and she could also tell that although n¨¦e Sun was a domineering sort, she wasn¡¯t a bad egg. Therefore, the family matriarch let a lot of things slide.

    This time however, n¨¦e Sun had unceremoniously returned home after a fight with Qin Huaiyuan. This kind of daughter-inw really invited rebuke. As a mother-inw, if she kept retreating due to wariness of her inws, her own family members would peg her for a pushover, and inward dismissal a given. How would the old dowager wield any authority in the future? And wouldn¡¯t everyone start to imitate n¨¦e Sun? Her face sank as she waved her hand, ¡°You may all go.¡±

    The old dowager looked like she was readying for a fight with n¨¦e Sun. Not wanting to get involved, the second and third madame left with their children. Qin Yining was about to leave as well, but the old dowager spoke up after a moment¡¯s thought, ¡°Lujuan, take granddaughter Yi and Hui to the inner room and bring them medicine.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin-mama nodded meaningfully. It looks like Old Dowager is nning on letting the miss meet Bao-mama. Bao-mama had been part of the duchess¡¯ dowry and was highly trusted. The duchess likely wanted to offer an exnation or apology. In addition, voicing certain things to the old servant meant telling them to the duchess as well. Yesterday¡¯s matters involved both girls. It was a good idea to exin things thoroughly to Bao-mama, lest things be moreplicated with random spection.

    Qin-mama took both Qin Yining and Qin Huining to the inner room. There was only an openwork screen 2 that divided the inner room from the side hall. All sorts of exquisite items were ced on a curio shelf within. A pot of green chrysanthemum flowered vigorously in a corner. The cushions on the seats were a simr shade of pale-green as the flowers. The entire color palette brightened up the room quite a bit.

    Qin Yining and Qin Huining sat down on the pale-green satin cushions on the luohan bed, separated by a small tea table. Qin-mama brought over some ointment and helped the two apply it. Back in the side hall, Jixiang and the servants by n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side: Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can were helping n¨¦e Sun through the doorway.

    The old dowager was seated as usual in the head seat. Everything appeared to be normal. N¨¦e Sun sheepishly walked forward to curtsey. ¡°Old Dowager, your daughter-inw has returned.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s expression was nomittal. Although she didn¡¯t break out into loud curses, she was still fully expressing her anger. N¨¦e Sun felt quite awkward. How can this old woman give me no face in front of those from my family! But as much as she didn¡¯t like the situation, she didn¡¯t dare go against her mother-inw. Her own mother¡¯s words were still ringing in her ears, and n¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t ignore them. She could only continue doggedly, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. I learned that my mother didn¡¯t feel too wellst night and was so anxious that I failed to tell you before I returned to the Duke of Ding Manor. Please forgive me as this was all out of filial piety.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun felt her face burn after she said all this. She had always been a lofty character, since when had she ever spoken so humbly to anyone?

    Although the old dowager knew that n¨¦e Sun was lying, she couldn¡¯t do anything to her daughter-inw as n¨¦e Sun had adopted such a deferential attitude. Mattersst night couldn¡¯t spread further; her son had already said to resolve things as soon as possible. This had to be swept under the rug. If she continued to make a fuss about this, the old dowager worried that it would negatively affect her dear son. Besides, it was rare that n¨¦e Sun was like this. The two of of them had to live together in the future, and the old dowager had to give a certain amount of face since Bao-mamawas here. ¡°Never mind then, rise. How is your mother now?¡±

    ¡°Much better.¡± N¨¦e Sun heaved a silent sigh of relief and poured more tea into the old dowager¡¯s teacup with a smile. Bao-mama made the grand gesture of greeting 3 to the old dowager.

    The old dowager¡¯s smile became exceedingly warm. She remained sitting on the luohan bed, but reached out a hand and went through the motions of helping the old servant up. ¡°Please rise. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯vest seen Bao-mama. Please, sit. Jixiang, serve tea.¡±

    Bao-mama made polite protestations as she sat sideways on the edge of a stool cushioned with brocade. Jixiang handed the old servant a white porcin teacup as Bao-mama inquired after the old dowager¡¯s health. The two exchanged amiable pleasantries for a while before circling back to the newly returned fourth miss.

    ¡°Old Dowager, our mistress is beyond delighted that the lord has found his long lost pearl. She had me apany ourdy back, partially to request leniency in her matter and also because I¡¯ve brought some of the best medicines and several bolts of satin that His Majesty has just bestowed on us. Most importantly, my mistress would like me to take a look at the miss and decide on a date to invite her to our manor.¡±

    Bao-mama¡¯s words were a salve on the old dowager¡¯s heart. Not only had she received an apology, but gifts as well. There was no reason that the old servant couldn¡¯t meet the child.

    ¡°Duchess Ding is surely too polite. We¡¯re all family here, there¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. Please thank her when you return, Bao-mama. It so happens that the girl is inside at the moment.¡± The old dowager had Jixiang bring the girls out while the old servant quickly got to her feet, looking towards the inner room with a smile, curiosity and reservation in her eyes.

 Chapter 18: Bao-mama

    <h4>Chapter 18: Bao-mama</h4>

    If one were to peer through the finely wrought holes in the openwork screen from the small room, one could just about make out the shapes of old dowager and n¨¦e Sun. Naturally, their conversation traveled into Qin Yining and Qin Huining¡¯s ears as well.

    Qin Yining sat quietly, ying with a turquoise teacup lid in her hands. Qin Huining on the other hand, was grinding her teeth and keeping herself in a demure sitting position with effort. How am I going to talk to Bao-mama? I need to let my maternal grandmother know how much I¡¯ve suffered! When she heard that the old dowager wanted them to go out, she was taken by glee. Fortune¡¯se knocking, my luck is changing! Bao-mama emphasizes manners so much. What kind of good impression will she have of Qin Yining once she learns that the wild brat hit me??

    If Bao-mama didn¡¯t like Qin Yining, then the duchess¡¯ first impression of her would be bad as well. Qin Huining had spent more than a decade with her mother and the old dowager. If she had the duchess¡¯ favor as well, her days toe might still befortable. When her thoughts traveled here, Qin Huining surged to her feet and didn¡¯t wait for maids to help her out. She took a few stumbling steps forward,pletely forgetting the usual decorum that she valued most.

    Qin Yining was the exact opposite as she rose slowly, put her skirt in order, and smiled slightly at Jixiang. ¡°Thank you, sister.¡±

    Her smile was so stunning that it dazzled Jixiang for a moment. After recollecting herself, Jixiang helped Qin Yining out with extreme deference. ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare, please call me Jixiang, miss.¡±

    Bao-mama was looking in the direction of the inner room with curiosity at the moment and saw Qin Huininge barreling out. ¡°Mother!¡± She sobbed andunched herself into n¨¦e Sun¡¯s embrace. ¡°You¡¯ve finallye back, mother!¡±

    It was as if the whole world had been against her when n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t been at home. The old dowager frowned when she saw this, and Bao-mama furrowed her brow slightly with iprehension when she saw this as well. If her eyes hadn¡¯t deceived her earlier, half of Qin Huining¡¯s face was red and swollen?

    N¨¦e Sun patted Qin Huining¡¯s back with a smile. ¡°What¡¯s this now? You miss me so much after just one night?¡±

    ¡°Mother, I, I just missed you, that¡¯s all.¡± Qin Huining lifted her face. Half of her charming face was now so swollen that none of its original features could be seen. Add to that her currently weeping self, it all made n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart tighten with worry.

    ¡°My dear, what¡¯s happened to your face?!¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice grew shrill with anxiety as she touched her daughter¡¯s cheek gingerly.

    Qin Huining shook her head with a choked up voice, ¡°N-nothing. It was your daughter¡¯s fault.¡± Her tears tumbled unceasingly down her cheek.

    As mother and daughter spoke, Qin Yining had walked up with Jixiang¡¯s support. She gave the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun a proper, full curtsey, and a half one to Bao-mama. The old servant hastily rose and turned to the side, not daring to ept the greeting. Bao-mama gave Qin Yining a grand gesture of greeting instead. ¡°Greetings to Fourth Miss. This old servant is n¨¦e Bao, here to visit you.¡±

    Qin Yining imitated Bao-mama¡¯s motions from earlier and avoided epting the old servant¡¯s greeting. She walked up with both hands to help the old servant up and responded very politely, ¡°Please rise, Bao-mama. Thank you for making this trip. I¡¯ve wanted to visit my maternal grandparents as well.¡±

    Bao-mama stood up and lifted her eyes to barge straight into a pair of pure, limpid pools. Even one as widely read and experienced as the old servant was momentarily arrested by the smile in front of her. The girl had a striking air about her, her almond-shaped eyes lively and yful, her features exquisitely carved, and her tall height enhanced with a steady bearing. This girl did indeed seem much like a young Qin Huaiyuan, but she had hints of gentleness and purity that was unique to the fairer sex. There was even a bit of mischief and otherworldliness about her. She would be a charming and charismatic person indeed.

    Bao-mama had been carefully observing the two girls ever since they¡¯d emerged from the inner room. Compared to Qin Huining¡¯s dramatics, Qin Yining was much more demure and proper. The old servant had seen more than her fair share of inner residence tricks, and could clearly pick out the false tones in Qin Huining¡¯s immensely aggrieved, exaggerated state. Only someone blinded by motherly love such as n¨¦e Sun would fail to realize that this was another scheme.

    The old dowager was also greatly displeased to see Qin Huininge running out in tears. Family drama should be kept behind closed doors. Whether Qin Huining was at fault or not, this was something they should¡¯ve taken care of quietly. Why is this silly girl allowing this matter to spread to the duke¡¯s household? Thankfully, Qin Yining made up for herck of education in manners with her wit and quick reactions. She imitated those around her in epting and giving greetings, alleviating some of the old dowager¡¯s gloomy mood.

    The old dowager favored Qin Huining after all and understood the girl¡¯s fear and awkward situation. But at the moment, the matriarch was quite dissatisfied with the girl¡¯s actions. She¡¯d never felt this way before, but now that they¡¯d actually run into a serious, important matter, Qin Huining¡¯s style really did seem a bit crass and uncouth. Her actions weren¡¯t even as mature as a young girl from the mountains. Seeing that Qin Yining and Bao-mama had met, the old dowager bade everyone sit. ¡°Let¡¯s talk while sitting, everyone.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The two responded.

    Meanwhile, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s brow had twisted into a knotted rope. She pulled the sniffling and huping Qin Huining with her and looked at the old dowager, raising her voice, ¡°Old Dowager, I¡¯ve left for only a night, why is darling Hui¡¯s face like this? Has someone bullied her? If this is the case, I won¡¯t let this matter lie! Even though she¡¯s my foster daughter now, there¡¯s no reason for a daughter of our household to be bullied like this!¡±

    Her words were suffused with righteousness and mes were burning in her eyes as she stared at the old dowager. Her assumption was that Qin Huining had done something wrong, so the old dowager had ordered someone to p her. But how could a mother not step forward for her child when the pping had been this harsh? At the heart of it all, n¨¦e Sun would¡¯ve never thought that Qin Yining had been the one to beat up her beloved daughter.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s indignant expression almost sent the old dowager into a fit of fury again. ¡°Eldest daughter-inw, is this how you speak to your mother-inw?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun lifted her chin and pursed her lips, many lines of retort and argumentation shing through her mind. However, the various reminders her mother had given her earlier today made her pause.

    The old dowager could absolutely guess what her daughter-inw was thinking, based on thetter¡¯s expression. When she took a look at the sniffling Qin Huining, so upset that she couldn¡¯t even exin things properly and had elicited n¨¦e Sun¡¯s suspicion of the old dowager instead, her spirits instantly sank to a new low. The matriarch couldn¡¯t be bothered with leaving any face for n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°N¨¦e Sun, you don¡¯t need to talk to me like this. Both of us know full well what happenedst night. Bao-mama is no outsider either, and I¡¯m up in my years. There¡¯s no need to end up in animosity like this for the matters of your household. You should first take a look at what kind of daughter you¡¯ve raised.¡± The old dowager red at n¨¦e Sun and continued, ¡°You¡¯re heartbroken at granddaughter Hui¡¯s face? She was beaten up because you failed to educate her properly and control your actions! She was careless with her words and made you misunderstand granddaughter Yi, yet you started arguing with Meng¡¯er without any proof and then returned to your home. Granddaughter Yi is a girl of action and after you left, felt that granddaughter Hui was the cause of all this. That was unforgivable whether it was the intended oue or not, so she punished the source.

    ¡°Although one of them didn¡¯t intend for this to happen, and the other grew angry for the harmony of her parents, sisters must be punished if they don¡¯t live together peacefully. I¡¯ve already lessoned them for you. What is all this now? You¡¯re the one who went home and now you¡¯re back to berate the mother-inw who took care of your children for you? This is beyond ludicrous!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s words stunned n¨¦e Sun into silence where she stood, while Bao-mama off to the side had gleaned some key pieces of information from all this:

    Qin Yining had hit Qin Huining.

    Qin Huining¡¯s words had unintentionally caused n¨¦e Sun to doubt Qin Yining¡¯s background, causing n¨¦e Sun to fight with Qin Huaiyuan.

    Judging from the old dowager¡¯s stance, she didn¡¯t dislike Qin Yining after that altercation.

    These bitsbined with Qin Yining¡¯s steady bearing just now and Qin Huining teary appearance, not daring to voice what¡¯d happened to her, made many more corrtions appear in Bao-mama¡¯s mind. She smiled and tried to smooth things over. ¡°Please be calm Old Dowager. Ourdy is straightforward and speaks her mind. You dote on her so, please don¡¯t misunderstand each other because of this.¡±

    N¨¦e Sunpletely ignored what the old servant said and turned to the quietly standing Qin Yining. ¡°You hit darling Hui?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining responded with lowered eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯re so poisonous!¡±

    ¡°In response to the madame, the connotations in Qin Huining¡¯ words made you misunderstand father and affected your rtionship. I took action because I just couldn¡¯t stand for this.¡±

    ¡°What, am I dead?¡± N¨¦e Sun ground her teeth. ¡°When was it your turn to punish her?!¡±

    ¡°Mydy!¡± Bao-mama grabbed n¨¦e Sun¡¯s wrist when she felt that thetter¡¯s words would grow inappropriate. She stared deeply into the madame¡¯s eyes and enunciated each word carefully. ¡°Please. Watch. Your. Words.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s chest heaved in anger. Qin Huining seemed to recover from her shock at this time and fell to her knees with a thump. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother! It¡¯s my fault, it¡¯s all my fault! Please don¡¯t be angry anymore, it will be all my fault if you hurt yourself with anger!¡±

    Even though n¨¦e Sun knew that she was supposed to happily ept Qin Yining as her daughter, there was no way she could do so given how much hardship her daughter was in. If it hadn¡¯t been for Bao-mama restraining her, she really would¡¯ve rushed up and smacked Qin Yining good and proper, turning her face into the same state as Qin Huining¡¯s.

    Qin Yining looked calmly at the furious n¨¦e Sun, her long chilled heart now turning into a block of ice. She was very sensitive to hostility and knew that she hadn¡¯t misjudged the look of utter hate in her mother¡¯s eyes. Not only did her mother not acknowledge her, her mother even wanted to harm her...

    She lowered her longshes and sighed softly. I should really stop holding onto those dreams.

    Bao-mama took her leave with a smile when she saw that the old dowager was in a bad mood, and the matriarch didn¡¯t try to keep the old servant either. Everything was in a jumble in her mind and she didn¡¯t want to see any of these people anymore. Even the sight of her usual favorite Qin Huining irritated her now, so she dismissed everyone as well.

    After leaving Garden of Loving Piety, the group walked silently to the main branch¡¯s Garden of Tranquility. Bao-mamacalled out to Qin Yining, ¡°Fourth Miss, might this old servant have a few words with you alone?¡±

 Chapter 19: Persuaded By Reason But Not Cowed By Force

    <h4>Chapter 19: Persuaded By Reason But Not Cowed By Force</h4>

    Qin Yining was a bit dejected after so thoroughly receiving her mother¡¯s enmity. But she forced herself to perk up when she heard Bao-mama¡¯s words and cleared her mind of all emotion, smiling politely back at the old servant. ¡°Bao-mamais too polite, it¡¯s really too much. Does grandmother have any words for me?¡±

    It was the first time Bao-mama had had the opportunity to inspect Qin Yining in close quarters. A random person may not have been able to discern the connotations in those words, but the old servant was an old hand after so many years in the inner residence. How would she not understand?

    The first part of Qin Yining¡¯s words had expressed respect for the Duchess of Ding and the old servant, giving thetter a good deal of face, but the second part reminded Bao-mama of her identity. It was a warning to the old servant that she should think twice if she wanted to favor Qin Huining or capitalize on her seniority. Having just seen how the old dowager treated Qin Yining and the girl in action, Bao-mama wasn¡¯t angry at all by this veiled warning. In fact, her look at the girl warmed with a few hints of approval and respect.

    ¡°Will you move over there, miss?¡± Bao-mama pointed at the mountain of chrysanthemums in Garden of Tranquility. Qin Yining followed the direction of the old servant¡¯s finger and saw that, apart from pots of multi-colored flowers making up a small mountain, there was a plot of emptynd around it. It was a slight distance away from the main residence, side wings, covered hallways between the buildings and servant quarters. She didn¡¯t understand at first, butprehension dawned when the two walked to the mountain of chrysanthemums and looked back at the main residence.

    There were no hiding ces in the area, so there was no fear that someone would overhear their conversation. Qin Yining made a note of this. People who grow up in these noble houses really are very smart.

    Bao-mama stood in front of Qin Yining and smiled, ¡°The miss must be undergoing through a period of adjustment sinceing back to the manor.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Qin Yining responded honestly. ¡°But to be able to return at all is a gift from the heavens. I have no other desires. I just wish that I can stay by my parents and elders¡¯ side.¡±

    Bao-mama approved of this response. She could tell that Qin Yining wasn¡¯t used to talking to people because the girl spoke slowly and deliberately. It was obvious that she was thinking about what words to use. But the fourth miss always said the most appropriate things, a clear sign of intelligence. The old servant had wanted to approach the matter in a roundabout way, but set that intention aside after Qin Yining¡¯s reaction. She cut to the chase, ¡°Senior Madame has likely shown some resistance to epting you after you¡¯vee back, hasn¡¯t she?¡±

    Qin Yining blinked and immediately pulled her lips into a smile. ¡°Bao-mama must be joking. No mother would reject her own child. The madame just hasn¡¯t seen things clearly yet. I am in awe of her motherly heart, and am admire Miss Huining as well.¡±

    Bao-mama rearranged the hollowed out silver bangle on her arm and turned over Qin Yining¡¯s words carefully. Her smile became more genuine. There were four levels of meaning to the girls¡¯ words. She knew that n¨¦e Sun was only blinded at the moment. She knew that n¨¦e Sun was a good mother who loved her children. She also knew who had clouded n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes. The most important was that she didn¡¯t hate her mother for theck of eptance, and she was willing to wait for it. This had been expressed quite vividly. Clearly, the fourth miss had understood the old servant before anything had needed to be said, and given the answer that the duchess had wanted most to know. Even the misses by the duchess¡¯ side may not be as clear minded as Qin Yining. This made her much stronger than that brashdy of theirs who¡¯de running back home justst night.

    ¡°This old servant understands the fourth miss¡¯ meaning.¡± Bao-mama returned a solemn curtsy.

    Qin Yining shifted to the side, not fully epting the gesture, and returned a half one as well. She reached out for Bao-mama¡¯s elderly hands. ¡°You¡¯re a trusted confidante by my maternal grandmother¡¯s side. You¡¯re also an elder in my eyes. Please don¡¯t stand on ceremony like this. I don¡¯t know how the madame is arranging things, and don¡¯t know when I can go visit my grandparents. Please bring my regards to grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll do so.¡± Bao-mama and Qin Yining smiled at each other, walking slowly to the main residence at the same time. They chatted at inconsequential topics along the way.

    The maids in the hallway lifted the door curtains and announced their entrance. Qin Yining and Bao-mama entered to see a n¨¦e Sun in full fury sitting on the chaise by the window. Qin Huining was right next to her and dabbing at her tears with a handkerchief. The frozen atmosphere inside the house let both neers know that Qin Huining must¡¯ve just fully vented her feelings in a gravely biased recounting of what¡¯d happened.

    N¨¦e Sun kept her temper down with effort and tugged her lips in a polite smile to the old servant. ¡°Please sit Bao-mama, allow me to take care of some family matters before chatting with you.¡± She stiffly had Caiju bring over a stool and didn¡¯t pay attention to whether the old servant had sat down before pointing at Qin Yining. ¡°You! On your knees!¡±

    Qin Yining had retracted the faint smile on her face as soon as she entered. She raised her slender eyebrows slightly, pursed her lips that colored light-pink, and kneeled without a hint of resistance. She looked down as she said evenly, ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, madame.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry?! How can I not be angry?¡±! N¨¦e Sun stood up and shot forward, putting her hands on her waist and pointing at Qin Yining, her redcquered fingernail almost poking the girl¡¯s face. ¡°You make a move on darling Hui as soon as I leave! Do you think you¡¯re still in the mountains, and there¡¯s no rules here whatsoever?!¡±

    Qin Yining closed her eyes, unable to find the slightest trace of hope in her frozen heart. She felt that she could finally ignore all this after having her heart broken earlier. ¡°In response to the madame, your daughter didn¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t!? If you didn¡¯t, then did ghosts p darling Hui?!¡±

    ¡°Since the madame knows that Qin Huining was pped, then you should also know why she was pped. As your daughter, how could I stand for someone sowing discord between you and father?¡±

    ¡°sphemy! How dare you talk back to me? How arrogant you must¡¯ve been after I left, huh?! You didn¡¯t grow up by my side, so I don¡¯t expect you to be as learned as the other noble misses, but you can¡¯t bring any of that crass, base city mannerisms into our manor either! Do you think you¡¯re a harlot shrieking on the streets, that whoever has the hardest fist can talk the loudest?! I tell you, dream on!¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice was shrill as she fired off criticism at a high pace. She gasped loudly for air when she paused. She didn¡¯t feel feel like she¡¯d given full vent to her feelings yet and red ferociously at Qin Yining¡¯s head of ck hair. She roared, ¡°Lift your head!¡±

    Qin Yining raised her head docilely. She hadn¡¯t cried, the hint of tears had just pooled in her bright and clear eyes instead. The look in her eyes was very calm. There was no dissatisfaction or resentment. N¨¦e Sun felt something crash into her heart simply by the girl looking up at her. The hand she¡¯d raised high to p the girl with froze midair.

    Qin Yining lowered her longshes when she saw this movement. Though her eyshes trembled, not a single tear trickled down. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, madame. It¡¯s not worth it if you harm your body like this, and worth even less to exert yourself with action. If you¡¯re angry that I hit Qin Huining, you can give me any punishment. Have me kneel on roof tiles, or make me chop wood and haul water.¡± Her voice fell to a mumble at this point. ¡°I saw a rich family punish their maid like this once when I delivered firewood to them.¡±

    Deliver firewood?

    Punishing a maid?

    Anyone with a bit of conscience would be moved when they recalled her life thus far. However, n¨¦e Sun wasn¡¯t treating her like a daughter at all. The madame was even nicer to her maids! The human heart was a soft, tender thing. Bao-mama had stood up at this point, feeling that someone had squeezed hers painfully. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand trailed down listlessly as she looked down at Qin Yining with aplicated look.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mydy. Remember the mistress¡¯ words.¡± Bao-mama cautioned at this time.

    N¨¦e Sun pursed her lips a few times and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Qin Huining was grinding her teeth ferociously, her hands tightened into fists. It took her a great deal of effort to squeeze out, ¡°Never mind mother. Really, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Her words reminded n¨¦e Sun why she¡¯d been so angry. Except, that unbearable rage had been reced by a faint sense of heartache instead.

    Bao-mama took a deep look at Qin Huining, quickly understanding more of what was going on. ¡°Mydy, why don¡¯t you rest a bit? Allow this servant to take a walk in the garden.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun wasn¡¯t in the mood to overly inquire and waved her hand nomittally. Bao-mama bent her knee and summoned a few maids and granny servants for some questioning.

    Qin Yining was on her knees for forty five minutes before n¨¦e Sun said, ¡°Forget it. Remember this lesson well. Don¡¯t be this violent in the future. You¡¯re a noble daughter of the prime minister¡¯s manor after all. As the official firstborn of the main branch, people will gossip and speak ill of us if we don¡¯t behave in a mannerly fashion, or bring in the undesirable airs of the city. We¡¯ll lose face for our family then and affect the reputation of all the girls in the family, not just you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tone had softened, so Qin Yining¡¯s response was even more gentle. ¡°Madame speaks truly, your daughter knows now.¡±

    As N¨¦e Sun looked at this version of Qin Yining, she suddenly felt randomly that she shouldn¡¯t bully a child who¡¯d led a tough life. When she thought of what her mother had said, n¨¦e Sun sighed. She had to acknowledge this daughter no matter what, in order to consolidate her position. She might as well do so happily. Besides, once she¡¯d gotten over her anger, she felt that Qin Huaiyuan really didn¡¯t seem to be the sort to confuse the Qin family bloodline. Perhaps this girl really was hers... They might be strangers now, but maybeter...

    ¡°You¡¯re dismissed.¡± N¨¦e Sun rubbed her forehead, not looking at Qin Yining anymore.

    The girl took her leave with an affirmative reply, meeting Run and Qiulu in the outer room for them to help her into a cloak and the way back home.

    N¨¦e Sun took a look at Qin Huining¡¯s reddened eyes and cheeks,forting the girl, ¡°Don¡¯t feel so wronged, she¡¯s a pitiful person after all. Just let this matter go. I have some good ointment here, I¡¯ll have Jin-mama apply it on you in a moment. Your face will heal soon.¡±

    Qin Huining almost broke her teeth from all the gnashing. See! It¡¯s easy to see who¡¯s your real daughter now! Despite this massive malcontent, she couldn¡¯t drive away her greatest backer. She wrapped her hands around n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm with a smile, ¡°Mother speaks truly. I¡¯ll do whatever you say.¡±

 Chapter 20: Importance

    <h4>Chapter 20: Importance</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun sent Qin Huining back to Garden of Loving Piety to rest, but the image of Qin Yining on her knees, looking up at her with tears swimming in her eyes lingered in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s mind. She dismissed all the other servants and kept only Bao-mama, asking solemnly, ¡°You¡¯ve been by mother¡¯s side for a very long time and have eaten more salt than I have rice. You see things more clearly than I do. In your eyes, did darling Hui really purposefully cause drama?¡±

    ¡°Mydy see things clearly,¡± Bao-mama smiled. ¡°You¡¯ve just been blinded by your motherly heart. You already know the answer, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Answer?¡± N¨¦e Sun mused.

    ¡°Indeed. The duchess always says that if one wants to see how a person is, we just need to look at the results of their actions and disregard anything they might say. This will lead to the surest picture of that person. Although you said you¡¯d never forgive Lord Qin, you still came back to the manor. This is a sign of your genuine feelings for Lord Qin. I feel that he must understand your sincerity and so has loved and respected you all these years.

    These wordsforted n¨¦e Sun, rxing her taut heartstrings. Wasn¡¯t this the case upon further thought? She might kick up a right royal fuss, but she still cared about Qin Huaiyuan. Although he might re and huff at her, he still very much respected her very much. N¨¦e Sun murmured to herself, ¡°Darling Hui is mature and her every word is afort to me. But I really did start suspecting daughter Yi¡¯s origins because of a careless word from my dear. I started arguing with my lord because of my suspicions. And... I¡¯d decided to acknowledge daughter Yi when I returned today, but couldn¡¯t control my temper just now and almost hit her...¡±

    Bao-mama lowered her eyes and smiled, not saying anything.

    N¨¦e Sun shook her head incredulously. ¡°Nonono, darling Hui is kindhearted. This is probably all a coincidence! Wouldn¡¯t you say so, Bao-mama?¡±

    The old servant swallowed her words of, ¡°How can there be so many coincidences?¡± when she saw how n¨¦e Sun was. She was just a servant, even the duchess hadn¡¯t been able to set n¨¦e Sun down the right path after so many years of exnations and exhortations. What use would her words be? Bao-mama spoke a few more words offort and quickly took her leave to return to the Ding Manor, leaving n¨¦e Sun behind in silent thought.

    At the same time, Qin Yining was returning to Snowpear Courtyard with Run and Qiulu. It was quiet all around with few other passersby. An asional flock of birds would suddenly take to the air from a withered tree in the distance. The skies of early winter were a vivid sapphire, and the temperature colder today than yesterday. Qin Yining was strolling along calmly, her beige, damask cloak ring open slightly. Qiulu and Run supported her on both sides, the former not letting a word escape from tightlypressed lips.

    Run on the other hand, felt that Qin Yining was sure to rely on her in the future since she¡¯d been pardoned today. Since she was going to be a trusted maid, it should be fine to say a word or two. ¡°That was an ordeal just now, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled at the maid.

    ¡°Bao-mama is the duchess¡¯ trusted confidante,¡± Run continued, encouraged by the response. ¡°A word from her is more important even the misses in the Ding Manor. Miss Huining was trying to make the senior madame p you just now, why didn¡¯t you make a big fuss about it in front of Bao-mama? You should let her know how tough life is in this manor, so that the duchess will know as well.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled, responding softly, ¡°With the madame¡¯s personality, it might not be a good thing to actually make a fuss. It might make her even angrier and hurt her health.¡±

    Run nodded and sighed at hearing these words. ¡°Fourth Miss truly cares for the senior madame. You¡¯re not like Miss Huining at all, who incites the senior madame to rage just for her own matters...¡±

    Run suddenly realized something at this moment! If even she could see this clearly, how would someone as experienced as Bao-mama not be aware as well? If the fourth miss really had called upon her strong side from yesterday and gone all out against the senior madame, she might not havee off worse for the wear, but it would detract from her nheless. A wild reputation of being domineering and overbearing might even spread to the Ding Manor.

    But allowing matters to develop as they had without saying a single word or reacting strongly had caused Qin Huining¡¯s provocation to be repeated in front of Bao-mama once again! It¡¯d only been Qin Yining¡¯s words before, saying that Qin Huining was sowing discord. It wasn¡¯t enough for unconditional belief. Nothing was more convincing than seeing with one¡¯s own eyes, and hadn¡¯t Bao-mama done so today??

    Run looked at Qin Yining with worshipful eyes. ¡°You did right miss, this servant thought wrongly.¡±

    Although Qiulu didn¡¯t speak much, she was one who saw things clearly and knew what was going on at this point as well. ¡°Miss Huining brought this on her own head. She can¡¯t me our miss now if the duchess dislikes her.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, she has malicious intentions, so why cover up for her?¡± Qin Yining smiled slightly. The two maids also smiled as they shared the same, unspoken thought. They were greatly impressed by Qin Yining. She hadn¡¯t said much, just a few nomittal phrases. But that¡¯d been enough to make the madame change her mind from hitting the girl. This was proof that the one they were following possessed wisdom and foresight! She had already thoroughly grasped n¨¦e Sun¡¯s personality.

    Although much had urred today, the group returned to Snowpear Courtyard with light spirits. Zhu-mama met them at the door with a smile. ¡°You¡¯ve returned, miss! The mama that the lord has requested from the pce is here.¡±

    Qin Yining looked into the yard at these words and saw a demure woman of roughly forty years old walk out. The woman smiled happy and bent her knee in greeting. ¡°This servant is n¨¦e Zhan. I¡¯m in charge of teaching manners and rules in the pce. I¡¯m here under the empress¡¯ orders to keep the misspany for a few days.¡±

    ¡°The empress?¡± Qin Yining was a bit surprised.

    ¡°The emperor was delighted to hear that the prime minister has found his official daughter. When His Majesty heard the prime minister speak about matters at home, he gave orders ordingly to the empress. Her Majesty is the model of the nation and arranged for this servant toe.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t stand on ceremony, Zhan-mama. This girl is coarse and will need much help from you.¡± Qin Yining politely weed the mama into the main residence, settling down to study hard.

    The Duke of Ding Manor.

    Bao-mama carefully ryed all that had happened in the prime minister manor to the duchess. The duchess had a strand of jade rosary beads in her hand. They clicked against each other crisply, the pale-purple tassel adorned with gold beads at the bottom of it swaying slightly, perfectlyplementing the duchess¡¯ jade ring. The jewelry looked quite beautiful. She stopped her hand¡¯s motion after a while, ¡°It looks like granddaughter Hui really did do it.¡±

    The old servant nodded. ¡°Yes, I could tell that the miss did indeed provoke thedy. You know of thedy¡¯s temperament.¡±

    The duchess rubbed her forehead with her right hand. ¡°Daughter Han is straightforward. She¡¯d be the first to shoot off a cannon if someone fills it with powder beside her. I¡¯d thought granddaughter Hui was a good one before. Why is she now...¡±

    Bao-mama knew that the duchess knew of everything and just wasn¡¯t happy with how things had developed. She didn¡¯t say anything else and busied herself with massaging the duchess¡¯ temples. The duchess gave a long sigh after a while, ¡°Granddaughter Yi really looks simr to Qin Meng?¡±

    ¡°Yes, just like a young Lord Qin. I actually feel that she looks a bit more perceptive than the prime minister, and is very filial as well. She quietly took the punishment even when thedy purposefully gave her trouble. She didn¡¯t cause thedy any anger at all. She¡¯s had such a hard life all these years, it¡¯s a wonder that she¡¯s so mature and that her personality hasn¡¯t been warped.

    ¡°It¡¯s a rare situation in which you have endless praise for someone.¡± The duchess startedughing.

    Bao-mama gave an embarrassed smile. ¡°That¡¯s because the girl really is likable.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t tease you any further. As opposed to waiting for daughter Han to remember to bring the girl to me, I might as well go get her myself.¡± Duchess of Ding thought for a moment, ¡°Send someone to take a look in the outer residence. Grandson Ming ought to be back by now.¡±

    Grandson Ming was the duke and duchess¡¯ eldest grandson, Sun Yu 1

    ¡°Does the mistress mean to send the eldest master to be the messenger?¡± Bao-mama was surprised.

    ¡°Yes.¡± The duchess considered thoughtfully, ¡°If we send a servant, it will appear that we don¡¯t value her much. Since we want to invite her over for a visit, and granddaughter Yi is good one, then I must prop up her status as her maternal grandmother. Grandson Ming has a good reputation outside and a high status amongst the schrs. He gets along well with his uncle-inw as well, so it¡¯d be best for him to make a trip on my behalf.¡±

    ¡°The mistress is most thorough. The eldest master more than gets along with his uncle-inw! Lord Qin likes the eldest master so much that he wishes Sir Yu was his own son!¡± Bao-mama gave her orders to a maid with a smile, revising Qin Yining¡¯s position in her own heart as well.

    One had to know that the duke¡¯s grandson wasn¡¯t just any ordinary renowned noble. He was a legend amongst the younger generation of Great Yan. Sun Yu, secondary personal name of Ming, was twenty six years old and yet unmarried. It wasn¡¯t that he refused to get married, but that he was waiting for mutual love with an unparalleled beauty. He was a proper gentleman, refined and handsome, the leader of the youth. The most important was that he brimmed with talent and a highprehension of history, rules, and politics.

    When Zhou and Yan had officially dered war two years ago, Sun Yu had written an eloquent and vicious denunciation that yed every bit of skin off of Great Zhou, utterly humiliating them to the depths of despair. He¡¯d immensely raised Great Yan morale and caused a great deal of hot-blooded youths to join the army. The emperor was greatly admiring of this and gave the personal decree for Sun Yu to join the ranks of imperial schrs. This was when the saying of, ¡°if I could have a son like Sun Yu¡± had first started spreading.

    Even someone as cautious as Qin Huaiyuan had starteduding this youth instead of staying away to avoid usations of nepotism. The prime minister gave public praise that ¡°Sun Yu was the talent of our era¡±. Because of Sun Yu¡¯s official denunciation, his name was known throughout Great Yan and Great Zhou. It was said that the Prosperous Emperor 2 of Great Zhou had been so incensed by the diatribe that he¡¯d been gravely ill for a while.

    Such an unparalleled, talented, and handsome grandson was the treasure that the duchess cherished. To be willing to send him to the prime minister¡¯s manor was a clear indication of how highly the duchess thought of Qin Yining!

 Chapter 21: Jealousy Inducing

    <h4>Chapter 21: Jealousy Inducing</h4>

    In the main residence of Snowpear Courtyard, Zhan-mama snuck a look at the burnt incense stick and nodded with a smile. ¡°Miss, you¡¯re Prime Minister Qin¡¯s official firstborn alright! You¡¯re indeed umonly smart and only need a hint beforeprehension. You¡¯ve learned this standing position quite well! You should be tired by now, why not rest a bit?¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Zhan-mama,¡± Qin Yining replied but didn¡¯t allow her proper posture topse. Only her expression rxed slightly.

    The pce servant was even happier to see this. ¡°You¡¯re putting what you¡¯ve learned into practice immediately. This shows a high degree of perception. Everyone understand rules and manners, but not everyone can execute them beautifully. What you need to do is to imprint these new habits into your bones. Make it so that every bone and muscle has these new memories. Only then will you gain a bearing that remains constant in the face of all changes.¡±

    ¡°Zhan-mama speaks truly.¡± Qin Yining nodded quite seriously as she felt the same way.

    ¡°I will thoroughly exin your every move and gesture in the future, whether when sitting, lying down, walking, every movement of your hand and feet, and every smile and frown. I will help you understand what feelings you induce in others with your motions and looks.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked, trying to understand what the mama had just said. Zhan-mama couldn¡¯t help but continue on when she saw the girl like this, ¡°You¡¯re a grown-up miss and will understand some things without me exining them. For a noble daughter like you, your future entirely depends on the marriage you make. You have an exceedingly strong family background, so your future husband will be of a simr position.

    ¡°It is important to focus on the proficiency of your household duties, embroidery, character, and talents so that your inws like you. Interacting with others is arge part of life in these manors, so it¡¯s vital that you honor your elders and coexist peacefully with thedies. To precisely express a variety of thoughts with your motions, and to analyze others¡¯ moods and mentalities from their mannerisms, isn¡¯t something that everyone can learn. But you miss, can try to understand it.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at eyes full of gratitude when she heard this. It was the first time that someone hadid out her future so clearly since she¡¯d returned to the manor. And yet, the person who¡¯d done so wasn¡¯t her mother, grandmother, or any female rtive, but a mama here to teach her rules and manners. She knew only that was the scope of the mama¡¯s responsibilities, the pce servant didn¡¯t need to say all this to her. Qin Yining was quite thankful for this additional attention.

    Zhan-mama was quite delighted by Qin Yining¡¯s limpid, expressive eyes. ¡°Just like I can tell from the look in your eyes right now that you¡¯re both happy and grateful¡ªthis is precisely what I mean. If you can use your own bodynguage and be able to read that of others, you¡¯ll have a much easier time in your future life. You might not have consciously thought all this through, but you¡¯re already using the skills subconsciously. I can also sense your kind intentions.¡±

    A faint blush had appeared on Qin Yining¡¯s face as she nodded, ¡°I understand.¡±

    Zhan-mama continued, ¡°Rules and manners can actually be split apart into two concepts. Rules must be followed. Breaking them would make a fool out of yourself, or even invite fatal attention. Manners on the other hand, is the ability to make others feelfortable when you interact with them.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t only cover gestures, but also words and tone in conversation, one¡¯s outfit, colors used and others. During this time, this servant will go over the principles of wearing clothes with the miss, exining how different colorbinations will change the perception of others, and what essories go with what outfits. This will help you understand a person from just what they¡¯re wearing when you meet others in the future.¡±

    ¡°Therefore, when I see someone, they may be wearing something on purpose to lure in others or enhance a certain feeling they¡¯re projecting? Or it could all be a purposeful act for me?¡±

    ¡°Precisely, the miss is quite smart.¡± Zhan-mama¡¯s smile deepened.

    ¡°No, this is due to the mama¡¯s care. I grew up in the countryside and mountains and have never been exposed to any of this. It¡¯s also likely that no one will exin all this to me in such detail. I have learned greatly from your pointers. This will all help me immensely in the future.¡± Qin Yining performed a curtsey out of gratitude. ¡°I will have to rely on Zhan-mama in the future as well.¡±

    The mama avoided epting the girl¡¯s gesture and returned a grand gesture as well. Although she was here on the empress¡¯ orders, she truly liked and respected the young girl in front of her after an afternoon together. The pce servant felt that the Qin fourth miss was both sincere and adorable, without a hint of superficiality to her. Having served in the pce all these years, she¡¯d seen all sorts of women. There had been beautiful ones and smart ones, but one that was so pleasing to her eye like Qin Yining was a first.

    She never once had the feeling that Qin Yining was over-fawningly polite to the point where she lost her dignity as the prime minister¡¯s daughter, but also never had the feeling that the girl was prideful and couldn¡¯t be bothered to even speak to others. She had maintained their rtionship at afortable distance, making someone as worldly as Zhan-mama unable to keep from imparting some more knowledge to her. ¡°The hour is growingte today and you must have other affairs to attend to, miss. This servant will take my leave now then.¡± Zhan-mama rose with a smile.

    ¡°Mama¡¯s had a long afternoon. I¡¯ve already ordered servants to prepare dinner. Will you stay and share a meal together?¡±

    ¡°This servant is quite gratified by the miss¡¯ offer of food. However, you are the apple of the lord¡¯s eye and have a noble identity. I would not dare impose on you. I thank you for your good intentions.¡± Zhan-mama declined with a smile.

    ¡°You are my rules teacher now,¡± Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re my master as well then. That a disciple shares a table with the master actually counts as the disciple overstepping themselves. Please don¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡±

    These words were simply too apt, making it impossible for the pce servant to refuse again. She also did want to spend more time with Qin Yining, so she epted this time with thanks.

    Dinner wasn¡¯t quite that sumptuous, but Qin Yining had purposefully sent Zhu-mama to the main kitchen with silver to order some additional dishes. There were four meat and four vegetarian dishes, as well as one soup. Since Zhu-mama¡¯s daughter-inw worked in the main kitchens, the food tasted more sophisticated than ordinary offerings. Although the two kept to the rule of not speaking when eating, they felt that they¡¯d grown closer after one meal. They enjoyed tea afterwards, and Qin Yining had Run and Qiulu apany the mama back to the guest quarters after dinner. Qiulu also remained at the mama¡¯s side as a personal maid, with orders not to bex on care at all.

    In actuality, the manor hadn¡¯t paid much attention to a mama here to teach rules and had arranged for the pce servant to take up residence in the west wing of Snowpear Courtyard. Qin Yining had sent Run to Garden of Tranquility that afternoon to speak with Jin-mama, exining that the mama was here on the empress¡¯ orders. N¨¦e Sun immediately ced more importance on their visitor and set up the guest residence after a discussion with the old dowager.

    Zhu-mama had already set up the paper, ink, and brush for the fourth miss to copy ¡°The ssic of Filial Piety¡± when Run returned from apanying Zhan-mama to the guest residence.

    ¡°Miss.¡± The maid took the mama¡¯s position with a smile after making her greeting. ¡°Everything¡¯s been arranged for properly. Jin-mama has put Zhu-mama in Jade Bamboo Veranda, to the east of the bamboo forest. It¡¯s a very elegant residence.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t lift her head as her brush flew over paper. ¡°I see.¡±

    Those in the manor had been toockadaisical. She herself was fine if the mama lived in the same residence as her, but if the pce servant felt that she¡¯d been insulted, then they would receive hard questions from the empress.

    When Run thought of how exquisite Jade Bamboo Veranda waspared to Snowpear Courtyard and took a look at her mistress¡¯ charming profile, she heaved an imperceptible sigh. Qin Yining also wanted to sigh when she looked at the chicken scratches on the paper. She was certain that the old dowager would be utterly disdainful of this copy of the ssic, and might even fly into a rage saying that Qin Yining hadn¡¯t treated this matter with the proper gravity. She¡¯d tried to summon the best of her handwriting, but her writing was extremely ugly. She had to give up on this.

    Penmanship wouldn¡¯t be mastered overnight, but the deadline to hand in her punishment wasn¡¯t far off. She had to think of a way to pass this challenge...

    The warm interior of Garden of Loving Piety.

    ¡°What? The mama here to teach Qin Yining manners is here by order of the empress herself?¡± Qin Huining paused from applying lotion to her face and turned from the mirror. ¡°The empress is such an exalted figure, how could she possibly think of arranging a mama for that wild brat? It has to be father!¡±

    Cai-mama sighed, ¡°That must be the case.¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s never cared about me like this before...¡± Qin Huining felt lost all of a sudden, and her eyes glinted coldly in the next moment. ¡°What kind of person is that mama?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, she used to serve Dowager Consort Xuanyi and Imperial Noble Consort Luming. She then went to Pce of umted Purity and oversaw the education of the selecteddies during the imperial harem selection.¡±

    ¡°What a strong background!¡± Qin Huining pursed her lips and gazed upon her reflection in the mirror, slowly losing herself in her thoughts. She knew that her origins were unknown, and although she could vie with Qin Yining for a bit in terms of status, that was due to her foundations of spending fourteen years within the manor. What if Qin Yining surpassed her one day? Her parents and Old Dowager were already biased towards their real daughter. Although Qin Huining was superior when it came to literature, she had to admit that her looks weren¡¯t as striking as the barbarian. Even though Qin Huining was outwardly dismissive and mouthed the words ¡°take a wife for her virtues, take a concubine for her looks¡±, and that her future inws might not like a temptress for their daughter-inw, what man didn¡¯t like a good looking woman?

    Her position as the official firstborn had already been reced, making her future marriage a difficult thing. If she allowed Qin Yining to have such an outstanding mama teach her rules and help the barbarian never to make a mistake when it came to manners, wouldn¡¯t that give Qin Yining another arrow in her quiver? No! No! She couldn¡¯t let matters proceed like this!

    Qin Huining bolted to her feet and tightened her hands around the hem of her skirt until her fingertips were white. She loosened them after a while as the look in her eyes turned into one of happy confidence. ¡°Wet nurse, go see if grandmother¡¯s had her tea yet. I should go wash grandmother¡¯s feet at this time.¡±

    Cai-mama responded affirmatively.

    Qin Huining appeared in the old dowager¡¯s house before long, wearing a cid and docile expression on her face, washing the old dowager¡¯s feet and lighting her tobo pipe. As the two chattered, the girl mentioned casually, ¡°...Zhan-mama has such an illustrious background, it would be helpful for all the girls in the manor if they could learn together. ...Second Uncle and Third Uncle would be thankful to father if they learned that their daughters were benefitting as well.¡±

    The old dowager began musing on this.

 Chapter 22: Compensation

    <h4>Chapter 22: Compensation</h4>

    The old dowager was quite moved by Qin Huining¡¯s words. There were indeed many girls in the house, and the third miss wasing of age soon. Her marriage to Earl of Jianan¡¯s second son was all but agreed upon. If stamped with theyer of gold that was the tutge from a pce mama... it would indeed be good for all the girls in the manor. But what was difficult about this was that the empress had sent Zhan-mama to teach Qin Yining. The decree hadn¡¯t included anyone else. It was one thing if they were close with the mama. She would agree if they made some gifts of gold and silver. Teaching one was the same as teaching a group after all, but they weren¡¯t that familiar with each other, so it wasn¡¯t proper to request this.

    In addition, it was umon for the empress to personally designate a mama to teach the official daughters of an imperial subject. This was the sole honor awarded to the main branch of the family to begin with; there was no reason to share it with the other branches. The old dowager found herself between a rock and a hard ce all of a sudden. She wanted all of her granddaughters to benefit, but didn¡¯t want to offend anyone.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin-mama entered with a smile just as her mistress was racking her brains. ¡°Third Madame has arrived.¡±

    The old dowager arched an eyebrow, resting her pipe on the white porcin ashtray to the side. The brass pipe and porcin resonated loudly when struck together. ¡°What¡¯s she doing here sote at night?¡±

    Qin Huining adroitly fetched arge towel to wipe off the old dowager¡¯s feet and helped her back into white socks. Another maid came in to take away the wooden tub filled with water. When the third madame entered, she so happened to see Qin Huining helping the old dowager into her boots.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± The third madame made her greeting and smiled immediately after. ¡°Niece Hui is surely the most caring of all the children in the manor. I am truly ashamed in front of her.¡±

    The old dowager was so amused that she startedughing, and hectored with no heat at all, ¡°You rascal! You¡¯ll make a joke of yourself,ining in front of your niece like this!¡±

    Qin Huining also joined in with an appropriateugh, but was rolling her eyes hard inside. It¡¯s each to their best when ites to filial piety and pleasing the old dowager. Who can you me but yourself for noting earlier? However, the girl also knew that the third madame had a certain degree of face in front of the old dowager. Although the third senior master was concubine-born, he helmed the family branch that was the economic lifeline of the Qin family. The third madame was quite generous normally as well, with the old dowager receiving many gifts from the third branch. Compared to the haughty senior madame with the lofty family background, and the dull, taciturn second madame always plotting away at something, the old dowager actually liked the third madame the most.

    Qin Huining didn¡¯t want to offend this harbinger of wealth either, so she smiled, ¡°You¡¯re joking, Third Aunt. I just live a bit closer and got here earlier, is all. You care for this family more than all of us juniors, so please don¡¯tugh at me like this.¡±

    ¡°How would I ever? Niece Hui was personally raised by the old dowager and has a deep understanding of manners, as well as a filial heart. She has a deep rtionship with the old dowager and the truest heart as well.¡± The third madame sat down on the garden stool that Qin-mama brought over with a slight smile. ¡°Old Dowager, I hear that Zhan-mama, here on orders from the empress, has taken up residence in Jade Bamboo Veranda?¡±

    Qin Huining smiled when she heard this. Looks like I have an ally. She didn¡¯t want Qin Yining to monopolize this prime resource and wanted to make use of it as well, and the third madame was likely here on behalf of her own daughter, Qin Jianing.

    The old dowager also understood the third madame and gave her brass pipe with its apanying tobo pouch to Qin-mama. ¡°Darling Hui was just talking to me about this.¡±

    The third madame looked at Qin Huining with some surprise, offering a conspiratorial smile a heartbeatter. She moved closer to the family matriarch, ¡°And what are your intentions, Old Dowager?¡±

    ¡°I naturally want good futures for all the girls in our family. But the empress specifically arranged Zhan-mama to teach granddaughter Yi, so this matter is a bit tricky.¡±

    The third madame smiled at this and took over the bird¡¯s nest stewed in milk that Qin-mama was about to bring over. She carefully fed it to the old dowager, offering a spoon and handkerchief with aplomb. Qin-mama then left with the empty bowl, trading it with an exquisite bowl for rinsing one¡¯s mouth. The third madame took over this task as well before returning to her seat. The old dowager was in an exceedingly good mood after these thoughtful ministrations. I¡¯m the matriarch of this family and have had a title awarded to me. With my status and my son¡¯s, it won¡¯t be a difficult matter to order Zhan-mama to some additional exertion.

    Qin Huining and the third madame look at each other, a thought making thetter smile. ¡°We have to make some arrangements for this affair. Naturally, I will bear the costs.¡±

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t fall to you.¡± The old dowager waved her hand with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m seeking to better the lives of my granddaughters. I¡¯ll use the house funds for this.¡±

    Qin Huining grasped the old dowager¡¯s arm and spoke cutely, ¡°Grandmother, all of the girls in our family are relying on you. Younger sister Little Creek is a mature and good girl. She won¡¯t object to this.¡±

    ¡°Even if anyone is dissatisfied with this, it won¡¯t be her ce to be one of them.¡± The old dowager smiled back. ¡°That¡¯s all for now, all of you are dismissed. I¡¯ll speak to my senior daughter-inw tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The third madame and Qin Huining stood up happily. The former left, but Qin Huining stuck close to the old dowager¡¯s side and didn¡¯t return to her own house until a long whileter. When she prepared to turn in for the night, she had Bitong select a serving girl to pay attention to anything that happened outside.

    When Qin Huining rose the next morning, she had expectations confirmed that the third madame sent many items to the old dowager during the night. She didn¡¯t think much of this, but envy and sourness began to creep in again when she heard that the third madame also sent presents to Snowpear Courtyard earlier in the morning, and even a respectable mama from the second branch visited bearing gifts as well. Why wasn¡¯t second aunt and third aunt so generous to me before?

    A real niece is different alright!

    Snowpear Courtyard.

    Qin Yining instructed her people to ept the gifts and treat the mamas who¡¯d delivered them to tea, sending them off only after a round of pleasantries. Some bolts of cloth with thetest patterns were ced on a round, side table, along with fine tea, brush and ink. Those were from the second madame. A set of fine jade jewelry and thetest all-natural powder from Pureheart Pavilion rested in a delicate ckcquer cosmetic box. This was from the third madame.

    She may not know much about powder, rouge, and cosmetics in general, but Qin Yining knew that these items were expensive. She thought for a moment and then directed some instructions at Run, ¡°Count the items carefully and record them in a separate book. Use the ones that we should use.¡±

    Run started with delight when she heard this. The miss was trusting her to look after her personal inventory and record the flow of favors!

    ¡°This servant understands and won¡¯t disappoint you, miss!¡± Run curtseyed solemnly to Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining knew that Run was still worried about matters that had happened her first night, so was arranging a task for the maid to do. This was both to test and reassure. How would her little household present a united front if those around her spent their days in apprehension and was unable to trust each other?

    ¡°Go about your business.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s tone was gentle as she smiled and continued copying ¡°The ssic of Filial Piety¡±.

    Run nodded happily, heading off to clean with Zhu-mama, so full of vigor that she seemed to have received a jolt of adrenaline. Qin Yining took a look at the time and decided to go for her evening greeting to the old dowager after her current line was finished. However, a maid announced from the outside at this moment, ¡°Miss, Qin-mama is here.¡±

    Qin Yining was astonished and hastily stuck her brush in a blue and white porcin pen holder. She rose to wee the old servant with a smile, ¡°Qin-mama¡¯s here. Please,e in and have a seat.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re doing well, Fourth Miss.¡± Qin-mama curtsied with a smile as Run fetched a stool upholstered with satin. The old servant didn¡¯t sit, just lowered her head and spoke gently, ¡°I¡¯m here with a message and need to return afterwards. There¡¯s a mountain of work to be done in Garden of Loving Piety.¡±

    ¡°Does Old Dowager have any pressing matters? Please, speak on.¡± Qin Yining looked seriously at the servant.

    ¡°Old Dowager says that the evening greetings can be foregone today. She wants all the girls to learn from Zhan-mama,and invites the miss to Garden of Loving Piety at the beginning of the hour of the snake for lessons.¡±

    Although Qin Yining nodded with a smile, she knew what was really going on. The appearance of such an impressive mama had spurred the other branches into action. There were plenty of Qin daughters, after all. Even though she hadn¡¯t seen with her own eyes what had happened, Qin Yining could easily guess that Qin Huining had done something. With that girl¡¯s personality, how would she possibly allow such an outstanding mama to teach only Qin Yining?

    The old servant was soothed by Qin Yining¡¯sck of surprise and maintenance of a demure smile. The girl was like a clear spring, gently welling up beneath the sunlight, further softening Qin-mama¡¯s tone. ¡°The teacher that the lord has hired for you has also arrived. Apparently he¡¯s a very distinguished old schr. He¡¯s settled in in the outer residence, and Old Dowager has said that you will learn manners with the girls in the mornings, and add to your knowledge with the teacher in the afternoons.¡± The old servant¡¯s smile became more sincere at this point. ¡°It¡¯s quite wonderful that you have gained Old Dowager¡¯s attention, miss.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to Old Dowager¡¯s love and favor. I am very grateful and will learn well so that I don¡¯t let her down. Please convey my thanks to her, Qin-mama. I will go kowtow in thanks when the opportunity presents itself.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this servant will surely bring the message.¡± Qin-mama took her leave, and the two chatted until they reached the covered walkway. The old servant hadn¡¯t even descended the steps before head maid Jixiang, Ruyi, and the various serving girls and old grannies from Garden of Loving Piety came by carrying much luggage. Qin-mama was greatly surprised. She¡¯d juste from there, why hadn¡¯t the old dowager given all of her orders in one go? Was this more presents for Qin Yining?

    Jixiang and Ruyi walked up to curtsy. The head maid smiled. ¡°This servant is here on behalf of Old Dowager. Zhan-mamajust said that while Jade Bamboo Veranda is nice, it¡¯s too lonely. She genuinely likes the miss and specially asked Old Dowager to permit her to live in Snowpear Courtyard. Old Dowager and Senior Madame have already agreed. These are her items.¡±

    She turned back to point at the variousforters, pillows, and other daily necessities. Two strong grannies lifted two stretchers of items. They were filled with clothing, cloth, nkets, braziers, and others. Ruyi said, ¡°Fourth Miss, the old dowager specifically sent you this. She says that the days are turning cold, and you must be careful and dress warmly. Don¡¯t catch a cold or pneumonia.¡±

    Was thispensation for taking a share of the mama sent to teach her? Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Many thanks, sister. Please thank the old dowager for me when you return.¡±

 Chapter 23: A Close Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 23: A Close Rtionship</h4>

    ¡°Understood, I will surely convey the miss¡¯ intentions.¡± Ruyi and Jixiang curtsied politely. ¡°We will depart now if the miss has no other orders.¡±

    ¡°Please do as you wish, sisters.¡± Qin Yining responded with a smile.

    Qin-mama also took her leave at this time. ¡°Miss, I¡¯ll be off now.¡±

    ¡°Let me see you out.¡± Qin Yining lifted her hand in an ¡°after you¡± gesture, making motions to help the old servant down the stairs with extreme graciousness.

    ¡°Here is far enough.¡± Qin-mama declined courteously, but she was quite pleased, and her image of Qin Yining brightened by a few degrees again. Even though she continuously made polite protestations, the fourth miss insisted on seeing her out the door. The mama curtsied yet again before finally taking her leave for good.

    Back in her yard, Qin Yining looked at the items that were forming a small mountain. ¡°Enter the old dowager¡¯s presents in the records and arrange for Zhan-mama in the side wing.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Zhu-mama led the servants off.

    Run was standing next to Qin Yining and murmured, ¡°Miss, something¡¯s off about this. Zhen-mama was here to teach only you yesterday, why have things changed overnight? Did Senior Madame agree to this as well?¡±

    ¡°She must¡¯ve. Zhan-mama is here because of the main branch. If Senior Madame hadn¡¯t allowed this, then the mamawouldn¡¯t have agreed no matter how others cajoled.¡±

    Run flushed beet red with indignation. ¡°This is too unreasonable! They¡¯re bullying you, miss! They envy what you have and thought of a way to share what¡¯s yours!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way.¡± Qin Yiningforted her maid.

    Where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way? Run didn¡¯t immediately understand what her mistress meant by this. She picked up her feet to follow Qin Yining back into the main residence. The maid understood what the phrase meant when she passed by the side wing and saw Zhu-mama closely overlooking the serving girls putting away the pce servant¡¯s belongings.

    Zhan-mama had instantly moved to Snowpear Courtyard after epting the invitation to teach all the girls in the manor. Wasn¡¯t this the clearest exnation? I was so angry just now, but the miss wasn¡¯t angry at all, and she¡¯s the one affected! I was hopping mad, but the miss was as calm as ever and swiftly analyzed the situation clearly. She¡¯s not moved by any favor or disgrace. Run¡¯s scattered emotions quickly settled as a new thought popped into her mind. I¡¯ll definitely go far if I follow the miss!

    Time passed swiftly. It was soon the fifteenth of the month, and the day to hand in her copies of ¡°The ssic of Filial Piety¡±. Qin Yining had been exceedingly busy the past two days, spending the mornings with her sisters and the afternoons in an outer residence study with the teacher. Zhan-mama would even give her private lessons at night, leaving her to copy the ssic in her spare time. She rather liked this kind of life. She was a dry sponge thrown into water, furiously soaking up all this new knowledge without tiring.

    Qin Yining was a hard worker and highly resolute person. Because she¡¯d experienced a much more difficult life, she didn¡¯t feel tired no matter how tiring this learning process was. When the other girls wereining of how difficult things were or how tired they were, she remained grateful for the experience. She was sharp witted and could remember almost everything with one nce. Add to that her own efforts and grace when interacting with others, she grew even closer to Zhan-mama after two short days. The mama was dredging up everyst bit of her knowledge in teaching Qin Yining.

    She¡¯d flipped through the ¡°Tao Te Ching¡± the past two days and saw the lines ¡°misfortune and happiness coexist and depend on each other; misfortune gives rise to happiness, whereas within happiness lies misfortune¡±. These lines seemed rather apt for her current situation, making her grin as she took a breather from her packed schedule.

    On this day, Qin Yining brought Run and Qiulu with her to the evening greetings at Garden of Loving Piety. They ran into head maid Ruyi giving orders to a serving girl when they entered the residence. Ruyi immediately came over all smiles when she saw Qin Yining, bending at the knee in greeting. ¡°Greetings to Fourth Miss.¡±

    ¡°Hello big sister Ruyi. How is Old Dowager today? Did she enjoy her meal?¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager is well. Miss Huining, Third Miss, Sixth Miss, Seventh Miss, and Eighth Miss are all inside. Please enter as well.¡± They¡¯d arrived at the covered hallway as they spoke. Ruyi personally lifted the door curtains for the neer.

    After entering, Qin Yining handed over a newly made crimson-red cape lined with white rabbit fur to Run, and turned past a divider with magpies alighting on plum blossoms to enter the main room. Thedies were all sitting or standing, their postures quite at ease. Qin Huining was handing over an exquisite teacup set etched in gold to the old dowager. She lifted her head to see Qin Yining in an ivory vest ensemble. Her pupils contracted violently at the sight as she ced a smile on her face. ¡°Younger sister Little Creek is here.¡±

    Qin Yining felt quite disdainful of this act. It looked like she didn¡¯t need to give Qin Huining too much credit. Someone as petty as this only knew these kinds of tricks in the end. It was just a name. Those in the countryside called ¡°Dog Leftovers¡± or ¡°Donkey Eggs¡± 1 still grew up perfectly fine despite those names. What was the point in constantly harping about this? She couldn¡¯t be bothered with Qin Huining at all and pretended that this person didn¡¯t exist. She greeted the old dowager with a grand gesture.

    However, the eighth miss couldn¡¯t stand for this kind of treatment and mocked, ¡°It looks like something¡¯s truly wrong with Miss Huining¡¯s memory. You can¡¯t even remember fourth sister¡¯s name.¡±

    Qin Huining inwardly sneered at the eighth miss for being an idiot. You dare kick up a fuss at me in front of the old dowager? She flushed with anger and her voice trembled, ¡°What do you mean by this, eighth sister?!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand anything at all! It looks like not only is your memory faulty, but your brains aren¡¯t much either! Senior uncle said that fourth sister¡¯s name is Yining, but you keep making such a big deal out of a nickname! You¡¯re so petty!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Tears swam in Qin Huining¡¯s eyes as she looks to the old dowager for help.

    The matriarch didn¡¯t like seeing the girls fight in front of her and spoke sternly, ¡°Granddaughter Bao, what on earth are you talking about?¡±

    The eighth miss wanted to talk back to the old dowager, but was restrained by the third and seventh miss. The sixth miss flicked her eyes at Qin Huining, looking sideways back down at Qin Yining. The fourth miss had already made her obeisance before the bickering and had yet to rise. She¡¯d been kneeling for longer than necessary because of them. Qin Huining lowered her head so that no one would be able to see her expression clearly and smirked slightly. A tant smile was on the sixth miss¡¯ face, whereas Qin Baoning was a bit irked by her own actions.

    The old dowager had forgotten about the girl in front of her; she didn¡¯t mean to purposefully give Qin Yining a hard time. She red at the eighth miss before saying, ¡°You may rise, granddaughter Yi.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining immediately received an apologetic smile from the eighth miss when she rose. She knew that Qin Baoning hadn¡¯t meant for this to happen and so responded in kind as well.

    A maid announced at this time, ¡°Senior, Second, and Third Madame have arrived.¡±

    The girls all rose to their feet when they heard this and took their ces ording to age. Qin-mama showed in the madames in session of seniority as the old dowager straightened her posture. She bade them all sit after all of her daughters-inw had made their greetings.

    When Qin Huining saw that everyone had arrived, she immediately took a sheaf of papers from Bitong¡¯s hands and proffered them to the matriarch. She bent her knee and spoke with lowered head, ¡°Old Dowager, your granddaughter spoke too quickly and unintentionally caused turmoil in the house a few days ago. These are ten copies of ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯ for your review.¡±

    The old dowager was pleased by Qin Huining¡¯s docile attitude and appropriate words. She noted that the penmanship on the paper was neat and orderly, obvious evidence of clear effort. ¡°Mm, you wrote well.¡± The old dowager turned to look at Qin Yining. ¡°Where¡¯s yours, granddaughter Yi?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have someone bring them in immediately.¡± Qin Yining called for Run after she spoke these words. The maid assented and came in with a very thick bundle of papers. She ced the bundle on the short stool in front of the old dowager after curtsying to the various mistresses in the room.

    The matriarch picked out a few pieces of paper at random, and her expression immediately darkened after a closer look. ¡°You wrote these?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qin Yining quickly responded.

    Everyone was busily observing the old dowager¡¯s expressions and couldn¡¯t help but crane forward curiously when they noted the matriarch¡¯s anger. A variety of interesting expressions bloomed when they caught a clear nce. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression immediately sank. The second and third madame began adjusting their sleeves and hems, as if they hadn¡¯t seen anything. The girls all lowered their heads and avoided looking at each other, with only the sixth miss spurting out inughter and muttering, ¡°This is your penmanship? A dog rolling around on the paper would do better!¡±

    The second madame looked over very sternly when she heard this, making the haughty sixth miss jump. She immediately fell silent. The old dowager shifted the bundle of papers to her knees and ced them next to Qin Huining¡¯s. Theparison made the differences even more obvious. She was still holding a grudge that n¨¦e Sun had returned home after arguing with Qin Huaiyuan, so she couldn¡¯t help but denounce her daughter-inw, ¡°N¨¦e Sun, you should oversee granddaughter Yi¡¯s homework more! Look at her handwriting! Plopping a cockroach in ink and having it crawl around ten times on the paper would still result in better penmanship! What a pity for all this paper and ink!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s face flushed hot and cold, and she red ferociously at Qin Yining who looking down at the ground. She wasn¡¯t willing to take this silently and fired back, ¡°This isn¡¯t fair, Old Dowager! She¡¯s juste back and it¡¯s not my fault that her handwriting is bad! I want to teach her, but we didn¡¯t have the fortune to grow together as a family!¡± How awful of Qin Huaiyuan to offend others and cause this piteous mother-daughter duo to be separated!

    The old dowager tilted backwards in her anger. This scene seems rather familiar. When that servant Yuxiang hadeining, the old dowager had still been angry and vented, lecturing Qin Yining. But Qin Yining had epted it gracefully and protected the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s dignity. But today, her mother was openly retorting in this kind of tone. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s not even as clear minded as a young girl!

    The atmosphere within the room chilled, and Qin-mama broke the silence after taking a look at the two piles of paper. ¡°Old Dowager has set both girls the task of making ten copies. Now that the two misses have handed in their punishment, should we count them?¡± She borated a bit jokingly, ¡°Let¡¯s see if either one was a little too clever and left out a copy or two.¡±

    The old dowager wasn¡¯t willing for the matter to grow much bigger, so she went along with the old servant and rolled her eyes at n¨¦e Sun before agreeingzily, ¡°Then let¡¯s count them.¡±

 Chapter 24: A Series of Face Slapping

    <h4>Chapter 24: A Series of Face pping</h4>

    Qin-mama was a careful and dependable person. She wasn¡¯t the sort to purposefully start drama. Hence, everyone knew that she had said this to divert attention in a natural way, so that the old dowager wouldn¡¯t feel awkward about what n¨¦e Sun had just said. When n¨¦e Sun saw the old servant lead Jixiang and Ruyi in counting the copies, she smiled proudly like she¡¯d won a battle. She sat down elegantly with the sweet thrill of victory.

    However, Qin Huining was feeling different. Although the old dowager favored her the most, that old woman Qin-mamahad only ever shown her perfunctory respect. They¡¯d never been close. There was nothing that could be criticized in the servant¡¯s performance, just that she¡¯d never been particrly warm towards Qin Huining. The former fourth miss was someone who¡¯d been well educated since young, how could she possibly cheat? It was impossible that she surreptitiously make one less copy out ofziness. Such childish actions were beneath her! It was one thing for the old servant to suspect Qin Yining, but how dare she drag Qin Huining into this?? The height of insolence!

    ¡°In response to Old Dowager, we¡¯ve finished our count.¡± Jixiang rearranged the papers and subtly flicked an unreadable nce at Qin Yining. ¡°All three of us made our count. Miss Huining made ten copies, Fourth Miss made... thirty copies.¡±

    Everyone looked at the two piles of papers of obviously differing heights when they heard this. It was noticeable to all, but the old dowager hadn¡¯t paid attention to that earlier. No one else could glimpse the size of Qin Yining¡¯s characters, so they only assumed that they varied fromrge to small with her poor penmanship and had wasted some paper. Who would¡¯ve thought that she¡¯d actually write the ssic thirty times over, exceeding the requirement of ten?!

    Surprised, the old dowager flipped through the various copies that Qin Yining handed in. Although the writing really was very ugly, one could tell that there wasn¡¯t even a trace of ink splotches on the paper. The girl¡¯s attitude had been quite serious. The matriarch asked with a smile, ¡°Granddaughter Yi, I only set you girls to ten copies, howe you¡¯ve made thirty?¡±

    ¡°Right, I have the same question,¡± Qin Huining butt in. ¡°I know that you spend the mornings with Zhan-mama and our sisters, and the afternoons with the teacher. Our schedules are equally tight, so howe you have twenty more copies than me?¡±

    She covered her mouth as sheughed. The old dowager had asked an innocent question, but Qin Huining was insinuating that Qin Yining had cheated. Everyone was able to identify the connotations. The sixth missughed appropriately, whereas the seventh and eighth miss red at Qin Huining ferociously. Even n¨¦e Sun looked at Qin Huining slightly differently. She was displeased.

    Having calmed down after a few days, it was easy enough for n¨¦e Sun to see how Qin Huining was targeting Qin Yining. But they were currently in the old dowager¡¯s house and the second and third branches were also present. The main branch only had Qin Yining and Qin Huining for offspring, so Qin Huining acting thus was losing face for the main branch!

    Qin Yining had flushed quite red from embarrassment as she twisted her fingers with a lowered head. She¡¯d swept her hair up into several interwoven buns today 1, exposing her neck when she lowered her head. Combined with her fragile, standing figure, she looked as graceful and elegant as a swan. It evoked pity in the hearts of whoever saw her. Even her voice trembled slightly from obvious bashfulness. ¡°In response to Old Dowager, I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d written it so many times at first. I was indeed wrong for making you so angry that day, so I reflected with each word I wrote. I lost myself in the task and didn¡¯t pay attention to how many copies I made in the end. It was only when my maid organized the papersst night that I realized there were forty copies. I discarded the ones that were really too ugly before I came here, leaving only these.¡±

    She snuck a quick nce at the old dowager, her blush deepening. ¡°Old Dowager, I didn¡¯t grow up reading and writing. I can chop wood, hunt, and pluck herbs. But it¡¯s really difficult for me to use a brush. Even tempting a dog with a piece of cornbread would result in better penmanship than me. I wasted a lot of ink these two days and feel horribly guilty for all the paper I used.¡±

    ¡°Pfawhahaha¡ª!¡± Laughter erupted when Qin Yining finished. Those assembled looked over to see the old dowager pping her thigh in heartyughter. Although the matriarch had her biases and liked to test and assess others, she¡¯d been born of a noble family and raised with good manners. She hadn¡¯tughed like this in many years, and they too started chuckling when they thought about what Qin Yining had said. For a moment, the atmosphere in the house was so harmonious that it seemed to be New Year¡¯s.

    ¡°Oh, you child! Come here,e to grandmother.¡± The old dowager wiped at her tears and pulled at Qin Yining¡¯s hand, patting it. ¡°How is it as bad as you say! You didn¡¯t have the chance to study, otherwise you wouldn¡¯t be any worse than your sisters! You wrote down the ssic forty times because you were reflecting? No wonder I saw you with dark circles under your eyes over the past two days.¡±

    ¡°Lujuan.¡± The old dowager turned to Qin-mama.

    ¡°Yes, Old Dowager?¡± The beaming old servant made a curtsy.

    ¡°Go tell the kitchen to send bird¡¯s nest to the fourth miss every day. She¡¯s much too skinny, it¡¯s like she¡¯ll topple over in the breeze! She¡¯s had a hard life these years and needs some nutrition.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this servant will do so.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face wasn¡¯t quite so red now, and she jerked her eyes to the old dowager when she heard thement about bird¡¯s nest. She was both startled and ttered by the attention. Ayer of mist was present in her eyes, and her look was as clear as a gem. It somehow made one think of a newborn kitten, a warm and soft bundle that one wanted to envelop in their arms. That was what the old dowager did as well.

    She held Qin Yining in her embrace and patted her back. ¡°Good girl, don¡¯t be in a rush. Your handwriting will start improving if you learn well from your teacher. You don¡¯t need to think that youck anythingpared to others, and don¡¯tpare yourself to a dog in the future.¡± The old dowager still couldn¡¯t help butugh when she recalled the words ¡°tempting a dog with a piece of cornbread¡±.

    Qin Yiningy in the old dowager¡¯s arms, her nose filled with the unique smell of an elderly person, powder, and tobo. It warmed her heart and her eyes curved into crescents with her smile. She nodded and inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. Thankfully her strategy of quantity over quality had worked. Her hand cramps weren¡¯t for nothing. Only the heavens knew how much effort she¡¯d put in just now to summon her ¡°embarrassment¡±...

    As those assembled looked at the scene of grandmother holding granddaughter, the eyes of the third and eighth miss reddened. They¡¯d all recalled Qin Yining¡¯s childhood just now. Even n¨¦e Sun, the second and third madame dabbed at their eyes with their handkerchiefs. It was enough that a mere child had survived so much hardship. Who would take her to task for her penmanship, especially when she was such an honest one? N¨¦e Sun¡¯s dissatisfaction at Qin Huining losing face for her earlier had beenpletely reced by sympathy.

    Qin Huining ground her teeth heavily as she took in everyone¡¯s reactions. Who would¡¯ve thought that a simple word from Qin-mama would result in such consequences?! That the old dowager wouldugh so freely at this person? That the old dowager would hug Qin Yining and say that she should eat bird¡¯s nest everyday because of her weak body?! This barbarian¡¯s fists were as hard as rocks and she was as strong as an ox, why on earth did they think she was fragile?! Even she, Qin Huining, hadn¡¯t eaten bird¡¯s nest everyday! I feel like I suffered those ps for nothing, everyone¡¯s forgotten about them already!

    Qin Huining maintained a frozen smile on her face as her eyes stabbed continuously towards Qin Yining. What a sly, crafty person! She puts on that piteous act and pretends to be a fool. She does everything to get the old dowager¡¯s favor! Howpletely shameless! Qin Huining cursed loudly in her mind, trying valiantly to keep her smile on her face.

    N¨¦e Sun happened to look backwards and saw Qin Huining¡¯s stiff expression. She inwardly sighed with resignation. She knew that Qin Huining couldn¡¯t ept Qin Yining, and could also see the former¡¯s insecurity. What¡¯s more, the madame understood the reason for it as well. As a mother, she didn¡¯t know what else she could do other thanfort her daughter. She had to acknowledge Qin Yining in the end after all. She¡¯d digested the duchess¡¯ words over the past two days and was just treating it like she¡¯d given birth to another daughter. What, would Qin Huining still act like this if she¡¯d actually given birth to another? The more n¨¦e Sun thought about this, the darker her expression became.

    Qin Huining was deep in the throes of her anger and didn¡¯t notice the expressions of n¨¦e Sun and the others. She thought she was smiling as perfectly as usual. However, who in the house wasn¡¯t well skilled in the art of manners and subtleties? They fully took in the mother-daughter duo¡¯s expressions and formed their own thoughts about the situation.

    But at the end of the day, they all acknowledged Qin Yining¡¯s skills. They had all seen how the old dowager had rejected her when she entered the manor, but now? It¡¯d only been a few days, and here the old dowager wasughing heartily, hugging her, and wanting her to eat bird¡¯s nest everyday. Had the old dowager forgotten how Qin Yining had beaten up darling Huining, and that several maids and granniesbined couldn¡¯t subdue the new fourth miss?

    But, the old dowager was in great spirits and no one wanted to rouse her ire again. Qin-mama¡¯s smile deepened when she saw how fairly the old dowager was handling matters and how close she was with Qin Yining at the moment.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Just as chatter andughter rang throughout the room, a fetching maid entered and made her greetings. ¡°Old Dowager, the Duke of Ding¡¯s grandson hase. He¡¯s speaking outside with the lord and says he wishes toe and greet you. Might you have the time to see him?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, quite. Have hime in!¡± The old dowager was delighted.

    ¡°Understood.¡± The maid exited to ry the message.

    Wreathed in smiles, the old dowager turned to n¨¦e Sun. ¡°What brings your nephew by today? Is it Meng¡¯er¡¯s day off today?¡± 2

    ¡°In response to Old Dowager, my lord is indeed off today. It looks like Yuanming 3 hase visiting because he knows his uncle-inw is off today. I mentioned it to mother before. Yuanming admires his uncle¡¯s talents the most, and he¡¯ll certainly have a great deal of questions from court he¡¯d like to ask the lord.¡±

 Chapter 25: A Great Talent

    <h4>Chapter 25: A Great Talent</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun had spoken quite well in her joy. Not only had sheplimented a nephew from her mother¡¯s side, she¡¯d alsouded her husband as well. The old dowager doted on her firstborn son the most, so how would she not be pleased by this? She immediately basked in shared glory. ¡°Meng¡¯er¡¯s talent in matters of court is indeed without parallel, to say nothing of anything else.¡±

    ¡°And isn¡¯t that due to Old Dowager¡¯s upbringing?¡± The third madame quipped.

    The old dowager smiled so widely at this that her eyes were barely visible creases. Those present were thus inspired and all began favorably remarking on Qin Huaiyuan and the duke¡¯s grandson. N¨¦e Sun also felt quite proud when she listened to the veritable flood ofpliments.

    The merrily smiling old dowager summoned Jixiang. ¡°Prepare the best tea. This is an honored guest, we must treat him well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± A beaming Jixiang went off to make her preparations.

    Since a foreign male was about to enter the inner residence, Qin Yining rose. ¡°Old Dowager, since guests are about to arrive, why don¡¯t we all take our leave for now?¡± She looked questioningly back at her sisters. The third, seventh, and eighth miss all nodded, but the sixth miss and Qin Huining were actually a bit reluctant. A deep flush had crept to Qin Huining¡¯s ears.

    Qin Yining had been learning from Zhan-mama during this time and her observation of behavior had grown more perceptive. She immediately noted their odd behavior and couldn¡¯t help but wonder why.

    The old dowager thought for a moment and exchanged a few hushed words with her daughters-inw. ¡°No need, your cousin isn¡¯t an outsider. It¡¯s rare that one as talented as he is visiting, so you all should stay and broaden your horizons.¡±

    Qin Yining assented with a smile, but was quite mystified. Just how amazing is this cousin? The old dowager treats him so differently.

    ¡°Lujuan, go have someone see if grandsons Yu, Han, and Xian are in the outer residence. Tell them that their cousin from the Duke of Ding hase, and bid theme greet him.¡±

    She¡¯s summoning even her own grandsons!

    Qin-mama took her leave with a smile, sneaking a nce at the senior madame when she left. The old dowager¡¯s enthusiastic wee was quite some face for her. Qin Yining remained standing by the old dowager¡¯s side with a faint smile, revealing nothing, but growing more and more mystified. As she surreptitiously scanned the room, she saw Qin Huining ying with the ribbon around her dress with a lowered head. Even her neck was flushed by now. Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but arch an eyebrow in question. What¡¯s wrong with her?

    The old dowager wasn¡¯t allowing them to leave, but there had to be a separation between boy and girl, so they couldn¡¯t just remain where they were. The third madame made the call for all the girls to head into the inner room and had the maids set up a redwood divider carved with carp frolicking amongst the lotuses. If one tried to look inside the room from the outer room, they would only be able to vaguely make out through the divider and intricately carved floor screen that there were people inside the room. But if the girls inside picked a good angle, they would be able to see clearly outside.

    Although Qin Yining was curious, she wasn¡¯t in a hurry to see who the visitor was. She sat down at a moderate distance and conversed quietly with the third, seventh, and eighth miss. It was Qin Huining who instantly imed the position closest to the outside as soon as she entered, able to see everyone in the outer room with a tilt of her head. The sixth miss sat down next to Qin Huining. The two talked softly, flicking nces at Qin Yining every now and then and immediately snickering after.

    When she saw the two thus, Qin Yining naturally knew they were deriding her. But she¡¯d never cared about the words of others. It wasn¡¯t any skin off her nose, so she lowered hershes indifferently and yed with the teacups on the short table.

    But even though she didn¡¯t care, others did. ¡°Fourth sister, look at how they are!¡± Qin Baoning was annoyed and red maliciously at Qin Huining. Thetter looked back coolly, not angry at all and smiling even more brightly. The more she was thus, the angrier the eighth miss became. She leapt to her feet and was about to erupt when Qin Yining pulled on her hand.

    ¡°Eighth sister, do you remember everything Zhan-mama said yesterday?¡± There was a cheerful lilt to her tone, but the force behind her pull was as strong as ever.

    The third miss heaved a sigh of relief at Qin Yining¡¯s fast reactions and tugged on the eighth miss¡¯ other arm, having the young girl sit down next to her. She urged softly, ¡°Be at peace little sister. This is Old Dowager¡¯s inner room and guests areing in shortly. If you really did stir up something, it¡¯d be your fault in the end. It¡¯s one thing to be punished by our grandmother, but you¡¯d lose face in front of the guest as well. And what if word got out about this?¡±

    Qin Baoning had a short temper that burned hotly, and was an impulsive one at that. But she wasn¡¯t stupid. When she carefully thought back to what¡¯d just happened, she grew angry again and bit off her words. ¡°She was doing that on purpose!¡±

    ¡°Since you know that, why be angry?¡± Qin Yining offered a bit of fruit to the young girl with a silver fork. The eighth miss epted it, but was unable to eat anything in the heat of the moment.

    ¡°There is only one ¡®Qin¡¯ character in writing,¡± the third miss continued. ¡°We¡¯re still one family in the end. When we go our own ways in the future, it¡¯ll still be family that helps each other in time of need.¡±

    The eighth miss had always respected the third miss and so would listen to her older sister. But she was still angry, so she muttered, ¡°Who wants their help? That kind of petty, base character! Fourth sister isn¡¯t in their way at all after she returned, but they¡¯re always poking and prodding at her. Get over it!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, eighth sister. I know you mean well for me.¡± Qin Yining held the eighth miss¡¯ hand and shook it slightly, trying to shake the irritation out of the girl. When Qin Baoning looked into her fourth sister¡¯s expressive eyes, she felt her raging mood calm a little.

    Qin Huining rolled her eyes. Qin Yining likes to y the good person huh! Calming other people down! The sixth miss snorted derisively and continued whispering with Qin Huining.

    Scattered footsteps sounded from outside at this moment. A group of maids greeted the neers, followed by the entrance of a bunch of young men. When Qin Huining heard this, she stered herself to the floor screen and held her breath. Even the sixth miss craned her neck, trying to find a good angle. The sixth and eighth misses were also curious as they stood and silently padded over to the floor screen. Only third miss Qin Jianing and Qin Yining remained where they were, discussing matters of embroidery.

    The first through the door was a smiling Qin Huaiyuan in a flowing, silvery-gray house robe. 1 Hand-in-hand with him was a young man in deep blue flowing robes imprinted with patterns for good luck. The man was limber, had a cleanly shaven rectangr face, two jet-ck eyes, thick brows and high nose bridge. He looked to be in good spirits. Senior Master Qin Yu, Second Master Qin Han, and Fifth Master Qin Xian followed behind him. Even the young Ninth Master Qin Xuan and six-year-old Tenth Master Qin Rong was in the group. It was the firstplete assembly of the ¡®bao radical¡¯ generation that Qin Yining had witnessed since returning to the manor. 2

    ¡°Has Old Dowager Qin been well? Sun Yu greets the Qin matriarch.¡± Sun Yu gave a dapper bow, his posture elegant and at ease.

    ¡°Rise, oh do rise.¡± The old dowager helped him up with both hands. ¡°It¡¯s been too long! Grandson Sun¡¯s learning must have grown by leaps and bounds!¡±

    ¡°Surely Old Dowager Qin jests.¡± Sun Yu¡¯sugh was as warm as the spring breeze. ¡°I havee to benefit from uncle-inw¡¯s sage guidance.¡±

    ¡°Come, sit.¡± The old dowager instructed servants to bring both a chair. ¡°Serve the best tea!¡±

    Sun Yu turned to greet the senior, second, and the third madame. The senior madame smiled merrily. ¡°You came directly from home? How is the old madame¡¯s health?¡± 3

    ¡°In response to my aunt, grandmother¡¯s health has taken a turn for the better.¡± Sun Yu smiled in response. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, grandmother¡¯s specially tasked me to request a favor from the old dowager during my visit this time.¡±

    ¡°The duchess is simply too polite.¡± The old dowager smiled. ¡°We¡¯re inws, there¡¯s no need for such ceremony! Just tell me what it is. But for you, it¡¯s rare that you¡¯vee to visit. Doe by more often in the future. Spread your influence to your cousins so that they may all be as studious and hardworking as you.¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager Qin praises Yuanming too highly, I am ashamed.¡± Sun Yu gave the old dowager another bow and extracted an invitation from his sleeve. ¡°My grandfather and grandmother sent me to make a request of the old dowager when they learned that Uncle Qin had regained his lost pearl, that my aunt be allowed to bring cousin Yining back for a visit. Our grandparents would like to see her as well.¡±

    Everyone was rather surprised. It was just a matter of having n¨¦e Sun bring Qin Yining back home for a visit, it¡¯d be enough to send an old granny with a message to n¨¦e Sun. To think that the Duke of Ding would treat this matter with such gravity that he¡¯d send the great schr Sun Yu to extend the invitation!

    The second madame smiled gently. ¡°The duke must dote on this granddaughter very much as well.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, niece Yi is smart and adorable, gentle and polite. Even our Old Dowager dotes greatly on her, much less her maternal grandmother!¡± The third madame startedughing as well.

    When the old dowager recalled what had happened this morning, she too felt that Qin Yining was immensely adorable and joined in benevolently. ¡°Ah, oh me, I love her to bits. I wouldn¡¯t want her to leave my side at all. But since the duchess misses her granddaughter so and has sent even a great talent like Yuanming to be the messenger, how can I not let her go?¡± She turned to n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Eldest daughter-inw, take your daughter back home for a visit tomorrow. Remember to bring the gifts I previously prepared as well.¡±

    What previously prepared gifts? It¡¯s rather my house who sent you gifts! N¨¦e Sun snorted disdainfully inwardly, scoffing at the old dowager¡¯s act. However, she responded with a respectful smile. ¡°Of course, your daughter-inw will do so.

    Sun Yu bowed at the old dowager with both hands folded in front of him. He was a male outsider after all, and wasn¡¯t suited to stay long in the inner residence. He only sat for a little while longer before leaving with Qin Huaiyuan and the other Qin boys.

    Qin Huining immediately crawled onto the luohan bed when he left, cracking open the window to sneak a look outside. Cold air gusted into the room, drawing nces from several of the girls.

    As dense as Qin Yining might be in this area, she too had vaguely grasped the situation from Qin Huining¡¯s untoward actions.

    Back in the outer room, the old dowager wondered, ¡°Why is it so cold all of sudden? Is winding in from somewhere?¡±

    Qin Huining hastily shut the window.

 Chapter 26: Family Culture

    <h4>Chapter 26: Family Culture</h4>

    The old dowager smiled when the girls returned to the outer room. ¡°It¡¯s growingte. You all should be heading to Garden of Tranquility for lessons in manners, no?¡±

    ¡°Yes, grandmother.¡± The girls nodded.

    ¡°Old Dowager, we¡¯ll have lessons as usual today,¡± said n¨¦e Sun. ¡°I¡¯ll take daughter Yi for a visit back home tomorrow morning. Zhan-mama can teach the other girls as usual then.¡±

    The old dowager nodded with a smile, seemingly not detecting anything untoward in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s words. Qin Huining, staring at them, finally couldn¡¯t help but tug on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s sleeve and ask apprehensively, ¡°Mother, are you not bringing me? I also miss my maternal grandparents.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had been hesitant. When Sun Yu had brought word just now, he¡¯d said that the duchess had wanted to see the newly found pearl, but he hadn¡¯t said that they wanted to see the foster daughter. But her thoughts took a spin in another direction. They want to see their granddaughter, but didn¡¯t say which one. I¡¯ll just pretend I got confused and bring Qin Huining as well.

    ¡°Of course you¡¯reing.¡± N¨¦e Sun brushed at Qin Huining¡¯s hair tenderly. ¡°We¡¯ll go together tomorrow morning.¡±

    Qin Huining smiled cutely as she clung to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm. The sixth miss spoke with admiration off to the side, ¡°Senior aunt, please bring us with you if you have the chance to in the future. I¡¯ve heard that the Duke of Ding¡¯s garden is evenrger than ours, and that it¡¯s quite beautiful!¡±

    The second madame¡¯s expression underwent subtle changes at this, and she red at the sixth miss. But the girl wasn¡¯t as docile as usual and was looking at n¨¦e Sun with blushing cheeks and sparkling eyes.

    N¨¦e Sun felt quite heady with the rush ofpliments and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll take you all with me if there¡¯s a chance to in the future.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, senior aunt!¡± The sixth miss smiled sweetly.

    ¡°We¡¯re all one family so it¡¯s good to visit more often. Granddaughter Yi has just returned this time, she¡¯ll have much to say to her grandparents. You girls can go next time. You¡¯ll all have an opportunity.¡± The old dowager didn¡¯t think much of this. Kids will be kids. They so love to y. The girls all responded affirmatively.

    Qin Yining had a very busy day, but perhaps because she was to visit her maternal grandparents on the morrow, she was a bit distracted during her studies. She couldn¡¯t even remember the various rules and manners that Zhan-mamataught her, even after the mama repeated herself. The pce servant gave up for the day after a few tries. Qin Yining also discovered that Qin Huining¡¯s looks at her had grown even more vengeful. It was as if there was a blood feud between the two.

    She still went to the study in the outer residence in the afternoon, listening to the teacher behind a screen. Night had already fallen by the time she returned to Snowpear Courtyard. Her emotions were a bit all over the ce because she was to meet the Duchess of Ding tomorrow and had no idea how her maternal grandmother was. She had Run prepare her outfit and then asked Zhan-mama to look it over, only resting when she was certain that everything was in order. But as shey in bed, she carefully recalled the circumstances of Bao-mama¡¯s visit. They all said that birds of a feather flock together. Bao-mama was a trusted confidante by the duchess¡¯ side and would naturally have some insight into the duchess¡¯ demeanor. Her style and way of speaking would inevitably be simr to her mistress. Qin Yining finally went to sleep peacefully when she thoroughly went over all the sticky situations that could develop and brainstormed strategies in response.

    The night passed calmly. After greeting the old dowager in the morning, Qin Yining went back to Snowpear Courtyard to wash up and change clothes. She had chosen a pastel pink, in silk padded jacket withrge sleeves today. It was paired with a downy-yellow, simple pleated skirt 1. The outfit was topped off by a crimson cape lined with white rabbit fur on the cor. This heightened Qin Yining¡¯s bashfulness as a young girl, but didn¡¯t downy her looks, whereas the fabric and work of the clothes emphasized her status as a noble daughter.

    As for jewelry, she selected two jade cloves and a crab-apple hairpin from the jewelry set that third madame had gifted Qin Yining to adorn her hair. The girl¡¯s hair was jet-ck. When the crap-apple hairpin was set into her partially upswept hairstyle, it heightened the inky luster of the locks and made the hairpin appear exquisite and precious.

    ¡°Mama, I think one at my age doesn¡¯t need powder, right?¡± Qin Yining looked at the various bottles on her vanity mirror and started coughing at the various fragrances that were assaulting her nose.

    The pce servant tucked away some errant strands of hair with a smile. ¡°The miss is perfect this way. You were born with good skin, and young girls don¡¯t need powder or rouge. But it¡¯s cold outside, so you should use the ointment lightly scented with jasmine on your face. It wouldn¡¯t do for the wind to chap your cheeks.¡±

    ¡°As you say, mama.¡± Qin Yining nodded with a smile. She was bringing only Run with her to the Duke of Ding¡¯s manor. She could¡¯ve brought a mama as well, but upon further observation, Qin Yining discovered that Zhu-mama was a quiet one who did everything she was told. The old servant wasn¡¯t suited for important tasks at all, whereas Zhan-mamawasn¡¯t one of hers, so there was nothing to be done either.

    Run had changed into a pale-green outer jacket and skirtbination for the trip today. She¡¯d slipped a bright-red long vest with a furred cor on over the outfit. The coordination of red and green looked quite fetching due to her youth, and made her appear very dependable as well. ¡°Miss, the carriage has been prepared. Senior Madame says the carriage will be parked outside the second door and leave via the western side door. We should head for the carriage now.¡±

    Qin Yining stepped into the sedan holding an exquisite hand warmer. Run stood next to the sedan, following when it headed out to the second door. They swapped out for a small carriage wallpapered with wax paper, reaching the western side door after a short travel. There was already a long convoy waiting in front of the door.

    The prime minister¡¯s wife was openly heading home in full glory, and bringing her daughter as well. It wasn¡¯t a quick scurry home in a singr carriage likest time. Two luxurious carriages adorned with tassels had been arranged for the mistresses. A small, in one followed behind for the mamas honored enough toe along for the trip. The convoy was rounded out with two carriages loaded with gifts. There were at least a dozen servants and guards in the retinue as well.

    Qin Yining climbed into the first carriage via a redcquer footstool. She lifted the carriage curtains to see n¨¦e Sun and Qin Huining sitting closely to each other in the main seat. Jin-mama was sitting in the side seat and quickly greeted the fourth miss. Qin Yining returned the greeting and curtseyed to n¨¦e Sun.

    N¨¦e Sun was wearing a pale purple garment today, her knitted silk cloak quite an opulent fashion statement. Her exquisite makeup had erased all traces of age from her face, leaving only a demure and beautiful madame. Qin Huining¡¯s outfit on the other hand, was stunningly outside of Qin Yining¡¯s expectations.

    Qin Yining sat down across from Jin-mama and began openly looking at Qin Huining. The foster daughter had thrown on a turquoise, knitted silk cloak and an aqua brocade dress. Her clothing was in muted shades, but she¡¯d put hard work into her makeup. Her slender eyebrows arched slightly upwards, and powder was perfectly applied. The deep red of her lips hearkened to the red jade beads of her earrings, enhancing the girl¡¯s overall looks greatly. The ensemble did indeed look good, going beyond her usual demureness and giving a few hints of a sharply domineering beauty.

    She was perhaps made ufortable by Qin Yining¡¯s assessment and frowned slightly. ¡°What are you looking at, younger sister Little Creek?¡±

    ¡°Miss Huining looks so pretty in this that I lost myself in appreciation.¡± Qin Yining smiled.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothingpared to your natural beauty.¡± The response held barely concealed jealousy. Qin Huining had dressed to win against Qin Yining, because she¡¯d thought that the neer would dress to the best of her ability for her first visit to the Duke of Ding. Who would¡¯ve thought that Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t use any powder and wear barely any jewelry?! Most irritating of all was that the charm and allure in Qin Yining¡¯s looks was all natural and apparent even without cosmetics. Qin Huining had been a bit proud of her get up today, but she could feel her pride shatter all over the floor with Qin Yining sitting in front of her.

    The atmosphere grew a bit awkward. Jin-mama coughed lightly and took a look at n¨¦e Sun who was resting with her eyes half closed. The old servant smiled. ¡°Fourth Miss, it¡¯s your first visit to the Duke of Ding Manor. How about I introduce the household there to you?¡± Her attitude was especially respectful. There wasn¡¯t a trace of her initial impatience to be found.

    Qin Yining knew that these people were materialistic and changed with the wind. She wasn¡¯t angry at this and smiled gratefully instead. ¡°Many thanks to Jin-mama, I was about to ask you the same.¡±

    Jin-mama began her exnations in a low voice. Although the Duke of Ding was a venerated and wealthy official, they were a family of schrs. Their house rules were exceedingly stern. Although they were ustomed to wielding power, none of their children of the main or side family branches, especially the three generations directly beneath the duke and duchess¡¯ care, had ever had bullying scandals. What was most admirable and rare to Qin Yining was that all of the girls in this household were very close to each other. If the duchess caught anyone scheming or framing others, heavy punishment would be in store.

    ¡°The duchess says that a family united is a family that can withstand external pressure and attack. Although a flower looks pretty from the outside, it won¡¯t live long if the core is rotten.¡± Jin-mama basked in shared glory, whereas Qin Yining was in deep agreement. Compared to this, the prime minister manor seemed rather... base...

    There were only two branches to the the duke¡¯s family n. N¨¦e Sun was the official firstborn daughter, but ranked number three in her family tree. Her two older brothers doted on her quite heavily.

    ¡°Miss, your senior uncle and second uncle are all generals fighting against Great Zhou and aren¡¯t in the manor at the moment. However, your senior aunt and second aunt are both present. You have six female cousins and five male cousins¡ªthe eldest of which came yesterday with the invitation.¡± Jin-mama started describing the members of the household after going over the family culture. Qin Yiningmitted everything to memory and was fully familiar with the Duke of Ding Manor¡¯s household structure and atmosphere by the time they arrived.

    ¡°Thedy¡¯se back!¡± A delighted voice sounded from outside the carriage. A runner was sent into the manor. ¡°Hurry and tell Elder Madame that the eldestdy and miss has returned!¡±

    The servants had already ced a redcquer footstool on the ground when they lifted the carriage curtain. Jin-mamajumped off to help n¨¦e Sun alight, Cai-mama and Bitong supported Qin Huining, while Run supported Qin Yining.

    The group had just crossed the inner door inside the main doors whereupon they were greeted by the hubbub of two older women leading a group of young girls.

    ¡°I told everyone toe outter, but your second sister-inw wanted toe out earlier because she said you¡¯d be here soon. Now we¡¯re all cold.¡± One of the older women held n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand and spoke intimately, ¡°Aw, your hand is so warm!¡±

 Chapter 27: Maternal Grandmother

    <h4>Chapter 27: Maternal Grandmother</h4>

    ¡°Sister-inw, your hands are freezing. Why didn¡¯t you take a hand warmer with you?¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tone was lighthearted, her eyes creasing into smiles. She gave her own brass hand warmer etched with flowers to Senior Madame n¨¦e Yan and then took Second Madame n¨¦e Kong¡¯s hands into her own, rubbing them to impart warmth.

    Both sisters-inw were older than n¨¦e Sun. The Duke of Ding had a strict household culture, and her two elder brothers had doted on n¨¦e Sun greatly. She hadn¡¯t had a single argument with her sisters-inw beforeing of age and leaving the manor. The elder women were extremely close, closer than even daughters of the official wife and concubines.

    The girls all startedughing when they saw this. A fifteen-year-old girl wearing a turquoise cloak topped with gray rabbit fur smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to senior aunt¡¯s words, auntie! She talks like she wasn¡¯t in a hurry. She¡¯d only sat for a short time at grandmother¡¯s before checking the time four times. My mother said that we all might as well head outside since senior aunt was so anxious. ¡®Perhaps a watched kettle will boil!¡¯ That¡¯s why we all came out.¡± The girl¡¯s voice was clear and crisp, giving rise to moreughter from the crowd.

    Qin Yining was watching silently off to the side, sensing the sheer wee bubbling from this household. Another young girl wearing the same crimson cloak as her had been watching Qin Yining curiously withrge eyes for quite some time now. The girl finally couldn¡¯t contain her curiosity and shuffled over to Qin Yining¡¯s side like a little animal, asking softly after a curtsey, ¡°Hello big sister, I¡¯m Sun Ling. Are you big sister Yining?¡±

    ¡°Hello big sister Ling, I¡¯m Yining.¡± Qin Yining quickly returned the curtsey.

    ¡°Look at me, I¡¯m caught up in chatting with my sisters-inw and forgot introductions.¡± N¨¦e Sun turned back when she heard the exchange. ¡°Daughter Yi,e greet your senior aunt, second aunt, and cousins.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled at Sun Ling and made her curtsey to the senior and second madame like Zhan-mama had taught her. ¡°Greetings to senior and second aunt.¡±

    ¡°Aiyaya!¡± Second Madame n¨¦e Kong grabbed both of Qin Yining¡¯s hands and looked at the girl closely, clucking her tongue. ¡°She¡¯s a beautiful little doll alright! They all say that your seventh cousin in our Ding Manor is the most beautiful, but I think you win out over her!¡±

    ¡°Second aunt is praising me far too highly. It¡¯s just that mother dotes on me and puts me in pretty outfits.¡± Qin Yining smiled with her eyes lowered, her voice soft and gentle. She presented a docile and pleasing image.

    N¨¦e Sun was quite pleased by these words and patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand, the very image of a benevolent mother. There was none of the cold distance she¡¯d exhibited beforehand. Abandoned off to the side for a long while, it felt like adle of hot oil had been poured over Qin Huining¡¯s heart. It took her a moment to adjust her resentful and angry feelings. ¡°Greetings to senior and second aunt.¡± She also curtsied.

    The senior madame seemed to notice her only now. The madame took in Qin Huining¡¯s reserved outfit and striking makeup. She nodded with a supercilious smile and said nothing. The second madame openly assessed the girl¡¯s outfit and smiled. ¡°Niece Hui is bing prettier by the day.¡±

    Qin Huining was delighted and responded primly, ¡°Don¡¯tugh at me second aunt. With such pearls as seventh cousin and younger sister Little Creek present, aren¡¯t the rest of us just pigs rolling around in the mud?¡± She covered her mouth tough delicately at this.

    Although these words were humble, wouldn¡¯t they also happen to tap into anytent jealousy in the other girls? The senior and second madame looked at each other, not speaking after that. The girls in this household weren¡¯t so easily provoked. They all looked down and pretended they hadn¡¯t heard.

    Qin Yining found this developmentughable. She knows what the culture is like here and still puts on this act. Qin Huining really is something alright!

    Qin Huining wanted to project the feeling that she got along great with her sister, so wrapped her hand around Qin Yining¡¯s arm with a giggle. ¡°Little Creek, let me introduce the others to you.¡±

    She pointed at a girl wearing a pink cloak cored with white rabbit fur standing next to the second madame. ¡°This is our seventh cousin. She¡¯s three years older than us. She¡¯s already engaged to the son of Great Schr Lu and will be marrying soon.¡±

    ¡°Hello, seventh cousin.¡± Qin Yining ignored what Qin Huining was calling her and curtsied smilingly to the Sun seventh miss.

    Her greeting was returned. ¡°Hello, younger sister Yining.¡±

    Qin Huining then pointed at the girl wearing the turquoise cloak, one in a pale-blue cloak, and the one in crimson who¡¯d spoken to Yining. ¡°This is our ninth, tenth, and eleventh cousin. Tenth and eleventh cousin are also fourteen this year.¡±

    Qin Yining made her greetings respectively and had them returned by the three girls as well. The eleventh miss tugged on Qin Yining¡¯s cloak and then looked at hers again. ¡°Cousin¡¯s cloak is made of the same fabric as mine. We have some shared destiny!¡± She turned to look at Qin Huining with innocent eyes, cocking her head with curiosity, ¡°Does cousin Huining not know cousin Yining¡¯s name? Why do you keep saying ¡®Little Creek¡¯?¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s smile froze on her face. You¡¯re just a concubine-born daughter of the main branch! How dare you embarrass me like this!

    N¨¦e Sun had been chatting idly with the senior and second madame. She grew unhappy with the disturbance on this side. The atmosphere at her mother¡¯s home was different from that of the inws¡¯. Although marrying Prime Minister Qin was a glorious thing, the culture at her inws¡¯ had always been a thorn in her side. Even though she sometimes felt that there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with how things were done there, she knew that her mother¡¯s side disdained that kind of behavior. And here was Qin Huining, trotting out that behavior!

    She¡¯d never thought it inappropriate when Qin Huining used Little Creek back at the prime minister¡¯s manor, but now that she was in the Ding Manor, she felt enraged. And yet, she couldn¡¯t lecture Qin Huining on the spot.

    At this moment, Qin Yining took Qin Huining¡¯s arm with a smile and exined in a soft voice, ¡°Eleventh cousin doesn¡¯t know this bit. I spent my childhood wandering around outside and received help from a foster mother. My foster mother picked me up by a creek and gave me the nickname Little Creek. Miss Huining is one who knows to repay debts of gratitude, and I quite agree with her. We made a private promise that she should call me Little Creek so that she can always remind me not to forget the eight years that my foster mother raised me.¡±

    The eleventh miss was quite moved by this, and she nodded with tears in her eyes. ¡°Sister Yining¡¯s suffered much outside.¡±

    The other girls also crowded around Qin Yining. Although they were curious about her childhood outside, they were all touched by her words at the moment. No one remembered Qin Huining¡¯s provocation from just a moment ago.

    N¨¦e Sun sighed in relief when she saw this and was even more soothed by Qin Yining¡¯s gracious actions of generous bearing. The senior madame arched her eyebrow and once again assessed Qin Yining, this time with sharp eyes. She smiled gently afterwards.

    Second madame pulled on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand. ¡°We can chat when we get to Bright Spring Hall. Mother must be afire with impatience by now.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± n¨¦e Sun nodded. ¡°If our elder sister gets a cold from the chilly air, my big brother will be mad at me!¡±

    ¡°You imp! You always make fun of me. The children are all here.¡± The senior madame fired back inughing retort.

    The girls and servants all startedughing as well. The atmosphere was infectious, Qin Yining¡¯s lips also curled up and the group made their happy way through the flower-hung gate.

    The Duke of Ding¡¯s manor was stunning size at five houses wide and sevenyers deep. 1 It was said that thisplex had been a royal residence in the previous dynasty. The emperor awarded it to the Sun family ancestors due to impressive battle achievements.

    Although all life was resting in the winter time, the sophisticated design of the gardens within theplex drew Qin Yining¡¯s unblinking attention. She kept imagining how beautiful the ce must be in the spring and summer time as she walked through it. When the other girls saw that their new cousin liked the garden, they came up to her and traded off introducing the premises to her. They seemed to be weing an honored guest with their enthusiasm and held no loftiness at all.

    Qin Huining had be a pretty vase by their side. Her smile was frozen stiff, but she still had to maintain her elegant demeanor. Thankfully, she had Cai-mama and Bitong by her side to help her along and chat with her in a low voice, lifting her glum mood somewhat.

    Maids and granny servants came out to wee them as they approached Bright Spring Hall, with more maids heading inside to pass on the word. Qin Yining had just crossed the threshold when she was greeted with the sight of the main house¡¯s marine-blue satin and bamboo door curtains lifting, followed by a woman over sixty years old with a full figure. She was wearing a dark purple vest and skirt ensemble that hadrge sleeves and simple makeup. Her head was topped with a hat of purple fox fur, and a steady stream of maids and granny servants filed out down the stairs behind her.

    The woman was tall and wrinkles had just started forming on her face. There were faint grooves in between her brows, making her appear slightly stern. However, Qin Yining knew that this kind of person often frowned because she had much to worry over normally. Warmth suffused her kind eyes, sitting beneath long brows, and she walked with a proper and demure posture. Her back was ramrod straight, making her out to be an extremely sharp madame.

    Qin Yining was certain that this was the duchess, her maternal grandmother, with just one nce. Her guess was confirmed when she glimpsed Bao-mama by the woman¡¯s side. Just as she was sizing up the duchess, so too was the Duchess of Ding looking at her. Although Qin Yining was standing in the group of girls and wearing the same crimson red cape, even though she hadn¡¯t put on any powder and didn¡¯t have the eye-catching look of Qin Huining¡¯s red lips, even though she wasn¡¯t as tall as the ninth miss, the duchess still picked her out with a single look.

    It wasn¡¯t because Qin Yining was the only unfamiliar face, and not because of her stunning looks either. It was because there seemed to be a hint of steel to this girl, but she possessed a gentle and reserved demeanor at the same time. The look in her clear eyes indicated Qin Yining¡¯s obvious intelligence, and her posture announced her knowledge of manners and customs. She was a precious sheathed sword, able to show her edge when needed, but able to be cultured and refined as well. The duchess was a smart madame who¡¯d seen countless of people, what kind of beauty hadn¡¯t she seen before? She¡¯d long since discounted the importance of looks at first impressions.

    She was quite pleased by what she saw in Qin Yining and didn¡¯t doubt the girl¡¯s identity like n¨¦e Sun had. She was certain that n¨¦e Sun was the girl¡¯s mother. Why wouldn¡¯t she be happy with such a wonderful granddaughter?

    ¡°This must be granddaughter Yi? Quick,e to grandmother!¡± The duchess held out both arms and quickly walked forward.

    1. Traditional rectangrpounds were three levels deep, looking like a Ä¿ character. The first was the main door and guard house, the second the main halls, and the third the inner residence where the womenfolk resided. A sevenyer deepplex is mindbogglinglyrge

 Chapter 28: Unparalleled Glory

    <h4>Chapter 28: Unparalleled Glory</h4>

    ¡°Grandmother, this granddaughter greets you.¡± Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare overstep herself and paused to kowtow in the grand ceremony of greeting. The rest in her group shifted to the sides to avoid blocking her greeting.

    The duchess looked at her with even more tender eyes and helped Qin Yining up with both hands. She patted her granddaughter¡¯s hand with pity. ¡°Good girl, there¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. Let me take a good look at you.¡±

    The duchess¡¯ hand had the dry warmth unique to elderly folk. Tears welled up in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes when she felt the heat travel to her. The duchess melted when she saw Qin Yining¡¯s watery eyes. Some people had degrees of shared destiny and liked each other upon first sight. This was how the duchess felt about Qin Yining at their first meeting. She could feel the calluses and scars on the girl¡¯s hand and felt pained by them. She gathered Qin Yining in her arms and patted her on the back, saying in a choked up voice, ¡°Poor girl, you¡¯ve had a rough life all these years.¡±

    Those words touched Qin Yining so that her tears couldn¡¯t help but plop soundlessly downwards. This warm hug and the faint smell of incense from the duchess were touching her in the deepest part of her heart. She strove mightily to keep her emotions in check, finally refraining from bursting into sobs at this joyous asion in the end. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad grandmother. No matter how things were before, it¡¯s all over now. We should look ahead to the future and not behind.¡±

    These words were the perfect response. The duchess nodded several times. ¡°Yes, indeed, it¡¯s over, all over now.¡±

    The senior and second madame had long been dabbing at their eyes from emotion. They nodded continuously, and even n¨¦e Sun, having experienced extreme highs and lows since finding her daughter, burst out in tears. The scene of them holding each other and bawling in the cold wind was too tragic to bear. The senior madame sniffled and said, ¡°Look at mother being so happy, you ran out of the house in your slippers in this kind of weather! The ground¡¯s quite cold.¡±

    Bao-mama was dabbing at her eyes with a sleeve and continued ordingly, ¡°The elder madame was in such a hurry to see her granddaughter that she wouldn¡¯t even let me help her into shoes.¡±

    ¡°Me? You¡¯re talking about me? And who was it who could barely keep their seat?¡± The duchess poked fun at her two daughters-inw. The heavy atmosphere was washed away, leaving behind only happiness as the groupughed and chatted with each other. They slowly filed into the house. Even the serving girl holding up the door curtains was wreathed with smiles, as if it was New Year¡¯s.

    Qin Yining kept smiling through her tears as she listened to her grandmother and aunts trade words offort for her. She wasn¡¯t able to get a word in edgewise. She¡¯d fantasized about this scene many times on the way back to the capital from Liang, to think that she¡¯d find it at her grandmother¡¯s instead of her own home! The potential situations that could arise and various responding strategies that had kept her uptest night all seemed to be extraneous effort. It would seem that she¡¯d been a worrywart and thought too little of her family.

    The duchess was helped into the main seat by her two daughters-inw, who then took the side seats along with n¨¦e Sun. Bao-mama brought over a rush cushion for Qin Yining to kneel down on it and properly kowtow in the grand ceremony of greeting. ¡°This granddaughter greets grandmother and her two aunts, and hopes they are well.¡±

    ¡°Oh hurry and rise.¡± The duchess leaned forward to help Qin Yining up and pulled the girl to sit beside her. ¡°Have you gotten used to things sinceing back? Do youck anything? Your mother has a quick temper and is forgetful. If she dares mistreat you, juste and tell grandmother. I¡¯ll hit her!¡±

    The duchess spoke very quickly and Qin Yining couldn¡¯t quite get a word in. She could only shake her head to indicate that she hadn¡¯t been maltreated.

    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re ying favorites! Daughter Yi¡¯spletely outshone me now that she¡¯s here.¡± N¨¦e Sun blushed furiously at these words. She couldn¡¯t help recall that she¡¯d hit her own daughter and criticized her quite harshly. Despite all this, the child had still graciously thought of retaining her mother¡¯s dignity. N¨¦e Sun began to feel a bit guilty at this.

    ¡°And how old are you? Look at you still vying with your daughter! I won¡¯t talk about your quick temper, but you should really use your brain more in the future. Don¡¯t go every which way that people point you in.¡± The duchess tapped n¨¦e Sun¡¯s forehead with a finger.

    Color drained out of Qin Huining¡¯s face when she heard this. Herplexion was as white as paper as she lowered her head to surreptitiously observe the duchess¡¯ expression. N¨¦e Sun retracted her neck and stuck out her tongue with a yful air. All of the girls started chuckling, and the sounds of merrymaking traveled far into the distance.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huining was quite apprehensive. She knew that her maternal grandmother was no easy character and wasn¡¯t as easily manipted as n¨¦e Sun. There had been clear undertones to those words just now! That wild brat¡¯s been the center of attention since we¡¯ve arrived. Even grandmother sees only her, I¡¯ve be nonexistent! Resentment had long since festered in Qin Huining the more this silent treatment continued, but all of it vanished in the wind after those words from the duchess, leaving behind only the panic of having lost favor. She hastily curtsied with a smile. ¡°Grandmother is looking ever so well these days.¡±

    The duchess was smiling as she patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand lightly. ¡°Indeed, the days have easy for me. Your two aunts and cousins all wait on me and leave nothing for me to do. Your aunts take all burdens onto their shoulders and won¡¯t breathe a hint of any baseless rumors to me at all. I¡¯m unfettered by anything and can only y with my grandchildren. It¡¯s impossible not to be in good health then, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    It was as if something had struck Qin Huining¡¯s head as her face flushed red and purple. She forced a smile. ¡°Grandmother is one with great fortune. Aunts and sister cousins are all filial, and uncles and brother cousins all have great aplishments.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± The duchess looked merrily at Qin Yining. ¡°Our darling Yi had a rough childhood. Since you¡¯vee home, all disaster is water under the bridge. Only good daysy ahead, so darling Yi is one with great fortune as well.¡±

    Everyone agreed with smiles andughter, breaking out into a hubbub of conversation again.

    Qin Huining sulkily backed off to the side, her hands balled in fists hidden in her sleeves. Her nails were digging so hard into her palms that they were almost drawing blood. She¡¯d never thought that the duchess would deny her so much face and repeatedly verbally knock her down! Qin Huining didn¡¯t know if the others had understand what¡¯d happened, but n¨¦e Sun likely had. She looked anxiously at n¨¦e Sun, but saw that her mother was looking in the duchess and Qin Yining¡¯s direction with a slight smile. Something had amused her, and she was chuckling happily.

    Perhaps feeling Qin Huining¡¯s gaze on her, n¨¦e Sun turned around with a question in her eyes. Their gazes met, but Qin Huining wasn¡¯t able to purge the vengeful resentment in her eyes in time. N¨¦e Sun started and thought back to what her mother had said moments ago. She then thought of how Qin Huining had still been up to her old tricks in front of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s sisters earlier today. She really disliked how Qin Huining was acting, so didn¡¯t call the girl to her side tofort like she usually would¡¯ve. N¨¦e Sun turned back to continue chatting with her sisters-inw.

    She ignored me! Qin Huining almost broke a tooth from gnashing. Now it¡¯s really apparent who¡¯s the real daughter and who¡¯s not, huh! These people were too twisted! She¡¯d been swapped alright, and had indeed taken Qin Yining¡¯s ce for fourteen years. But how was this her fault?! She was a victim too! But here they were, all showing her unfriendly faces! They can¡¯t me me for fighting for what I want then!

    ¡°Elder Madame.¡± A head maid came in to curtsey with a smile. ¡°His Grace and the senior master are back from morning court. Grand Supervisor Wang from the pce is also with them and says he brings an imperial decree as well! He tells us all to go ept the decree!¡±

    ¡°Grand Supervisor Wang by the emperor¡¯s side?¡± The room was silent and the duchess¡¯ voice pitched a bit higher than usual.

    ¡°Yes, this servant has already asked the pageboy.¡± The head maid nodded. ¡°His Grace and the senior master all look very happy, and the Supervisor is being quite polite. His Grace has told all the young masters not toe to Bright Spring Hall, but to head for the main door to meet the Supervisor and ept the decree.¡±

    ¡°I thought those kids were being a bit slow, so there¡¯s some good news!¡± The second madame pped once. ¡°Mother, it¡¯s most likely to do with the gentlemen of our family!¡±

    The duchess and senior madame were also guessing the same as joy had appeared on their faces. The entire household were mainstays in the fight against Great Zhou¡¯s aggression, whether it was grandson Sun Haichen on the frontlines, second elder master Sun Haijing, or the mighty pen at court Sun Yu. They were all sharp weapons for the emperor¡¯s use in the battlefield. Now that Grand Supervisor Wang was here personally, he must have des to shower down on one of the men.

    There was no time for chitchat as those with titles, such as the duchess, senior and second madame, and n¨¦e Sun, all hastily put on formal makeup. The girls all tidied themselves up and swiftly went to the front yard, burning incense to ept the decree. It was Qin Yining¡¯s first exposure to such a situation so she couldn¡¯t help but be a bit nervous. She was kneeling at the back of all the women along with her cousins, listening to Grand Supervisor Wang proim in a slightly shrill voice, ¡°The Emperor, who governs with the mandate of Heaven, decrees that Sun Yu, a regr member of the Hanlin Academy, 1, grandson of Duke of the State, Duke of Ding, is an open and upright individual, possessing both of talent and ethics, wholehearted devotion to public duty, free of corruption, and does not debase himself with crooked individuals. We are gratified with his loyalty and fidelity, and hereby promote him to an eminent member of the Hanlin Academy and award him with a hundred taels of gold. So it is decreed!¡±

    ¡°We thank His Imperial Majesty!¡± Everyone kowtowed in unison.

    Grand Supervisor Wang offered the imperial decree with both hands and a smile. ¡°Congrattions, Sir Sun!¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Grand Supervisor Wang.¡± Sun Yu epted with both hands as well. ¡°Please step into the parlor for some tea.¡±

    The duke rose with a smile. ¡°Many thanks to the grand supervisor for making this trip. You must have a sip of my best tea before you return.¡±

    The grand supervisor smiled merrily and bowed. ¡°Many thanks to Duke of Ding, this servant shallply with no further pleasantries then.¡±

    ¡°This way please.¡± The duke and Sun Yu headed off to y host to the imperial servant, while the females and young masters returned to Bright Spring Hall.

    The atmosphere finally became lively again after everyone had changed into morefortable clothing and washed off the heavy makeup.

    ¡°Oh my my, what wonderful news! This is such great fortune!¡± N¨¦e Sun grabbed the senior madame¡¯s hands. ¡°You have such a fine son! He¡¯s part of the cab at such an young age and has now climbed to an esteemed member of Hanlin Academy by himself! He¡¯s beenplimented by the emperor himself! He¡¯s the first in our family to receive such a unique honor!¡±

    The senior madame waved her hand with a smile. ¡°Look at you piling the praise on, Ming¡¯er was just lucky, and this time he did indeed do precisely what the emperor likes.¡±

    Everyone grew curious at these words. The duchess took the lead. ¡°I was just wondering as well. Why did the emperor send Grand Supervisor Wang all of a sudden? Setting aside the promotion, why the reward of a hundred taels of gold?¡±

    Qin Yining blinked with curiosity as well. Everyone said that the son of Heaven was hard to fathom, so it was quite rare that her eldest cousin would be so valued by the emperor.

    1. The schrly institute in ancient China

 Chapter 29: A Great Gift

    <h4>Chapter 29: A Great Gift</h4>

    The senior madame sighed slightly. ¡°This isn¡¯t any big secret. We didn¡¯t tell mother before because we didn¡¯t want you to worry. Someone from Great Zhou contacted Ming¡¯er before and wanted him to defect. They spoke all sorts of criticisms about our emperor and emphasized how courageous and valiant their little Prince Pang was, and how his Valiant Tigers were going to trample over the rivers and mountains of our Great Yan one day...¡±

    The women and girls present sucked in a quick breath, and the duchess¡¯ brow furrowed fiercely. The second madame also covered her mouth as a gasp of shock escaped her. N¨¦e Sun was the most straightforward one and grabbed the senior madame¡¯s hand. ¡°Sister-inw, these Great Yan people have such malicious intent! If this had traveled to His Majesty¡¯s ears, wouldn¡¯t it have given others something totch onto and denounce us as traitors?¡±

    ¡°It did travel to the emperor¡¯s ears. Ming¡¯er renounced the visitor harshly on the spot and entered the pce to beg the emperor¡¯s forgiveness, holding his official¡¯s robes. You all know too that our emperor... thinks a lot. But thankfully we got past this trial without any further developments.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite unfamiliar with the higher levels of court, but she¡¯d heard various rumors about the emperor. Insults about a useless and self-indulgent emperor abounded amongst the general popce. Dim-sighted in his old age, decrepit and muddleheaded. He spoiled a subus of an empress and allowed corrupt officials to take the reins of power. The lousy emperor especially trusted Grand Preceptor of the Nation, Grand Preceptor Cao, who¡¯d encouraged the princes to fight amongst themselves and now held fully half of the power at court. There was only one prince left, the crown prince; so there wasn¡¯t anyone to choose from for the heir.

    The senior madame sighed again and spoke dejectedly, ¡°Ming¡¯er¡¯s now offended Great Zhou. Having the vanguard for so many years, I am truly worried. He looks like a gentle person, but he¡¯s one that even nine oxen can¡¯t pull back if he digs his heels in.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, it¡¯s all in the past now. It¡¯s a good thing that the emperor trusts Ming¡¯er.¡± The duchess patted her daughter-inw¡¯s hand with a kind look in her eyes, subtly indicating for her not to continue since the children were present.

    The senior madame finally recovered from her anxiety and wanly smiled. ¡°The time¡¯s about right. Mother, I¡¯ll go take a look in the kitchens first since we¡¯re having the banquet soon. Let¡¯s set up the banquet in the heated passageway between the two main houses?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be for the best.¡±

    The senior madame took her leave while the second madame called over two men for introductions. ¡°Niece Yi, this is your fifth cousin, and this is your eighth cousin. Your second and fourth cousin are away in the army and aren¡¯t at home right now.¡±

    Qin Yining quickly got up to curtsey to her fifth and eighth cousin. The Sun men were all tall and bulky, defined by their thick brows and high noses. Her fifth and eighth cousin were twenty and eighteen years old respectively. Both returned her greeting with a very polite bow. Perhaps it was due to the difference in their ages, or possibly due to the difference in gender, but they didn¡¯t talk very much.

    When she took her seat again and the conversation resumed around her, she learned that out of her five Sun cousins, eldest cousin Sun Yu was the only one yet unmarried. Her senior and second uncle were all not too far from the capital, guarding Xihua City. Her second and fourth cousin both lived in Xihua City with their families and visited infrequently. Her fifth and eighth cousins-inw were both pregnant. One was about to give birth and the other was newly pregnant, but the fetus was showing signs of instability. They weren¡¯t suited for movement, so both had stayed indoors today.

    ¡°Although my cousins-inw are indisposed today, we¡¯ll have plenty of chances to meet in the future.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Please give them my regards.¡±

    Her fifth and eighth cousin smiled and nodded. ¡°Come visit us often, we¡¯ll have plenty of chances to gather together.¡±

    The duchess grinned widely when she saw the younger generation getting along well. She was deep in conversation when a maid came in to report, ¡°Elder Madame, the banquet is ready. The duke and eldest master is already there. Please make your way there as well.¡±

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s go to dinner.¡± The duchess rose, still smiling. The maids inside the house helped their respective mistresses up and tidied their outfits. Therge group embarked towards dinner with grand fanfare, and arrivedughing and chatting.

    The underground furnace was going strong, creating a wave of hot air that greeted anyone who entered. It was apanied by the delicious fragrance of food, imparting the warmth of home. A ckcquer eight-fold room divider, embossed with bamboo, was set up in the middle of the room to section off two dining tables. The men were on one side and the womenfolk on the other.

    The duchess had been holding Qin Yining¡¯s hand since they¡¯d started walking, so the girl naturally sat next to her grandmother when they took their seats, while n¨¦e Sun took her ce on the other side of the duchess. Qin Huining pursed her red lips and took a seat next to n¨¦e Sun, eyes downcast, followed by her cousins. The senior and second madame were standing by the duchess¡¯ side, holding serving chopsticks and ready toy out food for their mother-inw.

    The duchessughed. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to follow the rules today, go sit down! Let¡¯s enjoy a family meal together.¡±

    The senior madame ced a piece of deboned sweet and sour fish onto the te in front of the duchess. The te was quite exquisite and patterned with five bats surrounding a peach. 1 ¡°Mother dotes on us all, so we mustn¡¯t forget our duties!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, we¡¯re used to serving mother at meals,¡± the second madame chimed in. ¡°Don¡¯t reject us any further!¡±

    Qin Yining snuck a quick nce at her aunts and noted their obvious sincerity and happiness. They didn¡¯t seem to be bearing any hidden grudges. The group followed the rule of not speaking when eating, as was normally the custom in noble families, so only the clinking of chopsticks against dishes could be heard. However, she could sense the happiness and lightheartedness in the air. When everyone had finished eating, the maids brought in spittoons, teacups, brass basins and hand towels for their masters and mistresses to rinse their mouths and wash hands. After they were done, the servants came out with tea.

    Qin Yining had just returned after all, so she naturally became the center of attention. Her cousins quietly took their measure of her, and the duchess surreptitiously observed her new granddaughter throughout the entire meal. She discovered that Qin Yining maintained a prim and proper sitting posture with her spine ramrod straight. Herposed bearing also had hints of noble self assurance and tenderness. There wasn¡¯t anything wrong with her manners at all. If no one brought up her past, it would be impossible to tell that she was someone who¡¯d just entered their society. The duchess nodded privately to herself.

    The girl was obviously quite willing to learn. It was one thing to be smart, and it was another to be able to assess a situation and then execute a n withpetently. With such an able person at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side, she would at least be able to speak a few words of reason when things cropped up. N¨¦e Sun wouldn¡¯t continue to be Qin Huining¡¯s spear anymore. The duchess felt slightly at ease when she thought of the future. ¡°Put the divider aside, there are no outsiders here. Granddaughter Yi, you should meet your grandfather as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The maids carefully lifted the divider out of the way. Bao-mama walked up to the door and swept a cursory nce over the servants inside. Her meaning was immediately clear. The servants all filed out, closing the door closely and retreating to the yard to await further orders. Only family was left inside.

    The duke and duchess rose to retake the head seats, and the remaining girls stood ordingly. Qin Yining knelt on the red carpet that bloomed with flowers in the grand gesture of greeting towards Duke of Ding. ¡°Granddaughter Yi greets her grandfather.¡±

    ¡°You may rise.¡± The duke¡¯s voice was low and resonant like a brass bell. His good health reverberated in his voice. Qin Yining quickly took in her grandfather when she lifted her eyes. The duke was elderly and tall, but clearly hale and hearty. His cheeks were ruddy and his eyes twinkled as he gazed at his granddaughter. The duke turned to his wife mischievously, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have a gift for granddaughter Yi?¡±

    ¡°I was just about to bring it up.¡± The duchess handed a cup of warm tea to her husband and pouted in mock anger. ¡°You¡¯re always the good person. Now you¡¯ve spoiled my surprise!¡±

    The duke almost spat out his mouthful of tea as he chortled. ¡°Look at you, still turning my words around in your age.¡±

    The young misses and masters startedughing when they saw their grandparents¡¯ banter, drawing a smile from Qin Yining as well. They have such a loving rtionship. This family is all so kind as well. Inparison, the prime minister¡¯s manor is so much colder and the people much harder to get along with.

    The duchess waved at Qin Yining, summoning the girl to stand obediently by her side. ¡°Good girl, life is finally taking a turn for the better after all these years of hardship.¡± The duchess patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand sympathetically. ¡°Grandmother is gifting you the ¡®Institute of Luminous Charm¡¯. All matters of its operation will fall under you, and all its profits yours. You don¡¯t need to hand it over to your mother or anyone else. Giving you this business is first to help you learn and practice the trade. In the future, you won¡¯t be overwhelmed when you marry and have to run the household yourself. Secondly, this is a bit of personal money that grandmother is gifting you. There are plenty of ces where you¡¯ll need silver!¡±

    Qin Yining had been quietly listening to her grandmother¡¯s words while taking in everyone else¡¯s expressions out of the corner of her eye. She saw various emotions flicker in those assembled, and when Qin Huining bit her lower lip hard, Qin Yining knew that the Institute of Luminous Charm was a good thing. However, she had no idea what kind of business it was. She only knew that its revenue and profits must be high for it to evoke so many reactions. She felt a little incredulous that such a windfall was just being handed to her, and questions rose in her heart. She looked uneasily at the duchess. ¡°Grandmother, how would I know how to handle all this?¡±

    ¡°Silly girl, you¡¯ll naturally have staff to rely on. I¡¯ll also hand over Grand Steward Zhong¡¯s letter of sor. He¡¯s apetent person. You can use him with peace of mind.¡±

    Did that mean that Qin Yining was just the owner in name, and she didn¡¯t need to lift a finger to rake in the profits? She became even more uneasy at that thought. She¡¯d never considered anything to be free in this world, but she also knew that her maternal grandmother wouldn¡¯t harm her.

    N¨¦e Sun finally couldn¡¯t sit still anymore. ¡°Mother, what does a little girl know of business operations? The Institute is such arge business, and she may not be able to get a handle on it all. It¡¯s a minor thing to lose money, but won¡¯t she bring trouble down on our heads if she offends someone there? Not to mention, doesn¡¯t the Institute belong to Ming¡¯er? How can you give it to daughter Yi?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s startled eyes met Sun Yu¡¯s gentle gaze as he spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, auntie. I¡¯m far too busy at court, and need to study and socialize with others. I really don¡¯t have any time or effort to spare to run a business. Grandmother¡¯s already traded good fields and stores for it with me. I just need to sit back and count the silver they bring in.¡± Sun Yu smiled. ¡°Younger cousin will have to spend much time and effort running the Institute in the future.¡±

 Chapter 30: Trump Card in Hand

    <h4>Chapter 30: Trump Card in Hand</h4>

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but look askance at the duchess. She had no idea what this Institute of Luminous Charm was, but her grandmother had traded good fields and stores to her eldest cousin for it. No wonder her cousins¡¯ expressions had shifted when grandmother had brought it up. N¨¦e Sun was truly caught by surprise. She¡¯d never thought that a girl who¡¯d juste home, someone unfamiliar to her own family, would elicit so much fondness. And to have mother be so generous!

    ¡°Mother, thank you for your kind intentions, but we shan¡¯t ept it. A little girl who knows nothing isn¡¯t suited to look after the Institute. Just like I said, there are so many officials and esteemed nobles within it, and it really would be no joking matter if she offended someone. Besides, she¡¯s juste back and hasn¡¯t even gotten a full handle on all her sums, much less the knowhow on operating a business. She doesn¡¯tck anything in the prime minister¡¯s manor, and it¡¯s not like her paternal grandmother gave her any money or stores after she came back. Why does our family have to go to such depths?¡±

    The first half of her words actually made some sense, but the duchess was frowning fiercely by the time she¡¯d finished, and left everyone feeling a bit awkward. Without a word, the duke left with the male cousins, leaving the warmed room to the female family members.

    When she saw how her father had left just like that, n¨¦e Sun realized that she might¡¯ve said something that displeased her father. It was a habit of his that she had long recognized. The duke would always vacate the area whenever one of the children did something bad and leave the floor for the duchess to enact punishment.

    The duchess spoke after the men had left. ¡°Your words just now werepletely inappropriate. Why have you learned topare yourself to others in jealousy and envy since leaving our family? As a mother, don¡¯t you know you have to serve as an example for your children? Aren¡¯t you afraid that your daughters will also learn these base behaviors of bickering and fighting against others, leading to disharmony between sisters in the end?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was unwilling to ept this kind of lecturing and lowered her head without another word. On the other hand, Qin Huining flushed hot and cold at those words. The duchess looked like she was lecturing n¨¦e Sun, but she was really speaking to Qin Huining!

    The senior and second madame tried to smooth things over when they saw how angry the duchess was. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry mother, sister Han just has a more innocent nature and speaks more straightforwardly.¡±

    ¡°Innocent nature? Straightforward? She¡¯s almost forty, how can she still be like this!?¡± The duchess rubbed her forehead as sheunched into another tirade. ¡°Have you forgotten everything I said to you that day?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun felt quite aggrieved, but didn¡¯t dare talk back since her mother seemed truly angry this time. She just kept her head down and silently admitted her wrongs. The duchess took two deep breaths to calm herself. ¡°You might not be able to think things through clearly, but thankfully you¡¯ve been blessed with someone who sees clearly: granddaughter Yi. You need to think more in the future. Don¡¯t just blindly believe everything that¡¯s told to you. You should discuss matters with darling Yi in the future when something crops up in the Qin manor. I believe that darling Yi will soon be ustomed to the Institute. Just because you don¡¯t have the ability to run a business doesn¡¯t mean your daughter doesn¡¯t! Don¡¯t forget whose daughter she is!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was being lectured like she was three again. She didn¡¯t even dare breathe too loudly in case it sparked a resurgence in her mother¡¯s rage. Although she was indignant at the words being piled on her head, she actually felt a bizarre sense of pride rise within her as well. Perhaps Qin Yining really did take after her father¡¯s smarts?

    Qin Yining could only be anxious off to the side. There was no ce for her to interject at all. When she saw the tiradee to an end, she joined her aunts in pacifying her grandmother. The duchess didn¡¯t mean to endlessly continue in this vein either, so she ended that topic to prevent general awkwardness. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, you might not understand what the Institute is, having juste back. I¡¯ll have Bao-mama exin to you what business it runs, and have the ounts and various documents sent home for you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, grandmother,¡± Qin Yining responded.

    Bao-mama smiled and bent her knee in a curtsey. ¡°Miss, pleasee with me.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Bao-mama.¡± Qin Yining evaded the greeting and returned a half curtsey. The two left the room in friendly spirits, with the smiling eyes of the duchess, senior madame, and second madame following them. Yet when the duchess turned back to see n¨¦e Sun murmur something to Qin Huining in a low voice, she felt her head hurt again. She couldn¡¯t help but take up the mantle of the ¡®Great Feat of Lecturing One¡¯s Daughter¡¯ again. ¡°I can tell already that granddaughter Yi is one who knows when it¡¯s appropriate to advance and when to retreat. This granddaughter is one I like the most, so you...¡±

    And so n¨¦e Sun was lectured all over again on every aspect of her life... and then some.

    ......

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining and Bao-mama had walked to a quiet corner of the yard and was holding a conversation unheard by any. ¡°Miss, you likely don¡¯t know what the Institute of Luminous Grace is, right?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, please enlighten me mama, what kind of business is it?¡±

    Bao-mama smiled. ¡°The Institute is a bit like the Royal Academy of olden dynasties, but it¡¯s a bit different. Do you know, miss, that sometimes when great officials are convicted of a crime, their families be embroiled as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    ¡°Some officials are beheaded for their crimes, others exiled. And regardless of their womenfolk¡¯s age, whether it¡¯s their eighty-year-old mother or three-year-old daughter, all be court courtesans. Please note that this kind of courtesan doesn¡¯t mean a prostitute.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Back then, the imperial family ran the Royal Academy themselves. The courtesans would be sent there for jobs ording to their skills. Ones too elderly would be sent to the kitchen, to gather kindling, clean, run errands, and the like. Those too young would be raised until they were able to be sent to the front of the house to entertain guests. 1 Although our court extols the virtues of rules and manners, officials often visited the Royal Academy to purposefully select the family members of their disgraced peers and engage in shameful acts. Many of them didn¡¯t pay after the fact either. Deeping ounts on credit became the norm. Thus, the Royal Academy constantly lost money.¡±

    ¡°People like that exist?!¡± Qin Yining was openmouthed in shock.

    Bao-mama smiled at her reaction. ¡°People of all sorts exist in the world. The Royal Academy was the property of thete emperor, but how could he allow it to stay in the red like that? In a fit of anger, he closed it and was left unable to collect on the debts. But, there was also now no ce for the womenfolk of disgraced officials to go, and the imperial household couldn¡¯t keep sheltering them. In the end, someone came up with the idea for the Institute of Luminous Grace.

    ¡°Thete emperor reopened the Royal Academy, but it no longer does business. Its primary duty is to serve as a shelter for the women, while the Institute is in charge of running the businesses. However, it must be run like a proper business, and aside from a few shopkeepers, all staff must be hired from the Royal Academy.¡±

    Qin Yining immediately understood the crux of the issue at this point and nodded. ¡°This is a wondrous idea. Thete emperor¡¯s Royal Academy will cease losing money because it¡¯s hiring out the womenfolk, while the Institute has to hire staff anyway. The women of these disgraced officials are arge source ofbor, and it gives the Institute a differentiating edge.¡±

    ¡°The mistress was quite correct in your quickness, miss. You only needed a small hint to understand. The duke¡¯s father was the one who came up with the idea, and thete emperor was so delighted that he awarded the Institute to thete master. This was how it¡¯d been passed down to the eldest master¡¯s hands, but you know his personality.¡± Bao-mamasighed at this point. ¡°There were originally two taverns, two inns, and two brothels under the Institute¡¯s banner. However, eldest master Sun Yu is a stubborn one and didn¡¯t want to see any untoward conduct under his roof, so he closed down the two brothels. Currently, the Institute operates three taverns and two inns. The eldest master remodeled one of the old brothels into a tavern and business has been booming. But because of the war these past few years, he hasn¡¯t had the spare time to run operations. The other closed brothel currently sits unused.¡±

    Qin Yining thoroughly understood the origins of the Institute of Luminous Grace by now. No wonder n¨¦e Sun had objected so strenuously just now! The Institute had three taverns, two inns, and one piece of unused real estate. This was an enormous sum! Setting aside the real estate, how much silver did the taverns and inns bring in a year? They all operated well into the ck! And now they were all hers? And, it was a major selling point that the Institute only hired from the Royal Academy. All of the staff were the womenfolk of disgraced officials. They could be the old dowager of one of the formerrge aristocratic houses, or a noble daughter whose beauty made others swoon. Perhaps the one serving tea in the tavern may have been the head of some inner residence!

    Although the staff had been dragged into the crimes of their family, they still seemed very prestigious to Qin Yining.

    ¡°Miss, is there anything that you still don¡¯t understand?¡± Bao-mama couldn¡¯t help but ask when she saw Qin Yining deep in thought.

    Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. ¡°Grandmother has given me a rich gift indeed. Although I feel a bit guilty for epting it, I won¡¯t let down grandfather and grandmother¡¯s trust in me. I will run the business well and make good use of the connections within.¡±

    Bao-mama was immensely shocked by this insightful response and a light shed through her eyes. ¡°Good, very good! Miss indeed lives up to the mistress¡¯ expectations. I can be at ease then.¡±

    The two chatted a bit longer. N¨¦e Sun left with Qin Yining and Qin Huining when the hour grewte, and Bao-mamaryed Qin Yining¡¯s words thoroughly to the duchess.

    ¡°Did she really say that?¡± the duchess asked.

    ¡°Indeed. The miss has a clever mind and perceptive heart, she easily understood the crux of the matter. I only needed to speak of the origins of the Institute of Luminous Grace and hadn¡¯t even gone into details before she understood its importance. She truly is the daughter of Wise Pan An!¡± Bao-mama praised continuously. The duchess startedughing at her fervor.

    ¡°Elder Madame, the eldest master is here.¡± The maid outside lifted the door curtains to allow Sun Yu to quickly stride in and bow in greeting.

    ¡°Grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Ming¡¯er,e here and warm yourself.¡±

    Sun Yu shifted a stool over to sit next to his grandmother and cut straight to the point. ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯ve only just heard that something¡¯s happened at the Institute thesest two days. Did you know long beforehand?¡±

    The duchess nodded with a smile. ¡°Indeed I knew.¡±

    ¡°Younger cousin¡¯s juste back and doesn¡¯t understand the intricacies within. Is it really wise to hand over the Institute without handling that matter first?¡±

 Chapter 31: Teaching Lessons That Should Be Taught

    <h4>Chapter 31: Teaching Lessons That Should Be Taught</h4>

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡± A twinkle of mirth appeared in the duchess¡¯ eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t know that girl. I rather think she has the ability to handle it well.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother has that much confidence in her?¡± Sun Yu smiled, amused.

    ¡°I just think she¡¯s a very fine girl,¡± the duchess responded. ¡°She¡¯s been through a lot of hardship already, and has grown strong enough to survive these storms of life. She¡¯ll be a lot more hardy than the delicate flowers who¡¯s grown up in our sheltered greenhouses. Add her intelligence and generous bearing to the mix, as well as her naturally kind nature... I think we should treat this matter as the beginning of forging a good rtionship with her, and a test. How she handles this will prove extremely insightful.¡±

    ¡°Oh grandmother, youpliment her as if she¡¯s a flower amongst flowers. Ah well, this isn¡¯t anything major. Although an important matter, cousin Yi is a girl yet toe of age. She won¡¯t get dragged too deep into things. The worst that could happen is the loss of a shopkeeper. Nothing will happen to her.¡±

    ¡°Right, that¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking as well.¡± The duchess suddenly grew serious. ¡°If she can¡¯t handle this well, the most she loses will be a shopkeeper. She¡¯s the prime minister¡¯s daughter, those old Clearist antiques 1 won¡¯t me her. Her father will also be there to bear the brunt. Besides, with your current position at court, why not take the opportunity to throw away this matter if it¡¯s too tricky? Giving it to a little girl to handle will prevent you beingbeled as someone afraid of those with power.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the idea.¡± Sun Yu nodded and sighed. ¡°But things have gone wrong with the Tangs, and the Clearists are all looking to me for help. Yet here I am hunkering down, giving the business away to someone else. This doesn¡¯t look good no matter how we spin it. Not to mention, we know uncle-inw¡¯s personality. What if he decides to ignore it all and leave cousin Yi to the wolves?¡±

    ¡°Qin Meng doesn¡¯t see eye to eye with the Clearists to begin with, even if nothing had happened. Is the Tang matter a small thing? Attempting to murder the empress is a grave crime! Even without the emperor favoring the empress, Grand Preceptor Cao would never let the culprit who tried to kill his daughter roam free in this world. Even if we can get that person back from Prince of Ning, how would we make it past Grand Preceptor Cao?¡±

    ¡°I know grandmother makes sense, but I don¡¯t think the Clearists are wrong in this.¡± Sun Yu¡¯s face had hardened as a note of anger crept into his voice. ¡°The only problem was that the trampress 2 was too hard to kill. Imperial Physician Tang paid the price of his entire family and still only managed to half kill her. And with the emperor growing more and more decrepit by the day...¡±

    ¡°Ming¡¯er, watch your words!¡± The duchess¡¯ voice was sharp, forcing Sun Yu to stop. ¡°It¡¯s enough that you understand certain things, but there¡¯s no need to say them aloud. You¡¯ll attract trouble if you act like this outside! Your personality is just a little too hard. You need to learn to be smoother so that your days ahead stay long.¡±

    Sun Yu hastily rose to bow. ¡°Yes, I will follow grandmother¡¯s teachings diligently.¡±

    The duchess felt that the atmosphere had be just a little too heavy, and quickly turned the conversation in the direction of household matters.

    ......

    In the carriage, Qin Huining was looking piteously at n¨¦e Sun. She had wiped off her lipstick and looked just like a small animal that¡¯d been bullied, with her in outfit and the pitiful expression in her eyes. She trained her gaze on N¨¦e Sun until her mother sighed.

    ¡°Darling Hui, you can¡¯t be like this in the future. You need to consider our family¡¯s dignity when at your maternal grandparents¡¯. You know that they have a different culture and way of doing things. Why did you call daughter Yi ¡®Little Creek¡¯ in front of your cousins? She¡¯s been back for quite a few days already, why are you still unable to remember her name?¡±

    Tears trickled down without pause from Qin Huining¡¯s eyes. ¡°I was just used to calling her that. I called her Little Creek at first and then got used to it. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡±

    Not two feet from Huining, Qin Yining suddenly found herp utterly fascinating and couldn¡¯t hear a thing. N¨¦e Sun nced her way, and then at Qin Huining crying up a storm. Huining has had a tough life as well. She was swapped at birth, and what does a little girl know of anything? It¡¯s not her fault at all, and it¡¯s understandable that she feels so uneasy.Her heart softened at the thought and she handed a handkerchief to Qin Huining. ¡°And what are you crying for? Your makeup¡¯s running all over the ce. Anyone who sees you now would think that the Duke of Ding¡¯s household bullied you.¡±

    Qin Huining hurriedly swiped at her face with the handkerchief, attempting to wipe the tears off. She responded anxiously, ¡°I won¡¯t cry anymore, that wasn¡¯t my intention.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. But you just need to watch your words more carefully in the future. Even a minor joke has the potential to offend, and who knows how all your sisters feel after what you said?¡±

    ¡°The Duke of Ding¡¯s household is kind and gracious. They won¡¯t think much!¡± Qin Huining blew her nose and offered an innocent smile towards n¨¦e Sun.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s words caught in her throat; she didn¡¯t know how to respond.Yet at that moment, Qin Yining finally lifted her eyes from herp. Sharp as a de, it seemed like her gaze would pierce through Qin Huining. ¡°Miss Huining shouldn¡¯t confuse the two. That others don¡¯t take you to task for your words is their graciousness, but saying those words points to a w in your character. How can the two be mentioned in the same breath? Mother is lecturing you on your personality, but do you think you¡¯re in the right because our maternal grandparents don¡¯t pick at your words?¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s tears spilled forth again, like a reservoir bursting through a dam. Huping and sniffling, she tearfully stuttered. ¡°Little Creek... Yining is right. I... I didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    ¡°Not meaning to is worse than purposefully doing so. Doing it on purpose means at least you have a basic knowledge of what¡¯s right and wrong, and know that what you did is indeed wrong. You just couldn¡¯t look past the jealousy. But if you didn¡¯t mean to, then you have no idea of what¡¯s right and wrong and don¡¯t understand why you did wrong at all. Putting on an innocent expression after hurting someone is more evil than doing it on purpose.¡± Qin Yining gave no quarter, shattering thetter¡¯s feeble protests with a fierce gleam in her eye. Qin Huining would only cover her face and cry.

    What else could she do? Because of the beating she¡¯d suffered, Qin Huining always shivered now when she met Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. She felt that she would feel fistsnding on her any second. And the thing was, she actually couldn¡¯t find a retort against Qin Yining¡¯s twisted logic!

    On the other hand, n¨¦e Sun was turning over her daughter¡¯s words. Each of Qin Yining¡¯s words had struck at her heart like a hammer on a bell. She was impulsive, yes, but she didn¡¯t think she was an idiot. She just acted on her temper too often and was too easily taken in by a few soothing words. Mother said that Qin Yining saw things clearly. I¡¯d dismissed mother when she¡¯d said that. But now that I¡¯ve heard Qin Yining break things down, I have to admit that mother is a good judge of character. But could a girl she raised really possess this kind of nature? N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t ept something like that. In her eyes, Qin Huining had always been a proper, gentle, mature daughter who got along with her sisters. But since Qin Yining returned, the girl seemed to have morphed into someone else and always had a scheme lurking behind every action and word.

    As a mother, she could understand Qin Huining¡¯s unease. But back home, the duchess had hinted covertly at it more than a few times, that even though she didn¡¯t live with Qin Huining, she could tell that there was a w in the girl¡¯s character. And now with Qin Yining¡¯s clearly baring her actions...

    N¨¦e Sun felt like she didn¡¯t know what to think.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining had no desire to continue watching Qin Huining¡¯s crying, I¡¯ve-been-so-bullied act. She went back to studying the patterns of her skirt. At least they were fascinating enough to be worthy of her undivided attention.

    The carriage fell silent for a while, so silent that Qin Huining suddenly realized her sniffling and huping was the only sound. Realizing that soon brought on a fit of awkwardness, so she soon fell quiet. But after doing so, she felt that she¡¯d be losing too much face like this as she looked at n¨¦e Sun staring off in a daze and the quiet Qin Yining. Just when she wanted to say something, a granny servant outside the carriage announced, ¡°Madame, misses, we¡¯ve arrived!¡±

    What she wanted to say remained bottled up, and Qin Huining bit her lower lip angrily. She finally managed to control her emotions before alighting, ensuring a moderately presentable expression on her face.

    The group naturally had to head to Garden of Loving Piety first to greet the old dowager. The family was just about to have dinner, so n¨¦e Sun hurriedly took off her cloak to select food for her mother-inw, along with the second and third madame. Qin Huining and Qin Yining stood quietly off to the side. The old dowager took note of their expressions as she ate, frowning when she saw Qin Huining¡¯s reddened eyes. ¡°What happened to darling Hui? Why did you cry? Did someone bully you?¡± The old dowager put down her chopsticks and beckoned Qin Huining over.

    After the scene in the carriage, Qin Huining didn¡¯t dare trot out her old tricks. She shook her head mulishly. ¡°Nothing grandmother, how could anyone have bullied me? It¡¯s just some sand in my eyes.¡±

    ¡°Sand in your eyes? Why isn¡¯t there sand in anyone else¡¯s eyes? Come, tell me what grievance you have. Grandmother will stick up for you!¡±

    The second and third madame looked at each other with some interest. Perhaps the girl really had suffered at the Duke of Ding Manor. To n¨¦e Sun, this scene and the old dowager¡¯s reaction merely verified what Qin Yining had just said in the carriage. She began to grow more and more irritated. How could she let her family lose any face in front of the inws?

    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, mother.¡± N¨¦e Sun walked up with a smile. ¡°Daughter Hui made a mistake and her maternal grandparents didn¡¯t say anything. It was me who lectured her in the carriage. It¡¯s nothing major, so we shan¡¯t bother you with it.¡±

    Qin Huining gnashed her teeth furiously, but she didn¡¯t dare anger n¨¦e Sun. She couldn¡¯t afford to lose this backer, so she quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, it was my mistake.¡±

    ¡°Today at the Duke of Ding Manor, daughter Yi¡¯s maternal grandmother gave her a great gift. She was granted the whole of the Institute of Luminous Grace for herself.¡± N¨¦e Sun straightened her back out of shared pride and her tone grew lighthearted. She even cracked a joke. ¡°Our daughter Yi is a wealthy force in her own right now!¡±

    These words diverted everyone¡¯s attention to Qin Yining.

    ¡°The inws were so generous!¡± The old dowager eximed with surprise.

    ¡°Duchess of Ding dotes on our niece very much.¡± The second and third madame startedplimenting her as well.

 Chapter 32: Steward Zhong

    <h4>Chapter 32: Steward Zhong</h4>

    The duchess was giving both Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun quite some face by gifting the girl such arge business. N¨¦e Sun basked in the shared glory in front of her inws as she spoke with barely concealed pride. ¡°I didn¡¯t want it at first, but her maternal grandmother insisted, saying she liked her granddaughter very much so. I couldn¡¯t stop her at all, I¡¯m afraid. It was originally her elder cousin Sun Yu¡¯s business, but her grandmother traded rich fields and stores for it. I even told my mother that a little girl like her wouldn¡¯t know the ins and outs of business, but was lectured for my trouble instead. Apparently I overprotect my children and don¡¯t give them chances to develop and grow! Fancy that.¡± She shook her head out of helpless amusement at this point, looking quite resigned.

    These words had been heavily exaggerated to smack the old dowager¡¯s face with sheer wealth. You¡¯re her grandmother too and gave the child nothing when she came back. You even assigned her one of the most remote residences in the manor. But my family was the one who offered tangible gifts in the end! Things in our Duke of Ding Manor are gilded with gold, and things in your prime minister¡¯s manor are just hammered out of steel!

    Obviously, n¨¦e Sun hadpletely forgotten how she¡¯dpletely agreed with the old dowager a few days ago in not wanting Qin Yining to live in the manor at all, or almost sending the girl to the countryside.

    The old dowager, second madame, and third madame didn¡¯t miss n¨¦e Sun¡¯s implied meaning. But they had to deal with reality, and the reality was that the duke¡¯s household was indeed blinding them with this disy of wealth. If they wanted topete, they¡¯d have to gift a business simr to the Institute of Luminous Grace. Setting aside the fact that they only had some rich fields, forests, shopfronts, and farms at their disposal, the businesses they ran only dealt with tools of the study, fabric, and cloth. Although they turned a profit, they weren¡¯t nearly as lucrative as the Institute. Even if they had any businesses on a simr level, the old dowager would certainly be wary of having it end up being her granddaughter¡¯s dowry! Their household simply didn¡¯t have the depth of foundations that the generations of Dukes of Ding had created. The Duchess of Ding could p face with wealth, but they just didn¡¯t have the resources to reply in kind.

    And so the old dowager very smartly decided to y dumb. Naturally, the second and third madame were reluctant to see their mother-inw give any business to a daughter of the main branch. The Qin family hadn¡¯t split up yet, and all the branches were still one family. The main branch didn¡¯t have a son, but the second and third had plenty! Without a word in cooperation, the two seamlesslyplimented the duchess¡¯ generosity anduded Qin Yining for being a mature and likable girl to draw the duchess¡¯ favor. They kept the stream ofpliments, going as far as to exim how Qin Yining had inherited her father¡¯s smarts, until n¨¦e Sun was flushing with pleasure and beaming widely.

    Qin Yining could only sigh inwardly as she watched n¨¦e Sun¡¯s childish glee. She suddenly understood why the duchess hadn¡¯t been able to contain herself enough today to lecture n¨¦e Sun in front of others. If she had a forty year old daughter who acted like she was fourteen... doing things as she would without thought of others... well, she would be at her wit¡¯s end too.

    On the other side, Qin Huining was feeling like aplete outsider. Everyone seemed to be hovering around Qin Yining, the girl who had stolen everything away from her. Fourteen years she¡¯d lived in the Qin Manor, and though she knew she¡¯d had the old dowager and mother¡¯s love, she¡¯d never received such over-the-toppliments like these. Even when they¡¯d still thought of her as the real daughter, she¡¯d never heard praise such as ¡°an immense likeness to her father¡± or ¡°the very bearing of her father¡±!

    She feltpletely disgusted at the sight of her second and third aunt¡¯s faces! This was all because Qin Yining had the Institute of Luminous Grace and she didn¡¯t! Her maternal grandmother had never liked her, but as much as the old woman disliked her, she¡¯d spent fourteen years in that family! Was it all washed away so easily with one visit from Qin Yining?

    Qin Huining silently ground her teeth. She would¡¯ve long since erupted in maddened shrieks if it wasn¡¯t for her shred of remaining reason. But she knew full well that her good days depended solely on these people. She couldn¡¯t let their impression of her decline, or life would really take a turn for the worse.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin-mama lifted the door curtains with a smile. ¡°The senior elder master has returned.¡±

    At those words, Qin Huaiyuan walked in. He lifted his gray, fur cored cape off his shoulders, handing it to Qin-mama, and walked forward to bow. ¡°Mother.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re back! Come sit.¡± The old dowager smiled.

    Qin Huaiyuan elegantly swooped down on a thickly padded round seat while n¨¦e Sun, second madame and third madame shifted to the side. A smile lifted the corners of his mouth as he felt the happy atmosphere inside, ¡°What good thing¡¯s happened that I seem to be unaware of? Tell me, mother.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s granddaughter Yi,¡± the old dowager responded in good spirits. ¡°Her maternal grandmother gifted her the Institute of Luminous Grace during her visit to the Duke of Ding Manor today. We were just talking about that.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan started, his mind fitting the pieces together in the span of a breath. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh lightly as he nced at Qin Yining. As a father, he was no exception to taking joy in the fact that his child resembled him. It was just a pity that after all these years and trying all sorts of methods, he¡¯d still been unable to have his wife give birth to a son. A daughter was well, whatever. What use was it if she resembled him? She was only good for marriage. Qin Huaiyuan felt even more pained when he looked at Qin Yining¡¯s fragile, gentle, and pretty self. Why wasn¡¯t she a son?! But he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say that.

    She was just a girl, so what possible damage could she do in the Tang matter? She¡¯s probably just going to sit back and rake in the profits from the Institute. The Tang issue had already dragged in the Prince of Ning and the Clearists. Only the steward would be in for it if all went south. The Institute had just changed hands anyway, so it was quite natural that there would be a change in senior management as well.

    But even Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s mind flew through all of that, he didn¡¯t let a flicker inflect his words, ¡°The inws have put a great deal of thought in this gift. I will have to visit and thank them one day.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun felt quite touched by those words and graced Qin Huaiyuan with a tender look. Meanwhile, when the old dowager saw that Qin Yining and Qin Huining were still wearing their public outfits, she had the two of them go back and rest. There was no need to visit her again until tomorrow.

    The three made their curtsies, with Qin Huining forcing a bright farewell to n¨¦e Sun before returning to her quarters.

    On the other hand, Qin Yining apanied n¨¦e Sun¡¯s sedan back to Garden of Tranquility, along with Run, Jin-mama, and Caiju. She only returned to Snowpear Courtyard after tendering a farewell curtsey to n¨¦e Sun. The news that Qin Yining was now the owner of the Institute had spread on wings. All of the servants they ran into on their way back came up to greet Qin Yining and offer their congrattions.

    Run was holding thentern by Qin Yining¡¯s side and thinking carefully about the events that had taken ce since her mistress had returned. Five days ago, the old dowager and her birth mother had refused to ept her. Qin Yining had bullied her, and she¡¯d even had to tread carefully around the servants for her daily necessities. But now?!

    The old dowager didn¡¯t hate her, the senior madame even seemed to like her a little bit, and it went without saying how much her maternal grandparents and family liked her. Her mistress no longer needed to worry about getting through a day at a time and had thoroughly cowed not only the servants, but even Qin Huining herself after a show of force. Run had also clearly heard the lecture that her mistress had delivered in the carriage. The most important thing was that all the girls in the manor had to subside on two taels of silver a month as their stipend, but her mistress now had a mountain of gold at her disposal!

    Run felt her blood boil with excitement as she started to count her mistress¡¯ achievements, further strengthening her resolve to follow Qin Yining. She¡¯d been a frog at the bottom of a well before, the limits of her worldview stretching only to Garden of Tranquility and thinking the senior elder master was the best future. Although who knew what the miss¡¯ future held, it would definitely be a lot better than with the senior madame!

    Qin Yining naturally didn¡¯t know what Run was thinking about, just that everyone was suddenly more polite to her and Run more attentive. For some reason, the humor of the situation struck her. Stepping on others when they¡¯re down and fawning over rising stars, is this simply human nature?

    When they turned into the alleyway leading to their door, they saw a figure craning its neck outside the entrance of Snowpear Courtyard, clearly looking for them. The silhouette hurried up to the duo when it glimpsed them, resolving itself as Qiulu when she drew near.

    ¡°Miss.¡± Qiulu purposefully kept her voice low and spoke with a touch of nervousness. ¡°A Steward Zhong just came by with tworge camphor wood trunks. He says he¡¯se to personally deliver the books from the Institute of Luminous Grace. But aftering, he¡¯s refused tea and won¡¯t leave. He¡¯s actually on his knees in the courtyard and refuses to leave!¡±

    Qin Yining blinked with great surprise, and asked worriedly, ¡°How long has he been here? How many know he¡¯s here? Does anyone else know he¡¯s kneeling in the courtyard?¡±

    ¡°He came in through the back door in the rear corner, so not many know he¡¯s here. They only saw hime with some trunks, so they just think he was here to deliver something and didn¡¯t pay attention as to when he left. As for kneeling...¡± Qiulu thought about it. ¡°He¡¯s been here for at least two hours. I was afraid that it wouldn¡¯t be a good thing to spread and barred the doors to Snowpear Courtyard after discussing it with Zhu-mama and Zhan-mama. No one has been allowed to leave, and Zhu-mama and I went ourselves to deliver back the meal boxes today.

    Qin Yining heaved a sigh of relief and nodded. ¡°You did well.¡± She¡¯d known before that Qiulu was a thorough, if quiet person. But she hadn¡¯t expected her to be so dependable, even in a minor emergency like this. If this kept up, it looked like Qiulu could be a trusted confidante in the future.

    The three made their way into Snowpear Courtyard to see a man kneeling at the end of the pebble path in the yard. Since it was almost winter solstice and dusk, gusts of frosty wind were already making thenterns sway and flicker. Yellowed and withered bamboo leaves carpeted the ground, making the kneeling profile of the man seem even more bleak.

    Qiulu saw her mistress halt without a word and looked questioningly at her. Qin Yining thought for a moment and spoke. ¡°This must be Steward Zhong with the ounts? Please, let¡¯s speak inside.¡±

    She didn¡¯t spare the steward another nce as she headed directly into the receiving room. Qiulu and Run quickly asked the steward to rise. ¡°Steward, our miss has returned. Please rise. You¡¯ll make things difficult for her if you stay here like this.¡±

    Perhaps it was because he¡¯d heard them, or perhaps he¡¯d simply seen the light. Whatever it was, Steward Zhong blindly scrambled to his feet, almost toppling over as his legsined about how long he¡¯d been kneeling. He took a moment to steady himself, and limped into the main house. Upon entering, he immediately sank to his knees again. He didn¡¯t dare meet Qin Yining¡¯s eyes and spoke with his head down. ¡°Greetings to the new owner. This humble one is Zhong Yucheng, here to pay his respects.¡±

 Chapter 33: A Hot Mountain Yam 1

    <h4>Chapter 33: A Hot Mountain Yam 1</h4>

    Qin Yining sat at the head seat, nked by Run and Qiulu. She was silent and didn¡¯t immediately respond. She took the time to carefully observe the steward instead. Zhong Yucheng was nearing sixty years old and was of average height. He was a bit bby and had on a long shirt of a vivid blue satin that was embroidered with patterns of good fortune. A dark brown cape graced his shoulders, a warm, fur hat on his head. There was a ruby embedded in the middle of the hat, about the size of a fingernail. He was someone who presented an extremely well put together sight judging from looks alone.

    However, he currently had a deste expression on his face and anxiety was written in all of his wrinkles. His neatly cropped, white beard trembled and shook. When he bowed to Qin Yining, he bowed quite low. It seemed that he would crumple under a single blow.

    Qin Yining was thinking furiously. A shopkeeper like the one in front of her was many times more impressive than any she¡¯d met when she traded herbs. It¡¯d always been her bowing and scraping before others. She was at a momentary loss of what to do now that one was on his knees in front of her. And yet, she was the new owner of the Institute of Luminous Grace. Although she could depend on her steward for running operations, she had to be the one to make strategic decisions. Whether or not her staff followed her orders would all depend on today. When her thoughts traveled here, Qin Yining stiffened her spine even further and gathered more of an imposing air. Silence was always the most meaningful response.

    When the steward saw that the new owner was able to maintain herposure despite being a young girl, his mind drifted to the shockingly able Duchess of Ding. He fixed an even more solemn attitude in his mind and lowered his head further.

    Run and Qiulu couldn¡¯t help but start to admire their mistress at the sight of this. The other girls didn¡¯t have this kind of bearing at all. The silence stretched on for five minutes before finally being broken by Qin Yining. She spoke very slowly because she needed to think about her words, but incidentally this made her tone seem very measured and deliberate. ¡°Does Steward Zhong have something to report in making this trip today? Please rise to respond. Run, bring a seat. Qiulu, offer good tea.¡±

    The maids hastened to carry out their instructions. Steward Zhong rose and backed up a few steps, perching on the edge of the stool that Run brought over and epting from Qiulu the white porcin teacup decorated with a motif of red plum blossoms. He ced it on the tea table next to him.

    Qin Yining yed with the teacup lid in her hand. ¡°There are no outsiders here. Steward Zhong can speak frankly. But next time, you can juste and deliver your message. Don¡¯t kneel for long periods of time like today. What if you harmed yourself in this weather? Business operations still need you in the future.¡±

    The steward was quick on the uptake and immediately identified the undertones behind these words. Qin Yining was faulting him for almost negatively affecting her reputation. He hastily got up to bow and spoke at the ground, ¡°Owner speaks truly. I was too brash this time and won¡¯t do so again in the future. It¡¯s just that today¡¯s matter was urgent, which is why I came here like this.¡±

    He swiftly snuck a nce at Qin Yining as he spoke, taking in the sight of a young girl sitting primly, wearing a crimson cloak. Her features were hard to make out in thentern light, just that a pair of long, slender brows imparted a striking effect to the girl. Her eyes had a bright light in them, making her seem like an unfathomable character. The steward¡¯s heart shook at this and he quickly added, ¡°Owner, something¡¯s happened at the Institute. This humble one is unable to handle it, and so hase for guidance.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Although she had an inkling of suspicion earlier that things wouldn¡¯t be as simple as just sitting back and reaping the profits, it still prompted a brief moment of panic when trouble came calling. However, she maintained her calmposure and lifted her chin, indicating for the steward to continue.

    ¡°We hired a girl from the Royal Academy a few days ago. She¡¯s fourteen, pretty, and delicate like a flower. But who knew that Prince of Ning would carry her off the first day she worked in the tavern?! The Institute has guards and martial arts masters, but I didn¡¯t dare offend Prince of Ning. The girl¡¯s spent three days in the Prince of Ning Manor by now, and I also can¡¯t exin to the Royal Academy how I lost a girl, which is why I¡¯vee here.¡±

    It was dead silent, so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. Run and Qiulu were sweating profusely off to the side. Every Great Yan citizen knew who Prince of Ning was! Prince of Ning, named Weichi Jinming, was a fan of martial might and a skilled hand at leading men into battle. He was the emperor¡¯s younger brother from the same mother and recipient of great royal favor. The emperor didn¡¯t have many sons and had once even adopted the prince¡¯s heir as an imperial son, but had returned the prince¡¯s heir after an imperial concubine gave birth to a son. Prince of Ning had umon status indeed...

    But as great as his qualities were, he was also a tyrannical, lecherous sort. He would carry off whichever girl caught his eye, even if they were someone else¡¯s wife or concubine. How would a little girl like Qin Yining handle something like this?

    Just as Run and Qiulu were indignant and worried for their mistress, they heard a crisp peal ofughter. Qin Yiningughed sardonically, ¡°Steward Zhong is certainly an interesting person! It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen someone ask for help like this. Please be on your way if you don¡¯t intend on speaking the truth.¡± She lifted her teacup in an unmistakable gesture as she spoke.

    An indication to see the guest out? Both maids were taken aback. Run was the first to react and moved to ask the steward to leave.

    Steward Zhong was utterly bbergasted, staring at the girl with incredulity. Qin Yining remained as she was, disying perfectposure and a gentle smile. It seemed that no wind or rain would shake her frame. He immediately changed his dismissive mentality and didn¡¯t dare underestimate her anymore. He dropped to his knees with a thunk. ¡°Owner, don¡¯t be mad!¡±

    ¡°Since Steward Zhong hase asking for help, don¡¯t try to pull the wool over my eyes,¡± Qin Yining responded. ¡°You hire from the Royal Academy normally, so I¡¯m sure you have a way to handle it when you can¡¯t return their people. It must be different this time since you¡¯re unable to handle things. You best tell the truth. I may yet have a solution after listening to you.¡±

    Steward Zhong remained on the ground and kowtowed. ¡°You perceive the slightest detail in everything. The girl that the prince has taken is surnamed Tang, given name Meng. She¡¯s the only child of the former administrative assistant of the Imperial Academy of Medicine, Master Tang. 2 Master Tang¡¯s entire family was executed for his attempt to poison the empress. The Tang women refused to be humiliated and allmitted suicide. Miss Tang escaped this all because she entered a nunnery half a year ago. She was captured and sent to the Royal Academy after this happened, and then we hired her.¡±

    Qin Yining had a clear picture of what was going on without the steward going into further detail. Living amongst the general popce, she¡¯d heard more rumors than even the nobles in the capital.

    The emperor was decrepit and ipetent. He was also at the end of his days, but solely favored a twenty or so year old empress, n¨¦e Cao. N¨¦e Cao was born of an illustrious family as her father was then Grand Preceptor of the Heir Cao. Now Grand Preceptor Cao, his power in court was domineering as his daughter was the empress and his student the crown prince. The way he did things became even more arrogant as a result. Empress n¨¦e Cao was said to possess a face that couldunch a thousand ships and was so tantalizing and alluring that she had the emperor in the palm of her hand. Not only was she the sole recipient of his favor, she often interfered in matters of court as well. She was very simr to Daji, Baosi, and Feiyan¡ªall famous imperial concubines in history who¡¯d contributed to the downfall of their dynasty. This was why the people didn¡¯t call n¨¦e Cao the empress, but rather the trampress. They all said that the emperor was so muddleheaded because of n¨¦e Cao¡¯s influence.

    Qin Yining had also heard of what¡¯d happened with the Tangs on her way back to the capital. One of the imperial physicians was friendly with the Clearists and hoped to clear the riffraff by the emperor¡¯s side, eliminate the trampress and return a noble emperor to Great Yan. He¡¯d made use of his profession to poison the trampress, but who would¡¯ve thought that she would be unexpectedly tough? She¡¯d only been half poisoned, but the physician and his entire family lost their lives.

    She now understood Miss Tang¡¯s origins after listening to the steward. She¡¯d been puzzled by the steward¡¯s extreme haste and humble deration of service today, but all was clear now. Tang Meng¡¯s father was the hero who¡¯d poisoned the trampress, and Tang Meng was the sole surviving child of their hero. The Institute hadn¡¯t protected her properly since taking her and allowed that lecherous viin Prince of Ning to carry her off, and for three days at that!

    Everyone could guess what had happened over these three days, and those old Clearist antiques must¡¯ve given the steward no end of grief. These officials couldn¡¯t do anything to Grand Preceptor Cao or the prince, but they could easily make life difficult for a mere steward.

    Steward Zhong also had family. If he didn¡¯t handle things well, his family would likely lose all of their standing in the capital, and maybe even their lives as well! No wonder the steward was so anxious.

    Qin Yining frowned. ¡°I understand what you speak of. You may leave now.¡±

    She didn¡¯t indicate anything! The steward grew even more frantic. ¡°Owner, please give this humble one a way out. My family and I will be filled with evesting gratitude and loyal to you for the rest of our lives!¡±

    ¡°Steward Zhong.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s tone was cool. ¡°What do you think I can do?¡±

    These words were adle of cold water down his head. Right, the previous owner had been the great schr Sun Yu, and even he hadn¡¯t wanted to handle this hot mountain yam. The new owner was just a girl who hadn¡¯t yete of age. What could she do? He was barking up every tree possible in his panic! Steward Zhong trailed his head down with utter dejection. He could see what the future looked like already. Perhaps his family would all be hanged in a few days.

    Qin Yining lifted her teacup again. He bowed properly this time and followed Run out. The girl remaining inside slowly put her cup down, that self-possessed expression from earlier long since disappeared. Her forehead was furrowed tightly and her red lips pursed as well. It felt like arge boulder was weighing her heart down. She paced inside at first, then felt too stifled inside and stepped out into the yard.

    As the sky darkened into night, the bamboo forest in the charming yard sashayed in the wind, casting long shadows onto the ground. It felt that this patch of ground was the onlynd left in the world. Meanwhile, a gout of anger was being fanned into existence by a sense of righteousness!

    ¡°Animal!¡± Qin Yining cursed and kicked viciously at a stone stool. She actually knocked it to the ground with a dull thud. Run and Qiulu were startled, Zhu-mama hid inside and didn¡¯t daree out. Zhan-mama however, remained under the covered hallway from the side wing and looked at Qin Yining quietly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, miss. Be careful of hurting yourself.¡± Run walked over to support her mistress.

    ¡°Miss, what do you n to do about Miss Tang?¡± Qiulu was an honest girl with immense loyalty. She was currently caught up in anxiety and distress. ¡°The Tangs are all good people, it¡¯s too sad that this is their end!¡±

 Chapter 34: First Meeting, A Fleeting Glimpse

    <h4>Chapter 34: First Meeting, A Fleeting Glimpse</h4>

    Of course Qin Yining felt for the Tangs, but she was just a girl and her strongest support was her father. She wanted to ask him for help, but even the dumbest present could reason out that Qin Huaiyuan had known of this matter long ago. Yet he hadn¡¯t taken any action. That was the clearest indication of his stance on the matter. The Institute of Luminous Grace had been Sun Yu¡¯s business, would he not know of this? Sun Yu and the duchess had both decided to y dumb, what should she do?

    Qin Yining thought furiously of what would happen if she too decided to ignore this matter. Qiulu realized that she had said the wrong thing when she saw her mistress¡¯ expression darken, whereas Zhan-mama returned to her room after seeing that the mistress calm down. Only Qin Yining, Run, and Qiulu were left in the yard. Qin Yining looked at the side wings and rear servant quarters, making sure that no one else was around. She suppressed her anger, letting out a slow breath, and said in a quiet voice, ¡°This needs to be carefully nned out.¡±

    Run could hear the beginnings of something in Qin Yining¡¯s tone and anxiously asked , ¡°Miss, the matter involves the Prince of Ning. What can you do as a girl still living at home? How about you just ignore it?¡±

    ¡°Miss, this servant spoke too quickly just now and didn¡¯t think things through.¡± Qiulu bit her lip and knelt down. ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t get involved in this, please don¡¯t be affected by me.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head and helped Qiulu to her feet. Her gaze was steady, her eyes twinkling in thentern light as she spoke. ¡°It would¡¯ve been one thing had I stayed unaware of this, but now that I know of it, I have to do something to help. I can¡¯t guarantee that I can save her, but I¡¯ll never live with myself if I don¡¯t even try.¡±

    ¡°Miss, having one less matter to worry over is preferable to one more. Why don¡¯t you...¡±

    ¡°Run, my foster mother picked me up from the side of a creek. If she¡¯d had a simr mentality, she too would¡¯ve left behind one less matter to worry about and refused to take me in. But then, I¡¯d be long dead. How would I be able to stand here and talk to you?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes shone, as though they contained the celestial brilliance of the heavens. ¡°Although I¡¯ve led a hard life, I daren¡¯t forget what my foster mother told me. There are some morals that we can never throw away. If I do nothing, then Miss Tang¡¯s future is definitely ruined, and Steward Zhong¡¯s family will likely be the target of crazed revenge from the Clearists.¡±

    She snorted coldly. ¡°Those Clearists daren¡¯t find the prince, nor risk taking on the owner of the Institute. They can only vent their anger on a steward. Steward Zhong hasn¡¯t done anything wrong, and his family is innocent as well. This matter involves a young girl¡¯s future and a family of innocents. How could I possibly pretend I know nothing?¡±

    ¡°But miss, what can you do?¡± Run was quite moved by her mistress¡¯ words, but her worry for her mistress kept rising above it all.

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t ask my father for help in this. I can only do my best and leave the rest up to the heavens. Even if I can¡¯t save them, I¡¯ll have tried my best.¡±

    Qiulu felt a wave of heroism rise after hearing her mistress¡¯ decision and nodded heavily. ¡°Please tell me what you¡¯d like me to do, miss!¡±

    A chuckle slipped out from Qin Yining, her sparkling teeth as beautiful as white porcin in the moonlight. ¡°Just do your duties well, you aren¡¯t able to do anything else.¡±

    ¡°Miss, no matter what you do, the lord and old dowager won¡¯t let you off easy if they learn of it.¡± Run was still a bit worried. ¡°Things would be very bad for you then! You¡¯ve finally gotten to this point since returning to the manor, you should consider your next steps carefully.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that Run¡¯s cautiousness came from her worry for her mistress. She smiled back gratefully. ¡°What¡¯s the worst they can do to me? Even if they want to break my bones, I¡¯m still my father¡¯s daughter. I¡¯ve made it through much tougher days. They won¡¯t beat to me to death out of considerations of face, right? At worst, I¡¯ll go back to the mountains and collect firewood, pick herbs, and be a barbarian.¡±

    Her self-deprecating humor was quite dashing and it stirred up valiant emotions in the two maids by her side. But who could¡¯ve imagined that a low male voice would travel into their ears right then¡ª

    ¡°Well said.¡±

    Startled, Qin Yining hastily pulled her two maids backwards, but didn¡¯t dare make a big scene. She still had a reputation to protect. She could only hiss into the darkness, ¡°Who¡¯s there?!¡±

    A well muscled young man on the roof silently pped his hand to his face. Next to him, another young man¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. My dear prince, why didn¡¯t you control yourself!?

    These two mysterious strangers were Prince Pang, the nightmarish specter of all Great Yan citizens, and his guard Huzi 1coincidentally here on ate night excursion to the prime minister¡¯s manor. Pang Xiao remained frozen for merely a second before he dropped into the yard to appear in front of Qin Yining, not bothering to conceal his features. Huzi was even more taken aback by his master¡¯s actions and didn¡¯t recover even as he saw his master reach for Qin Yining¡¯s face with lightning speed.

    The Qin fourth miss and her maids only had time to gasp in shock. Qin Yining shut her eyes tight in instinctive fear. But for a moment, nothing happened. Then her hair loosened as a coiled lock unwound to her shoulders. Arge, rough hand grazed her cheek as it drew back. She could feel the calluses on the fingertips and palm gently caress her face. The dry, warm palm was slightly scratchy, paining her slightly. Was she being teased?!

    Qin Yining eximed softly and instinctively kicked out with fists and legs, but she struck nothing but air. When she focused her eyes again, there was no young man in front of her anymore. The tall figure had already hopped the wall, leaving low, delightedughter ringing on the breeze.

    The yard fell silent after theughter faded. The moon hung high in the sky, thenterns swayed in the breeze, and the shadows from the bamboo forest still waved on the ground. It was as if everything just now had been an illusion.

    ¡°Miss, what¡¯s wrong?!¡± Zhan-mama, Zhu-mama, Liuya and the others all ran out withnterns when they heard the disturbance. They approached anxiously when they saw Qin Yining staring off into space with her two maids by her side. ¡°What happened, miss? Did you turn your ankle?¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head, still unsettled. ¡°N-no. I... almost fell just now and got a fright.¡±

    Run and Qiulu also immediately understood how important this matter was! A lecherous bandit had stolen into the manor, approached the miss and stroked her face! How would the miss lift her head in front of others if word of this got out? Therefore, both of them asserted quite firmly that the fourth miss had just tripped a moment ago.

    Zhu-mama breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°As long as you¡¯re alright. Miss, it¡¯s cold. Why don¡¯t youe inside?¡±

    Zhan-mama didn¡¯t suspect a thing either. ¡°You should walk around in the day if you desire some air, miss. Don¡¯t stay here like this. You¡¯ll catch a cold.¡±

    The group of servants clustered around Qin Yining and went inside.

    Meanwhile, outside the courtyard, Huzi was staring incredulously at his master. In his mind, his master had always been the stern type who would never once put away his powerful aura or crack a smile. The look in his eyes was always cuttingly sharp, and he stayed very cold towards everyone. He was extremely cautious, but flew into action boldly and decisively when the time called for it. He was brash when he needed to be, and aloof when appropriate. But in his private life, it was rare to see anything other than aposed and calm man. And yet, what¡¯d happened tonightpletely shattered Huzi¡¯s impression of his master!

    His Highness is holding a hairpin, right? He also seemed to remember the prince stroking the girl¡¯s face....

    His domineering and arrogant prince, one who didn¡¯t even blink when ughtering enemies, had hopped into a girl¡¯s courtyardte at night, stolen a hairpin, and exhibited perfectly thuggish behavior! It wasn¡¯t that Huzi¡¯s eyes had gone blind, but that the world was turned upside down!

    Pang Xiao was staring expressionlessly at the hairpin in his hand. Made of translucent jade, the head was delicately engraved with three flower buds surrounding a crabapple flower in full bloom. It was small and exquisite, and the hair it hade from a lustrous ck. The hairpin had glimmered in her hair, but it had been overshadowed by her sparkling eyes and the sh of her smile. He didn¡¯t know what¡¯d ovee him either.

    The hand holding the hairpin still seemed to be burning.

    Her face was so smooth!

    The expression of her closed eyes when she was scared was so cute!

    And those small, juicy looking lips...

    What in zing hell! Pang Xiao tucked the hairpin safely in his clothes and strode off quickly with his customary dark expression.

    Huzi trotted quickly after him. ¡°Your Highness, the horses have been readied. When do we leave?¡±

    ¡°Tonight.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just as well, the elder madame and dowager madame have been invited into the pce. We must hurry back to Xihua City to prevent any changes.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, you, you actually like Miss Qin, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°Your Highness...¡±

    ¡°Be quiet. Make haste.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ......

    Back in her room, Qin Yining was currently staring nkly at a spot of light cast onto her bed curtains. Who was that just now? Her hairpin had been taken. If the person had ill intentions and had taken that as proof of private rtions, her reputation would be utterly ruined.

    And he¡¯d stroked her face.

    She still felt her face burning where he¡¯d touched her. She could still feel the brush of calluses on the man¡¯s palm. Most likely, he did hardbor or wielded weapons often. She actually hadn¡¯t gotten a clear look at him because he¡¯d kept the light behind him. She only knew that he was tall and limber. She reached his shoulder, and if he¡¯d really wanted to kill her, he probably could¡¯ve snapped her neck with one hand.

    And yet, she hadn¡¯t felt a trace of hostility or murderous intent.

    She¡¯d hunted for many years and was quite sensitive to either. If the man had had the slightest intention of harming her, she would¡¯ve felt something as soon as the first malicious look locked on her. So why had he suddenly appeared in her yard, and how much of her words had he heard? Would matters now develop in an uncontroble direction? Qin Yining felt extremely troubled and tossed and turned irritably in bed.

    Run was sleeping on a mattress outside the bed curtains and heard her mistress move. She sleepily rose, pulling a robe towards her as she asked, ¡°Are you alright, miss?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Qin Yining sighed. ¡°What happened today will not be spoken of.¡±

    ¡°This servant understands. I won¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Qin Yining closed her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s sleep.¡± And thus, they both fell into a dreamless sleep.

    The next morning, Qin Yining made her morning greetings to n¨¦e Sun and the old dowager as usual and added, ¡°I will be taking a tour of the Institute¡¯s stores today. Steward Zhong has said he¡¯ll show the books to me.¡±

    The old dowager told her to take a few more people with her before giving her approval. Qin Yining returned to her courtyard to put on full makeup and left with Qiulu and Run. She met up with Steward Zhong in one of the Institute¡¯s taverns. As Steward Zhong effusively expressed his gratitude, theymandeered a carriage and a few guards. Their first destination... was the Prince of Ning Manor.

 Chapter 35: A Noble Youth

    <h4>Chapter 35: A Noble Youth</h4>

    However, the group was momentarily forestalled at the doors of the manor. After all, Qin Yining hadn¡¯t sent a calling card ahead and was here alone, with no apaniment from anyone of a simr stature. She had no way to prove her identity. Her identity as Prime Minister Qin¡¯s daughter was also absolutely nothing to the prince. Whether he saw her or not was his whim. Yet, the guard at the door faltered beneath the dual prongs of Steward Zhong and the merrily beaming head maid. He looked at the redcquered, wax papered carriage for a long moment. This was no easy matter, it was his head on the block if he let in someone who caused trouble. After a moment to think, he quickly spoke, ¡°Wait a moment, I¡¯ll go inform the head butler.¡± Without waiting for a reply, he bolted into the manor.

    Run and the steward returned to the carriage with that message. Qin Yining thought for a moment and sighed. ¡°Bring me the veiled hat. I¡¯ll go myself.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait a moment, owner? Let¡¯s see what they say.¡± The steward was rather hesitant.

    ¡°No need. We have no calling card. We probably won¡¯t be able to see the prince if they don¡¯t see me.¡±

    Run and Qiulu didn¡¯t quite understand their mistress¡¯ words. How would she be allowed in simply because the servants got a look? On the other hand, Steward Zhong was an old hand in this game and immediately understood. It was rather clear that he knew of the prince¡¯s preferences, especially in light of the glimpse he¡¯d gotten of Qin Yining¡¯s beauty. Although Qin Yining wasn¡¯t about to try seducing the prince, she was not above using her beauty to gain a foot in the door. When the guard sees a beautiful girl ask for entrance, he woulde to certain conclusions on his own and return with a favorable decision. The owner¡¯s going to these steps to save my family! Steward Zhong was even more moved at the extent his mistress seemed to be going to, and he spoke in a trembling voice, ¡°I will never forget the great debt of gratitude I owe for your magnanimous actions.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with a slight sigh. ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony now that things havee this far, Steward Zhong.¡±

    She had put on the hat by now and reached for Run¡¯s hands to alight from the carriage, using a redcquered footstool to gracefully step out. She was wearing a honey-colored vest ensemble with in flowers cinched at the waist, paired with a long skirt of ivory white chiffon. A crimson cape topped with white rabbit furpleted the ensemble, and although her features were obscured by the veiled hat, her posture alone gave away her identity as a noble daughter of good manners.

    The guard hade back with the head butler in tow, and so the two were greeted by the sight of a charmingdy as soon as they stepped through the door. Almost immediately, a few conclusions were made.

    The butler was a hair over forty, his chubby body wrapped in a brocade robe of dark green. A semi-circle hat 1 bnced perilously on his head even as his eyes disappeared into the creases of his face when he smiled. ¡°Hello miss. Are you the one who¡¯s asked to see the prince?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Please pass on the message that the daughter of Prime Minister Qin has urgent business to discuss with the prince.¡± Qin Yining smiled slightly, her voice gentle. There was only one thin white veil attached to her hat. An opportune gust of wind discreetly revealed her finely honed chin and curved lips.

    The butler was mesmerized. Just what does thisdy look like? She looks so alluring even from behind a veil. The prince would definitely be interested in seeing her.

    The creaking of carriage wheels interrupted the butler¡¯s musings. The group turned collectively to see an opulent carriage, replete with red wheels and tassels of pearls, rolling to a halt a few steps from them. It looked to be quite the luxurious vehicle, considering the ridingpartment seemed to be made of royal blue satin. The whole carriage glimmered in the sunlight as the pearly tassels swayed with the movement of the carriage.

    The coachman hopped off his seat as servants lifted aside the door curtains. A tall, skinny young man emerged, stepping adroitly down from the carriage. His hair was swept upwards and fastened with a jade holder. His face was long and features not precisely the height of good looks, but a domineering bearing exuded from his schrly air. His brows were thick and long, a faint furrow imprinted on his forehead. A tad pale, his face was framed by the snow-white fox fur cor of his cloak that brushed his face every now and then. On the whole, he appeared very noble. The butler hastened to greet the neer with merry smiles, but was stopped by an upraised hand.

    ¡°Thisdy is...?¡± The young man¡¯s voice was a bit hoarse as he kept his gaze focused on Qin Yining.

    The butler responded respectfully. ¡°It¡¯s Prime Minister Qin¡¯s daughter here to see the prince.¡±

    The young man yed with the tassel of the satchet at his waist and smiled. His hands left the sachet for a moment to cup together in a salute of respect. ¡°Hello Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°Greetings to the gentleman.¡± Qin Yining responded politely as well.

    ¡°You wish to see the prince? Thene with me.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes flicked upwards in quick surprise. She could see the young man¡¯s self assured expression through the white veil, and more interestingly, theck of objection from the butler as well. This should be a master of the manor. Judging from his age... possibly the Prince of Ning¡¯s son? But he didn¡¯t call the prince ¡°royal father¡±, and used the reference of ¡°the prince¡± instead. She quickly thought of the son who¡¯d been adopted by the emperor and had been an imperial prince for less than a year. It was the same boy who¡¯d been summarily returned to the Prince of Ning after one of the emperor¡¯s concubines had a boy. This ¡°highness¡± was an imperial prince, but not really. Could one call him the son of the prince before? But he¡¯d been adopted by the emperor. He certainly was in a very awkward position.

    Even as she thought, Qin Yining trailed behind the young man, with Run, Qiulu, and Steward Zhong bringing up the rear. They headed through the main doors, circled past arge, man-made pond, through an artificial mountain and into a residence.

    A horizontal board hung in the main hall, with the characters for benevolence carved on it. A painting of eight horses hung beneath it, overlooking a long table of fragrant rosewood. Azurite vase, filled with fresh flowers, was ced on either end. A brass, perforated brazier sat in the middle of the table, filling the air with the faint scent of pine oil and sandalwood from an unknown incense mixture. The young man strode across a gleaming floor of ck marble and made a beeline for the head seat. ¡°Please sit, miss.¡± He indicated with a smile.

    Qin Yining further confirmed her earlier thoughts when she saw the young manfortably upy the main seat of the hall. She smiled in thanks and took off her hat, upying one of the side seats. Run, Qiulu, and Steward Zhong all took silent ces behind her.

    The young man started visibly when he saw Qin Yining¡¯s face and immediately looked down with a cough. ¡°You must be the daughter that Prime Minister Qin just found?¡±

    ¡°That would be me.¡± Qin Yining was a bit nervous. She was afraid that the young man would ask about the purpose of her visit. After all, discussing the matter of Miss Tang and actually requesting her return from the Prince of Ning were two wholly different things. If she talked about it with anyone else, it¡¯d be easy for others to misunderstand it as a criticism of the prince.

    Therefore, she purposefully averted her eyes and focused on some brushwork hung on the wall in front of her, then looked at the painting of eight stallions above the main seat. The painting was one of eight handsome, wild horses galloping over the ins. There was no artist name or seal to it. The young man¡¯s eyes kept wandering back to her face, and he initiated conversation with a smile when he saw her interest in the painting. ¡°What do you think of this painting?¡±

    Qin Yining was stumped. She hadn¡¯t studied paintings much and could only answer with a dry cough, ¡°It¡¯s a nice painting.¡±

    The young man had thought that she¡¯d studied paintings, and so was rather surprised to receive such an uninspired reply.

    Qin Yining realized that her response had been too insincere when she noted the young man¡¯s expression. She coughed. ¡°The horses are very life-like, but I¡¯m certain that the painter has never seen a real herd of horses.¡±

    The youth was very surprised and rose to study the work. He turned to her, curiosity in his voice, ¡°What makes you say that? I don¡¯t see anything wrong with it.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked in puzzlement when she saw how earnest the young man was. She said softly, ¡°I grew up in the wilderness and was once saved by a herd of wild horses much like this one. Thus, I know a little bit of what horse herds are like.¡±

    The young man had long since heard the story of Prime Minister Qin¡¯s daughter being swapped at birth and wandering around outside for fourteen years. But now, his interest was thoroughly piqued. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, please borate. What was the herd of wild horses like?¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°I was attacked by wild wolves one year and was on the run through the woods. In the middle of my frantic escape, I happened to run into a herd of wild horses grazing on the ins. I charged towards them without thinking because I was so afraid, and there was no one around to save me. The lead mare saved me then.¡± 2

    She seemed to be able to see that striking chestnut wild mare of her memories as she spoke, as her smile grew simultaneously bigger and gentler. ¡°The lead mare of the herd is just like the one running in the middle of the pack in this painting. Taller, with a longer mane, she was very fit, dashing to and fro with brave grace. She¡¯s the one who protects the herd in emergencies and has even dared to fight wolves. Back then, I survived because the lead mare led the others in creating a defensive galloping circle when I led the wild wolves over.¡±

    She walked to the tilt her head up at the painting, putting her three paces away from the young man. ¡°The horses in this painting are handsome and very life-like, but the painter put the lead mare in the middle of the herd to heighten her looks. But in a real horse herd, the lead mare¡¯s ce is the front. The positioning ispletely off, which is why I said that the painter must¡¯ve never seen a real horse herd in the wild.¡±

    The young man nodded continuously and turned to Qin Yining with an ardent look on his face. Yet when he met her clear eyes, he quickly averted his own, his ears burning. ¡°You have such a rich breadth of experience, it¡¯s I who¡¯ve learned something today.¡±

    Qin Yining quickly shook her head. ¡°Your words are too much, sir. I haven¡¯t studied painting at all, and so can only see the good in this work. Otherwise, my words are but random gibberish. I hope you¡¯ll forgive me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too polite, miss.¡±

    The two were exchanging pleasantries when a servant came in to report, ¡°His Highness is here.¡±

    Moments after he spoke, a random patter of footsteps sounded in the hallway. They didn¡¯t have long to wait before a man of roughly fifty stalked in from the rear hall. He was exceedingly tall and strong, and was garbed in an eggnt-purple silk robe. A small, golden crown perched on his head. 3 His sideburns and beard obscured his features, but he walked with great vigor. The Prince of Ning was not alone, though. He was actually holding a tantalizing woman dressed in pale-green chiffon in his arms. When the Prince of Ning entered the front hall, his eyes lit up upon seeing Qin Yining. When he saw the young man, heughed and lifted his hands in a cupped fist salute.

    The young man politely returned the gesture. ¡°Miss, I won¡¯t disturb your conversation with the prince.¡± He made a genteel bow and headed into the back through the openwork screen.

    It was the prince¡¯s turn to upy the main seat, and he did so. He pulled the seductively smilingdy over to sit on his thighs, eliciting a giggle. He turned his attention fully to Qin Yining, and spoke in a low, resonant voice, ¡°You¡¯re Qin Meng¡¯s daughter, hmm? What business do you have with this prince?¡±

 Chapter 36: Audacious in the Extreme

    <h4>Chapter 36: Audacious in the Extreme</h4>

    Run and Qiulu immediately started sweating profusely when they saw the prince. They were two maids who¡¯d never seen grand asions before, and even the highly worldly Steward Zhong was so afraid that he couldn¡¯t lift his head. Prince of Ning¡¯s tyrannical reputation was known to everyone. He had an air of violence about him as he personally fought in battles. His voice was low and carried, making those who heard it tremble and shiver. No one dared look at him easily because of his position and his strength.

    And now, the prince knew full well that he was meeting a girl who¡¯d yete of age, but was holding a beautiful concubine in his arms and roving hisrge hand over her breasts, squeezing and fondling them until the concubine giggled breathily. It was exceedinglyscivious, and his dismissive attitude went without saying. Any other noble girl would be both angry and fearful at this, wanting to put some distance between herself and the prince. Even a man would¡¯ve felt humiliated. But Qin Yining maintained her coolposure, as if she hadn¡¯t seen what the prince was doing and made a prim curtsey.

    ¡°Good tidings to Prince of Ning. This girl is n¨¦e Qin, the only child of Prime Minister Qin. I¡¯ve just taken over the Institute of Luminous Grace. As its new owner, I¡¯m here on behalf of Miss Tang.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve certainly got some nerve!¡± The prince snorted inughter. ¡°And here I thought Qin Meng has an interesting daughter who admires this prince¡¯s strength and is here to offer herself.¡±

    The concubine in his arms chuckled delightedly at this. Qiulu and Run were outraged, but they didn¡¯t dare say anything. They only lowered their heads and didn¡¯t know what to do. Steward Zhong had broken out into a cold sweat and was starting to regret asking Qin Yining for help. How could I have let a girl be humiliated like this by the prince?

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t even frown. She just pretended she hadn¡¯t heard those words. ¡°Prince of Ning is indeed strong and your heroic name known to all. I grew up in the countryside, but even there heard of your heroic feats when leading our armies against Great Zhou. It is truly worthy of great admiration.¡±

    The prince hadn¡¯t thought that not only would he fail to scare away the girl, she¡¯d p a grand title on him instead. He was even more amused by this and leaned forward, despite holding a concubine in his arms. Heughed heartily. ¡°Well said! I just can¡¯t stand those Great Zhou cretins who usurped their dynasty¡¯s throne under the guise of overthrowing a tyrant! It¡¯s not like they¡¯re that moral and righteous either!¡±

    Qin Yining also smiled while Run, Qiulu, and Steward Zhong heaved sighs of relief. Just when they thought that Qin Yining would continue plying the prince with over-the-toppliments, she suddenly changed the topic. ¡°But Your Highness, do you know that your heroic name will be ruined if Miss Tang remains in your hands?¡±

    The somewhat rxed atmosphere began to draw taut again with these words. The prince frowned fiercely and his beard shook from rage. He bellowed in ringing tones, ¡°How dare you!¡±

    Steward Zhong shook all over and cold sweat poured out. The two maids felt their knees go weak as they sank to the ground.

    Qin Yiningughed lightly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have darede today with this request if I didn¡¯t have some guts myself. Your Highness is noble and awe-inspiring and naturally knows the situation in Great Yan. All talk of Great Yan dominating the war and always being victorious is just bluster. I once spent time in Liang and the cities bordering Great Zhou, and know of the scenes of destion and bleak hunger there. The nobles in the capital are frogs in a well, safe and sound in their little haven, and blithely unaware of the suffering outside. But with Your Highness¡¯ experience and wits, surely you can tell that Great Yan is destined to fall one day?¡±

    Even Steward Zhong lost his nerve at these words and sank to his knees. The prince¡¯s expression had darkened and he was ring ckly at Qin Yining. ¡°You, girl, how dare you! How dare you curse my Great Yan! Believe me when I say that I can have you cut to a million pieces anytime and not even have to notify your father for it!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart also quailed when she saw that the prince was in a towering rage. But the arrow was notched to the bow, and she had to draw it back to release it. She bent her knee. ¡°Your Highness is so enraged because I speak the truth. I say this not to deride Great Yan. If there is a day when the country falls, I will not scrabble desperately after life either. I say all this for Your Highness.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes were sparkling with the radiance of the stars. ¡°Your Highness knows well that there wille a day when the enemy troops are at our gates. Since the dawn of time, there have always been temptresses at the sides of rulers who have lost their way. The downfalls of Daji and Taizhen are possibly the future of the empress. Master Tang is a criminal today who attempted to murder the empress, but he may be a martyr and hero in the future for attempting to rid the world of evil! The world would certainly be a different ce. Then how will Your Highness fare?¡±

    Qin Yining trailed her head down at this point, stemming her flood of words. She had voiced her argument inly. It was up to the prince now to decide. Whether or not she seeded, she had tried her best.

    Meanwhile, Prince of Ning was musing over Qin Yining¡¯s little speech. Her words had been very clear. If there really came a day when Great Zhou¡¯s armies were at the gates, with the cowardly and ipetent emperor they had, the son of heaven would certainly pin all the me on a scapegoat, iming they were a scourge to nation and people. The empress who had utterly mesmerized him back in the day would be the most likely candidate. Once she was given up, her fate was sealed and so too would the Cao n be criminals, never to make their way up in the world again.

    If that day dide, then perhaps Great Yan would be on the brink of death. Just like Qin Yining said, all would be overturned then and a new world order established. As part of the royal family, life wouldn¡¯t be as easy for him then as it was now. Those Clearist wolves and tigers couldn¡¯t do anything to him now even though he was holding onto the Tang daughter, but in the future? Prince of Ning had always been aware of all this.

    What he hadn¡¯t anticipated was a young girl able to think so far and deeply ahead, and possess enough courage to voice such treasonous words in front of him. She wasn¡¯t doing it for herself either, but to save someone else. It looked like this girl wasn¡¯t just a pretty trophy. She was someone with depth, wisdom, and valor. Admiration shed through the prince¡¯s eyes as he looked at Qin Yining.

    On the other hand, his continued silence put everyone on edge. A faint sheen of sweat coated Qin Yining¡¯s palms. She could feel the prince¡¯s knife-like gaze scouring her, as if wanting to take her very skin off. Of course she was afraid, but since she¡¯d decided to save the person, she wouldn¡¯t back down.

    A beatter, the prince responded coldly, ¡°Miss Tang is indeed in my hands. What do you want with her after taking her? Send her back to the Royal Academy?¡±

    Qin Yining was inwardly delighted. There¡¯s hope yet! She thought for a moment. ¡°The matter has be sorge, I don¡¯t intend on returning Miss Tang to the Royal Academy anymore. If Your Highness really does give her to me, I¡¯ll keep her with me as my maid. As for how to exin things to the Royal Academy, I trust that they won¡¯t dare attempt anything given Your Highness¡¯ prestige, as long as you are willing to give her to me.¡±

    Miss Tang would be targeted by Grand Preceptor Cao if she wandered around outside, so she¡¯d still lose her life in the future even if Qin Yining saved her today. Qin Yining was the prime minister¡¯s daughter after all, so those who would wish Miss Tang ill would have to think twice.

    The princeughed heartily when he heard this, so loudly that dust almost came drifting down from the rafters. He smacked the pert buttocks of the concubine in his arms. She understood what he wanted her to do and sashayed into the rear hall.

    The group in the main hall heard the patter of multiple footsteps before long. They lifted their heads to see two maids apanying a small nun past the openwork screen. The nun had a small frame with full cheeks andrge eyes. She was quite adorable, and therge convent robes hung loosely on her, making her seem like a child ying dress up in adult clothing.

    The prince smiled when he saw the little nun. ¡°Niece Meng, 1 did you hear what was said just now?¡±

    The little nun turned to Qin Yining with a sweet smile, her two dimples very apparent. ¡°I heard it all. Thank you big sister for your good intentions.¡±

    ¡°And are you willing to be a maid for this big sister?¡±

    ¡°Big sister Qin is a good person and full of heroism. I am all by myself now and even more unlikely to be the noble daughter of old. I¡¯vee to terms with the situation I¡¯m in. Since I can¡¯t return to the nunnery or go to the Royal Academy, I¡¯m naturally willing to go with big sister Qin and treat her as my mistress. I will serve her faithfully for the rest of my days to repay the debt of gratitude I owe to her.¡±

    The prince nodded, his voice so gentle it was as if he was another person entirely. ¡°Miss Qin, this is Qin Meng, the daughter of the administrative assistant of the Imperial Academy of Medicine, Master Tang. I can see that you have a sincere heart, and are possessed with courage and wit. You should be able to protect her well. I give her over to your care then.¡±

    He smiled tenderly at the little nun. Tang Meng returned his smile and knelt down properly,mending a grand gesture of gratitude. ¡°Niece Meng thanks Your Highness for your shelter these days. You have suffered hits to your reputation because of me. I have no way to repay you.¡±

    ¡°I owed a debt of gratitude to your father, this was just what I should¡¯ve done.¡± The prince smiled. ¡°Besides, would my reputation have been any worse even without your matter? Go now.¡± He pped his hand.

    Tang Meng stood up and merrily walked over to Qin Yining. She curtsied and said respectfully, ¡°Miss.¡±

    Qin Yining, Steward Zhong, Run, and Qiulu were absolutely bbergasted. Things had changed too quickly that they were unable to follow what had happened for a while. Qin Yining¡¯s imagination had painted a picture of a damsel in distress, a beautiful one that had been snatched by the prince to sully. She was the same age as Tang Meng, and given her own looks, Qin Yining had thought that Tang Meng was the same. Who would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d be an adorable little girl andpletely different from the beauty who needed rescuing? The sullying that she¡¯d dreamt up was utterly nonsensical as well. The prince wasn¡¯t a pedophile, and it sounded like he had a rtionship with Master Tang!

    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t appropriate for Tang Meng to remain at the Royal Academy or the Institute. There were too many strangers outside and many opportunities for Grand Preceptor Cao to act. With his character, he¡¯d definitely want to hunt down every single one of the family that¡¯d tried to harm his daughter. Prince of Ning had snatched Tang Meng not to carry her off, but to protect her!

 Chapter 37: Danger

    <h4>Chapter 37: Danger</h4>

    The sudden arrival of the truth left Qin Yining at a loss for words. She had the vague feeling that she¡¯d just fallen for a trap: hook, line, and sinker. But she also felt lucky when she looked at the cute girl with chubby cheeks andrge eyes.

    Thank goodness Tang Meng¡¯s alright.

    Thank goodness things weren¡¯t as I thought.

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Highness.¡± Qin Yining dipped in a solemn curtsey at the prince. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be taking Miss Tang with me.¡±

    Prince of Ning leaned back in his head seat,pletely at ease, and waved Qin Yining off. She smiled at Tang Meng. ¡°Pleasee with me, Miss Tang.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t stand on ceremony, miss. Just use my name. In the future, you¡¯re the mistress and I the servant. I¡¯ll never forget your act of valor today.¡± Tang Meng blinked her round,rge eyes. She was quite serious.

    ¡°How did I save you at all?¡± Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°It looks like I did something unnecessary today.¡±

    ¡°Miss, ever since my father entrusted me with our family heritage, the ¡®Compendium of Medicine¡¯, for safekeeping, I knew that sooner orter, something would happen at home. And it really did happen...¡± Tang Meng shook her head. ¡°Although I¡¯ve renounced the world, I¡¯ve witnessed the gamut of humanity with what happened to my family. When the Royal Academy captured me and wanted me to resume secr life, I refused, so they tortured me ceaselessly. The Institute of Luminous Grace hired me after that, and I only found a few days of peace after His Highness brought me here.¡±

    Tears were brimming in her eyes. ¡°Miss, other than His Highness, you¡¯re the only person who¡¯s offered me a helping hand of your own volition since my family fell. You and I met but by chance, with no rhyme or reason at all. You¡¯re a noble daughter of the inner residence, but you braved the various rumors and gossip flying around toe save me. I understand all the risks you took! I won¡¯t be able to repay your debt of gratitude for as long as I live!¡±

    Her words moved Qin Yining, Steward Zhong, Run, and Qiulu deeply. Qin Yining had saved Tang Meng only because she didn¡¯t want another girl¡¯s future to be ruined for nothing, and hadn¡¯t wanted Steward Zhong¡¯s innocent family to be dragged into hot water. She¡¯d never expected anything in return, and so started blushing hotly at Tang Meng¡¯s words. She hurriedly took her leave from the Prince of Ning once more and fled with her new maid in tow.

    The prince had been taking in the sights all along, and suddenly smiled, amused. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that that old fox Qin Meng would father such a kind girl with a heroic spirit?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± A person slowly walked out from behind the openwork screen. It was the young man Qin Yining had met earlier.

    The prince raised a casual cupped fist salute to the young man. ¡°Did Your Highness hear what she said just now?¡±

    The young man nodded, a trace of worry in his face. ¡°She was right. The old muleheads in the capital who think themselves invincible arepletely short-sighted frogs in a well. All they¡¯re focused on these days is whether they should fight or make peace.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve long since seen through them. They¡¯re all trash. If the city really is broken through in the future, wetting themselves from fear is the least they¡¯ll do! Hahaha!¡± The princeughed loudly.

    The young man also burst outughing. He moved to stand next to the prince with his hands sped behind his back, perusing the painting of eight horses once again. A blush slowly floated across his face.

    The Prince of Ning was sharp enough to notice what was going on, but knew better than to point it out. Instead, he adroitly changed the subject. ¡°Has Your Highness really made up your mind?¡±

    The young man started. ¡°What, can it be that royal uncle isn¡¯t willing and wants to retreat?¡±

    The prince leveled a sharp look at the young man and sneered. ¡°I? Retreat? I just didn¡¯t think that Your Highness would actually propose censuring Grand Preceptor Cao. I¡¯ve always thought that a painter like you would care nothing for politics.¡±

    ¡°Royal uncle, are you mocking me for having nothing to show after all these years of effort?¡± The young man smiled ruefully.

    The princeughed heartily. ¡°I¡¯d just wanted to pull that old bat Duke of Ding to my side, but that little fox Sun Yu refused to take a side. But now, even the heavens are helping us, we¡¯ve got even Qin Meng! It¡¯ll be much easier to take old fart Cao down a peg.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only afraid that Prime Minister Qin still won¡¯t be willing.¡± The young man was a bit worried.

    ¡°He has to even if he isn¡¯t willing! His dear daughter made the decision for him! No matter what, Tang Meng is now his daughter¡¯s maid and under the Qin Manor¡¯s protection. The Clearists as well as all the other cowardly riffraff will definitely start picking sides after seeing this.¡± The prince pped the young man¡¯s shoulder reassuringly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness, this matter will absolutely seed! That slutty bitch spends her days doing nothing good. She can¡¯t give birth to crap, and she wants to end royal brother¡¯s family line? Delusional bitch! Even a little girl knows how she¡¯ll end, but she can¡¯t! Iugh! I¡¯m going to tear through her trampy skin this time, let¡¯s see what she can do without her father to protect her!¡±

    ......

    Qin Yining was sitting in the carriage with Tang Meng by now. Steward Zhong, Run, and Qiulu were all following outside the carriage as the convoy slowly made their way to Windsoar Inn, one of the Institute¡¯s businesses. Qin Yining smiled at Tang Meng. ¡°We¡¯ll settle you in first and then I¡¯ll take you to officially depart the nunnery in the next two days. When you rejoin the secr world, I¡¯ll take you back home with me. We can take care of each other then.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Tang Meng nodded with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be so polite with me, miss. I¡¯m your maid in the future, just order me as you will.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. She hadn¡¯t thought that Tang Meng would so readily ept the reality of her situation. Perhaps it was easier for one toe to terms with a change in lifestyle after weathering great rises and falls, and when an inevitable, inexorable future was staring at them in the face.

    When the group arrived at Cloudsoar Inn, Qin Yining instructed Steward Zhong to find a quiet residence and help Tang Meng settle in. ¡°Please take good care of her. I¡¯ll think of a way to slip out of the manor in the next two days.¡±

    The steward¡¯s crisis had been defused, so he was in absolutely lovely spirits. Qin Yining was his lifesaver, and a desire to grow closer to her was prevalent in his respectful posture. He bowed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll handle everything well.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled when she heard his new title for her. ¡°Good, there will be much I¡¯ll need to depend on Steward Zhong for in the future. It¡¯s gettingte, so it looks like we can only look to review the ounts some other day.¡±

    ¡°Yes, feel easy, miss. This humble one has looked over the ounts I delivered. All you need to do is just scan them. If the titled old dowager of your manor asks, you can tell her that you toured all the Institute businesses today and surveyed them. You can pick another day to review the ounts. We have three taverns, respectively known as the Roamer¡¯s Return, the Tippling Tower, and the Jade Vessel. 1 We also have two inns, the Cloudsoar Inn here and another Rising Delight Inn on East Main Street.¡±

    ¡°Very clever, Steward Zhong. That¡¯s how I¡¯ll respond.¡± Qin Yining nced upwards at the sky. ¡°It¡¯s getting quitete, I should be going back.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this humble one will have someone escort the miss back. My family will repay this favor of saving our lives even after our deaths. Please ept my gratitude.¡± Steward Zhong dropped to his knees and kowtowed heavily.

    Qin Yining helped him back to his feet with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite, Steward Zhong. We have to support each other so that our path together goes further in the future.¡±

    ¡°Miss speaks truly.¡± Steward Zhong nodded. Qin Yining reminded the steward again to take good care of Tang Meng before she left, then made some arrangements for Tang Meng¡¯s return to the secr world before finally leaving with Run and Qiulu, quickly rushing back home.

    In the carriage, Run and Qiulu¡¯s originally excited emotions changed to worry when they saw Qin Yining¡¯s expression. They¡¯d sessfully saved the girl, why didn¡¯t the miss look happy? Both were quite puzzled, but Run didn¡¯t ask directly since she was one to muse on things. In the end, it was Qiulu who popped the question.

    ¡°Miss, why aren¡¯t you happy?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid things aren¡¯t good this time.¡± Qin Yining murmured as she returned from her thoughts.

    ¡°What?¡± Run and Qiulu¡¯s hearts skipped a beat. ¡°Why do you say that? What isn¡¯t good?¡±

    ¡°You can tell from the prince¡¯s words and his attitude today,¡± Qin Yining responded lowly. ¡°He took Miss Tang away to protect her, but made it look like he was carrying her off and didn¡¯t exin things to the Institute. He allowed the rming rumors of him taking Miss Tang to spread through the capital. Why?¡±

    Run and Qiulu werepletely lost.

    ¡°He did so in order to use the Clearists to exert pressure on the Institute. If we had really been unable to bear up beneath the criticism and requested Miss Tang¡¯s return, I¡¯m sure it would¡¯ve been aplished as easily as I did today.¡±

    ¡°Miss, you mean...¡± Run seemed to have grasped something as the color drained out of her face.

    ¡°Everyone knows that the Prince of Ning took the girl and wasn¡¯t returning her. But when the Institute of Luminous Grace went to request her return, he seemingly returned her without a fuss. Everyone wille to the conclusion that these two parties are very close or in the same camp. Elder cousin was the owner of the Institute before, and he represents the Duke of Ding. If things had progressed like that, everyone would think the Duke of Ding and the Prince of Ning were close. But today, I was the one who stuck my head out. I¡¯m the prime minister¡¯s daughter, and the granddaughter of Duke of Ding...¡± Qin Yining¡¯s face was very pale at this point, and her limbs felt like ice. ¡°I think I took elder cousin¡¯s ce in a trap and identally put the Duke of Ding and Prime Minister Qin under the prince¡¯s banner. Just wait and see. Before too long, news will spread that I sessfully rescued Miss Tang.¡±

    Qiulu¡¯s eyes were red by now and she stomped her foot. ¡°I thought the prince was a hero! But he¡¯spletely evil, using such tactics to recruit the Duke of Ding!¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Run jumped in. ¡°Then this means that the duchess¡¯ ns...¡± She suddenly realized that she might be unnecessarily stirring the pot and quickly stopped speaking.

    ¡°Grandmother might¡¯ve had innocent intentions,¡± Qin Yining continued. ¡°She probably thought that a little girl like me would only scheme so far as to make Steward Zhong take the fall. I can just appoint another steward, so it didn¡¯t matter at all if I did nothing. Neither grandmother nor my father probably ever thought that I¡¯d personally go demand the return of Tang Meng...¡±

    ¡°Miss, you just wanted to do some good,¡± Run spoke persuasively. ¡°We should think about how to present this to Old Dowager and the lord. What if they me you?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled ruefully. She¡¯d encountered quite the gauntlet of human emotions and a variety of schemes since her return. She¡¯d thought that life would be smooth and easy after returning home. The rich families didn¡¯tck food or clothing, so she wouldn¡¯t have to scrabble for survival like the lowest echelons of society and have her heart slowly consumed by darkness. But who would¡¯ve thought that those in these aristocratic and wealthy houses would scheme and plot just as much as the general people, all for the pursuit of power and profit?

    Qin Yining took a deep breath in and forced herself to calm down, starting to consider what this meant for her family, the Duke of Ding¡¯s household, and herself. Since she¡¯d already fallen into the trap and couldn¡¯t turn back time, the only option left was to find a way to resolve this by herself.

 Chapter 38: Smarts from Urgency

    <h4>Chapter 38: Smarts from Urgency</h4>

    It was dusk by the time she reached the Qin Manor. Powdery snow danced in the evening wind as Qin Yining walked to Garden of Loving Piety. A wax paper umbre shielded her from the elements as the two maids followed her to make their evening curtsey to the old dowager.

    Dinner had just been set, with n¨¦e Sun, the second and third madame serving on the side. Meanwhile, Qin Huining was keeping the old dowagerpany.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi¡¯s returned. Have you had dinner yet? Come and eat with me.¡± The old dowager smiled when she saw Qin Yining and issued orders to Jixiang, ¡°Have someone bring over the miss¡¯ meal box.¡±

    Jixiang assented with a merry smile and dipped in a respectful curtsey as she passed by Qin Yining.

    ¡°Many thanks to Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining breathed a soft sigh of relief. At least she could have this one meal. She¡¯d already brainstormed the various ways that her father and the old dowager could punish her on the way back. None of them were good, and the worst case scenario was if they¡¯d act immediately, without leaving her time to prepare. It seems she was lucky enough to have a good hot meal before everything went south. It even crossed her mind that if father and the old dowager knew that food was her primary focus, they¡¯d probably be even angrier. That¡¯s funny. This new frame of reference put her in a slightly better mood after the dejection that¡¯d descended after she¡¯d gotten herself embroiled into trouble, despite doing something good.

    When they were finished with dinner, Qin Yining delivered the excuse that Steward Zhong had thought of. ¡°I looked around today and took too a bit too much time doing so. I¡¯ll have to go another day to go over the ounts.¡±

    The old dowager didn¡¯t care about that at all. Qin Yining was just a girl, she wouldn¡¯t be able to get into any amount of trouble. Just as a happy atmosphere pervaded the room, footsteps sounded from outside. A servant¡¯s respectful greeting sounded as the footsteps stopped, ¡°Senior elder master.¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager, the lord has returned.¡± Someone called into the room as they lifted the door curtains for Qin Huaiyuan. Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She knew that things were about to take a rapid turn for the worse. She rose, standing to the side along with Qin Huining.

    Qin Huaiyuan entered and bowed to the old dowager, then nodded at n¨¦e Sun, second and third madame.

    ¡°Have you had dinner, Meng¡¯er? Shall I have them prepare some?¡± The old dowager asked affectionately.

    ¡°No need, mother. I have something important to attend to.¡± Qin Huaiyuan turned to look at Qin Yining, his gaze cold. It was a sternness that she¡¯d never seen in her father. When Qin Huaiyuan looked at the face that was so exceedingly like a younger version of him, his fist clenched even harder. His voice was hoarse and shook from suppressed rage as he snapped viciously, ¡°Qin Yining, what did you do today?!¡±

    The abrupt question shocked everyone who¡¯d beenughing and chatting away. They all turned to look at the face-off between father and daughter. Qin Huining just barely kept herself from smirking gleefully.

    Completely baffled, n¨¦e Sun asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, my lord? Let¡¯s talk about things properly so we don¡¯t rm mother.¡± She¡¯d changed her opinion of Qin Yining somewhat after what¡¯d happened at the Ding Manor, so she subconsciously wanted to help the girl.

    Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t be bothered to respond to n¨¦e Sun. He didn¡¯t even look at her, keeping his stare focused on Qin Yining.

    The girl sighed softly and lifted her hem to kneel. ¡°In response to father, I fell into the Prince of Ning¡¯s trap today. Things indeed developed in a direction that I didn¡¯t anticipate.¡±

    The old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, Qin Huining and others still had no idea what was going on, but those wordspletely stoppered Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s explosive rage from erupting. He¡¯d originally thought Qin Yining to be just a young and naive girl with heroic airs, nothing more than an impulsive, noble girl. But those words ¡°falling into Prince of Ning¡¯s trap¡±, she was quietly disying her sensitivity of politics.

    It looked like he¡¯d underestimated his own daughter. Not only was she brave, but intelligent as well. Qin Huaiyuan had been overflowing with anger and thinking of ways to punish Qin Yining, but now he just felt resignation. If only... if only she was a son instead of a daughter...

    If he had a son who¡¯d gotten into trouble of this quality, it would¡¯ve been quite an interesting sight to see his son kneeling nervously, begging daddy to bail him out. What a pity...

    Qin Huaiyuan pursed his lips and stared wordlessly at Qin Yining as she looked down at the ground, her back ramrod straight. Although her expression wasposed, she was so nervous that her hands and feet were mmy.

    Those assembled didn¡¯t know what this newfound charade was, so the old dowager couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Meng¡¯er, what¡¯s happened?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan heaved a sigh, swept the front of his robes to the side and sat down. In but a few words, he summarized the events that led to Qin Yining sesfully rescuing Tang Meng from Prince of Ning, stunning everyone with openmouthed shock!

    ¡°How dare you! Granddaughter Yi, how dare you!!¡± The old dowager pointed at Qin Yining. ¡°A girl not yet of age going to see an outside male by herself?! Were all the rules you learned these days fed to the dogs?!¡± She then red fiercely at n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Eldest daughter-inw, this is the kind of daughter you¡¯ve raised!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun felt utterly bereft of face and leaped forward to viciously p Qin Yining. She put all her force behind it, so her sharp nails left two trails of of bloody marks on Qin Yining¡¯s face. Her hand stung from the impact while Qin Yining¡¯s face quickly swelled up. A droplet of blood trickled down from the corner of the girl¡¯s mouth.

    N¨¦e Sun still felt quite put out and aggrieved that her mother-inw had used her of not raising her daughter well. ¡°I told you to put away those base airs after returning home, but you didn¡¯t listen to me! How could you, a young girl, go meet an outside male by yourself?! My words went in one ear and out the other, haven¡¯t they?! ignorant of what¡¯s right and wrong, and now you¡¯ve dragged down our main branch as well! Unfilial child, see if I don¡¯t beat you to death!¡± She drew her hand back for another blow.

    Qin Huaiyuan had turned a cold eye to the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s yammering. Of all the things to focus on, they¡¯d chosen some unimportant thing like ¡°meeting an outside male¡±. He suddenly felt a bone deep weariness settle on him. How would they understand matters of the court? And yet, in stark contrast to them, his daughter¡¯s words had neatly exposed the heart of the issue. No, Yining had certainly not earned his dislike, even if she¡¯d gone and done something wrong.

    ¡°Enough.¡± Qin Huaiyuan impatiently blocked the second p n¨¦e Sun was about to let loose. He frowned at his wife, ¡°Your own manners aren¡¯t much to sniff at. Using such force in disciplining your daughter? I say you should go brush up on your manners!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes widened incredulously, two pools of tears quickly gathering as she retorted hotly, ¡°What do you mean by this, my lord? What do you mean my manners aren¡¯t much to sniff at?! Don¡¯t I discipline my daughter for you?? If you can¡¯t bear to see her disciplined, why tell us what happened? Don¡¯t tell us if you don¡¯t want to teach her a lesson!¡±

    ¡°You! You¡¯re impossible to talk to!¡± Qin Huaiyuan drew his brows together tightly and turned to Qin Yining. ¡°Daughter Yi,e with me.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for a response, and his tall figure swept out the door.

    Qin Yining silently rose and curtsied to the old dowager and the others, and silently followed her father out into a side hall.

    N¨¦e Sun burst into angry sobs when she saw Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining leave. She pounded on the table in her distress, rattling the porcin sitting on it. ¡°I see it clearly now! I¡¯m old and no longer catches Qin Meng¡¯s eye! He can no longer bear to look at me and wants me dead!¡±

    The old dowager was no fool, she had been musing over what¡¯d happened and her son¡¯s strange reaction. Her thoughts were apletely jumbled mess as she tried to sort things out. But who would¡¯ve thought that n¨¦e Sun would throw a tantrum at this precise moment? She couldn¡¯t calm down and carefully consider the reason for her son¡¯s attitude with this wailing, and her impression of n¨¦e Sun dropped increasingly with the nonsense being voiced.

    If Sun Haihan wasn¡¯t the official daughter of the Duke of Ding, I would¡¯ve thrown out this shit stirrer long ago!

    ¡°Stop your caterwauling!¡± The old dowager bursted out angrily. ¡°Meng¡¯er is right about you. Your manners aren¡¯t much either! Don¡¯t cry at my ce, go back to your Garden of Tranquility to cry! If you¡¯re too angry, then you can pack your bags for home right now!¡±

    The second and third madame all hastened to speak calming words of peace when they heard that irritated snap. Qin Huining, on the other hand, clung to her mother¡¯s arm in tears. ¡°Mother, hurry and admit your wrongs to grandmother. You can¡¯t go home!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s temper had a short fuse and she never thought things through in the heat of the moment. She only followed her instincts and bounded to her feet at hearing Qin Huining¡¯s words. She mmed her hand on the table again. ¡°I can¡¯t? Why can¡¯t I?! Have Qin Meng divorce me now if he dares! I can¡¯t give birth to a son and none of his concubines can birth anything! I know that Old Dowager med me for this for quite a while and dislikes even the sight of me. If you have someone in mind, then just bring her into the manor so she can bear Qin Meng a son! I wash my hands of this!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun whirled around to leave and paused after two steps, tugging Qin Huining after her. ¡°Hui¡¯er, you¡¯reing with me!¡± She won¡¯t bear the brunt of things if she doesn¡¯t stay.

    Qin Huining¡¯s expression changed drastically and shook her head vigorously. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t go! I¡¯m not going with you!¡± Are you kidding me? If I go to grandparents¡¯ now, the duchess will hate me!

    But N¨¦e Sun had made up her mind. She¡¯d lost so much face tonight that she would make Qin Huaiyuan wee her back with a luxurious sedan chair borne on the backs of eight bearers! At the very least! [This meant this would be a very big, mighty sedan chair.] She¡¯d already felt quite humiliatedst time in having toe back herself and apologize first. Was she going to hold it in every time!? N¨¦e Sunpletely ignored Qin Huining¡¯s protests and dragged the girl away.

    The old dowager pounded the table in her anger, almost sending the nearby brass pipe and its apanying tobo pouch flying. ¡°Get out, get out! It¡¯s a first even for me to witness such manners! My Meng¡¯er is genteel and educated, well versed and logical. How could I have been so blind as to find him such a harpy of a wife?!¡±

    The second madame rolled her eyes privately. You did it to build a connection with the Duke of Ding! Why didn¡¯t you call sister-inw a harpy when you were making use of her family¡¯s power to climb up? She didn¡¯t agree with the old dowager¡¯s ingratitude, and so did nothing. Therefore, it was up to the third madame toe forward and calm the old dowager down again.

    By now, Qin Yining had followed Qin Huaiyuanto the study in the outer residence. She¡¯d just knelt when a pageboy came to report, ¡°My lord, someone from the inner residence hase to say that the senior madame is going home again. She¡¯s carrying on as we speak. Jin-mama sent people to ask for my lord toe.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan knitted his brows as his brewing headache intensified. He wordlessly waved the pageboy off and took the head seat in the study, his expression as dark as a storm.

 Chapter 39: Affection

    <h4>Chapter 39: Affection</h4>

    Qin Yining immediately inclined her waist when she saw that her father was still angry. She murmured lowly, ¡°I was stupid and fell into the prince¡¯s trap.¡± She didn¡¯t bother making any other titudes.

    Qin Huaiyuan had been waiting for a long speech that rambled about what she¡¯d did wrong, where she¡¯d gone wrong, and how utterly in the wrong she was. But she wasn¡¯t saying anything else! Does she think that her only mistake was falling into the trap and not going to save Tang Meng? He was caught between amusement and anger. She¡¯s disying her own temper to me, huh!

    He was about tounch into a lecture when another pageboy timidly spoke up, ¡°My lord, more word¡¯se that the senior madame is about to exit the inner residence doors. We request your guidance.¡± Are you going tofort her or not, my lord! Tell us what you want to do!

    Qin Huaiyuan already felt like he was bearing the world on his shoulders alone, and it waspounded by the fact that no one else seemed to understand him or the bigger picture. He finally exploded impatiently when he heard that his wife was acting up again. ¡°Tell her to go the hell away then! The further the better! And don¡¯te back!¡±

    The pageboy finally realized how big of a rage the lord was in. He hastily bowed before quickly scampering off.

    Qin Huaiyuan leaned to the side, cradling his head in onerge head. Fully half his weight resed on the square redwood table that bore his elbow. More than anytime before, he looked weary.

    Qin Yining felt even more guilty when she saw her father thus.

    It¡¯d been father who¡¯d brought her back from Liang.

    It¡¯d been father who¡¯d averted her fate of being exiled out to an estate in the countryside.

    It¡¯d been father who¡¯d used a word to cement her status as the official daughter.

    Her father was immensely talented and capable, making prime minister at the youthful age of forty. All of this added together made Qin Yining admire and love her father even more so. She could tell that her mother didn¡¯t have much in the way of talent and had a haughty temper. It was a source of disappointment for her father that his wife and he didn¡¯t speak the same mentalnguage, and now she¡¯d brought even greater trouble in a moment of softheartedness. She didn¡¯t regret saving Tang Meng, but she hated that she¡¯d fallen into a trap doing so.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be mad, father. I know my wrongs. You expend great effort and energy outside and still have toe home to face a tangled mess, and now also have to right the trouble I created. It really is wrong of me to do this to you. In the beginning, I just couldn¡¯t bear to see innocent families suffer. That was why I tried to do something. When the prince readily released Tang Meng to me as my maid, I immediately realized that I¡¯d fallen into his trap. In the future, I won¡¯t be so brash and will think carefully before acting. Please don¡¯t be angry anymore. What if you harm your own body?¡± Qin Yining touched her forehead to the ground, quite sincerely penitent.

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed softly. He had a clear understanding of his daughter¡¯s thoughts from her words. It looks like she doesn¡¯t think it wrong to save someone. She¡¯s just sorry that she fell into a trap. He wanted to say something about the wisdom of putting one¡¯s own affairs in order before meddling in others, but those self-centered words stuck in his throat. He¡¯d always felt that there was no one in the world who understood him, but who would¡¯ve thought his daughter would be the one to say the words he¡¯d been yearning to hear for so long? Not his mother, not his wife, but his daughter

    Forget it. Qin Huaiyuan was someone who always looked forward. He wouldn¡¯t keep dwelling on what had already happened. As opposed to ruing the heavens for what had happened, it¡¯d be better to figure out how to respond. He raised his voice slightly, calling for a servant. A pageboy immediately answered his summons.

    ¡°Take Fourth Miss to the ancestral hall.¡± He kept his eyes trained on the kneeling Qin Yining and spoke slowly. ¡°She is not to emerge until she thoroughly memorizes ¡®Lessons for Women¡¯ 1 and ¡®Internal Lessons¡¯ 2. None of her usual maids are allowed to serve her. All of them are to be grounded in Snowpear Courtyard for reflection!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your teachings, father.¡± Qin Yining kowtowed again before leaving respectfully.

    The news that she¡¯d been confined to the ancestral hall to study books quickly spread throughout the manor. When it reached n¨¦e Sun, still dithering by the flower-hung gate, she angrily threw away the brass hand warmer she was carrying. The hand warmer skittered across the stone tiles, scattering ashes everywhere. ¡°What a harbinger of disaster! There¡¯s not been a day of peace since she¡¯s returned!¡±

    ¡°Please quell your anger, madame.¡± Jin-mama sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s not stay here. Let¡¯s return to Garden of Tranquility and make our ns from there.¡±

    ¡°No! Stop trying to persuade me, wet nurse! I¡¯m waiting for a deration of Qin Meng¡¯s attitude. What point is there in staying if he doesn¡¯t want me here!¡± N¨¦e Sun doubled down in her obstinance. Jin-mama was nursing an incredible headache. This matter had nothing to do with the senior madame to begin with, so wasn¡¯t she creating trouble out of thin air by carrying on like this?

    N¨¦e Sun happened to glimpse the pageboy that served at Qin Meng¡¯s side sneaking by. She shouted angrily when he poked his head around the flower-hung gate. ¡°What are you dragging your feet for, boy!? What did your lord say?¡±

    How would the pageboy dare repeat ¡°the further the better¡± and the ¡°don¡¯te back¡±?! He pasted a beaming smile on his face and started to speak. ¡°Madame, the lord is very busy at the moment. Why don¡¯t you...¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was already striding outside with wracking sobs before the pageboy finished. ¡°Wet nurse, prepare the carriage. I¡¯m going home! What¡¯s the point in staying if he doesn¡¯t ask me to?!¡±

    Jin-mama felt her very soul grow weary, but she pushed herself to run to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side, trying to persuade her against leaving. She nced sideways at Qin Huining, in hopes that the girl would help convince her mother to stay as well. However, Qin Huining was busy drying her tears with a lowered head. She didn¡¯t see what was happening at all.

    In the end, the mama was a servant, and even the head maids Can and Caiju didn¡¯t dare pull at n¨¦e Sun too much. They could only revolve around her as they tried to talk some sense into their mistress, who was almost literally hopping with distress.

    After a loud hubbub, n¨¦e Sun finally settled into the carriage. When she gotfortable, she finally recalled that Qin Huining had been with her at the flower-hung gate. ¡°Where¡¯s daughter Hui?¡±

    Jin-mama said. ¡°Miss Huining only sent madame to the second gate. She isn¡¯t with us anymore.¡±

    Surprise blossomed over n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face. ¡°Didn¡¯t she say she would go home with me just now?¡±

    Jin-mama didn¡¯t respond. She was beginning to think that the duchess was right. Although Qin Huining looked like she¡¯d been calming n¨¦e Sun down in this matter, nothing she said had made a difference. In fact, most of it had spurred the madame onto new heights instead.

    ¡°Madame, don¡¯t, don¡¯t ignore your body so in the future. Great anger harms only yourself.¡± Jin-mama also wanted to say something about not trusting Qin Huining so much in the future as well, but she swallowed that part. A servant saying this wouldn¡¯t do much good, it¡¯d have toe from the duchess.

    Back in Garden of Loving Piety, the old dowager was surprisingly calm, not in the towering rage she would usually have been in. Instead, she dismissed everyone and kept only Qin-mama by her side. ¡°Lujuan, tell me, do you think Meng¡¯er was truly angry at granddaughter Yi today? Why do I feel like there¡¯s something else to this matter? Something I missed?¡±

    No one knew a son better than his own mother. This aplished firstborn upied the highest position in the old dowager¡¯s heart. She felt the most affection for and understood her firstborn the most. In her view, in light of Qin Yining¡¯s grave mistake, Qin Huaiyuan would¡¯ve normally just told his mother what had happened and let her discipline the child. Why would he care that n¨¦e Sun was pping her, and take her away to personally lecture and punish her?

    Does he like Qin Yining or not?

    ¡°This servant thinks that the lord is likely treating the fourth miss as a son.¡±

    The old dowager had spected about that once, but it¡¯d been quickly dismissed. But with the mama¡®s words, the incongruous behavior immediately made sense. She nodded firmly. ¡°Indeed, these are Meng¡¯er¡¯s thoughts alright. Why else would he value granddaughter Yi so much? 3 So although she¡¯s gotten into great trouble, she¡¯s earned Meng¡¯er¡¯s affections as well.¡±

    ¡°Not only is Fourth Miss smart, but she possesses great courage as well. Although she¡¯s a girl of the inner residence, her actions show a heroism on par with any boy. Old Dowager, don¡¯t you feel that the fourth miss not only looks like the lord when he was young, but even has a simr personality?¡±

    ¡°Quite right.¡± The old dowager nodded continuously and recalled what her firstborn looked like when he was young. She was transported back to that wonderful time, so filled with joy. ¡°Meng¡¯er has no son and is bound to be happy to meet a girl so simr to him. But granddaughter Yi was too bold this time. She¡¯smitted a great wrong.¡±

    ¡°Aiya, don¡¯t worry, Old Dowager.¡± Qin-mama offered tea with a smile. ¡°I rather feel that the lord is finding happiness in resolving his daughter¡¯s woes.¡±

    ¡°Happiness in resolving her woes?¡± The old dowager thought about her son after epting the teacup and recalled the joy herte husband had secretly felt when he¡¯d disciplined their sons. She nodded understandingly, and burst outughing. Tears swiftly welled up in her eyes afterwards. ¡°Yingguang just didn¡¯t have greater fortune. How happy he would be to see how aplished his son and grandchildren are today!¡±

    Qin-mama quickly soothed the old dowager¡¯s mood when she saw her mistress thinking of herte husband. When the old dowager was calm again, the old servant spoke, ¡°The lord has sent Fourth Miss to the ancestral hall to memorize ¡®Lessons for Women¡¯ and ¡®Internal Lessons¡¯. None of her usual maids are allowed to serve her.¡±

    ¡°Since Meng¡¯er values her, there must be some positives to her.¡± The old dowager thought for a moment. ¡°Make some arrangements for her in ce of her usual maids. We¡¯re more likely to see snow in June if we expect granddaughter Yi¡¯s mother to take care of this!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be too angry, Old Dowager. Your healthes first. As for the senior madame and the lord, it¡¯s just a bedroom spat. They¡¯re quick to fight, but equally quick to reconcile. They¡¯ll be fine in a few days.¡±

    The mere thought of n¨¦e Sun was enough to irritate Old Dowager as she cursed. ¡°I hate that haughty attitude of hers the most! So what if she¡¯s had a good birth. She¡¯s just feeding off the achievements of her ancestors! She has no talents or wisdom. How is she worthy of my Meng¡¯er?¡±

    Qin-mama spoke a few more words offort when she saw that her mistress work herself up again. She summoned a married servant and a young serving girl when the old dowager had washed up and gone to bed. ¡°Old Dowager instructed the two of you to go to the ancestral hall and serve Fourth Miss in her studies for the next few days. Follow me.¡±

    The married woman was surnamed Ge and called Wife Ge. The serving girl was named Xiaoling, a clever looking girl who had just turned ten. The two curtsied to Qin-mama, who ordered two granny servants to deliver some nkets, braziers, and other necessities to the ancestral hall.

    The ancestral hall was situated in a quiet courtyard in the southeast corner of the outer residence, next to a door that led to the inner residence. The main house paid tribute to the various Qin ancestors, and servants were often rotated in to clean the two side wings. It was more than enough space to house someone, and was much cleaner and more luxurious than Qin Yining¡¯s Snowpear Courtyard. When Qin-mama arrived, she was already studying a copy of ¡°Internal Lessons¡±. She rose in wee when she heard the disturbance outside. ¡°Mama, how would I dare have you make a trip yourself?¡±

 Chapter 40: Clipping of Wings

    <h4>Chapter 40: Clipping of Wings</h4>

    ¡°Fourth Miss, you¡¯re simply too polite.¡± Qin-mama was wreathed in smiles and curtsied respectfully at Qin Yining, then turned to pull the two behind her forward. ¡°Old Dowager keeps thinking of you, miss, and sent this old servant over with two servants when she heard that the lord has forbidden your maids to serve you here. This is Wife Ge, and this is Xiaoling. They¡¯ll serve at your side over the next couple of days.¡±

    The two made docile curtsies to Qin Yining, who smiled back at Qin-mama. ¡°Many thanks to Old Dowager going to this effort and thinking of me.¡±

    ¡°Oh miss, the old dowager is your grandmother, of course she would think of you!¡± The mama turned to give instructions for the other two to clean up the side wing that Qin Yining would be staying in over the next couple of days. ¡°They¡¯ll bring you the meal boxes over the next couple of days. Just be at peace, miss.¡±

    ¡°How could I not with the old dowager and Qin-mama¡®s care? It¡¯s nice and quiet here, so I can focus on my studies.¡±

    Upon seeing that Qin Yining¡¯sposure was as usual, with none of the resentment of being punished, Qin-mama could onlypliment the girl¡¯s graciousposure. She really is like the lord when he was young. The old servant gave detailed instructions to Wife Ge and Xiaoling to serve the fourth miss well, and also issued further reminders to the granny servant guarding the door. ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re doing your job well in just keeping watch at the door and making sure the miss doesn¡¯t leave. Serving her well is the most important! Even though she¡¯s here to study on the lord¡¯s orders, she¡¯s still his most beloved daughter!¡±

    The granny servant had already snapped to attention at Qin-mama¡®s arrival. Now enlightened with new perspective, she kept reassuring, ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    Qin-mama made another curtsey to Qin Yining when she saw that all was arranged for properly and nothing out of order. ¡°This servant needs to go back to Old Dowager. The night grows deep, you should rest earlier, miss.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for Qin-mama for making this trip.¡± Qin Yining quickly returned the courtesy and spoke with gratitude.

    ¡°This is what this servant should do.¡± The two exchanged pleasantries as Qin Yining politely apanied Qin-mama to the doors of the ancestral hall before finally returning to her room.

    When Qin-mama returned to Garden of Loving Piety, she made directly for the main house to see how the shifts were arranged for that night. Qin Huining happened to be kneeling on the reclining seat by the window in her room and had cracked the window open a sliver. She saw everything clearly.

    ¡°Old Dowager is so kind, hmm? A real granddaughter is deserving of different treatment indeed.¡± She walked inside with a cold smile after closing the window slowly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on it, miss,¡± Cai-mama responded. ¡°The old dowager needs to keep up appearances after all. She has her benevolent and virtuous reputation to consider. After all, there will be many pairs of eyes on something of this magnitude.¡±

    ¡°Even you know how many are keeping watch on what that barbarian does, wet nurse!¡± Qin Huining snorted. ¡°But why doesn¡¯t Old Dowager or my father know? She really ate the heart of a tiger in sneaking out to meet with an outside male! Who knows what kind of base, low acts she¡¯smitted there with how promiscuous she looks!

    ¡°She¡¯s lorded it over me sinceing back and beaten me! But Old Dowager doesn¡¯t punish her for that and just makes her memorize ssics! Even my maternal grandmother¡¯s given her the Institute of Luminous Grace! She¡¯s never given me anything in the fourteen years I¡¯ve been with the family! The entire family is biased towards her now. If I don¡¯t do something now that she¡¯s locked up, I won¡¯t get such an opportunity to in the future!¡± Qin Huining¡¯s eyes were hooded.

    ¡°Miss, should you wait since the lord is quite angry at the moment?¡± Cai-mama was a bit worried.

    ¡°Wait? For what?! How long will I wait for?! Am I to let that filthy barbarian step all over me?!¡± Qin Huining choked up as tears trickled down like a small waterfall. ¡°You know of my pain, wet nurse. The humiliation I¡¯ve suffered these days is more than all I¡¯ve endured throughout my entire life! How can I wait??¡±

    Twinges of pain assailed Cai-mama¡®s heart when she saw Qin Huining thus. She made a moue and thought briefly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. It¡¯s actually rather easy to deal with her. We can¡¯t do anything to her now that she¡¯s in the ancestral hall, so all we need to do is to clip her wings and make it that she has no one trustworthy to use.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a n?¡± Qin Huining¡¯s eyes gleamed.

    ¡°It¡¯s very simple.¡± Cai-mama nodded. ¡°Miss, she¡¯s just returned to the manor and doesn¡¯t have many she can trust at all. If we get rid of those she depends on the most, who will dare be loyal to her in the future when she can¡¯t protect anyone by her side? If she has no confidantes in a great family as this, things are as good as over for her.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so very right. She won¡¯t be able to do anything meaningful without anyone able by her side. She¡¯ll be ours to do as we wish in the future!¡± Qin Huining leaned cutely against Cai-mama and sighed. ¡°Thank goodness I have you, or I wouldn¡¯t know what to do at all.¡±

    The mama was quite touched. ¡°I nursed you, miss! Who would I give all of my efforts to, if not you?¡± When the old servant thought of Jin-mama, she made use of the atmosphere to say, ¡°Just like I serve you wholeheartedly, so does my aunt serve the senior madame wholeheartedly. She¡¯s just following orders. Please don¡¯t me her, miss.¡±

    Qin Huining naturally knew of Cai-mama¡®s concerns. Jin-mama had changed her attitude towards the former fourth miss so swiftly, but hadn¡¯t she done so based on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s attitude as well? Qin Huining actually did hold resentment, ming Cai-mama for not keeping her family in order, but it wasn¡¯t like she could say that. She onlyforted her wet nurse with a smile, then began discussing in detail how their n should work.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining was having a grand time being punished in the ancestral hall. She wasn¡¯t stinted on amodations or meals, and she had the ability to remember anything she nced at. Therefore, even memorizing all four ssics for women would be an easy task for her, to say nothing of just the thin ¡°Lessons for Women¡± and ¡°Internal Lessons¡± that were part of that set. The only drawback was that the flow of information was rather obstructed. She only heard about n¨¦e Sun returning home three dayster, when Wife Ge and Xiaoling were gossiping quietly.

    She felt that n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t have a good way of handling things. She would always throw a big fuss and go home in style whenever a fight cropped up. Qin Yining had only returned home for a few days, but had witnessed two asions of this already. I¡¯m sure even her own family must be sick of her, much less the inws. N¨¦e Sun waspletely banking on the status of her birth to unt and fritter away the goodwill that the Duke of Ding had umted. Qin Yining felt that she had to take stern lessons from this kind of behavior. Even though she had a good birth as well, she could never imitate n¨¦e Sun like this if she married as well.

    I wonder how Snowpear Courtyard is getting along. Father ordered all the staff to stay inside and reflect. This is a form of protection as well. Not seeing anyone means that they¡¯ll be safe.

    Such peaceful timessted for three days. Qin Jianing had hering-of-age ceremony during this period, and preparations for her marriage to the son of the Earl of Jiannan started as well. She only learned of all this from Wife Ge and Xiaoling¡¯s discussions.

    It was the seventh day that Qin Yining had been grounded in the ancestral hall. She had just finished breakfast and had taken a cup of hot tea from Xiaoling to rinse her mouth when she suddenly heard a shrill scream from outside the yard. ¡°Fourth Miss! Save Run!!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She could tell that it was Qiulu and charged outside. Weren¡¯t those in Snowpear Courtyard all quietly reflecting? What could¡¯ve possibly happened?!

    ¡°Fourth Miss, be careful! Don¡¯t trip!¡± Wife Ge and Xiaoling quickly rang out in pursuit.

    Qin Yining pushed open the ancestral hall doors to see two strong granny servants nking Qiulu. Qiulu¡¯s hair was aplete mess as tears streaked her cheeks. Someone who was usually dependable and taciturn was now a sobbing heap. Qiulu wanted to speak when she saw Qin Yining, but a strong granny servant had pped a hand over her mouth. The maid¡¯s eyes were bloodshot in her urgency and she kept voicing guttural sounds. Her tears fell even faster. Qiulu must have risked death toe here!

    ¡°Stop.¡± Qin Yining shrugged off Wife Ge and Xiaoling. She took two steps forward to grip the granny servant¡¯s arm and squeezed tightly. The servant immediately let go with a loud cry of pain, and neither of them dared restrain Qiulu anymore.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Qiulu? What¡¯s happened at home? What happened to Run?¡±

    ¡°Miss, Miss Huining¡¯s maid Bitong camest night and summoned sister Run. Run didn¡¯t want to go at first, but Bitong said something that made her go in the end. She didn¡¯te back all night.

    ¡°News came from Old Dowager¡¯s this morning that a thief had been captured in Garden of Loving Pietyst night. The thief was after the old dowager¡¯s things and one of Miss Huining¡¯s maids had captured them. They said it was Run! Old Dowager was greatly angered and had Run beaten with forty hits from a nk, then thrown out of the manor!

    ¡°Miss, sister Run is definitely innocent. That punishment will take her life! She has an old mother and younger siblings at home. They¡¯re all dead if something happens to her! Please miss, save her!¡± Qiulu was a kindhearted and honest one. She didn¡¯t know the value of discretion and just spilled out everything in one go. The granny servants, Wife Ge, and Xiaoling off on the side long since made their conjectures when they heard this.

    Qin Yining was also well aware than Qin Huining must be taking advantage of her absence from Snowpear Courtyard to make a move against her people. Not only was the foster girl trying to prune her most trusted servants, but she was also trying to instill the thinking in Old Dowager that Run had turned out bad because of her mistress. If Run really was taken down by Qin Huining, then all her efforts a short while ago were wasted! If she couldn¡¯t even protect those by her side, then how would she keep the servants in line in the future? She finally had someone she could trust, was she to have to go at things solo again now? No! I must save Run!

    Although Qin Yining was currently grounded and supposed to be memorizing lessons, she urgently wanted to save her maid and couldn¡¯t think of too much. She was prepared to set out when a voice sounded behind her, ¡°Please hold your steps, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining turned to see Qin-mama. It was unknown how long the mama had been present and how much she¡¯d heard. ¡°Qin-mama.¡± Qin Yining suppressed the urgency in her heart and politely greeted the old servant.

    Qin-mama curtsied a curtsey and spoke gravely, ¡°Don¡¯t forget miss, the lord himself grounded you. You cannot leave unless you¡¯ve passed his test. Besides, even if you go, what can you do with just words and no evidence? There¡¯s clear evidence on the other side that Run stole the old dowager¡¯s jade bracelet. They have proof and witnesses.¡±

    It was as if adle of cold water had been dumped over Qin Yining¡¯s head. How could she save Run without proof or witnesses?

 Chapter 41: Great Joy

    <h4>Chapter 41: Great Joy</h4>

    Qin-mama felt immensely gratified when Qin Yining halted and a thoughtful expression floated onto the girl¡¯s face. It looked like the fourth miss wasn¡¯t the impulsive, brash sort. The old servant had had a good impression of Qin Yining to begin with, and this only heightened her impression. She¡¯d only wanted to help the fourth miss a little bit, but that feeling was now greatly magnified.

    ¡°Miss.¡± Qin-mama quickly walked up to Qin Yining. ¡°You¡¯re a smart person and know what kind of action is most appropriate. You are hard pressed to save even yourself now. If you disregard the lord¡¯s words to charge out, you might fail to save Run and lose the lord¡¯s affection as well. How will your future look then?¡±

    Qin Yining knew that Qin-mama was right. Run had been caught redhanded and she had no evidence to prove otherwise. She could only beg the old dowager for mercy if she wanted to save her maid. However, she didn¡¯tmand much face with the old dowager. But could she possibly just hang Run out to dry? Even though Run had made mistakes, she¡¯d repented and had taken good care of Qin Yining all this time.

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression was tight in this moment as she hated Qin Huining like she never had before! How much trouble had the foster girl created for her since she returned home? She¡¯d wanted to empathize and forgive, since it wasn¡¯t Qin Huining¡¯s fault that the two girls had been swapped at birth. Her sense of danger was understandable. But as threatened as she felt, she couldn¡¯t harm innocents just for a moment of petty revenge!

    Run had never harmed Qin Huining or done anything that endangered thetter¡¯s interests. Qin Huining was more frightening than wild beasts in threatening someone else¡¯s life like this! Wild beasts would starve if they didn¡¯t eat humans, but what would Qin Huining lose if she didn¡¯t scheme against others?

    Qin Huining could be a filial child to the old dowager and mother if she wanted favor. She could disy her charms and vie openly with Qin Yining! Qin Huining didn¡¯t offer sincerity but demanded it in turn, bing vengeful when she didn¡¯t receive it, eaten up with jealousy when others outshone her, and disdained other lives for a moment¡¯s revenge.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t think that she herself was a good person as she would strike back without hesitation if someone tried to harm her, but she would never use her identity to hurt innocents.

    ¡°Thank you for your warnings, Qin-mama. But Run is my maid and was dragged into this because of me. I feel very guilty. I am her mistress, and it¡¯s my ipetence if I can¡¯t save her after the best of my efforts, but myck of morals if I ignore her because all is well for me.¡± Qin Yining felt incredibly weary in both body and soul with these words. But this weakness was only momentary, and the look in her eyes incredibly resolute when she lifted her head again. ¡°Qin-mama, I would rather be someone ipetent than onecking in morals.¡±

    She started walking out after saying this. Qin-mama¡®s original favorable disposition towards the fourth miss spontaneously grew to deep esteem. She was a servant herself and had weathered the elements of life with the old dowager for most of her years. They¡¯d made it through untold hardships and trials together, and she had a deep rtionship with her mistress. Qin Yining¡¯s words had touched the deepest, most tender parts of the old servant¡¯s heart. Qin-mama quickly snaked out a hand to grab the fourth miss.

    ¡°Miss, please listen to me.¡± She drew close to Qin Yining¡¯s ear and spoke at a volume only the two could hear. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to gain and everything to lose if you go. I can guarantee that Run won¡¯t die. Any further ns can be made as long as you pass the lord¡¯s test and leave the ancestral hall, miss. Do you still wish to leave after hearing this?¡±

    Qin Yining halted in her tracks. If Qin-mama could guarantee that Run wouldn¡¯t die, wouldn¡¯t that be more useful than her own presence? After all, the only thing she could do was to beg the old dowager for mercy. She could only acquit the maid when she found evidence in the future. Qin-mama was doing what she wanted to do with this promise!

    Thest time she¡¯d written lines for her punishment, it¡¯d been Qin-mama speaking offhandedly in front of the old dowager that resulted in the number of copies being checked. After being grounded in the ancestral hall this time, it¡¯d been Qin-mama making a personal visit that resulted in seven days offort for her, in an environment where servants would change like the wind and short her on food and necessities for her fall in favor.

    ¡°Mama, you...¡± Qin Yining was at a loss for words. ¡°Why are you helping me like this?¡±

    Qin-mama curtsied and smiled warmly. ¡°You are the old dowager¡¯s granddaughter, miss, therefore my mistress as well. Serving my mistress well is my duty. Besides, I serve at the old dowager¡¯s side. Whatever I do is behalf of the old dowager as well. Please go back, miss. We¡¯ll pretend that nothing¡¯s happened today. Just study at peace. You never heard any disturbance.¡±

    Qin Yining immediately understood what the old servant meant. The mama was here purely out of her loyalty to the old dowager. She wanted to create a good rtionship for the old dowager, and was helping bnce out the various parties in the family so that no particr side would grow too strong. As the matriarch of the family, it was no good if any family member grew particrly entrenched. As it was in court, so too was it at home. With the old dowager¡¯s personality, Qin-mama¡®s wisdom, maturity, and loyalty were all integral to the matriarch maintaining the livelihood of the Qin family and receiving a title in her own right as well.

    The girl curtsied with a smile. ¡°Many thanks to mama, I understand now.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be this way miss, this servant isn¡¯t worthy.¡± Qin-mama avoided Qin Yining¡¯s gesture and turned to Qiulu. ¡°I won¡¯t take you to task for this on ount of your loyalty. You should go back and reflect as well. As a servant, you need to manage affairs for your mistress, not create more problems for her. do you understand that?¡±

    Qiulu nodded repeatedly, her face burning with contriteness. They¡¯d saved Miss Tangst time because she¡¯d said too much, and it¡¯d happened again today. She now knew that she¡¯d brought trouble for the miss in barging here. Thankfully, Qin-mama was tolerant and kind. ¡°This servant understands. Thank you for your teachings, Qin-mama.¡±

    The old servant nodded. ¡°Go back and study in peace, miss.¡±

    It was enough at the moment for Qin Yining to know that Run wouldn¡¯t die, and Qiulu wouldn¡¯t be punished. The rest could wait until she was released. It was up to her whether Qin Huining could make a move against her or not! She¡¯d never wanted to harm anyone, but now that someone was in her face, there was no reason to not strike back!

    Although circumstances and situations changed drastically in the world outside, life within ancestral hall remained as peaceful as always. On this day, it was an old woman over sixty years old that came to deliver Qin Yining¡¯s meal box.

    The fourth miss found it a bit odd. The neer was wearing a brand new, inky green padded jacket made of fine cotton fibers. The material and cut of the jacket were the most current fashions. There was a golden hairpin stuck in her hair and a pair of bracelets made of interwoven gold on her arms. She looked like someone with status and not someone who would usually be delivering meal boxes. When she saw Qin Yining, the old servant curtsied respectfully, ¡°Greetings to Fourth Miss, my husband¡¯s surname is Jing. I¡¯m in charge of the meal box today.¡±

    ¡°Please rise, Mama Jing.¡± Qin Yining helped the other up with a smile. Mama Jing handed the meal box over to Wife Ge and Xiaoling with an affable expression.

    As the two servants set up the table, Mama Jing spoke lowly to Qin Yining. ¡°Fourth Miss, I¡¯m an overseer in the kitchens of the outer residence. I¡¯m here on behalf of Steward Zhong today to convey that Miss Run has been taken to Cloudsoar Inn. She¡¯s not injured seriously, it¡¯s all superficial wounds. A few days of medicine will sort her out. Don¡¯t worry, miss.¡±

    ¡°Mama Jing is one of the Institute¡¯s?¡± Qin Yining responded with surprise.

    ¡°In response to the fourth miss, my son is a third rank shopkeeper beneath Steward Zhong. Our entire family depends on Steward Zhong¡¯s promotions. Now that you are the owner of the Institute, I must depend on you too in the future. I¡¯m just here to deliver a message, it¡¯s no big deal. I am old anyways, and n to retire to days of peace at home.¡±

    ¡°I see, thank you for making the trip, Mama Jing.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too polite miss, it¡¯s this servant¡¯s honor to be able to meet you.¡± Mama Jing looked around before continuing in a low voice. ¡°Steward Zhong also wanted me to bring some news. The Prince of Ning censured Grand Preceptor Cao in front of the emperor a few days ago. Others had dared to criticize the grand preceptor before, but most remained neutral. The prince led the group this time, and many neutral parties supported him. The emperor immediately criticized the grand preceptor and removed his position,manding him to go home in forced retirement.¡±

    What?! That old fellow Grand Preceptor Cao was over just like that? It went without saying that the neutral folks suddenly tilting towards the prince was a result of the good rtions between the Duke of Ding, Qin Huaiyuan, and the prince. But had they discussed it with the prince beforehand or just moved with the wind?

    Regardless of which it was, the sessful actions against Grand Preceptor Cao had much to do with her rescuing Tang Meng. Qin Yining never would¡¯ve thought that she¡¯d be the catalyst for the grand preceptor¡¯s fall!

    Grand Preceptor Cao deserved his fate, but his daughter was still the empress. How would she react to her father losing power, and how would she treat those responsible for this oue? In addition, the position of Grand Preceptor to the Heir Apparent now sat empty. The emperor only had one son, so he would certainly find an appropriate candidate to tutor the heir. Who would take up this mantle? This candidate would¡¯ve great influence over the movements of court and the future of Great Yan!

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t eat much of breakfast because Mama Jing¡¯s news had been too surprising. Her presence had also helped Qin Yining really just how widespread the Institute¡¯swork was, and how great its capability. No matter the changes in court, the Institute of Luminous Grace wasn¡¯t simply a treasure vault, but ale to do much more. She became greatly excited and confident at this thought.

    A flurry of door pounding suddenly sounded when it was past noon. Wife Ge opened the door to see head maid Jixiang by the old dowager¡¯s side. ¡°The lord has been honored with the position of Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent! He¡¯s returned home now. Hurry and have Fourth Miss dress formally, the lord is going to lead the entire family in praying at ancestral hallter and report these great tidings to the ancestors!¡±

    Wife Ge and Xiaoling beamed when they heard this. ¡°This is absolutely wonderful! The lord really possesses untold fortune. Fourth Miss, we¡¯ll help you dress immediately!¡±

 Chapter 42: Appearances

    <h4>Chapter 42: Appearances</h4>

    Between the two servants, one rushed off to Snowpear Courtyard to fetch clothing and essories while the other adroitly helped Qin Yining wash up. Xiaoling came back with an outfit in short order and respectfully helped the fourth miss into it. Her attitude was much more reservedpared to a few days ago.

    Qin Yining found this amusing. The official daughter of the grand preceptor is more eminent than one of the prime minister, hmm? But she didn¡¯t feel proud, because this was the trampress¡¯ background as well.

    The area outside the ancestral hall became boisterous after a moment. Cheery servant chatter could be heard through the door. Wife Ge and Xiaoling pulled back the doors to join in the conversation. Qin Yining was curious as well and took a few steps out of the door, looking at servants carrying in scented candles, worship goods, and others not too far in the distance. She noticed that Qin Huining¡¯s maids Bitong and Bitao were also present. They were helping Jixiang and Ruyi from Garden of Loving Piety.

    It was easy to see what was going on here. She was much worse than Qin Huining when it came to maintaining appearances. She had much to learn.

    Bitong and Bitao had long since glimpsed Qin Yining as well. When they saw her inplete formal attire, Bitong smiled and couldn¡¯t stifle herughter.

    ¡°She¡¯s daydreaming that the lord will let her out.¡± Bitong¡¯s voice was loud, but she hadn¡¯t tried keeping it low either. Everyone in the vicinity heard and perked up their ears, keeping their hands firmly busy on the task at hand.

    Bitao pulled at Bitong. ¡°Do you want to do? Just do your job, why are you trying to start things?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you pull at me!¡± Bitong flung off Bitao¡¯s hand and snorted. ¡°They all say that the tone is set at the top. That cheap whore Run dared steal Old Dowager¡¯s jade bracelet. We can tell from this that her mistress isn¡¯t anything good either. The old dowager was merciful and only threw her out of the manor with a beating. If it¡¯d been anyone else, Run would¡¯ve been beaten to death. But some people still sit and sleep easy after their servant¡¯s done something so shameful. It really chills my heart to see this.¡±

    She¡¯d had more than enough! Qin Yining had beaten her before and bullied her miss again and again. Now that Qin Yining had fallen out of favor, it was time to get a few stomps in! They all said that Qin Yining was a barbarian. It¡¯d be even better if she could provoke this barbarian into a fight on this grand day. Her miss would reward her greatly! Bitong was feeling very proud of herself, so the taunting look on her face grew even deeper. ¡°They say she¡¯s the lord¡¯s official daughter, but who knows what¡¯s really the case? Even Senior Madame doesn¡¯t like her, and here she is lording it like she really is something noble. If she is, why did she slip out to meet with some outside male and get locked up in the ancestral hall for punishment? She¡¯s just a barbarian with the savagery in her still. She¡¯s going to taint our good reputation in entering the manor with all these base airs!¡±

    Everyone fully took in these harsh words and also weighed up Bitong¡¯s provocation. Those who¡¯d heard of the fourth miss¡¯ heroic feats before were already waiting for a good show with bated breath. However, they were only greeted by Qin Yining¡¯s amiable smile when they looked at the ancestral hall doors.

    ¡°To hear such words from sister Bitong on this joyous asion is proof of how well Miss Huining teaches her servants. I wonder if you thought of these words yourself, or where they from your mistress?¡± Qin Yining remained where she was, still smiling gently, but the look in her eyes made Bitong recall the biting pain of the night when Qin Yining¡¯s fists thudded onto her body.

    The maid really wanted to stick her hands on her hips and go at it with Qin Yining again, but she cowardly gave up the fight with resignation. Her lips vibrated as she looked at the fourth miss, but she didn¡¯t say anything in response.

    ¡°Since your mistress has never taught you the manners a servant should have, I¡¯ll make sure to do so when I have free time some day.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°Just you wait.¡±

    Bitong shuddered involuntarily.

    Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful eyes took in the surroundings and lingered on those who hadughed just now. ¡°If anyone wants to join Miss Bitong in lessons, just imitate her all you want.¡±

    Those who hadughed at Qin Yining earlier didn¡¯t even dare breathe loudly now. It had nothing to do with them to begin with, so why anger the fourth miss? As much trouble as she would get into, she was still the official daughter of Grand Preceptor Qin, and Qin Huining was just a foster daughter.

    Bitong was both furious and fearful, and the feeling of being targeted prey sent chills down her back. She was regretting her early impulsiveness. She should¡¯ve done all that when Qin Huining was present. Not only would she then receive her mistress¡¯mendation, but she would also be able to redirect fire from Qin Yining.

    When Qin Yining saw that all was in order outside the door, she lost the interest to look around and returned inside to take a seat. Xiaoling came back before long. ¡°Miss, the old dowager and lord are alling.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Yining came to the yard in time to see Second Elder Master Qin Xiuyuan and Second Madame n¨¦e Su helping a formally dressed Old Dowager through the doors. Third Elder Master Qin Zhiyuan and Third Madame n¨¦e Wang nked Qin Huaiyuan and were chatting merrily. Senior Master Qin Yu and his wife, Second Master Qin Han and his wife, as well as a gaggle of cousins brought up the rear. Qin Huining and the sixth miss were at the very end, holding hands and murmuring lowly to each other. They seemed to sense Qin Yining¡¯s gaze and giggled when they looked back at her. The whole family was here, bar n¨¦e Sun.

    N¨¦e Sun was likely still in the Ding Manor and refusing to return. Perhaps she was still maintaining a haughty attitude and waiting for Qin Huaiyuan to bring her back. Qin Yining sighed soundlessly and adjusted her emotions, going forward to greet the old dowager, her father, uncles, and aunts.

    Qin Huaiyuan was now looking at Qin Yining with absence of anger and many more tinges of affection. If it hadn¡¯t been for her going to the prince and demanding Tang Meng, those flip-floppers in court wouldn¡¯t have swiftly taken a side. The Prince of Ning wouldn¡¯t have sessfully taken down Grand Preceptor Cao, and he wouldn¡¯t have received the position of Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. His career had previously been bottlenecked at the position of prime minister. No matter how hard he tried, it was an exceedingly difficult thing to even inch forward, not to mention just maintaining his position was difficult enough. To think that a problem that¡¯d gued him for many years would be easily resolved by this little girl! From this, one could see that not only was she smart and perceptive, sensitive to politics, and she possessed great fortune as well.

    ¡°Daughter Yi has studied well these days, I¡¯m sure? You can go back to your residence after this.¡± Qin Huaiyuan turned to the old dowager. ¡°I feel that her Snowpear Courtyard is rather far. She¡¯ll need many servants to send out on errands. I¡¯ll give her my Yaoqin and Yuqi. As for their stipend, still mark them under the outer study.¡±

    The crowd was collectively taken aback. Everyone knew that there were four beautiful first-rank maids serving in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s study. They were all fifteen and each talented with the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Their names of Yaoqin, Yuqi, Moxiang, Danqing 1 were rted to their expertise. They served only in the study and received a separate stipend from Qin Huaiyuan. Their positions amongst the servants were without parallel. There were also rumors that n¨¦e Sun had been jealous of these four girls on many an asion. Second Elder Master Qin Xiuyuan had even set his eyes on Yuqist year and wanted her for a concubine, but Qin Huaiyuan had tly turned him down. But now he was giving two of them at once to Qin Yining!

    Yuxiang had disappeared from Qin Yining¡¯s side and Run had been sent away as punishment earlier, so the fourth miss happened to be missing two head maids at the moment. It was rare that someone as lofty as Qin Huaiyuan would take note that his daughter wascking two maids and would so generously fill in the gap! How strong was this father daughter rtionship? It¡¯d seem that everyone had underestimated Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s fondness for his daughter! Wasn¡¯t the word on the street that Qin Huaiyuan disliked his daughter because of the mistake she¡¯d made and had sent her to the ancestral hall for punishment? This wasn¡¯t the case at all!

    Qin Huining ground her teeth audibly. Qin Huaiyuan was giving Qin Yining face and tell others that she was his most beloved daughter! So what of her then?!

 Chapter 43: Gifts

    <h4>Chapter 43: Gifts</h4>

    ¡°Oh you dote on your daughter so.¡± The old dowager startedughing. ¡°I was just thinking about those two empty ces in granddaughter Yi¡¯s house today and wanted to pick someone from Garden of Loving Piety for her. But it¡¯s perfect if you have those two in mind.¡±

    Qin Yining ignored the vengeful look that Qin Huining was not so secretly giving her. It almost felt like thattter wanted to stab her with a dinner fork. Despite her initial reluctance, she curtsied happily. ¡°Thank you to Old Dowager and father.¡± She wanted to make Snowpear Courtyard an imprable fortress¡ªhow would she do that with new faces popping up by her side? But her father was showing her face, and she absolutely couldn¡¯t reject his gesture. The maids were going toe to her anyways, she could make some arrangements for themter. There was no need to make father unhappy here.

    Qin Huaiyuan was in wonderfully high spirits thanks to the joyous asion. The satisfaction of a father bestowing gifts onto his children suffused his heart for the first time when he saw Qin Yining give thanks, and his mood grew ever brighter.

    The crowd chatted a bit more and then lined up ording to seniority when the auspicious hour arrived, presenting themselves in batches to kowtow to the ancestors and pray with incense. Qin Yining was naturally standing with the rest of the girls. They were arranged in two rows, each holding a stick of incense. They kowtowed respectfully to the ancestor ques and bobbed the incense sticks in their hands when they rose before leaving. As the ceremony drew to a close, the men withdrew to the outer residence.

    ¡°You may all leave now,¡± the old dowager said. ¡°The lord will be holding a banquet in the manor to thank his peers. Take care not to disturb the guests.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± the women chorused together.

    The second madame thought for a moment and smiled. ¡°Now that eldest brother-inw is Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, I¡¯m sure that the crown prince will attend the banquet as well?¡±

    The old dowager shook her head. ¡°His banquet is in three days. The crown prince will be personally attending to pay his respects to his teacher. We¡¯ll have plenty to be busy with then.¡±

    ¡°The crown prince ising here?¡± The third madame pped her hands with a smile. ¡°Aiyaya, that is tremendous respect! This is all thanks to our eldest brother-inw that our house gains such glory!¡±

    The old dowager beamed merrily at these words, adding a few more creases to her face as she smiled widely. The second madame wrapped her arm around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This is why I say our niece Yi is a lucky star. So many good things havee one after another since she¡¯se home!¡±

    All of the girls murmured in agreement. Qin Huining, however, clenched her fists tightly. What do you mean by that?! Was it because I was the official daughter before that father didn¡¯t be the grand preceptor?!

    The old dowager nodded in agreement and put her hands together, bowing in the direction of the ancestral hall. ¡°I¡¯ve also noticed that my eldest son¡¯s career has been smooth since granddaughter Yi¡¯s return. It¡¯s all thanks to the protection of the ancestors that one of our children, lost in the outside world, could be found like a needle in a haystack.¡±

    The second and third madame imitated the old dowager and devoutly bowed three times as well.

    ¡°Alright, there¡¯s much happening today, we should all go back now.¡± The third madame smiled. ¡°Mother, let me and sister-inw take you back.¡±

    The old dowager inclined her head. Qin-mama had long since had granny servants standing by with a sedan chair and helped her mistress in. The second and third madame apanied the chair, their maids at their sides, and were the first to leave the ancestral hall.

    When they saw their elders had departed, the girls all headed for the inner residence. The third and eighth miss were closer to Qin Yining to begin with, and theyughed and chatted as usual. Although the seventh miss wasn¡¯t as close to Qin Yining, she was more respectful and affable than before. Qin Huining and the sixth miss walked behind them, feeling sour that the others were all hovering around and making a fuss out of Qin Yining.

    As if to rid herself of that feeling, the sixth missughed loudly. ¡°So what if she has a noble status? That still doesn¡¯t cover up her crookedness. Her maid is a thief, you can¡¯t me that on senior aunt this time, can you? That maid wasst in yourpany.¡±

    The previously happy atmosphere was shattered in an instant. Qin Huining shook the sixth miss¡¯ arm. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this, sister Shuang. Come, let¡¯s hurry and go back.¡± She looked fearfully at Qin Yining when she said this, as ifpletely terrorized by the girl.

    When the sixth miss saw this charade, imaginary scenes of Qin Yining mercilessly bullying Qin Huining immediately floated into her mind, and she grew ever more indignant on Qin Huining¡¯s behalf. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, there are still those out there who don¡¯t pander to power. You still have me!¡±

    Qin Huining grasped the sixth miss¡¯ hand with a grateful look, her eyes looking watery, as if she was about to cry. Meanwhile, Qin Yining and the third, seventh, and eighth miss all looked at each other. In unspoken agreement, the four quickly walked off. When Qin Huining and the sixth miss finally tore their eyes from each other, the group was already a dozen steps away.

    The sixth miss¡¯ temper red. ¡°How dare she ignore me!¡±

    Qin Yining was in the middle of speaking to the third miss, ¡°Just let them throw whatever tantrum they want. We shouldn¡¯t lower ourselves to their level.¡±

    ¡°Precisely. Senior uncle is holding a banquet today and having one fewer thing to worry about is most preferable.¡± The third miss nodded in agreement. ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on it, fourth sister. Passing the days peacefully is most important.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why they say you¡¯re the most virtuous among us,¡± Qin Yining teased the third miss. ¡°You¡¯ll have pleasant days ahead in the Earl of Jiannan¡¯s manor.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you tease me!¡± The third miss blushed fiercely and pinched Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m third, but you¡¯re fourth in line. You¡¯re next! Now that senior uncle is the grand preceptor, your husband¡¯s family is sure to be either wealthy or noble. How do you have time tough at me!¡±

    The seventh and eighth miss startedughing as well. The eighth miss jumped in, ¡°Third sister¡¯s right. I¡¯ve even heard some specte that fourth sister will be the crown prince¡¯s consort in the future.¡±

    ¡°Precisely,¡± the seventh miss nodded as well. ¡°With your family background, you are eminently suited to be the crown prince¡¯s consort. I¡¯ve heard that the crown prince is a genteel and elegant person, someone exceedingly refined. He¡¯s also very talented at painting. Apparently his skill in painting has reached extreme peaks. Although he has a concubine already, a concubine is just a concubine in the end. The crown prince is sure to inherit the dragon seat in the future, and his consort will be the empress.¡±

    ¡°Aiya, look at you all saying more and more nonsense. The emperor¡¯s in fine health, so what are you all talking about?¡± Qin Yining tickled the seventh miss. ¡°If I go tell Zhan-mama any of this, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll beat you!¡±

    The first part of Qin Yining¡¯s response caused frissons of rm in the third, seventh, and eighth miss as they realized they¡¯d misspoke. It would be seen as grave disrespect if these words travelled to another¡¯s ears. However, the second part was a purposeful joke to change the subject. The seventh miss started bantering with Qin Yining. She¡¯s shrewd and quick witted, I really should get closer to her.

    Qin Yining parted from them at the crossroads, taking the turn to Snowpear Courtyard. Everything was as usual in her residence, except for the absence of Run. After greeting Zhan-mama, Qin Yining returned to her house to rest.

    Qiulu and Liuya were serving at her side. Qiulu was the same as usual, but Liuya was a bit dissatisfied. She was a third-rank maid, and had ambitions to climb higher. Now that the two second-rank maids above her had finally disappeared, those remaining should¡¯ve been promoted. Who would¡¯ve thought that her mistress would be grounded and not bother thinking of them, and then those two from the outer study would be one step ahead? Yaoqin and Yuqi were both first-rank maids, a level even higher than Run and Yuxiang! Liuya was quite irritated. How long until it¡¯s my turn?!

    Qin Yining was toying with a teacup and seemingly lost in thought, gazing out the gridded window, but she could clearly see every bit of Liuya¡¯s disgruntlement in the reflection. She didn¡¯t understand what was wrong with the maid, but she didn¡¯t want someone with such a dark expression by her side. ¡°Liuya, go rest. Qiulu, you stay.¡±

    Resentment took root in Liuya¡¯s heart. There¡¯s no one by her side anymore, and she still doesn¡¯t want me! Fine! Whatever! She¡¯d be delighted to rest! She was a third-rank maid anyways, it¡¯s not like her stipend would increase if she took on more duties. Liuya curtsied curtly and left.

    When only Qin Yining and Qiulu were left, the maid spoke up, ¡°Don¡¯t be bothered by her, miss.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mind, but I don¡¯t know what¡¯s gotten into her. Has something happened these days?¡±

    ¡°Nothing else has happened apart from sister Run¡¯s matter.¡± Qiulu shook her head. ¡°Miss, how is sister Run now? Everyone says that she¡¯s been beaten to death. You weren¡¯t home, and we were grounded. Although Zhan-mama can walk around, we didn¡¯t dare ask her.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled and took Run¡¯s hands. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Run is recovering at Cloudsoar Inn right now with Miss Tang. But I have something I¡¯d like to do and need your help.¡±

    Qiulu grew solemn and still. ¡°Tell me anything you need, miss. This servant will do everything she can to aplish it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not too certain about this yet, so I¡¯m just guessing. My father is holding a banquet for his peers today, and there should be some Clearists among them. They must already know that I¡¯ve taken in Miss Tang. With their concern for her, they¡¯ll certainly make some moves here. I¡¯d like to use this matter to...¡± Qin Yining murmured the remainder next to Qiulu¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Miss, is this really alright?¡± Qiulu widened her eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s not alright about it? I¡¯m not harming any innocents, but anyone with evil intentions won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±

    Liuya¡¯s voice traveled in from outside. ¡°Miss, there are people here with a gift for you.¡±

    Qiulu¡¯s eyes widened even further. ¡°Miss, you guessed too rightly!¡± Her mistress had just told her that there would be people by with gifts today.

    Qin Yining dimpled and went out with Qiulu to ept the gift. It was a painting scroll, and she was briefly halted in her tracks when she unfurled it. It was the painting of horse herd that had hung in the Prince of Ning¡¯s manor! Sheid it t on a table to examine it and ran her fingertip lightly over the surface of the painting, finally resting it on the artist¡¯s signature in the bottom left. When she¡¯dst seen this painting, there had been no signature. But today, it was stamped and signed, ¡°Bright and Clear Peace¡±.

    Anyone who saw this name would recognize it. She hadn¡¯t known before, but Zhan-mama had exined it to her. The crown prince adored painting and was an acimed artist. ¡°Bright and Clear Peace¡± was the name he was ustomed to using as a signature. It was derived from the notion of an age of peace, prosperity, and security on all sides. The crown prince painted this!?

    Liuya smiled. ¡°Miss, the messenger from the Prince of Ning is still waiting in the outer courtyard. He says that the prince has something to say to the miss.¡±

    Qin Yining started and quickly nodded. ¡°Understood. Qiulu, apany me.¡± She certainly had to meet with someone from the Prince of Ning.

 Chapter 44: Being Courted?

    <h4>Chapter 44: Being Courted?</h4>

    Things were in full swing in the outer courtyard, with faint sounds of theater filling the air. Servants were rushing to and fro through the alleyways and around the artificial mountain. Qin Yining was afraid of bumping into one of the honored guests, so she took a winding and remote little path through a moon gate 1 and took another turn before finally reaching the ce that Liuya had told her. This was also a ce where they received guests in the outer residence, but it was a bit more narrow and out of the way. It was reserved for those guests who didn¡¯t have a high status.

    Qin Yining entered the small yard and saw a tall, thin man standing with his back to her. His cloak, trimmed with long, snow-white fur, was quite familiar to her. A thirteen year old pageboy by his side saw her and quickly bowed. When the man turned around, he revealed himself to be the young man that Qin Yining had met in the Prince of Ning Manor.

    She was a bit taken aback. ording to her spections, this was the prince¡¯s son who¡¯d once been an imperial prince. Why is he being used as a messenger? His status was lofty, so why had they put him in this yard?

    ¡°So it¡¯s your honored self.¡± Qin Yining bent her knee in greeting. ¡°The servants were careless and actually put you here to wait for me. I¡¯ll have them prepare the main hall immediately.¡±

    The young manughed softly at her words, and his normally furrowed brow eased slightly. His bright eyes fixed themselves on Qin Yining as he spoke in a gentle voice. ¡°Don¡¯t mind it,dy. I had them purposely bring me to some ce out of the way. After all, my to-do is three dayster. The grand preceptor is treating his guests today and there¡¯s too many who know my face. It wouldn¡¯t be good if they saw me now.¡±

    What does he mean that his to-do is three dayster? Qin Yining¡¯s mind went back to the old dowager casually saying that the crown prince would personally visit and hold a banquet for his teacher three dayster. As soon as she made the connection, she started with shock and quickly fell to her knees. ¡°So it¡¯s Your Royal Highness! This girl was brash and rude, please forgive me.¡±

    When Qiulu heard that this was the crown prince, her hands immediately turned mmy from fear as she thumped to her knees as well.

    ¡°You and I didn¡¯t make a fuss about our identities when we met, why are you worried now? My name is Weichi Yan, secondary name Qingyan. 2 Just treat this as getting to know a friend, mydy, or getting to know your father¡¯s disciple.¡± Weichi Yan extended a hand to help Qin Yining up.

    ¡°This subject wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± She stood and took two steps backwards before continuing politely. ¡°I made a mistake about Your Highness¡¯ identity earlier and might not have orded you proper respect and due. Please forgive me, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Who did you think I was?¡± Weichi Yan was concerned about a different point than Qin Yining.

    She lowered her eyes. ¡°I thought you were the son that the Prince of Ning gave up.¡±

    Weichi Yanughed softly. ¡°Why did you think I was him? We don¡¯t look alike at all, and he¡¯s older than me.¡±

    ¡°I guessed from your speech and gestures, and from what you called the prince, as well as your bearing in the Ning Manor.¡± Qin Yining responded respectfully. ¡°It never crossed this subject¡¯s mind that you were the crown prince, and said all manner of nonsense about your painting. I am ashamed.¡±

    ¡°No, your words were very helpful to me that day. You could say that they were a smack of enlightenment on the head. They helped me understand that what makes a good painting isn¡¯t the skill of one¡¯s technique, but a true understanding of the world that reflects the realest form of the subject. That¡¯s what gives a painting its soul.¡± Weichi Yan waxed eloquent as he talked about painting. His eyes gave away his passion as they gleamed in the night. ¡°If I wasn¡¯t the crown prince, I¡¯d truly want to travel the world and see all thends with my own eyes. I would surely be able to create paintings with such a soul then.¡±

    Qin Yining lowered her eyes, concealing the emotions within. It looks like the crown prince really does love painting. But as the heir to a nation, is it really the best to have such an ardent pursuit of leisurely activities when Great Yan sways from the great winds battering it?

    ¡°Your Highness, then why did you gift the painting to me?¡± She tried to right the topic¡¯s course back to sensibility.

    ¡°Ah, that painting isn¡¯t suited to be hung in the Ning Manor.¡± Weichi Yan came back to himself. ¡°It¡¯s fine if I gift it to ady though. Treat it as thanks for the sess of that matter.¡±

    Qin Yining instantly understood his meaning. There was no leader in the herd of horses in the painting, a detail that could be exined in several ways. It could be alluding to the emperor upying the lead position, but not fulfilling his duties. It could also insinuate that the leader was cowering in the back of the herd instead of standing out in front. if this painting hung in the home of someone who had a im to the throne, it could be distorted as the Prince of Ning mocking the son of heaven, and possibly even harboring traitorous thoughts. But no one would think any of that when if it hung in a girl¡¯s room.

    As for the thanks he mentioned, it was likely the Prince of Ning¡¯s sessful attempt to rid Grand Preceptor Cao of his position. Still, Qin Yining didn¡¯t want it. ¡°I should not reject Your Highness¡¯ gesture in gifting me the painting, but there should be a distance between men and women. Please take back the painting.¡± She immediately gave orders to Qiulu to retrieve the painting.

    Weichi Yan frowned, and his follower immediately blocked Qiulu. ¡°Why be so distant with me, mydy? Your father is a grand preceptor even if you do nothing, with his future tied to my Eastern Pce 3. Perhaps even your own future will be tied to the Eastern Pce. Why refuse my gift?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heat quailed when she heard this, and she lifted uncertain eyes to look at Weichi Yan. He was looking back at her with an impassioned, meaningful look in his eyes. His fair skin was slowly turning a deep red, the flush creeping down his neck, noticeably contrasting his snow-white fur cor.

    Weichi Yan couldn¡¯t return Qin Yining¡¯s clear gaze for more than two breaths. He looked away, his heart pounding, and coughed twice to cover up the moment. ¡°Keep the painting, or burn it if you don¡¯t want it. Unfortunately, I have other matters to attend to and won¡¯t keep you any longer, mydy. Farewell.¡± He hastily turned and left as soon as he finished speaking.

    When Qin Yining watched him skitter out with his follower, the description ¡®running with his tail tucked between his legs¡¯ came to mind. Her thoughts were a bit heavy. The crown prince¡¯s words had been very clear just now. Could it be that her future would be tied to the Eastern Pce like the others guessed? It looked like the crown prince was certainly of that mind, and now that she was the grand preceptor¡¯s daughter, her status was certainly sufficient to justify such a match. But for some reason, she didn¡¯t feel the joy of impending wealth and glory, the possibility of mothering the entire nation. That wasn¡¯t what Qin Yining wanted.

    She only wanted her family to be together safely and securely, and to live out her days in peaceful inconsequence. She didn¡¯t want great wealth and glory, she just wanted smoothness and stability. As the crown prince or the emperor¡¯s woman, she would never know peace. But if such a thing happened, could she really reject it? Now that her father was the grand preceptor, it meant that they¡¯d taken a stance. They no longer had the luxury of watching on the sidelines. Marriage was the best way to consolidate their position. If her father really wanted to be a royal inw, she was the only candidate to marry the crown prince.

    As a Qin daughter, she had no right to refuse such an arrangement, especially when it was one of untold honor in the eyes of everyone else, one that that would attract much jealousy and admiration.

    Qin Yining was quiet on her way back to Snowpear Courtyard. Having witnessed everything that had just happened, Qiulu¡¯s face was still red. But she didn¡¯t dare say anything when her mistress remained quiet.

    Qin Yining felt irritation rise within her when she saw the painting in her residence again. ¡°Store the painting well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qiulu was about to roll it up when a serving girl outside reported, ¡°Miss Huining and Sixth Miss are here.¡±

    Before Qin Yining could even respond, the door curtains were lifted and Qin Huining walked in with Sixth Miss Qin Shuangning. Their head maids dutifully tailed the two.

    ¡°We had nothing to do, so we decided to visit at fourth sister¡¯s. You don¡¯t mind, do you?¡± The sixth miss had already taken a seat at the table for eight even as she spoke. Qin Huining also sat down casually.

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Qin Yining arched a brow. ¡°I just find it weird. Sixth sister and Miss Huining don¡¯t like me all that much, so why have youe? Qiulu, put the painting away. Liuya, serve tea.¡±

    The sixth miss and Qin Huining didn¡¯t think that Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t even bother with a pleasant charade and cut straight to the chase. Their expressions froze for a second. Qiulu and Liuya went about their duties, but the sixth miss unfroze just in time to snatch the painting out of Qiulu¡¯s hands when she saw the maid about to roll it up. ¡°To think you¡¯d have a painting here! Do you know how to appreciate these kinds of things?¡±

    As she unfurled the painting, the signature ¡®Bright and Clear Peace¡¯ came into view. The sixth miss burst outughing and threw it on the ground. She struggled to talk as she grew breathless fromughter. ¡°And you still don¡¯t admit you¡¯re a barbarian! Look at you treasuring a fake painting!¡±

    Qin Huining also saw the signature as she nced over at it. Did the crown prince paint this?

    Qiulu scrambled to pick up the painting, deathly afraid that the sixth miss would stomp on it. Qin Yining had already grown angry. ¡°I naturally don¡¯t understand these things, but while I grew up in the mountains, did you as well? Do you even know what manners are? You share the same mother as seventh sister, but why are your personalities so different? It looks like the one by the wife¡¯s side is indeed more learned and refined! Logic doesn¡¯t fail me, at least!¡±

    The sixth miss¡¯ughter abruptly cut off. She snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t be too full of yourself! It¡¯s just a fake painting. The crown prince has never given away one of his paintings just like that. You¡¯re just a girl, don¡¯t try to use a feathered dart as a stray arrow!¡±

    ¡°What do I have to be proud of? Everything I own is my birthright, so why should I be full of myself?¡± Qin Yining automatically ignored the second half of Qin Shuangning¡¯s words.

    But rm bells had already started nging loudly in Qin Huining¡¯s heart. Did the crown prince really gift her that painting? How did Qin Yining get involved with the crown prince? Is she really going to be the crown prince¡¯s consort in the future? She wasn¡¯t willing to ept her thoughts and couldn¡¯t quite keep her expression under control. A tinge of resentment vored her voice as she spoke, ¡°Look at how Little Creek¡¯s household is in shambles now that youck two head maids. Howe we haven¡¯t had a cup of hot tea yet?¡±

    ¡°And isn¡¯t it all thanks to their great mistress? The barbarian groomed and taught a thief who went and targeted the old dowager¡¯s things!¡± The sixth missughed heartily. ¡°All you¡¯re good for is strutting around with a fake painting!¡±

    Qin Yining clenched her fists. What to do? She really wanted to beat people again!

    Fortunately, her resolve wasn¡¯t tested much further as scattered footsteps came in from the yard. Qin Yining rose to see two fifteen year old, beautiful maidsing in with a group of strong granny servants. The two maids gave the grand gesture of greeting when they saw Qin Yining standing in the covered walkway. ¡°Servant Yaoqin (Yuqi) greets the fourth miss. The guests are enjoying the grand preceptor¡¯s banquet in the outer residence, and their womenfolk sent many gifts to Fourth Miss. The lord bade us to bring them along as well.¡±

    The two maids gave way as they spoke, clearing a path for the strong grannies to lift various gift boxes into the house. Qin Huining and the sixth miss were almost blinded by the amount of giftsing in. Their faces immediately darkened. What was the meaning of this? They¡¯d justughed at her, and now the barbarian was using all of these gifts to p their faces!

 Chapter 45: Plots Within Plots

    <h4>Chapter 45: Plots Within Plots</h4>

    The small mountain of gifts was a fierce p to Qin Huining¡¯s face. This should¡¯ve all been hers! Whether it was the identity of the grand preceptor¡¯s official daughter, or the table full of gifts, or admiration from the crowd, it should¡¯ve been hers! But now she had to watch someone unt the happiness she once had! This isn¡¯t fair! It wasn¡¯t just the old dowager, maternal grandmother, and n¨¦e Sun being biased now, her father was also leaning towards Qin Yining.

    How grave a mistake was going to see an outside male!? Yet father had only set Qin Yining up in style in the ancestral hall for seven days, and then even given her Yaoqin and Yuqi afterwards. Father may not maltreated her before, but he¡¯d always been cold and aloof, barely exchanging a few words with her. Yet here he was, doting on Qin Yining like this!

    When she looked at Qin Yining¡¯s tranquil and leisurely appearance, Qin Huining really wanted to pounce and tear off that hateful face! Fires of envy burned uncontrobly, almost fully consuming her reason. ¡°Younger sister Little Creek possesses great fortune alright. You made it back just in time for father to be grand preceptor and start a little treasure vault of your own.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Qin Yining smiled coldly at Qin Huining¡¯s behavior. ¡°Second aunt even praised me for being a lucky star today.¡±

    ¡°Being able to survive for so many years in the mountains and not be eaten by wild beasts... you¡¯re lucky alright.¡± The sixth miss gritted her teeth.

    ¡°Sixth sister is too naive.¡± Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Do you think luck is the only reason I survived? Do you want to know why I wasn¡¯t eaten by wild beasts?¡±

    She stalked towards the sixth miss, the almost predatory cold glint in her eyes making the sixth miss take two steps backwards. ¡°W-why?¡±

    ¡°Because. I ate. all of them.¡± Qin Yining filled the sixth miss¡¯ vision, and a callused, cool hand reached up to pat thetter¡¯s cheek. ¡°Qin Shuangning, are you more ferocious than a wild beast?¡±

    The sixth miss was so frightened that she almost ran into the wall in her hasty retreat. She looked like a small animal running into its natural predator. She wanted nothing more than to get out of this ferocious hunter¡¯s eye. When Qin Huining saw the embarrassment the sixth miss was causing, she red ferociously in censure.

    ¡°Be my guest if the two of you like sitting here.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s lips curved in a slight smile. Her opponents were too weak, so it almost felt like she was bullying them instead. ¡°I¡¯m going out to go over the ounts with Steward Zhong and won¡¯t be able to y host anymore. Qiulu, put everything away.¡± The maid nodded in understanding.

    As thick-skinned as Qin Huining and the sixth miss were, it really wasn¡¯t appropriate for them to stay any longer. A series of stinging ps had been delivered as well,pletely dewing them. Qin Huining yanked on the sixth miss¡¯ hand and left in a huff. When she reached the door, she whispered a few words by Bitong¡¯s ears. The maid nodded and quickly dogged Qiulu¡¯s footsteps.

    Back in the main house, following the departure of the guests and servants, Qin Yining smiled at Yaoqin and Yuqi. ¡°Apologies for ignoring the two sisters just now when guests were present.¡±

    ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± They¡¯d just witnessed firsthand how Qin Yining had cowed the sixth miss. This gave them a newyer of understanding about their mistress, in addition to all the rumors they¡¯d heard.

    Yaoqin smiled as she curtsied. ¡°The lord has already given us instructions to be your people from now on, miss. Please set us to any tasks you wish.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite right.¡± Yuqi curtsied as well.

    ¡°I understand father¡¯s intentions. I know you two are well versed in the art of zither and chess. I¡¯ll need much tutge from you in the future.¡± Her tone was inly treating them as masters that Qin Huaiyuan had sent to her. Yaoqin and Yuqi quickly murmured that they were unworthy of such attention, but Qin Yining forged on. ¡°I¡¯ve already had Liuya prepare your rooms. Snowpear Courtyard is too small, so I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to make do in the east wing for now.¡±

    ¡°Understood, thank you, miss.¡± Yaoqin and Yuqi knew that they wouldn¡¯t be her confidantes the second they entered the fourth miss¡¯ employ, so it was already satisfactory that she was treating them with courtesy. They followed Liuya to the house that had been Yuxiang and Run¡¯s.

    Qin Yining put on a cloak and had a serving girl notify the outer residence to prepare a carriage. She didn¡¯t take anyone with her, disappearing into the dark. When Liuya returned from helping Yaoqin and Yuqi settle in, she discovered that Qin Yining was no longer in the courtyard. She recalled that Qin Yining had said she was going to look over the ounts today, so Liuya darted into the yard to see who was missing. But, she found that the mistress hadn¡¯t taken anyone! The miss would rather not bring anyone than take me! Yuxiang and Run were both gone, Qiulu was obviously bing an important servant since she was putting the gifts into storage. Yaoqin and Yuqi were neers so it wouldn¡¯t do to order them around immediately. So therefore, Liuya should¡¯ve been the one taken into the miss¡¯ confidence! Why does the miss still not trust me with more things! Her face turned beet red with indignation as she stomped back to her own room.

    The storeroom was a rear side room, and Bitong crept soundlessly along until she reached the utched door. It wasn¡¯t arge storeroom, but it was already piled high with brocade, jewelry, ornaments, and boxes of treasure. The two camphor wood chests on the floor were especially eye-catching. There were even open jewelry boxes sitting on top of them, the shine and shimmer of the jewels within almost blinding to the eye.

    The fourth miss has just returned, but she¡¯s already so rich! The owner of the Institute of Luminous Grace is on another level, alright! Bitong¡¯s eyes widened as she took a look around the room. Qiulu was half kneeling with her back to Bitong and shoving a strand of pearls into her clothes. After taking the pearls, she grabbed another handful from a jewelry box. Bitong couldn¡¯t see exactly what the maid had grabbed from her angle, just a hint of a blood jade bracelet and a pair of earrings shing with the glitter of emeralds.

    Bitong¡¯s heart pounded hard. The heavens are helping me! If she could get rid of Qiulu as well, that meant three of Qin Yining¡¯s maids would evaporate. Miss Huining would definitely reward her then! As soon as that realization dawned on her, Bitong shoved open the door. ¡°How dare you! I saw everything you did!¡±

    Qiulu¡¯s hand shook from fright, nearly dropping her illicit goods as her face drained of all color. She sprang across the room to hastily cover Bitong¡¯s mouth. ¡°Please be quiet, sister!¡±

    ¡°You tell me to be quiet?¡± Bitong dodged her hand andughed coldly. ¡°Come! We¡¯re going straight to the old dowager¡¯s! I¡¯d like to see what kind of story you spin! You of Snowpear Courtyard all have sticky hands. First Run was a thief, now you! We¡¯re going!¡± She started to drag Qiulu out by the wrist.

    Qiulu was hauling back on Bitong¡¯s wrist with both hands and dropped to the ground, refusing to budge. She spoke lowly and hurriedly, ¡°Don¡¯t be so loud, sister! Listen to me! The fourth miss hasn¡¯t counted any of this yet. She won¡¯t even know if we take anything. Us maids earn only a little monthly stipend for all our work, and not much is left after we send our share back home and pay for our expenses. We¡¯re young now, but what about in the future?¡±

    Qiulu scrambled to her knees when she felt Bitong¡¯s force cken slightly and tilted her head up to the other maid. ¡°Sister, think carefully about what I¡¯m saying. The only way out for people like us is to save up some silver to make sure we have good days ahead. The fourth miss has so much and hasn¡¯t even counted them... sister, as long as you don¡¯t make a fuss, I¡¯ll give you half of what I took!¡±

    Bitong was deeply tempted by those words. She was a bought servant and hadn¡¯t been born into the household. She was already sixteen this year, and could likely request the old dowager to release her papers in a few years. She had a sick mother at home, her brother was married, and there were two nephews running around as well. The entire family was trying to make do with a vegetable stand. They were all looking to her to earn money for them. She didn¡¯t want to be awarded to someone random, nor did she want to be a concubine. She just wanted to earn enough money to buy out her contract and be the official wife in some small family somewhere.

    But all that required money. It was the reason she tried so hard in front of Qin Huining. Any random amount that the misses awarded her was more than a year of her wages. But as much as Qin Huining would reward her with, it wouldn¡¯t measure up to half of what Qiulu was offering her! Such a perfect opportunity was in front of her!

    Bitong lowered her head and evaluated Qiulu skeptically. The kneeling maid¡¯s face was flushed red and her tears and snot were running together. She was looking back up at Bitong with a very sincere expression.

    ¡°Sister Bitong, we¡¯re all servants, why must we make life difficult for each other?

    Why don¡¯t we make use of this to save some money so that life is better in the future? Please leave me a way out, sister! How about I give you more than half and I¡¯ll just keep a little? I promise I won¡¯t tell anyone about this, sister Bitong!¡±

    Bitong knew that Qiulu had originally served in Garden of Tranquility and was an honest, taciturn person. When she saw Qiulu act like this, Bitongpletely believed her and said decisively, ¡°Alright, you give me more than half, or I¡¯ll tell others about this!¡±

    Qiulu was delighted and scrambled to her feet. She pawed at her clothes and shoved the strand of pearls at Bitong, then handed over an agate ring, a blood jade bracelet, a pair of rose shaped ear studs of the purest gold, a dangling pair of jade earrings, and a small crabapple flower hairpin made of jade.

    Bitong waspletely taken by the many treasures, particrly with the pure and translucent agate and jade. She hastily shoved everything into her own clothes and stabbed a finger at Qiulu. ¡°You keep your wits about you and your mouth shut!¡±

    ¡°How would I dare say anything? This has to do with my life as well!¡± Qiulu put away her things carefully. ¡°We should hurry and leave. Someone might bump into us if we stay any longer.¡±

    The two quickly left the warehouse and separated, Qiulu hastily running off. Bitong bit her lip in deep thought. There¡¯s so much. Someone will definitely discover them if I put them in my room. How could a servant possibly exin where all this came from? All thoughts of reporting back to Qin Huining had flown out of her mind. She quickly left the manor via a corner door by the small kitchen and sprinted her way back home.

    Her home wasn¡¯t too far away from the Qin Manor, just a fifteen minutes walk away. A residence with a singleyer of buildings stood next to a market. Three families called it home, and hers was in the west wing. It was best to bring these things home so that her mother could store them for her.

    Because the three families shared the yard, the door was never locked during the day. Bitong pushed open a door that had ck paint peeling off it and panted as she turned to the west wing.

    The gridded door creaked as it opened. ¡°Mother, I¡¯m home! You...¡± Bitong¡¯s eyes suddenly widened. Her lips trembled so much that she couldn¡¯t even form a word.

    There in the head seat, sitting as serenely as ever, was Qin Yining. An elderly man around fifty years old, garbed in expensive clothes, was standing behind her, along with two pageboys and another two who looked like guards.

    Bitong¡¯s mother was off to the side, speaking carefully with Qin Yining. The fourth miss smiled when she saw Bitong barge in. ¡°Miss Bitong¡¯s alsoe home today? What a coincidence.¡±

 Chapter 46: Wholehearted Sincerity

    <h4>Chapter 46: Wholehearted Sincerity</h4>

    ¡°F-fourth Miss! What brings you here? W-what a rare guest.¡± Bitong¡¯s limbs had lost all feeling, and it felt like lead was filling up her head. Her thoughts were sluggish, and her hands subconsciously patted the bulge in her clothes. Her eyes darted every which way as if searching for an escape route.

    Qin Yining ignored the obvious signs of guilt. ¡°I was touring my properties and just happened to pass by here. I remembered that Miss Bitong¡¯s family lives here and came to visit Aunt He. Did your mistress give you time off and allow you toe home?¡±

    Bitong¡¯s surname was He, and her name had been He Erya before entering the Qin manor. 1

    ¡°Y-yes.¡± Bitong finally felt her mind start working again and smiled cleverly. ¡°My mistress awarded me some gold, so I purposely came back to deliver it. Things have been a little tight at home¡±

    ¡°Miss Bitong is such a filial daughter.¡± Qin Yining smiled at the maid¡¯s mother. ¡°You have such fortune, Aunt He.¡±

    ¡°Your praise is too high, mistress. It¡¯s all because the manor is willing to promote her. I hope that you¡¯ll guide her well, mistress.¡± Aunt He was sixty years old and her sideburns were streaked white. She happily shared in her daughter¡¯s glory when she heard Qin Yining¡¯s praises, her smile adding many more creases to her face full of wrinkles.

    Qin Yiningughed and rose. ¡°Miss Bitong must be quite tired from working in the manor. A vacation is rare, and you must have much you¡¯d like to chat with her about. I¡¯ll leave you to it. Steward Zhong, make sure we leave our gift behind.¡±

    Steward Zhong started and immediately took out a chunk of silver from his sleeve when he understood. ¡°This is a gift from the miss, and a favor from House Qin.¡±

    The silver gleamed with a white sheen. It looked to be three, almost four taels heavy. Aunt He immediately kneeled, expressing her thanks profusely. Bitong was also stunned and kowtowed as well. Was she just scaring herself?

    Fourth Miss had really been just passing by and wanted toe take a look?

    Yes. This must be it. She¡¯d just returned to the manor and must want to create a virtuous reputation for herself.

    Qin Yining helped Aunt He up and left with her people after exchanging a few more pleasantries. Bitong remained stunned right where she was, her uneasy heart finally regaining peace when the visitors had all departed.

    ¡°Whew~~! That was such a fright!¡± Bitong gave a long sigh as she patted her chest. Her mother returned from seeing the visitors off. She merrily picked up the silver on the table and bit into it.

    ¡°That miss was the official firstborn that the grand preceptor just found, right? She is so kind to give us so much silver all at once.¡±

    Bitong guzzled down a bowl of water and sniffed when she thought of Qin Yining¡¯s benevolent expression just now. ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled by her appearance. She¡¯s the one who beat me up not too long ago. I still have the bruises to prove it! She¡¯s just trying to create a good reputation for herself because she¡¯s juste home.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? She sure doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡± Her mother responded with concern. ¡°How are your injuries? Are you still serving at the fourth miss¡¯ side?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, and the fourth miss is a foster daughter now. She¡¯s Miss Huining, and I¡¯m still the most trusted one at her side. See, I¡¯vee home today because Miss Huining gifted me so much jewelry.¡± She fished out all of her loot as she spoke, pulling out a strand of pearls here and the agate ring, ear studs there. ¡°Mom, keep these safe for me. Don¡¯t let my sister-inw see them, she¡¯ll just want to take them for her sons. You need to leave a path for your daughter, don¡¯t you? We were so poor back in the day that the family sold me, but isn¡¯t it still me that¡¯s supporting the family after all these years? I¡¯m going to form my own household in the future, so you have to think more on my behalf.¡±

    Her mother¡¯s eyes were locked onto the treasures on the table and she kept murmuring, ¡°Oh heavens! Oh Buddha! Miss Huining is truly so generous, this is...¡±

    The door creaked open before she could finish. Bitong jumped in surprise, afraid that her sister-inw had returned. She didn¡¯t have time to cover up her treasure and froze when she saw who it was.

    Qin Yining was at the door. ¡°Aunt He, I just gave orders to gift you a bag of rice. Someone will be by from the rice vendorter. I just wanted to make sure you knew.¡± Her face changed drastically when she caught sight of the jewelry on the table. ¡°Bitong, where did you get all this?¡±

    ¡°The fourth¡ªmy mistress awarded them to me.¡± Bitong smiled stiffly.

    Qin Yining took quick steps inside and picked up the crabapple blossom hairpin. She smiled coldly. ¡°This is part of the jade jewelry set that third aunt gave me.¡±

    ¡°Madame Cai of a Hanlin Academy schr gifted me these today.¡± She had turned her attention to the pearls and agate ring.

    ¡°Imperial Scribe Wang¡¯s wife gave me this today.¡± She¡¯d picked up the rose shaped ear studs. Finally, she turned and pointed at the dangling jade earrings. ¡°The madame of the left scribe gifted me those. Bitong, exin yourself!¡±

    A loud buzz filled Bitong¡¯s mind as she copsed in a heap on the ground. When she recalled how Qiulu had been in the storeroom earlier today, cold shudders gripped her and sweat beaded her forehead, rolling down to her chin. A trap! It was all a trap!

    That bitch Qiulu actually tricked me!

    Wait, waitwaitwait, it wasn¡¯t just Qiulu.

    Bitong jerked her head up violently to look at Qin Yining, her heart freezing over. The trap had possibly beenid earlier, right when all the gifts had been delivered! Qin Yining had just been waiting for her to put her head into the noose! She¡¯d been with Miss Huining then and had seen the fourth miss sweep only a cursory nce over the gifts. How could she have memorized who sent what with just one look?! And, how could she have possibly anticipated that Miss Huining would send someone to follow Qiulu?

    Bitong had thought that she was dealing with a barbarian with just great physical strength, but who would¡¯ve imagined that she¡¯d have the ability to remember things with just one look?! Or that she would be so shrewd as to create such a diabolical plot?!

    Not only had Bitong used force against this fourth miss before, she¡¯d even taunted the fourth miss in front of the doors to the ancestral hall. And... I was the indirect cause of Run being thrown out of the manor... She¡¯d never thought that a formless, soundless retribution would find her like this! The scene went dark before her eyes as she almost fainted from fear.

    Aunt He responded in a panic. ¡°Mistress, c-can there be a mistake? My daughter says that these were all gifted to her by Miss Huining. Can there be a misunderstanding?¡±

    ¡°How dare you?!¡± Steward Zhong¡¯s voice rang like a sonorous bell, startling Aunt He. ¡°Why would the miss falsely use your daughter for this little bit of things? Since we can identify where they came from, their gift boxes and lists are naturally still within the manor. We can summon the messengers and ask them as well! Our miss had the good intention to visit and bring you silver and rice. This was giving the utmost face tor you, but you only know to repay gratitude with viciousness!¡± The usatory tirade ended on a note of disdain

    Aunt He was sobbing by the end, begging for mercy over and over again. Qin Yining furrowed her brow and walked out. Steward Zhong quickly collected the jewelry and followed her out. ¡°Miss, your things.¡±

    ¡°Continue as I said before, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you.¡± Qin Yining took the items and spoke with hershes lowered. ¡°Just remember, trouble should not spread to the family and no lives can be harmed in the process.¡±

    Steward Zhong agreed solemnly, once again reminded of his miss¡¯ perceptiveness and understanding of others. ¡°Where are you going now, miss?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see Run and Miss Tang.¡±

    ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll have someone escort you there, miss.¡± Steward Zhong bowed respectfully and had the pageboys and guards take Qin Yining back to Cloudsoar Inn. Meanwhile, he walked back in to bark at Bitong, ¡°Do you want to live?¡±

    Bitong raised an ashen face and responded with trembling lips, ¡°Please show me the way.¡±

    ¡ª

    Cloudsoar Inn wasn¡¯t too far away from the market, just a short carriage ride¡¯s distance. The pageboy escorted Qin Yining through the door to an out-of-the-way courtyard in the back. They¡¯d just set foot onto the steps of the main house when the mustard-yellow cotton and bamboo door curtains were lifted to the side. A little nun in convent robes and rosy cheeks stepped out. ¡°You¡¯re here, miss!¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help stroke Miss Tang¡¯s head when she saw the adorable girl¡¯s round, apple face andrge eyes. ¡°Indeed. And how¡¯s Meng¡¯er been these days?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss, life has very good. Steward Zhong takes good care of me. Oh yes.¡± Tang Meng pulled on Qin Yining¡¯s hands and walked inside together. ¡°I¡¯ve already healed most of sister Run¡¯s wounds. They¡¯ve already begun scabbing over.¡±

    When they entered the house, Run slowly and stiffly lifted herself off the bed. She was d in white and wearing slippers, but gingerly dropped to her knees. ¡°Miss.¡±

    ¡°Hurry and rise, be careful of your wounds splitting open again.¡± Qin Yining quickly reached out to support the maid with both hands. She carefully helped Run back onto the bed and sighed at the maid¡¯s slightly paleplexion. ¡°You¡¯ve suffered because of me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, miss!¡± Run propped herself up and spoke quickly. ¡°Miss, although we¡¯ve only known each other for a short amount of time and had a misunderstanding before, I¡¯ve long since thought through things. No matter who my mistress is, glory for her means glory for me. If I¡¯d followed anyone else, I would have long since been beaten to death for this matter. You saved my life, miss, and give me generous amounts of ginseng and cinnamon 2 to heal my wounds. I know that you are a kind person, miss. I will never be able to fully repay you for saving my life.¡± She kowtowed on the bed as she spoke. ¡°I was immature before and did you wrong. You may not mind it, but I still feel guilty. I hope I can still serve you well into the future to repay your kindness.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright. I understand your intentions.¡± Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t let her kowtow any further. ¡°What¡¯s past is past, it¡¯s not worth dwelling on our misunderstanding. I¡¯ll obtain justice for your suffering.¡±

    Run was both crying andughing as she wiped her tears away. ¡°I knew that miss would stick up for me.¡±

    Qin Yining sighed as she sat, taking out the jewelry from earlier. Apart from the crabapple blossom hairpin that third aunt had gifted her, she gave the rest to Tang Meng. ¡°These are all yours.¡±

    ¡°Miss, what¡¯s this?¡± Tang Meng looked strangely at the items spread out on the bed.

    ¡°My father is hosting a banquet at home today and I¡¯ve received many gifts from the Clearists. While it looks like they¡¯re sending me gifts, I¡¯m actually the conduit for them to gift to you. There are some more medicinal herbs, treasures of the study, and others in the manor. They¡¯re all from the Clearists. I¡¯ll give them to you when you enter the manor. Keep these well, Meng¡¯er. Build some personal wealth so you won¡¯t find yourself with nothing when need strikes.¡±

 Chapter 47: A Step

    <h4>Chapter 47: A Step</h4>

    Tang Meng looked at the jewelry and shook her head with aplicated expression. ¡°You are an honest person, miss. The two of us have no previous rtionship, yet you came to save me. Not only can I not repay you, I keep bringing trouble to you. I¡¯m already quite grateful that you don¡¯t me me for what¡¯s happening. Take this jewelry as a token of my thanks. You must ept it.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do! This is all the Clearists¡¯ sentiments to you, a result of the rtionships your father built before. I could never take them. Let¡¯s not quibble over past matters. After you enter the manor with me, there will be plenty of times when I¡¯ll drag you down instead. I just hope that the two of us can aid and support each other. As for your things, I won¡¯t touch them no matter what.¡± Qin Yining shoved the jewelry at Tang Meng. ¡°Listen to me and keep more wealth about you. It¡¯ll always be a good thing for you.¡±

    Despite Tang Meng¡¯s vociferous protests, she still couldn¡¯t win out over the fourth miss in the end. She wasn¡¯t someone who¡¯d get hung up on details, and she was very touched by how genuinely Qin Yining was treating her. She put the items away and curtsied gratefully. ¡°I¡¯m all by myself in this world. I can only use loyalty to repay the miss¡¯ great favor.¡±

    Qin Yining helped her up with a smile. ¡°To meet is to have a shared destiny. We¡¯ll just support each other well throughout the days toe. The road ahead is still long for both of us.¡±

    The two looked at each other and smiled. Although they were mistress and servant, there were a lot of other emotions mixed in. Gratitude, for one, friendship, for another. When she saw that everything had been arranged for properly, Qin Yining told Run to focus on recuperating, and called for the pageboy to prepare the carriage. ¡°I¡¯m going to the Duke of Ding Manor.¡±

    The pageboy left to carry out her orders. When Tang Meng saw that Qin Yining had no one serving by her side, she wanted to tag along. However, Qin Yining smiled at her. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for you to resume secr life over the next two days so that you can properly be by my side. Run¡¯s injuries still need you, so stay here for now.¡±

    Although Tang Meng was wearing a nun¡¯s outfit, she was already treating Qin Yining as her mistress. She nodded docilely. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I learned medicine from my father, so these superficial wounds don¡¯t stump me.¡± She then grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s hands for a close look. ¡°There are many scars on your hand. You must have had a tough life before. I¡¯ll create an ointment in these next two days for removing scars. I guarantee that your hands will return to what they were before after using one box¡¯s worth. I even have ways to improve your skin.¡±

    What girl didn¡¯t like to be pretty? Qin Yining had had brief moments of doubt whenever she saw the glistening skin of the youngdies of the manor. Hers were coarse and weathered by the sun and wind. Even her face was rougher than the other girls¡¯, much less the scars and calluses on her hands. It was only thanks to her youth that they didn¡¯t seem so apparent. She was delighted to hear that Tang Meng had ways to improve her. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be depending on you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m the best at mixing them up.¡± Tang Meng patted her chest reassuringly. Qin Yining left another set of instructions to Tang Meng and Run before leaving the inn, taking the carriage to the Ding Manor.

    It was after lunch, a time when the Duchess of Ding received reports from the overseer mamas and returned calling cards. She was deep in discussion when Bao-mama quietly approached the duchess and murmured, ¡°Mistress, thedy is here.¡±

    ¡°Have her go back and rest after eating.¡± The duchess frowned. ¡°Has she not had enough of throwing a tantrum in her room? I¡¯m busy here. I don¡¯t have time to deal with her.¡±

    ¡°How can you say that, mother?¡± N¨¦e Sun had already lifted the door curtains aside herself, not bothering to wait for Bao-mama to return with a response. She ignored all the overseer mamas reporting to the duchess and strode in. ¡°Mother, tell me, why hasn¡¯t Qin Menge for me yet!?¡±

    A vein throbbed in the duchess¡¯ forehead and she waved a hand resignedly. Bao-mama understood the gesture for what it was and took the rest of the mamas out, leaving the room for the mother and daughter. After everyone had left, the duchess responded irritably. ¡°So now you know to worry? And who told you toe home? In my view, you¡¯re entirely in the wrong this time. It¡¯s your mistake, and you expect him to lower his head and bow to your wishes? If you¡¯ve any brains at all, you¡¯d go back and enjoy being the grand preceptor¡¯s wife. Don¡¯t whittle away at the rtionship between you two. Then you¡¯d really have something to cry about.¡±

    ¡°Mother, are you my real mother or not!? Why do you only lecture me every time you see me?! Why don¡¯t you take a look at what Qin Meng¡¯s been doing?!¡±

    The duchess felt weary down to her very soul as she fruitlessly supported her throbbing head with a hand. ¡°Daughter Han, you¡¯re no longer a child. Do I have to exin everything to you? Your mother-inw and husband weren¡¯t criticizing you at all. You became worked up as they were criticizing granddaughter Yi. You even brought out your status as a young miss of the Ding Manor to lord it over others! Don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re a Qin daughter-inw in the end!¡±

    ¡°And was I wrong? Daughter Yi slipped out on her own to meet an outside male! Not only did Qin Meng fling my hand away when I was disciplining my daughter, he almost pushed me over, and he said my own manners aren¡¯t much if I could be so harsh to my daughter. He said I¡¯m the one who should learn some manners!¡± N¨¦e Sun wiped her teary eyes. ¡°Just how did I wrong him so that he humiliates me so in front of others? Even if my manners aren¡¯t good, are they worse than a child who¡¯s just returned from the mountains? He himself said that daughter Yi did wrong, so how could he lecture me when I disciplined her for him?!¡±

    The duchess felt like she¡¯d aged another ten years just listening to n¨¦e Sun¡¯sints. Now that she¡¯d started another bout of self pity, the duchess really wanted to throw this person out and have them fend for themselves on the streets. But s, n¨¦e Sun was her daughter. ¡°Daughter Han, you need to be aware that not only is granddaughter Yi Qin Meng¡¯s daughter, but yours as well! Shouldn¡¯t you be happy that your husband loves your child? What kind of mother are you to startparing yourself with your daughter? I say, are you crying tears, or brains!? Has your head long since emptied out?¡±

    ¡°Mother! How can you say something like that!?¡±

    ¡°And am I wrong? I¡¯ve been observing you the past couple of days. You don¡¯t think clearly, and you don¡¯t listen when others try to talk sense into you. All you know how to do is cry and fuss all day, waiting for Qin Meng to wee you back with a great sedan chair. Let me tell you something, Qin Meng is the grand preceptor now! Watch my words, if you don¡¯t go back, a concubine will be greater than you before long!¡±

    ¡°I....¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re foolish and witless, and haven¡¯t the slightest clue in how to read people. You¡¯re forty years old, yet you fall for Qin Huining¡¯s goading every time. And now you have the temerity to cry and whine about it? You should be crying for your brains instead. You¡¯re so stupid that you don¡¯t seem to be my daughter!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun started crying again, apparently reduced to a watery heap from the lecture. The duchess¡¯ temples throbbed even harder and she stood up to go out for some air. Thankfully, footsteps sounded down from the covered walkway, followed by the strangely merry voice of Bao-mama. ¡°Mistress, see who¡¯se!¡±

    The curtains were lifted aside to allow Qin Yining to glide in happily. Her crimson, brocade cape perfectly offset her rosyplexion. She looked like a plum blossom newly flowered in the garden.

    ¡°Grandmother.¡± She dropped into a deep curtsey.

    The duchess helped her up in delighted surprise. ¡°My darling Yi, what brings you here on such a cold day?¡±

    Qin Yining took a look at n¨¦e Sun off to the side and winked secretly at the duchess. She handed the cape over to Bao-mama and went to curtsey to her mother. ¡°Daughter Yi greets the madame.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was still quite angered and was even more displeased to see Qin Yining, since the girl had been the cause of all her troubles this time. She roughly wiped away her tears and averted her face with a sniff. The duchess frowned at this disy of pettiness, but held her tongue. She wanted to see what Qin Yining would do.

    When Qin Yining saw n¨¦e Sun¡¯s reddened eyes and theplete dismissal of her greeting, she knew that n¨¦e Sun still hadn¡¯te to her senses after the past seven days. Thus, she had only one recourse left, and knelt properly on the ground. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, madame. It¡¯s all my fault.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s your fault too!¡± N¨¦e Sun snorted. ¡°How did you work up the brazen courage to see an outside male in the first ce, and then to go to the Prince of Ning by yourself to rescue someone else!? How dare you!¡±

    ¡°I was just in a hurry to save someone and wanted to do what was right. I hadn¡¯t thought that the prince would give up Miss Tang just like that. But it¡¯s because of this that father was able to be grand preceptor, so it seems that fortune resulted because of disaster.¡± Qin Yining responded, keeping her head low.

    N¨¦e Sun heard the words, but didn¡¯t quite understand what she meant. The duchess however, nodded. I wasn¡¯t wrong about her. She helped Qin Yining up. ¡°It¡¯s cold on the floor;e, sit while you chat. Your mother is still angry and can¡¯t think clearly. She¡¯ll understand if you exin to her.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Yining smiled gratefully at the duchess and described the prince¡¯s plot to n¨¦e Sun, and then went on to describe how the political scene had shifted due to Tang Meng, Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s demotion, and why Qin Huaiyuan had been able to rise instead.

    N¨¦e Sun had stopped crying, and was in fact looking at Qin Yining, rather stunned. ¡°Did your father teach you all this?¡±

    ¡°I thought of it myself.¡± Qin Yining smiled shyly. ¡°It¡¯s all random thoughts, so I don¡¯t know if they¡¯re right. And, if I were the one to be grand preceptor like this, I¡¯d immediately criticize the Prince of Ning.¡±

    The duchess¡¯ eyes gleamed at this, andughed. ¡°And what makes you say this?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°The emperor must not like seeing his officials form cliques. The Prince of Ning is a martial prince to begin with, so he has a certain authority within the army. How will the emperor be easy if he¡¯s close to the new grand preceptor? I think even if my father doesn¡¯t do so, the prince will criticize my father instead. Only when the two are separated will the bnce in court be maintained.¡±

    ¡°Good girl.¡± The duchess pulled Qin Yining over, enveloping her in a hug as she patted her back fondly. ¡°You¡¯re right. Your grandfather was just telling me today how your father openly criticized the Prince of Ning. I really wasn¡¯t wrong about you, you really are a smart girl.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun waspletely shocked and could only stare dumbly at Qin Yining. The duchess sighed at her thunderstruck expression, while Qin Yining gently disengaged herself and knelt down again. ¡°No matter what, it was wrong of me to head out myself that day. Your teachings are right in every way, madame. Father was also angry that day, that¡¯s why he also said what he normally wouldn¡¯t have in his anger. Now that father is Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, the crown prince has deigned to visit in three days to hold a teacher banquet. You¡¯re the grand preceptor¡¯s wife now, mother. Father will have no face if you aren¡¯t present as well. You and father share a great love, and there are no long term grudges between the two of you. I¡¯m here to beg your forgiveness and ask you to return to the manor.¡±

 Chapter 48: The Feeling of Kinship

    <h4>Chapter 48: The Feeling of Kinship</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s heartfelt pleas caused n¨¦e Sun¡¯s stubborn huff to waver. She hadn¡¯t thought that something she¡¯d thrown on Qin Yining¡¯s head would have suchplicated connections to the world. Even when Qin Yining exined it to her, it was still difficult to understand it all. And yet, her daughter had been able to figure it out by herself! When n¨¦e Sun noticed her mother¡¯s delighted and admiring expression, she knew just how pleasing the girl was to her mother. N¨¦e Sun had never thought herself dumb, but she had always thought that as a woman of the inner residence, all she had to do was ensure that she had a good handle on her own matters. But what¡¯d happened with Qin Yining today was giving her a stroke of inspiration.

    ¡°I never thought that matters in the inner residence would be so affected by affairs in court,¡± she murmured, half to herself.

    The duchess was once again seized by the urge to sink her head into her hands. ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious? The grass of the inner residence bends whenever the wind blows in court. You were lucky that you¡¯re with a devoted Qin Meng. If it¡¯s been anyone else with multiple concubines from other families, you¡¯d know full well how matters of court affect the inner residence. But that¡¯s besides the point. Granddaughter Yi is already asking you so sincerely, why aren¡¯t you agreeing to go yet?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun looked back down and saw the expectant look in Qin Yining¡¯s face. She nodded slowly. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll go back because of your sincere apology and to prevent your father from losing too much face in front of the crown prince.¡±

    The duchess sighed with relief. N¨¦e Sun might not understand the nuances of her situation, but she did. Qin Yining¡¯s arrival this time had given N¨¦e Sun a way out. It¡¯d clearly been n¨¦e Sun¡¯s fault in this matter. She¡¯d purposefully started a fight and offended Old Dowager Qin and Qin Meng. Her expectation that someone from her inws woulde to wee her back would never be met. Therefore, she would have to create an excuse herself in order to return. If it hadn¡¯t been for Qin Yininging here and begging on bended knee, it would¡¯ve been the Ding Manor that would¡¯ve had to reach out first. But if they did so, they¡¯d lose quite a bit of face.

    ¡°You need to calm down and take some time to think as well,¡± the duchess couldn¡¯t help but say. ¡°Granddaughter Yi is so mature that she¡¯s taken it upon herself to give you a way out. But what about that one at home? Granddaughter Yi came immediately after being released from her punishment, but the one at home hasn¡¯t been grounded at all! Has she said anything after all the days you¡¯ve been here? She hasn¡¯t even sent a messenger to ask after you! When you wanted to leave, she was the one who¡¯d goaded you and said she¡¯d keep youpany. But when you really left, she tucked her head in and hung you out to dry! Both daughters are yours, but it should be apparent what their personalities are like now, no?¡± The duchess went over to help Qin Yining up. ¡°Come with me, darling Yi. Your mother needs some space. We¡¯ll go sit inside.¡±

    Qin Yining looked back at n¨¦e Sun with a bit of worry in her eyes before following the duchess in, leaving n¨¦e Sun alone outside. N¨¦e Sun kept repeating her mother¡¯s words in her mind, the expression on her face changing again and again.

    Qin Yining was now sitting close to the duchess on the luohan bed next to the window. Her grandmother was pulling gently on her hand. ¡°Darling Yi, you¡¯re a good girl. Grandmother knows you¡¯ve had a hard time outside.¡±

    ¡°What hard time?¡± Qin Yining shook her head quickly. ¡°Being able toe home and stay by my family is already cause for great satisfaction. I know of mother¡¯s difficulties. Even though her blood flows in my veins, it¡¯s very difficult for her to ept that her daughter was swapped at birth. She¡¯s already trying very hard to ept me. It really was my fault this time. Everything¡¯s like this because I made her mad.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you child.¡± The duchess stroked Qin Yining¡¯s unbound hair with a dry, warm hand, feeling like someone had squeezed her heart. It¡¯d been the girl who¡¯d suffered in this debacle, but here she was, speaking endless good words for her birth mother. Perhaps family members a generation removed were closer, or perhaps the two really did get along well. Whatever it was, the duchess felt great love for Qin Yining in this moment.

    The girl thought for a bit. ¡°Grandmother, I have two more matters I¡¯d like to ask you about. You¡¯re worldly and widely experienced, you must know what is best.¡±

    The duchess always had great patience for the endless questions of the young, particrly when it was her dearest Yining asking. She smiled benevolently and lovingly put the brass, perforated hand warmer decorated with flowers of the seasons into the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°Tell me, what questions do you have?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled with gratitude and folded the duchess¡¯ hand over the hand warmer too, the two of them seeking warmth together. ¡°It¡¯s like this, grandmother. I¡¯ve arranged temporary quarters for Miss Tang at Cloudsoar Inn. She really views me as her mistress and will be serving by my side in the future. She¡¯s versed in medical skills and I¡¯d like to keep her by my side as another helper. In the end, I¡¯d like to find some time for her to resume secr life. What do you think, grandmother?¡±

    ¡°Are you worried that your father won¡¯t be happy because of the Tang¡¯s connection to the Clearists?¡±

    It was so easy talking to a quick-witted person.

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m also afraid that it will impact the rtionships between the Ding Manor, Cao family, and the Prince of Ning.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the situation at court has been stabilized for now. The prince has given the girl to you and the Royal Academy likely won¡¯t ask for her back without a decree from the emperor. As for the Caos, while the grand preceptor may not have his position anymore, his influence at court remains roughly the same. Their cannons are still firmly pointed at the prince and your father, so they won¡¯t pay attention to you for a while. Miss Tang is another child who¡¯s had a hard life. You two have some shared destiny. If she treats you with sincerity, then it¡¯s a good thing to have her by your side as well. As for the others, let¡¯s take it one step at a time.¡±

    The duchess¡¯ words had actually been circting in Qin Yining¡¯s mind for quite a while. Although she¡¯de to simr conclusions, it was strangely much more reassuring when her grandmother said them instead.

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qin Yining smiled widely, her dimples making her look quite fetching. ¡°I feel like I have a solid pir to depend on with grandmother by my side.¡±

    ¡°You silly girl.¡± The duchess wrapped one arm around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder and swayed with her granddaughter. This poor girl had been all alone all these years, having to make all the decisions by herself. To make matters worse, every single one had been a matter of life and death. No matter how smart she might be, there had to be moments when she panicked or felt utterly lost. She¡¯d had absolutely no one she could depend on all this time. No wonder she revealed such a content smile in her grandmother¡¯s arms. Her smile and newfound dependence brought both joy and sadness to the duchess. The old woman¡¯s eyes grew moist, and she almost wanted to cry for her granddaughter.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t detect the duchess¡¯ feelings. ¡°Grandmother, I have another thing to ask of you.¡±

    ¡°Ask whatever you¡¯d like.¡± The duchess smiled. Qin Yining gave a brief overview of the events surrounding Run in the Qin Manor. The furrows on the duchess¡¯ brow grew even deeper as her frown grew darker. ¡°To think that Qin Huining would do something like that! Shepletely disregarded life, all for a moment¡¯s glee! We¡¯ve never had a girl from our family harm innocent lives like this!¡±

    She was agitated enough to get up, pacing fitfully. After a few paces, she turned to respond solemnly, ¡°Granddaughter Yi, let me handle this.¡±

    In the end, Qin Huining was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s foster daughter. No matter what the girl did, her behavior would only reflect poorly on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s teaching, not Qin Huining herself. Even though the duchess lectured n¨¦e Sun something awful, all mothers still kept their daughters foremost in their minds.

    Qin Yining immediately understood her grandmother¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Grandmother should teach Miss Huining however you¡¯d like, but I actually have a n this time.¡±

    The Duchess of Ding arched an eyebrow at the girl in front of her. Qin Yining quickly sketched out her preparations and stuck out her tongue. ¡°I¡¯ll have to make plentiful use of grandmother¡¯s name when the timees.¡±

    ¡°Oh you.¡± The duchess couldn¡¯t help butugh. Of all the things about Qin Yining¡¯s n that she admired, the one she liked the most was the girl¡¯s priority in protecting the lives of the innocent even when she struck back. She tapped the girl¡¯s forehead with a finger. ¡°Go do whatever you¡¯d like.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, grandmother.¡± Qin Yining smiled radiantly, rising to to curtsey.

    The fondness that the duchess felt for Qin Yining grew even stronger as she looked at the pretty, bashful girl in front of her. One was kind and filial, the other selfish and vicious. Although both girls were pretty and smart, the scales of her heart didn¡¯t even hesitate to tilt in favor of Qin Yining when their characters werepared.

    ¡°Mother.¡± N¨¦e Sun was awkwardly standing outside the room door.

    ¡°What?¡± The duchess¡¯ fond feelings were pricked by a tinge of irritation at the mere sight of n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°Mother, I¡¯ve already given orders to pack my things.¡± I¡¯ll be able to return to the Qin Manor at any time.

    The duchess had already rolled her eyes at her daughter. It was obvious that n¨¦e Sun had long since wanted to return. She just hadn¡¯t been able to set aside the matter of her face long enough to actually do so. When Qin Yining gave her a way out, she naturally went along with the flow. ¡°Go back. Think carefully about what I said.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± N¨¦e Sun lowered her head.

    The duchess bustled about, giving orders to servants to prepare the carriage and personally adjusting Qin Yining¡¯s cape. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of Miss Tang¡¯s matter to resume secr life. If I remember correctly, the convent she entered was Celestial Nunnery. It¡¯s not too far from the city. As a matter of fact, I happen to know the Head Priestess there. I¡¯ll have someone pick you up tomorrow. I need tomission some rituals anyway.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother, how will this do!?¡± Qin Yining looked at the duchess with happy surprise. ¡°That would be quite a trip for you!¡±

    ¡°Pfft. I¡¯ve been feeling a bit stifled, living with this crush of people everyday. It¡¯ll do me good to get out and clear my head. You don¡¯t need to think too much. Juste with me so that no one bullies you.¡± The duchess thought a bit further. ¡°I¡¯m only taking you tomorrow, no one else.¡±

    ¡°Are you leaving even me out, mother?¡± N¨¦e Sun asked timidly.

    ¡°And what would I bring you for? You¡¯ll just make me mad. I¡¯m taking my darling Yi out for a nice stroll tomorrow.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled merrily and nodded happily. She bid a delighted farewell to the duchess and took the carriage home with n¨¦e Sun. She kept smiling on the way home. So this is what it feels like, to have someone care for you!

 Chapter 49: Foiled Plans

    <h4>Chapter 49: Foiled ns</h4>

    The carriage rolled to a halt in front of the Qin Manor side door. N¨¦e Sun peeked out through the curtains, her expression a bit stiff. Qin Yining was discreetly observing her mother¡¯s demeanor and knew that thetter must be feeling a loss of face ining back voluntarily. This was how it was always going to end up, so why did you even start it in the first ce? No wonder the duchess had been so angry. N¨¦e Sun was a mature woman, yet her behavior waspletelyckadaisical. It was sheer good luck that she had been able to sit firmly in her position as the prime minister¡¯s wife all these years and get along moderately well with her mother and sisters-inw. But even so, Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t just sit by and do nothing about her mother.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, mother. I know my wrongs.¡± She purposefully misinterpreted n¨¦e Sun¡¯s awkwardness as anger and smiled apologetically. ¡°I¡¯ll exin things properly to the old dowager, that you went home for purposes of educating me. The old dowager will be relieved to hear that and will no longer worry about my upbringing.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression went nk when she heard this, not immediately reacting. Yet off to the side, Jin-mama smiled. She was now feeling very differently about Qin Yining. Sincere respect hadpletely reced her suspicions of the fourth miss. ¡°See, madame, the fourth miss is so conscientious. Don¡¯t be angry about this anymore. Are we not all one family here? You¡¯ve been a married couple with the lord for so many years now, is there anything that you can¡¯t talk out amongst yourselves? Men have their pride. Everything will easily blow over if you give way slightly.

    ¡°Why must I be the one to give way?¡± N¨¦e Sun grumbled softly, but her words didn¡¯t have their usual bite to them.

    Qin Yining saw through her mother¡¯s thoughts and racked her brain a bit harder. ¡°Since you¡¯re no longer angry, madame, why don¡¯t we enter the manor? We can make our greetings to Old Dowager, and then you can organize things at Garden of Tranquility. After all, it¡¯s been many days since you¡¯ve been home.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun indeed perked up at that. She was definitely curious to know which concubine Qin Huaiyuan had spent his nights with in the days she hadn¡¯t been at home. ¡°We return to the manor!¡± She lost thest traces of her hesitation and bade a maid to knock on the door. Jin-mama nodded at Qin Yining when she saw this, a ghost of a smile floating across her face. The girl responded in kind, gracing the mama with a dazzling smile of her own.

    When the carriage entered the manor, n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining quickly changed to a small carriage wallpapered with wax paper until they reached the inner doors. They¡¯d just set foot into Garden of Loving Piety when they saw head maid Ruyi speaking with a serving girl. Qin Yining greeted the maid with a smile. ¡°Sister Ruyi, are you busy?¡±

    When Ruyi saw that it was Qin Yining who¡¯d called on her, her expression grew friendlier. Catching sight of Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can helping n¨¦e Sun along, she dipped in a curtsey. ¡°Greetings to Senior Madame and Fourth Miss. The old dowager has a free moment right now, please do go on in.¡±

    She rose from her curtsey and led the way in; the maids standing in the covered hallway had already sent word inside. Two maids lifted the door curtains, allowing Jixiang and Qin-mama to exit. Qin Yining helped n¨¦e Sun inside, both taking off their capes and handing it to the two servants who¡¯de out to wee them. She lifted her head and caught a glimpse of Bitong. The maid didn¡¯t dare meet Qin Yining¡¯s eyes and quickly ducked her head, shrinking in on herself. Qin Yining pretended to have seen nothing and took n¨¦e Sun past the ckcquered room divider, decorated with cranes alighting on plum blossoms 1.

    The decorations within had changed yet again. The previous cool-palette seat cushions, table cloth, and arm cushions had all been swapped out for furnishings of crimson red. The fresh flowers in the vase were in shades of crimson too, offset by the petals of the snow-white baby¡¯s breath. The decor gave off a celebratory air, very appropriate for something as joyous as Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s promotion. The old dowager was wearing an outfit of Prussian blue, embroidered with cranes flocking amongst the clouds, paired with a brocade jacket of the same motif. The fiery eyed matriarch was sitting cross-legged on the luohan bed next to the window, smoking tobo. Waiting off to the side, Qin Huining was holding an exquisite box for the ashes. A sh of surprise colored her face when she saw Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun return together.

    Qin Yining swept her gaze past the clearly taken aback Qin Huining and helped n¨¦e Sun to her knees, performing a proper greeting to the old dowager.

    ¡°Old Dowager, your daughter-inw has returned.¡± N¨¦e Sun fought through the awkwardness that¡¯d welled up in her to speak clearly. The old dowager merely took in another deep pull on her pipe and snorted disdainfully, rolling her eyes. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s face immediately turned beet red, her flush traveling up her neck and ears. Nevertheless, she grit her teeth and held up heroically through the humiliation. ¡°I was too impulsive a few days ago, I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Mind?¡± The old dowager reached out carelessly and dumped the ashes into the box Qin Huining held, the bronze pipe clinking clearly into the porcin box. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t I long since have expired from anger if I minded such things like that? N¨¦e Sun, have I treated you badly in all your years in our household? Or is it the Qin family that¡¯s done you wrong somewhere? Just what bone do you have to pick with our family that you kick up a fuss every other day? Tell me, is it my son who¡¯s unworthy of you, or does the sight of an old woman like me irritate you?¡±

    Against all odds, n¨¦e Sun held her tongue.

    The old dowager continued, undeterred. ¡°You¡¯ve yet to give birth to a son in all these years of marriage, but have I ever med you once? And yet, you created trouble out of nothing at all and stabbed me in the heart with every word you spoke. What would you have an old woman like me do?!¡± She threw the tobo pouch away in an aggrieved fit. Qin Huining adroitly snatched it out of the air, carefully extinguished the pipe, and brought over a handkerchief to wipe her grandmother¡¯s hands. The old dowager nced over the girl and continued. ¡°Well? You don¡¯t know how to raise a child, so I took care of darling Hui myself these past few days. You don¡¯t know how to interact with your sister-inws either, so I had to put in no end of good words for you. But you¡¯re blind to everything that people do for you, and worse think it nothing less than your due! Meng¡¯er is a great official at court, and not only do you not help him with his burdens, but you bring even more trouble time and time again. You even argue with him! Where have all your lessons and manners regarding virtue gone to?! Is this the type of upbringing they teach at the Duke of Ding Manor?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun started crying, feeling quite wronged. Should I endure this? Or should I just go home now and never deal with these people again!?

    The old dowager felt much better after venting her feelings and sniffed contemptuously when she saw n¨¦e Sun sobbing. ¡°What? Do you think you¡¯re the victim in all this?¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining felt it an appropriate time to interject; her grandmother¡¯s anger should¡¯ve mostly dissipated after that rant. She curtsied gracefully, capturing the old dowager¡¯s attention. ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, it¡¯s all my fault this time. Madame was most concerned about my education, which was why she acted like that. She has spent these past days at the Duke of Ding Manor discussing the various experiences of raising a child with her family, and immediately hurried back when she¡¯d thought through everything. Please consider the peace of our family, and refrain from anger.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s impression of Qin Yining now was far removed from when the girl had first entered the manor. The moment the old dowager realized that Qin Huaiyuan was treating her like a son, she attached a certain weight to the girl. She knew full well that she couldn¡¯t actually do anything to n¨¦e Sun. For better or worse, this daughter-inw of hers had a very strong background. She still had to live with her in the future, so it wouldn¡¯t do to go overboard. ¡°Forget it, let bygones be bygones. But. Don¡¯t let it happen again.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Thank you, Old Dowager.¡± N¨¦e Sun curtsied to her mother-inw, inwardly breathing a genuine sigh of relief.

    ¡°Thank you for your mercy, Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining smiled.

    ¡°Oh you silly, you have the sweetest mouth.¡± The old dowager smiled benevolently down at her granddaughter.

    Qin Huining, off to the side, had initially held a few hopes of the matter blowing up, but it seemed that her hopes were doomed. It looked like the old dowager had truly taken Qin Yining for a granddaughter and liked the girl so much that her granddaughter¡¯s word was taken asw. There was nothing to be be salvaged about the situation. What will my life be like in the future if this continues? She bit her lip anxiously and went up to attach herself to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm. ¡°Mother, how have you been these past few days? There were some matters here so I couldn¡¯te by and visit you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had been turning over her mother¡¯s words, so her eyes held aplicated look as she looked down at Qin Huining. ¡°Matters? What matters?¡±

    Qin Huining squeezed out a small smile after looking at the old dowager and Qin Yining, as if making a great sacrifice to protect someone else. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing major.¡±

    This was an obvious ploy to elicit n¨¦e Sun¡¯s interest. First by mentioning something had happened, but saying nothing when asked. If n¨¦e Sun really did investigate further, bringing up all of the rumors flying around would paint Qin Yining in a bad light. The distasteful rumors that¡¯d circted when n¨¦e Sun had been away would decrease her good feelings towards the girl. Qin Yining was well aware of what was going on, but didn¡¯t say anything. She just remained as smiling as before.

    N¨¦e Sun was indeed a bit curious, but didn¡¯t go into detail because they were still visiting the old dowager. She decided to ask when they¡¯d left the room, but Qin Huining was frustrated at seeing n¨¦e Sun deviate from her usual behavior of asking immediately. ¡°Howe mother¡¯s returned with younger sister Yining? Did you bump into each other on the way?¡±

    Another trap! Qin Yining was a half beat toote in interjecting, so n¨¦e Sun had already answered artlessly. ¡°I only came back because daughter Yi went to the Ding Manor to kowtow in apology.¡±

    The old dowager frowned when she heard that. Qin Huining felt a thrill of glee when she noted this and nodded, being careful to keep her face expressionless. ¡°Oh I see. Sister Yining really does have it easy, she can leave whenever she wants to.¡± Isn¡¯t she something, leaving without telling the old dowager! She wanted to make use of this newfound opportunity to denounce Qin Yining for leaving the manor on a whim.

    However, Qin Yining knew that this would actually rouse the old dowager¡¯s ire against n¨¦e Sun.

    As expected, the matriarch¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°You only came back because granddaughter Yi kowtowed in apology? So you wouldn¡¯t havee back if she hadn¡¯t done that?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± N¨¦e Sun started and shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand, Old Dowager, it was just a coincidence. I woulde back even without her.¡±

    ¡°Whatever!¡± The old dowager didn¡¯t want to hear anymore titudes and waved them off impatiently. ¡°Just go rest. You probably can¡¯t be bothered to see this old face anymore, so don¡¯t bother with the morning and evening greetings either!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s face went white as she red angrily at Qin Huining. All of her umted resentment and suspicions welled up within her, and it was only through supreme will that she held her tongue in front of the old dowager. ¡°As you wish, Old Dowager, I will take my leave. Daughter Hui and Yi,e with me. I brought things for you.¡± She whirled away, barely controlled anger in every line of her frame as she stalked out.

    Color drained from Qin Huining¡¯s face at her mother¡¯snce-like re as she followed with trepidation. Qin Yining shook her head resignedly, and politely took her leave from the old dowager as well, following the duo out.

 Chapter 50: Does Your Face Hurt Yet?

    <h4>Chapter 50: Does Your Face Hurt Yet?</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression remained tightly controlled, her lips pursed tight, as if something unkind would spew out if she rxed them even the slightest bit. Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can tiptoed carefully around their mistress, their trepidation growing with every angry stomp. Two maids nked the madame, afraid that she might stumble and fall in her haste. At one point, Jin-mama surreptitiously fell back a half step and looked meaningfully at Qin Yining. The girl nodded understandingly, allowing the mama to breathe a sigh of relief. At longst, it seemed she had a solid pir of support to lean on in times like this.

    The mama was now seeing things clearly, especially in light of recent events. Qin Yining obviously upied a different position in the old dowager and duchess¡¯ eyes. Add her own mistress¡¯ natural obtuseness in many matters... the old servant couldn¡¯t afford to make an enemy of the fourth miss if she wanted to live peacefully from now on. As for what her niece was telling her 1, well, they had different mistresses and had to think for themselves. Jin-mama wasn¡¯t so naive as to think that a foster girl who could barely secure her own position could offer her a good future.

    Qin Huining had been reluctantly bringing up the rear with Cai-mama, Bitong, and Bitao. As a result, she didn¡¯t miss the interaction between Jin-mama and Qin Yining. Unguarded for a moment, her expression twisted into an ugly mask. Nothing that¡¯d happenedtely had been good for her. The only tangible progress was the sight of Qin Yining continuing to slowly climb higher than her. No matter how fervently Qin Huining tried to get into the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s good graces, it seemed that blood would forever be a barrier between them. She sneered at herself self-deprecatingly. She¡¯d been a random babe brought into this family. How would any of them truly treat her well?

    When they returned to Garden of Tranquility, n¨¦e Sun ignored the servants and stormed angrily through the door curtains. She marched straight across the room, sat heavily onto the head seat and burst out with, ¡°Daughter Hui, what was that about!?!

    Qin Huining bit her lip and raised her eyebrows in an faux innocent fashion. She slowly walked up and pulled her hem out to kneel in front of n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, mother. Don¡¯t harm your body with anger. It¡¯s all your daughter¡¯s fault.¡±

    That response neatly bottled up n¨¦e Sun¡¯s words, and the girl¡¯s pitiful appearance made it seem like her mother was bullying her. Thatst thought spun around and around in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s mind, making her more indignant with every revolution. Finally, she could take it no longer, raising her hand and whipping it down and across.

    Crack! Qin Huining¡¯s head snapped to the side with the force of the p.

    ¡°Who allowed you to talk to me like this!? What, haven¡¯t you had enough of that act in front of Old Dowager? You still want to keep it up in front of me?!¡±

    ¡°Mother, how can you treat me this way?!¡± Broken sobs escaped Qin Huining as she held her cheek incredulously and tilted her head up to meet n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes, two trails of tears streaking down her face.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s rage burned even hotter when she saw the continued act of pity. ¡°Still with the pity act? Do you take everyone for a fool?! You provoked me again and again, and went so far as to stir up drama behind my back. Do you think I don¡¯t know that you¡¯re using me?! I raised and treated you as my own, but you chose to act against me instead! Setting everything else aside, should you have said what you just said to the old dowager?!¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s mental bout of self pity vanished instantly and was reced by abject fear. What was going on?! N¨¦e Sun had only gone home for a few days, but she felt like apletely different person now! How was sheing back to her senses so quickly? The duchess must¡¯ve done something! A sense of peril the like Qin Huining had never felt before descended on her. No matter how capable Qin Yining was, the foster girl had always been confident in her hold over n¨¦e Sun and the old dowager. But how little time had passed, and yet her control seemed to be slipping?! N¨¦e Sun had always listened to her every word and gesture before. Her mother had always responded to her emotional pleas. And yet now?!

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t misunderstand, I...¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t be bothered with Qin Huining¡¯s feeble protests. ¡°I saw it with my own eyes! You tried to start something in front of the old dowager so that she¡¯d hate me! How would that benefit you?! Qin Huining, I¡¯m so disappointed in you!¡± She herself began crying from the injustice of it all. ¡°You saw yourself what kind of life I¡¯ve led here all these years. And now you treat me like this?! Why is this happening to me?!¡±

    Life was so incredibly unfair for n¨¦e Sun, and it was even more unfair for Qin Huining. While the mother cried fitfully on the head seat, the girl copsed in a heap on the floor, sobbing inconsbly while cradling her swollen cheek. The madame¡¯s servants hovered around them, trying tofort the two one after the other.

    On the other hand, Qin Yining slipped out when n¨¦e Sun dissolved into tears, returning quietly to Snowpear Courtyard. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t care about n¨¦e Sun, but that she really felt that she could do nothing to help her mother mature. Even someone as smart as the Duchess of Ding hadn¡¯t been able to educate some smarts into n¨¦e Sun, so what could a little girl like her do? As for Qin Huining, it served her right for being pped! She should¡¯ve been taught more of a lesson. A p for a p was far too proportional for Qin Yining to ept as retribution.

    She couldn¡¯t be bothered with worrying about the two in Garden of Tranquility. Qin Yining went about her day with peace of mind and had a good night¡¯s sleep.

    Early the next morning, she went to greet the old dowager as usual. The old dowager¡¯s words the day before, that n¨¦e Sun needn¡¯t bothering anymore, had been spoken out of anger, but Qin Yining was a bit worried that n¨¦e Sun really would stay away. She rxed minutely when she saw n¨¦e Sun present herself at Garden of Tranquility. The senior madame wasn¡¯t being particrly warm towards the old dowager, but there was nothing in her behavior that could be criticized.

    Although present, Qin Huining was once again the picture of an ugly pig with half her face swollen out of control. Even the corners of her lips looked bruised. This sight greatly entertained Qin Yining. Looks like she was pped again after I left yesterday. This person had a crooked personality and had tried to harm others many times over. In Qin Yining¡¯s mind, it was only right and proper that she be taught a lesson.

    Qin Huining seemed to teeter on the verge of tears the entire time, as if she¡¯d suffered a grave injustice in Garden of Tranquility. Her appearance caused her stalwart ally, the sixth miss, to frequently cast venomous res in Qin Yining¡¯s direction, but thetter couldn¡¯t be bothered. Qin Huining was just digging her own grave now. People had trusted her character before, so they naturally couldn¡¯t bear to see the foster girl suffer. But now that the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun both suspected her nature, how would they possibly feel any sympathy? Qin Huining¡¯s highly confident plot was doomed to fail, and it was only a matter of time before she followed her n¡¯s demise as well. Qin Yining was happy to bide her time and watch the debacle unfold.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Jixiang entered the house with a smile. ¡°Bao-mama from the Duchess of Ding has arrived.¡±

    Those inside were all surprised. The old dowager pulled herself upright and smiled back. ¡°Hurry and show her in.¡± She cast a sideways nce at n¨¦e Sun as she spoke. The target of her quick nce gritted her teeth and looked down, reining in her temper with great effort.

    Bao-mama curtsied ordingly when she entered the room and saw the various mistresses and misses present. The girls didn¡¯t dare ept the gesture and asked after the old servant¡¯s health instead.

    ¡°What brings Bao-mama here today?¡± The old dowager smiled politely. Is she here with gifts and apologies again?

    ¡°In response to Old Dowager Qin, our madame would like tomission some rituals at the Celestial Nunnery today. She¡¯s sent me to ask you if we can take our miss with us for a walk.¡±

    ¡°Oh, such a simple matter.¡± The old dowager was only mildly startled by the request. ¡°I¡¯ll have her get ready and go with you. Is your madame in good health?¡±

    ¡°All is well, thanks to your great fortune.¡± Bao-mama responded to the pleasantry with a smile and a respectful, but not overly fawning manner. She didn¡¯t mention n¨¦e Sun¡¯s return or seem to be here with apologies and gifts. There was nothing in her demeanor that lost face for the Ding Manor.

    Qin Yining put on her cape with help from Qin-mama, and reached out for an exquisite brass hand warmer paired with a pale-green satin cover. When Bao-mama and the old dowager finished their exchange of pleasantries, she took her leave with a smile. ¡°Old Dowager, I will be heading out now.¡±

    ¡°Go on, serve your maternal grandmother well.¡± The old dowager waved her hand affably.

    Bao-mama curtsied again and departed with the fourth miss. Qin Yining rounded the room divider to reach the door and caught sight of Qin Huining following them, having put on a light-blue cape. The fourth miss surreptitiously tugged on Bao-mama¡¯s sleeve. The old servant turned around questioningly, only to see that Qin Huining was joining them. She blinked once, and then a supercilious smile appeared on her face. ¡°It seems that this servant has a clumsy mouth and wasn¡¯t clear. The Duchess of Ding would like to take our miss to Celestial Nunnery, but she didn¡¯t say that she wanted to take Miss Huining.¡±

    Although they had reached the door, they were only separated from the others by a divider, so the old servant¡¯s words clearly traveled inside. Qin Yining stifledughter at the mama¡¯s deft hand, feeling embarrassed for the foster girl. Qin Huining¡¯s already swollen face turned purple and her eyes filled with tears as she looked at the mama.

    Regardless of her attitude the day before, n¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t bear to see this happen and came running. ¡°I¡¯m not going with mother today, so why not let daughter Hui go? The two sisters can take care of each other as well.¡±

    ¡°Lady, it¡¯s not that I dare to disobey you, but that the duchess clearly gave orders that we bring only our miss with us. The Ding Manor has only one Qin miss, of which you¡¯re aware as well, no? If you¡¯d like me to take Miss Huining with us, would you exin the situation to my mistress? Right now, it only puts me in a difficult position.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun could only keep quiet out of embarrassment. After all, her mother had clearly said in front of her yesterday that she was only taking Yining. Meanwhile, Huining was so enraged that she wanted to kill someone. What the hell does she mean by that?! Is Bao-mama here to publicly humiliate me?! Saying that the Ding Manor had only one Qin miss in front of everyone waspletely trampling on her dignity!

    However, Bao-mama wasn¡¯t finished. She turned to beam merrily at Qin Huining. ¡°There¡¯s one thing more that this old servant will overstep herself to tell the miss.¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s lips were trembling with rage as she controlled herself with sheer force of will. ¡°Speak.¡±

    Bao-mama¡¯s smile vanished like a raindrop in the desert. ¡°The Ding Manor has never cared for those who scheme against each other. The elder madame and duke has always made clear that those with true ability should seek to use it outside the home. Using one¡¯s own skills on family to plot and ckmail isn¡¯t a disy ofpetence, but disgusting filthiness instead. The Ding Manor produces no one like this and wants no one like this. You¡¯re a smart girl, miss, you should think about what you¡¯ve done wrong. Especially now that you¡¯ve reached this point. Don¡¯t think that you¡¯re the smartest in the world, nor that everyone else is blind, deaf, and dumb.¡± Bao-mama gave Qin Huining an immacte curtsey once she was done speaking. Although a gesture of respect, and one could find nothing to criticize about it, it only made Qin Huining feel like she¡¯d been pped once again.

    Unable to bear the situation, she darted out the door, tears dancing in her wake. The old servant turned back to Qin Yining, her tone once again the very model of respect, ¡°Let¡¯s go, miss.¡±

 Chapter 51: The Celestial Nunnery

    <h4>Chapter 51: The Celestial Nunnery</h4>

    Qin Yining and Bao-mama made for the outer doors, the fourth miss dwelling happily on the memory of Qin Huining¡¯s sour face from moments ago. The foster girl had been hopping up and down like an over excited monkey ever since she¡¯de home. She hadn¡¯t even had a day of peace, what with the attempts to trip her up, frame her, and then frame those by her side. Even though Qin Yining had no intention of directly moving against the foster girl, thetter was sure to judge others by her own set of values and think that Qin Yining would definitely be out to get her. Since Qin Huining already thought this way, it¡¯d certainly be a pity not to live up to her expectations.

    And this was just the beginning.

    The two exited the inner doors and were met by a pageboy to escort them to the carriage waiting by the side door. When Bao-mama saw that the pageboy was still a ways away and confirmed that no one else was with them, she smiled in exnation. ¡°I acted like this today on my mistress¡¯ orders. The elder madame pities the miss¡¯ tough days and know that you have suffered much during this time. She means to indicate that those who should be taken down a peg should meet that fate. Since ourdy won¡¯t do so, then the elder madame doesn¡¯t mind being the viin in her stead.¡±

    ¡°I understand grandmother¡¯s intentions, but I¡¯m afraid this creates enemies for her instead.¡± Although Qin Yining knew that the duchess wasn¡¯t simply doting on her with this gesture, that it was also an attempt to bnce the scales of power between the two girls, she could still sense the implicit kindness in the gesture.

    Bao-mama¡¯s smile grew more genuine when she saw how mature Qin Yining was. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. The elder madame said that with all that happens in life, it¡¯s difficult to ensure that everything happens ording to our wishes. We just need to make sure we live up to our conscience. Now that Miss Huining is setting off on a crooked path, it would only harm thedy in the future if we don¡¯t suppress her some. The elder madame is also doing this for her daughter.¡±

    ¡°Mother is a fortunate daughter.¡± Qin Yining nodded understandingly, but she couldn¡¯t help but smile when she thought of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s antics.

    The old servant smiled ruefully as well. Wasn¡¯t that so very truepared to Qin Yining? What a pity that the madame didn¡¯t understand how to cherish her privileged circumstances, instead always thinking that she was a victim of something or another. ¡°Miss, the elder madame sent a calling card to the nunnery yesterday, saying that we¡¯ll be visiting today tomission rites. Everything¡¯s been set up ordingly, and the mistress had someone fetch Miss Tang from Cloudsoar Inn earlier. We can be on our way momentarily.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother thinks most thoroughly.¡±

    Bao-mama pointed Qin Yining in the direction of the luxurious, spacious carriage in the middle of the convoy as soon as they exited the outer doors. She held the mama¡¯s hand, stepped up on the redcquer footstool, and was greeted with the sight of the duchess as soon as she lifted the carriage curtains. Her grandmother was wearing a navy blue cape decorated with intertwined branches. She upied the head seat, while Tang Meng sat next to the duchess, still wearing her nun¡¯s outfit.

    ¡°Grandmother, you¡¯re here as well!¡± Qin Yining took a seat opposite the two and pulled the mama in closer as well. There was a lot of room, so the four didn¡¯t feel crowded at all. Bao-mama leaned forward, discreetly giving orders to those outside to set off.

    The duchess reached out for Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°What, did you think I¡¯d be waiting at home? I wanted to set off immediately and forgo another bout of running back and forth. We¡¯d have to pass by this road on the way to the nunnery, so I decided we might as well pick you up on the way.¡±

    ¡°However you¡¯d like to arrange things is fine, grandmother.¡± Qin Yining nodded with a smile; she understood that the duchess wasn¡¯t at liberty to easily enter the Qin Manor. ¡°As long as you take me out often.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you child, you.¡± The duchess chuckled tolerantly.

    It was a four hour carriage ride to the nunnery. Although the days had be cold, there had been no snow over the past two days. Add the southern location of Great Yan territories to the mix, making winters half snow and half rain, and the roads were nice and clear on this bright, sunny day. They paused only once during the four hour trip and spent the rest of the journey in cheerful chatter. Qin Yining and the duchess knew that after the execution of Tang Meng¡¯s family, family gatherings were likely a painful point for her. They didn¡¯t want to touch on a sad matter, so they went to great lengths to include her in the conversation so that she wouldn¡¯t feel despondent. As time wore on, Tang Meng was greatly admiring of the duchess¡¯ wisdom and had grown closer to Qin Yining.

    ¡°Mistress, we¡¯re here.¡± A maid called out to them from outside as the carriage slowly rolled to a halt. The guards took up protective positions at the two ends of the convoy. Qin Yining and Tang Meng alighted first, then helped the duchess off. The groomsman drove off while granny servants lifted gifts up the flights of stairs.

    Qin Yining tilted her head up to see hundreds of stairs, roughly three meters wide, coiling upwards not too far in the distance. Trees and patches of bamboo lined the passageway, casting shadows along the stairs. It looked particrly tranquil. One could glimpse the main doors at the very top of the stairs.

    ¡°Grandmother, have them bring the sedan chair. You¡¯ll be tired after climbing so many steps.¡±

    ¡°No worries, it¡¯s only 208 steps. how can that be tiring? We¡¯ll just slowly make our way upwards.¡± The duchess¡¯ mind was quite set, and nothing Bao-mama or the others said made a difference. Qin Yining and Tang Meng had to settle for carefully helping the duchess walk.

    The duchess started huffing after a few dozen steps, and she was flushed bright red at the halfway mark. Sweat had already begun to bead on her forehead. Yet, Qin Yining was asposed as she was walking on t ground. The duchess stuck her hands on her hips and stretched her back,ughing. ¡°Look at our dear Yi. A couple more dozen steps would still be a piece of cake for her. She¡¯s showing all of you up!¡±

    The maids and granny servants following behind were all huffing and panting as well,plimenting Qin Yining in between gasps of air. The fourth miss found the sight particrly amusing. ¡°I¡¯ve been walking the mountain paths since I was a child, so I¡¯m used to them. But grandmother is still so spritely at your age. If you take care of your body well and keep from overexerting yourself, your health will surely be even better.¡±

    The duchess spent another moment catching her breath before straightening, waving her hand at the rest of them. ¡°Come, let¡¯s make it to the top in one go this time!¡±

    By the time they all reached the top, Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks were only touched with the faintest blush, while the others desperately drew great breaths, chests heaving with exertion. As they swayed on their feet, panting, Qin Yining took a moment to inspect her surroundings. Rose pink doors created a wee break in a wall that stretched around a spaciousplex. A bluestone path led through the t ground right to the doors, with tufts of wilted grass poking up between the tiles. The words ¡°Celestial Nunnery¡± were written in golden script on a card over the doors. Through the open doors, one could vaguely make out redwood pirs that held up a magnificently decorated ceiling, seemingly a main hall.

    Several Taoist nuns garbed in deep blue hade out in wee while Qin Yining was absorbed in the view, folding one hand over the other to greet the duchess. 1 A skinny nun just over thirty approached, her hands folded before her in greeting. ¡°Immeasurable fortune flows from Buddha! Is the elder madame well? Long time no see, but you are looking quite well!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you. Is Priestess Liu in?¡±

    ¡°Honored mistress has been waiting for your arrival. Please follow this humble nun.¡±

    Qin Yining and Tang Meng nked the duchess as therge group entered the doors in great fanfare, following the bluestone path to a moon gate and past the main hall to a residence in the backyard. Bao-mama stepped to the side to wait outside with the rest of the maids. The duchess entered the residence with only Qin Yining and Tang Meng beside her.

    They were greeted by the sight of a stocky and in looking nun, who didn¡¯t look a day under fifty, sitting at the head seat. Some more nuns were dancing attendance on her, and even a young man seated in the guest seat. The young man had slender eyebrows and phoenix-shaped eyes, a high nose and thin lips. He was wearing an ivory, one-piece robeplemented by a gray, fur cloak. It was apparent at a nce that this handsome person was no ordinary character. The duchess looked downwards politely after a quick once over. The man had an eighteen year old, stalwart follower behind him. Being filled with the vigor of youth, the follower snuck several peeks at Qin Yining¡¯s face.

    The duchess was dissatisfied at this petty rudeness. ¡°Priestess Liu, did you receive my calling card yesterday?¡± I noted that I would be bringing girls with me, so why is an outside male here?¡±

    ¡°In the name of Buddha. Are you doing well, Elder Madame? I did receive your calling card, but this is my greatest patron. It should be fine that he¡¯s here, no?¡±

 Chapter 52: Movement of the Propitious Star Governing Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 52: Movement of the Propitious Star Governing Marriage</h4>

    Qin Yining was quite displeased by Priestess Liu¡¯s words. Why does this person immediately speak of money when they open their mouth? That shrewd look in her eye and greasy smile, she reminds me of those merchants in the markets. She doesn¡¯t seem like an ascetic at all. She looks like even more of a business person than Steward Zhong... and a crooked businessman at that. She couldn¡¯t help but worry about Tang Meng. The girl had spent half a year here, could she possibly have suffered at the hands of this materialistic master?

    But Tang Meng was wreathed with smiles as she flung herself into Priestess Liu¡¯s embrace. She called out cutely, ¡°Honored master.¡±

    ¡°Aiya, it¡¯s Jing Zhen. Have you been well these days?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been very well, honored master. Miss Qin took me in and I¡¯ll be by her side in the future. She¡¯s a kindhearted person and will surely treat me well. You can be at ease as well.¡±

    The priestess¡¯ eyes flicked over to Qin Yining, sizing up the girl behind the duchess. The Qin fourth miss felt very ill at ease under the priestess¡¯ sharp scrutiny. She felt like amodity at the market being weighed and priced. As Priestess Liu examined Qin Yining, the young man off to the side also carelessly looked over. The stocky follower behind him also cast curious nces at her, inly interested in the duchess¡¯ entourage.

    Qin Yining grew further irritated by the young man¡¯s gaze. This person looks genteel and refined, so why doesn¡¯t he have any manners at all? With otherdies here, someone who is truly well-mannered will take their own leave even if the host doesn¡¯t ask them to go. Why is he staring at me instead?

    Priestess Liu didn¡¯t pay any attention to her guest, smiling as shepleted her assessment. ¡°This old nun¡¯s memory isn¡¯t as robust as before and was only focused on this exquisite miss. I¡¯vepletely failed to ask you all to sit down! Please, do sit.¡±

    She directed the duchess to the round chair on the right, one directly in front of the young man. Qin Yining stood respectfully behind the duchess, while Tang Meng and two other Taoist nuns stood behind Priestess Liu. It seemed that Tang Meng was very close to the priestess since she was still hanging onto thetter¡¯s arm. This made Qin Yining revise her impression of the apparently money-grubbing priestess.

    Tang Meng¡¯s not foolish. Would she act like this if the priestess was bad to her? It looks like Priestess Liu isn¡¯t necessarily a bad person. Maybe I¡¯m going off of appearances too much.

    The duchess started chatting with the priestess, exchanging inane pleasantries and greetings. Anyone with a bit of self awareness would¡¯ve removed themselves, but the young man sat unmoving in his chair. He yed with a blue and white porcin tea cup and saucer, taking the asional sip but showing no signs of leaving at all.

    The Duchess of Ding was well aware of the priestess¡¯ temperament. Thetter had just stated that the young man was her major patron and so would never ask him to leave. She herself wasn¡¯t familiar with the young man, so it was even more inappropriate to have him leave. She sighed inwardly with resignation and turned back to nce at Qin Yining.

    The girl understood and spoke up. ¡°Priestess Liu, we¡¯re here to discuss the matter of Jing Zhen resuming secure life. We¡¯d like to request the priestess to release her identification certificate so that she can be properly legitimate by my side.¡±

    The light in Priestess Liu¡¯s eyes twinkled even more brightly and she broke out in a wide smile. ¡°By Buddha¡¯s name! This miss has amon destiny with us, but the Celestial Nunnery has spent a great deal of effort on Jing Zhen during her practice with us.¡± She shook her fingers to emphasize her points. ¡°You all know of Jing Zhen¡¯s background. Although we avoid interacting with secr conflicts, theye find us all the same. Do you know how much trouble we¡¯ve endured in order to keep Jing Zhen safe? It¡¯s truly been such a heartbreaking affair, wouldn¡¯t you say, Jing Zhen?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I wouldn¡¯t be here today if not for honored master¡¯s protection.¡± Tang Meng nodded seriously.

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± The priestess grew even more animated when Tang Meng agreed with her. ¡°Not to mention that we haven¡¯t shorted Jing Zhen on anything in the past year, whether in terms of food, clothing, or other necessities. We couldn¡¯t even bear to have her do tough chores. I even arranged for others to take care of her. Jing Zhen, is your master speaking correctly?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, honored master arranged for two senior nuns to take care of me.¡±

    ¡°In conclusion, a small nunnery like ours has gone to all sorts of trouble for Jing Zhen. We¡¯ve had to endure pressure all the while and worried ourselves sick. It¡¯s been such an anxious and fearful time, this nun has even lost quite a bit of weight!¡±

    How would Qin Yining not understand Priestess Liu¡¯s tactics? She hadn¡¯t been able to take two steps in the outside world without running into something of this sort. ¡°The priestess¡¯ benevolence and magnanimity fills me with deep admiration. Jing Zhen¡¯s secr family truly did suffer some hardship as well. We¡¯re here firstly on behalf of reestablishing Jing Zhen in the secr world, so that she can easily remain by my side in the future. But secondly, we¡¯d also like tomission the priestess for rites of peace for the Tang family, praying for peace and tranquility for forty nine days.¡± Qin Yining had taken out several bank notes as she spoke and slowly walked up to Priestess Liu, offering them with both hands. ¡°These are notes for four hundred taels, I¡¯ll have servants send over the remaining 1,600 taelster on. Please look over the rites of blessings carefully. Both of us are people who care about Jing Zhen, and this matter has to do with her future as well.¡±

    Priestess Liu¡¯s expression hadpletely changed when the first fold of bank notes had appeared. She¡¯d already murmured quite a few ¡®yes¡¯s and ¡®absolutely¡¯s as the fourth miss had been walking towards her. When thetter finished, the priestess nodded heatedly. ¡°This nun can tell that the miss has a pure heart and spirit, and is as benevolent as she is kind. My heart is at ease that Jing Zhen will be by your side. I¡¯ll make a trip to the Central Taoist Registry 1 to settle the certificate. I¡¯ll be sure to send a message to you, miss, when it¡¯s all done.¡±

    In this dynasty, one couldn¡¯t be a monk or a nun just because they wanted to. They had to obtain a certificate from the Central Taoist Registry in order to validate their identity, and certain procedures had to be followed if they wished to once again resume secr life.

    ¡°In that case, many thanks to the High Priestess.¡± Qin Yining smiled understandingly.

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble, no trouble at all.¡± Priestess Liu was clutching the bank notes tightly as her eyes twinkled. Fine lines had appeared at the corners of her eyes from the force of her smile and she reached back to tug eagerly on Tang Meng¡¯s hand. ¡°This miss is kindhearted and is treating you sincerely. You can follow her in the future.¡±

    Tang Meng¡¯s smile was a bit awkward, but she still nodded docilely. ¡°Yes, master.¡±

    Priestess Liu tsk¡¯ed when she looked at the bank notes again. ¡°Look at this now. It¡¯s as if I¡¯ve gone and begged alms off you.¡±

    ¡°Oh no, that isn¡¯t the case at all.¡± The duchess was gratified to see Qin Yining so generously settle the matter. ¡°Even if that were so, giving alms is a way to umte our own good karma. Since my granddaughter is of the mind to, all it means is that her time to umte goodwill has arrived. Priestess Liu is the destined path through which she can do so. Exchanging secr goods for blessings of a lifetime... it¡¯s likely that my granddaughter has received much more, if ites down to a discussion of give and take.¡±

    ¡°The elder madame is wise indeed.¡± Priestess Liu nodded with a smile and finally stowed the bank notes. She made a few hand seals and spoke in a joking tone, ¡°I see that the roots of your hair have be overshadowed and sunken in. I¡¯m afraid things won¡¯t be too smooth at hometely. If I could take a look at your palm?¡±

    Qin Yining was amused at this behavior. The priestess has just gotten alms from me, so now she¡¯s looking for a donation from grandmother?

    However, the duchess leaned forward with a smile and offered both hands. When the priestess had taken a careful look at the duchess¡¯ palms, her expression became stern. ¡°By the Great Qinghua! Elder Madame, please listen to this humble nun. There will be blood shed at your home within two months. Things look very dire.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, and even the young man and his follower off on the side grew serious. The duchess¡¯ heart skipped a beat and she asked hurriedly, ¡°Where does this disastere from? You just said that my roots are dark and sunk is, is it my lord...¡±

    The nun flew through another series of hand gestures, but shook her head with a sigh. ¡°The wheel of time turns and so does fate call. If the elder madame had umted good karma normally, then your family might have a ray of hope. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid your family will be wiped out.¡±

    These words were simply too harsh. Qin Yining was beginning to doubt her earlier thoughts. Is Priestess Liu not just looking for another donation? Who would speak such rming words if they were just begging for alms? The mere threat of bloodshed was enough to send chills down one¡¯s back. Was there the need to speak of a family being wiped out? Has she really seen something?

    The duchess¡¯ expression was tense. Her heart had been uneasy these past few years. The war between Great Zhou and Yan had been burning ever fiercer and inching closer to the capital. She felt that her family was rotating on a spit over an open fire, and that something would happen, sooner orter. When Priestess Liu had mentioned the threat of bloodshed and family annihtion during a time when the duchess was already treading on thin ice... she felt her heart go cold. She took a deep breath. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring too much silver with me today. But I¡¯d like tomission the priestess tomence forty nine days of rites of peace and security for my family. I¡¯ll have servants bring over two thousand taels of silver when I return home. May this count as ruing good karma for the Suns when I have the ability to.¡±

    Priestess Liu nodded and didn¡¯t look quite as money grubbing as before. She smiled at Qin Yining. ¡°Come here miss, let this humble nun take a look for you as well.¡±

    Qin Yining naturally wouldn¡¯t protest and walked over with a smile. Priestess Liu first carefully considered Qin Yining¡¯s face, squeezed her hand, and finally took a look at both of her palms. ¡°The miss is one with great fortune. Although your life is hard, you were always able to resolve a good oue out of threats. Your ears are higher than your brows, and you have an egg shaped face. You¡¯ll have a life of fortune and wealth. In addition, you have a very good love line. The propitious star governing marriage has already started its movement.¡±

    The priestess actually snuck a nce out of the corner of her eye at the silently listening young man even as she expounded on Qin Yining¡¯s palms. He seemed to not have noticed and continued drinking his tea silently. Meanwhile, Qin Yining was steadily growing more irate. Is this Taoist nun reliable or not?! How can she say things like that in front of others? She was definitely just putting on a show just now!

    Priestess Liu smiled and pushed Qin Yining back towards the duchess. ¡°Elder Madame, your granddaughter is exceedingly kind and imbued with great luck. Perhaps your karma and hope lie with her.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to the priestess, my granddaughter is exceedingly good-natured.¡± The duchess wrapped her arm around Qin Yining and patted her handfortingly before getting up. ¡°Since we¡¯ve made our way here today, we must look around and pay our respects to Mother of the Great Chariot.¡± 2

    ¡°Please do as you wish, Elder Madame and miss.¡±

    The smiling duchess pulled Qin Yining out with her just as a small nun hurried in. ¡°Honored master, Lady Yurou has arrived!¡±

    Priestess Liu immediately surged to her feet and turned to her patron, whom she still hadn¡¯t sent away. ¡°Sir Patron, please take a walk with your follower.¡±

 Chapter 53: Prior Destiny

    <h4>Chapter 53: Prior Destiny</h4>

    However, the handsome young man still didn¡¯t do anything. He didn¡¯t even say anything as he sat therezily, simply looking nomittally at Priestess Liu. The stalwart follower was also quite at ease. He was hugging his shoulders and had lifted his chin, as if waiting for Priestess Liu to indicate her position.

    The priestess sighed. ¡°When I have not listened to what my patron says? I¡¯ll do as you wish.¡±

    At that, the young man finally stood up and fussed with his cloak for a bit. ¡°Then I¡¯ll look around for a bit.¡±

    Qin Yining had already followed the duchess to the yard and vaguely heard a resonant male bass behind her. She found it a bit familiar, but didn¡¯t pay much attention to it since she couldn¡¯t remember where she¡¯d heard it before.

    ¡°Grandmother, shall we go visit the main hall first?¡± Qin Yining asked merrily as she supported her grandmother out the moon gate and took a turn to arrive at the yard in front of the male hall.

    The duchess however, shook her head with a sigh. ¡°Darling Yi, take a look around if you¡¯d like. I¡¯m a bit tired and would like to burn some incense for Mother of the Great Chariot.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go with you.¡± When Qin Yining saw the weariness that hung in the space between the duchess¡¯ brows, she forewent her ideas of looking around.

    The duchess¡¯ smile deepened when she saw her granddaughter thus. ¡°It¡¯s rare for you girls to venture forth from the manor. Take a look around! I have Bao-mama and the maids here to keep mepany. In any case, I¡¯ll be going back to the carriage to rest after paying my respects. You should go take a look around so that you make the most out of this trip.¡±

    Qin Yining was indeed a bit tempted, but she was also worried about her grandmother¡¯s health. The duchess stroked her cheek when she saw the girl fretting. ¡°Little girl, don¡¯t be so full of concerns at such a young age. What could happen to me? Go visit the main hall with Miss Tang ande pay your respects in the templeter. That settles the matter.¡± She pped her hand, shooing the girls away and taking Bao-mama with her to the temple.

    Tang Meng smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I don¡¯t see anything wrong with the elder madame¡¯s body, so it¡¯s just a worry of the heart. She¡¯s merely worried about matters at home.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. She must be worried about what Priestess Liu said. She didn¡¯t know much about fortune-telling and the mystical arts, and frankly was rather skeptical of the whole thing. After all, that priestess had just said something about the propitious star of marriage being in motion for her! Qin Yining felt her face burn. Somehow, the memory of that lecher who¡¯d arrived from the sky that day rose unbidden. He¡¯d stolen her hairpin and even stroked her cheek!

    She frowned and coughed lightly. ¡°Then let¡¯s take a look around. You¡¯re the one most familiar with the surroundings. Where¡¯s the prettiest?¡±

    Aughing Tang Meng dragged Qin Yining behind her in a tour of the nunnery. Qin Yining was still wearing that crimson red, brocade cape 1 with a white rabbit fur cor. She was the only spot of color in the ink painting that was this winter¡¯s day, in which everything was washed with shades of gray.

    Pang Xiao and Huzi had made their way into the open space in front of the temple just in time to glimpse the figures of Qin Yining and Tang Meng in the distance. The girls were slowly moving in the direction of the main hall.

    ¡°Milord, who would¡¯ve thought that we¡¯d meet Miss Qin here today? Do you want to go talk to her?¡± Huzi grinned, as he winked and waggled his eyebrows suggestively. ¡°There was obvious meaning in the old priestess¡¯ words just now. This is a perfect opportunity! Why not...¡±

    Pang Xiao looked disapprovingly at Huzi. The guard coughed and immediately shut up. His master remained utterly still, his eyes the only thing tracking Qin Yining¡¯s fading figure. There was no one around them. Had there been anyone else, they would¡¯ve felt the sharp air subconsciously emanating from the young man, at direct odds with his genteel outfit of white robes and gray fur cloak. The two suddenly heard approaching footsteps, and swiftly ducked behind a thick tree.

    The Duchess of Ding and Bao-mama had left the temple and were chatting as they headed for the main gates. ¡°...granddaughter Yi is certainly mature for her age. Perhaps she already saw through the priestess¡¯ test? If she hadn¡¯t even been willing to give alms, then how could she have treated Miss Tang well?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you thinking too nobly of the priestess, mistress? This old servant feels that she¡¯s just a money-grubbing person.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all a surface act. She might seem externally vulgar but there¡¯s a sense of internal benevolence. Otherwise, why would she have taken in Miss Tang? That greedy, grasping attitude is just be an appearance...¡± The duchess and mama¡¯s conversation grew fainter as they walked further on. Pang Xiao and Huzi didn¡¯te out until they were far in the distance.

    ¡°Milord, this elder madame is actually rather perceptive.¡± Huzi was very kindly disposed towards the duchess. Pang Xiao nodded and retracted his overly keen edge after a moment¡¯s meditation. He softened the ruthless look of violence in his eyes and rxed his naturally upright waist so that he slouched slightly. This instantly changed him back into azy refined gentlemen.

    ¡°Come, let¡¯s go to the temple as well.¡± Pang Xiao set off at a quick pace.

    ¡°Let¡¯s offer some incense as well.¡± Huzi nodded. ¡°The elder senior master and mistress, and elder mistress are all still in the pce, with no update on their situation. Hopefully the emperor¡¯s anger will be abated if we handle this matter well.¡±

    Some worry appeared on Pang Xiao¡¯s face when his grandparents and mother, ¡°invited¡± to the pce for a stay, were mentioned.

    The figure of Mother of the Great Chariot in the temple was dignified and awe-inspiring. Pang Xiao and Huzi had both lit incense and were on their knees in the grand Taoist gesture of worship. The prince had prostrated himself. I beg thee, Mother of the Great Chariot, to keep my mother and family safe. May my sins fall on my shoulders only and affect not my family.

    With his forehead to the ground and in fervent prayer, Pang Xiao looked... fragile. Huzi, kneeling next to his master, felt painnce through him at the sight. He was never far from his master and understood the prince¡¯s troubles most deeply. Everyone only knew that the prince possessed great power and was a decisive killing machine, but who could see the troubles unique to him in his high position? The most tragic thing for a human was to give everything that they were, but to be misunderstood or denounced in return. Even his own family would lecture the prince for his ruthlessness at times, exhorting him to stop showing such tant disregard for life. But who understood the prince¡¯s helplessness in the matter? He really had no other choice sometimes.

    Creak. The door broke the solemn silence within the temple. Pang Xiao and Huzi both turned to see Qin Yining of the crimson cape and the little nun Tang Meng entering arm-in-arm. It looked like they were in good spirits, as Qin Yining¡¯s particrly radiant smile, dimples, and merrily creased eyes were especially adorable.

    Pang Xiao was momentarily stunned before he whipped himself back around. His ears were bright red as he remained stiffly on his knees. His head was tilted back up to the goddess¡¯ image and he seemed to be deep in sincere prayer.

    There were three prayer rush cushions arrayed before them. Huzi had been on the leftmost one, but he had risen and was standing off to the side now. Pang Xiao had upied the center one, leaving the two on his side free. Qin Yining hesitated, but it was a public premise and she had no right to ask him to leave. She settled for ignoring the man and lit incense sticks with Tang Meng, taking the cushion on the right and closing her eyes in pious prayer. Tang Meng took the left cushion and also made the grand gesture of Taoist piety.

    Although Pang Xiao was still kneeling and hadn¡¯t moved his head, his eyes had already flicked toward Qin Yining by his side. She looks so cute and fragile, but her destiny has been such a troubled one...

    She should be fourteen by now?

    He¡¯d been her current age when they¡¯d first met. The seven year old¡¯s clothing was nothing more than rags, but were faded clean from all the washings they¡¯d received. She¡¯d been haggling vociferously with the shopkeeper of a medicine shop that her family apparently had a tab open with, but she¡¯d been swept out empty-handed with nothing for her foster mother¡¯s sickness. A shop associate had even pushed her roughly to the ground.

    He¡¯d been watching from close by with Sir Zheng and Guard Zhao, and the guard¡¯s snicker of schadenfreude had made him ufortable. He¡¯d thought she¡¯d cry then, she really did have a reason to, but she¡¯d only stood up, dusted herself off, and stubbornly shouldered her tattered wicker basket, using her remaining copper coins to buy two meat buns for her foster mother. Even now he¡¯d been unable to forget that pair ofrge and bright eyes in the small face. She¡¯d patted her t little tummy and put on a brave smile to tell her foster mother that she¡¯d already eaten.

    He hadn¡¯t been able to leave just like that and pretended to pass by her house, asking for a sip of water. The little girl was stunned silly when she saw him, taking a few long moments before crying out, ¡°Brother Beauty!¡± and running off to boil some water. He¡¯d handed his entire money pouch to her when he drank. There were roughly ten taels of silver and a handful of coins inside. She¡¯d been scared silly by the amount of money and wouldn¡¯t take it no matter what, so he¡¯d forced a supercilious, disdainful look on his face and sniffed that this was merely some loose change for pathetic beggars. He¡¯d then departed in style under the baleful res of Sir Zheng and Guard Zhao.

    The two men were his father¡¯s old troops andined angrily in highly charged voices as soon as they left.

    ¡°Why did you help the enemy¡¯s daughter?!¡±

    ¡°That sonuvabitch Qin Huaiyuan deserves to die! That bastard¡¯s schemes are the reason General Pang died from false crimes i! The general was carved alive into slices and fed to the dogs! None of the Pangs survived that tragedy...¡±

    Pang Xiao had been fifteen years old, a year into his military service after Li Qitian had found him. The now Great Zhou emperor had hoisted the banner of General Pang high and made revenge for this wrongful death a key reason for overthrowing the old emperor. However, no one had ever asked Pang Xiao if he was willing to participate. The army had just suddenly stopped outside one of his grandfather¡¯s restaurants one day and carried him off... no one had even known that Pang Xiao himself was just the product of one of General Pang¡¯s drunken nights. Possibly the general himself didn¡¯t even remember the boy existed. And if the matriarch of the Pang household had been a kind soul, why would she have soundlessly swept Pang Xiao¡¯s birth mother out the door?

    His life had been decided by others the moment he was born, and how was this girl any different? He¡¯d asked Sir Zheng back then, ¡°What does this little girl know? You all stole her away that year and put her through endless suffering all this time. Seven years of this should be enough! If you really have it in you, why not seek revenge on her father? Why visit agony on an innocent child?!¡±

    Sir Zheng had only responded with¡ªthe crimes of the father are the sins of the daughter. It was a fundamental disagreement in principles, and it wasn¡¯t something that arguments could resolve.

    A yearter, Pang Xiao had built up a certain level of authority in the army and turned into a killer with steady hands, even when taking life in cold blood. But whenever he thought of the little girl, a patch of tenderness would visit his stone cold heart. He¡¯d sent people to go find her, wanting to help her some. But the city of Liang had already been ravaged and looted. There was only an empty, broken shell left of her home. He¡¯d captured people to interrogate, to ascertain the girl¡¯s whereabouts, but had only learned that her foster mother had died a month prior and the girl had been missing since then.

    He¡¯d thought she was dead. A mature little girl, someone who called him ¡®Brother Beauty¡¯ in a soft, sweet voice, a child who filled him with guilt and pity, had died just like that. Soundlessly. Unnoticed. Her grievances unanswered.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that he¡¯d see her again seven yearster? She¡¯d blossomed into a beautiful flower, and caught him off guard whenever she entered his eyes.

 Chapter 54: A Tantalizing Temptress

    <h4>Chapter 54: A Tantalizing Temptress</h4>

    ?Qin Yining had no clue what kind of thoughts were running through the mind of this man beside her. After a brief moment of prayer, she rose to her feet. At that precise moment, a sickly sweet female voice traveled in from outside the temple.

    ¡°¡­of course I remember your noble stance of yesteryear. Coming back here brings up so many memories.¡±

    Qin Yining froze . In the middle of her indecision, Pang Xiao grabbed her hand and swiftly yanked her around the altar table, hiding them both behind the goddess¡¯ image. Panic and fear jolted her out of her daze, and she was about to scream for help when a hand pped over her mouth as another arm mped around her waist like a bar of steel. She waspletely enveloped into a stranger¡¯s embrace. Her face burned fiercely, and her struggles, while silent, grew even more urgent when she saw Tang Meng also hauled over in a simr fashion by the man¡¯s follower.

    The creak of the temple door¡¯s opening stilled her muted attempts, and a female voice giggled breathily, ¡°Your Majesty, look. All is as it was before.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± a weathered male voice answered her. ¡°When I traveled here and saw this divine image, I felt there was a certain seductive aura hidden within its dignified awe. I was delighted by this and couldn¡¯t help but look at it a bit longer. Who could¡¯ve known that I¡¯d run into you on my way down the mountain?¡±

    The rustling of clothes sounded, as well as a woman¡¯s startled gasp.

    ¡°Yurou, I¡¯d thought right then that the heavens had learned of my thoughts and sent a goddess to me, so that I would yearn no longer.¡±

    ¡°This consort only has a willowy figure to her name. How am I worthy of being called a goddess? But it¡¯s true that the heavens favor your noble personage, Your Majesty. You¡¯re fiercer and even stronger now after partaking Priestess Liu¡¯s celestial pill.¡± The woman¡¯s voice was cloying, yet still tantalizing. What followed was the man¡¯s happyughter and wet, sucking sounds.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face felt like it was on fire and she snuck a look through a crack between the divine image¡¯s feet. She saw a young woman sped tightly in the embrace of a tall, elderly man. White streaked his temples, and he didn¡¯t look a day under sixty, but the two were tangling lips and tongues as passionately as those half their age.

    How could Qin Yining bear to keep watching such debauchery? Her cheeks felt like they would spontaneouslybust and she whirled around¡­ only to crash into the chest of the man standing behind her. The husky fragrance of a male wafted into her nostrils, intermixed with the smell of the candles and the faint scent of herbs. It didn¡¯t smell bad, even though it¡¯d invaded her nose. She tilted her head upwards to see that the gentleman wasn¡¯t actually looking at her. His expression was clearly nervous, but tightly controlled, as he too peeked through the altar to observe what was going on.

    His stern anxiety greatly calmed Qin Yining down as well. She certainly recognized the two in front of her, especially after listening to them converse. To think that the emperor and the trampress had this sort of past! This emperor is trash enough, to think that he had lewd thoughts when looking at a holy image! And now they¡¯re doing this in front of the goddess¡­

    And yet, this was far from the depths they would go to. What the emperor and empress did next thoroughly trampled what was left of Qin Yining¡¯s moral code. The two actually undressed enough on the rush cushions to consummate their union! The woman¡¯s soft gasps and moans and the man¡¯s rough breathing barreled into Qin Yining¡¯s ears, along with the steady rhythm of impact. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole, but had to settle for covering her ears and screwing her eyes shut to try and escape the awkward situation. She silently cursed the wanton trampress and decrepit emperor a thousand, no, ten thousand times over in her heart.

    Pang Xiao lowered his head to look at the person who¡¯d buried her face in his chest. A tender smile yed on his lips, but a certain thought shed through his mind when he looked at the ludicrous pair outside. It would be a piece of cake to ughter that dog of an emperor right now! His mind sped swiftly through calctions of gains and losses, but he extinguished his desire. A living useless emperor was much more useful to Great Zhou than a dead useless one.

    The storm soon reached its climax and started winding down. Soon all that could be heard was the woman cutely sighing over the emperor¡¯s ferocity and strength. The two continued theirnguid affections a bit longer before putting on their clothes and leaving together.

    Qin Yining finally came back to herself after the temple doors shut and all grew still. She frantically backed out of the young man¡¯s embrace as a hotly blushing Tang Meng ran over to her. Her big eyes were dewy and she looked ready to burst into tears. Qin Yining grabbed her hand and ran off in a panic, not daring to look at the foreign man standing stock still where he was.

    Tang Meng led Qin Yining to a quiet corner behind arge tree. Both of their faces were still burning fiercely and neither of them could find words. After a moment, Tang Meng¡¯s rage overcame her embarrassment as she spat out through gritted teeth, ¡°How can that trash emperor and trampress be so ludicrous?! He¡¯s going to end up bing the downfall of the nation! How can the trampress have such a strong life-force and make my entire family pay the price instead?! Why doesn¡¯t the heavens strike her down with a bolt of lightning?!¡± She started sobbing as she railed.

    Qin Yining hastily wiped at the girl¡¯s tears. Comforting words were nothing but feeble excuses in such moments. How would mere words attempt to soothe away the devastation of one¡¯s entire family n being ughtered? Tang Meng may look jovial and forthright at first nce, but she hid an enormous amount of pain and anguish inside. Qin Yining murmured words offort for a long time until Tang Meng¡¯s tears slowly stopped flowing. ¡°I can only begin to imagine your pain, but we are always visited by hardships and obstacles in life. Regret, hate, even nostalgia, they only keep us entangled in the past. As cruel as it seems, looking forward is the only way to keep moving. You¡¯ll always stay by my side from now on, as part of my family. I won¡¯t leave you behind. We¡¯ll have each other.¡±

    Tang Meng was so touched by Qin Yining¡¯s sincere words that she wanted to cry again. She sniffled loudly before forcing a smile on her lips. ¡°Miss, I know you have the kindest heart.¡±

    Qin Yining tucked stray strands of hair behind Tang Meng¡¯s ears. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to change your name though, and Run too. Why don¡¯t you two talk about it over the next two days? I haven¡¯t read much, so I can¡¯t think of any pretty sounding names. Pick one you two like.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back and discuss this with big sister Run. But mine is easy.¡± Tang Meng¡¯s eyes rolled rapidly. ¡°Call me Bingtang.¡±

    ¡°Bingtang, as in crystal sugar?¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Alright, this name suits you. You¡¯re definitely a sweet one to begin with. If you''re Bingtang, your days ahead will be sweet and full of happiness.¡±

    ¡°Right, sweet and full of happiness. Crystal sugar is delicious and pretty to look at. Isn¡¯t it wonderful?¡±

    The two smiled at each other, their spirits greatly lifted. ¡°Let¡¯s go down from the mountain,¡± Qin Yining reminded. ¡°We don¡¯t want the elder madame to worry. Don¡¯t tell her anything when we see her, just pretend nothing happened today.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand the importance of this.¡± The two adjusted each other¡¯s clothing and didn¡¯t leave until everything looked exactly as it was before.

    They say Bao-mama peering up the mountain as they reached its foot. The old servant seemed to be relieved of an enormous burden when she saw the two girls happilying back hand-in-hand. ¡°You¡¯re back, miss. Come into the carriage to warm up.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Bao-mama. Grandmother must have waited for a while? I was looking around with Miss Tang and took some more time than I thought I would.¡± The two came to the carriage and stepped on the redcquer footstool to hop in. The duchess was smiling merrily in the center seat. Qin Yining picked some lighthearted topics of no importance and started a conversation about their sightseeing.

    When the topic had been exhausted, the duchess asked gently, ¡°Did you meet anyone just now?¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained the same expression on her face. ¡°Just a young, married woman in the distance. We didn¡¯te face to face though.¡±

    The duchess nodded and thought for a bit, but said nothing after she nced at Tang Meng. Qin Yining understood that the duchess might¡¯ve recognized the empress and wanted to tell her that this august personage had been at the nunnery. But her grandmother didn¡¯t want to make Tang Meng sad, so she just swallowed her words. How would the duchess even dream that they¡¯d seen that awkward thing in the temple just now? She¡¯d even heard the imperial couple¡¯s conversation and learned that the emperor was taking pills that Priestess Liu had refined.

    All emperors and kings of old searched for the way to immortality, and Emperor Qinglong 1, the current Great Yan sovereign, was no exception. What surprised Qin Yining was that such a seemingly materialistic person as the priestess would be skilled in the pill refining arts as well. She is truly unfathomable! She still wasn¡¯t sure whether the priestess was truly a disreputable merchant or if it was all just an act, much less how wide the priestess¡¯ of connections were. Which of her arts are real, and which are just a sham?

    The carriage took Tang Meng back to the Cloudsoar Inn first before sending Qin Yining back to the Qin Manor. After Qin Yining bid farewell to her grandmother, she opted to visit Steward Zhong before returning home. She had him prepare 1,600 taels of silver and deliver them to Celestial Nunnery to Priestess Liu.

    The steward was taken aback by therge sum. ¡°This is extortion!¡± He felt a sh of guilt. After all, his miss had been dragged into this matter only because he¡¯d gone and asked her for help. There had been risk enough in going to the Ning Manor, but now she had to pay such arge sum for Tang Meng to resume secr life.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Money is earned to be spent. We just need to make sure that we spend all of our money in proper pursuits. Miss Tang is a living person. There¡¯s no reason that she¡¯s not worthy of this expenditure. And to use something the Duchess of Ding said, this is just umting good karma for myself.¡±

    ¡°You are gracious, miss, and kind and benevolent too. Life will do you a good turn in the future.¡± Steward Zhong personally oversaw the orders for this matter and escorted Qin Yining back to the Qin manor.

    Dusk had fallen by the time she returned, almost curfew. Qin Yining took a wax-papered carriage to the inner doors and made directly for Garden of Loving Piety. Qin-mama and Jixiang were chatting in hushed voices in a covered hallway on the wings of thepound. They walked up with happy greetings when they saw Qin Yining.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, Fourth Miss. The old dowager was just worrying about you, especially since the roads aren¡¯t safe at night. She was afraid that something had kept you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault to have caused the old dowager to worry over me. Has she rested for the night?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, please do go in, miss.¡± Qin-mama led the girl inside, sending a runner inside while helping Qin Yining out of her cape.

    When they received the old dowager¡¯s permission, Qin Yining entered the inner room and curtsied. ¡°Old Dowager, your granddaughter has returned. We were dyed because the roads aren¡¯t very good. It¡¯s my fault for causing you worry.¡±

    The old dowager was wearing a dark green, lightweight jacket and sitting cross-legged on the bed. She took two breaths of the pipe before responding. ¡°What could possibly happen to you when you were with your maternal grandmother? It was just me worrying needlessly. Did everything go well today?¡±

    ¡°Everything went well.¡± Qin Yining purposefully ignored the tones of jealousy in the old dowager¡¯s words. ¡°Have you eaten dinner? Did you eat well?¡±

    The old dowager flicked at the small tobo pouch hanging off the pipe and sighed. ¡°No, how could I have eaten anything?¡±

    Qin Yining looked curiously at Qin-mama, a silent question in her eyes.

    1. His title means a grand and prosperous emperor.

 Chapter 55: Iâ€™ll Help You If You Donâ€™t Dare

    <h4>Chapter 55: I¡¯ll Help You If You Don¡¯t Dare</h4>

    Qin-mama nced at her mistress first, and when the old dowager didn¡¯t show any signs of disapproval, asked the fourth miss to follow her to the side. ¡°Miss Huining fought with the senior madame over what Bao-mama said when the mama came for you today. Both of them argued fiercely, and left very angered. Senior Madame is crying sadly in Garden of Tranquility, and Miss Huining is quite aggrieved here as well. Old Dowager spent her dayforting the two of them and being caught in the middle. As a result, she didn¡¯t eat much today.¡± The mama sighed at this point. ¡°Bao-mama really shouldn¡¯t have jabbed at Miss Huining in front of so many. Girls have thin skin, how could she have endured all that? The old dowager is quite saddened by Miss Huining¡¯s fit as well.¡±

    Even subtly, this was a criticism of the duchess. In actuality, if Qin Huining had been a mature girl, she wouldn¡¯t have thrown a temper tantrum no matter how much the mama had embarrassed her. It was the Qin family who hadn¡¯t taught their children well, but they were ming others instead. How would a family¡¯s children show off superiorposure if one didn¡¯t focus on their upbringing? And what dreamer would think that life would always be smooth and unobstructed?

    And yet, Qin-mama was only saying what she was because she held a different perspective. A son didn¡¯tment on the faults of his father. In the same vein, Qin Yining wasn¡¯t willing to criticize her elders and even less willing to talk ill of someone behind their back. She merely frowned with concern. ¡°Old Dowager is of an age where maintenance of good health is of primary importance. Skipping a meal and harboring angry dejection, how will your body bear up under all this stress?¡±

    She walked up to the old dowager. ¡°Old Dowager, I know of your difficulties in today¡¯s matter. I may not have read many books, but I know of one thing.¡± She picked up the still warm, white porcin covered bowl. It housed the milk steeped bird¡¯s nest that Qin-mama had just instructed the servants to make. Qin Yining brought a spoonful next to the old dowager¡¯s mouth. ¡°Your children and grandchildren all have their own destinies. Please focus on your health, Old Dowager. You are the guidingpass needle for the Qin n. With you healthy, my father, second uncle, third uncle, and all my various male cousins don¡¯t need to worry about the inner residence when they¡¯re hard at work outside; while the womenfolk have a pir of support with you holding down the fort.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s limpid eyes overflowed with friendliness and the love of a child for her family. The old dowager¡¯s heart softened at the tender tone of these gentle words. She hadn¡¯t had any appetite before, but cheered up enough to eat a few spoonfuls after Qin Yining¡¯s cajoling. Qin-mama smiled at the sight and immediately fetched a silk towel and warm water, standing ready on the side.

    ¡°You¡¯re the matriarch of our family, Old Dowager. Your body isn¡¯t just yours, but rather the entire Qin n¡¯s. Not only do you need to remain in good health for your own sake, but for the entire family as well. Even me, I¡¯ve just returned home and know nothing of anything, so I will need much guidance from you in the future, to say nothing of anything else.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s soft tone was a soothing balm on the old dowager¡¯s heart, helping the matriarch finish the bowl of bird¡¯s nest before she knew it.

    Qin-mama nimbly came over to help her mistress rinse her mouth. ¡°Fourth Miss speaks quite rightly. Your children and grandchildren all have their own destinies, mistress. You are a forefather and great matriarch of the family. Why not just see part of a matter and ignore the rest? Don¡¯t trouble yourself so. You toiled on behalf of this family when you were young, and now that the elder senior master has a bright and smooth career that brings glory to the family, it¡¯s time for you to enjoy what you have reaped, mistress. Why not be kinder to yourself?¡±

    Perhaps her spirits had taken a turn for the better after eating, or perhaps Qin Yining¡¯s words had some use. Whatever it was, the old dowager broke into her first genuine smile after an afternoon of depression. She sighed, slightly happier. ¡°Forget it, you¡¯re right.¡±

    The mama¡¯s respect for Qin Yining grew a bit higher when she saw the change in her mistress. She couldn¡¯t help but speak up on behalf of the fourth miss. ¡°In this servant¡¯s eyes, the fourth miss really is quite simr to the lord when he was young. Do you remember, mistress, when you were sick and the lord had just turned ten? He didn¡¯t rest all night and stayed by your side, helping you with your medicine. He wouldn¡¯t go back no matter what I said to him and insisted on keeping youpany, finally falling asleep by the side of the bed when dawn broke.¡±

    The cozyntern light softened Qin Yining¡¯s features. The old dowager had liked how the girl looked to begin with, since Qin Yining resembled her eldest son. The mama¡¯s words drew her deep into her memories of how filial the child Qin Huaiyuan had been, and the contented bliss of being taken care of by a child was subconsciously projected onto Qin Yining as well. She put her arm around the girl and gently patted Qin Yining¡¯s back. ¡°Good girl. Your father was a good child, and you are very much like him in that. But you¡¯ve suffered so much in the past, and grandmother spoke some ugly words when I was angry. They made you sad, didn¡¯t they?¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but smile at those words, her eyes growing hot. No matter how the old dowager would treat her in the future, she could feel that in this moment, the family matriarch was treating her with genuine familial love.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, grandmother.¡± She changed her form of address as well. ¡°We¡¯re family, and I¡¯m your granddaughter. However you educate me is for my own good, so how would I be sad?¡±

    ¡°Good girl.¡± The old dowager settled her arm more firmly around Qin Yining and stroked her back, likeforting a child. ¡°Grandmother will dote on you well from now on and make up for all those lost years. What do you say?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s enough that I can stay by grandmother¡¯s side and keep youpany.¡± Qin Yining snuggled further into the old dowager¡¯s embrace. The atmosphere was quite warm inside the house, and even the candle¡¯s me seemed to dance in happiness. Qin-mama seemed infected by the happiness flowing between grandmother and granddaughter as even she smiled in contentment.

    However, before the magical moment could continue further, a shrill scream shattered the peaceful happiness.

    ¡°Help! Anyone! Miss Huining ismitting suicide!¡±

    The old dowager almost fell off the bed. ¡°What?! Did you hear them?! Darling Hui ismitting suicide?!¡±

    Qin-mama privately cursed the person screaming outside and hastilyforted the old dowager. ¡°Don¡¯t panic, mistress. This servant will go take a look.¡±

    ¡°No no no! I really heard that! Darling Hui is taking her own life!¡± The old dowager scrambled off the bed in a panic and started to run outside without even thinking about her shoes.

    Qin Yining chased after her with shoes in hand. ¡°Grandmother, please put your shoes on first. I¡¯ll help you over.¡±

    Qin-mama was quick enough to grab some thickly furred outerwear for the old dowager while Qin Yining put some shoes on the old dowager, and joined her in helping the old dowager out. Jixiang and Ruyi came running over with a serving girl holding antern. The group sped along the covered hallway to Qin Huining¡¯s rooms.

    The maids¡¯ sobbing, begging pleas rang out before they reached the door. ¡°Miss, don¡¯t do anything foolish!¡±

    ¡°Think of the old dowager, you still have the old dowager!¡±

    ¡°Miss, this only makes your enemies rejoice and your family sorrow!¡±

    What ¡®family¡¯? What ¡®enemies¡¯? Was this trying to persuade someone toe to their senses or adding fuel to the me?! Qin-mama¡¯s expression was dark and she looked questioningly at the old dowager. Her mistress¡¯ expression wasn¡¯t that pleasant either.

    The doors to the warmed residence were thrown open, clearly framing the sight of Qin Huining standing on a ckcquer garden stool. She was grasping white damask silk 1 in her hands and on her tiptoes, trying to put her head through the loop. Cai-mama, Bitong, Bitao, and the other maids were grasping at her legs, feet, and kowtowing in front of their miss. Sobbing, begging, and sniffling sounds filled the air,pleting the utterly chaotic scene.

    ¡°And what¡¯s all this about?!¡± The old dowager trembled in her anger. ¡°Granddaughter Hui, get down from there right now!¡±

    ¡°I, I have no face to keep on living! Grandmother, just let me go!¡± Qin Huining¡¯s cheeks were a mess of tears. Wet streaks stained her clothes as well. ¡°I lost so much face today and mother refuses to acknowledge me now. My heart is broken beyond hope! Grandmother, I am an unfilial granddaughter, so just let me go!¡±

    ¡°Go where?! You¡¯re a miss of the Qin family, where on earth do you want to go?! Get down from there!¡± The old dowager was both angry and pained as she barked at the servants. ¡°You there, why aren¡¯t you helping your mistress down yet?!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Cai-mama, Bitong, and Bitao scrambled to their feet. Having reached her goal, Qin Huining let her body soften, falling onto Bitong and Cai-mama. The two exerted a great deal of effort to ensure that Qin Huining wasn¡¯t injured, the aches and bruises that appearedter on their own bodies bearing testament to how much care they took. Nheless, in the moment, Bitao took hold of her miss¡¯ hands. ¡°Miss, hurry and get up so that the old dowager isn¡¯t distressed.¡±

    Qin Huining flung aside the maid¡¯s hands and slumped on her knees, holding onto the old dowager¡¯s thigh as she sobbed. ¡°Grandmother, why did you tell them to save me? Just let me die!¡±

    The matriarch frowned. Although she was distressed for Qin Huining, she was also angered by the girl¡¯s methods of getting attention. ¡°Granddaughter Hui, what¡¯s the meaning of this continued temper tantrum!? Your father has just been made Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent and it¡¯s a time of great joy at home. Who are you trying to curse in this way?!¡±

    Qin Huining raised her head violently and looked incredulously at the old dowager. Her grandmother¡¯s brows were tightly knit together in an angry frown. ¡°I know you¡¯re going through a lot right now, but you should be more mature about it all. Don¡¯t you know your mother¡¯s character? Why did you set her off like that? Can¡¯t grandmother¡¯s love soothe over the uneasiness and envy in your heart?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it...¡± Qin Huining covered her face as she cried, using her hands to hide the rictus of disdain on her face. Like I thought, even the old dowager doesn¡¯t care about me anymore.

    ¡°That¡¯s not it? Then what¡¯s this in front of me? You live in my residence but cause me pain by trying tomit suicide. What is this, but a disy of resentment!?¡± The old dowager loved Qin Huining most of all after all, so she couldn¡¯t bear to lecture the girl any further. But a ready target presented itself in those who served Qin Huining. ¡°N¨¦e Cai, you¡¯re her wet nurse. She may be acting out, but what about you?! Your mistress hung damask silk over the beams, and you didn¡¯t bother stopping her?! Clinging onto her thighs and crying like a useless child, exactly who are you putting on a show for?! I might as well hang you up there instead!¡±

    The color drained from Cai-mama¡¯s face as she repeatedly kowtowed in fear. ¡°This servant failed in her duties, this servant would never dare.¡±

    A vein throbbed in the old dowager¡¯s forehead as her emotions caused her hands to tremble again.

    ¡°Qin-mama, help grandmother back for now,¡± Qin Yining, finally stepping up from behind the old dowager, spoke when she saw the tremors in her grandmother¡¯s figure. ¡°Don¡¯t let anger harm grandmother¡¯s body. Miss Huining has always been a mature one, this is just an impulsive act. I¡¯ll talk some sense into her, and I¡¯m sure she¡¯lle to her senses soon.¡±

    The mama nodded,pletely at ease leaving the situation in Qin Yining¡¯s hands, and coaxed the old dowager back to her own rooms. The old dowager wasn¡¯t feeling well at all as she was escorted back, but was given some peace of mind when she saw how Qin Yining was giving Qin Huining a way out.

    That left only the sniffling Qin Huining and kneeling Cai-mama, Bitong, and Bitao in the room after the old dowager¡¯s departure. Qin Yining snorted derisively. ¡°Crying, throwing a tantrum, and then threatening a suicide. Qin Huining, do you fancy yourself a stage actress? What, did you think things have been a tad too peaceful at home?¡±

    ¡°And who the hell do you think you are?! Get out!¡± Qin Huining bounded to her feet with bloodshot eyes, ready to push Qin Yining away. But Qin Yining¡¯s hand blurred, closing around Qin Huining¡¯s slender neck in a sh!

    ¡°You wanted to die? Then why don¡¯t I help you along!?¡±

 Chapter 56: Returning In Style

    <h4>Chapter 56: Returning In Style</h4>

    Qin Huining scrabbled at Qin Yining¡¯s wrist with both hands and tried peeling off thetter¡¯s fingers. But Qin Yining¡¯s hand was like a metal mp, no amount of force loosened her grip in the slightest. Qin Huining was starting to have trouble breathing as her throat remained constricted. She rasped out, ¡°What are you still standing there for? Help me! Get someone!¡±

    Cai-mama and Bitao were scared silly by Qin Yining¡¯s forceful move. Their mistress¡¯ shrieks brought them back to themselves and they came up to rip Qin Yining away. However, Qin Yining had umted quite a bit of authority and only needed to send them a freezing re to make them shudder. Bitong didn¡¯t even dare take a step forward.

    Qin Yining flung the other girl away disdainfully. Qin Huining¡¯s knees weakened and she fell to the ground, clutching her neck and hacking loudly.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t youck the face to keep living? The old dowager is benevolent, but I¡¯m a barbarian used to blood and gore. If you¡¯re afraid to take your life because of the pain, I can help send you on your way.¡± Qin Yining was speaking with utmost tenderness, but the words she was voicing were horrifying.

    For a second just now, Qin Huining knew that any struggles were pointless if the other girl truly wanted to kill her. She¡¯d be dead before she could summon any help. And who would believe that the grand preceptor¡¯s daughter could be a murderer? The other Qin family members would just gloss over this matter out of concern for Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s reputation! When had Qin Huining¡¯s position in the Qin family be so precarious?! It was just a matter of wealth and glory anymore, but that her very life was grasped in another¡¯s hands!

    Qin Yining smiled when she finally saw fear blossom on the foster girl¡¯s face. ¡°Afraid now, aren¡¯t you? Qin Huining, listen carefully to everything I say next. Your attempt tomit suicide has likely traveled throughout the entire manor by now, and will probably bemon gossip for all aristocratic households within the city for the next month. I won¡¯t hesitate to hang you up if you dare try anything in the future. Given your prior history ofmitting suicide, everyone will think you¡¯re just up to your old tricks again.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at the beam, then at Qin Huining. She reached out hoisted Cai-mama up with a single hand, hefting the old servant like she was a pack of potatoes. The mama¡¯s feet were off the ground, her eyes wide with shock. Qin Yining set her down with a smile and continued in the face of Qin Huining¡¯s terrified look. ¡°Do you see that? I¡¯m not joking with you. I still have the strength to hang you up there. Just try provoking mother again so that she loses face in front of her inws, or disturbing the peace at home. We¡¯ll see then who¡¯s faster, people to save you or me choking you first and then hanging you on a beam.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ste. You can rest now.¡± She patted Qin Huining¡¯s shoulder and left.

    Qin Huining was petrified where she was, staring fixedly at the door. Cai-mama was patting her chest and murmuring, ¡°Is she even human? Is she even human...¡±

    Bitong¡¯s head was lowered as she thought over Steward Zhong¡¯s instructions. The fear and despair in her eyes deepened further. Qin Huining remained quiet for a very long time before suddenly exploding in a shriek and destroying everything in the room in a fit of fury.

    Qin Yining had gone to look in on the old dowager again and returned to Snowpear Courtyard when she confirmed that nothing was amiss with the matriarch¡¯s body after all of that.

    The next day was when the crown prince would pay a formal visit to the grand preceptor and host a banquet for his teacher. The manor stirred to action before the sun even rose. Steward Zhong also sent over a certificate from the Central Taoist Registry via Jin-mama of the kitchens early that morning. She came with a message. ¡°The silver has been delivered and the two girls amply prepared for.¡±

    Qin Yining started and smiled. ¡°Thank you for making a trip, mama.¡± She handed over a heavy pouch embroidered with the character for good fortune. ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you lots in the future, so please take this token of appreciation.¡±

    ¡°Aiyo, miss you¡¯re the owner, there¡¯s no need to be so polite.¡± Jin-mama responded with all sorts of reasons to turn down the pouch.

    ¡°We¡¯re all family, so why stand on ceremony? Unless, mama, you think too little of me?¡± Jin-mama finally epted the pouch when Qin Yining pretended to be angry. They exchanged yet more pleasantries before the old servant took her leave. Qin Yining returned to nibbling on the bird¡¯s nest that the kitchen had sent and pursed her lips while she made some ns. She gave some orders to Qiulu with a smile. ¡°Clean out a side room off of my bedroom. Make sure it¡¯s amply stocked with all necessities and decorations.¡±

    Qiulu nodded and went about her duties, while Qin Yining took Yaoqin and Yuqi, the maids that her father had just given to her, to pay her respects at Garden of Loving Piety.

    All was calm at the matriarch¡¯s residence today. It seemed that yesterday¡¯s news of Qin Huining¡¯s suicide attempt had yet to spread.

    N¨¦e Sun, the second and third madame all headed for the outer residence to oversee the matters of weing the crown prince and the banquet. The old dowager was speaking with the girls in Garden of Loving Piety. Everyone had turned out splendidly. They would be greeting the crown prince when the banquet started.

    Qin Yining sized up Qin Huining and noticed that thetter was wearing a high cored jacket today, one that was just high enough to cover the marks on her neck. She¡¯d used a suitable amount of powder to hide the n¨¦e Sun-gifted, swollen redness of her cheek, and was sitting next to the sixth miss. She seemed rather subdued. It looks like Qin Huining¡¯s the sort that only cooperates after violence. A p is more useful than a hundred lines of earnest concern. She spared the foster girl no further thought since Qin Huining was behaving herself. Qin Yining joined the other girls in amusing the old dowager.

    At the fifth hour of the day, the hour of the dragon, a serving girl reported, ¡°The crown prince has arrived and ismencing the disciple ceremony in the front yard.¡±

    At forty five minutes into the hour of the dragon, another runner came in. ¡°The crown prince, the lord, and various masters have gone to the study.¡±

    It was now the sixth hour of the day, the hour of the snake. 1 A merry Jixiang hade back from a quick check on the situation outside. ¡°Old Dowager, the crown prince, three elder masters, and the younger masters have gone to tour the gardens in the back. Senior Madame says the banquet is ready and can start at noon. You and the misses can set out for the Flower Hall now.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡± The old dowager nodded with great spirits and inspected the miss¡¯ outfits again. Only fifteen minutes had passed when a serving girl came tearing in from outside, firing off rapidly from the covered hallway, ¡°Old Dowager! Miss Huining¡¯s maids Bitong and Xiao¡¯ai startled the crown prince in the gardens just now. The lord has already thrown the two out and has given orders for Miss Huining to be locked in the woodshed. He will be questioning herter.¡±

    Qin Huining surged to her feet with eyes wide with shock. She looked pleadingly at the old dowager. ¡°What¡¯s, what¡¯s going on? Bitong isn¡¯t with me today because it¡¯s that time of the month. I told her to rest because she was feeling ufortable. Why would she run into the gardens at the back and even startle the crown prince...¡±

    The old dowager frowned and spoke to Qin-mama. ¡°Lujuan, go find out what¡¯s happened.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The mama rushed out.

    Qin Yining cast her eyes downward, taking a sip of the warm tea. It was bitter when first hitting the pte, buting back around with a refreshing taste. Good tea. The girls had all been excited about the banquet at noon but were now on tenterhooks, particrly Qin Huining. Her face was ghastly white and sweat poured down as she frantically guessed what had happened. Why would father want to lock her in the woodshed? Qin-mama returned after a while.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Her expression was quite ugly. ¡°This servant has found out everything. Bitong and Xiao¡¯ai didn¡¯t know that the lord was touring the gardens with the other masters and the crown prince. Both of them had some free time today and were gossiping in the rear of the artificial mountain. The entire entourage heard their conversation. They said... said...¡±

    ¡°Said what? Speak clearly!¡± The old dowager frowned.

    ¡°I brought the lord¡¯s body servant Qitai. He can make a full report.¡±

    ¡°Get him in here!¡±

    Qitai was thirty some years old and had served Qin Huaiyuan for a long time. He was loyal and quick-witted. He didn¡¯t enter the inner room, just knelt outside the divider of magpies alighting on plum blossoms. The girls could see his faint silhouette on the other side. ¡°...the crown prince and our masters were strolling along when they heard two girls chattering. The girls said that the fourth miss is an idiot short on brains because she didn¡¯t even know that she¡¯d been framed by someone else. The maid who stole the old dowager¡¯s bracelet was set up by Bitong, who received her orders from Miss Huining. They also said that the old dowager was an easy one to manipte as she threw out the fourth miss¡¯ maid just like that.

    ¡°This servant was right behind our lord and the crown prince. I heard everything clearly, so the crown prince must have as well. He didn¡¯t say anything, but our lord¡¯s expression was quite ugly. He strongly censured the two girls gossiping and was kind enough to not kill them. He just threw them out of the manor.¡±

    It was deathly silent inside. Everyone was looking at Qin Yining and Qin Huining. No wonder the lord wanted to lock Qin Huining up in the woodshed! She¡¯d set up Qin Yining¡¯s maid! This had even been revealed in front of the crown prince, and was a case of a foster girl plotting against the official daughter! What kind of ugly gossip would this give rise to when it spread? There would definitely be those who said that Grand Preceptor Qin can¡¯t even keep his own house in order, how would he be suitable to indirectly be the world¡¯s teacher via the crown prince?

    The old dowager¡¯s face was a blotchy purple in her anger. She viciously threw out her brass pipe and the apanying tobo pouch hanging off the stem. It smashed right into Qin Huining¡¯s shoulder, making her break into tears after a cry of pain.

    ¡°How dare you cry?! Come, shut Qin Huining in the woodshed. No one may visit her without the senior elder master¡¯s permission!¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager, I didn¡¯t, I really didn¡¯t! This is a setup! Someone¡¯s framing me!¡±

    ¡°You stille up with excuses even at a time like this! Take her away, take her away!!¡± The old dowager pounded the table angrily. Strong granny servants came in and pped their hands over Qin Huining¡¯s mouth, dragging her outside.

    Silence stretched on inside the house. Many of them hadughed at Qin Yining for failing to discipline her people after Run had been caught for stealing. Some had even gone further to say that Qin Yining was the reason why her servants had ended up crooked. Now that the truth hade out, they all felt a bit awkward when they looked at Qin Yining. More servants reported from outside at this time, ¡°Old Dowager, the Duchess of Ding has gifted two maids to the fourth miss.¡±

    Jixiang entered with the two new maids with a curious expression on her face. When everyone took a look at the maids, they once again looked back at Qin Yining. The old dowager pointed at one of them with surprise. ¡°Aren¡¯t you Run?¡±

    ¡°This servant is Sonn and greets Old Dowager, Fourth Miss.¡± Rui¡ªSonn curtsied with a smile.

 Chapter 57: A Lesson

    <h4>Chapter 57: A Lesson</h4>

    Although the old dowager was slightly biased, she definitely wasn¡¯t a fool. It was easy enough for her to realize what was going on Did Qin Yining do all this? She looked questioningly at the girl.

    Qin Yining responded with a docile smile, tacitly admitting her role. The old dowager didn¡¯t know what to think. She¡¯d thought she weed a puppy back home, but these past few days had revealed a wolf cub, not a puppy. But now that she¡¯d watched Qin Yining for a bit, she had faith in the strength of the girl¡¯s character. It was rather Qin Huining¡¯s various actions that really did make her seem like someone who¡¯d do something like this. The old dowager also trusted Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s judgment. She may overlook things sometimes, but her son would never be hoodwinked. But what had Qin Yining done to make things progress in this fashion?

    Had those maids really been coincidentally speaking behind the artificial mountain? Yet no matter what Qin Yining had done to orchestrate this, she¡¯d given a firm p in the face to those who¡¯d once mocked her. How was she the one setting a crooked tone? Who was the one framing the official daughter¡¯s maid, hmm? Who was it that said Qin Yining couldn¡¯t even protect her own maids and was an easy target for others to bully? So, if not Run, who was openly standing here in front of everyone?

    Not only had Run¡ªnow Sonn,e back safe and unharmed, but she was now even on the Duke of Ding¡¯s payroll. Her status was now higher than all the Qin maids. What was this if not protecting her servants? All of the girls present were carefully turning over the matter in their minds. If this had happened to them, they may not have been able to bring the framed maid back, let alone like this. In fact, their maids might¡¯ve died just from the initial beating of nks when the crime was first discovered. Shock rippled through the room as their eyes held a bit more respect when ncing at Qin Yining.

    After Sonn curtsied, a petite thirteen year old girl stepped forward to make her curtsey. She was a cute little thing, wearing a corless pale-pink long sleeve wrap dress, perfectly offsetting her apple cheeks. She spoke crisply, ¡°This servant is Bingtang and wishes good health to the old dowager and various misses.¡±

    ¡°Bingtang.¡± The old dowager had recovered her poise by now, but her voice was still a tad dry. She had her own suspicions about the identity of this particr maid. ¡°Your name is rather sweet. What did you used to be called?¡±

    ¡°In response to the old dowager, this servant used to be surnamed Tang.¡± Bingtang smiled in response.

    The old dowager and misses instantly understood the situation. This was why Qin Yining had been grounded in the ancestral hall. Miss Tang¡¯s identity was far more prestigious than Sonn¡¯s!

    ¡°Please rise, Miss Tang. There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony.¡± The old dowager was well aware of the Clearists¡¯ actions. This was the person they¡¯d tried so hard to protect not so long ago. Those mad dogs would tear her apart if the matriarch so much as put one toe over of line!

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be this way, Old Dowager.¡± Bingtang smiled. ¡°The fourth miss saved my life and it only right that I repay her with lifelong loyalty. You¡¯re the fourth miss¡¯ grandmother, so naturally my mistress as well.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s mouth twitched. She¡¯d been the matriarch of a household for half her life, but now this little girl was curtseying to her only out of consideration for Qin Yining? She massaged her temples and waved her hand, dismissing the two new maids. Taking the gesture for what it was, the two retreated and took their positions behind Qin Yining.

    The group chatted a while longer before it was time for the banquet to start. The old dowager led her granddaughters to Flower Hall, located in the outer residence. The warmth of spring beckoned them inside. They took their time circling past the great room divider right inside the door. It was decorated with paintings of five blessings descending on the house. 1 The group was then greeted by the sight of two rows of high backed, official chairs, all apanied by crimson cushions. The rows faced each other and were used for official discussions. Behind the chairs, the walls opened up to the east and west wing of the house, both separated by ckcquered, decoratively carved dividers of the four gentlemen of the flowers 2 separating the men and women.

    Crown Prince Weichi Yan was wearing a brocade robe of electrifying purple, replete with a small crown of purple gold nestled in his hair. His belt had the imprint of bamboo segments and was finished with a jade buckle. His schrly aura was intermixed in the noble presence that he projected.

    The old dowager and girls didn¡¯t dare look at him directly. They knelt as one to pay their respects, but the crown prince quickly held out his hands and refused to let the old dowager kneel. ¡°Please rise, Honored Dowager. Please don¡¯t stand on ceremony. You¡¯re Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s mother and I but his student. Therefore, you are my elder as well.¡±

    The old dowager responded with multiple ¡®oh no¡¯s. ¡°There is much difference in our stature. This old woman wouldn¡¯t dare overstep herself.¡±

    After another round of pleasantries, Weichi Yan nced towards Qin Yining. She was currently kneeling properly with her sisters, so she didn¡¯t sense his gaze. But Qin Huaiyuan, the second and third elder masters, as well as the old dowager saw this motion clearly. The old dowager¡¯s heart sped up as the hint of a mysterious anticipation began to grow.

    Qin Yining was now a suitable match for the crown prince. If she could be his consort, the mistress of the Eastern Pce, then...

    The old dowager¡¯s hands grew mmy as her mind traveled down the roads of her imagination. But she soon shook herself loose and led the girls past the divider to the side hall on the western side. On the other hand, the men all took their leave, heading for the eastern side. With the divider and main hall separating the two groups after they were seated, not only could they not see each other, but their conversations were hard to hear as well. N¨¦e Sun, the second and third madame were all standing on the side, waiting to serve the old dowager. N¨¦e Sun¡¯splexion was pallid, and a noticeable dark ring shadowed her eyes. She obviously hadn¡¯t slept well the night before. She already knew about the matter of Qin Huining¡¯s maids by now and saw that her daughter wasn¡¯t with them. She asked the old dowager lowly, ¡°Have you already locked daughter Hui into the woodshed?¡±

    The old dowager lost all appetite when she heard this particr line of questioning. She put down the ivory chopsticks and flicked a nce at n¨¦e Sun, warning brimming in her eyes. ¡°Granddaughter Hui made a mistake of her own ord and so should be punished. Meng¡¯er has already intervened in this matter. Don¡¯t get involved.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s hands shook, almost dropping the serving chopsticks and white, porcin tter she held. What do you mean don¡¯t get involved? What do you want to do with my darling Hui?! Although the two had fought yesterday, Qin Huining had still been her daughter for fourteen years and the ties between mother and daughter were not that easily broken. N¨¦e Sun knew that the old dowager was currently right in the throes of her anger and could only smile apologetically. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. How can we lock a girl in the woodshed on a cold winter¡¯s day like this? She might get sick!¡±

    Qin Yining had already put down her chopsticks by now and rinsed her mouth. She had turned her attention to n¨¦e Sun, but stayed silent. None of the girls were really eating lunch either. They were just all putting on a masterful act of conveying food to mouth as they concentrated on their ears to try and make out the conversation between n¨¦e Sun and the old dowager.

    The matriarch waved her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this now.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun wanted to speak further, but the second and third madame nked her right then, quietly reminding her, ¡°We know that you¡¯re concerned about your daughter, sister-inw, but you should wait until everything has calmed down somewhat. The crown prince is still here.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun weighed her situation, but reluctantly pursed her lips, staying silent.

    The entire family went to send off the crown prince after the banquet had concluded, tea had been served, and the disciple ceremony had beenpleted. The Qin family crowd presented quite a sight as they saw the crown prince out the door. Weichi Yan was still wearing his cloak of snow-white fur. Thebination of brilliant white and dazzling purple made him appear regal and opulent. He stood next to the carriage and made the bow of a student to a teacher when he bid Qin Huaiyuan farewell. The grand preceptor returned a bow of a subject to his liege.

    Under the care of his attendants, Weichi Yan climbed into the carriage adorned with tassels made of eight treasures. He lifted the window curtain to nod respectfully at the Qin men and then cast his nce on the single spot of red in the crowd ofdies. Apart from the third madame¡¯s rose-red cape, the only other red was Qin Yining¡¯s crimson brocade cape lined with white rabbit fur. This dash of color was particrly eye-catching amidst the gathering of greens and floral prints. Although he couldn¡¯t see the girl¡¯s features clearly, Weichi Yan had already mentally traced out her smile and dimples. He felt his ears and cheeks begin to burn again and quickly pull forward down the curtains, giving orders for the carriage to be on its way.

    The crown prince¡¯sst nce had not gone unnoticed by any of thedies present. But because of the distance between them and the carriage, they hadn¡¯t been able to tell exactly who he was looking at. Qin Yining didn¡¯t feel that she was close enough to the crown prince to be bidding each other farewell with their eyes, so she didn¡¯t think much of it. However, the seventh miss next to Qin Yining was blushing furiously. She slowly rxed her unconsciously tensed back and neck from a moment ago.

    Was the crown prince looking at me? The seventh miss had snuck a nce at him when she¡¯d knelt in greeting before lunch. He¡¯d happened to be looking her way when she lifted her head, and she¡¯d looked back down in hurried panic. But she had felt his gaze linger for a long time on her. The crown prince must have been looking at her just now! None of her other sisters had crossed paths with the crown prince, only she had almost met his gaze when making her greeting. The crown prince was so genteel and refined, and so very noble and regal. The emperor had only one son, so the crown prince was the undisputed choice to inherit the nation. The seventh miss¡¯ heart began pounding when her thoughts carried her off in flights of imagination.

    When everyone headed inside, the eighth miss saw the seventh miss remaining where she was, off in a daze with a red face. She couldn¡¯t help but ask anxiously, ¡°Are you alright, seventh sister? Have you caught a cold? Why are your cheeks so red?¡±

    ¡°Ah. Eh, it¡¯s nothing.¡± The seventh miss patted her cheeks once or twice before following the others back to the inner residence.

    Such a grave matter happening during the crown prince¡¯s tour of the rear gardens had to be dealt with, and more importantly, it involved the main branch¡¯s foster and official daughter! The second and third madame didn¡¯t linger after seeing the old dowager back to Garden of Loving Piety. They all took their leave rapidly, departed with their own family members.

    N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t wait for people to walk off into the distance or for the remaining to settle down inside before she tugged on the old dowager¡¯s sleeve again. ¡°Mother, why don¡¯t we let daughter Hui out first? It¡¯d be bad if she suffered in the cold.¡±

    The old dowager disliked n¨¦e Sun¡¯s little princess act of being wholly ignorant of worldly affairs the most. One could make the case that it was an endearing trace of the innocence of youth when she was in her teens. But one could only barely make the argument that n¨¦e Sun was one who maturedter in life in her twenties and thirties. At this moment, in her forties, she still looked like she didn¡¯t understand a thing? How was this a woman worthy of the old dowager¡¯s most aplished firstborn? It was a joke to even list this person as one of their Qin daughters-inw!

    She batted away n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand disdainfully and spoke irritably. ¡°You¡¯re asking me for a favor? I haven¡¯t even asked you how you brought up your daughter! Granddaughter Yi returned to uste, and so there wasn¡¯t an opportunity to raise her properly. Thankfully, she¡¯s a mature one. But granddaughter Hui? She was by your side for fourteen years, and thisis the kind of granddaughter you¡¯ve given me?! She doesn¡¯t know her ce as the foster daughter and is actually envious of the official daughter, so she sent her maids to frame the official daughter¡¯s servants, causing thetter to lose a tremendous amount of face! Tell me, is this the kind of rules you¡¯ve taught her?!¡±

 Chapter 58: Belief and Disbelief

    <h4>Chapter 58: Belief and Disbelief</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun had always been the apple of her family¡¯s eye, and highly feted by everyone else. When had she ever suffered such censure? She lost all face in the face of the old dowager¡¯s hectoring. Her face flushed beet red as she leapt to her own defense. ¡°That¡¯s not fair, Old Dowager. You¡¯ve always said that you were the one who raised daughter Hui whenever she does something worthy of praise. You even said that you would take over looking after her to take some of the load off of my shoulders a while back. But now it¡¯s my fault that those by her side have made a mistake? I wasn¡¯t solely responsible for her upbringing!¡±

    The old dowager almost spat out a mouthful of blood in anger when she heard this self serving reasoning. How could she have ever been so blind as to think that Sun Haihan, an ignorant, stupid, almost painfully naive woman, was worthy of her marvelously talented firstborn?!

    ¡°N¨¦e Sun, is this the kind of tone a daughter-inw should take towards her mother-inw?! What do you mean by all this carrying on? I helped take care of your daughter, and not only are you not grateful to me for the help, but you me me for not teaching her well? Am I her mother or are you her mother?!¡± The old dowager was beside herself with anger and her finger shook from rage as she pointed at n¨¦e Sun. ¡°I¡¯d thought you were a bit more mature this time because you¡¯de back on your own. But you¡¯re still the same, a hopeless fool!¡±

    Tears swam in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes. Feeling attacked on all sides, she doubled down on her stance. ¡°Just tell me if you¡¯re worried about your darling granddaughter, Old Dowager! Why are you turning on me instead? So now I¡¯m a hopeless fool? It wasn¡¯t my Sun family who tried every method under the sun to secure this marriage back in the day! It was your household who sent people over to our Ding Manor to raise this matter. I don¡¯t dare say that I¡¯ve been brilliant all these years, but at the very least, Qin Meng has had a smooth career, so I brought fortune that helped my husband. How is it that you find fault in everything I do now!?¡±

    ¡°You! You!¡± The old dowager was absolutely livid. ¡°I would¡¯ve pped you into next winter if you were my daughter!¡±

    Mothers-inw could theoretically punish their daughters-inw if needed, but the noble circles wouldugh themselves silly at her if she really did raise a hand. The gossip mill would also make her out to be a horrible mother-inw if word of this managed to spread. This was why, despite almost earth shattering arguments over the years, the old dowager had neverid a single finger on her daughters-inw. However, n¨¦e Sun had gone far beyond the line today. The old dowager had been angry enough about the Qin Huining affair, and now... her eyes fluttered as her vision grew dark. The old dowager raised a hand to her head and swayed, on the verge of copsing.

    ¡°Old Dowager!¡± Qin-mama and Qin Yining quickly rushed over to support the matriarch. ¡°Are you alright? Come, let¡¯s go inside and rest.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head surreptitiously at n¨¦e Sun, silently telling the madame to refrain from speaking anymore. The fire was already burning hot, there was no point pushing herself further into it. The girl then slipped into the house alongside Qin-mama, leaving n¨¦e Sun standing outside with her fists clenched, her body shaking from suppressed emotion. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to control her temper, but it was so unfair to have her rein herself in all the time. She¡¯d been the treasured pearl of her grandmother¡¯s eye since she was a little girl, and both her parents had been loving and kind to her all her life, so when had she ever suffered from such indignity? If it wasn¡¯t for Qin Huaiyuan, she wouldn¡¯t have bothered with such a shrew of a harridan mother-inw either!

    She really wanted to stomp off just like this, but upon further thought she realized that she still had to ask after the old dowager. Otherwise, people would criticize her afterwards. Therefore, she ended up going inside as well.

    Further in, Qin Yining and Qin-mama had already helped the old dowager to bed. After making sure that her health wasn¡¯t in danger, they spoke soothingly to her, keeping their voices low and calming. N¨¦e Sun stood to the side, watching them help the old dowager out of her shoes and socks with gentle voices. The matriarch had closed her eyes and seemed disinclined to speak another word. N¨¦e Sun knew there was no use in pleading for any more leniency today. Darling Hui doesn¡¯t seem to be this kind of person. Maybe someone¡¯s stirring up trouble from the shadows and purposefully framing her.

    N¨¦e Sun decided to go to Qin Huining¡¯s quarters herself, and summoned Cai-mama for a thorough exnation. Cai-mama was Jin-mama¡¯s niece, and Jin-mama was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s wet nurse. Therefore, n¨¦e Sun felt like she was meeting one of her own when she saw n¨¦e Cai and cut straight to the point. ¡°Did daughter Hui give orders for Bitong to frame daughter Yi¡¯s maid?¡±

    ¡°Madame, how can you think that?! You know how gentle and mature Miss Huining is. She walks as carefully as one on thin ice in these days, and is so distraught that she almostmitted suicidest night. She didn¡¯t hang herself, but then the fourth miss choked her and even said that that she could help Miss Huining if the miss wanted to die but didn¡¯t have the courage to...¡± Cai-mama broke into pitiful sobs. ¡°If even you don¡¯t believe Miss Huining now, madame, then the miss will never see the light of day! Bitong is a proud one to begin with. Maybe she had some crooked thoughts and decided to harm our miss as well!¡±

    The mama snuck careful nces at n¨¦e Sun as she wiped vigorously at her tears, rxing inwardly when she saw that the senior madame probably believed her. How would the old servant possibly admit that Qin Huining really was the culprit? She¡¯d been the one who¡¯d given Qin Huining the idea in the first ce! Now that everything had blown up to this extent, Cai-mama was deathly afraid that her influence over her mistress woulde out, so she would swear to the death that Qin Huining was innocent.

    N¨¦e Sun waspletely convinced by the old servant¡¯s words, especially when she saw how resolute the mama was. She frowned when she heard how Qin Yining had treated Qin Huining. However, her impression of Qin Yining had taken a turn for the better now, so she chalked it up to exaggeration on the mama¡¯s part and didn¡¯t ask further. ¡°I believe daughter Hui then, because of what you said. But who would frame her like this? And how did Bitong and Xiao¡¯ai so coincidentally bump into the lord and crown prince passing by? This smacks of careful design no matter what.¡±

    Cai-mama rxed fully at those words, but quickly pursed her lips in feigned thought. ¡°You¡¯re a smart one, madame. Some things don¡¯t need to be spoken out loud. It¡¯s easy to see who would¡¯ve framed Miss Huining. Who¡¯s benefitted the most from all this?¡±

    Who¡¯s benefitted the most? N¨¦e Sun thought back to the matters of the day. Although she hadn¡¯t been present in the old dowager¡¯s rooms, she knew that Qin Yining had brought back two maids from the Ding Manor, and one of them was the used Run. So who¡¯d benefitted the most? Obviously Qin Yining.

    Lines crisscrossed n¨¦e Sun¡¯s forehead. She wasn¡¯t willing to believe that Qin Yining would harm Qin Huining, but her heart wavered when Cai-mama spoke of it. Just as her brains were dissolving into a bucket of glue, Qin Yining arrived at the rooms.

    ¡°So you are here, madame. I guessed that you would be.¡± Qin Yining was tailed by Bingtang, Sonn, Yaoqin, and Yuqi. N¨¦e Sun was quite busy today and so only had Caiju by her side. The maid wasn¡¯t even here at the moment. When she recalled how bereft Qin Yining had been when she¡¯d first arrived at the manor, andpared it to her entourage now, n¨¦e Sun was struck by the stark difference. Could Qin Yining really have the desire to harm others, given how good her methods are?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, mother? Why are you looking at me like this and not saying anything?¡± Qin Yining actually did have her spections as to her mother¡¯s thoughts, but she maintained a smile on her face.

    ¡°Come with me.¡± N¨¦e Sun frowned and pulled on Qin Yining¡¯s hand, making swiftly for Garden of Tranquility.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan was standing in front of a kneeling, sobbing Qin Huining. His arms were crossed as he rumbled, ¡°Speak everything you should speak of. Don¡¯t drag things out. My patience is at its limit today.¡±

 Chapter 59: Fatherâ€™s Decision

    <h4>Chapter 59: Father¡¯s Decision</h4>

    Qin Huining was feeling a sense of terror that she¡¯d never felt before. She wasn¡¯t facing her old dowager or n¨¦e Sun who could be won over by tears, tantrums, and threats of self harm, but rather her stern and awe-inspiring father instead. Qin Huaiyuan had spent many years immersed in the intrigues of court. Even the greatest of officials feared the grand preceptor¡¯s discernment, much less a fourteen year old girl like Qin Huining. She felt like knives were dissecting her whenever Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s sharp eyes swept across her. Surely every twist of her insides was on disy, and all lies revealed in their entirety. She absolutely didn¡¯t have the courage to lie to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face. But if she spoke of the truth... then her position in her family¡¯s hearts waspletely done for.

    She gritted her teeth, bowed her head, and spoke in a choked up voice. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, father. I know the fault of this matter lies with me. My wet nurse came up with an idea when she saw that I didn¡¯t get along well with sister Yi, saying that it could help rein in the fourth miss. I didn¡¯t think it through and let her handle things. I didn¡¯t think that she¡¯d frame sister Yi¡¯s maid Run for theft!¡± Qin Huining snuck a quick nce up at Qin Huaiyuan at this point, but his expression remained nomittal, nor had he even moved the slightest bit. He was like a monk lost in meditation, and she couldn¡¯t tell whether he¡¯d actually heard her. Uncertainty began to gnaw at her insides. ¡°I, I wanted to tell someone but my wet nurse had done this all for me, after all. Besides, Run was only thrown out after two smacks of the nk. It didn¡¯t seem like a big deal, and I hadn¡¯t thought that things would develop in this direction.¡±

    She began sniffling again and wiped at her tears with her sleeves, lifting her head to sneak another nce to gauge Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s reaction.

    But at that moment, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes had been fixed on her, and she met his gaze. Qin Huining¡¯s heart pounded from the fright and she almost rocked back to a sitting position.

    ¡®You didn¡¯t think all this would happen?¡±

    ¡°I really didn¡¯t. I only wanted to...¡±

    ¡°Stop. There¡¯s no need to speak further.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s tone was cool as he called out orders to Qitai standing outside. ¡°Go tell the inner residence that firstly, Miss Huining¡¯s wet nurse will be hauled outside our front doors and beaten with forty hits from nks. She will be dismissed to her old home afterwards, never to be employed in our manor again. Secondly, swap out all of Miss Huining¡¯s maids for a batch of new ones. Have the old dowager and senior madame reassign her old maids how they will, under one condition. None of them may closely serve the girls in the future.¡±

    Qin Huining stared dumbly at her father and suddenly burst into loud sobs, crawling over to cling to his sleeve. ¡°Father, you can¡¯t do this! Cai-mama and those by my side are all innocent! If you make a move against all of them, how will I be able to lift my head in the future?! Who will dare serve me? Although I¡¯m not your true daughter, I still spent many years by your side! Don¡¯t you care about my life or death anymore?!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan tugged his sleeve out of Qin Huining¡¯s hands with a flourish and frowned. ¡°Thirdly, Miss Huining made a mistake this time because of provocation from her servants. Everyone is to keep a tight lip and not gossip about this. Fourthly, Miss Huining isn¡¯t suited to live with the old dowager. She can too easily anger the elderly. Have her move to the Snowpear Courtyard. The fourth miss is to be given a new home. Clean out the Venerable Study Hall, and help the fourth miss move in so that she may more easily visit the old dowager in the future.¡±

    The Venerable Study Hall had been the small hall that Qin Huaiyuan had upied by himself when he was a child. It¡¯d originally been called the Serene Study Hall. Qin Huaiyuan had notably fair looks, so when his grandfather had still been alive, he¡¯d found fault with the original name of the hall. The old lord had been strolling in the gardens one day when he perused the board with the hall¡¯s name. ¡°What Serene Study Hall! This isn¡¯t a monastery! My eldest grandson is so handsome that he¡¯s going to have at least one wife and ten concubines in the future!¡± He¡¯d then tugged the young Qin Huaiyuan over. ¡°Comeee, recite a poem that discusses beautiful women for your grandfather.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was just a child, and had gone red from all the teasing. But he dutifully recited a portion from ¡®The Book of Odes and Hymns¡¯ that described the beauty, nobility, and refined looks of women.

    ¡°Thedy tall, her garb of brocade.... her hands as tender as new shoots, her skin lustrous and fair. Her neck slender and graceful, and her teeth clean and neat...¡±

    ¡°This poem is written for my grandson!¡± proimed the old lord. ¡°This Serene Study Hall will be called the Venerable Study Hall in the future!¡±

    Who would disregard his words? The Qin family hadn¡¯t been as prosperous back then and the manor not as big as present. The rear gardens had been an addition during an ergement renovation. However, the Venerable Study Hall had always been kept and maintained. After the old lord had sought the west on the backs of cranes 1, Qin Huaiyuan woulde sit at the study whenever he missed his grandfather.

    Qin Huining had taken a fancy to the scenery around this residence back when she was younger, and had once cutely asked her father to bestow it on her. Her father had rejected her, and then once again when she¡¯d tried again. Her grandmother hadforted her back then by reassuring her that the Venerable Study Hall was meant for the official son. She couldn¡¯t live there since she was a girl. Over time, this had slowly doused Qin Huining¡¯s desire. But now, her father was offering it to Qin Yining of his own ord! Wasn¡¯t Qin Yining a girl as well?! Why could Qin Yining live in it and not her?!

    As jealous as Qin Huining might be, now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell on it. She had to think of the unfavorable situation she was in now. Moving from Garden of Tranquility to the Snowpear Courtyard and getting rid of everyone who¡¯d once served her meant that she had absolutely nothing to her name. How would she spend the rest of her days in the future?

    ¡°Father, please! Have mercy! You can¡¯t treat me like this! Your daughter still has a life to live in the future, I¡¯ll have no face to keep living like this! You might as well give me a rope and have me hang myself!¡± Qin Huining scuttled over to once againtch onto Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s leg.

    The Qin lord took two steps back and shook his head with a frown. A girl growing up in thep of luxury by the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side had only petty schemes and plots in her empty mind, with no consideration of the greater picture at all. It seemed that she only knew to throw a tantrum when running into trouble and had no bearing to speak of whatsoever. It¡¯s apparent from this,at least, the importance of one¡¯s own children. It¡¯d been his own daughter who¡¯d inherited his bloodline after all. Although Qin Huaiyuan did have fatherly feelings for Qin Huining, he was quite dissatisfied that his biological daughter had been framed.

    As for why he and the crown prince had so coincidentally overheard Bitong by the artificial mountain... it went without saying that it¡¯d been that girl who¡¯d arranged it all. Qin Huaiyuan was both angry and amused that his daughter had made use of him in this manner. However, educating one¡¯s daughter was one thing, and punishing those with malicious thoughts was entirely another.

    ¡°Daughter Hui.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s voice was as usual. Not a single flicker could be detected as heid everything out. ¡°As my daughter, you should be well aware of what can and cannot be done. You don¡¯t need to threaten me with words of self harm. I¡¯m not the old dowager.¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s tear ducts went dry from fright. Father knew about that! She¡¯d always thought that father never involved himself in matters of the inner residence!

    ¡°Lying to others is also lying to yourself. You said it was someone by your side who did all this and made you shoulder the me. Alright, I have chosen to believe you and ordingly, dealt with those by your side. Now, it won¡¯t be because of your servants if it happens again, correct? If you have no ability to control your servants, then I must reconsider your future as well. Do as you see fit.¡± His tone never once broke form, even when delivering that enormous blow. After a moment, Qin Huaiyuan strode away.

    Qin Huining sat on the ground in a long daze. Every single one of her father¡¯s words had been a brutal p to the face. Although she hadn¡¯t been physically hit, her face quickly swelled beet red, and the resentment and begrudging feelings she harbored sunk further into her heart. She may not be his real daughter, but he still couldn¡¯t treat her like this! She¡¯d been spoiled for so many years and was now suddenly told that she wasn¡¯t the official daughter after all. Everything she¡¯d had had been taken away and given to Qin Yining, but Qin Huining was innocent in all of this!

    Although Qin Huaiyuan had given his orders to Qitai, some of those matters still had to be broached himself. Therefore, he made directly for Garden of Loving Piety after leaving the woodshed. The old dowager had almost fainted from anger just now and initially had trouble breathing. By the time Qin Huaiyuan arrived, she¡¯d slowly recovered and was leaning against the soft body cushion, sipping some ginseng soup. She revealed a happy smile when she saw Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Are you done with matters outside?¡±

    ¡°Yes. What¡¯s wrong, mother? Are you not feeling well?¡±

    ¡°Ai!¡± The old dowager sighed and ryed the fight she¡¯d had with n¨¦e Sun earlier.

    Qin Huaiyuan was silent for a bit. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother. You know of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s temper. I¡¯ll have a few words with herter.¡±

    The old dowager grew even more displeased with n¨¦e Sun when she saw that her immensely busy son still had to worry about irritating matters like this. But out of concern for her son, she wouldn¡¯t continue denouncing her daughter-inw for thetter¡¯s behavior.

    Qin Huaiyuan conveyed his decision to the old dowager, and the matriarch frowned when she heard that Qin Huining was to move to the Snowpear Courtyard. ¡°Just beat and punish her servants if they¡¯re no good. the Snowpear Courtyard is so out of the way. Just have her go back to Garden of Tranquility if she¡¯s to move out, why send her so far away?¡±

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s likely that n¨¦e Sun will get up to even more trouble if the girl goes back to Garden of Tranquility. Besides, if daughter Yi could live in the remote the Snowpear Courtyard, why can¡¯t daughter Hui do so as well?¡±

    The old dowager had no decenteback to that and could only remark with some embarrassment, ¡°Didn¡¯t we suspect granddaughter Yi¡¯s origins at that time? It was just something I said out of anger. What, am I a bad grandmother who¡¯s harsh to her granddaughters? And howe you¡¯re finally willing to give the Venerable Study Hall to someone?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t dwell on the point. Instead, he shed a smile. ¡°It¡¯s sitting empty anyways. Daughter Yi is already fourteen and wille of age in a few years. It¡¯ll be fine if an official son moves into itter.¡±

    When the conversation turned to Qin Yining, the old dowager recalled the crown prince¡¯s nce today. ¡°Is the crown prince... granddaughter Yi...¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled meaningfully. ¡°Mother, I¡¯m Grand Preceptor to the Heir Apparent now, and my status naturally not what it was before. It¡¯s not up to us anymore how my daughters marry. We¡¯ll just have to be patient and see what happens.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be our family¡¯s honor if the imperial family is willing.¡± The old dowager immediately understood her son. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing for granddaughter Yi to move to the Venerable Study Hall as well. She¡¯ll be much closer to me, and it was where you used to live and study. The studious air will be a good influence on her.¡±

    ¡°Precisely my intentions.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled slightly.

    ¡°Old Dowager, my lord, the senior madame and fourth miss are here with chicken soup that they¡¯ve prepared for the old dowager.¡± Jixiang came in smiling merrily, followed by an abashed n¨¦e Sun carrying a ckcquer, raden meal box. 2 At her side, Qin Yining politely greeted both the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan.

 Chapter 60: Words Are Not Clear If Not Explained

    <h4>Chapter 60: Words Are Not Clear If Not Exined</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s initiative in extending an olive branch, even when embarrassed,pletely exceeded the old dowager¡¯s expectations. Qin-mama had just quietly told the old dowager that n¨¦e Sun had angrily pulled Qin Yining away after speaking with Cai-mama. It¡¯d been obvious that she had been about to vent her spleen on the girl. The old dowager had already anticipated a report from her servants about the newest tantrum her daughter-inw was throwing.

    No one expected that mother and daughter woulde back smiling merrily after a short while, as if nothing unpleasant had happened at all. Qin Yining didn¡¯t seem like she¡¯d suffered a lecture at all, and n¨¦e Sun had even softened her stance enough to apologize of her own ord. The old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan were well aware of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s obdurate personality. As such, they smiled approvingly at Qin Yining together.

    ¡°Old Dowager, your daughter-inw was impulsive just now. Everything is my fault. I was just worried about my daughter, and didn¡¯t have the intention of disrespecting you. You know this to be my personality, I always regret my moments of brashness. So, I¡¯m here to offer my apologies.¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice grew drier with every word. In all fairness, it was the most conciliatory words she could bring herself to say. Qin Yining had taken the time to show her what an opportunity this was to make a good showing. At first, n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t the slightest intention of showing weakness, but it¡¯d somehow be ¡°advancing through the art of retreating¡± in her daughter¡¯s mouth. That made sense to n¨¦e Sun. Her rtionship with Qin Huaiyuan was definitely in need of repair, not further damage. It was the primary reason she¡¯d listened to Qin Yining.

    No matter what n¨¦e Sun¡¯s thoughts were, Qin Huaiyuan was satisfied that she had gone to the effort. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry mother, what would I do if you fall ill from anger? N¨¦e Sun has a quick temper and often says things she doesn¡¯t mean. She is still very filial towards you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had shown a willingness to put down her pride, and now her son was coaxing her along. The old dowager felt that she¡¯d been orded enough respect and didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for her son. ¡°You might as well rise. We¡¯re one family here, so just don¡¯t be like this in the future.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun breathed a sigh of relief and opened the ckcquer box, taking out the chicken soup. She picked up a spoon and prepared to wait on her mother-inw herself. The old dowager had just eaten ginseng soup so she was actually too full for more soup at the moment. But out of consideration for her son, she still ate enough to clear half the bowl of chicken soup.

    N¨¦e Sun could finally rxpletely at this unspoken eptance of her olive branch, and snuck a shy nce at Qin Huaiyuan. Her husband nodded expressionlessly at her, and n¨¦e Sun blushed, her heart leaping with joy. With this, Qin Yining also breathed out in relief. Prosperity would follow as long as the home was peaceful. Mother¡¯s actions in criticizing the old dowager and arguing with father were too out of line. Qin Yining had gone to a great deal of effort to talk n¨¦e Sun around. Thank goodness it¡¯d all been for good use.

    The old dowager smiled at Qin Yining and beckoned the girl over. ¡°Your father and I were just talking about you.¡±

    ¡°Was grandmother telling father that I¡¯m not studying well and have angered my teacher?¡± Qin Yining came forward with a cheeky smile.

    ¡°You little imp.¡± Laughter had been elicited from the old dowager. ¡°I would¡¯ve smacked the back of your hand already if you weren¡¯t studying properly. I wouldn¡¯t wait until now to tell your father! Your father has just spoken of his intention of having you move to Venerable Study Hall. It neighbors the rear gardens and has the most beautiful view. It¡¯s warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and there are plenty of your father¡¯s books within as well. Your father lived there as a child, and you¡¯ll also be allowed ess to his childhood library. The studious air might be a good influence on you too. What do you say?¡±

    The tasteful Venerable Study Hall had caught Qin Yining¡¯s eye on previous walks in the rear gardens. She¡¯d also asked about it before ande to know of its significance, so she was delighted at the arrangements. ¡°Thank you grandmother, thank you father! I¡¯ll be able toe beg food off grandmother often after moving there!¡±

    The old dowagerughed again and pointed at Qin Yining. ¡°You little rascal!¡±

    Although Qin Yining¡¯s talk of begging food was a joke, it deftly indicated to the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan that she understood her father¡¯s arrangements and wouldn¡¯t let them go to waste. Her father was pleased to see this quickprehension, but artfully concealed his pleasure as he recalled the events of the day. As casually as before, he posed his daughter a question. ¡°Daughter Yi, did you arrange for the maids behind the artificial mountain?¡±

    The old dowager looked questioningly at Qin Yining, and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes widened in suddenprehension, ¡°So it wasyou!¡±

    Her voice was too shrill,pletely destroying the formerly lighthearted atmosphere. Qin Huaiyuan nced quickly at her, a sh of annoyance appearing on his face. However, Qin Yining had long since put thought of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s thoughts of her to the back of her head and pretended that she hadn¡¯t heard anything from that direction. ¡°In response to father, I did indeed arrange that. Miss Huining made use of my time in the ancestral hall to have Bitong and Cai-mama frame Run, using her of stealing grandmother¡¯s jade bracelet. Run was beaten for no reason at all, and if she¡¯d been the slightest bit unlucky, she she might¡¯ve been beaten to death. I can understand Miss Huining¡¯s feelings, but I couldn¡¯t forgive her clear disregard for the lives of others in the pursuit of her own happiness. She can be dissatisfied with me and throw everything she wants at me, but so far, she doesn¡¯t dare and haven¡¯t the ability to either. All she can do is plot against an innocent maid at my side. What does Run have to do with all this?

    ¡°As for Bitong and Xiao¡¯ai who were swept out today, I only had influence over them because Bitong stole from me, and Xiao¡¯ai has had a problem with sticky fingers as well. What happened today was simply just punishment for their crimes. However, they won¡¯t starve to death as they can go find new livelihoods. So today, all I did was let the truthe out.¡±

    ¡°All you did?¡± Qin Huaiyuanughed softly. ¡°This was an impressive ¡®all you did¡¯. You could¡¯ve told me directly or even told your grandmother. Why catch the crown prince¡¯s attention with it? Aren¡¯t you afraid that you could¡¯ve wrecked your father¡¯s career?¡±

    Qin Yining could tell that her father was half serious and half joking, and the old dowager¡¯s brow indeed furrowed when Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s career was mentioned. But, the girl¡¯s voice was as serene as ever, without a hint of nervousness. ¡°I did indeed think of that. But, I don¡¯t believe father¡¯s career would¡¯ve been impacted. The crown prince¡¯s personality is gentle, and he¡¯s deeply vested in painting. Although he has the desire to rule shrewdly, hecks the talent to do so sessfully. But father happens to possess what he needs. Father has strong political acumen and is decisive in his matters. You also have a keen eye for sizing up the situation. The crown prince will make frequent use of father¡¯s wit and power in the future. So therefore whether it¡¯s consideration of his personality or his future, the crown prince won¡¯t pay heed to the little matters of girls. Not to mention, this was father¡¯s first lesson to him.¡±

    ¡°What lesson?¡± asked Qin Huaiyuan.

    Qin Yining smiled brilliantly. ¡°You taught the crown prince what it is to be benevolent.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan threw his head back andughed loudly. His daughter had used the crown prince¡¯s presence to secure her father¡¯s reaction, knowing full well that her father would never give orders to kill in front of the crown prince as he wished to set an example. This had actually ensured the two maids¡¯ safely beyond doubt, and had also given her the basis for this flowery speech. Despite being yed so masterfully, he found it difficult to get hisughter back under control and pped Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Daughter Yi¡¯s ability to wlessly offerpliments has reached new heights!¡±

    The old dowager started smiling as well when she saw how happy her son was. It was a rare asion in recent times that Qin Huaiyuan had the opportunity tough so happily. As she carefully considered her granddaughter¡¯s words, the matriarch discovered to her very great surprise that Qin Yining had already considered all the consequences when she took action. Her actions had been exceedingly precise, steering everyone in the n away from the wrong path. She¡¯s the daughter of my precious firstborn son alright! The old dowager put an arm around her granddaughter and tapped her nose. ¡°You little rascal! You were the one up to no good, and yet you were able toe up with this boatload of justification! I¡¯ll let it go this time since granddaughter Hui was at fault first. But you aren¡¯t allowed to do anything like this in the future!¡±

    ¡°Grandmother speaks truly, and your granddaughter will remember this well.¡± She naturally wouldn¡¯t scheme and plot against innocents. She just hadn¡¯t been able to keep enduring the bullying this time.

    Qin Huaiyuan felt his bottled up, dejected feelings disperse after a goodugh. Having gained an understanding of Qin Yining¡¯s abilities, he had to reconsider his thoughts on her future. He hadn¡¯t been so naive to allow a foolish girl to marry into a ce where schemes and deception abounded, because even the most illustrious of backgrounds wouldn¡¯t guarantee her happiness. She might even lose her life in such a snake¡¯s pit. But a daughter that was this smart and skilled at reading the situation... someone of that caliber had to be ced in a position of importance.

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s been a tiring day, make sure to rest early. Your son and daughter-inw will be taking our leave now and wille see you on the morrow.¡± Qin Huaiyuan rose to his feet. Beside him, n¨¦e Sun was still immersed in the shock of the earlier revtion. She abruptly came to her senses when she saw Qin Huaiyuan rise and bow.

    The old dowager knew that her son would have to spend a great deal of effort exining matters to n¨¦e Sun when she saw the stunned look on thetter¡¯s face. She sighed and spread out her hands. ¡°You may go.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled up at the old dowager after her parents left. ¡°The servants must be just about done moving. Your granddaughter will take her leave as well.¡±

    That took care of thest of the old dowager¡¯s guests, which would finally allow the old dowager to rest. The matriarch nodded and dismissed Qin Yining. Qin-mama stepped forward, helping her mistress lie down with a smile. ¡°Now there¡¯s nothing to worry about, right?¡¯

    The old dowagery back and sighed at the picture of the five fortunes holding peaches on the roof of the bed. ¡°There¡¯s always a good one and a not so good one in a family. The two will tug and pull at each other. It¡¯s this way in the main branch, but also in the second, and third branch as well. But I¡¯ve gotten old... and don¡¯t have the strength to look after everything all at once.¡±

    ¡°Oh how are you old, mistress! This servant still wants to serve by your side for another fifty years.¡±

    ¡°Fifty years? Then we¡¯ll all be old spirits!¡± The old dowager broke intoughter. ¡°Speaking of moving, how is granddaughter Hui?¡±

    Qin-mama thought for a moment and replied strategically, ¡°Miss Huining is alright. She just feels like a great injustice has been done to her, so she¡¯s probably still crying in Snowpear Courtyard. However, everything has been arranged for properly. I¡¯ve appointed Wife Ge to be the overseer mama. I¡¯ve also selected your Fugui and Caiyun as her head maids. The newly bought maids will arrive tomorrow, and I¡¯ll select the best of the lot for Miss Huining.¡±

    The old dowager nodded. ¡°Wife Ge knows her ce. I hope she¡¯ll be able to speak some sense into darling Hui. I¡¯ve always thought that my darling was a mature one, so how is she now... ai!¡±

    Qin-mamaforted her mistress a bit longer with a smile and tucked her in.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining had already arrived at Venerable Study Hall with her people. She¡¯d also invited Zhan-mama to move over as well. The pce mama had gotten a good idea of all the Qin misses over these days and knew that Qin Huining was an unstable element. There would certainly be much happening in Snowpear Courtyard, so she epted happily when Qin Yining extended her invitation.

 Chapter 61: Imperial Summons

    <h4>Chapter 61: Imperial Summons</h4>

    Venerable Study Hall was situated in the north of the manor, looking towards the south. An expanse of flowers decorated the back, while it faced a bamboo forest. A path through the bamboo forest led to a verdant green roofed entrance, giving one afortable feeling of tranquility before one even set foot in the residence.

    The same bamboo forest greeted the group when they stepped through the door, and a path of bluestone led to the main structures of Venerable Study Hall. Five rooms wide and two stories tall, the entireplex of buildings was enclosed by a covered hallway that eventually led to the rear facing servant quarters.

    ¡°This is most certainly a ce where Grand Preceptor Qin resided in his youth, alright. The serenity of this view already is unparalleled.¡± Zhan-mama couldn¡¯t help but voice her genuinepliments. ¡°Such a ce exists in the pce as well, but not as a residence. It merely provides leisurely entertainment for the imperial concubines.¡±

    ¡°The pce is certainly magnificent and awe-inspiring. To think that the imperial consorts would visit a ce like this merely for idle entertainment.¡± Qin Yining didn¡¯t darepare her own quarters to the imperial pce. Zhan-mamanodded approvingly at her.

    Night had fallen and the servants had lit thenterns in the hallway. Because orders had personallye from Qin Huaiyuan, the residence had been cleaned up long before Qin Yining stepped foot inside. After the fourth miss looked over the various levels of the residence, she started assigning rooms. The serving girls were assigned to the rear facing servant quarters. Qin Yining would upy the middle of the second floor. The first room on the left was for Zhan-mama, the second for Yaoqin and Yuqi. The first on the right was assigned to Bingtang, Sonn, and Qiulu. Lastly, the second from the right was set aside for Zhu-mama and Liuya.

    The first level of all the rooms was much brighter than Snowpear Courtyard. Bottle-shaped openwork screens subtly enclosed the wings of the main hall, sectioning off the five rooms.

    New, pale-greenting was left to bunch decoratively around the openwork screen. It seemed that someone had made sure that every amenity was ounted for. There was even a pot of red coral ced in the decorative shelves meant to showcase antiques and treasures. It looked quite dignified and luxurious in its ce of honor.

    Qin Yining had a servant bring over the inventory records and handed them to Qiulu with a smile. She headed for the study, located in the easternmost area of the house. ¡°I leave the storeroom in your hands, as before.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll keep the key on me at all times.¡± Qiulu nodded.

    Qin Yining walked into the study, and took a moment to marvel at it. An incredibly spacious room, one¡¯s eye was almost immediately drawn to the enormous redwood table ced in its center. Various brushes peeped out of a blue and white porcin brush pot, some even missing their thistles. A minimalist ink by in one corner of the table, with half of the ink stick on top of it already used up. The clear water within the white porcin rinsing pot was likely freshly poured. Some scrolls was already furled up in the ceramic vat on the floor. Those were likely Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s old works.

    Qin Yining sat on the thick cushion of the chair in front of the table and leaned back to rest on the full shelves that stretched high to the roof. She inhaled deeply and smiled. ¡°No wonder Old Dowager wanted me to take in the atmosphere here. There really is a schrly feeling to this ce.¡±

    Bingtang nodded and pointed at the half used ink stick. ¡°That¡¯s fragrant ink, and it seems there¡¯s mint leaves ced in the brazier.¡±

    Qin Yining started. ¡°You¡¯ve got a sharp nose!¡±

    Bingtang sniffed, ¡°I¡¯ve trained it since I was a child! I can tell what herbs make up a medicine with just a sniff.¡±

    The fourth miss nodded with a sigh. ¡°One really must have a skill about them to live in a manor like this. I really should study hard.¡± She turned to Yaoqin. ¡°I saw a zither hanging on the wall of the second room in the west wing. I¡¯ve heard that Sister Yaoqin is a skilled yer. I¡¯d like to ask you to be my teacher.¡±

    ¡°This servant knows only a few tricks. But if you¡¯re inclined to do so, miss, I can help spark your interest in the instrument.¡± Yaoqin smiled.

    ¡°Your skills are renowned and masterful, don¡¯t sell yourself so short.¡± Qin Yining then turned to Yuqi. ¡°And chess, I ampletely ignorant of it. I will be looking to sister Yuqi in educating me.¡±

    ¡°You do me great honor, miss. This servant will do her best.¡± Yuqi agreed happily.

    Having taken care of all that needed to be done, Qin Yining bid everyone to go rest. She returned to her room and sat in front of her vanity, tugging her hair out of its hairstyle. Sonn helped her take care of her nightly ministrations, helping her into sleepwear and then into bed. ¡°What a long day. Today was more tiring than even hunting.¡±

    It was Sonn¡¯s shift tonight, and she¡¯d set out her nkets on the luohan bed next to the window in the outer room. Only onentern was left lit. She was wearing a lightly padded cotton jacket with her hair down, helping her mistress bring the pale-purpleting down around the bed.

    ¡°You were victorious on all fronts today, miss. Today was your day of battle, so of course you¡¯d be tired!¡± Sonn¡¯s heart was full of only gratitude and respect towards Qin Yining now, and her tone was much more docile than before.

    Qin Yining covered a yawn and curled up into a warm little ball on her side. She murmured in the nkets, ¡°Go sleep, Sonn. Your wounds haven¡¯t healed yet.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Sonn smiled through theting. ¡°This servant will watch over you, miss. Good night.¡±

    Life became busy for Qin Yining after moving to Venerable Study Hall. Apart from the morning and evening greetings to the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun everyday, she also attended lessons on manners and rules in the morning with her sisters, had ss with the teacher in the afternoon, and spent her rare free time practicing writing capital characters. 1

    Although she was incredibly busy, Qin Yining was very happy. Every moment before she¡¯d arrived at the manor had been spent trying to survive, so when would she have found the time for all this? Now that clothing and food were no longer of pressing concern, she couldn¡¯t bear to waste time and spun herself round and round with her schedule. She could remember everything she took a look at, so learning came easy to her when she focused. As a month and a half flew by, she made great strides forward in every area she spent time in.

    Zhan-mama was moved by Qin Yining¡¯s earnest attitude and often volunteered extra information in private. Qin Yining benefited a great deal from the mama¡¯s tutge and felt deeply grateful to the old pce servant. Before anyone could take a spare moment to breathe, the Laba Festival arrived. 2

    Qin Yining rose early, but was quickly greeted by Bingtang. The grinning girl wasted no time in thering a white paste on her mistress¡¯ face. It smelled faintly of herbs and was soon joined by a pale-green ointment. Thankfully, this one was reserved for the palms and backs of her hands. It seemed that it was primarily for reducing scars. Bingtang told her mistress to lie still for fifteen minutes before washing her face.

    ¡°The scars on your hand have mostly healed, miss,¡± Bingtang said. ¡°You can just use lotion for upkeep in the future.¡± 3

    Qin Yiningy back on the reclining couch and barely moved her lips as she spoke. ¡°I also think that the skin on the backs of my hands have be softer. My skin was so coarse and rough before that I usually wouldn¡¯t feel even a pinprick. But when I was practicing embroidery with Sonnst night and identally stabbed myself, I still felt it, even though it didn¡¯t bleed.¡±

    Sonn and Qiulu came in with hot water and silk towels. They smiled when they heard their mistress. ¡°You still say your skin is coarse and rough, miss? Your skin is now as tender as tofu! Even Miss Huining¡¯s maid Fugui quietly asked me yesterday what you use on your skin.¡±

    ¡°Then how did you respond, big sis?¡± Bingtang smiled.

    ¡°I said that the miss uses the same rose lotion that everyone gets every month,¡± Sonn responded. ¡°Our miss is the lord¡¯s daughter and she¡¯s like her father, possessing an inborn beauty. She¡¯s simply had good food and rest sinceing home, so naturally her skin has improved as well.¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Bingtang nodded. ¡°We¡¯re not telling them! They mean the miss no good, and Miss Huining hasn¡¯t gotten any better since moving to Snowpear Courtyard.¡±

    However, Qin Yining had gone deep into thought. It was only after she¡¯d rinsed off the pastes after fifteen minutes and applied lotion that she spoke again. ¡°Bingtang, you have such skill that it¡¯s a pity that it¡¯s only used on me. Have you ever thought of selling your scar ointment?¡±

    Bingtang started, but then just blinked in thought. ¡°I don¡¯t want my family¡¯s recipe to end up in outside hands.¡±

    ¡°Making it into a medicine, and then altering it to make it less effective might work. Where one box of ointment was enough before, make it so that three is required. Folks will still fight over it. Now that cmitous times are descending upon our country, we don¡¯t know what will happen in the future. You¡¯ll be safer with some silver to your name. Although I have money and won¡¯t leave you behind, your identity is different after all. You should be prepared.¡±

    Bingtang thought for a moment and nodded cautiously. ¡°I know you mean well, miss. I¡¯ll think about it.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no rush. If you want to do this spot of business, I¡¯ll have Steward Zhong arrange things for you. All you need to do is make the ointment. Actually, you don¡¯t need to restrict yourself to that, you can also put the scar lightening effect in lotions or powders. You also don¡¯t need to make the effects so readily apparent. They can take effect slowly. That¡¯ll be enough for thedies and misses in the city to hand over enormous amounts of silver. After all, all women like to be pretty.¡±

    Sonn and Qiulu both nodded and tugged at Bingtang¡¯s sleeves. ¡°Miss speaks truly. You might as well make use of your skills and earn some money.¡±

    Bingtang thought of her noble father and how that noble mentality had ended with the destruction of the entire Tang n. She no longer hesitated and smiled at Qin Yining. ¡°Then please make the arrangements for me, miss. We¡¯ll split the gold I earn.¡±

    ¡°Oh I don¡¯t want your money! If this really does be a lucrative spot of business, I¡¯ll be using your product for free in the future.¡± Qin Yining tapped Bingtang¡¯s chubby cheeks yfully and walked off merrily for Sonn to brush her hair. Bingtang looked at Qin Yining¡¯s departing figure, gratefulness blossoming in her heart.

    Laba congee was the delicacy of choice during the Laba Festival. Great Yan even had a tradition of sending congee to each other. Qin Yining heardughter travel out from Garden of Loving Piety long before she entered the house. The sweet scent of congee wafted through the air. She handed her cape over to Sonn with a smile and entered the house, curtseying primly to the old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, second madame, and third madame.

    The old dowager greeted her granddaughter happily. ¡°Come here granddaughter Yi,e taste the Laba congee that the Eastern Pce has sent over.¡±

    The Eastern Pce? Ah yes, now that the crown prince was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s student, he would naturally send over congee on this day.

    ¡°This is all thanks to senior brother-inw,¡± the third madame fawned. ¡°It¡¯s not just everyone who receives congee from the Eastern Pce. I¡¯ll have something to boast about when I go home.¡±

    The second madame simply smiled without saying anything, and the old dowagerughed heartily at these words. Amidst the merriment, Jixiang quickly strode in at this time. ¡°Reporting to the Old Dowager, a granny servant has just reached the inner doors to report that the lord sent Qitai to tell us that the Cao family has sent us congee.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s good cheer instantly deserted her, and her heart started to pound uneasily. The Caos normally had nothing to do with them, so why had they suddenly sent over congee? An urgent patter of footsteps sounded before she had a chance to respond, and young master Qin Yu strode in. ¡°Old Dowager, senior uncle was afraid that the servants wouldn¡¯t exin clearly and had me bring a message. We don¡¯t know what the Caos have said to the emperor, but the emperor and empress have summoned you, senior aunt, and cousin Yi.¡±

 Chapter 62: An Imperial Summons

    <h4>Chapter 62: An Imperial Summons</h4>

    The old dowager leaned forward and asked anxiously. ¡°You mean that only I, your senior aunt, and granddaughter Yi were summoned?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qin Yu responded solemnly. ¡°Senior uncle is hosting the eunuch from the pce and says he¡¯ll pay a visit shortly. He asked the three of you to please prepare yourselves.¡±

    The old dowager knit her brows together tightly. Qin Yu took his leave, duty done, and pulled his wife aside in the outer room. ¡°Cousin Yi¡¯s never been to the pce before. As her sister-inw, you should tell her what to look out for.¡±

    His wife smiled at him, nodding. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know what to do.¡± She sent Qin Yu out with her eyes and reached over to tap the second wife¡¯s arm 1. ¡°Come, the madames will serve Old Dowager. Let¡¯s go help sister-inw Yi.¡±

    The second wife put down the embroidery piece that she was showing Jixiang and followed the first wife into the inner room. Silence had taken over the room as the old dowager¡¯s forehead rumpled into knots of anxiety. She patted her chest as she grimly spoke. ¡°I somehow feel that the happenings today are bad. The Caos sent us Laba congee for no reason at all, and who knows what Empress Cao said in front of the emperor that resulted in the three of us being summoned.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was also nervous. Although she was a madame with a first rank title and had seen her fair share of grand asions, she still felt her limbs grow mmy at the thought of facing the emperor and empress. She probably wouldn¡¯t be able to say anything in front of them. ¡°Old Dowager, why don¡¯t we have the lord apany us?¡±

    The old dowager shook her head. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear my question earlier? The emperor and empress only want the three of us to go. Meng¡¯er was specifically not listed, and he can¡¯t go without being summoned. Forget it, we¡¯ll find out what¡¯s going on when we get there.¡±

    To the side, Qin Yining put a smile on her face to lighten the mood when she saw how grave and on edge the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun were. ¡°Grandmother, mother, don¡¯t worry. My father¡¯s position is much different now, so I¡¯m sure nothing major will happen during this trip. There are only two oues possible for an unexpected summons, a reward or punishment. We haven¡¯t done anything wrong, so it naturally won¡¯t be punishment.¡±

    The entire house had been filled with unease before, but now the light ofprehension dawned. Only n¨¦e Sun still responded anxiously, ¡°But our family is at odds with the Caos.¡±

    ¡°The emperor is wise and majestic, so he won¡¯t make a big deal out of the small scuffles between his subjects as long as they don¡¯t harm the foundations of the nation. Not to mention that the empress is the motherly model of the nation, so she won¡¯t stir up anything simply on ount of her own personal grudges.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s rain of praises was for one purpose: even if the trampress tried to use pillow talk with the decrepit emperor for her own gains, the world wouldugh at the emperor if he made trouble for the females of a loyal subject¡¯s family. The emperor still cared about his dignity, at the end of the day.

    ¡°Daughter Yi speaks truly.¡± Qin Huaiyuan had slipped into the room, unnoticed by the others till now, and started tofort the old dowager before he even took off his cloak. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, there are no changes at court that would lead to this, and our family¡¯s position is secure. All you need to do is act with caution and react ording to the situation. Don¡¯t agree to anything that the emperor and empress deres. Just say that you need time to go home and think about it. You¡¯re a titled old dowager and the emperor has made filial piety one of his primary ts in ruling the nation. He won¡¯t make trouble for you.¡±

    The old dowager nodded,forted by the reassurance. Qin Huaiyuan then turned to n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Just follow mother¡¯s lead when you¡¯re in the pce.¡± The less you say, the fewer mistakes you can make. Don¡¯t make any move of your own ord.

    N¨¦e Sun nodded. Finally, the patriarch turned towards his daughter, and the fondness in his eyes almost overflowed when he beheld her. ¡°Be alert and keep your wits sharp, daughter. Serve your grandmother and mother well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining nodded, smiling at him.

    Of the three, the old dowager had the most experience in these situations and Qin Yining had proven herself to be a smart and perceptive girl. Only n¨¦e Sun was a loose cannon, but she probably wouldn¡¯t dare cause any trouble in front of the emperor. Therefore, Qin Huaiyuan was still very much at ease. He gave a few more instructions before leaving in a hurry, not ncing at Qin Huining a single time from beginning to end.

    The girl had purposefully moved to an obvious spot when Qin Huaiyuan had entered the room and was now clenching her teeth hard with a lowered head. The fires of envy and anger threatened to immte her already tenuous self control.

    Now at ease, the old dowager had Qin-mama prepare their outfits. ¡°This is granddaughter Yi¡¯s first trip into the pce. Have we readied her formalwear?¡±

    ¡°Not yet.¡± The mama frowned. ¡°I had the embroidery quarters hurry their work a few days ago, but the work is detailed and takes a great deal of effort. I¡¯d thought that the clothing need only be ready by New Year¡¯s Eve when we all entered the pce to make our greetings, so I told them to take extra care. Who would¡¯ve thought that it¡¯d be needed sooner?¡±

    The first wife looked at Qin Huining, who¡¯d remained sullenly quiet all this time. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy. Niece Yi and Hui look to have a simr build. Why don¡¯t we bring forth niece Hui¡¯s formalwear and have niece Yi use it for now?¡±

    The first wife had actually said this on purpose to needle at Qin Huining. She¡¯d long since disliked the foster girl¡¯s white lotus facade that harbored a scheming mind. She¡¯s so like the concubine-born girls of my own home.

    Hidden in the background, everyone¡¯s gazes flicked over to focus on Qin Huining. She was wearing a in dress ensemble of pale-green and not much in the way of hair ornaments. Her subdued and simple outfit wasn¡¯t quite to the point of looking like she was in mourning, but it was a sore sight on a holiday like Laba. Her sisters and aunts-inw knew that Qin Huining loved putting on airs like this. It wasn¡¯t as if the girl was being shorted on any powder or jewelry, but she just had to put up the pretense of being maltreated.

    She lifted her head with a wide-eyed, doe look as she wrung her handkerchief, looking apologetically at the old dowager. ¡°Grandmother, I just so happened to send that garment off to be washed. I didn¡¯t know that it¡¯d be needed today. Plus, sister Yi is taller than me, so she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to wear it either.¡±

    The emperor had summoned them by name but left out only her out of the main branch. This was already a deep humiliation, so why wasn¡¯t father even looking at her when he came to visit? And now they wanted her to give her clothes for Qin Yining?! Dream on!

    The old dowager frowned, slightly irritated. ¡°I don¡¯t think granddaughter Yi needs to go to all that trouble. Didn¡¯t I give you a bolt of pale-pink Sichuan satin decorated with small, peach blossom flowers a while ago? The clothing from that cloth should be ready, no?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s already been delivered.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    ¡°Then wear that one. Little girls should wear bright and delicate colors to be a pleasing sight.¡± The old dowager¡¯s words were the gavel of her decision, and the first and second wife nked Qin Yining back to the Venerable Study Hall to help her dress.

    Meanwhile, a lump formed in Qin Huining¡¯s throat. She had her fists clenched so tight that her fingernails had drawn blood, and now wisps of blood had soiled her handkerchief. The old dowager had inly been criticizing her for dressing too inly just now! How fast the favored fall. How much had the old dowager doted on her before? She¡¯d even said that she would love Qin Huining no matter what happened in the future. But now?! I¡¯m not her real granddaughter alright! All these people are spitting on and kicking me down one by one! Even the old dowager is biased to the point of no return!

    Qin Huining ducked her head as two teardropsnded on her clothes. The old dowager didn¡¯t miss that either, and frowned fiercely. When Qin Yining was studying diligently, Qin Huining seemed to only know to gossip without end. While Qin Yining got along well with her sisters and never started fights, Qin Huining was close only to the sixth miss and no one else. Qin Yining had never breathed a single word ofint in Snowpear Courtyard, and didn¡¯t unt her move to the Venerable Study Hall either. But when Qin Huining had resided in the Garden of Tranquility, she¡¯d often boasted about it to her sisters, and was now full of resentment when living in the Snowpear Courtyard.

    The old dowager had purposefully ignored her for a few days to see how the girl would react. With her behavior now, it was as if the Qin family had sorely mistreated her... her every step and gesture was full of provocation.

    Old Dowager Qin was an old hand at life in the inner residences. Once she let go of her fondness and bias, she read the situation more clearly than anyone else. Her feelings towards Qin Huining had thoroughly cooled now. She bid everyone to go about her business so that she and n¨¦e Sun could get ready.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the three to get ready and board the small carriage to the outer doors. They then switched out for a warmer and more spacious carriage outside the manor. With its red wheels and decorative cloth on the roof that trailed down into numerous tassels, the picturesque carriage made swift work of the journey, soon arriving at the pce doors. The guards looked them over briefly before allowing a eunuch to help them into another carriage that took them to the empress¡¯ Soaring Phoenix Pce.

    Qin Yining had spent a good amount of time with Zhan-mama by now and understood pce etiquette. She kept her head quietly bowed when she alighted from the carriage, not peering about brashly. The pce wasn¡¯t like her home. Anyone could make trouble for her at the slightest misstep. If she made a mistake, she might end up dragging down her entire family as well. Thus, she didn¡¯t dare put even one toe into the realm of impropriety.

    The group was swept through the bluestone path into a spacious yard. When they set foot into theplex proper and arrived at the doors of Soaring Phoenix Pce, another eunuch went in to report their arrival. He soon came back, smiling cheerily. ¡°Old Titled Dowager, Madame Qin, and Miss Qin, pleasee in. The emperor and empress are both present.¡±

    The three rearranged their garments to fix anything that had slipped out of ce and bent respectfully as they entered, following the eunuch to a side hall.

    The cloying fragrance of lilies violently assaulted their noses as soon as they stepped inside, making Qin Yining frown slightly. A thick carpet of peonies in full bloom covered the ground. The Qin familydies didn¡¯t step far into the hall, dropping into the grand gesture of greeting a few steps inside. The old dowager took the initiative in calling out, projecting across the hall, ¡°This old woman Qin n¨¦e Gu has arrived with daughter-inw n¨¦e Sun and granddaughter n¨¦e Qin. Our greetings to the emperor and empress. May the emperor possess eternal fortune and the empress enjoy good health!¡±

    ¡°You may rise.¡± Azy and high-pitched female voice answered her. Qin Yining was definitely familiar with this voice. It belonged to the same person she¡¯d seen at Celestial Nunnery. She couldn¡¯t help but silently be grateful that the gentleman that day had pulled her into hiding. Otherwise, this particr meeting may have gone an entirely different route.

    Age had given the emperor¡¯s voice a unique rasp. ¡°It¡¯s but a private meeting today, there¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. Take the empress¡¯ words as my words. You are all Qin Meng¡¯s family, which makes us all well acquainted here. There¡¯s no need for such politeness.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to the emperor and empress!¡± The old dowager led n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining in another curtsey. Having given all due respect, the three rose to their feet. Because Qin Yining kept her head lowered out of fear of gazing directly on the emperor¡¯s face, she could only sneak peeks out the corners of her eyes. From what she could determine, there seemed to be more than just the imperial couple and servants in the hall. There seemed to be some strangers, and some men as well!

    The empress smiled. ¡°Miss Qin,e over here. This seat wishes to take a good look at you.¡±

    The old dowager and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hearts both skipped a beat. Qin Yining was a bit nervous, but decided to go with the flow. She silently assented and slowly walked forward, circling past the brass, three-legged cauldron that etched with flowers. Keeping her head low, the corners of her eyes did indeed glimpse foreign males, one with a small mustache of around thirty years around, and a young man roughly neen years old. There was also a middle-aged woman wearing opulent clothes beside them. Interestingly, the three of them happened to be sizing her up at the same time.

 Chapter 63: Frivolity In Front of the Majesty

    <h4>Chapter 63: Frivolity In Front of the Majesty</h4>

    The empress had summoned the female rtions of a subject, among them a girl who had yet toe of age. So... shouldn¡¯t foreign males keep out of the way as well? What¡¯s going on here? Qin Yining racked her brain furiously as she slowly made her way forward. Someone who can appear in the empress¡¯ pce in the presence of the emperor must be someone she¡¯s close to. It¡¯s very likely that he¡¯s a rtive.

    ¡°Subject n¨¦e Qin greets the emperor and empress.¡± Qin Yining curtsied gracefully, her elegant motion at odds with how rapidly her mind was sorting through things. She¡¯d spent enough time with Zhan-mama by now to have mannerse as second nature. Not only was every gesture correct and precise, but her bearing was a sight for sore eyes as well.

    The empress¡¯ slender eyebrow arched, her naturally flirty eyes losing their usual gleam as they examined the girl in front of her. After a moment of silence, she lifted her right hand. The three inch long finger sheaths that graced her hand, etched with decorative scenes, clinked softly as she gestured. 1 ¡°You may rise.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining stood, but kept her head low.

    ¡°Your Majesty, see how well Old Dowager Qin looks after her people.¡± The empress smiled. ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been that long, but now the little wild girl of the mountains has already turned into such a fetching thing. She¡¯s so pretty, I can¡¯t help but like her very much. It¡¯s often said that the Qin family produces beauties, and it seems that those words are indeed the case today!¡±

    ¡°Yurou speaks truly.¡± The emperor nodded with a smile. ¡°I can see that this girl has a few hints of a young Qin Meng. What¡¯s your name and age? Lift your head when you respond.¡±

    Qin Yining cautiously raised her head, but kept her eyes down and away from the imperial couple. ¡°In response to the emperor, this subject¡¯s given name is Yining and fourteen this year.¡±

    The imperial duo examined Qin Yining from head to toe. The girl in front of them was tall and limber, possessing delicate features and glossy ck hair that exquisitely offset her fair skin. This vision of fresh beauty looked like it¡¯d walked out of a painting. She appeared stately andposed as she stood solemnly in front of them. She was yet young, so a sense of innocence and youth wreathed around her. She really was a very likable girl.

    ¡°Back when I watched Qin Meng grow up almost twenty years ago, I¡¯d mused that he would make the prettiest girl. How beautiful would he be! And today, I¡¯m seeing the female version of Qin Meng, hahaha!¡± The emperor pped his thigh in heartyughter while the empress narrowed her eyes and looked sideways at Qin Yining.

    The palms of the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun had gone slick with sweat. One could interpret the emperor¡¯s words as a joke, but therey anotheryer of meaning behind them. The old emperor was almost seventy years old, was he not satisfied with an immensely alluring and tempting empress, but wanted fourteen year old Qin Yining as well? If Qin Yining entered the pce today, the empress would swallow her whole and spit out her bones in less than two days.

    The old dowager moved quickly, pasting on a smile as she spoke up. ¡°Indeed, to think that so much time has passed in the blink of an eye. The emperor is still in the prime of life, diligent and benevolent in all his matters. I¡¯ve been deeply moved by the rtionship between my son and liege. It is no wonder that my son remains so wholeheartedly loyal. Furthermore, I am grateful for Your Majesty¡¯s judge of my son¡¯s talent!¡±

    The emperor was moved by the old dowager¡¯s words. At his age, it was easy for him to slip into his nostalgic memories. The old dowager¡¯s words put him in mind of the times two decades ago, when the court wasn¡¯t as tumultuous as it was now. His smile turned gentle as he recalled the times, when he¡¯d truly been in his prime.

    The empressughed softly at the old dowager¡¯s silver tongue. ¡°Your Majesty, Grand Preceptor Qin toils away on behalf of the country, so you should bestow a favor upon him. Luckily, a girl can marry at fourteen, and it only seems fitting that I y matchmaker for Miss Qin. Why don¡¯t we see if we have a suitable match, Your Majesty?¡±

    The emperor pped his hand over the empress¡¯. ¡°Which house¡¯s son are you speaking of, my dear? I¡¯ll say this first, the Qin girl is so pretty that I won¡¯t allow it if he isn¡¯t worthy!¡±

    The empress chuckled and reached to the side. ¡°Jun¡¯er,e over here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, aunt.¡± A crisp voice sounded from the young man who¡¯d been standing silently off to the side all this time.

    The empress smiled. ¡°Isn¡¯t this candidate most suitable, Your Majesty? My nephew here is just neen, and a strapping boy. This is an eminently suitable match with Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    The emperor nodded merrily, looking at Cao Chenjun. The young man seemed to be dumbstruck as he gazed, stupified, at Qin Yining, murmuring, ¡°I knew she was a beauty when I looked at her profile just now...¡±

    Qin Yining involuntarily backed up two steps, a frown appearing on her face. Cao Chenjun matched her gait and advanced two steps. ¡°You¡¯re called Yining, right? My aunt is right, we definitely make a handsome couple and are meant to be. Since this is the case, let¡¯s get married immediately. I¡¯ll dismiss all my concubines when I go home.¡± He reached for Qin Yining¡¯s hand even as he spoke.

    If it¡¯d been any other time, Qin Yining would¡¯ve broken this oaf¡¯s hand before he¡¯d gotten through his first frivolous sentence. Is he that secure in his identity as the trampress¡¯ nephew that he dares treat an official¡¯s daughter like this in front of the emperor?! However, right then, she had an idea. She backed up frantically, staring at the young man in what seemed like panic. ¡°W-what do you want?!¡±

    Before the young man could say another word, her eyes welled up with enormous tears, quickly spilling over her cheeks. As if triggered by the feeling of the falling tears, she started to sob up a storm. Even as the startled young man stared at her, she whirled to hide behind the old dowager. ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯m scared! I don¡¯t want to marry him. You might as well let me go be a nun!¡±

    The little girl had been the very picture of demureposure seconds ago, but was now crying fearfully thanks to this unbridled lecher. Her cowering form behind the old dowager and refusal toe out was very much reminiscent of a spooked bunny. Cao Chengjun¡¯s heart pounded in rm as he quickly turned his gaze to the floor.

    The emperor was already ring at him. ¡°What nonsense is this? Dismissed!¡±

    Cao Chengjun gathered his wits and returned to his parents¡¯ side with an ashenplexion. The empress¡¯ smile was a bit stiff, but her voice seemed more tender than ever. ¡°Your Majesty, these two are so suited for each other! Jun¡¯er likes her so much at first nce that he¡¯s even lost hisposure.¡±

    Cao Chengjun nodded and piped up. ¡°Yes, yes! My very soul left me after seeing such a pretty girl. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be a beauty worth cities after a few more years!¡±

    The empress¡¯ expression froze and she red fiercely at her brother and sister-inw with clenched teeth. Cao Chengjun immediately shut up, but the emperor wasn¡¯t looking too happy. When decreeing a marriage, it was one thing if he identally put together a pair that wasn¡¯t suited for each other. That was the emperor being blinded to the truth and not his fault at all. But there was no hiding the fact that Cao Chengjun was a good-for-nothing dandy. He was only neen, but he already had gaggle of concubines, and seemingly no sense of propriety. He even dared act in this manner before his imperial majesty, scaring the little girl to the point where she wanted to be a nun!

    The emperor had absolutely no intention of giving an imperial decree after seeing this nonsense. His expression had gone very dark. Meanwhile, the old dowager had her arm around Qin Yining and wasforting the girl quietly. Qin Yining had buried her face into her grandmother¡¯s shoulder and was almost huping with her sniffles. It was so quiet within the hall that only the girl¡¯s suppressed sobs could be heard.

    Nervous sweat beaded n¨¦e Sun¡¯s forehead. Her thoughts had gone down a different path than the old dowager¡¯s. This was an imperial audience! How could someone who¡¯d terrorized the Qin manor like a born tyrant be crying after just a few words from a boy!? They would be in dire straits if the imperial couple was displeased with this carrying on! N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t help but viciously pinch Qin Yining¡¯s arm, hissing quietly, ¡°Stop crying!¡±

    Qin Yining trembled from the pain, but she¡¯d already anticipated this kind of reaction from her mother. N¨¦e Sun wouldn¡¯t dare do anything else in front of the emperor, so she decided to push her act one step further and cry even louder instead.

    In the emperor¡¯s eyes, a perfectly fine imperial audience had been ruined by Cao Chengjun¡¯s brash impropriety. The emperor¡¯s previous good moodpletely vanished and he dismissed everyone after a few words of censure directed at the young man. After the hall was clear, he half seriously castigated the empress. ¡°Yurou, could you not handle even such a small matter? You told me that you¡¯d found someone suitable and was sure that this would be a sessful meeting, but look at who your family sent! Such rashness, and that in front of me! It¡¯s simplicity itself to see what he would be like in normalpany! Qin Meng has only one daughter, he¡¯d never agree to this marriage. This emperor is a wise monarch, not a muddled one. Did you want me to force them to marry? That little girl was absolutely terrified. It¡¯d be another group of people misunderstanding me if she really did kill herself or go to a nunnery!¡±

    The empress patted the emperor¡¯s chest in apology. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Your Majesty. It was just my oversight. This consort has been by your side all these years and rarely has the opportunity to see family. I just recalled that Jun¡¯er was smart and quick-witted in his youth. I hadn¡¯t thought that he¡¯d turn out like this after growing up. It was my negligence, but it¡¯s not really my fault. I don¡¯t live at home and can¡¯t serve by my parents¡¯ side. I only see my inws once a year...¡±

    Her apology had turned into pitiful, aggrieved tears. The emperor¡¯s heart twinged, and he turned his mind to holding the empress with murmurs of ¡°my darling¡± and ¡° dear heart¡±...

    Meanwhile, the Caos had changed out of their formalwear and departed the pce. Now safe in their own carriage, everyone heaved sighs of relief. The empress¡¯ brother stuck his thumb up at his youngest son,plimenting quietly. ¡°Good thinking on your feet today!¡±

    Cao Chengjun chuckled deeply and whispered. ¡°Pity. Although I was purposely acting out, I did speak the truth. She¡¯s certainly a beauty.¡±

    ¡°This marriage can¡¯t happen even if she was a goddess, much less a mere beauty. Your grandfather may be muddleheaded, but your father isn¡¯t! I¡¯ve already asked around privately, do you know how today¡¯s matter started?¡±

    His wife and Cao Chengjun looked questioningly at him.

    ¡°The dear empress has some spies in the Eastern Pce and discovered that the crown prince was dwelling on the painting of a girl day and night. It was obvious that he likes her. After some investigation, she learned that the subject of the painting was Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter...¡±

    ¡°No wonder!¡± Cao Chengjun suddenly realized what was going on. ¡°No wonder we were suddenly summoned today.¡±

    The elderly emperor only had one offspring. After being in charge of the world for half his life, it was natural for him to be reluctant in giving up power. There existed a delicate distance between the emperor and crown prince for all these years while various matters happened in the dark. If the crown prince became even closer to Grand Preceptor Qin, then the future would be even harder to control. This was why the emperor had wanted to put the Qin daughter under his thumb in marrying her off to the Caos.

    The empress¡¯ brother picked up the thread of the conversation again. ¡°But the empress is too naive. This nation is already doomed to destruction, and the roots of our n aren¡¯t in Great Yan. Forging a connection to Qins now? When we don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on? We wouldn¡¯t be able to shake off this connection no matter what.¡±

    His wife and son both nodded.

 Chapter 64: A Filial Son and Wise Granddaughter

    <h4>Chapter 64: A Filial Son and Wise Granddaughter</h4>

    Qin Yining, the old dowager, and n¨¦e Sun were currently in a small imperial carriage, on their way to leaving the pce. Qin Yining was still crying into her hands and mumbling, ¡°I¡¯m not marrying that lecher! If I¡¯m given to this person, then I¡¯ll hang myself, I¡¯ll throw myself into the river, I¡¯ll...¡±

    Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but the eunuch apanying the carriage clearly heard every word. The old dowager was as if a monk deep in meditation, not saying a single word. N¨¦e Sun however, itched to gag her daughter and had already cursed out Qin Yining thousands of times over in her heart. She¡¯s already embarrassed us all in front of the emperor, and she¡¯s still carrying on even now?! N¨¦e Sun wanted to lecture her daughter, but held her tongue out of consideration for their surroundings and the eunuch next to the carriage.

    Qin Yining finally stopped ¡°crying¡± when the three had swapped out for their red wheel, tasseled carriage and their loyal servants had hurried the vehicle out of pce vicinity. N¨¦e Sun could no longer hold her temper and erupted. ¡°You ignorant, foolish brat! You throw your weight around like the Monkey King at home and can turn the entire household upside down if you had a stick, so how dare you cry in front of the emperor when someone¡¯s only said a few words to you? What if the emperor or empress finds fault with us? Who can take the me then? Are you trying to make trouble for the family?!¡±

    Qin Yining quickly wrapped her hand around n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm to have her mother sit down. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. Listen to my exnation.¡±

    ¡°What bullshit exnation! You¡¯ve already cried up a storm. The emperor¡¯s probably already marked us if he¡¯s going to me us for this! What use are your exnations! Your father should¡¯ve never brought you back! Our calm days at home have all been wrecked by you!¡±

    Qin Yining was still smiling, but the levity in her eyes slowly dwindled. Although she understood n¨¦e Sun¡¯s personality and didn¡¯t want to quibble, she was sometimes still hurt by one of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s random outbursts. But at the end of the day, n¨¦e Sun was still her mother. Was Yining supposed to just idly sit by and watch her mother be lectured by her grandmother? She widened the smile on her lips. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry mother, listen to me. I purposefully cried just now. I was being harassed by a lecher after all. If I hadn¡¯t made a fuss, the emperor likely would¡¯ve married me off to the Caos right then and there.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s anger instantly dissipated when she heard this. She¡¯d only been mad about Qin Yining crying in front of the emperor, but she didn¡¯t actually want her daughter to marry that good-for-nothing. When she thought about it carefully, her remonstrations didn¡¯t make any sense. Was Qin Yining supposed to just quietly ept this marriage decree? Once she collected her wits, n¨¦e Sun awkwardly coughed twice and received an irritated eye roll a l¨¡ the old dowager.

    ¡°I¡¯m not opposed to marriage,¡± Qin Yining continued. ¡°It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t know what father¡¯s ns are. How can I haphazardly agree to my future without that knowledge?¡±

    She knew very well that her marriage would be a strategic one. Her future husband would have to be someone who could further her father¡¯s career. She¡¯d already considered this when she agreed to return to the Qin family. Parents were the ultimate facilitators in the weddings of their children. While her father would focus on a beneficial match, it was all the same to her. Who does it matter who I marry?

    N¨¦e Sun had fully returned to her senses now. To think that Qin Yining had thought of so much when she was preupied with worry and nerves! No wonder mother said to ask Qin Yining¡¯s opinion on things because the girl sees things clearly. Come tot think about it, when she listened to the girl and softened her stance to the old dowager first, not only did Qin Huaiyuan not lecture her, but had actually been kind to her. And this time Qin Yining had kept such a clear head around the emperor...

    N¨¦e Sun smiled with satisfaction and tapped Qin Yining¡¯s forehead. She felt a bit guilty at how vehement she¡¯d been earlier, but felt that there was no reason for a mother to apologize to a daughter. ¡°Your maternal uncle sent some things to your maternal grandmother yesterday, and the duchess sent over two white fox pelts that were among them. She said it¡¯s for the two of you to make into cors for overcoats. I¡¯ll have Caiju bring it over when we return.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that n¨¦e Sun was softening with these words. She put the words that n¨¦e Sun had just said out of her mind and didn¡¯t quibble that the pelts weren¡¯t only hers. She only smiled happily. ¡°Thank you mother. Thank you to my maternal grandmother.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was happy to see Qin Yining smile as she usually did. The old dowager had grown used to scenes like these over the past couple of days, and her fondness for Qin Yining deepened a tad further. She¡¯d wanted to extort her daughter-inw, but now that Qin Yining was holding n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand and merrily chatting together, the old dowager didn¡¯t want to ruin the amiable atmosphere.

    Several pageboys came out when the carriage stopped in front of the Qin manor doors. Qitai, the follower at Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side, bowed. ¡°Old Dowager, Senior Madame, and Fourth Miss have returned! The lord has been worried about you and told me to wait here. I¡¯ll go make a report to him now.¡±

    The old dowager alighted with the help of Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Tell your lord toe to the Garden of Loving Piety for a chat. Tell him I have urgent matters to discuss with him.¡±

    Qitai bowed in acknowledge and left for the study in the other residence after helping the threedies into a small carriage. Qin Huaiyuan immediately rushed in when the group returned to the Garden of Loving Piety and had just undone their capes and had a sip of hot tea. Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun quickly stood up to make their curtsies.

    Qin Huaiyuan waved his hand to omit the courtesies and studied their faces. He rxed slightly when he saw nothing out of the ordinary. Qin Yining felt that the old dowager must want to discuss with Qin Huaiyuan what had just happened in the pce. She took n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm. ¡°Didn¡¯t mother say you have fox pelts to gift? I also want to eat Jin-mama¡¯s pine nut and osmanthus candy. Shall we go to the Garden of Tranquility together? I¡¯ll have someone send over my meal box earlier and we can eat lunch together. May we?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s ¡°may we¡± was soft and sweet. No one who heard it could bear to decline. N¨¦e Sun naturally liked growing closer with her daughter, and she wanted to make up for wrongly yelling at her earlier. She nodded with a smile and curtsied at the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Then we¡¯ll be leaving first.¡±

    The old dowager nodded affably, her expression darkening only after the servants had helped n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining into their capes and the two had departed. ¡°Disaster was averted today thanks to granddaughter Yi¡¯s quick thinking.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan took a seat by the old dowager¡¯s side with a frown. ¡°What happened?¡±

    The old dowager ryed in detail the happenings of the day, everyone¡¯s bearing and words. She ended with, ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for granddaughter Yi working herself up and saying that she wanted to be a nun or hang herself, the emperor and empress likely would¡¯ve decreed the marriage right then and there. The Caos obviously mean nothing good in this, and I feel that this matter isn¡¯t over yet. The empress clearly hates our family and wants to make an example out of Yining.¡±

    ¡°I understand the matter,¡± responded Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°The emperor favors only the empress, so it¡¯s only natural that he listens to her pillow talk. But as for why the emperor acted this way...¡±

    His finger rubbed the smooth, shining tabletop as he mused. He actually knew the answer already. ¡°It¡¯s probably because I¡¯ve be Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent.¡± But why would he suddenly do this? Was it premeditated or spur of the moment?

    ¡°Oh?¡± The old dowager didn¡¯t fully understand matters of court. ¡°What¡¯s so bad about you bing the crown prince¡¯s teacher that it causes the emperor to go to these depths?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan knew the answer but didn¡¯t want to bring up these messy affairs with his mother. He didn¡¯t want her to fret and possibly be ill from worry. He only smiled nomittally at his mother and handed her a cup of tea. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this, mother. I can handle all of this. You just need keep the inner residence in order. I will be eternally grateful for that.¡±

    ¡°You child, what¡¯s this talk of seemingly two families.¡± Her attention sessfully diverted, she started talking about some preparations for the new year. Qin Huaiyuan patiently discussed mundane topics of New Year¡¯s Eve and other future arrangements, and even joined the old dowager for lunch.

    Qin-mama came in with a smile when they were rinsing their mouths and took over the duty of handing the old dowager a warm hand towel. She joked, ¡°Are you in such a good mood today, mistress, because the lord is better at serving you? Will this old servant be out of a job soon?¡±

    The mama gave Qin Huaiyuan a meaningful look at an angle that the old dowager couldn¡¯t see. He instantly understood that something had happened.

    ¡°Lujuan, how are youparing yourself to Meng¡¯er at your age!¡± The old dowagerughed heartily.

    ¡°I naturally can¡¯tpare to Qin-mama,¡± Qin Huaiyuan joined in. ¡°The mama has served mother with lifelong diligence and loyalty. I can go about my matters with ease outside because I know mother is being wonderfully cared for at home.¡±

    ¡°This praise is too high for this old servant. Serving the old dowager is my duty.¡± Qin-mama turned to curtsey to Qin Huaiyuan and made a hand gesture, mouthing, ¡°The crown prince is here.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded without a flicker in expression. ¡°Enjoy your nap, mother. I have some things to take care of.¡±

    ¡°Go on, I¡¯ve kept you long enough.¡± Her son had a multitude of things to take care of in his capacity as a court official. She was already very satisfied that he¡¯d taken time out to chat about new year ns and even eat lunch with her.

    Qin Huaiyuan bowed courteously and retreated out of the house. Once he exited the Garden of Loving Piety doors, Qitai quickly came up to his side. He murmured, ¡°Milord, the crown prince is here in casual clothes and without any followers. I feel that he wanted to keep a low profile and didn¡¯t dare spread the news of his arrival. I have him drinking tea in the study.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Qin Huaiyuan acknowledged. Perhaps the crown prince¡¯s hasty visit will answer some questions for me. He still didn¡¯t know the precise reason for the emperor suddenly wanting to marry his daughter off to the Caos. What good would that be for the emperor if the Qins and Caos were tied together?

 Chapter 65: A Verbal Agreement

    <h4>Chapter 65: A Verbal Agreement</h4>

    Weichi Yan was standing in the study, arms crossed within his sleeves. His head was lowered, seemingly deep in thought. He was wearing an exceedinglymon light-brown cotton robe today, his hair neatly wrapped up in a traditional, ck headband. He looked like any regr noble son,pletely different from his usual elegant and royal appearance. It seems he had taken great caution with this trip.

    Perhaps he¡¯s discovered the spies by his side. Qin Huaiyuan arrested his line of thought as he entered the study. Weichi Yan caught sight of his teacher and pulled himself from his musings, bowing. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan gave the grand gesture of greeting.

    ¡°Please, don¡¯t stand on ceremony.¡± Weichi Yan reached out. ¡°Have I inconvenienced you with this unexpected visit?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Your Highness. Your visit brings but glory and honor to my abode. Is anything the matter?¡± The two took their seats in rounded chairs as Qitai offered tea. The follower then thoughtfully closed the door and stood guard some ways away.

    Weichi Yan began with a slight frown. ¡°There are indeed two important matters to discuss today. The Prince of Ning¡¯s people has sent word from Xihua that Great Zhou has started fighting again. The two armies have engaged each other at that city.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan listened with a furrowed brow. Xihua was close to the capital and housed an important port. It was a vital transportation nexus for Great Yan, bynd or water. Great Yan would fall much faster if it was taken.

    The crown prince also sighed with resignation when he saw Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s solemn expression. ¡°Xihua¡¯s two defending generals are surnamed Sun, your brothers-inw. I wonder how they¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°My brothers-inw will give their all for their country. Even to theirst breath, they will defend that city. However, it is certain that our chances of victory would only increase if we hold that city.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°This is timely news. In a matter of a day or two, it will bemon knowledge in court, which will give rise to another set of debates. We will have toe up with a n of attack.¡±

    Weichi Yan nodded, but his voice held more than a tinge of weariness. ¡°What use is all the moring in court? Is Great Zhou afraid of our curses and insults? If that really worked, I wouldn¡¯t mind spending my days on how to curse like a sailor. The most important thing is that we secure a victory over Great Zhou. The Prince of Ning is of a mind to take the field, but my royal father isn¡¯t giving permission for now.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan understood that the crown prince was sharing his burdens because Weichi Yan trusted him. He was touched by the show of faith, but didn¡¯t dare be involved in family affairs. He lowered his voice as the two began discussing strategy. The two soon engrossed themselves in political affairs. The impatient sky soon grew dark, and it was only by the timemps were lit that everything was settled.

    Weichi Yan wasn¡¯t someone ignorant of manners, so he quickly rose to take his leave. However, it was that which finally jogged his memory for the other important matter that he¡¯de on behalf of. An awkward tone permeated his next words, ¡°If I may ask... did my royal father summon anydies from your household today?¡±

    The emperor had summoned three people, but the crown prince had asked only about ady. This was a clear sign to Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Indeed, but why do you ask, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°Royal father, did he...¡± Weichi Yan stammered. ¡°Did he make trouble¡ªer, yell at thedy?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had been pondering why the emperor had suddenly wanted to decree a marriage for Qin Yining. The crown prince¡¯s questions only served to further his spection, but he didn¡¯t know what Weichi Yan had done to suddenly make the emperor wary of his daughter. So he smiled and purposefully affected a carefree tone. ¡°Truth be told, the emperor and empress summoned my daughter today to decree a marriage for her.¡±

    Weichi Yan¡¯s face went nk, but then slowly showed signs of delight. He asked anxiously, ¡°Who is royal father bestowing your daughter to?¡±

    ¡°The empress says my daughter and her maternal nephew are a match made in heaven.¡±

    Weichi Yan¡¯s joy froze on his face and color drained out of his blushing face. His rapidly fading delight also caused his daydreaming and fantasizing to flee like a flushed bird. He thought carefully about what could have happened and suddenly slumped dejectedly back down into the chair, murmuring, ¡°Ah, I doomed her and myself.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart skipped a beat when he saw the crown prince thus. Has he and daughter Yi already... Impossible. They hadn¡¯t even had a chance to meet. It was far more usible that the crown prince was simply greatly taken with daughter Yi at first sight. He was a man after all, and all men loved beauties. Yining definitely fell into that category. Except, their rtionship shouldn¡¯t have developed to the stage in which the crown prince would react thus, no?

    ¡°Your Highness, forgive my forwardness. What exactly has happened? I don¡¯t quite understand why the emperor and empress suddenly wanted to bestow marriage today either.¡±

    Weichi Yan thought that Qin Yining had already been given to Empress Cao¡¯s nephew and had no mind to spare for anything else. His gloom was palpable, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I couldn¡¯t forget the fourth miss after seeing her, so I drew a portrait of her after returning to the pce. But I didn¡¯t imagine that the empress had people by my side. When her spy told her of this, I knew she¡¯d cause trouble for me, but didn¡¯t think it take shape in this form.¡±

    So that was the case! Qin Huaiyuan finally understood the emperor¡¯s wariness. He was both amused and angered by the crown prince¡¯s dejected behavior. He actually did favor this crown prince for Qin Yining, because even if they didn¡¯t make him part of the family, there would still a rtionship between the crown prince and Qin Huaiyuan. They might as well strengthen that rtionship. In addition, the crown prince didn¡¯t exactly have a keen political acumen. He was an honest and generous sort, and had the temperament and mentality of a schr. If his daughter was paired with the crown prince, her days would be easy enough.

    The crown prince was also the prospective future emperor. Although thunderclouds had drawn perilously close to Great Yan, it wasn¡¯t as if the nation really would fall in the near future, despite how furiously Great Zhou beat at their doors, right? Everything was yet an unknown, still plenty of room to maneuver and negotiate.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiledfortingly at the crown prince. ¡°Your Highness, I hadn¡¯t finished speaking just now. Although the emperor had wanted to decree the marriage, gentleman Cao misconducted himself in front of his imperial majesty, and his frivolous actions made my daughter cry from humiliation. She almost hung herself, so the marriage is not to be.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Weichi Yan surged to his feet, frantic in his worry. ¡°Is the fourth miss alright?¡± He met Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s teasing gaze immediately afterwards and flushed a deep red. It was toote for regrets now. He¡¯d already exposed his feelings, so he threw caution to the wind. ¡°I¡¯ll be frank, it¡¯s... love at first sight for me and the fourth miss. Please forgive my audacity.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness has maintained the purity of youth. It¡¯s my daughter¡¯s honor that you like her.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin!¡± Weichi Yan¡¯s eyes gleamed with delight. ¡°Do you mean that you don¡¯t oppose this?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness¡¯ favor is the fortune of eight generations. I can¡¯t be grateful enough, much less be opposed to it!¡±

    Weichi Yan spun giddily in circles before regaining his usual bearing. He rubbed his hands. ¡°Alright! Since Grand Preceptor Qin has already said so, I will definitely live up to expectations!¡±

 Chapter 66: Sending Warmth

    <h4>Chapter 66: Sending Warmth</h4>

    Qin Yining had no idea that Qin Huaiyuan and the crown prince had just settled her future with a few words. She was keeping n¨¦e Sunpany and dutifully working on embroidery. The atmosphere was quite harmonious when the madame suddenly sighed.

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter, mother? Are you not feeling well?¡± Qin Yining put her needlework to the side and started massaging her mother¡¯s back with gentle pats.

    By this time, n¨¦e Sun had gotten used to Qin Yining serving by her side. In all fairness, she was rather satisfied with this new daughter of hers, but the fourteen years she¡¯d spent with Qin Huining was still deeper. She could tell that Qin Huining didn¡¯t get along with Qin Yining. Sometimes when Huining came, she¡¯d quickly take her leave after curtseying when she saw Qin Yining, like she was avoiding the fourth miss. When Qin Yining wasn¡¯t here, Qin Huining would look at n¨¦e Sun with eyes full of me and grievances. It was difficult for n¨¦e Sun to endure it. Both of them were her daughters, why couldn¡¯t they get along? Other people could enjoy the happiness of children, so why couldn¡¯t she?

    ¡°Daughter Yi, I know you don¡¯t like daughter Hui, and that she¡¯s made some mistakes before. But in the end, aren¡¯t we all one family? The main branch of the family has only the two of you. I don¡¯t like it that the two of you don¡¯t get along.¡±

    Qin Yining had been displeased from the words ¡°I know you don¡¯t like daughter Hui¡±, but she was skilled at enduring. She knew that this was just how n¨¦e Sun was and so didn¡¯t argue with her. She just nodded docilely. ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll do whatever you wish, mother. I won¡¯t act against her as long as Miss Huining doesn¡¯t provoke me.¡± Of course, the connotations were that it was always Qin Huining starting up trouble and not her.

    Jin-mama brought over a little pointed mallet and took over Qin Yining¡¯s massage duties. She chose this moment to speak in a gentle voice, ¡°Don¡¯t make it difficult for the fourth miss, madame. It¡¯s really not her fault. She¡¯s expressed her goodwill many times, but Miss Huining doesn¡¯t ept it at all. It really puts the fourth miss in a difficult position.¡±

    Jin-mama was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s wet nurse, so her words carried a different weight. Plus, her tone was tender and coaxing. N¨¦e Sun naturally knew of the truth in wet nurse¡¯s words too and sighed. ¡°We¡¯re family, so let pass what can pass. Since you are the firstborn daughter, you should have the bearing of one.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°If this old servant may say something above her station,¡± Jin-mama continued, ¡°Our fourth miss is a gracious and sincere person. We can see that just from how she treats those by her side. If I were to generalize, I¡¯d say this manneres from you, madame. You treat us servants so kindly, and so does the fourth miss. She wouldn¡¯t even harm a servant, much less provoke and scheme against someone. But, madame, there¡¯s no logic in this world that says one can only be bullied and not return the favor.¡±

    Jin-mamapletely hated Qin Huining now. The foster girl¡¯s wet nurse, Cai-mama, was Jin-mama¡¯s niece. The two weren¡¯t close, but Qin Huining hadn¡¯t even spared a look in her direction after Cai-mama had been beaten and thrown out of the manor for the foster girl. She hadn¡¯t even sent a copper coin in constion! It was as if Cai-mama wasn¡¯t her wet nurse, and worse, like the two had never known each other. Such treatment chilled the heart of those who knew the two. Wet nurses were different from ordinary servants. They were the ones who breastfed the children, and apanied them through life. They often spent more time with the child than the birth mothers. Such cold-hearted actionspletely wiped away any trace of Jin-mama¡¯s good feelings for Qin Huining.

    In contrast, if one looked at Run, now known as Sonn, who didn¡¯t know of what¡¯d befallen that maid? And yet no one made an issue out of the fact that she was actually Run, and no one dared mention the theft in front of her anymore. She¡¯d been framed, and her mistress had returned her innocence to her! Both Run and Cai-mama had been beaten and thrown out of the manor, but Sonn¡¯s mistress had remembered her and gone to great effort to save her and have her return in glory. Not a single person dared bully her now. The contrast between the two mistresses was obvious, and however much disdain Jin-mama might¡¯ve had for Qin Yining before, it was all reced by respect now.

    N¨¦e Sun knew that both of them were right. The crux of the problemy with Qin Huining. ¡°Daughter Yi, make a visit to Snowpear Courtyard for me in a moment. Take the fox pelt to daughter Hui and look in on her for me. As for her faults, I¡¯ll teach her well on another day.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining nodded meekly.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart was suffused with a rare warmth at the sight of such a docile Qin Yining. She took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and patted it. ¡°I know you¡¯re a good child, and I¡¯ll love you just as much in the future. I just wish that the main branch of the family gets along well enough to not have the othersugh at us. You¡¯re the firstborn daughter and the more mature one, so you get more of the burden. They all say that to suffer is good fortune, so taking a more generous tone with her should be good fortune too, no?¡±

    ¡°Mother speaks truly.¡± Qin Yining had a litany of grievances against Qin Huining, but she also didn¡¯t want to go against her mother. If it¡¯d been anyone else, she would¡¯ve retorted¡ªwhy does the more mature one have to be the one taking on more of the burden? Why doesn¡¯t the mature one receive more love? Since suffering is to receive good fortune, why don¡¯t you suffer, hmm? But she knew that logic would never work with n¨¦e Sun. It would only confuse her further. She didn¡¯t want to ice the rtionship that she¡¯d finally built up with her mother. When it came to n¨¦e Sun, Qin Yining¡¯s philosophy was to keep a broad mind, a thick skin, a docile person, and a sweet mouth.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I¡¯ll bring the fox pelt to Miss Huining in a moment. But the sticky rice and red bean paste snacks we had just now were delicious. Jin-mama, are there any more left in the residence kitchen? I¡¯ll bring some to Miss Huining as well.¡±

    Thank goodness I just told them to make some more! Jin-mama smiled merrily. ¡°Yes indeed! I¡¯ll give the orders now so that you have a bit more to bring to Miss Huining.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, Jin-mama.¡± Qin Yining took the mallet back and started working on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s legs. Jin-mama headed outside with Caiju to prepare the meal box. The two quickly finished preparing the box and were about to return when they saw Sonn and Bingtanging in search of their mistress. The two had brought a hand warmer and a poncho with a thick fur cor.

    ¡°Jin-mama, big sister Caiju.¡± Sonn dipped in greeting, smiling at the two. Bingtang followed her example adroitly.

    ¡°Aiyo, this won¡¯t do!¡± Jin-mama knew of Bingtang¡¯s background, so how would she dare ept her curtsey? She quickly turned away and curtseyed to Bingtang instead.

    With the courtesies having been seen to, Bingtang smiled brilliantly at them. ¡°I felt that the skies don¡¯t look too good today. We might have a shower of rain mixed with snow. We didn¡¯t want the miss to be chilled, and so brought these items to her.¡±

    Jin-mama and Caiju subconsciously looked up. Although the skies didn¡¯t have a clear blue hue to them, only a few clouds could be seen scudding through the air. It didn¡¯t look like the weather would take such a bad turn. Therefore, they assumed that Qin Yining¡¯s maids had juste up with an excuse to visit their mistress.

    ¡°Miss Bingtang is so thoughtful. Hurry ande inside to warm up.¡± Jin-mama settled the two by the fire in the outer room as she took the meal box inside.

    Qin Yining was in the middle of a discussion with n¨¦e Sun about the use of the fox pelt. ¡°...then why not keep mine separate from the cloak and just make it into a neck warmer? That way, I can wear it with whatever my outfit is.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Your maternal grandmother also gave me the purple pelt of a cougar. Why don¡¯t we have them all made into neck warmers. The remaining material can then be made into hand warmers. They¡¯ll be both useful and good looking.¡±

    ¡°Mother knows the best, this is an even better idea.¡± Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I wonder how Miss Huining will want to use her pelt. Why don¡¯t we go ask her together?¡±

    ¡°You can ask her when you visit herter.¡± N¨¦e Sun deeply wished for her two daughters to get along. She felt that someone who came bearing gifts was always better received. The two would naturally grow closer when Qin Yining brought her the fox pelt and snacks. Qin Yining could only agree with a smile when she saw how adamantly her mother was sticking to her belief.

    Bidding farewell to n¨¦e Sun Qin Yining stepped into the outer room, where Sonn and Bingtang helped Qin Yining into a pale-green poncho with a thickly furred cor. They also handed her a brass hand warmer enclosed in an exquisite brocade pouch. Sonn carefully tidied Qin Yining¡¯s cor. ¡°I feel that the weather will hold up, but Bingtang said that she learned the art of weather prediction from Priestess Liu, and that there will be some sleetter. We came because we were worried you¡¯d be cold.

    Bingtang snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, we also have a bet riding on this.¡±

    Her curiosity piqued, Qin Yining asked, ¡°What¡¯s the forfeit?¡±

    ¡°I owe her a box of hand ointment if it doesn¡¯t snow, and she owes me a pair of shoes if it does.¡±

    Qin Yining burst out inughter. ¡°You two sure know how to amuse yourselves.¡±

    Btw, I posted these examples of Chinese curtsies in the announcement post yesterday, but I don¡¯t know if everyone reads them! You can see more examples here as well @ 27:42

    Many thanks to Bearilicious for the vid!

    Thanks to GZ for the gif!

    I¡¯ve been wanting to write a quick note about the ¡°curtseying¡± motion, as I gather most are probably used to Western curtseys, where you dip one knee behind the other and pull out your skirt/dress. The dipping motion is also present in Chinese curtseys, but with a head tilt downwards and the hands at the waist or hip, depending on the dynasty. It¡¯s a quick bobbing action.

    When I write ¡°grand gesture of greeting¡±, it¡¯s a full bend and sinking down to the ground. The person holds it until they¡¯re told to rise, so gotta work those thigh muscles! This isn¡¯t to be confused with ¡°kowtow¡¯ing¡±, where not only are you on both knees (a grand gesture could be both knees too, depending on dynasty), but your forehead and hands are stered to the ground as well.

 Chapter 67: Advent of Wind and Rain

    <h4>Chapter 67: Advent of Wind and Rain</h4>

    The three walked out chattering andughing, so cheery that to the outside eye, it didn¡¯t seem that they were mistress and servants. They seemed more like sisters, making the maids of the Garden of Tranquility look on with envy. Who in the Qin Manor didn¡¯t envy those serving at Venerable Study Hall these days? The three made their happy way to Snowpear Courtyard. Right before they got there, Qin Yining cut off theughter with, ¡°We¡¯ll leave right after we put these things down.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll probably get a bellyful of anger if we stay too long.¡± Sonn nodded.

    ¡°But most importantly, if we stay long, we¡¯ll be caught in the rain and snow.¡± Bingtang shook her head, her expression deadly serious. She had a pair of round, chubby cheeks to begin with and was even more adorable when she made that expression. Qin Yining and Sonn giggled happily at the sight.

    When the serving girl at the door of Snowpear Courtyard saw that Qin Yining hade, she quickly ran in to report. Wife Ge had served Qin Yining in the ancestral hall for a few days and respected the fourth miss even more when she noticed Qin Yining¡¯s stunning outfit, and how even her two maids were wearing silk cotton capes of bright blue, stitched together with exemry needlework and cloth. The fourth miss was now fully capable of holding her own even whenpared with other misses from rich families. Wife Ge¡¯s admired the fourth miss even more than before. ¡°It¡¯s Fourth Miss! Our miss is inside, pleasee on in.¡±

    ¡°Please tell Miss Huining of our arrival and ask if she¡¯s free.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Mother told me to deliver some snacks and a fox pelt to her.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Please wait a moment, miss.¡± Wife Ge had Qin Yining take a seat in the front hall. ¡°I¡¯ll inform my mistress right away.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, the corner of her eye already catching Qin Huining¡¯s figure in the distance. She also heard a muffled, ¡°...I don¡¯t want those things either! Tell her to get out!¡±

    Head maid Fugui was walking in with a tea tray when she heard the muffled screech. Her expression grew stiff and she looked at Qin Yining with trepidation. The maid managed to squeeze out a smile when she saw the fourth miss¡¯ck of reaction, and caught thetter¡¯s attention with a quiet, ¡°Fourth Miss, please have some tea.¡±

    Fugui and Caiyun had originally served in the Garden of Loving Piety. Although they weren¡¯t as favored as Jixiang and Ruyi, they were still head maids who¡¯d received the highest stipends. They¡¯d originally thought that since Qin Huining was a diplomatic girl and a prime recipient of the old dowager¡¯s love, as well as being the lord¡¯s foster daughter, it wouldn¡¯t be a bad thing to go serve her. But how could they have known that they¡¯d be constantly assaulted by the byproducts of their mistress¡¯ bad temper the moment they were transferred to her side? It was a lot more than they¡¯d had to take from the old dowager. They¡¯d never thought that the gentle and demure Miss Huining was actually like thisin private.

    So when they saw the fourth misse bearing gifts, only to be greeted by yet another temper tantrum, Fugui really felt too embarrassed by it all. She set the teacup and saucer lightly in Qin Yining¡¯s hand and smiled apologetically. Qin Yining shook her head faintly, indicating that she didn¡¯t mind. She¡¯d never make trouble for servants, even if only because her position had once been worse than them. She knew well what kind of troubles befell them.

    ¡°You may go, there¡¯s no need for your service at this moment.¡±

    Fugui smiled gratefully and was about to respond courteously when Qin Huining¡¯s malicious voice cut in, ¡°What. This is Snowpear Courtyard, not your Venerable Study Hall. Since when did you gain the authority tomand my servants?¡±

    As Qin Huining marched across the room, fury in every line of her body, Qin Yining simply arched a brow at her and dimpled. ¡°Miss Huining must be confused. Doesn¡¯t the Snowpear Courtyard reside within the Qin Manor? I¡¯m the Qin fourth miss. Which of the servants can¡¯t I order around?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you cane here to throw your weight around!¡± Qin Huining spat out through clenched teeth.

    Qin Yining remained sitting leisurely, seemingly unaffected by thetter¡¯s vitriol. She took a sip from the white porcin teacup, and smiled at Qin Huining. ¡°Whatever do you mean? Ah, Miss Huining is joking. I¡¯m just speaking of reason.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of reason? You¡¯ve hogged all reason!¡± Qin Huining¡¯s voice had begun to grow shrill as her rage grew hotter.

    ¡°Those with logic on their side do not raise their voice. If Zhan-mama saw you like this, I dare say she¡¯d make you stand in a corner.¡±

    If looks could kill, Qin Yining would¡¯ve died several times over from the vicious re Qin Huining had just graced her with. Qin Huining¡¯s hands were balled into fists as she drew great shuddering breaths in an effort to keep a lid on her urge to roar with fury. Barely keeping herself in check, it was only then that she finally noticed that she¡¯d been standing all this time, while Qin Yining had remained seated in a stately manner. It was as if Qin Huining was a servant in her household. Humiliated fury once again snapped the leash of good behavior, and she only had one ce to vent it. It took both Qin Yining and Fuguipletely by surprise when Qin Huining whirled around to spitefully p Fugui. ¡°You low down wench! So my Snowpear Courtyard is too small for you, huh! Take a better look at what you¡¯re trying to cozy up to first!¡±

    Completely taken aback by the sudden pain and the unreasonableness of the punishment, Fugui dropped to her knees, sobbing in shock and pain.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face grew stern, and she rose slowly. ¡°I¡¯m not free to intervene in the methods Miss Huining uses to teach her maids their lessons, but punishing a maid that hasn¡¯tmitted fault is simply too great a loss of face. Our Qin family has never produced such a vicious mistress. I rmend you rein yourself in a bit, and avoid being the first. Don¡¯t disappoint Old Dowager and mother.¡±

    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?! When did it be your turn to lecture me?!¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue further. ¡°I only came because mother told me to deliver these things to you. Do you think I actually like looking at your true self after your sickeningly sweet act in front of others? Enjoy the snacks. Mother says to make the fox pelt into neck and hand warmers. If you have other ideas, take them up with mother. I¡¯ll be off.¡± Qin Yining called Sonn and Bingtang to her side and started to leave.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be here if you hadn¡¯t picked through the pile already!¡± Qin Huining vainly tried to cover her anger with a disdainful snort. ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that my pelt is simply a part of your leftovers!¡±

    Absolutely ludicrous! Qin Yining¡¯s footsteps stilled. Qin Huining shrank back subconsciously when she saw the other halt. She¡¯d never once forgotten that time when she¡¯d been beaten mercilessly. But when Qin Yining looked back, only a smile was on her face, ¡°Think whatever you¡¯d like. I couldn¡¯t be bothered with paying attention to people like you before... but now I¡¯ve changed my mind. Let me tell you something, I just so happen to want to bully you. I want to bully you to death. What are you going to do about it, hmm?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qin Huining¡¯s lips were trembling.

    ¡°Bully me back if you have the ability! I¡¯m right here, waiting. If you don¡¯t have what it takes, then shut up and sit down.¡±

    ¡°Qin Yining, you go too far!¡± Qin Huining shrieked.

    Qin Yining shook her finger. ¡°Not so loud now. You¡¯ll let others know just how crude you are and sully the Qin family name.¡±

    Qin Yining shed a warm and happy smile at the livid Qin Huining and near floated out with her maids. They heard a shrill shriek explode as soon as they cleared the door, followed swiftly by the sound of ps and the crying of maids. Qin Yining shook her head with a sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±

    ¡°To think that Miss Huining would turn out like this now,¡± Sonn sighed. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell that she was like this before.¡±

    ¡°Unsatisfied greed surely has terrible results.¡± Bingtang marveled.

    A cold wind snuck up on them, depositing kes of wet snow on their necks. Qin Yining quickly tightened her cor while Sonn started in surprise, then stamped her foot. ¡°It really did snow! Now I really have to make a pair of shoes for you!¡±

    ¡°My master is the most skilled at reading faces and the heavens,¡± Bingtang responded proudly. ¡°It¡¯s a pity that I didn¡¯t spend enough time with her and only know how to predict the weather.¡±

    To think that Priestess Liu had these sorts of talents! One really couldn¡¯t judge a book by its cover. The three hurried back to Venerable Study Hall, trying to stay ahead of the bad weather. The moment they stepped foot into the covered hallway, the sleet started in earnest. The slushy mixture tinkled down on the roof and roof beams. Having trotted all the way back, the three looked at each other and smiled.

    Qin Yining studied the ounts that the Institute of Luminous Grace had sent over as soon as she returned to her room, sleeping only when the night deepened.

    The next day, news of the Great Zhou and Yan armies shing at Xihua spread throughout the capital. Originally filled with the happiness of the impending new year, the citizens were suddenly mired in the abject fear of a country bncing on a razor¡¯s edge. Qin Huaiyuan was summoned into the pce several days in a row to discuss a corresponding strategy, sometimes even sleeping in the imperial study.

    The atmosphere at home grew solemn when Qin Huaiyuan was absent. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s two older brothers were both generals guarding Xihua, and the tense military situation had her on pins and needles. It was even worse at the Ding Manor. Qin Yining spent some time tofort her mother, ¡°Grandmother must be in an awful mood these days. We should spend more time at the Ding Manor and take her mind off things. You mustn¡¯t at any time remind her of her worries, mother.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I really am worried about your senior and second uncle.¡± N¨¦e Sun nodded and rubbed her face. ¡°That demon Pang Xiao is like a war god, I¡¯m afraid your uncles won¡¯t be able to hold out.¡±

    ¡°They will, they¡¯re tough and strong men.¡± Qin Yining cast a nce at Jin-mama. The old servant understood her unspoken request and brought a cape and fur hand warmers to n¨¦e Sun.

    N¨¦e Sun thought for a moment. ¡°Caiju, tell Miss Huining toe with us. Let¡¯s go visit the Ding Manor.¡±

 Chapter 68: A Real Delight

    <h4>Chapter 68: A Real Delight</h4>

    Caiju answered in the affirmative, but made her way slowly to the door.

    ¡°Madame.¡± Jin-mama tightened the cor and spoke gently. ¡°Just as the fourth miss said, the duchess must not be in a good mood these days. She probably doesn¡¯t have the desire to chat andugh with others. Why don¡¯t you just take the fourth miss with you? The duchess has always liked the fourth miss, and the miss knows how to advise others. She¡¯ll surely be able to help the duchess with a thing or two.¡±

    Jin-mama was quite subtle with her words. If Qin Huining went along, she¡¯d probably only cause more heartache for the duchess. How would her presence be afort at all?

    But n¨¦e Sun shook her head mulishly. ¡°It¡¯s no matter if she tags along. Daughter Hui will be sad if we went out and didn¡¯t bring her.¡± She waved her hand at Caiju. ¡°Go on now.¡±

    The discussion now at an end, the maid finally trotted off with her message. Bingtang and Sonn helped Qin Yining into a pale-green cape as she picked up the newly made fox fur neck warmer as well as a pair of hand warmers that had a ruby embedded into them. The rest of her outfit was in, so the snow-white fur made her fair, taut skin look even more wless. As she nced over the girl, n¨¦e Sun was reminded of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s brilliant looks in his youth. He was much older now, of course, and had a beard which added an ethereal air to his bearing, but he¡¯d lost that breathtaking, handsome charm. Looking at Qin Yining seemed to take her back to the most perfect days of yesteryear. She adjusted her daughter¡¯s hand warmers with a smile. ¡°When I look closely at you, you do look like your father, but your face shape and nose are definitely mine.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled faintly in response. Jin-mama joined in as well. ¡°Of course. The fourth miss is your daughter with the lord, so it¡¯s only natural that she takes after the two of you. I feel that Fourth Miss has a bearing very simr to you in your youth, mistress, and especially those dimples when she smiles.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded and even lovingly tapped the tip of Qin Yining¡¯s nose. Qin Huining happened to enter right then, just in time to glimpse this heartwarming scene with Fugui and Caiju. She saw mother and daughter wearing the same style fur essories and intimately holding hands. She felt like an outsider, someone who would never truly be epted into this family.

    ¡°Miss Huining is here!¡± Jin-mama smiled and curtsied, but she paused when she saw that Qin Huining was wearing only a pale pink, brocade cape. ¡°I remember that the fox fur neck and hand warmers have been delivered already. Why aren¡¯t you wearing them, miss?¡±

    Qin Huining coughed lightly. ¡°I was thinking of saving those items for the new year since they looked so precious. I hadn¡¯t thought that mother and Miss Yining would be using them already.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to save them,¡± n¨¦e Sun chuckled in response. ¡°Wear them if you have them, we¡¯ll have more new clothing for the new year.¡±

    Qin Yining walked up with a smile and looked Qin Huining over with twinkling eyes. She reached to grab Qin Huining¡¯s hand, putting the brass hand warmer into it. She smiled down at the foster girl, saying gently, ¡°Now this is Fugui¡¯s fault. Why didn¡¯t you bring a brass hand warmer for your miss in this cold weather? And this cape, I remember there being a hat thatpletes this set. Why is your miss not wearing it either? Mother will be sad if Miss Huining catches a cold.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cold, why aren¡¯t you keeping an eye out for what you¡¯re wearing?¡± N¨¦e Sun frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t Caiju tell you that we¡¯re going to the Ding Manor? Your maternal grandmother will think I¡¯m mistreating you when she sees you like this.¡± She turned towards Jin-mama, ¡°Go fetch my hat, the one with the simr color, for daughter Hui.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Jin-mama left, but turned to look at Qin Huining meaningfully before she left the room.

    Although the warmth from the brass hand warmer was filling her hand, ice gripped Qin Huining¡¯s body. She felt a ball of fire start to burn in her heart. Qin Yining definitely did that on purpose! Why hadn¡¯t she discovered before just how scheming Qin Yining was? Those words filled with seeming care also made others think that she was purposefully ying the victim! And no one would think Qin Yining had any other ulterior motives in mind! Qin Huining squeezed out a stiff smile. ¡°Thank you, mother.¡±

    She¡¯d learned her lesson thoroughly. She well knew that Qin Yining was the sort to do anything. But Qin Huining didn¡¯t dare have a falling out with the newly minted fourth miss. Meanwhile, Jin-mama hade back with the hat and helped Qin Huining put it in, and the serving girl also reported that the carriage was ready. The group paid a visit to the old dowager and set off together.

    A gloomy and fretful atmosphere pervaded the Ding Manor, just as Qin Yining had thought. Although her senior and second aunts were smiling at their arrival, they couldn¡¯t conceal the anxiety deep in their eyes. As for the duchess, her expression gave nothing away. The only indication of her uneasiness were the slightly deepened furrows between her brows.

    ¡°I¡¯m touched that you¡¯vee to look in on me at this time.¡± The duchess smiled very happily.

    ¡°It only urred to me when daughter Yi worried that you were keeping all your worries in.¡± N¨¦e Sun was a straight shooter, especially in her own home, and said the first thing that popped into her head.

    The duchess smiled and beckoned Qin Yining over. The fourth miss was handing her cape to Bingtang and curtsied at the gesture. ¡°Grandmother.¡±

    The Duchess of Ding looked at the girl up and down with a smile. ¡°Not bad, this white fox fur is perfect for young girls. I feel that your color has gotten better than before, and that your skin has be more tender?¡±

    ¡°This is all thanks to Bingtang. I¡¯ve been living and eating well these days, so my waist has gotten thicker!¡± Qin Yining moved her face right up to the duchess. ¡°Look grandmother, my face is getting round!¡±

    The Duchess of Ding burst outughing at her granddaughter¡¯s antics. Qin Yining¡¯s senior aunt chuckled, ¡°You exaggerate too much! There¡¯s only a little bit more meat on your face. I still think you¡¯re too skinny for a child.¡±

    Her second aunt nodded as well. ¡°Indeed, niece Yi needs to eat and sleep more, and adjust her body. You should look to niece Hui as your benchmark.¡±

    Everyone turned to look at the quiet Qin Huining. She was wearing a turquoise cotton jacket paired with a bright red, eight panel skirt. She wasn¡¯t fat, but in obviously rosy health. Qin Yining appeared much skinnier when the two stood beside each other. Qin Huining smiled stiffly, ying along with the joke. But in reality, she¡¯d cursed her second aunt a thousand times over. What¡¯s that old biddy dragging me into this for?! She¡¯s making me out to be a fat pig! Isn¡¯t this obliquely reminding everyone that I¡¯ve stolen Qin Yining¡¯s fortune for more than ten years!?

    Qin Yiningughed. ¡°Second aunt speaks truly, I¡¯ll do my best to eat a lot!¡±

    Everyoneughed along with her while Qin Huining almost ground her teeth down to the gums. And what does shemean by that?! Is she saying that I eat too much?

    Bao-mama happened to enter right then with a couple of snacks and caught the tail end of the conversation. ¡°Since our miss has spoken so, you need to eat more of the green bean paste cake and candied osmanthus cakes.¡±

    ¡°Right, your mother said that you like the candied osmanthus cakes, so have some!¡± The duchess picked up a faintly yellow, translucent piece of cake and fed it to Qin Yining. The girl didn¡¯t put on airs and bit off arge mouthful, amusing everyone again. Even n¨¦e Sun felt relieved of her many days of worry. Jin-mama was right, daughter Yi knows how tofort people well.

    Just as all had gotten cheery within the house, urgent footsteps sounded from outside.

    ¡°Elder Madame.¡± It was the duchess¡¯ serving girl, Xiaoyao. ¡°The duke and lord have returned and notified the kitchens to prepare lunch since they¡¯ve heard about our guests. The family is to take lunch togetherter. For now, they¡¯ve all gone to the study.

    The duchess nodded and thought for a moment. ¡°How did they look?¡±

    Xiaoyao¡¯s head lowered even further as she responded in a trembling voice, ¡°In response to Elder Madame, I took a peek from within the inner doors. They... they didn¡¯t seem too happy.¡± She snuck a quick nce up at her mistress when she was finished.

    The duchess understood that there were some things Xiaoyao didn¡¯t dare speak of. She didn¡¯t want to give the little girl a hard time. ¡°Go tell Ming¡¯er¡¯s 1 follower toe here. I have some things I¡¯d like to ask him.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Xiaoyao heaved a private sigh of relief and ran out.

    Not long thereafter, a young man wearing a navy blue cotton jacket and a small cap came by. He knelt in the outside room, being careful to stay behind the divider, and bowed. ¡°This humble one greets the elder madame.¡±

    ¡°Liu¡¯an, you can rise to answer my questions.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Elder Madame.¡± Liu¡¯an rose but remained bowing.

    ¡°Did Ming¡¯er say anything today? Why are the lords of the manor unhappy?¡±

    ¡°This humble one doesn¡¯t know the particrs either,¡± Liu¡¯an responded. ¡°I just heard the duke say to the senior master that the dowager empress of Great Zhou is suffering from severe headaches. They gue her everyday and she finds it difficult to sleep. They say that she¡¯ll only be cured only after eating human brains. I also heard the senior master say that our emperor is searching for renowned doctors to send to Great Zhou to help their dowager empress.¡±

    The duchess nodded. ¡°You may go.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Liu¡¯an left after a bow, leaving behind a silent room.

    After a while, Qin Yining¡¯s senior aunt finally managed to squeeze out, ¡°Great Zhou is a barbarous ce alright. Eating human brains to cure migraines? Then wouldn¡¯t cripples be healed after eating a leg?¡±

    Her second aunt had started to worry. ¡°I wonder how the battle is going against those savages at Xihua. If I¡¯d known that this would be such a cause of worry, we shouldn¡¯t have let our sons and nephews join the army as well...¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s senior and second uncle were defending Xihua, and even her second and fourth elder cousin were stationed there with their family. Her second cousin was second aunt¡¯s own son, while fourth cousin was a concubine-born son to the second aunt. Both of them had a son each as well, also at Xihua. There were many more from the second branch of the family on the front lines. Her senior aunt only needed to worry about her husband, but second aunt needed to worry about her husband, son, and grandson. Needless to say, the passage of days had not been easy.

    The duchess naturally knew of her second daughter-inw¡¯s concerns. The matriarch reached out to pat her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, our family¡¯s never gone against our conscience. Our ancestors have umted much fortune so our children and grandchildren will surely be blessed as well. They¡¯ll be able to turn disaster into a good oue.¡±

    The second aunt nodded with a smile. ¡°Mother¡¯s right. I may be worried about them, but you are even more so. It¡¯s my fault for making you unhappy.¡±

    ¡°You have a mother¡¯s kind heart, so what fault is there in that?¡± The duchess gave instructions with a smile. ¡°Have the kitchen begin their preparations. When the duke and the others return, summon all the girls so that we can all enjoy lunch together.¡±

    Bao-mama assented merrily and had serving girls deliver the ns to each branch, requesting all the misses and young masters to Bright Spring Hall.

 Chapter 69: Refusal Unto Death

    <h4>Chapter 69: Refusal Unto Death</h4>

    It didn¡¯t take long for all the misses to arrive. Qin Yining and Qin Huining followed the crowd to the receiving hall, quickly mingling among them. Even though Qin Huining wasn¡¯t the most popr, the scene wasn¡¯t too awkward. A granny servant arrived around noon to ask the duchess, ¡°Senior Madame, lunch is ready. Should we set it out in the warmed room?¡±

    ¡°Set it out there. Make sure to fetch the lords from the outer residence.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Thedies of the house chatted andughed their way to lunch, bumping into the duke and his grandsons at the courtyard door. The girls curtsied while eldest cousin Sun Yu, fifth cousin Sun Jie, and eighth cousin Sun Qin made their bows to the women. They greeted their sisters and female cousins as well before heading inside.

    It was as warm as spring inside the house and a full spread wasid out. The delicious fragrance of food wafted towards their noses and teased everyone¡¯s appetites. The duchess smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s take down the divider. There are no outsiders here. Is the duke to eat a lonely meal with just three of his grandsons? Aren¡¯t you jealous that we have so many people on our side?¡±

    ¡°You know me best,¡± the duke chuckled. ¡°I am jealous, but you¡¯ve already given your orders without me having to say anything.¡±

    Everyone startedughing. The duke and duchess took the head seats, while n¨¦e Sun took her ce at the duchess¡¯ side, leaving two seats next to her for her sisters-inw. The male cousins took their seats at the duke¡¯s right hand. The young girls naturally sat at another table. Senior and second aunt picked up serving chopsticks, but the duchess smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a kind of reunion lunch today. I don¡¯t want you two to stand on ceremony. Take your seats as well.¡±

    The two wanted to protest, but the duke smiled as well. ¡°Just listen to your mother.¡±

    Although the duke was gentle, he was the man of the household. No one would gainsay him after he spoke, so the two madames took their seats as well. Noble households had the rule of no speech during meals and bed, so the only sound in the room was that of chopsticks clinking against bowls and tes. But once everyone had finished their meals and moved back to the receiving hall, the atmosphere once again grew lively.

    The duke stroked his beard, in quite a good mood. ¡°Are you used to things yet, granddaughter Yi?¡±

    ¡°In response to grandfather, all is well. Mother thinks greatly of me in all matters and take very good care of me. Huining¡¯s also taught me much that I didn¡¯t know before, so I¡¯m used to life here now.¡± Qin Yining responded docilely. N¨¦e Sun was immensely touched by this response, while Qin Huining flung a startled look at Qin Yining. What is she up to now?

    The duke smiled. ¡°That¡¯s good. It¡¯s your mother¡¯s fortune that you and granddaughter Hui are so friendly with each other. If you need anything or run into any difficulties, send a message to your maternal grandmother.¡±

    ¡°I will. Thank you for your concern, grandfather.¡± Qin Yining curtsied in gratitude. The duke waved a hand to bid her sit and do away with the formalities. She took a seat next to Qin Huining, her bearing so natural that it seemed like everything was fine between them. Qin Huining, on the other hand, was tensed up all over. She felt incredibly ufortable being in such close proximity, but had to force herself to maintain herposure.

    Although the duchess was worried about what was going on, she was able to keep her calm. But Qin Yining¡¯s second aunt couldn¡¯t help but speak up due to worry for her family. ¡°Father, do we know how things at Xihua are going?¡±

    The duke thought for a moment before responding gravely, ¡°The two armies are shing at Xihua. Pang Zhixi 1 deploys his troops in peculiar ways. We haven¡¯t gained the upper hand yet.¡±

    Hearts sank at these words while second aunt tried tofort herself. ¡°Although we haven¡¯t gained the upper hand, at least our menfolk are still safe and sound.¡±

    Families residing in the rear could only wish for simple hopes like these. The duke sighed. ¡°If only I wasn¡¯t so old, I¡¯d head to Xihua myself and take Pang Zhixi down a peg myself!¡±

    ¡°Grandfather is hale and hearty. It¡¯s only that we just don¡¯t need you in the field yet,¡± fifth cousin Sun Jie smiled.

    Eighth cousin Sun Qin frowned. ¡°The war is one thing, but what¡¯s most infuriating is Great Zhou¡¯s arrogance. They send us messengers that their dowager empress has headaches? What, they invade us and then expect us to look for doctors for them? Is the entire world theirs?! And our emperor is actually scurrying around looking for doctors? This...¡±

    ¡°Eighth brother, watch your words.¡± Sun Yu admonished lightly, bringing his brother¡¯s attention back to the presence of other sisters and cousins in the surroundings. Sun Qin smiled awkwardly. Qin Yining kept her eyes low as she quietly listened the conversation around her, feeling a boulder slowly settle on her heart. The emperor was decrepit and weak, only knowing how to immerse himself in pleasure with the trampress. He plotted against his subjects, but never thought of forging his court into a tight whole so that they could contend against outside enemies. It¡¯d be easier for Great Yan citizens to hope for his death than expect him to stand proudly and lead them all with a firm hand!

    Just as the heavy atmosphere pervaded everyone¡¯s thoughts, servants suddenly reported in from outside. ¡°Your Grace, Grand Supervisor Wang from the pce has just arrived with an imperial decree! He¡¯s in the front yard at the moment!¡±

    Another imperial decree!? The duke quickly gave orders to set up a table with new cloth and decorations to hold the imperial decree while the family went to kneel in the front yard to receive the emperor¡¯s words.

    Grand Supervisor Wang¡¯s face was solemn as he slowly unfurled the golden decree. Once it was fully unfurled, he spoke in a thin, high voice, ¡°The Emperor, who governs with the mandate of Heaven, decrees the following: the dowager empress of Great Zhou, to the west of our great nation, is unwell and has received a method of treatment from a renowned doctor. Partaking of the brain of a wise person can cure her ailment. Sun Yu, eminent schr of Hanlin Academy, possesses wisdom and strategy, is quick of wit and innovative, and is endowed with intelligence and courage alike. In recognition of his great talent, We hereby bestow the position of the Earl of An and award him one thousand gold taels. Sun Yu is to head to Great Zhou to cure the dowager empress. So it is decreed!¡±

    Deathly silence reigned in the yard...

    Grand Supervisor Wang¡¯s shrill voice had cut across everyone¡¯s heart like a rusty de. Kneeling in the yard, the duke¡¯s hand was trembling. After a long moment, he lifted his head and spoke, fighting to get every word out. ¡°If I may ask the grand supervisor... what is all this?¡±

    The grand supervisor sighed softly. ¡°Your Grace, please don¡¯t me this servant. I¡¯m just following orders. But I can provide you with some information. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re aware that Great Zhou sent an envoy? He just met with the emperor and ryed that a Great Zhou doctor prescribed a treatment for their dowager empress. He said that in order for her headaches to be cured, she needs to eat the brain of the smartest person in the world.¡± Tears welled up in the old eunuch¡¯s eyes, but he swallowed roughly to keep them from spilling over. His voice dropped an octave as he struggled to keep his tone even. ¡°The envoy purposefully asked, ¡®I¡¯ve heard that there¡¯s someone in your country who¡¯s skilled at writing denunciations. He¡¯s the smartest, so we¡¯ll take him¡¯. Then... the emperor agreed...¡±

    At thosest words, Sun Yu¡¯s mother gasped. Her eyes rolled back and she fainted dead away. The young misses all burst into tears from fright and frantically tried to wake her by pinching the acupuncture points under her nose and between thumb and index finger. Qin Yining¡¯s second aunt was frantically supporting a shaking duchess. Everyone¡¯s face had gone as white as a ghost¡¯s. Qin Yining¡¯s hands were tightly clenched as she propped up a shuddering n¨¦e Sun. Her eyes were fixed on Grand Supervisor Wang, sure that there was more.

    A humming sound filled the duke¡¯s ears. He seemed to have aged a hundred years as a low rasp came out, ¡°This... how can this be...¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, the emperor has given his orders. We have no choice but to do this in order to cate Great Zhou and save Great Yan.¡± The eunuch sighed and offered up the imperial decree with both hands to a mute Sun Yu. ¡°Sir Sun, please ept the decree.¡±

    Sun Yu¡¯s face was nk, almost like he felt nothing. Ignoring the eunuch, he turned and walked over to his newly awakened mother to hold her. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t cry.¡±

    Senior aunt¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as she grasped Sun Yu¡¯s hands tightly. ¡°Son, my son! Not going, we¡¯re not going! You can¡¯t ept this decree! You can¡¯t go, I forbid you to go!¡±

    Tears welled up in Sun Yu¡¯s eyes as he enfolded her in his arms. He held her close, patting her back soothingly. ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t go.¡±

    But the imperial decree had already arrived, what could he do if not go? Everyone panicked. Qin Yining thought furiously and tugged on Sun Yu¡¯s sleeve. She kept her voice low. ¡°Cousin, ept the decree for now and we can talk about the restter. We can think of a n!¡±

    Tears covered Qin Huining¡¯s face in her panic as well as she concurred. ¡°Right right right. Great Zhou is so far away. Who knows what you look like? We¡¯ll send someone else instead!¡±

    Their words gave the others slight hope. In the moment, no rational thought could prate their terrified state in a moment of crisis. The senior aunt nodded. ¡°Right right, ept the decree and we¡¯ll think of a n!¡±

    The duchess and n¨¦e Sun also sighed in relief. But Sun Yu smiled, rising slowly to his feet. ¡°I, Sun Yuanming, am a true man. I have a clear conscience in all that I do. Grandmother, grandmother, mother¡ªI will not scrabble in the dirt simply to survive.¡±

    He turned back to the grand supervisor, striding proudly over to stand in front of him. Sun Yu reached out, flipping the imperial decree out of the eunuch¡¯s hands and sending it tumbling to the ground. He red straight into Grand Supervisor Wang¡¯s eyes. ¡°Thend of savages, Great Zhou, dared to invade my country, ughter my fellow citizens, and bully my liege! Now they want my brains for a cure?! Dream on! I¡¯d rather smash it than give them the slightest mouthful!¡± Before anyone could stop him, or even process his vehement stance, Sun Yu leaped straight towards the nearest pir. He didn¡¯t even hesitate for a moment before charging into it headfirst!

    Bam! A muffled thud rang hollowly around the yard, followed by the ps of flesh and tissue hitting the ground. Bright crimson blood stained his robes, and a long streak of blood was drawn on the pir as his thin frame slid down to its base.

    ¡°Ah!¡±

    ¡°Ming¡¯er!¡±

    ¡°My son!¡±

    No one had ever dreamed that this sort of fire existed in Sun Yu. The duchess, senior aunt, and second aunt all screamed in horror and fainted. The girls clutched each other and wailed loudly, some fainting away as well. The yard dissolved into a chaotic riot of blood and screaming. Qin Yining¡¯s fifth and eighth cousin charged towards Sun Yu¡¯s corpse, howling in anguish. They screamed his name and pounded their chests in agony.

    The duke trembled and shook like a leaf, his eyes never leaving the body of his most treasured grandson and the remains of his body that had strewn itself over the ground. His lips suddenly tugged upwards in a ghastly parody of a smile. ¡°Good, good! Ming¡¯er, you are indeed a Sun! And a man among men! Your grandfather hasn¡¯t loved you for nothing! I haven¡¯t loved you for nothing...¡± He couldn¡¯t hold on anymore and crumpled slowly, like a copsing mountain, to his knees. The only thing that could be discerned from his bowed head were the tears that fell endlessly from his eyes.

    Grand Supervisor Wang himself was not immune to the nobility of the Sun Yu¡¯s decision, swiping at his eyes. But he was also not blind to the ramifications of that which woulde next. He cleared his throat with difficulty, and anxiety colored his next words, ¡°Your Grace, what should we do? What do we do if the emperor mes us for all this?¡±

    The duchess had been reawakened thanks to Bingtang¡¯s silver needles. Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun helped her into a sitting position. Her sharp grief had given way to an ice-like despondency. Sheughed, a chilling sound. ¡°What can we do now that things havee to this? Our Duke of Ding household are full of fierce and loyal subjects. Our only thought has been to serve our country and we have never failed our liege. The emperor... is wise and noble. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be moved when he hears of my grandson¡¯s actions.¡±

 Chapter 70: Filthy Deeds

    <h4>Chapter 70: Filthy Deeds</h4>

    ¡°This... no matter what the emperor thinks, it¡¯s the truth that Sir Sun showed disrespect in defying the imperial decree. How shall I report this to the emperor??¡± After his shock had waned, Grand Supervisor Wang was most concerned about the consequences that would fall on his head. The emperor¡¯s temper was known to be mercurial, and he ordered executions at the drop of a hat. How was the eunuch supposed to go back empty-handed?

    ¡°Comee, you there, collect Sir Sun¡¯s body and the mess on the ground.¡± Grand Supervisor Wang covered his nose with his sleeve and gave orders to the young eunuchs who¡¯de with him. These young eunuchs were afraid of being embroiled in the mess as well, so they forced themselves toe forward to gather Sun Yu¡¯s remains.

    Sun Jie and Sun Qin erupted with fury, forcefully shoving the eunuchs aside. ¡°What are you doing?! He¡¯s already dead, what more do you want from his corpse?¡±

    The duchess struggled to stand up, but couldn¡¯t quite reach her feet. Copsed on the ground, her grief gave way to an outraged yell, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare! Who dares move my grandson¡¯s body?!¡± Tears mottled her face as anguish seeped back into her voice, ¡°He¡¯s already gone, why won¡¯t you just leave his body alone?!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to get past me to even touch my grandson!¡± The duke¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and his raspy voice trembled with emotion. He blocked the eunuchs with outstretched arms, nting himself as solidly as a mountain in front of his household.

    How would Grand Overseer Wang not sorrow for Sun Yu in light of such a tragic situation? But if he couldn¡¯t fulfil his duties, his neck would be next on the chopping block. ¡°Your Grace, this servant has no other choice either. You know of the emperor¡¯s temper. If he flies into an imperial fury, neither you nor I would be able to bear the consequences.¡± After a moment of thought, he offered, ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll have someone return to the pce to make a report, and we¡¯ll see what the emperor wishes to do?¡±

    If the emperor shows mercy, then it gets me out of this situation. Nothing good cane of offending the duke either.

    The duke gnashed his teeth and nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be troubling you, Grand Overseer.¡±

    The grand overseer quietly protested for the courteous response before turning to a young eunuch. The youthful eunuch was far from enthused about the prospect of facing the emperor with bad news, but was forced to leave anyway. He traveled back to the pce with a long face, as if going back to meet his doom.

    The group waited, their hearts mirroring the frozen courtyard. It had begun to snow at some point, delicately frozen fractals vanishing into the dark, dampening ground. Yet no one thought of taking shelter from the elements. The only sound that broke the stillness of the scene was the low sniffling or muffled sobs of the females. When Qin Yining¡¯s senior aunt awoke, she wailed and fainted again after seeing her son¡¯s condition. Second Aunt held n¨¦e Sun tightly as the two grieved together.

    Qin Yining had moved to her grandmother¡¯s side, silent tears trickling unceasingly down her face. Senior cousin had given his life for his ideals, but it also stood as a castigation of the decrepit emperor. However, love of country, as well as liege loyalty, was deeply ingrained the bones of the Ding household. Words of that sort was not meant to be spoken.

    And yet, upholding his belief with deaths was still an act of insubordination. Qin Yining didn¡¯t know what the others were thinking, but her very teeth itched with venomous hatred for that trash emperor. She couldn¡¯t help but think of Qin Huaiyuan. Senior cousin was wreathed with praise and amply rewarded before. Isn¡¯t that the same with father? When living in troubled times, the fickleness of fate was the hardest to predict and resist.

    Scattered footsteps sounded around an hourter. It wasn¡¯t just the young eunuch who¡¯d been sent back, but now he was also apanied by some imperial bodyguards as well. The youthful eunuch was much reassured after receiving instructions from the emperor and bowed confidently. ¡°The emperor has imparted a verbal decree and ordered that this servant must deliver it clearly to the Duke of Ding.¡±

    The grand overseer nodded, indicating for the eunuch to speak. The sounds of mourning ceased slowly as everyone fixed their eyes on the eunuch.

    ¡°The emperor says, ¡®The Duke of Ding household professes to be loyal, but isn¡¯t even willing to offer a singr Sun Yu for the good of the nation. Sacrificing only Sun Yu would cate Great Zhou¡¯s anger and possibly lead to a retreat at Xihua and the release of ten thousand captives! But it seems Sun Yu only knew to give himself great airs! You are to offer his body and brains to Great Zhou even if he had been torn to bits, much less rammed himself to death! Anyone who dares obstruct this action will be charged with high treason!¡¯¡±

    The eunuch¡¯s voice was shrill, but still perfectly imitated the emperor¡¯s wrathful tone. However, the further along he got into the speech, the more his volume dwindled. It couldn¡¯t be helped, really, because everyone¡¯s stares had turned from hopeful to vicious, like predators looking at prey.

    Grand Supervisor Wang waved a hand to dismiss the eunuch and bowed to the duke. The unspoken pressure weighed heavily on him, and he spoke with difficulty, ¡°Your Grace, you¡¯re the head of the household and must keep a clear mind. The emperor has already spoken thus, so I must take Sir Sun with me. You must consider whether your household can suffer thebels of ¡®treason¡¯ and ¡®defiance of the imperial decree¡¯! Sir Sun may no longer be with us, but you have other children and grandchildren to think about!¡±

    The duke clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. A vein throbbed at his forehead, but not a word escaped his lips. The women around him were all crying loudly.

    The imperial bodyguards stepped forward and pushed aside Qin Yining¡¯s fifth and eighth cousins. They collected the scattered remains of Sun Yu and ced them into a satin box. Then they lifted his ghastly body into a hastily prepared, thin coffin. Grand Supervisor Wang immediately raised a cupped fist salute when he saw that the task was done and took his leave in a hurry.

    The duke slowly tilted his head back and murmured, ¡°The heavens wish to end Great Yan.¡± A mouthful of blood spurted from his lips and his eyes rolled back. The duke¡¯s stocky body fell like an aged oak, crashing heavily onto the ground.

    ¡°Grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace!¡± The scene once again dissolved into utter chaos.

    News of these cmitous tidings at the Ding Manor spread throughout the capital in less than four hours. The public reeled in shock, the citizens alternately sighing in sorrow and anger. The soldiers of the capital were beside themselves with grief. Qin Huaiyuan personally rushed over when he heard the news. Qin Yining and Qin Huining were at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side, helping the doctor take care of their female rtives. The duchess, senior aunt, second aunt, and even the duke had yet to awake from their dead faint. There was no one left who could make decisions.

    Qin Huaiyuan led Sun Jie and Sun Qin in raising a lintel in the front yard and setting up an altar. They ced Sun Yu¡¯s clothes, socks, and shoes inside a coffin. Qin Huaiyuan also hired criers to announce the death, gave orders for servants to stand vigil over the coffin, burn paper money, and weep in front of the coffin. The entire Ding Manor was enveloped in a tragic atmosphere, highlighted by the white of mourning.

    Meanwhile, the emperor and empress were casting frowns down at Sun Yu¡¯s remains, especially the mess within the satin box.

    ¡°Your Majesty, what do you think Sun Yuanming means by this? Does he harbor thoughts of insubordination? You told him to do something, and he uses his life to make a statement about it?¡± The empress held a scented handkerchief up to her nose, fanning the air disdainfully.

    The emperor had been thinking just that, and his ire red even more when he heard the empress¡¯ words. ¡°I say that Sun Yuanming had his brains scrambled from too much studying! Whatever. I hope this can get past the Great Zhou envoy. Servants, attend to me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡± Grand Supervisor Wang smiled fawningly.

    ¡°You, go invite the Great Zhou envoy yourself,¡± the emperor huffed impatiently. ¡°Say that I¡¯m setting out a banquet in his honor and that Sun Yu is ready.¡±

    The grand supervisor quickly left to carry out his orders. The emperor wanted to use a corpse and half a box of internal organs to pacify Great Zhou¡¯s anger, but the envoy mmed his hand on the table and surged to his feet when he saw them. Hembasted the emperor angrily, ¡°This is sinister calction towards our dowager empress! The brain must be eaten raw, so the fresher the better. ughtering him on the spot ensure freshness. The body will rot and stink if we send it back! How will our dowager empress eat it then?¡±

    The emperor understood this as well. He could only smile apologetically and speakfortingly. The envoy flourished his sleeves angrily and huffed off, not taking the body with him.

    The emperor reacted by flipping the table over, finally free to vent his anger after the envoy¡¯s exit. He demanded loudly, ¡°Throw Sun Yu into themon graves! The sight of him irritates me!¡±

    The grand supervisor internally jumped with horror, but kept his head down and did as ordered. Thankfully, he still had some human decency in him. Although he did throw Sun Yu into themon graves, he sent a trusted subordinated to the Ding Manor at the same time, telling the Ding household to quicklye collect Sun Yu before he was carried off by wild wolves or dogs.

    Sun Jie and Sun Qin burst into tears again when they heard this, ovee with anguish and grief. Qin Huaiyuan spoked tiredly, ¡°No matter what, bringing Yuanming back for burial rites is of utmost importance. The rest can be discussed at lengthter. You¡¯re not children anymore, so I¡¯m sure there¡¯s much you understand. The emperor is thus, and you¡¯re not alone by yourself in this world. The Ding Manor is arge household, with no further mishaps being tolerated.¡±

    ¡°Uncle-inw speaks rightly.¡± Sun Jie swiped at his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll travel on a fast horse to bring him back. Eighth brother, keep watch at home.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± Sun Qin also wiped away his tears and bowed gratefully to Qin Huaiyuan when his elder brother had set off. ¡°Fifth brother and Ipletely panicked after the events of today. There¡¯s no one in charge in the house at all. We didn¡¯t know what to do. If it wasn¡¯t for you...¡±

    ¡°Ai.¡± Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand. ¡°We¡¯re one family.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Sun Qin nodded emotionally.

    ¡°Give the orders to have everyone keep a tight lip.¡± Qin Huaiyuan advised after another sigh. ¡°Some things can¡¯t be thought of or spoken about. The emperor is still angry. If anything gets out, it will be fatal offense.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Sun Qinpressed his lips.

    Qin Huaiyuan pped his shoulder. ¡°If our liege wants us to die, we must die. Such is the life of a subject.¡±

    Tears welled up again when Sun Qin heard this and felt the chilly air howling around his brother¡¯s coffin.

    Sun Jie whipped his horse fiercely to wrestle Sun Yu back from themon graves. They were finally able toy Sun Yu to rest. Qin Huaiyuan nced at Sun Yu in the coffin, his teeth suddenly chattering with shared sympathy for one of his kind. He was ovee with emotion at the thought of the marvelously talented Sun Yu having such a sad demise.

    N¨¦e Sun had just helped the duchess take her medicine when the duchess summoned Bao-mama to ask about the duke and the situation of the outer residence. The old servant had changed into in clothes, cinching them with a white belt. She curtsied. ¡°Miss Tang has just taken a look at the duke. She says he was ovee by anger and can only recover through slow treatment with medicine. The duke awoke just now and slept again after taking medicine. Lord Qin is keeping watch over the outside residence with the fifth and eighth master. The senior master has already beenid to rest.¡±

    ¡°You mean Ming¡¯er¡¯s body has been brought back?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Bao-mama was worried that the duchess would faint from high emotions again, so didn¡¯t dare say that they¡¯d wrestled Sun Yu¡¯s body back from the mouths of wild dogs and wolves in themon graves. The duchess just assumed that the emperor had sent her grandson back and closed her eyes sadly again.

    Because he¡¯d met a violent death, Sun Yu was buried after being disyed for only seven days. Qin Yining and Qin Huining stayed by n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side during this time to wait on the Duchess of Ding. If it hadn¡¯t been for new year¡¯s eve being four days away, n¨¦e Sun wouldn¡¯t have wanted to return to the Qin family at all. But she was someone¡¯s wife and daughter-inw, so she couldn¡¯t stay at home at the end of the year.

    However, the three had just set foot into the main hall of the Garden of Loving Piety when they were greeting by a fierce harangue from the old dowager.

 Chapter 71: The Way of the World

    <h4>Chapter 71: The Way of the World</h4>

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t harp at you given what¡¯s happened with your family, but don¡¯t you forget who you are! Although you¡¯re a Sun, you¡¯re foremost a Qin after crossing our threshold. You need to think of the Qin n in whatever you do. Don¡¯t forget that your husband is grand preceptor!¡± The old dowager had been nursing this breath of ill will all these days. Although it was such a pity that a great talent like Sun Yuanming was gone just like that, the old dowager was more worried that the Qin n would be dragged down by the Duke of Ding¡¯s household.

    The emperor had given a decree. Regardless of whether or not it was reasonable, an imperial decor was an imperial decree. Sun Yuanming might be a self made martyr, but his crime of defying an imperial order was very real as well. The old dowager had tried stopping Qin Huaiyuan from going to the Ding Manor after everything had happened on that fateful day, but her son was now an adult and had his own ideas. She¡¯d thought that he¡¯d just take a look, but he¡¯d actually stayed and started helping! When she sent servants with messages that she¡¯d taken ill, he¡¯d onlye back to confirm that she was faking, and sprouted all sorts of noble ideals before leaving again.

    But what was she doing all this for? Her son wasn¡¯t the sort to forget his mother after taking a wife, so maybe n¨¦e Sun had said something or done something. Now that the old dowager finally had her daughter-inw under her thumb again, it was the perfect opportunity for her to vent her irritation.

    N¨¦e Sun was already grief-stricken and felt even more muddled after all this. She wasn¡¯t the sort to analyze the bigger picture to begin with, and her brains were aplete churned up mess at the moment. She didn¡¯t think deeply about the old dowager¡¯s words at all. She just felt that her mother-inw was faulting her for spending so much time at home.

    Qin Yining needed only one look at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression to know that her mother¡¯s temper was going to make the usual showing. She wanted to stop the proceedings, but n¨¦e Sun moved even faster.

    ¡°Old Dowager, you¡¯re simply too heartless! Such a tragic thing has happened at home and my parents are ill from grief. Yuanming¡¯s funeral wasn¡¯t yet wrapped up either, so how could I possibly have just left them behind? You should be putting yourselves in their shoes and not throwing a tantrum!¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice was a bit hoarse, so her words were even scratchier than usual when she screamed.

    Qin Yining knew that this wouldn¡¯t end well when she heard this. She quickly exined, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. Mother didn¡¯t mean that...¡±

    The old dowager had already shot to her feet in anger,pletely ignoring her granddaughter. ¡°Me, throwing a tantrum? Is there any daughter-inw in this world that speaks to their mother-inw like this? I¡¯ve been lenient towards you all these years, so what, you think I¡¯m a soft target? Put myself in their shoes? I don¡¯t have a grandson who would die for his cause, so I really can¡¯t empathize!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± N¨¦e Sun shook from fury. Her greatest regret in life was that she hadn¡¯t been able to give Qin Huaiyuan a boy after all this time. How much derision had she suffered from her mother-inw for that in all these years? And here she was, using that to attack n¨¦e Sun again? Tears trickled down n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face as she clutched her chest, unable to catch her breath in between sobs. ¡°I know the old dowager doesn¡¯t like the sight of me. I¡¯ll...¡±

    ¡°What, you want to go home?¡± The old dowager was both infuriated and vindicated when she saw n¨¦e Sun cry. She snorted coldly. ¡°Do you think the Ding Manor is still the Ding Manor of old? I¡¯ll give you a word of advice since you¡¯re my daughter-inw. Although Yuanming¡¯s now a martyr, he still showed disrespect towards the emperor. A de is suspended over the Ding Manor as long as the emperor doesn¡¯t express his stance on this. If you¡¯re truly filial, then you should think about your family!

    ¡°You¡¯re not a child, surely you¡¯re not worse at life than your daughter? Look at how a perfectly fine darling Hui¡¯s turned out under your care! When looking at you, I should be rejoicing that my dear Yi was stolen away all those years ago so that she remained free from your influence!¡±

    Such devastating words caused n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face to drain of all color. The old dowager shouldn¡¯t be lecturing her like this in front of her daughter and servants. How would she have any face or dignity in the manor in the future? She felt that her dignity had already been trampled firmly into the dust by the old dowager!

    Meanwhile, off to the side, Qin Huining had been unable to eat or drink for the past couple of days because the one she liked had died right in front of her. Herplexion was ashen and she¡¯d lost a great deal of weight. She felt humiliated, furious, and resigned when she heard the old dowager¡¯s words, heavilydened with undertones. So were they saying that in upying Qin Yining¡¯s rightful ce, she¡¯d actually saved the old dowager¡¯s real granddaughter?

    Qin Yining looked at the bawling n¨¦e Sun, the hotly ring old dowager, then at Qin Huining¡¯s lowered head as the foster girl suppressed her emotions. She felt at a loss for what to do. N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t have a clear mind. The old dowager prioritized self gain above all else. Qin Huining was so very sensitive and easily jealous... Something serious would likely happen if the three continued continued in this vein.

    Qin Yining sent a request for help in a look to Qin-mama. The old servant immediately nodded slightly with understanding and patted the old dowager¡¯s chest to calm her mistress down. She helped the old dowager to a seat, coaxing, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mistress. Senior Madame is straightforward and never means anything else. We¡¯re all one family. You were also concerned about her family, no?¡±

    She then turned to n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Senior Madame, don¡¯t me Old Dowager for speaking too harshly. She¡¯s just in too much of a rush. You know how difficult court is for the lord these days. Don¡¯t be sad, the old dowager just means well for the family.¡±

    Not only did this pacify the old dowager, it also gave n¨¦e Sun a face-saving way out. A smart person would go with the flow and offer an apology, thus closing the book on this matter. N¨¦e Sun however, shot back, ¡°I know the old dowager wants to distance herself now that something¡¯s happened to my family! What happened to that fawning enthusiasm for this marriage when our family was mighty and awe-inspiring? Now that the lord is in ascension, you forget who made it all possible! You shirk away whenever anything happens. Where is your heart and conscience?! What a low-down disy!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun spoke the truth, but some truths could only be spoken of at certain times. Did she want to continue living in the Qin Manor after saying that?! Qin Yining held her forehead and pulled n¨¦e Sun down on her knees. ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. My mother is confused with grief. She didn¡¯t mean that.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t mean that?¡± The old dowager¡¯s face was flushed beet red. No one was certain if this was from fury or embarrassment that her intentions had been found out. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that you have such a mature daughter Yi, I¡¯d have my son divorce you today!¡±

    ¡°Have him divorce me if you don¡¯t mind your son having the reputation of kissing up to those in power and kicking them away when their use is up! I¡¯ve had enough of inws like this!¡± N¨¦e Sun flung away Qin Yining¡¯s hand and whirled to leave. The girl quickly caught up to stop her mother, throwing a look at Qin Huining as well.

    Qin Huining was at least more quick witted that n¨¦e Sun. Even though the two girls didn¡¯t get along normally, they still knew who was family in critical moments. They were all members of the main branch, and all of them would lose face with n¨¦e Sun¡¯s actions. Sadly, Qin Yining overestimated Qin Huining¡¯s emotional intelligence and underestimated the girl¡¯s selfishness.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin Huining knelt, ayer of mist in eyes swollen from crying all these days. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad. Mother didn¡¯t mean what she said. She has a very loving rtionship with father, so please forgive her on ount of father, if nothing else.¡±

    These were persuasive words, but they were just adle of hot fuel to the fire that was currently the old dowager. She loved sons more than daughters and felt possessive about them. Although she wanted her sons to coexist well with her daughters-inw and grew angry whenever thetter did something wrong, she was still secretly gleeful when her daughters-inw showed their failings. This way, her sons would realize more firmly who was closest to them.

    This mentality was precisely what Qin Huining grasped. N¨¦e Sun already didn¡¯t love her, why should the girl speak on her behalf? There wasn¡¯t a single good thing in this family!

    As expected, the old dowager exploded into new fury when she heard this and smashed the teapot and teacups. ¡°You idiot woman! I knew you were goading Meng¡¯er and making him stay at the Ding Manor to help your family! Take a look around and see the times we¡¯re in! Your nephew¡¯s dead, do you want your husband to be dragged in as well?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had just been pulled to a stop in the courtyard and was livid at the old dowager¡¯s words. She opened her mouth to retort hotly, but chest pains struck and everything went ck in front of her eyes. Her body softened in a faint.

    ¡°Mother! Mother!¡± Qin Yining caught the unconscious n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°Oh no, Senior Madame¡¯s fainted!¡± Qin-mama quickly summoned servants and sent more to fetch a doctor.

    The old dowager was jolted out of her rage. Was this a new trick? Had n¨¦e Sun really fainted or was this an act? Was she trying to pull the wool over the old dowager¡¯s eyes or something else?!

    Qin-mama came running out of the house. ¡°Quick quick quick! Bring Senior Madame into the house!¡±

    The serving girls and granny servants moved into flustered action.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move her randomly.¡± Qin Yining peeled off the people wanting to help. ¡°I¡¯ve seen people who¡¯ve suddenly fainted actually fail to recover after being moved. The doctorster said it was palpitations and that patients shouldn¡¯t be moved when it res up. Hurry, go find Bingtang!¡±

    Thest was to head maid Jixiang, who nodded rapidly and sprinted off. Qin Yining had sent Bingtang and Sonn back to prepare a bath after they returned to the Qin Manor. While waiting for Bingtang, she repeatedly pressed the acupuncture points beneath the nose and between thumb and index finger.

    Qin Huining was also kneeling at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side, sobbing over her mother. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t scare me! Hurry and wake up!¡±

    Qin Yining smiled coldly and didn¡¯t care that the old dowager and Qin-mama were behind her. She cared even less that a yard full of servants were standing around them. She raised her hand and gave Qin Huining a resounding p!

    She held nothing back in this p and sent Qin Huining crashing to the ground seeing stars. The foster girl turned to the side and spat out a mouthful of blood. A tooth was actually mixed in the blood!

    ¡°Ah! My tooth! You!¡±

    ¡°Let me tell you something, Qin Huining! I¡¯ll let you off the hook if mother¡¯s fine. If anything happens to her, I¡¯ll be the first to slice and dice you!¡±

    ¡°How dare you?!¡±

    ¡°Just try me!¡± The look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes was so cutting that it made Qin Huining shudder. She didn¡¯t dare meet the fourth miss¡¯ eyes and weakened.

    ¡°How is this my fault?¡±

    ¡°Then is it the old dowager¡¯s?! The old dowager is benevolent and wasn¡¯t thinking those thoughts before. It was you stirring up trouble and leading her to say those words!¡± Qin Yining continued rubbing n¨¦e Sun¡¯s mmy and spasming hands, pressing down on acupuncture points. She continued anxiously, ¡°I won¡¯t argue with you now. I¡¯ll let you live if mother¡¯s fine. If she¡¯s not, dust off your neck and wait for me!¡±

 Chapter 72: Thunderous and Swift Methods

    <h4>Chapter 72: Thunderous and Swift Methods</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s overwhelming ferocity caused the ashen faced Qin Huining to shake her head repeatedly.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare! What gives you the right to say any of this? Who are you in this family? There¡¯s the old dowager, father, and mother above us! What gives you the right to punish me?! Grandmother! She¡¯s trying to kill me! Save me!¡± Qin Huining tried her best to scramble away while summoning help from the inside.

    But in one smooth motion, Qin Yining grabbed her cor and casually flung her to the side, which forced Qin Huining to stumble back a few steps and copse in a heap in the yard. ¡°Keep trying to make a fuss, huh!¡±

    The harsh tone petrified Qin Huining. She didn¡¯t dare shout any longer. Instead, she covered her face and cried, immensely aggrieved. The servants around them were all frightened silly. They didn¡¯t even breathe too loudly. The only sound that could be heard was Qin Yining saying in a markedly different, tender tone, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, mother. The doctor will be here shortly.¡±

    Qin-mama took a look at Qin Huining and padded silently inside. ¡°Old Dowager, the matters outside?¡±

    The old dowager shook her head with a sigh. ¡°My heart has truly chilled towards granddaughter Hui. Now that I¡¯ve calmed down and gone over what happened, I only flew into a rage and said all that because she mentioned Meng¡¯er. It isn¡¯t the first time she¡¯s done so either.¡±

    Qin-mama murmured silently, you¡¯re not intervening in this because you didn¡¯t see how the fourth miss pped a tooth out of Miss Huining. ¡°However, Miss Huining lost a tooth just now because Fourth Miss pped her.¡±

    ¡°Ah?!¡± The old dowager stood in surprise. She could hear the argument going on outside but didn¡¯t see anything. Dear Hui¡¯er had lost a tooth? She wanted to rush outside, but Qin-mama held onto her arm.

    ¡°Old Dowager, you already weren¡¯t feeling well today and was further angered by the senior madame. It wouldn¡¯t do to catch a cold if you went out like this. I feel that the fourth miss knows what is appropriate when doing things. Her making a move is actually teaching a lesson to Miss Huining on your behalf, no?¡±

    ¡°But granddaughter Hui...¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager, Miss Huining dared stir the pot only because she was fearless and bold from your favor. It¡¯s about time that someone taught her a lesson. Let¡¯s see if that reins her in a little. Not to mention, haven¡¯t you been wanting to see how the fourth miss handles matters? I would quite like to see if the fourth miss takes after the lord when he was young.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was the old dowager¡¯s soft spot. When he¡¯d been young, he¡¯d used thunderous and swift methods to put many concubines into their ces. If anyone wanted to touch the old dowager, her son would be the first to resist and consign others to sheer humiliation.

    The old dowager smiled. ¡°Granddaughter Yi is indeed very simr to Meng¡¯er. She takes after her father in filial piety.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so?¡± Qin-mama helped the old dowager to a sitting position. ¡°It won¡¯t be toote to take action after assessing the situation. Besides, you¡¯re not abandoning Miss Huining. Have her learn her lesson first and then send herfort when she needs it most.¡±

    The old dowager concurred after some thought and nodded, then sighed. It was saddening to realize that the girl she¡¯d watched grow up was now a scheming and calctive individual. Qin Huining had plotted against even her mother of fourteen years! The Qins had never mistreated her and kept her treatment the same as the other misses of the family, but she still didn¡¯t know to be content. It was time indeed for her to be taught a lesson.

    Jixiang came running back with Bingtang in tow. After assessing n¨¦e Sun¡¯s condition, Bingtang fished out an old, simple wooden box and opened it to take out a long, silver needle. She poked at n¨¦e Sun several times and pokedst at the acupuncture point beneath her nose. N¨¦e Sun exhaled with a burp and blearily opened her eyes.

    ¡°Senior Madame¡¯s awake!¡± everyone eximed. Those who didn¡¯t know Bingtang¡¯s identity marveled at the adept skillfulness of Qin Yining¡¯s maid.

    ¡°Mother! You¡¯re awake? Are you alright?¡± Qin Yining pulled happily on her mother¡¯s hand and carefully helped her up.

    N¨¦e Sun shook her head and leaned on Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder. Her voice was still a bit raspy. ¡°I¡¯m alright, what happened to me?¡±

    ¡°Madame¡¯s been too tiredtely and overly grief-stricken.¡± Bingtang smiled reassuringly. ¡°Your body naturally needs rest. Your health is good to begin with, so your body will be fine. It was just emotional distress. You¡¯ll be fine after resting for two days.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was still angry when she thought about what¡¯d just happened, but her body was really out of energy to continue the argument. She nodded.

    ¡°Bingtang, have someone bring over a carriage.¡± Qin Yining had just finished speaking when Ruyi led strong granny servants with a warmed carriage.

    ¡°Qin-mama had already given orders for me to prepare a carriage. The doctor has already arrived at the Garden of Tranquility. Please set foot into the carriage, madame.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t let anyone else help and stuck her arms beneath n¨¦e Sun¡¯s armpits and hauled thedy up, then helped her mother into the carriage. She bent and held up the curtains. ¡°Go back and rest, mother. I¡¯ll have Bingtang go back with you. I¡¯ll go see you as soon as I take care of everything here.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded, leaning tiredly on the inky-green velvet that hung on the carriage walls. Qin Yining patted Bingtang¡¯s hand. ¡°Take care of her for me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss.¡± Bingtang smiled. After sending off the carriage with her eyes, Qin Yining took a nce at the still and silent house. A trace of a cold smile graced her lips after some thought and she turned to grasp Qin Huining¡¯s cor, hauling her up from the ground.¡±

    ¡°What do you want?!¡± Qin Huining shrieked. ¡°Mother¡¯s already awoken! This is grandmother¡¯s yard, how dare you!¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t say a word and firmly grasped the foster girl¡¯s hair, dragging her outside and scattering her hairpins and decorations all over the ground. Qin Yining¡¯s hand was forcing Qin Huining¡¯s down, so thetter could only stumble along with her waist bent. She couldn¡¯t reach Qin Yining no matter how wildly her arms iled. She struggled and shrieked along the way, like prey being carried by a hunter.

    Jixiang and Ruyi were bbergasted! They¡¯d served in the manor for many years but had never seen a miss with such eye-popping strength! The two quickly went in to make their report.

    ¡°Old Dowager, Fourth Miss has dragged Miss Huining off by the hair!¡±

    The matriarch could finally no longer sit still. ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look, don¡¯t let any actual harm happen!¡±

    Qin-mama was also a bit worried. What if the fourth miss really chops up Miss Huining in a moment of impulse? She grabbed a cloak to fling onto the old dowager and helped her mistress out with Jixiang and Ruyi.

    Curious maids and granny servants were trailing Qin Yining from the Garden of Loving Piety all the way to the rear gardens. It was winter. Although the water surface wasn¡¯t thickly iced over like it would in the north, there were still ice kes in the ponds. Qin Yining arrived at the side of the lotus pond and flung the foster girl in without another word.

    Ssh! Qin Huining plunged into a pond full of mud, withered lotuses, and chunks of ice. The water only reached her waist, but she¡¯d done a belly flop into the water. Survival instincts kicked in when one was frightened stiff. When the old dowager reached the pond, all she saw was Qin Huining sshing in the water and crying for help.

    Qin Yining snorted coldly on the banks. ¡°You won¡¯t die. Stand up.¡±

    Qin Huining paddled and sshed a while longer before standing up skeptically, finally realizing that the water reached only her waist. She was both furious and humiliated; the immense range of emotions swiftly morphing into a singr notion: hatred. She was covered in mud and looked like something the cat dragged in out of the storm. The second madame, third madame, third, sixth, seventh, and eighth miss hade running over when they heard what¡¯d happened. Everyone was stunned.

    ¡°What are you all standing there for? Pull Miss Huining up!¡± Qin-mama frowned.

    Qin Huining felt her support arrive in the form of the old dowager and stooped on the banks, hugging her shoulders and bawling. She looked like she¡¯d been so frightened that she only knew how to cry.

    ¡°I threw you down there to have the muddy slop in the pond clean your mouth out,¡± Qin Yining said. ¡°I hope it cleans out your brains and heart as well!¡±

    Qin Huining sobbed even louder.

    ¡°The Qins took care of you for fourteen years and never mistreated you. Even if you aren¡¯t a Qin daughter, the old dowager, father, and mother have never thought of sending you back to the Hall of Fosters. Instead of being grateful, you try to drive a wedge between mother and the old dowager instead. Are you even fit to be human?!¡±

    Qin Huining shook her head. ¡°I know you hate me, but how is any of this my fault?¡±

    ¡°You were indeed innocent for being swapped at birth, but look at what you¡¯ve done afterwards! I don¡¯t hate you because you¡¯re not worthy of hate. I¡¯ll just see that I end you!¡±

    Qin Huining hugged her knees and shook. Qin Yiningughed coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t use that pitiful act on me. I¡¯m a barbarian and ampletely immune to that. Since Old Dowager and the sisters are all here today, I¡¯ll tell you this. If I find out that you¡¯ve stirred up trouble or used mother in the future, I won¡¯t let you off as easily as today!¡±

    As easily as today? She¡¯d knocked a tooth out of Qin Huining and even thrown the girl into the lotus pond to eat ice chunks and mud. If that was easy, then what wasn¡¯t?!

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Qin Huining finally lifted her head as she shuddered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know already if I dare or not?¡± Qin Yining turned to kneel in front of the old dowager and spoke sincerely. ¡°Granddaughter was too violent and knows my faults. Please tell me my punishment, Old Dowager.¡±

    The old dowager didn¡¯t know whether she should punish Qin Yining or not. Her looks were so very simr to a young Qin Huaiyuan, and the aura of not allowing anyone to harm her mother reminded the old dowager of her firstborn as well. She knew that a strong hand was needed to rein in Qin Huining, or the inner residence would be be a chaotic mire. She frowned. ¡°Although there was reason behind your actions, you were too ruthless. You threw her into the pond on such a cold day. You could¡¯ve gotten her sick.¡±

    There was no mention of the tooth. Qin Yining instantly understood the old dowager¡¯s thoughts and heaved a silent sigh of relief. ¡°Understood, your granddaughter knows her wrongs.¡±

    Qin Huining lifted incredulous eyes to the old dowager. ¡°Grandmother, do you not love me anymore? How can you treat me like this?!¡±

    The old dowager was both pained and angry by Qin Huining¡¯s muddy form. ¡°Granddaughter Hui, I watched you grow up. I know what you¡¯re thinking of. You should think of your actions.¡± She turned to everyone. ¡°Let¡¯s all disperse now. There¡¯s no reason to stay here further.¡±

    She left with Qin-mama, Jixiang, and Ruyi after speaking. She didn¡¯t seem inclined to punish Qin Yining at all. The second and third madame, third miss and others had been a bit confused about the happenings but now understood. Qin Huining must¡¯ve done something again that made even the old dowager unwilling to help her. Qin Yining curtsied to her aunts and cousins, exining that n¨¦e Sun had fainted and she wanted to serve at her side. The girls immediately expressed concern and followed her to the Garden of Tranquility.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huining was carted back on a litter when her maids Fugui and Caiyun came hurrying over after they received the news. When the rear gardens quieted down, Qin Huaiyuan and Weichi Yan appeared from behind the nearby artificial mountain with their followers.

    ¡°Please forgive us for the sight you just witnessed, Your Highness. My daughter grew up in the wilds and her behavior is unmannered. Please forgive us for any offense.¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed.

 Chapter 73: Official Correspondence

    <h4>Chapter 73: Official Correspondence</h4>

    Weichi Yan looked in the direction of Qin Yining¡¯s departing figure with sparkling eyes and a stunned expression. He didn¡¯t actually hear Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words. The grand preceptor quickly realized that the crown prince hadn¡¯t heard him when he caught sight of thetter¡¯s expression. He raised his voice slightly. ¡°Please forgive my daughter for her transgressions, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Oh! It¡¯s nothing at all, Grand Preceptor.¡± Weichi Yan¡¯s face burned slightly, and he coughed to cover up the moment. ¡°Your daughter is extremely filial and ady of genuine emotions. What¡¯s wrong with such a personality? ced next to those affectedly sweet girls, your daughter disys an iparably heroic air. Just like how the essence of plum blossoms are drawn only with the addition of winding branches, your daughter¡¯s strength of character is evident in her personality.¡±

    ¡°My daughter is stubborn and does not deserve your praise. I will increase my supervision of her in the future.¡± At least, Qin Huaiyuan felt that Qin Yining¡¯s style was too fierce and unreasonable, behavior unfitting a noble daughter.

    However, Weichi Yan responded quickly, ¡°Don¡¯t hem her in too much, Grand Preceptor. There¡¯s nothing wrong with such a personality.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan feltpelled to assess Weichi Yan¡¯s sincerity when he heard such unabashed affection in his voice. He smiled when he saw the crown prince¡¯s face flushed red. To be a youth again... After so many years of tempering by the fires of court, his heart had long since been enveloped by ayer of rock. He would only recall the memories of his youth when he saw such interesting reactions from the young.

    The two continued to file down the stone path, their followers falling far behind.

    ¡°The matters of the Ding Manor are truly a tragedy. Royal father has been scared out of his wits by Great Zhou and is willing to do anything for a moment¡¯s peace. Although I am his son, I don¡¯t agree with his actions. He doesn¡¯t listen to anyone right now, just the empress.¡± Dissatisfaction and resignation suffused Weichi Yan¡¯s words. Qin Huaiyan knew not to take sides when it came discussing matters regarding the royal family, so he just listened silently. The crown prince continued, ¡°It¡¯s been several days since the Great Zhou envoy¡¯s sent his missive back to his country. He¡¯ll probably receive a response in two days or so. I wonder what the Great Zhou emperor will do next. I hope royal father will take a hard stance and live up to Sun Yuangming¡¯s efforts.¡±

    ¡°The emperor is noble and wise. He¡¯s naturally only doing so because he¡¯s listening to the advice of others.¡±

    The emperor was the son of heaven and thus a divine existence. It was never his fault if he made a mistake. It was always the fault of others.

    Weichi Yan smiled helplessly and nodded with a sigh. ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan picked up the conversation, keeping his tone exactingly even. ¡°As for Yuanming, although he defied the imperial decree, he used his own flesh and blood to once again incite the fervor and patriotism of the citizens of Great Yan. This is even more effective than his denunciation from yesteryear. Please remember this, Your Highness. There is nothing more disastrous than underestimating your enemy. Underestimating one¡¯s enemies will cause one to lose everything.¡°

    Weichi Yan¡¯s footsteps halted. ¡°On the battlefield, the enemy who is prepared for the worst will be the side that wins. These are words from Laozi¡¯s ¡®Tao Te Ching¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Qin Huaiyuan strolled forward, his hands tucked behind his back. ¡°There¡¯s a reason for the notion that victory is assured for the side most prepared to lose. Yuanming has gone to such extreme lengths in order to uphold his ideology and to raise our morale. If the emperor makes a great fuss over this and spreads word of Yuanming¡¯s heroic act wide and far, it will certainly raise the morale of our soldiers at Xihua and give us a chance to fight Pang Zhixi.¡±

    Weichi Yan was immediately heartened by these words and pped. ¡°Your stratagems are indeed superb, Grand Preceptor! After hearing your words, I feel that Yuanming might¡¯ve already thought of all this. He wouldn¡¯t have used such extreme methods otherwise. I will speak to royal father about this. I¡¯m sure that any man with blood flowing through his veins will be inspired by this.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded, keeping a smile on his face. However, he wasn¡¯t as optimistic as the crown prince. If the emperor really was that sort of person, he wouldn¡¯t have shed all of his imperial majesty and cowered in front of the Great Zhou envoy. Not only was he frightened out of his wits at the mere thought of Great Zhou, but he likely wasn¡¯t thinking about anything in the future at all.

    Sun Yu was renowned throughout the world when he denounced the enemy so eloquently. At that time, the citizenry had already utterly trashed the emperor¡¯s reputation, but Sun Yu had appeared as a towering hero of nobility. Such a mighty figure with incredible strength of character was no more, due to the emperor¡¯s ineptitude and his desire to fawn over the dowager empress of an enemy nation. How many schrs in the world would erupt in roars of fury? How many soldiers and civilians would grieve and mourn? Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t believe for a moment that a Great Zhou doctor had actually prescribed eating human brains as a cure. The Great Zhou emperor had always been sly and crafty. This was likely a scheme designed to drive a wedge between the Great Yan emperor and his subjects.

    And yet, their emperor had jumped without hesitation into the pit they had dug. What could they as subjects do? Everyone could see that Great Zhou¡¯s iron hooves had trodden all the way to the walls of Xihua. Great peril lurked just out of sight, and everyone was terrified of the city falling to the enemy. They were also fearful that they would be the next sacrifice.

    Weichi Yan continued the discussion of what to say to the emperor, carefullymitting Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words to memory. When they were both satisfied, he left enthusiastically for the pce. Qin Huaiyuan looked at the self assured figure of the departing crown prince and sighed. The crown prince was an honest and genuine person with great talent in the realm of drawing and painting. He would¡¯ve led a carefree life had he been the son of any ordinary wealthy family or the second-born from the official wife of a noble family. Sadly, his fate was that of the crown prince. Qin Huaiyuan was well aware that the odds of the emperor listening to Weichi Yan were low. But though chances weren¡¯t high, it was still worthy of a try. As subjects, they didn¡¯t dare offer advice, but the crown prince was the emperor¡¯s only heir. As angry as the imperial majesty may be, he would only yell and shout for a bit. He wouldn¡¯t call for the crown prince¡¯s head.

    Qin Huaiyuan summoned Qitai. ¡°Go have people keep an eye on any happenings in the pce over the next couple of days. See how the emperor reacts when the crown prince talks to him.¡±

    Qitai nodded in assent, quickly making his way out while Qin Huaiyuan headed for the Garden of Tranquility.

    ......

    N¨¦e Sun had just seen the doctor, whose diagnosis had confirmed Bingtang¡¯s words. Qin Yining could finally be at ease and help n¨¦e Suny down to rest. ¡°Don¡¯t get so angry easily, mother. Anger hurts the body the most. Is your health important or is butting heads with someone more important?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun murmured back, ¡°I have a clumsy mouth and never win in crucial moments. My heart haspletely chilled, in any case.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think so much.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°You spend your days with father, not anyone else. Isn¡¯t it enough that father treats you genuinely? Think about how much father has done in the Ding Manor these days for eldest cousin. Grandfather and grandmother were both ill, and fifth and eighth cousin didn¡¯t know what to do. Wasn¡¯t father the one who¡¯d picked up the reins and given advice? Father was willing to do all this because of you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was greatly soothed by theseforting words and her lips curled up a little. ¡°Do you mean that?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do.¡± Qin Yining nodded seriously and took the bowl of bird¡¯s nest that Jin-mama had in her hands. She continued to reassure her mother as she fed n¨¦e Sun. ¡°You and father were a young couple and your love for each other has only deepened throughout the years. What haven¡¯t the two of you weathered together? Although it hasn¡¯t been long since I¡¯ve returned home, I can see that father respects you immensely.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had lost her appetite after taking her medicine, but slowly ate through most of the bowl as she listened to Qin Yining. Even her darkened expression was slowly lightening. Jin-mama beamed so merrily that her eyes disappeared. True flesh and blood is the most caring, alright. She knows to think only the best for her birth mother. The old servant also joined in, ¡°Fourth Miss speaks quite truly. You have thought of it yourself, madame, because of your anger. You are a married couple with the lord. What else matters other than his love? Isn¡¯t that the case?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded as her wounded feelings from the afternoon dissipated. She tapped Qin Yining¡¯s nose with a happy smile. ¡°No wonder your maternal grandmother says that you see things clearly. This is most certainly the case. Your grandmother only doted on you when we went back together!¡±

    Qin Yining giggled. ¡°Grandmother dotes on me only because of you, mother. I¡¯m only here because of you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t help but cover her mouth with augh, herplexion resuming its normal color. Qin Huaiyuan had heard the conversation clearly from his position in the outside hallway. He was blushing a bit awkwardly and thought for a moment, deciding to leave instead of heading inside. Caiju and Can looked at each other and giggled, having been ordered a moment ago to not make a sound.

    N¨¦e Sun rinsed her mouth after eating the bird¡¯s nest, then had Qin Yining and Jin-mama help her down to rest for the night. She didn¡¯t learn about Qin Huining losing a tooth and being thrown in the lotus pond in the rear gardens until the morrow.

    When she did hear about it, it was an objective summary from Jin-mama. N¨¦e Sun looked at her reflection in the brass mirror and sighed after a long while. ¡°Daughter Hui is a child after all. Choose two bolts of cloth made from thetest colors and send them to her to make new clothes. Also, have an imperial physician take a look at her. The days are so cold and it won¡¯t do for a little girl¡¯s health to be permanently damaged.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Jin-mama assented with a smile. Privately, she entirely approved of the fourth miss¡¯ actions. She felt quite vindicated by them, in fact. That ingrate and heartless wench! She¡¯s been nothing but trouble and might actually grow up into something that would actually affect family dynamics if she¡¯s not punished properly. Only someone as strong as the fourth miss can keep her under control.

    Setting aside the fact that Qin Huining was confined to bed due to a cold, and how pained the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun were, every family were happily celebrating New Year¡¯s Eve when the crown prince was punished to kneel outside the imperial study for four hours. Only when he fainted from the cold did the emperor allow him to be lifted back to the Eastern Pce to be grounded. That news spread quickly throughout court, as did the official correspondence from Great Zhou Emperor Li Qitian.

    No one had any idea how they¡¯d done it, but his reply had been handled like an imperial Great Yan announcement. It was stered on all streets and alleyways in the capital and neighboring towns practically overnight. Mighty words and a regal tone leapt off the page, angrily denouncing the Great Yan emperor for his devious and deceitful ways. He wouldn¡¯t even offer a human brain to the Great Zhou dowager empress! He didn¡¯t truly want peace at all! Great Zhou would raze Great Yan to the ground and haul off its emperor to be sliced into pieces

 Chapter 74: Not Doing It!

    <h4>Chapter 74: Not Doing It!</h4>

    The people were frightened and angry. They flung curses at the trash emperor and Great Zhou. All sorts ofments and denunciations fluttered around.

    When the emperor learned of this, he was so terrified that the color drained from his face. He immediately wrote a letter of profuse apology, sending it to Great Zhou on the back of a fast horse. He then summoned Grand Supervisor Wang after further thought. ¡°Pass on my orders and summon Xihua generals Sun Haichen, Sun Haijing and their families back into the capital. Send General Wang Hui to Xihua to take over their duties.¡±

    ......

    Xihua¡¯s ancient city walls stood with a tragic air in a great in of destion. They stretched on for a great distance, as if a giant with outstretched arms, sping all of Xihua¡¯s military and civilians in her bosom.

    The Great Zhou army was camped twenty five kilometers away. Dozens of gs and banners rippled in the wind, and the rearing lion stitched in gold thread on the ck gs looked like it would leap forward and tear its prey to pieces at any second. These were the army banners of the ¡°Valiant Tigers¡±, troops led by Supreme Commander of Great Zhou¡¯s armies, Faithful Prince of the First Rank, Pang Xiao. Therge, ck gs embroidered with red ¡°Pang¡± characters also snapped with the wind.

    Everything was orderly within the military camp, the only jarring noise being the excited sounds of a crowd from the parade ground.

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    ¡°Go Commander Pang!¡±

    ¡°Wang Erhu, are you made of cotton?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s four of you against the suprememander. If you guys still lose, we get your buns at dinner tonight!¡±

    Four stocky, immensely muscr northern men were naked from the waist up, their bodies glistening with the sheen of sweat in the winter air as they huffed white clouds into the atmosphere. They were covered in dust and soil as they flexed their hands and rubbed their palms together, surrounding a fit young man, also naked from the waist up. Even though they¡¯d lost two rounds already, the four still hadn¡¯t been beaten into submission.

    I don¡¯t believe that we can¡¯t beat him! They were all men so strong that it was often joked that ¡®men can stand on our fists and horses can walk on our biceps¡¯. They were no match in terms of martial techniques, but how could the four of them not beat a singr opponent in wrestling?! Although Supreme Commander Pang looked in good shape, he still looked like a skinnyd. They all said that whoever was bigger and stronger would nevere off worse in the fight, so they didn¡¯t believe that they would still lose this time!

    The four roared in unison and charged forward. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of Pang Xiao¡¯s face. He too huffed white clouds into the frosty air as excitement glittered in his eyes. He swept forward eagerly to meet the challenge.

    ¡°The suprememander is mighty and noble!¡±

    ¡°You four, put your backs into it!¡±

    A crowd always wanted more entertainment, so the soldiers hollered and hooted with enthusiasm. Huzi came over with Zheng Pei in tow to loudly cheer on his master. The bearded Zheng Pei gave off the air of an otherworldly sage as he strode forward in a thick cloak. He smile faintly as he watched Pang Xiao, the wrinkles at his eyes and upturned mouth making the sixty year old man appear so very benevolent. The fight was quickly decided, as strength alone doesn¡¯t dominate wrestling. It was also about technique.

    Pang Xiao extended a hand to his fallen opponents andughed heartily. ¡°Let¡¯s put some extra dishes on the menu tonight. Tonight we eat meat!¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± The crowd cheered as everyone looked at Pang Xiao with eyes of dedication and admiration. He flung his head back withughter and slung his arm around various shoulders, chatting for a while before wiping off his sweat and walking towards Huzi.

    The guard instantly walked up with Pang Xiao¡¯s clothing and a big towel. ¡°Master, you were too good just now!¡±

    Zheng Pei was also smiling as he helped Pang Xiao into his clothes. ¡°You need to take care of your body, Your Highness. If you don¡¯t take good care of yourself when you¡¯re young, what will you do when all the aches and painse for you in your old age?¡±

    Pang Xiao casually wiped off his sweat with therge towel and wrapped his clothing around himself as he walked towards the tent. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sir Zheng. We¡¯re used to the north, so we really don¡¯t find it cold in Great Yan territory, and even less so once we start exercising.¡±

    ¡°Right. Master, you were too fearsome just now! When can I be like you? I¡¯m almost too embarrassed to be your guard because of how mighty you are!¡± Huzi¡¯s eyes were sparkling. Pang Xiao drained arge bowl of water after entering the tent, finally not perspiring anymore. He neatly arranged his ck robe and tied up his hair firmly with a piece of cloth. When dressed properly, he exuded a restrained nobility that waspletely different from the hearty, coarse man who¡¯d been on the parade ground earlier.

    Zheng Pei nodded with satisfaction. Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t concealed his emotions well in his youth and wore his heart on a sleeve. After so many years of tempering, he was now able to adjust his aura at will. He could be rough around the edges, righteous and majestic, or arrogantly unbridled when needed. But in private, he was a man of few words.

    ¡°Report!¡± someone called from outside the tent.

    ¡°You may enter.¡±

    ¡°Reporting to the suprememander, news hase from Xihua. The Yan emperor has urgently recalled the two Sun generals and their families. A general called Wang Hui is their recement.¡±

    Pang Xiao waved a hand for the soldier to depart after he heard this report. When no outsiders were left in the tent, Zheng Pei smiled. ¡°It looks like His Majesty¡¯s n worked. The Yan emperor has indeed been scared out of his wits.¡±

    ¡°I say that dog of an emperor is aplete idiot!¡± Huzi responded. ¡°He¡¯s terrified of death and has no brains. It¡¯s a pity about that Sun Yuanming though. Although he was disrespectful, it¡¯s only because we have different positions. That a weak schr had such fortitude makes him a man worthy of respect. Wouldn¡¯t you say so, master?¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°It¡¯s his fortune to leave a step early.¡±

    Huzi made a sound of confusion. Zheng Pei thought for a moment and exined, ¡°The little prince is correct. The Yan emperor is paranoid and suspicious, and as cowardly as a rat. He must be terrified after reading our majesty¡¯s letter. Theyck talent in Great Yan and the country¡¯s coffers are empty. They have no one to fight against our little prince. All they can do is strive for peace at whatever cost possible.¡±

    ¡°Peace?¡± Huzi blinked and immediately understood. His eyes widened with understanding. ¡°Sir Zheng means that the Yan emperor will use the Suns for this?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. We wanted Sun Yuanming¡¯s brains, but he wasn¡¯t willing to give them up. Not only was the Yan emperor censured by our majesty, he is now roundly threatened as well. That fool of a simpleton will only think of making an example out of the Suns to cate our emperor¡¯s anger.¡±

    ¡°That idiot!¡± Huziughed heartily. ¡°It¡¯d be best if he kills all of them. Let¡¯s have all of his people hate his guts!¡±

    As he listened to Zheng Pei and Huzi¡¯s excited conversation, all Pang Xiao could think about was that person rted to the Suns. Doubtless her life would be affected if the maternal side of her family underwent such tribtions. He was a bit worried about Qin Yining. Even though she was the daughter of his enemy, she upied a special ce in his heart.

    Zheng Pei was a shrewd one and smiled merrily when he noted Pang Xiao¡¯s expression. ¡°What is the little prince thinking of?¡± He joked, ¡°Is the little prince thinking of that Qin girl?¡±

    Pang Xiao leaned backzily on a round cushion, a hint of a smile ying around his lips. His look was sharp as he flicked an eyebrow at Zheng Pei.

    Zheng Pei felt like that look was ying a hunk of flesh off his bones. But since he had once been Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s strategist and a sort of teacher to Pang Xiao, watching thed grow up, he didn¡¯t mince words when speaking to Pang Xiao. ¡°Little prince, there are plenty of beauties in the world. What kind of woman couldn¡¯t you have with your talents? Why think about Qin Meng¡¯s daughter? Is it that you fancy her?¡±

    ¡°When has this prince ever said that I fancy her?¡±

    ¡°Then what is Your Highness thinking?¡±

    ¡°This prince doesn¡¯t know yet.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t know yet?¡± Zheng Pei frowned.

    Pang Xiao answered straightforwardly. ¡°It¡¯s precisely that this prince doesn¡¯t know what I feel about her that I wish to quickly defeat the Yan country. I can think about it slowly once I have her by my side.¡±

    Huzi stared at Pang Xiao, bbergasted. You like her alright! You¡¯re already treating the hairpin you stole off her as a treasure. What else is there to think about??

    Zheng Pei¡¯s expression was ugly. ¡°Little prince, don¡¯t forget how His Highness died! The Pangs would be in this state today if it wasn¡¯t for that bastard Qin Meng!¡±

    ¡°When two armies face off, there is no fault in the deaths that result from a difference in position.¡± Pang Xiao knocked on the table. ¡°Qin Meng may be despicable, but shouldn¡¯t the worst offender be the one who suspected my father in the first ce?¡±

    Zheng Pei pursed his lips without another word. Indeed, if it hadn¡¯t been for the paranoid, decrepit emperor back in the day, how would an obviously fake alienation ploy actually doom the Pangs to death? To put it bluntly, the emperor had felt threatened by Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s monumental achievements.

    ¡°Besides, didn¡¯t Sir Zheng already take his revenge on Qin Meng that year?¡± Pang Xiao continued.

    Zheng Pei raised his voice. ¡°We only stole a girl child. I don¡¯t see Qin Meng being too saddened by that! What kind of revenge is that? We wanted to take revenge that year, but didn¡¯t have the ability to. That was why we had toe up with such a bad n. Now that we have status and authority, we can crush them whenever we want. We won¡¯t let Qin Meng off the hook!¡±

    Fires of anger burned in Pang Xiao, but he kept a smile on this face. ¡°Since you knew that you could exact vengeance on him sooner orter, why did you embroil an innocent life into this?!¡±

    Zheng Pei didn¡¯t have an answer to that. At this moment, a shrill and reed thin voice carried in from outside. ¡°Supreme Commander Pang, this servant has brought a secret decree from the emperor.¡±

    It was Supervisor Lu! The emperor of Great Zhou had sent his head eunuch on this expedition to supervise the army. Huzi walked out to wee the eunuch with a smile.

    Supervisor Lu was just over thirty and had an average build. His features were dainty and his face clean-cut. He made a respectful bow to Pang Xiao with a slightly inclined body, offering with both hands a secret decree sealed with wax and a fawning smile.

    Pang Xiao nced at the eunuch and opened the letter, taking out the note within. There were only five words on it. ¡°ughter everyone in the city.¡± He put down the note without a change in expression.

 Chapter 75: Raid and Slaughter (I)

    <h4>Chapter 75: Raid and ughter (I)</h4>

    Huzi and Zheng Pei had been paying attention to Pang Xiao, and their hearts jumped when they saw the words on the note. Pang Xiao thought for a moment. ¡°Is the messenger still here?¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Highness, he¡¯s already left.¡±

    ¡°This prince understands. Thank you for making the trip, Supervisor Lu.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, not at all.¡± The eunuch bowed with a smile and took his leave.

    Zheng Pei waited till the eunuch had left before pping loudly. ¡°This is a wonderful n from the emperor! The fury of Great Yan citizens will increase to another level!¡±

    Pang Xiao looked in the direction of Xihua with a smile. ¡°What¡¯s the percentage of women and children to actual soldiers within the city?¡±

    This was a question to which they all knew the answer. Their scouts had long since clearly identified the ratio of soldiers to civilians, and even where rations were being stored. Zheng Pei understood what Pang Xiao was getting at and spoke disapprovingly. ¡°Little prince, you shouldn¡¯t be so soft, like a woman. At the end of the day, the secret decree is also an imperial one.¡±

    ¡°Soft as a woman? Maybe.¡± Pang Xiao sneered. ¡°The Yan government boasts that they have three hundred thousand troops defending Xihua. But in reality, they barely scrape thirty thousand, and only that if we count the kids just over ten. War is the business of men. What does it have to do with women, children, and the elderly? When chaos runs rampant under the heavens, it¡¯s the people who suffer! Those cries of ours when we raised our banner in rebellion, were they all false!? The hell is this order to ughter helpless elders, women, and children?! Whoever the f*ck wants to be less than an animal can go do it! I¡¯m not doing it!¡±

    ¡°Little prince!¡± Zheng Pei¡¯s face had gone crimson in fury at Pang Xiao¡¯s words. He stomped his foot in anger. ¡°You can¡¯t be so emotional and headstrong! You need to consider the greater picture! It¡¯s been a tough road to reach your position, not to mention that this is the time to improve rtions with His Majesty!

    ¡°Do you know what the emperor will think if you disregard his orders? How about what your fellow officials in court will think? The old Northern Ji officials who surrendered when His Majesty conquered the nation still hate you! If they make use of this opportunity to speak against you, your position in His Majesty¡¯s heart will turn precarious! How will you manage then?!¡±

    When the Great Zhou emperor had destroyed Northern Ji, Pang Xiao had been the vanguard of that assault. He¡¯d been responsible for every gory ughter, and his methods had been utterly ruthless in his pursuit for vengeance in the name of his father. In the hearts of the many Northern Ji officials, Pang Xiao was the reason why their nation had fallen. Although they¡¯d submitted to Great Zhou, and while some had even taken ces at court, they both hated and feared Pang Xiao and often took action in the shadows. Pang Xiao¡¯s wide-ranging infamy was in part due to the help of these people as well.

    ¡°This prince understands fully.¡± Pang Xiao had restrained his initial disgust, his voice turning resolute and measured. ¡°There are certain things a man can do, and things he must not do. To speak bluntly, I¡¯m an overly sharp de. One day, I too will cease to be as convenient as I am now. Yet, even if I cast off my armor right now and return to the fields, will my status, rtionships, and enmity from surrendered officials vanish?¡±

    ¡°Well...¡± Zheng Pei didn¡¯t know what to say. He¡¯d always known that Pang Xiao was no fool and saw many things clearly. It was just that the prince often did things in a way that Sir Zheng didn¡¯t expect.

    ¡°You don¡¯t think so either, right sir? Since it won¡¯t help the situation no matter what I do, why should I cower and hide? ¡®The sess of a general is built on the backs of thousands of skeletons¡¯. There is certainly truth in this saying. However, this prince doesn¡¯t need the bones of women, children, and the elderly to be the building blocks of my honor and prosperity.¡±

    ¡°Little prince, you¡¯re too stubborn!¡± Zheng Pei pounded his chest and paced back and forth anxiously, so worried that his face had turned a different shade of red. Spittle flew as he spoke rapidly, ¡°You¡¯re following the footsteps of your father! I know you have a kind heart and don¡¯t wish to harm innocents, but sometimes you shouldn¡¯t do what you want to do, but what the situation calls for! In defying an imperial order, you¡¯ll be ruining the emperor¡¯s ns! His Majesty will add another ck mark to your name!¡±

    ¡°Then he will do so. I won¡¯t do something I¡¯ll regret for the rest of my life because of momentary fear. Life is short, particrly for someone like me, whose end maye at any time from another¡¯s hands. If I can¡¯t live out my short life ording to my wishes, then how am I different from penned livestock?¡±

    Pang Xiao picked up his brush 1 and gestured for Huzi to grind ink. The guard quite agreed with Pang Xiao¡¯s thoughts and so disregarded Zheng Pei¡¯s visible disapproval. Pang Xiao thought for a moment and sent his brush soaring mightily over the paper,pleting his response in the form of another secret letter.

    Zheng Pei scratched his head worriedly when he read the contents. ¡°Do you still want a career!? Defying imperial orders like this is grounds for execution!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know what I¡¯m doing. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll be reprimanded for this, and it¡¯s not the first day the emperor¡¯s doubted and nursed a grudge against me. But I won¡¯t lose my life for something like this. Go ask around, who do the troops and the Valiant Tigers of Great Zhou answer to?¡±

    ¡°Little prince, you¡¯re only feeling secure because of your military aplishments and control!¡±

    ¡°Exactly. I control the army, and thus will be doubted by others even if I have no particr thoughts whatsoever. So why not make use of that?¡± Pang Xiao casually tossed the brush aside and ordered Huzi, ¡°Have someone on a fast horse deliver this to the emperor.¡±

    Huzi nodded in assent and quickly took his leave. Zheng Pei pped his thigh in anger. ¡°Little prince, you don¡¯t care about your career at all!¡±

    ¡°Right, I don¡¯t care at all.¡± Pang Xiao had stopped calling himself ¡®this prince¡¯ as he spoke to his teacher in a heartfelt manner. ¡°I won¡¯t harm and ughter innocents. How could I raise my head to look at my father in the underworld if I did such a monstrous thing? My mother, maternal grandfather, and maternal grandmother all disdain the fact that my hands are covered in blood. For their sake, I won¡¯t agree to ughter and raze the city.¡±

    Zheng Pei¡¯s lips moved soundlessly for a while. At longst, he let the tension ease from his shoulders in a long sigh. ¡±But little prince, you¡¯re walking the path that your father walked back in the day. Remember why others hated him. You shouldn¡¯t forget the past, but view it as your teacher!¡±

    ¡°As humans, we should do what¡¯s humane. I won¡¯t do something inhumane even if a de is rested on my neck.¡±

    Zheng Pei looked straight into the pair of shining phoenix eyes and finally nodded, heaving a long sigh yet again.

    ......

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were currently on their way to the Ding Manor. The emperor had urgently summoned senior uncle, second uncle, her two older cousins and their family. N¨¦e Sun felt that she should at least see her brothers and bring Qin Yining to them for introductions.

    Qin Yining had gotten dressed for the asion and was currently helping Jin-mama ce a hat of fox fur on her mother¡¯s head. When she saw the joy in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes, she couldn¡¯t help but remind her, ¡°Mother, the situation is currently tense in the Ding Manor. We must think deeply when we see senior and second uncleter and observe everything. We will need to speak carefully as well. Senior cousin¡¯s just passed away after all, so senior uncle must still be saddened.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t pay much attention to Qin Yining¡¯s words, and of the bits she did hear, she didn¡¯t understand their deeper meaning either. ¡°I know. It¡¯s been a few years since I¡¯ve seen your senior and second uncle. I¡¯ve missed them very much. Who knows how sad they¡¯ll be without Ming¡¯er?¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t say anything further when she saw that n¨¦e Sun hadpletely missed the main point. She¡¯d had a bad feeling when she¡¯d heard of senior and second uncle being suddenly summoned back to the capital. Her reminders to n¨¦e Sun were a vain attempt to hint to her mother to take note of anything out of the ordinary so that they would be able to think of a n if anything happened.

    When the carriage was ready for departure, Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun left with Jin-mama and Bingtang. They first went to the Garden of Loving Piety to make their exnations to the old dowager. Kitchen God¡¯s Festival had just passed after all, and everyone was busily preparing for the new year festivities. Qin Yining exined with a smile that they were just popping in for a visit. The old dowager finally agreed after seeing how earnest and sincere Qin Yining was.

    The carriage made for Ding Manor, but they had just turned onto the street that Ding Manor resided on when they glimpsed the manor doors seemingly thrown open from afar. Armored soldiers and eunuchs in gray garb were walking out of the main doors, clustered around someone. The man looked over fifty and was wearing a velvet ck, panther furred cloak over his average sized body.

    Qin Yining quickly snapped orders to the groom when she saw the jarring situation. ¡°Don¡¯t go near the manor! Hurry, go back into the alleyway!¡±

    The groom hastened to obey as n¨¦e Sun leaned forward to exim worriedly, ¡°What¡¯s going on here!? Who dares barge into the Duke of Ding¡¯s manor?!¡±

    ¡°Mother, let¡¯s watch from a distance for now. Don¡¯t make a sound!¡± N¨¦e Sun nodded quietly. She could tell how serious things were as well.

    They hadn¡¯t watched for long before fully armored soldiers exited the manor with prisoners in tow. First among them was the duke, dressed in a navy blue brocade robe. He was followed by two men who Qin Yining didn¡¯t recognize, but she was sure that they were her senior uncle Sun Haichen and second uncle Sun Haijing. Four young men followed, of which she recognized two as her fifth and eighth cousins, and two older ones who looked to be her second and fourth cousins. A couple of boys around eight years old were behind them, stumbling along, while the smallest, who looked around five, was being held by a servant. All the men had been trussed up, connected to each other in a daisy chain by ropes. Next came the women and servants, ropes biting just as hard into their arms as they too hobbled forward.

    ¡°What, what¡¯s going on here?!¡± N¨¦e Sun trembled in shock.

    ¡°The Ding Manor¡¯s been raided! Mother, we need to go back and ask father what¡¯s going on!¡± Qin Yining kept one hand on n¨¦e Sun to prevent her from rising and quickly gave orders to the groom.

 Chapter 76: Raid and Slaughter (II)

    <h4>Chapter 76: Raid and ughter (II)</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun had never seen such a terrifying scene in her life. After a stunned moment, a shrill and raspy tone forced itself out of her throat. She beat on the carriage walls in panic. ¡°Stop the carriage, stop the carriage! I want to see what¡¯s going on!¡±

    Qin Yining quickly held her mother back. ¡°Alright, okay. Don¡¯t panic, mother. Let¡¯s see what¡¯s going on. We¡¯ll be able to discuss everything with father more clearly after we see what¡¯s going on! Mother, you must stay calm!¡±

    ¡°Yes, madame. Fourth Miss is right. We really need to stay calm in this situation.¡± Jin-mama¡¯s forehead was covered with cold sweat.

    Bingtang¡¯s face was white as she spat out through gritted teeth, ¡°What is that useless emperor up to now?!¡±

    The carriage neared the hubbub as they all lifted the curtains for a look. Matters had rmed nearby pedestrians and servants from neighboring manors. Many people had crowded over, some for the show, and others in righteous indignation. The buzz of discussion rose quickly, as everyone was mystified why the perfectly fine Duke of Ding Manor had fallen to these straits after holding Sun Yu¡¯s funeral!

    When Qin Yining saw that there were a lot of people around, she and Jin-mama helped n¨¦e Sun down. The quartet wrapped themselves tightly in cloaks and veiled hats, watching discreetly from the back of the crowd. The open manor doors had been mmed shut, and paper seals were ced over the doors by the soldiers. The owners of the manor had been swept out of their home and were now standing in lines like tethered donkeys.

    The duchess, senior aunt, second aunt, and other daughters-inw were all roped together. Everyone was trying to support the two pregnant women in the middle. The one with thergest belly, and was mere days away from birth, was Qin Yining¡¯s fifth cousin-inw, while the budding bump belonged to eighth cousin-inw. Even though they had people supporting them, they still didn¡¯t look too good. Fifth and eighth cousin, one row ahead of them, kept turning back to ask how they were doing.

    When the soldiers saw this, they nced forward at the middle-aged man wearing the ck fur and velvet cloak. His lips curved in a silent order. The soldiers understood and moved back, bringing their scabbards crashing down on fifth and eighth cousin a few times, breaking the skin open on their heads and faces in a few ces. Fresh blood trickled down their cheeks as they rocked on their feet.

    ¡°This is a raid! Who let you talk?!¡±

    ¡°Ah! Don¡¯t hit them!¡± The females frantically called out.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you touch my grandsons!¡± The duke roared loudly, lunging forward to body m the soldiers aside. Although his hands were tied behind his back, he was an indomitable as a mountain, putting himself squarely in front of his children. Senior and second uncle also kicked and charged angrily, sending the soldiers tumbling to the ground. The crowd also began to grow restless as they pointed and criticized what was going on.

    ¡°Hit them? That was a light tap!¡±

    ¡°Cao Bingzhong! How dare you exact a private punishment!¡±

    So the leader of the soldiers was the former Grand Preceptor Cao!

    ¡°The emperor¡¯s given this task to me to do as I see fit! If you can¡¯t ept it, then you can goin to His Majesty himself! But first, you¡¯ll need to be able to see him first.¡± Elder Statesman Caoughed silkily. ¡°Aren¡¯t you so very capable? Then why are you all strung up like chickens for the ughter?¡±

    The crowd was silent for a second before someone plucked up the courage to shout indignantly, ¡°What crime has the Duke of Ding and his familymitted? Their eldest grandson has just given his life for the country, so why is their home being raided?!¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Why are you raiding the duke¡¯s home?!¡±

    ¡°It must be because of the trampress!¡±

    ¡°This man¡¯s the trampress¡¯ father, which makes him nothing good either!¡± The crowd only needed a single spark to start the tide of criticism that was loosed onto the soldiers and their master. Although people gravitated towards what would benefit them and tried to avoid pitfalls, they didn¡¯t care that much when ovee with emotion. Besides, none of them had broken anyws or gone against their conscience, they were simply discussing amongst themselves. There was nothing punishable byw, and they didn¡¯t think that these soldiers would dare arrest them all.

    Statesman Cao red angrily at them. The soldiers immediately stepped forward understandingly to threaten several citizens. ¡°Shut up, all of you! Or do you want to join them as well?¡±

    The people at the front were pushed backwards, crashing into those at the back. Qin Yining and Jin-mama supported n¨¦e Sun while Bingtang supported Qin Yining. The quartet were still shoved to and fro by the crowd, which quieted when they saw the soldiers willing to use violence.

    A mocking lilt appeared on Statesman Cao¡¯s lips as he jeered. ¡°Sun Dechen, do you actually think there¡¯s still a ce for you to speak? Your family breeds nothing but traitors and troublemakers! The emperor is already furious. Do you want to incite the citizens into riots?¡± He turned to address the crowd. ¡°Great Zhou had already offered us an olive branch! Our crisis might be already over if Sun Yu had been willing to offer his brains to their dowager empress for a cure! But Sun Dechen¡¯s darling grandson dared defy an imperial order! The emperor hasn¡¯t even faulted the Dings for that! And now, the nation of Great Zhou is enraged and the Faithful Prince of First Rank is raging on our borders with his Valiant Tigers. If they really do take Xihua, there will be no peace for any of us! And this is all because of Sun Dechen¡¯s family!¡±

    ¡°Bullshit! You shameless shit!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just the trash emperor who¡¯s afraid of death!¡± the crowd murmured under their breath. Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were right in the middle of them and could hear everything clearly.

    Statesman Cao didn¡¯t care a whit as he looked down at the Dings loftily. ¡°The emperor has no choice in this either. Great Zhou¡¯s letter is stered everywhere. We can only offend your family for the citizens of Great Yan.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe this! Even if the emperor wants my life, I want to hear it straight from him! The Suns have always been loyal subjects. My grandson died for the nation, and my sons have shed blood on the battlefields. I don¡¯t believe that this is our end!¡±

    ¡°You want to hear the emperor¡¯s decree? But the emperor doesn¡¯t wish to see you!¡±

    The duke¡¯s face was beet red in his indignation. ¡°Cao Bingzhong, you petty thief! Your daughter entrances and befuddles our liege. All she does is urge him onto frivolous pursuits. You¡¯re just as crooked as her! Aren¡¯t you afraid of retribution?!¡±

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Statesman Cao pped, guffawing loudly. ¡°My retribution has yet toe, but yours is already here!¡± He then affected a serious expression and called out to the audience. ¡°The emperor has decreed that Sun Yu disrespected imperial majesty in defying the decree. He was insubordinate and feckless. It¡¯s obvious that the entire Sun n bears rebellious hearts. They have stirred up trouble in a rtionship between two countries and ruined the possibility of peace between two nations. The punishment decreed is that all Ding males, regardless of age, will be executed three days from now at noon! All females are to be sold to the Royal Academy! A street fair will be set up for the Ding Manor servants on Long Street three days from now. All Duke of Ding properties will be confiscated by the imperial government!¡±

    The silencested for all of a second before the outcry broke out. The duke was stunned, standing stock still. A lost look entered the duchess¡¯ eyes for a second before she screamed, ¡°No!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s senior uncle roared, ¡°Your Majesty! Don¡¯t be blinded by these foul officials! I, Sun Haichen, have fought for my country all my life! My son¡¯s loyalty was unparalleled, and all he wished to do was to serve his country! But you wanted his brains in a bid for peace, and now the lives of my entire family! My youngest nephew is only five! Your Majesty! The children are innocent! Mercy, Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Even if the Ding n does not receive imperial favor, what does a five year old child know?! We will not regret our deaths, but please leave a drop of the Ding bloodline alive!¡±

    Senior and second uncle¡¯s tragic cries stirred simr emotions from the crowd. They all began loudly cursing the emperor.

    Statesman Cao sniffed derisively. ¡°His Majesty is wise, you all do indeed have rebellious hearts! Look at you! You¡¯ve fanned the ignorant people into cursing the emperor with just a few words!¡±

    He casually waved a hand and sent several eunuchs and soldiers charging into the crowd. They grabbed a young man, one of the loudest among them, and hacked down at him with a fearsome looking de.

    Itnded right on his neck, sending a spurt of blood high into the air as the body crashed to the ground. The crowd instantly fell quiet. Elder Statesman Cao turned to look at them. ¡°Anyone else who runs their mouth will be charged with high treason!¡±

    How would the citizens dare say anything else after that? They all stared mutely, their eyes conveying their fury.

    The duke¡¯s eyes were bloodshot as tears streamed out of them. ¡°The emperor has failed my Sun n and the loyal citizens of Great Yan! Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you afraid making your subjects lose faith in you?!¡±

    ¡°Shut it! Take the males to the dungeons in the Bureau of Punishment and send the females to the Royal Academy! Take them all away!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    ¡°My lord!¡± the duchess called out in a choked up voice.

    The duke turned back to look at his wife of many years. They all knew that this was thest time they would meet. ¡°Peizhen, I¡¯ve failed you.¡±

    ¡°No, my lord. You are a hero and a good man. To have followed you my entire life, that¡¯s all I need.¡± The duchess¡¯s voice was a hoarse whisper from all her sobbing.

    Senior aunt, second aunt, and the other wives were all crazily screaming their husbands¡¯ names. The two rows of people struggled to get closer to each other. Senior and second uncle fell to their knees with tears in their eyes. Because they were all strung up on the same rope, all of the males were brought to their knees as well.

    ¡°Your son is unfilial and bids you farewell now, mother.¡± The uncles kowtowed to their mother at the same time as Qin Yining¡¯s male cousins kowtowed to their mothers. Senior aunt was bawling brokenheartedly as second aunt screamed incoherently. She was half mad with distress. Out of those to be executed, most of them were part of her branch of the family. Her five year old grandson was no exception.

    Such a heartrending sight caused the crowd to turn restless once more. N¨¦e Sun could no longer hold herself back as she flung Qin Yining and Jin-mama¡¯s hands aside like she¡¯d gone insane. She shoved through the crowd as she charged forward. ¡°Father! Big brother! Second brother!¡±

    Qin Yining and Jin-mama were hot on her heels. When she saw that the soldiers wanted to stop n¨¦e Sun forcibly, Qin Yining was afraid that they would harm her mother and inserted herself between the two parties, using her arms and back to defend against the soldiers¡¯ pushing. So the trio was stopped before n¨¦e Sun could get to her rtives.

    The duke, senior uncle, second uncle, and various male cousins had noticed themotion and were looking tearily at n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining.

    ¡°Grandfather, senior uncle, and second uncle.¡± They¡¯d been exposed, so there was no longer any point in hiding. Qin Yining knelt down and performed the grand gesture of greeting. The duke looked at them and didn¡¯t say anything, while senior and second uncleughed and cried.

    ¡°You must be sister Han¡¯s daughter? Take good care of your mother.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, uncles.¡± Qin Yining supported n¨¦e Sun. Thetter¡¯s forehead was touching the bluestone ground as she sobbed loudly.

    ¡°Father, I don¡¯t want you to die! Big brother and second brother, I don¡¯t want you to die!!¡±

    Elder Statesman Cao red at n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining. But since n¨¦e Sun had married out of the family and her husband was Grand Preceptor Qin, he didn¡¯t dare do anything to her. He muttered an order to his men, ¡°What are you waiting for? Take them away!¡± before boarding his carriage and leaving.

    The soldiers and eunuchs moved forward to separate the females and males, taking them in separate directions. The final parting was upon them atst, and their tightly sped hands were forced apart. Tears swam in the duke¡¯s eyes as he looked expectantly at his wife. ¡°Peizhen! Live well with the children!¡±

    The duchess could no longer see clearly from the tears in her eyes, but nodded emphatically. Fifth cousin cried out frantically, ¡°Grandmother, please take care of Shuang¡¯er! No more tears, Shuang¡¯er. Give birth to our child, and live well!¡±

    ¡°Husband! My husband!¡± Fifth cousin-inw wouldn¡¯t let go of her husband¡¯s hands no matter what. As the soldiers tore her hand away, she was sent tumbling to the ground in the chaos and clutched her stomach with cries of pain. A trail of blood was left behind as she was forcefully dragged away, leaving fifth cousin out of his mind with anguish. My child!

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t sit back anymore and roughly shoved the soldier in front of her aside. He stumbled, not expecting that a noble girl would have such immense strength to her frail looking frame! Someone wanted to draw their de on her but was stopped by a knowing eunuch. ¡°That¡¯s Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter!¡±

    Although they didn¡¯t dare harm her, four stocky men still barred her way. She could only yell, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, cousin!¡±

    The duke, her uncles, and cousins all looked at the source of that strong shout. Tears brimmed in her eyes, but her look was extremely resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the Royal Academy right now!¡±

    The Institute of Luminous Grace hired only from the Royal Academy, and that was Qin Yining¡¯s business now! The duke smiled and nodded firmly at her. Qin Yining also nodded, looking at her fifth and eighth cousin one more time before turning away. Fifth cousin¡¯s voice sounded from behind her. ¡°Cousin Yi, your brother thanks you!¡±

 Chapter 77: Saving Lives is as Urgent as Extinguishing a Fire

    <h4>Chapter 77: Saving Lives is as Urgent as Extinguishing a Fire</h4>

    Qin Yining quickly ran to n¨¦e Sun, who was sobbing broken heartedly on the ground. She helped her mother up from her kneeling position. ¡°Mother, go home first!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to cry my grievances to the emperor! I¡¯m going to the Bureau of Punishment! How dare they, how dare they...¡± N¨¦e Sun shook her head numbly as she huped.

    ¡°They dare because they¡¯re holding an imperial decree! The emperor gave the order, who are you going to air your grievances to?!¡± Qin Yining rested her hands on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s shoulders and pressed down lightly. She lowered her voice and forced out each word between her teeth. ¡°Mother! The imperial decree has been announced and there¡¯s nothing we can do. We¡¯re only females and Qins as well. Our actions will impact the life and death of the Qins! Mother, do you want everyone in the Qin n to be burial goods for grandfather and the others?!¡±

    ¡°How can you be so cold blooded?!¡± N¨¦e Sun looked incredulously at Qin Yining and pushed her away roughly. ¡°Do you want me to just watch your grandfather and family die?!¡±

    Qin Yining remained standing firmly where she was, no longer adjusting her grip to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s motions. She mped tightly onto her mother¡¯s shoulders until the madame frowned with pain and forgot to cry. ¡°Yes, maybe I¡¯m cold blooded. Although I most recently lived in the mountains, I scrabbled for life out on the city streets when I was young. I¡¯ve experienced life and death and seen the kindness of humanity. But more often, I¡¯ve seen the reality and ugliness of human nature. Disaster has struck, and although father wants to help the Ding Manor, will the emperor listen to him? Think about it, mother. Father is the pir of the family. Would he dare offend the emperor so deeply that his own family is hauled over the fire as well?

    ¡°Father is the grand preceptor and you are a woman of the inner residence. Will you be able to do what he can¡¯t? If you do anything now, you¡¯ll only doom the Qins to the same fate!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun looked dumbly at Qin Yining, tears springing forth again. ¡°Then, then we can only watch as your grandfather, uncles, and cousins are beheaded? Your third cousin¡¯s youngest son is only five!¡±

    Tears also brimmed in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. ¡°That¡¯s reality, mother! Listen to me. Go home right now and refuse all visitors because you¡¯re sick. Don¡¯t see anyone. If the old dowager demands to see you, don¡¯t talk back to her. You have to face reality, mother. You have no family of your own side anymore!¡±

    No family of her own side.

    No backer.

    The source of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s pride and confidence all these years, and the crutch she¡¯d used most often when fighting with the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan was her family. No one would be able to back her up in the future. Her family was gone!

    When Qin Yining saw n¨¦e Sun stare nkly, she knew that her words had had some effect. She quickly gave orders to Jin-mama. ¡°Help the madame back to the manor first. Press on her the importance of not conflicting with the old dowager or anyone else. Let¡¯s talk when I get home. Everyone will soon know what¡¯s happened to the Suns, and things are about to change for the Qins as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Fourth Miss.¡± The mama nodded firmly. It was the first time she¡¯d felt that, even without the duke¡¯s doting on her mistress, even if her mistress lost the support of her side of the family, they still had someone supporting them as long as the fourth miss was there.

    Qin Yining had the groom unharness one of the horses. ¡°I¡¯m going to find Steward Zhong and might get home a bitter. Hold down the fort for me until I get back.¡±

    ¡°Yes miss, don¡¯t worry.¡± Bingtang nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll take good care of the madame as well.¡±

    Qin Yining jerked the reins around and sent the horse off in a fast gallop. She¡¯d never learned how to ride, but since she¡¯d spent some time with herds of wild horses and even ridden some of them, it wasn¡¯t difficult tomand a tamed horse. She quickly arrived at Grand Steward Zhong¡¯s.

    He wasn¡¯t at home.

    When the pageboy saw that the owner hade, he sprinted quickly to the Rising Delight Inn to bring Steward Zhong back. The steward had heard of what¡¯d happened at Ding Manor and came back on a fast horse when he heard the pageboy¡¯s message. Qin Yining didn¡¯t need to even speak. He already knew what she wanted to do. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll take out our petty cash 1 and do whatever it takes to hire out the old owner and all female rtions.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite touched to see the sincerity in his face andck of fear of bing embroiled in this mess. ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to trouble you to go to some effort, Steward Zhong. Although hiring them is an urgent matter, what¡¯s even more pressing is sending doctors and midwives to the Royal Academy. My fifth cousin-inw is about to give birth and I¡¯m afraid eighth cousin-inw might¡¯ve affected her child as well.¡±

    Steward Zhong was rmed by these words and nodded quickly. ¡°Okay, okay. Our Institute has the widestwork, to say nothing of anything else. I¡¯ll go make the arrangements now! Mingjie, you stay and carry out the miss¡¯ orders. Saving lives are as urgent as putting out a fire. I¡¯ll go take care of things now.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I leave things in your care, Steward Zhong.¡± Qin Yining nodded in thanks. The grand steward waved a hand and ran off like a fire was at his back. Qin Yining sent him off with her eyes and sat down with a frown after he was a ways away. She finally noted a man roughly over thirty standing off to the side with his head down. He was of average build and wearing a padded jacket of fine cotton fibers. He wore a six panel hat with sharp eyes set into an honest-looking face.

    When he sensed that Qin Yining was sizing him up, he bowed. ¡°Greetings to the owner. This humble one is Jing Mingjie. My mother serves in the kitchen of the Qin manor.¡±

    So it¡¯s him! When Qin Yining had been locked in the ancestral hall, it¡¯d been Jing-mama who came by with food and information. She¡¯d helped Qin Yining pass along messages as well, and had conveyed then that she had a son who was a third rank shopkeeper under Grand Steward Zhong.

    ¡°So it¡¯s Shopkeeper Jing.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s because of the owner that I can learn at Grand Steward Zhong¡¯s side.¡± Jing Mingjie bowed.

    Qin Yining knew that Steward Zhong was a highlypetent person, so anyone he sent to her would be someone exceedingly trustworthy. One didn¡¯t doubt the people they made use of, so Qin Yining asked, ¡°The Institute originally had two brothels. One of them¡¯s been converted to a tavern, what about the remaining one?¡±

    ¡°In response to the miss, there¡¯s no use for the remaining house for now. We¡¯ve only set some staff to keeping an eye on it.¡±

    Qin Yining mentally counted up the numbers of Sun n females and then thought about the sizes of the two inns the Institute was running. It wasn¡¯t appropriate to arrange them at the inns. There wasn¡¯t enough space, and given the general flow of people, it wasn¡¯t safe enough either. She had to make appropriate arrangements for them after hiring them. There were already no more males in grandmother¡¯s household, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t separate the remaining family. She thought for a moment more and felt that the only ce she could shelter them was the empty house that¡¯d originally been a brothel.

    ¡°Shopkeeper Jing, please have someone clean up the empty house and ce all daily necessities within them. Record all of your expenditures and just turn them into Steward Zhong.¡±

    Jing Mingjie understood what Qin Yining wanted to do. ¡°You¡¯d like to house the Sun females there? That¡¯s a good arrangement. The house has already been cleaned up and is very suitable for people to live in. We¡¯ll still need to arrange for some guards though. Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll go make the arrangements now.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and had Jing Mingjie go about his business while she waited in the outer study of Steward Zhong¡¯s home. He returned when night fell.

    ¡°Thank goodness we got there in time. If we were even a little bitter, we¡¯d only be in time to deliver two corpses. The child has just been delivered and it¡¯s a girl. Both mother and daughter are safe. I¡¯ve handled everything at the Royal Academy. We can take them all tomorrow morning.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart could finally settle back down in her chest. She sped her hands together and motioned a few times in gratefulness. ¡°Thank you so much, Steward Zhong.¡±

    ¡°Say none of that, miss. You saved my entire family¡¯s life, and the old owners have always treated me well. You are a heroicdy possessing of great loyalty and justice. You uphold righteousness, so I really have no reason to watch idly off on the side.¡±

    Qin Yining stood up and thought for a moment. ¡°The Institute has such a widework, can we get anyone to pass a message into the dungeons of the Bureau of Punishment? If we can, let¡¯s get a message to my grandfather and them, letting them know that fifth cousin-inw has delivered a girl.¡± She sighed. ¡°It¡¯s just as well that the child is a daughter. If a son...¡± The emperor probably wouldn¡¯t let even a newborn off the hook.

    Steward Zhong also gave a long sigh. ¡°What¡¯s happened at the Duke of Ding Manor has spread all throughout the capital. Everyone knows that they¡¯re innocent. Many schrs who admire the duke are signing petitions for leniency. I hope the emperor will hear the voice of the people and lighten the punishment.¡±

    ¡°May that be the case.¡± Sudden hope ignited in Qin Yining¡¯s heart, but when she thought carefully of what Elder Statesman Cao had said today and the emperor¡¯s personality, the hope began to fizzle out. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the emperor will think the Suns are skilled at manipting public favor and be even warier of them...¡±

    Steward Zhong¡¯s expression grew stern as he too became uncertain. Qin Yining gave her remaining orders and ryed to the steward that she¡¯d had Jing Mingjie clean up the house for the Sun females before she headed home.

    She¡¯d been out all day while mother had returned home earlier. I wonder if anything¡¯s happened because of this enormous change? Qin Yining knew that the old dowager was an extremely materialistic person who sought personal gain at all cost. However tolerant she was of n¨¦e Sun before, that¡¯d been because the madame had the Duke of Ding Manor at her back. Now that the Suns were tarred with crimes, the old dowager would most likely be afraid and hate everything to do with the Duke of Ding. She¡¯d be worried that the Qins would be affected.

    Therefore, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s position would take a tremendous fall. Even a granddaughter who¡¯d received some Sun businesses like Qin Yining would probablye in for her share of wariness from the old dowager, not to mention that she¡¯d immediately hired out the Sun females. The affection that she¡¯d worked hard to win from the old dowager would likely be wiped out entirely by this event.

    But Qin Yining didn¡¯t regret things nor find it a pity. Even if the old dowager disliked her, she¡¯d be able to live out her days happily. She would never disregard the lives of the females on the maternal side of her family just to win favor from the old dowager. She was saving them not to be benevolent, but because of her mother and for the family that the Ding Manor had given her.

    When Qin Yining returned home, Qitai immediately called out to her.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, Fourth Miss! The lord told me to wait here for you and have you go to the study as soon as you return. He needs to talk to you.

 Chapter 78: A Father Daughter Chat

    <h4>Chapter 78: A Father Daughter Chat</h4>

    Qin Yining was actually quite nervous, because she wasn¡¯t sure what her father¡¯s attitude would be in this situation. To the best of her knowledge, her father was a taciturn and reserved person, an official with unparalleled wisdom. This kind of person was never the kind and benevolent type.

    But she had to save the Sun females. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t afraid of the old dowager disapproving of her actions, because no matter how much the old dowager disapproved, the matriarch wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to directly impact Qin Yining¡¯s ns.

    However, father was different. If father opposed her intentions, he would absolutely have multiple ways to control her movements. She apprehensively followed Qitai to the outer residence study, meeting two beautiful maids wearing faint-blue sleeveless robe dresses in the covered hallway. It was Moxiang and Danqing, who curtsied when they saw the fourth miss approach. One went inside to announce her arrival and the other walked up in wee.

    ¡°Greetings to Fourth Miss, the lord has told us to wait here for you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, big sister Danqing.¡± Qin Yining nodded with a smile as the maid carefully lifted up the ink-green bamboo and cloth door curtains, walking into the study.

    Qin Huaiyuan was wearing a light-gray robe, covered by a navy brocade, padded jacket with a gray squirrel fur cor. He was sitting cross-legged on the ckcquer luohan bed next to the window, leafing through a book. ¡°You¡¯re back? Have a seat.¡± A long finger slipped down the book, idly turning the page when it reached the bottom.

    Qin Yining went through all the proper courtesies first before taking a seat on the other side of the luohan bed. She epted the teacup that Moxiang offered and carefully set it on an end table. The maids took their leave all at once.

    Qin Huaiyuan was still reading his book and asked distractedly, ¡°What did you do today? Tell me everything.¡±

    Although Qin Yining had mentally readied herself for that question, her heart still skipped a beat. She quickly rose, keeping her head low as she responded. ¡°In response to father, I heard that senior and second uncle had returned and wanted to greet them. But mother and I had just gotten to the doors of Ding Manor when we bumped into the scene of the manor being raided.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan ced ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯ 1softly on the end table.

    ¡°Elder Statesman Cao had brought soldiers to arrest everyone and announced that all Sun males will be executed in three days, regardless of age. The females will be sent to the Royal Academy and the servants sold in three days as well. At that announcement, the crowd erupted in indignation, so Statesman Cao killed a citizen to quiet the dissension.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked.

    ¡°Then, Statesman Cao had the family taken away. Grandfather, grandmother, my aunts and uncles, cousins and cousins-inw knew then to be their final parting. The scene was... Mother cried out from grief and we were seen by Statesman Cao.¡± Qin Yining tried to gloss over things, but knew she had to mention the fact that Statesman Cao had seen them. This way, her father would be mentally prepared if anything happened.

    Qin Huaiyuan was silent for a moment and then nodded. ¡°And you? Did you do anything afterwards?¡±

    His voice was low and warm. There was even the hint of a smile in his tone, but Qin Yining could feel a cold shiver travel down her back. She dropped to her knees.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, father. Fifth cousin and his wife are a young couple and they weren¡¯t willing to be parted. Fifth cousin-inw fell to the ground when the soldiers were pushing and pulling at them. But, it affected her baby. The scene was very heartrending. Father knows that the Suns are innocent, and I really couldn¡¯t just sit by and watch her die. So, I ordered people to use their connections to save her. Thankfully, she gave birth to a girl...¡± Qin Yining snuck a quick nce up at Qin Huaiyuan at this point, but his expression had remained unchanged. It was impossible to discern his emotions.

    She could only continue sincerely. ¡°As for the orders I gave to hire the women through the Institute, I thought it was fine. Since the emperor has ordered the Sun women to enter the Royal Academy as servants, then that means the Institute is allowed to hire them. There is no other organization that can hire from the Royal Academy, right? Unless... unless the emperor was so negligent that he didn¡¯t know the Institute of Luminous Grace was already in my hands.¡±

    The emperor really hadn¡¯t known that. He was probably deep in the throes of regret right now. He¡¯d probably confiscated the Duke of Ding¡¯s properties because he¡¯d wanted the Institute. Qin Huaiyuan coughed before saying softly, ¡°Impertinence.¡±

    Although his voice was soft, the velvet in his tone did not hide the steel authority beneath. Qin Yining quickly kowtowed. ¡°Yes, I understand my wrongs. I shouldn¡¯t talk about the emperor behind his back.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at her response. For some reason, he was actively struggling to keep his lips from twitching. ¡°Are your mistakes only in talking about the emperor?¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips and lifted her head. Her eyes were like the clearest spring of water as she looked at her father in confusion. ¡°I haven¡¯t defied imperial orders, nor done anything out of line. The emperor rules the world with the principles of benevolence and filial piety. Even if the Duke of Ding is guilty, there¡¯s never been a precedent set to ignore the pregnancy of a convicted woman. I feel that the emperor would¡¯ve sent someone to help fifth cousin-inw if he was made aware of the situation. Besides, I¡¯m the owner of the Institute. The Royal Academy has received a new batch of staff and I happen to be short on people. There¡¯s nothing wrong in hiring them. Wasn¡¯t it the imperial family that set this rule?¡±

    ¡°You little chit.¡± Qin Huaiyuan picked up ¡®The Commentary of Zuo¡¯ and lightly smacked Qin Yining¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯ve got reasons for all your actions, huh?¡±

    But the tap didn¡¯t hurt at all.

    In fact, there was even a faint sense of doting affection in the action. Qin Yining rubbed her forehead and then looked at her father, her eyes brimming with the kind of love that only a child shows their parent. Qin Huaiyuan felt very warm as he sensed the depth of her feelings. ¡°Rise. Danqing has just had servants prepare osmanthus cakes. Have some with me.¡±

    Qin Yining wasn¡¯t a picky eater and liked all food, but osmanthus cakes were her favorite. Father knew that? And considered that I didn¡¯t have time to eat today? She was greatly touched and smiled in assent, rising from her knees to take a seat on her recently vacated cushion.

    Danqing and Moxiang came in with all sorts of cakes and snacks, cing them lightly on the small table. When Qin Yining saw her father pick up a piece of osmanthus cake, she also reached forward to grab one and bit off arge mouthful. It was soft, fragrant, and sticky, but not overly sweet. The faint sweetness soothed the tightly wound emotions of the day. Her appetite awoke with a vengeance, and she scarfed down four in a row, guzzling down a cup of tea before feeling like her stomach finally had something to work on.

    She lifted her head to see that Qin Huaiyuan still holding that first piece of cake. He was just looking at her with a smile on his face. She immediately understood that he¡¯d been afraid she wouldn¡¯t eat anything if he didn¡¯t make the first move, which was why he¡¯d picked up a piece as well.

    ¡°Father.¡± Ovee with emotion, Qin Yining called out to Qin Huaiyuan.

    The girl¡¯s eyes were limpid and clear, and onlookers couldn¡¯t help but soften their hearts at the sight. That charming exterior was so like the image that had been reflected back from his mirrors when he was young. Such a smart and pretty child was possibly the only inheritor of his bloodline that he¡¯d ever have in his life. Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t help but stretch out hisrge hand to rub her head. Qin Yining¡¯s eyes filled with surprise and delight, even butting his hand subconsciously like a little animal, making Qin Huaiyuan chuckle with joy.

    So this was the joy of child rearing. Although his daughter had already turned fourteen when she¡¯d returned, at an age where she could marry, she was still just a smart and mischievous child in his eyes. If there¡¯d been peace beneath the heavens, Qin Huaiyuan really didn¡¯t mind Qin Yining getting into all sorts of scrapes. His daughter could freely cause various troubles outside and thene home crying for her father. He would then settle everything for her and receive her worship and admiration in return. How nice would that be.

    Sadly, these weren¡¯t such times.

    ¡°Full?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked when he saw Qin Yining no longer reaching for more food. She nodded, her face blushing red. He spoke on seriously. ¡°Although your actions today are infallible in terms of their logic and justice served, you¡¯ve forgotten the situation we facing.¡±

    Qin Yining kept her head down and responded honestly, ¡°In response to father, I haven¡¯t forgotten, it¡¯s just that...¡±

    ¡°You wanted to do all that, and so you did?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to do anything against my conscience and then live in regret and guilt. I know I took a bit of a risk, but I believe that the emperor still care about his reputation. Even if he wants to find fault, he¡¯ll be able to find an aboveboard and righteous excuse, one that gives him the moral high ground. I spent some time thinking, and still feel that nothing I did was inappropriate. That¡¯s why I did what I did, it¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t consider our family.¡±

    She took a look at Qin Huaiyuan and continued when she saw that his expression hadn¡¯t changed. ¡°And, I¡¯m your daughter. Father is the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent now. If I do nothing when my maternal grandmother¡¯s family is in trouble and refuse to save fifth cousin-inw when I could¡¯ve, then what will the people think about us? About father? That we¡¯re heartless brutes who only think about ourselves? I didn¡¯t want my momentary fear to stain father¡¯s lifelong innocence!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was silent for a moment. He didn¡¯t lecture Qin Yining nor denounce her oversight. ¡°So what do you n to do now?¡±

    Qin Yining rxed when she saw that her father wasn¡¯t opposed to her actions. Her father¡¯s character rose more than a few notches in her esteem for that eptance. She knew that if Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t want her to save them, he had thousands of ways to erase what she¡¯d done and make it so that no one could connect her aid to her. Since father hadn¡¯t stopped her, that meant he was tacitly agreeing to what she¡¯d done and would help her as well. Of course, there was some things that he couldn¡¯t do because of his position, which left them up to her.

    Her motivation rose, and her thoughts began spinning rapidly. ¡°Father, the most pressing matter is mother, then the execution three dayster. If the emperor doesn¡¯t give any other orders, the rule for those executed is to be dumped inmon graves. No one will be allowed to bury them.¡±

    ¡°I thought you would have me beg the emperor for mercy for your maternal rtives.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy enough for me to beg you, but it¡¯s hard for you to beg the emperor.¡± Qin Yining smiled wryly. The emperor had clearly been scared out of his senses by Great Zhou¡¯s response. The only thing he could coherently put together was the intent to pacify Great Zhou. The Suns had simply been the unlucky target, as he¡¯d already made up his mind to make an example out of them.

    When faced a choice between one¡¯s life, or another¡¯s, a scared man would obviously choose to save himself. Qin Huaiyuan wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything and might even get himself in trouble if he interfered at the wrong moment. If things weren¡¯t handled well, then the entire Qin n would be dragged in. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t an idiot, she was already grateful enough that her father was letting her operate in the shadows for the Suns.

 Chapter 79: Unlucky Slaughter

    <h4>Chapter 79: Unlucky ughter</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan was familiar with many people at court, but someone who both happened to share his views and not need reminders like his daughter were few and far between. She¡¯s my daughter alright. Not only does she look like and does things like me, she¡¯s also incredibly smart. Qin Huaiyuan was genuinely delighted at his daughter¡¯s rationale and spoke with a warm expression, ¡°So you understand my difficulties.¡±

    Qin Yining responded seriously. ¡°That father has been able to rise to these heights probably means that you sleep with one eye open. Even at the best of times, it¡¯s a tiring and mentally taxing undertaking. You¡¯re also the head of the household. If you overlook something of importance, our family may well end up like the Duke of Ding¡¯s. I sometimes worry for your efforts and pressure when I think about it. It¡¯s a pity that I¡¯m a girl and cannot share your burdens.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan felt a burst of affection for his daughter when he saw how her maturity outshone her age. Her words seemed to most often speak to his heart. In this family, not only the old dowager, but even his two brothers viewed Qin Huaiyuan as a mountain that would never copse. Sometimes, a man didn¡¯t so much want help from his family, but just the knowledge that they understand his efforts and difficulties. That was enough for him to feel immensely touched.

    Everything that needed to be spoken of had been settled. ¡°Go greet your grandmotherter. Make sure you answer properly if she asks anything.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Qin Yining understood that Qin Huaiyuan was worried she¡¯d talk back and anger the matriarch.

    ¡°Then go on back.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded in satisfaction. ¡°Comfort your mother well. she must be very saddened.¡±

    Qin Yining assented and had just risen to curtsey when Qitai¡¯s voice traveled in. ¡°Milord, a messenger has arrived from the pce with an urgent summons. The emperor has urgent business and requests milord¡¯s presence as soon as possible!¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded faintly.

    ¡°Father, the Institute...¡± Qin Yining asked solemnly.

    ¡°I have my own thoughts about it. Go about your business.¡±

    ¡°The emperor won¡¯t punish you, will he?¡± Qin Yining was very worried. She was already determined to take a step back if her actions would harm her own family.

    Qin Huaiyuan tapped his daughter¡¯s forehead. ¡°A child should do what a child would do. Don¡¯t worry so much at your age. Go greet your grandmother.¡±

    This obvious bit of doting was something that Qin Yining rarely received from her elders. She blushed in sudden happiness, and her dewy eyes curved into half crescents from her smile. She curtsied docilely and took her leave.

    Qin Huaiyuan had Qitai prepare the carriage after he sent Qin Yining off with his eyes.

    Qin Yining quickly reached the Garden of Loving Piety and saw a serving girl stooped on the steps from a fair distance away. The girl rose and hopped back into the courtyard when she saw the fourth miss. It was an odd event, so Qin Yining purposely slowed her steps as she walked. She¡¯d just set foot onto the steps when Qin-mama came out, walking quickly with antern in her hands.

    Qin Yining immediately understood the situation. She walked up to the old servant and asked delicately, ¡°Qin-mama, does Old Dowager have some instructions for me?¡±

    The two exchanged greetings and walked off to the side. There, Qin-mama murmured in a low voice, ¡°The old dowager isn¡¯t feeling well and has just taken her medicine. She¡¯s off in a huff. What¡¯s happened at the Ding Manor today has spread far and wide. She was worried and gave a few words of advice to Senior Madame. The senior madame may have been in a bad mood and thus retorted angrily. The old dowager took offense and had the senior madame confined to the ancestral hall to reflect on her wrongs. When you enter, be careful when you see the old dowager.¡±

    Qin Yining was a bit surprised by this, not n¨¦e Sun¡¯s inappropriate response, but that the old dowager would be so self serving. This wasn¡¯t the first time she hadn¡¯t gotten along with her daughter-inw. But the matriarch had endured it before, and now she wouldn¡¯t take it for even a day.

    ¡°Thank you, Qin-mama. I understand. Although mother is impulsive, she doesn¡¯t mean any harm. No one can remain calm in this sort of situation, and the old dowager must think for the entire Qin n. Ai! The old dowager is truly in a difficult spot.¡±

    Qin-mama smiled at having met someone who shared her thoughts so precisely. ¡°That¡¯s what I told Old Dowager as well.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so much better that you are by the old dowager¡¯s side than us little girls. All we know to do is panic whenever we run into situations like these...¡±

    The mama naturally liked the sound of these words. Her smile remained on her face as the two walked through the door hand-in-hand. The old servant¡¯s chin rose unconsciously in pride. Meanwhile, Qin Yining was forcefully tamping down her sorrow and panic and kept her focus on maintaining a small smile on her face. Elders were often superstitious, and the old dowager was already afraid of being dragged down by the Suns. If she walked in with a long face, wouldn¡¯t that just make things worse?

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining circled around the ckcquer divider, the sparrows alighting on plum blossoms greeting her silently, and curtsied properly.

    The old dowager was taking a pull from the brass pipe with its apanying tobo pouch. When she saw her granddaughter walk in, a frown creased her forehead. ¡°Why have youe back sote? Where did you go again? Don¡¯t you imitate your mother in not knowing the difference between your family and outsiders! Although your maternal rtions treated you well, and gave you money and a business, it¡¯s Qin blood that flows in your veins. You¡¯re a Qin!

    ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯ve be something just because you inherited a business! That was nothing to them. You¡¯re just a little girl with long hair and a short span of experience. What do you know?! Look at you acting so grateful. You should be afraid of attracting trouble for our family!¡±

    A materialistic lecture was unceremoniously thrown in her face barely after she¡¯d finished greeting the old dowager. Truthfully, it pained Qin Yining quite a bit. Even if the Institute was just a single hair on an ox to the Suns before, wouldn¡¯t that be the same to the Qins as well? Yet the old dowager hadn¡¯t seemed simrly inclined. But Qin Yining knew that this was just how the old dowager was. What else could the matriarch do? Kill her own granddaughter?

    ¡°The old dowager speaks truly. Your granddaughter hade home early, but ended up speaking to father in the outer study for a long while. This dyed me for a bit and was why I didn¡¯t immediatelye.¡± Qin Yining neatly admitted her faults.

    So she¡¯d actually yelled wrongly at Qin Yining? This made for an awkward situation. The old dowager had nursed a bellyful of anger all day, but her verbal punch had just smacked into a cloud of cotton instead.

    But Qin Yining knew better than to wait for the old dowager to apologize. That was just inviting her grandmother to hate her. She immediately created a way out. ¡°It¡¯s my fault for making you worry, grandmother. I shouldn¡¯t havee backte when everything is a mess outside from the matters of the Duke of Ding Manor today, not to mention when Great Zhou¡¯s letter is stered everywhere, or even when Elder Statesman Cao killed someone in broad daylight. Unfortunately, there were some urgent business matters I had to attend to, and I also paid a visit to Grand Steward Zhong to ask about the ounts. This was why I came home a bitte. Please forgive me, Old Dowager.¡±

    The old dowager felt that this gave her enough face, and her ruffled temper was suitably soothed. ¡°Mm. As long as your know your faults. You can rise to speak.¡± She¡¯d unconsciously forgotten the fiery words she¡¯d wanted to rain down on Qin Yining.

    The girl rose to her feet with a merry smile and took the small mallet to massage the old dowager¡¯s legs. She kept her conversation topics to the old dowager¡¯s dinner and other trivial topics. She didn¡¯t mention her mother once, or ask for mercy on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s behalf, further pleasing the old dowager.

    Just as the scene was turning harmonious, Jixiang rushed into the room, her face drained of all color. ¡°Old Dowager! Terrible things have happened!¡±

    ¡°What is it? How can you just rush in so frantically like this? You¡¯ll rm the mistress!¡± Qin-mama hectored.

    Jixiang looked over at Qin Yining, her eyes holding aplicated look, and knelt. ¡°Old Dowager, the Sun males were all just dragged out and beheaded, including the five year old young master!¡±

    The old dowager jerked up with surprise, her pipe falling from her hands. In the silence that reigned after that announcement, the loud tter of the pipe hitting the floor, and the hissing of the scattered live and dead ashes reigned. But the old dowager quickly regained her voice. ¡°What did you say?! Wasn¡¯t it supposed to be three dayster?¡±

    ¡°Qitai just sent word that the lord was summoned into the pce tonight,¡± Jixiang responded. ¡°The Suns were executed early because... because Great Zhou angrily ughtered twenty thousand Great Yan captives when they didn¡¯t receive Sun Yu¡¯s brains! The emperor was incensed and didn¡¯t want to wait three days. He gave orders for their immediate beheading! The bloody corpses have been thrown out the pce¡¯s meridian gate, allowing anyone to spit and curse at them...¡±

    Fear and panic struck the old dowager in waves. She took a shaky step back, but her ankles gave way. She cried out in rm as she fell back onto the luohan bed.

    ¡°Mistress!¡± Qin-mama quickly went to the matriarch¡¯s aid. Qin Yining also automatically moved to support her grandmother as well. But if one took a careful look at her expression, they¡¯d realize that her mind was at those pce gates. Pained tears brimmed in her expressive eyes. Her hands trembled as she strove to keep her tears under control and calm herself.

    The old dowager stared off nkly into space as tears began to roll down her face. ¡°This, this is evil! Pure evil! I don¡¯t even know what to say!¡± She turned to Jixiang. ¡°Did Qitai say if the lord had any orders?¡±

    ¡°In response to Old Dowager, there¡¯s nothing else. The lord only says that he won¡¯t return tonight and for you not to worry.¡±

    ¡°How can I not worry! The emperor demands lives at the drop of a hat!¡± The old dowager patted her chest, tears still trickling down her cheeks.

 Chapter 80: Undercurrents

    <h4>Chapter 80: Undercurrents</h4>

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have told Meng¡¯er to be an official! Look at all this madness He dealt a great blow to Northern Ji with that ploy back in the day, but now that demon Pang Zhixi hates him to the bone! And now that Meng¡¯er¡¯s the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, the emperor goes to him for help with any matter, no matter big or small. Which might even cause others to be jealous and start to scheme against him! My heart hangs in the bnce with him everyday, like it¡¯s roasting over a fire!¡±

    Qin-mama tried in vain tofort her mistress when she saw how inconsble the old dowager seemed to be. On her other side, Qini Yining was still on auto-pilot as she supported the old dowager. Her heart had been caught in the ws of an overwhelming grief.

    So many Suns had been ripped from her life, including even her seven and five year old nephews. But when the old dowager heard the news, the only emotion she disyed was fear for the potential danger to her own family. But such is human nature... haven¡¯t I always known this? Shepartmentalized her sorrow and thought furiously. With the old dowager¡¯s personality, she¡¯ll probably burst into fury and ground me too if I ask her to let mother out so we can send off the Sun males.

    The old dowager would likely let their corpses rot in the open if she had her way about it. In all fairness, it wasn¡¯t a hard reaction to understand. It wasn¡¯t easy to summon to courage to test the emperor¡¯s temper by arranging a proper burial for those he¡¯d had executed in a fit of fury. But Yining couldn¡¯t let her grandfather and his family have such a tragic ending! She had to give them a proper burial, and in apletely wless way!

    Having discussed with Qin Huaiyuan earlier, Qin Yining was feeling much more confident. She wiped off her tears with a n in mind. But as she mused on it, a woman¡¯s crying wail traveled in from outside, the words faintly discernible.

    ¡°Let go of me! All of you let go of me! I want to go out! Let me out!¡±

    ¡°Senior Madame, you can¡¯t go!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go out senior aunt! Everything is a mess outside! Grandmother will worry about you if you go!¡±

    ¡°I must! None of you care because it¡¯s not your father and brothers that this has happened to!¡±

    ¡°Please keep your voice down! Oh my word, this is the Garden of Loving Piety! Oh my ancestors and oh Buddha!¡±

    ¡°Am I afraid of anyone hearing me? That ingrate of a flip flopping hag! 1 What was she like when my family was prosperous?! Now that something¡¯s happened, she¡¯s tucked her bitch of a head in and is worse than animals!¡±

    The old dowager couldn¡¯t hear clearly what was going on outside, but she could hear thest couple of sentences very clearly. Flip flopping hag, ingrate, lower than animals...

    ¡°p her mouth! p her!¡± The old dowager flushed beet red and shot to her feet. ¡°Is that breeding of that idiot woman?! What, has she forgotten all her manners now that her father¡¯s dead?! How is she filial at all in cursing her mother-inw like this?? I¡¯m going to divorce her! I¡¯ll hold a family meeting and divorce this unfilial, stupid woman on Meng¡¯er¡¯s behalf!¡±

    Qin Yining was still supporting the old dowager¡¯s arm, but the look in her eyes had slowly chilled. Even though pursuing self gain was human nature, the old dowager¡¯s actions were simply too ugly. Thus it was apparent that not only was she the profit-seeking sort, but so selfish and self-centered that she was absolutely coldblooded in her pursuits.

    Qin-mama was also disapproving off to the side, but she could only mutter silently as she was a servant. She happened to nce at Qin Yining and felt a cold chill travel down her back. It felt like she¡¯d looked at Qin Huaiyuan just now, not the fourth miss! She waspelled to try to defuse the situation.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mistress. Senior Madame¡¯s home has just been destroyed and her family no more. It¡¯s normal that she would be this sad. She must not be thinking clearly and sprouting all sorts of nonsense. Why take a crazy person to task for their words? Besides, we must consult the lord for divorce. You have to think of his reputation no matter what.¡±

    Qin Yining had had enough. She had thoroughly seen through this self-serving paternal grandmother. It might actually be a good thing if mother is divorced. I have a thousand ways for her to live a good life outside. It¡¯d only been one day since the Duke of Ding had fallen, but the attitudes within the Qin manor were already thus. How much more would her mother have to suffer if she remained? She wasn¡¯t the sort who could endure and n. She¡¯s be swallowed whole! Even if Qin Yining¡¯s father wanted to intervene, he was still a filial son.

    ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± She curtsied and walked out without waiting for a response.

    Qin-mama helped the old dowager down to a sitting as the matriarch was huffing with anger and stomped her foot. ¡°Look at this! All order¡¯s gone out the window!¡±

    Qin Yining trotted out the doors of the Garden of Loving Piety to see Jin-mama and Bingtang nking n¨¦e Sun, trying tofort her. There was another maid and granny servant kneeling on the ground with their arms wrapped around n¨¦e Sun¡¯s legs. The maid was called Cuifu, and the granny servant surnamed Zhang. Cuifu was the sixth miss¡¯ head maid, and the granny servant the wet nurse. The sixth miss happened to be standing not too far away and exchanging words with the other servants while watching the show.

    Well, isn¡¯t Qin Huining a quick learner. She knows that she shouldn¡¯t be putting in an appearance here, so she found a spear to do it for her instead. Qin Yining walked up and picked up the two with their arms around n¨¦e Sun. She hauled them up on their cors and threw them away.

    ¡°Who the hell are you to touch the senior madame? Even if the Duke of Ding is no more, she is still my father¡¯s wife of many years! What are you all trying to do, seek death?!¡±

    Cuifu and Zhang-mama copsed onto the floor. They weren¡¯t in pain, but they had been so frightened that their faces were white. Impulse got the better of the sixth miss and she charged over.

    ¡°Senior aunt wouldn¡¯t listen to our advice and insisted on going out, which is why Cuifu and Zhang-mama are holding her back. How can senior aunt leave the ancestral hall of her own volition without telling the old dowager first?¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Qin Yining ignored the sixth miss and asked Jin-mama instead.

    N¨¦e Sun hadtched onto Qin Yining with loud sobs at this time and was a blubbering mess on the girl¡¯s shoulder. She kept murmuring, ¡°I want to go out! Daughter Yi, I want to see your grandfather!¡±

    ¡°Fourth Miss, the sixth miss just came by with news of the beheading of the duke and the others,¡± Jin-mama responded in a low voice. ¡°The madame was in a hurry to get out and we couldn¡¯t hold her back no matter what. Please help calm her down.¡±

    Qin Yining put an arm around her mother and looked sideways at the sixth miss. ¡°You listen to Qin Huining¡¯s orders well. How many bones did she give you?¡±

    The sixth miss didn¡¯t react immediately. She blinked a few times before retorting angrily, ¡°Who are you insulting as a dog?!¡±

    ¡°Calling you a dog is an insult to dogs! I won¡¯t do anything to you out of consideration for second aunt. But your actions are really unbing. Bingtang, go see second aunt immediately and tell her that Qin Shuangning took it upon herself to go to the ancestral hall and provoke my mother with that message, then had her maid and wet nurse hold my mother here and incite her to further outcries. It¡¯s your word against hers, so bring along two eloquent witnesses.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Bingtang nodded.

    ¡°Qin Yining, you and I are both Qin misses! You bully the foster daughter and turn on a daughter of the blood now? How dare you go stir up trouble in front of the second madame?!¡± Qin Shuangning shrieked.

    Qin Yining ignored her and swept a nce at the surrounding granny servants. She immediately saw Mama Jing, mother of Third Shopkeeper Jing, step forward with another swarthy granny servant. ¡°Fourth Miss, this servant is willing to bear witness.¡±

    ¡°Very well, my thanks.¡± Qin Yining nodded and pretended not to know the old servant. Mama Jing immediately followed Bingtang for a quick trip to the second branch of the family.

    The sixth miss panicked. She hadn¡¯t been adopted in name by the official wife of her branch! The madame would punish her for this!

    ¡°What are you all waiting for?! Stop them!¡± She shrieked as she pushed Cuifu and Zhang-mama to pursue. The two obeyed and chased forward, but the strong granny servant that Mama Jing had with her shoved them roughly to the ground.

    In the midst of all the chaos, Qin Yining surreptitiously whispered a few words to n¨¦e Sun. The madame first nked in surprise and then rolled her eyes up, fainting with a sharp cry.

    ¡°Mother! Mother! Someone help! Get the doctor!¡±

    ¡°The madame must¡¯ve fainted from sorrow! Someonee help!¡± Jin-mama had heard Qin Yining¡¯s words just now and charged into the Garden of Loving Piety proper for aid. The old dowager hade out by now, wrapped in a cloak, with Qin-mama, Jixiang, and Ruyi at her side. She was standing at the top of the steps with a frown down at n¨¦e Sun.

    Qin Yining had pulled the limp n¨¦e Sun into herp as helpless tears streamed down her voice. Her voice was so gentle that it seemed like she was speaking to a kitten. ¡°Mother, don¡¯t scare me! Wake up please.¡±

    The old dowager opened her mouth, but the old servant at her side pinched her in the arm. She looked at Qin-mama, affronted, but the old servant responded, ¡°The lord is still in the pce. Mistress, you should at least consider his wishes. Besides, there are so many around.¡±

    The old dowager took another nce at the crowd of servants around before she managed to swallow the words of, ¡°Divorce this stupid woman immediately and throw her out!¡± She cared about her own reputation after all. Besides, a great happening had just urred in her daughter-inw¡¯s family and n¨¦e Sun had fainted away right in front of her. Could she not take n¨¦e Sun in?

    ¡°Bring her inside to wait for the doctor.¡± Qin-mama immediately brought the spring bench over 2 and had n¨¦e Sun carefully moved onto it. The group stumbled their way inside while Qin Yining took advantage of the confusion to run to the second branch¡¯s side of the manor. She happened to bump into Bingtang, Mama Jing, and the strong granny servant. They¡¯d just concluded their business.

    ¡°Fourth Miss?¡±

    ¡°Mama Jing, please find a way to get a message to Grand Steward Zhong. You¡¯ll have my thanks!¡±

    ¡°Not at all, not at all. Just tell me what you¡¯d like, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining whispered some instructions by Mama Jing¡¯s ear, then took Bingtang with her back to the Garden of Loving Piety. Meanwhile, Mama Jing scooted her way out of the manor through the kitchen delivery door.

 Chapter 81: Enthusiasm to Help

    <h4>Chapter 81: Enthusiasm to Help</h4>

    When Qin Yining and Bingtang stepped into the Garden of Loving Piety, Qin-mama was waiting anxiously beneath the hallway roof. She quickly walked forward to meet them and spoke in a low voice, ¡°The old dowager is keeping the senior madamepany. The senior madame is still in a faint and the old dowager is extremely anxious. She¡¯s gotten even more so with your absence.¡±

    The old servant¡¯s meaning were clear. ¡°I was afraid that the doctor wouldn¡¯t get here in time because of the distance,¡± Qin Yining exined as she wiped off some sweat from her brow. She turned to Bingtang to urge the girl on. ¡°Go take a look at my mother.¡±

    Bingtang nodded once, and broke into a trot. Qin-mama was touched by Qin Yining¡¯s great worry. It would seem that in times of crisis, one¡¯s own daughter is always the most useful. It didn¡¯t seem like Miss Huining was greatly upset at recent events at Ding Manor. The old servant had also carefully asked around just now and learned that it¡¯d been the sixth miss who¡¯d delivered the message to the ancestral hall. The sixth miss was well known to have a long-standing friendship with Miss Huining, so the message¡¯s true intent and mastermind were no mysteries to solve.

    Qin-mama sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. The senior madame is likely just overly saddened. We have to experience all sorts of good and bad in life. Life is onlyplete after weathering trials and disasters, no? Don¡¯t be sad, justfort Senior Madame well.¡±

    ¡°Qin-mama speaks truly.¡± Qin Yining nodded and continued with a wry smile. ¡°To be honest, I really am panicking. Although I haven¡¯t returned home for long, my maternal rtives were the second closest group of people I had other than our own family. Now that such a situation has urred, I don¡¯t feel good about it either. But as a girl, there¡¯s not much else I can do.¡± The two had reached the top of the stairs. ¡°All I can think of is tofort mother well so that she won¡¯t be sad for long, and being a filial granddaughter to the old dowager. That¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, miss.¡± The old servant nodded at the young girl¡¯s words. She knew that Qin Yining was mature beyond her years and was in no danger of acting rashly. The old dowager had been worried that the fourth miss would do something extreme for her maternal rtions. It seemed that had been a superfluous worry.

    By this time, Bingtang had taken a look at n¨¦e Sun, and met Qin Yining at the door with a report. ¡°Senior Madame seems to have fainted due to extreme sorrow. We can try just having her rest well and take some calming medicine when she wakes.¡±

    The old dowager finally heaved a sigh when she heard that there was nothing seriously wrong with her daughter-inw. She can¡¯t me me for anything even though she¡¯s fainted in front of my doors. She rearranged her face into a dark expression, ¡°Forget it. Let her rest after taking some medicine. We can talk about the restter.¡±

    The old dowager didn¡¯t want to end up saddled with the reputation of an evil mother-inw either, but n¨¦e Sun had been too offensive earlier. She had even called her an old hag! And now she couldn¡¯t even take n¨¦e Sun to task?! Well, she couldn¡¯t very well throw a fainted daughter-inw into the ancestral hall as punishment, could she? Not to mention that everyone knew disaster had just befallen n¨¦e Sun¡¯s family. She sure knows when to faint! She doesn¡¯t faint earlier orter, but right at this moment! The old dowager red at the unconscious n¨¦e Sun before stalking out with a cold expression. She didn¡¯t speak a word to Qin Yining.

    Qin-mama followed her mistress out and quietly conveyed Qin Yining¡¯s words from earlier. The old dowager¡¯s dark expression lightened slightly after hearing this. ¡°At least she¡¯s mature.¡±

    Back inside the house, Qin Yining dismissed all unnecessary personnel and left only Bingtang guarding the door. When she saw that the coast was clear, she whispered softly next to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s ear, ¡°Mother.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes shot open, ncing around quickly to make certain that no outsiders were present. She sat up and pulled urgently on Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Daughter Yi, did you make all the preparations?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I thought of a way to get word out. Don¡¯t worry, mother. I just need you to pretend to be in a faint for now, or I¡¯m afraid the old dowager will immediately punish you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes started to spill tears once again at that, but she didn¡¯t dare cry too loudly for fear of bringing the old dowager back to her doorstep. She covered her mouth, muffling her low, heartbreaking sobs. ¡°Your maternal grandfather¡¯s family died such a horrible death! Now look at how your paternal grandmother is acting. She wants me to cut off all rtions with my own family! Your grandfather¡¯s body isn¡¯t even cold yet, but she wants to divorce me already. How could I have such a hard life to marry into such a family...¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s depression grew with every word. Qin Yining could only pull on her hand tofort in a low tone, ¡°Mother, no matter how the old dowager acts, at least father is a good one. The truth is, I gave secret orders to hire out the female side of the family and arrange for grandfather and the others to receive a proper burial. Father knows about all this, and he even tacitly authorized me to take care of it all.¡±

    ¡°Is that true?¡± Tears still streaked n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face as she looked hopefully at Qin Yining.

    She nodded. ¡°It¡¯s just that father is in a delicate position because of his identity. He can¡¯t do anything himself, so he can only authorize me to do it. Mother, you should be understanding of his difficulties.¡±

    ¡°Naturally, I am.¡± N¨¦e Sun felt a bit better after hearing that, and nodded firmly.

    ¡°So you must be strong and live well with father. Grandfather and the others will be gratified if they see you living a good life. If even you aren¡¯t getting along well, how will you have the energy to take care of grandmother and the others? The people I¡¯ve sent have already taken grandmother and the others to my business. Now that grandfather and the men are no longer here, we should try to help the womenfolk more because we have the ability to, no?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded once again, the first bit of resolution entering her eyes. Qin Yining rxed minutely when she saw that familiar stubborn glimmer. ¡°The harder the difficulty we run into, the stronger we need to be. The dead have passed on, so it¡¯s up to the living to shoulder greater responsibility.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was immensely touched by these words, and tears filled her eyes again. The girl smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, mother. Take advantage of this respite and take a nap. I¡¯ll keep youpany here.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun looked at Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful and gentle eyes as she gently helped her mother lie back down. She was secretly touched by the tenderness, but this positive emotion turned to grave disappointment when she considered how Qin Huining hadn¡¯t evene look at her. N¨¦e Sun unknowingly fell asleep as sorrow, gratification, disappointment, anxiety, and fury chased each other round and round in her heart. Meanwhile, Qin Yining took a seat on the rug just by the bed and leaned forward, resting her head in her arms. She badly needed a nap.

    The house grew quiet as the bustle faded. The candlelight flickered, throwing shadows onto the gridded windows. A soft sigh echoed outside the rear window, and a figure leaped up onto the roof. It paused for a second before bounding forward, silently navigating the rooftops tond soundlessly outside the Qin Manor.

    Hidden behind arge tree, Huzi nced around before greeting his master. ¡°You¡¯re back, master. Everything had been arranged, but our people were a step too slow. The bodies had already been retrieved in what seems like several stages. I¡¯m about to investigate to see who did it.¡±

    Pang Xiao took the greatcloak that Huzi handed him and swirled it around him before responding quietly, ¡°No need. She did it.¡±

    Huzi made a sound of surprise. ¡°You mean the Qin fourth miss?¡±

    A tinge of humor rose in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes, and his normally sharp eyes softened for just a moment. ¡°She¡¯s clever, knowing to do it in different waves.¡±

 Chapter 82: Understanding

    <h4>Chapter 82: Understanding</h4>

    Huzi snickered inwardly when he noticed the gentle look in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes. He teased, ¡°Master, you¡¯re a smart one yourself. How would the girl you like be dumb?¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes quickly flickered, sweeping a distant nce over Huzi. When had he ever said that he liked her?

    ¡°It¡¯s because of you that Sir Zheng has those misconceptions.¡± Pang Xiao started walking away.

    ¡°Aiya! How can you me me for that, master?¡± Huzi quickly trotted after the prince¡¯s back, but it seems that his master¡¯s look had no effect on his tongue. He continued nagging in a low voice. ¡°You definitely like her! Why else would you rush here after hearing what¡¯s happened to the Suns? Not only did you want to help her collect the bodies of her male rtives, you even snuck into her home like a thief to check out the situation. If this doesn¡¯t count as liking her, then what will? In this kind of situation where you¡¯ve been stripped of your position as Supreme Commander and been verbally yed by the emperor, you still have the time to think about others...¡±

    Huzi wasn¡¯t paying attention to the figure in front of him as he nattered on, and thus almost crashed into Pang Xiao¡¯s back when thetter halted in his tracks. ¡°Master...¡± Huzi swallowed nervously and suddenly wanted to p himself across the face. Damn my mouth! Why¡¯d I have to run my mouth about that for!?

    Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t been willing to put the entire city under the de, and had told the emperor as much, causing his imperial majesty to erupt with fury and quickly send two head eunuchs. One of them had held the imperial decree that¡¯d stripped the prince of his position of Supreme Commander of Southern Pacification, and the other had a verbal decree. The second decree hadid into the prince and called him ¡°as weak as a woman, only concerned about building a noble reputation and unsuited for grand pursuits¡±.

    Apart from this, the emperor had also sent Minister of the Bureau of Military Affairs, Lian Shengjie, to take over as Supreme Commander. Pang Xiao had been demoted to General of the Valiant Tigers. However, the new suprememander was just an old, greedy lecher! His surname ¡°Lian¡± had the same character as phrases used to describe honest and clean officials, but he sure didn¡¯t live up to his name. It was even more unfortunate that his given name ¡®Shengjie¡¯ was the same pronunciation as purity. But again, his character didn¡¯t have the slightest bit to do with purity.

    He set up red tents the minute he entered the army campground, 1 saying that he wanted to reward the soldiers. The army, named the Southern Pacification Army, wasposed of nine-tenths Pang Xiao¡¯s Valiant Tigers, and the remaining tenth from general volunteers. Just this tenth taking their turns in the red tents every night was enough to make an utter mess of the army¡¯s discipline. Lian Shengjie was no exception either, spending every night with an armful of women.

    Nursing a bellyful of anger, Pang Xiao had gone on a rampage and dismantled the red tents personally, causing Lian Shengjie to explode in fury. He raged at Pang Xiao, threatening to send reports of censure to the emperor. But the prince soundly ignored the threats and traveled into the enemy capital on a fast horse to see how the Qin fourth miss was doing.

    And he says he doesn¡¯t like her? But Huzi really shouldn¡¯t have mentioned the emperor¡¯s displeasure. Before the emperor had taken his throne, he¡¯d sworn brotherhood with Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu, Marquis of Northern Stability. They had been thick as thieves back then, but now one had been sent to pacify the south while the other was stationed in the north to defend against the Tatars 2. The emperor sat high on his throne, but was already wary of Pang Xiao. He¡¯d kept his own troops safe, but sent all of the prince¡¯s Valiant Tigers into danger!

    When even a follower like Huzi could see through to the emperor¡¯s intentions, how would Pang Xiao possibly be blind to them? The emperor was no longer the person who¡¯d solely thought for the people anymore, back when they¡¯d first rebelled against the tyrant of Northern Ji.

    A myriad of thoughts flitted through Huzi¡¯s mind in a second. He smiled apologetically and smacked his lips. ¡°Miss Qin is truly a heroic girl, and strategically wise as well.¡±

    Pang Xiao simply nodded, and resumed walking again. Huzi heaved a silent sigh of relief. ¡°That day at the Celestial Nunnery, the soothsayer said that Miss Qin has a good marriage in her cards, that her star for marriage had already started moving. The soothsayer was looking at you when she said that. If you like her, master, why not just take off with her? The Qin n will be over in the future anyways.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not time yet.¡±

    Not time to take off with the girl? Or not time for the Qins to be over? Huzi waspletely confused but couldn¡¯t continue pestering his master anymore, since thosest words made it clear that his master didn¡¯t feel like chatting. The two wound their way through city, eventually arriving in front of arge manor. Seven houses wide, and sevenyers deep, the two eschewed the cavernous front door, and instead headed for an unassuming door covered by vines from the rear garden. An arm rose to knock rhymically on the door, and it immediately swung open.

    Someone quickly ushered them in, closing the door silently behind them. Silence once again descended on the neighborhood. Hung above the enormous front door was arge board, trimmed in gold and ringed by dim rednterns. Moonlight was breaking through the clouds to cast a brief glow over the city. On the sign, the stylized words, ¡®Cao Manor¡¯ gleamed brightly for a moment, shimmering with moonlight.

    ......

    Qin Huaiyuan heard about matters of the previous night as soon as he returned early in the morning. However, he didn¡¯t say much and went to greet the old dowager. His mother happened to be speaking with her daughters-inw, granddaughters-inw, and granddaughters in the Garden of Loving Piety. The second madame was exining her daughter¡¯s absence with a smile, ¡°Sixth daughter made a blunder yesterday, so I¡¯ve grounded her with orders to read ¡®Lessons for Women¡¯. I heard that senior sister-inw fainted and is resting at mother¡¯s?¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s hand paused in the motion of bringing her cup to her lips, the jade ring on her big thumb clinking with the teacup. She hadn¡¯t paid attention to what mistakes the sixth miss could¡¯ve made, but the second madame¡¯s words were a stark reminder of her fury fromst night. She set the teacup down hard on the little table, her face turning sullen.

    The second madame almost jumped out of her skin from shock, but remained where she was, speechless. The somewhat rxed atmosphere froze. Thankfully, a serving girl¡¯s voice from outside the house broke the heavy air.

    ¡°Old Dowager, the lord has returned.¡±

    Everyone sighed inwardly. They knew that Qin Huaiyuan was the old dowager¡¯s most favorite. Indeed, a smile had already begun to wreathe her face.

    ¡°Hurry up and have hime in. He spent allst night in the pce and didn¡¯t sleep at all. He must be so tired. Lujuan, prepare some dishes. After getting some food in him, he needs to have a good sleep.¡±

    Qin-mama assented with a smile. Qin Huaiyuan took off his cloak in the outer room and came in to make his greetings. The females also made theirs to the head of the household. He nced around the room, but didn¡¯t see n¨¦e Sun or Qin Yining, but rather Qin Huining wearing a downy pinky satin dress. She was sitting with her head down, lost in some unknown thoughts.

    He frowned at the sight. ¡°Is daughter Yi taking care of n¨¦e Sun?¡± He sat down on a round chair next to the old dowager and sipped from the tea that Ruyi brought him.

    That single sentence was enough to let everyone understand that he was fully aware of the events ofst night. A touch of awkwardness flitted across the old dowager¡¯s face. She¡¯d been the one calling to divorce n¨¦e Sun without Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s approval, making her daughter-inw faint from anger. In the end, they were a married couple after all, no?

    No one was at ease to speak up with the old dowager remaining silent. Qin Huaiyuan looked at Qin Huining. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you taking care of your mother, daughter Hui?¡±

    Qin Huining jumped to attention and her heart skipped a beat when she met Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s sharp eyes. ¡°Yes, I was going to go. Right after I greeted Old Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Daughter Yi was up all night. It¡¯s your turn now.¡± Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand. ¡°You can go now and send daughter Yi to me. I have matters to discuss with her.¡±

    There was too much stunning information in his words. First, although he wasn¡¯t at home, he already knew everything that¡¯d happened. Second, Qin Yining had already been elevated to the position of someone allowed to discuss matters with him! He was treating her like a son!

    Yet Qin Huining didn¡¯t think beyond the fires of jealousy burning hotly again. She took her leave docilely but the mes of regret red furiously in her heart. She¡¯d gotten too soft, not consigning that barbarian to death !

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t need to think too hard to know what was going on in her mind. In the first ce, he¡¯d never harbored many feelings for Qin Huining even when she was his firstborn. He¡¯d simply thought of marrying her off well. His feelings had been very different from n¨¦e Sun when he discovered that Qin Huining wasn¡¯t his own. What he¡¯d been pained about was that his own daughter had suffered for so many years in the outside world, almost losing her life several times. He was even more depressed that despite his vaunted smarts, he¡¯d been yed like this by others. I wonder how much the culpritughed at me behind the scenes.

    Qin Huining had thought she¡¯d hid her emotions well, but she wasn¡¯t able to pull the wool over Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s well honed eyes.

    ¡°Daughter Hui.¡± He spoke slowly.

    She lifted her head and quickly lowered it in fright. ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s some words that I want to say. It¡¯s up to you how much you understand.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m listening, father.¡± Qin Huining curled her hands into fists.

    Qin Huaiyuan ced the teacup down lightly and spoke gently. ¡°You know where youe from. I may have been fooled for so many years, but I could¡¯ve sent you back to the Hall of Fosters, couldn¡¯t I?¡±

 Chapter 83: The Domineering Newcomer

    <h4>Chapter 83: The Domineering Neer</h4>

    Qin Huining¡¯s face had gone as white as a new sheet. Her limbs prickled as tendrils of fear crept along her limbs. It felt like the blood in her veins were just a few degrees shy of freezing.

    ¡°Father speaks truly.¡± Her dry voice cracked. She wanted to mount some kind of defense, but she couldn¡¯t force another word past her lips. She hadn¡¯t really reasoned out her argument, simply feeling that she waspletely innocent. The old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, and her maternal grandmother were just biased to a fault. Not only had Qin Yining taken everything from her after returning, she¡¯d even hit and cursed at Qin Huining, going to so far as to firmly trample thetter! But she¡¯d never once thought about the fact that her mere existence was proof that Qin Huaiyuan had once been made aplete fool. Fathermanded the winds and rain! How had he allowed such a blight on his life to remain, especially by his side as a constant reminder? So is he going to send me away now?

    The old dowager was also nervous, and anxiously spoke up, ¡°Meng¡¯er.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled gently at his mother, settling her worries with a wave of his hand before turning to Qin Huining with a firm gaze. ¡°You¡¯ve been a Qin daughter for fourteen years. Although we have recentlye to know that we aren¡¯t rted by blood, I, your mother, nor the old dowager have ever viewed you as an outsider since. But it seems you¡¯ve actually ced yourself in that category first.¡±

    It was deathly silent inside the house as everyone looked at Qin Huining with various expressions.

    ¡°Even after daughter Yi returned, you were still orded the same food and trappings as all the other young misses in the household. We¡¯ve never shorted you on anything. Think back carefully, isn¡¯t that the case? I hope you will use your wiles on proper pursuits in the future. Up until now, I can pretend that things of the past didn¡¯t happen, but the future is up to you. That¡¯s all I¡¯ll say, you can go take care of your mother now.¡±

    Qin Huining felt like she¡¯d been tossed into a cavern of permafrost, but her face was burning hotly. She¡¯d assumed that father was unaware of the affairs around the house since he spent his days at court. She¡¯d presumed that as long as she kept the old dowager happy, she would escape any consequences of her actions. But Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words todaypletely upended all of her thoughts. She didn¡¯t dare stammer anything, skittishly curtseying before walking out, fighting to keep control with every step.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head as he looked at her retreating figure, his slender hands lifting the teacup to this lips.

    Off to the side, the second madame felt even more awkward. So senior uncle-inw knows everything! He¡¯s just normally toozy to bother with things at home. N¨¦e Sun had charged out of the ancestral hall because she¡¯d been goaded by the sixth miss¡¯ message. She¡¯d then promptly fainted in the Garden of Loving Piety and was still resting in bed. If Qin Huaiyuan med the second branch of the family for this... then how will my husband have any future at all!

    The second master held an unimportant position in the Ministry of Rites and just quietly drew his sry every so often. The Qins were one family, and there was no reason for the second branch to offend the head of the household for an immature, concubine-born daughter! Why, there were lines and lines of people waiting, just hoping for an opportunity to reach the grand preceptor!

    ¡°Sixth daughter was brash yesterday. I¡¯ve already yelled at her,¡± the second madame smiled hesitantly. ¡°She made her senior aunt faint from anger! It really is negligence on my part. I hope you don¡¯t take it to heart, brother-inw.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this matter started with daughter Hui.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled back in response. ¡°It¡¯s really not your fault.¡±

    The second madame heaved a silent sigh of relief. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s sight was as clear as ever. He was also aware that the foster girl was the origin of the trouble.

    ¡°The fourth miss has arrived!¡± A serving girl had quietly made her way to the hall, halting outside to announce the neer. Qin Yining walked in, her gait reserved and stately. She was dressed in a in white vest, her ensemblepleted by the eight-panel skirt of dark green paired beneath it. Part of her long hair had been quickly twisted into small buns that were secured by dark green ribbons. The remaining hair trailed loosely down her back. She¡¯d forgone powder or any ornaments.

    Qin Yining was tall, slender, and pretty to begin with. With her almost austere outfit, her paleplexion and the pronounced dark circles under her eyes from staying up, the family¡¯s hearts went out to her. Compared to the perfectly dressed Qin Huining, this seemed much more congruent with the image of a daughter whose maternal rtions had just been executed. The group¡¯s minds ran a bit further with their fantasies. Blood will speak to blood after all. Qin Huining is really too cold about it all.

    Qin Yining walked up to curtsey to the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan, then made her greetings to all the females in the house before quietly taking her spot off on the side.

    ¡°Is your mother better?¡±

    ¡°In response to father, mother is alright. She¡¯s just overly sad and not thinking very clearly. She even spoke in her dreamsst night. It was really heart wrenching to watch.¡±

    No one would be in good spirits if anything even remotely simr had happened to their family. Everyone sighed softly, and Qin Huaiyuan responded, ¡°Comfort your mother well, but take care of your own health as well. I know you¡¯re a good daughter, but there are things that the servants can take care of just as well. Look at how wan you look already. You¡¯re still young and still growing. Keep an eye out for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Thank you for your concern, father.¡± Qin Yining smiled, touched. Her limpid eyes seem to speak of her gratitude as well.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled to see his daughter look at him with the look of a little animal. ¡°The citizens have taken it upon themselves to give the Sun males a proper burial. You can go back and tell your mother that the emperor won¡¯t be able to pursue this further, even if he wanted to. The books have closed on this.¡±

    His father was telling her that her ns had been sessful, and that the emperor wouldn¡¯t be looking further into it out of considerations of face? After all, he couldn¡¯t dig up the bodies again, not unless he wanted topletely enrage the citizens.

    Qin Yining heaved a great sigh of relief and nodded with a bit of energy. ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll be sure to tell mother. She will be very happy to learn that the Sun¡¯s nobility and loyalty haven¡¯t been for nothing.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded and turned to the old dowager. ¡°There¡¯s one thing that I¡¯d like to request mother¡¯s help with.¡±

    ¡°What is it? You can ask me for anything.¡±

    ¡°The emperor has given orders for Statesman Cao¡¯s eldest daughter to be my concubine. He wishes for us to bring her in before New Year¡¯s Eve. Now that n¨¦e Sun has fallen ill and a certain Caody has particr status, I hope mother will take care of things such that we live up to this imperial favor.¡±

    Pin drop silence followed this announcement. Wasn¡¯t Stateman Cao¡¯s eldest daughter born of the official wife, and the empress¡¯ blood sister?! The soon-to-be Concubine Cao was thirty years old and had taken a bit too long in choosing her husband because her beauty was enough to fell cities. She hadn¡¯t married until she was twenty, but had ended up widowed in but three years. Having resided by herself all this time, there were many who said that she should marry again. But to think that the emperor would decree her as Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s concubine!

    Even though the family may not follow the twists and turns of court too closely, it was simplicity itself to understand why a feud had risen between the two families after Statesman Cao had been demoted and Qin Huaiyuan immediately elevated to grand preceptor. Just what was the emperor thinking!? Not to mention, this was the trampress¡¯ own sister! It was a given they¡¯d look alike, but who could make any guarantees about her personality? What if the new concubine was arrogant and domineering and was secure in her support from Statesman Cao and the trampress? There wouldn¡¯t be a day of peace left in the household!

    Everyone grew uneasy, but the old dowager smiled after she spent a moment in thought. ¡°Good... good! Although you¡¯re grand preceptor now, Elder Statesman Cao has held power for many years. He¡¯ll have many subordinates and connections. In fact, his foundations may even be deeper than yours. The emperor is also helping you in decreeing this marriage. What misunderstandings could continue to exist after two families are joined by marriage? With the Caos as your inws, you¡¯ll be connected to the emperor himself by marriage. This is wonderful, wonderful!¡± The old dowager grew happier the more she thought and talked things through. Her voice contained nothing but suppressed joy, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, just leave this to me. I¡¯ll make this a magnificent affair so as to not shortchange n¨¦e Cao.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded at his mother, and second and third madame began congratting their brother-inw. When he saw nothing else that needed his attention, he rose. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be off. I¡¯ll look in on n¨¦e Sun before leaving.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should take a nap first,¡± the old dowager fussed over him. ¡°What matter could possibly be so urgent? Don¡¯t tire yourself out.¡±

    The old dowager personally saw Qin Huaiyuan out, nagging and worrying along the way. After she sent him off down the covered hallway, she came back excitedly to pull the second and third madame into a quick meeting, discussing on how they could best go about this.

    The various girls were summarily dismissed. Qin Yining swung her dark-green, cotton cape around her shoulders before entering the yard. The third, seventh, and eighth miss had all spent a whileforting her before they left. Now alone in the hallway, she smiled resignedly. Had she once again sunk to the level of inviting pity? There seemed to be no dearth of sharp minded individuals in the household. They had all sensed that the newly arriving n¨¦e Cao upied a high position in the old dowager¡¯s heart before she¡¯d even joined the family. Mostly likely, how the old dowager fawns over the Caos in a few days time would be a mirror of the time she¡¯d fawned over the Duke of Ding¡¯s household.

    Theughter of neers had always taken center stage, while the tears of the old wasted away behind the curtains. Now that a concubine with such a eminent family background was entering their doors, how would her proud and straightforward mother handle it? It was one thing if one had been suppressed all their life. But n¨¦e Sun had always been used to an unassable position. Such a great fall would likelye as an enormous shock.

    I guess father¡¯s going to visit mother because he wants to exin this himself andfort her. Qin Yining sighed, drew a deep breath in, and walked out of the the Garden of Loving Piety.

 Chapter 84: Arrangement (I)

    <h4>Chapter 84: Arrangement (I)</h4>

    She received word from Jing-mama early next morning that the Duchess of Ding and all female rtions had been settled in appropriately. Qin Yining wanted to visited them immediately. She had servants prepare a carriage and brought Sonn, Bingtang, and Qiulu with her. The groom whipped the horses to make the fastest time possible to the manor that Third Shopkeeper Jing had prepared.

    ¡°Grandmother.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes reddened when she walked in the door and saw a roomful of girls anddies wearing the white of mourning. Reality was harsh. It¡¯d only been a night, but the fact of a house raid and family execution had been cemented, and a family was forever parted.

    Tears welled up in the duchess¡¯ eyes when she saw Qin Yining. ¡°You¡¯re here, granddaughter Yi. Is it alright that you rushed here like this?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was very careful when I came and didn¡¯t attract any attention.¡± Qin Yining curtsied to her aunts and cousins. They returned the gesture, but no one knew what to say when they all sat down. Everyone was sunk in sorrow and pain. Anything they saw reminded them of the men and boys who¡¯d died a grisly death. Someone was the first to sniffle, and that soft sob was the catalyst that triggered the tears from everyone else.

    Qin Yining clutched her anguished grandmother and aunts as they howled and gasped with grief. They didn¡¯t stop until Qin Yining¡¯s eyes were reddened and swollen.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of what¡¯s happened,¡± the duchess rasped out after a deep breath. ¡°The citizens took care of the bodies of your grandfather and the others. I know you arranged for this. You didn¡¯t stay out of the matter in a time of need and saved your fifth and eighth cousin-inw, as well as your cousin¡¯s child. You also prevented the bodies of your grandfather and them from lying exposed out in the open. I don¡¯t know how to thank you, and have nothing to thank you with.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that! We¡¯re family! What kind of person would I be if I only thought of myself and didn¡¯t care about you all after something like this happened? Not to mention that I have this little bit of strength today only because of grandmother¡¯s boon. If it hadn¡¯t been for grandmother gifting me the Institute of Luminous Grace and had Grand Steward Zhonge help me, I wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything even if I wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, niece Yi.¡± Her senior aunt wiped away tears. ¡°We know what your character is like and we¡¯ll remember this great favor. It¡¯s just, we have nothing to give back to you in return.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that.¡± Qin Yining waved her hand hastily. ¡°I actually wouldn¡¯t have been able to do all of this by myself. Father helped from the shadows.¡± She lowered her voice. ¡°The emperor raided the Ding Manor also because he wanted to confiscate the Institute. He just hadn¡¯t thought that grandmother had already given it to me.¡±

    ¡°Then you need to be careful in the future.¡± The duchess wiped at her eyes and kneaded her bulging temples. Given the absence of servants, Qin Yining stood up to stand behind and massage the duchess.

    ¡°Yes, I will be careful,¡± she continued lowly. ¡°The emperor is scared out of his wits by Great Zhou, and there is no end of cursing and insults from the citizens. He has no time to think about the Institute. It¡¯s rather our people...¡± She thought for a moment. ¡°Make a list in a moment, grandmother. The servants will be sold off in two days. I¡¯ll go buy back whoever should be. It won¡¯t do for all of you to have no servants by your side. Of those I know, Bao-mama is the first who should be brought back.¡±

    Tears welled up in the duchess¡¯ eyes again when she heard this and she patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand lightly. The girls were all immense grateful as well. They hadn¡¯t spent a full night at the Institute before seeing the ugliness and despair of it. They¡¯d felt that living through this ordeal was a prelude to more suffering, so the aunts and cousins-inw had been ready to take their lives to keep their chastity for the Suns. But as soon as they¡¯d made up their minds, Qin Yining had already hired them out.

    If it¡¯d been before, this little bit of silver wouldn¡¯t have been anything to a house like the Ding Manor. But now, they had nothing to their name. The Institute had spent a great deal of silver to hire all of them, and Qin Yining didn¡¯t even have ns for them to earn their keep. She seemed like she was ready to just keep them here and even provide all the servants they needed. It would be a great sum of money to feed all of them. Regardless of what had happened, they could sense this bit of genuine emotion and were overwhelmed with gratitude.

    The duchess pulled on Qin Yining¡¯s hand and had the girl sit next to her. ¡°I¡¯ll discuss this carefully with your aunts and sisters. We¡¯ll see who we¡¯ll need to keep.¡±

    ¡°I brought Bingtang, Sonn, and Qiulu for me. They can stay here these two days and serve everyone.¡± Qin Yining nodded as the three stepped forward to curtsey. Qiulu was loyal and honest, Bingtang and Sonn had returned to the Qins with heightened status thanks to some borrowed influence from the Suns. They naturally had deep ties with the Suns.

    The duchess held Qin Yining in her embrace, smoothing her hair down again and again. A myriad of emotions were running through her, but she didn¡¯t have anything to say. She thought for a moment as the look in her eyes grew stronger and she seemed to decide on a n. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, where is your mother?¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want her maternal grandmother and others to worry. They were dealing with enough already, why bring n¨¦e Sun¡¯s matter into this to add to their worries? Although her maternal grandmother was a sharp one, she was likely at the end of her tether at a time like this. The females of this family were all looking to her grandmother for guidance, so she didn¡¯t want to add to their burdens.

    ¡°N¨¦e Sun was gripped by sadness when she heard the news and fell ill. She¡¯s recuperating in the Garden of Loving Piety at the moment. Miss Huining, Jin-mama, and Caiju are all serving by her side. Father has requested an imperial doctor and Bingtang has already seen to her. It¡¯s just a matter of sudden anxiety and nothing major. She¡¯ll be fine after two days. I¡¯lle by with mother then.¡±

    The duchess looked at Qin Yining solidly when she heard this, nodding after a long while and saying in a whisper, ¡°You¡¯re a mature child.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that the duchess was such a sharp person that she likely knew precisely what was going on. It was just that some things shouldn¡¯t be spoken of. It wouldn¡¯t do any good if they were and would just add to everyone¡¯s sorrow. Any amount of schemes were useless in the face of dominance. A multitude of ns also required the ability to execute them. She went to look at her fifth cousin-inw, recovering from birth and her baby sleeping soundly in her swaddling.

    Her cousin-inw was covered with thick nkets in bed, a ck headband running across her forehead. Her long hair was a scattered mess and her eyes listless. Tears streamed endlessly down the corners and wetted arge patch on the pillow. Her cheeks had sunken in overnight.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart raced from shock to see her rtive this. Her fifth cousin-inw and fifth cousin had been deeply in love. She likely had only the will to die now. The girl bounded forward and took the new mother¡¯s hand. ¡°Cousin-inw, fifth cousin had a message for you.¡±

    Thedy¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°I sent word to fifth cousin and grandfather that you¡¯d given birth to a daughter as soon as she entered the world. Fifth cousin cried from joy and said a daughter was best. Daughters are a mother¡¯s warm, padded jacket, while sons only make a mother cry. He said that a daughter will be greatly filial and told you to be strong and live. Live well with your child!¡±

    Fifth cousin had indeed said simr words, and another that Grand Steward Zhong had brought back. However, Qin Yining didn¡¯t think it was appropriate to pass it on at this time. He¡¯d also said, ¡°Shuang¡¯er is yet young. Marry again if there¡¯s someone¡¯s suitable. Don¡¯t be foolish and have no one to depend on for the rest of her life.¡±

 Chapter 85: Arrangement (II)

    <h4>Chapter 85: Arrangement (II)</h4>

    Fifth cousin-inw¡¯s eyes were wide-opened and staring. Although she was looking at Qin Yining, her eyes weren¡¯t focused. Tears gushed out of her eyes continuously, as if never-ending springs.

    When the duchess saw her thus, she walked slowly forward and ced her hands on her knees, slowly sitting down on the bed. Her voice spoke of great experience and calm.

    ¡°He can leave with a peaceful heart knowing that you delivered the child safely. The dead are gone and the living must be strong. They actually have it easy in just closing their eyes and leaving everything. Duties and responsibilities fall on those living. Shuang¡¯er, I know you were a young couple deeply in love. Listen to your grandmother, just pretend that he¡¯s gone on a long journey and that you¡¯ll meet again one day.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother.¡± Fifth cousin-inw choked out and grabbed the duchess¡¯ hand while her other held her child. She clutched to the duchess¡¯ hand so strongly that it seemed she would crush the matriarch¡¯s hand.

    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but cry all over again. In the face of such a great disaster, one would either be defeated by what life had flung at them or take a breath in and stand up straight with a back that had been curved. The duchess remembered clearly what the duke had said to her before he left. She was a woman worthy of her reputation alright. In this crucial moment, she was the weakest and should¡¯ve been absolutely prostrate with sorrow. But here she was, able to calmly analyze the situation and choose the correct path for the grief-stricken women.

    Qin Yining looked at the duchess with admiration and heartache. What she herself could do was to take good care of them and make sure they didn¡¯t go short on clothes and food.

    The Duke of Ding and his descendants¡¯ tragic end were soon public knowledge thanks to Great Zhou propaganda. Their fliers were posted not only over bulletin boards, but also all over streets and alleyways. Anyone who could read could quickly take in everything off of them.

    The emperor of Great Zhou had executed twenty thousand captives due to the Yan emperor¡¯s impudence. That made another twenty thousand sons who would never be able to see their parents again. And the vaunted Yan emperor? He still lived a luxurious and plentiful life with his trampress. in fact, he¡¯d even forced the Duke of Ding¡¯s grandson to offer his brains in a bid for Great Zhou forgiveness. Sun Yu had refused and so the Great Zhou envoy had thrown a tantrum. Just that had been enough to make the Yan emperor metaphorically pee his pants and ughter all of the Sun males! He hadn¡¯t even shown mercy to a five year old child! After killing off one of his subjects, he¡¯d immediately sent word to Great Zhou and wagged his tail for forgiveness like a shameless dog.

    The people were riled to great fury because of this useless, sex-crazed emperor who cowardly feared death. How can he dispose of loyal subjects this way! Although the new year was upon them, the capital was immersed in pain and fury. The people were greatly disheartened whenever they thought of this news, how Elder Statesman Cao had killed a citizen in broad daylight, and the emperor¡¯splete indifference. Someone who was even more demoralized was n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°Mother!¡± She was wearing a sapphire blue vest and silver hair ornaments. Her ck cloak red as she entered the house and flung herself to the duchess¡¯ legs with a sob. ¡°Mother, Qin Meng is an ingrate of a bastard! He¡¯s turned his back on me and our family!¡±

    The duchess felt her mind buzz as she looked at her sobbing daughter. This daughter really is beyond hope. She only knew to cry and wail against the heavens whenever she ran into anything. No wonder she would raise a daughter such as Qin Huining.

    ¡°Stand up and speak.¡± The duchess rubbed her temples.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry,dy.¡± The newly rescued Bao-mama helped n¨¦e Sun to a sitting position on a garden stool. ¡°You should think about the old madame¡¯s health.¡± N¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t done much for the family after such an enormous thing had happened, and she hadn¡¯t even been by these two days. It¡¯d been Qin Yining running herself and fro. Thus, Bao-mamawasn¡¯t kindly disposed towards n¨¦e Sun at the moment.

    ¡°Qin Meng. He¡¯s, he¡¯s going to take the Cao widow as a concubine!¡± N¨¦e Sun sniffed and responded, highly aggrieved. ¡°She¡¯s entering the household today! Nothing I said made a difference and he even tried fob me off with lies saying that the emperor had given n¨¦e Cao to him! Mother, how can he treat me this way?? Would he have his position today if it wasn¡¯t for father¡¯s help before? Now that something¡¯s happened to our family, his is being utterly ungrateful and wiping the te clean! I¡¯m dead inside!¡±

    The duchess looked up to see n¨¦e Sun¡¯s wan face, dark circles under her eyes, and eyes puffy from crying. She sighed. ¡°Daughter Han, you¡¯re no longer a child. I¡¯ve tried teaching you some things a long time ago, but you just wouldn¡¯t learn it. You don¡¯t spend your efforts on making a smooth life either. You only think of your illustrious background. Are you going to look down at your inws forever because of the merits of your family? I already said this before. The Suns are no longer and so you have no backer. When I¡¯m not by your side in the future, you should use your brains more.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tears burst forth again. ¡°How will you not be by my side, mother!¡±

    The duchess stroked her face and looked at Qin Yining. ¡°Granddaughter Yi helped us a lot this time. We have nothing to thank you with.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, grandmother. This is just what I should¡¯ve done. I¡¯m also doing this for mother as well.¡± Qin Yining responded seriously.

    ¡°I know. You are a clearheaded child. I¡¯ve already thought of where we should go and made appropriate contact. We¡¯ll prepare to move starting today. Serve your mother well in the future and live well in the Qins. Let¡¯s not contact each other much in the future.¡±

    The room instantly quieted after this. N¨¦e Sun reacted frantically, ¡°Mother, are you mad at me?! I, I just wanted to vent some. That¡¯s why I said all that. I know I shouldn¡¯t have. Don¡¯t be angry, mother. Don¡¯t leave me!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not because of you.¡± The duchess sighed. ¡°Daughter Han, you should trust your husband more in the future. Listen to granddaughter Yi¡¯s suggestions. The emperor must have really bestowed n¨¦e Cao onto Lord Qin. Her background isn¡¯t simple so don¡¯t ce yourself at odds with her in the future. Take more care and don¡¯t easily believe anyone. If you run into anything, have a good discussion with darling Yi before doing anything. She sees things clearly.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun grew even more panicked when she listened to what sounded like thest words from her mother. Qin Yining understood what the duchess meant and frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t actually need to worry, grandmother. I¡¯m not the one who set the precedent of the Institute hiring from the Royal Academy. It¡¯s a tradition from our ancestors. I have the desire to bring our family here and such is my freedom to do so. Can the emperor reach into even private business?¡±

    ¡°Silly girl.¡± The duchess responded. ¡°Do you think the emperor is rational? If he was, our family wouldn¡¯t be in these straits. Your father has a special status and it¡¯s not proper for us to remain. Additionally, I have things to do.¡± She stood up and patted n¨¦e Sun¡¯s head, then said benevolently to Qin Yining, ¡°You haven¡¯t returned home for long but I can tell you¡¯re a smart girl. Let¡¯s avoid visits in the future. We¡¯ll each live our own lives. Growing old peacefully will be the greatest blessing of all.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s forehead was furrowed tightly, while Bingtang, Sonn, and Qiulu all felt that the duchess was being too coldblooded. Their mistress had spent more than just silver in saving the females and bringing messages into the dungeon so that the males might not pass onto the next world with great uncertainty. She¡¯d also assumed enormous risk in giving them a good burial and retaining all of the needed servants. But the duchess now saying ¡°avoid visits and cut down on contact¡± was drawing a clear moat between the two.

 Chapter 86: Meeting Once Again (I)

    <h4>Chapter 86: Meeting Once Again (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining understood that such an enormous tragedy had resulted in permanent trauma to the surviving female members of the Ding Manor. Living meant shouldering all of the pain, and it was much easier to just die and let go of it all. The duchess had lost everything in just one night, but still had to grit her teeth and carry on. She had to lead the rest of her family, loved ones who had lost all thought of what to do, on with their lives. The path ahead would be troubled and full of obstacles, particrly when their hearts were full of hate.

    Although Qin Huaiyuan had tacitly allowed Qin Yining to help the remaining Suns and hadn¡¯t taken advantage of their current straits to further raise his position higher, he was still a favored official and Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. Now, he was being forced to ept n¨¦e Cao as a concubine, to speak of nothing in the future. Qin Yining¡¯s own marriage might be closely tied in with the royal family in the future.

    The Sun females hated the royal family to a one, and it was now unavoidable that the Qins would be tightly connected with the royals in many ways. They walked different paths, so nothing the duchess said would make a difference. The only thing she could do was distance herself from Qin Yining. The girl wasn¡¯t angry or disappointed. She was just sad that the tides of circumstance would ebb and flow this way.

    When the duchess saw her granddaughter¡¯s expression, she sighed softly once again, and wordlessly patted the girl¡¯s shoulder. N¨¦e Sun found it hard to control her emotions, covering her face as she sobbed. In the past, her sisters-inw would dote on her and naturallyfort her when she cried. but now that they themselves were almost drowning in sorrow, they were unable to pay attention to anything else.

    Qin Yining pulled on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm as a hint to her mother to stop crying. When the madame actually did stop crying, the girl continued, ¡°Grandmother says you¡¯ve already arranged for your next stop, but where are you going? This is such arge family and all of the Duke of Ding¡¯s businesses have been confiscated. Moreover, you¡¯re all women and have no guards for protection. How will you settle down?¡±

    The duchess smiled gratefully, it seems that Qin Yining still retained her sincere attitude and hadn¡¯t been put off by the earlier promations. ¡°If you¡¯re worried, darling Yi, you cane with us. It¡¯s not far from here.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts started spinning rapidly as she looked at her grandmother. Not far from here... able to house so many females... and grandmother moving in with peace of mind... Inspiration struck as she eximed with surprise, ¡°You¡¯re going to the Celestial Nunnery?!¡±

    The duchess was surprised that the answer had been guessed so quickly and nodded.

    ......

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun left Jin-mama, Caiju, Sonn, Bingtang, and Qiulu to help the duchess get everything in order. The Qin fourth miss took time to have Sonn pass a message to Steward Zhong to prepare a hundred tael bank note and a three thousand tael money order.

    On this day, the remaining Sun family took six carriages and arrived at Celestial Nunnery after noon. A little nun had been waiting for a while and ran inside when she saw them in the distance. When the group reached the doors, Priestess Liu had alreadye out with some younger nuns.

    ¡°Oh Great High God! Are you alright, Elder Madame, madames, misses? When I heard that you wanted to seek sanctuary here, I had someone clean up a residence for everyone to inhabit.¡± Priestess Liu was wearing a gray-blue Taoist robe and a new ck cape. She seemed to have put on some weight as her round face beamed merrily with shrewd smiles.

    ¡°Many thanks for your sor, Priestess Liu.¡± The duchess sighed and brought her family into the nunnery. ¡°Priestess Liu¡¯s vision is divine. Everything you said came to pass.¡±

    ¡°Ai, I¡¯d rather wish I was inurate.¡± Priestess Liu also sighed and looked at the cleanly dressed, pretty Bingtang who was blinking herrge eyes back at her old master. The priestess couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Aiyo, it¡¯s Jing Zhen! Come over here and let master take a look at you.¡±

    ¡°Master!¡± Bingtang let go off Qin Yining¡¯s arm and came forward to make a smiling curtsey.

    Priestess Liu patted Bingtang¡¯s head. ¡°It looks like you¡¯re living well. Miss Qin is indeed a kind soul.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled as she supported n¨¦e Sun. ¡°The priestess praises me too highly. I am unworthy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside, why don¡¯t we have the madame anddies rest inside?¡± Priestess Liu said when she noted the women dressed inly in white and two granny servants holding up a young wife with an ashenplexion, and another woman in early pregnancy holding a baby.

    ¡°That would be wonderful. Thank you, priestess.¡± The duchess smiled thankfully.

    ¡°Take our guests to the side yard.¡± Priestess Liu summoned two disciples.

    ¡°Yes, master.¡± The two nuns cupped their hands in a Taoist greeting and took the group to the west side yard while the priestess invited the duchess, n¨¦e Sun, and Qin Yining to her own.

    As they walked, Priestess Liu kept looking at n¨¦e Sun with her face drained of all color. They¡¯d just reached the doors to the yard when they heard a young manin, ¡°What¡¯s taking so long? My master is impatient.¡±

    Both Qin Yining and Bingtang widened their eyes. The young man facing them was about eighteen years old and average height. He was muscr and had thick brows set into very regr features. He was wearing a navy blue cotton jacket and a wool shrug thrown onto his shoulder. A six panel hat kept his head warm and did nothing to conceal the surprised look he was shooting them. When his look fell on Bingtang, his fair face instantly flushed beet red.

    It was the young man who¡¯d pped his hand around Bingtang¡¯s mouth in the temple! If he was here, then the young man that Priestess Liu hailed as her patron must be here as well!

    Indeed, the bamboo ts and cotton door curtains lifted to reveal a charming gentleman. His squirrel fur cor, brocade cape red as he strode out. He was tall, had long brows and a pair of phoenix eyes, and a gentle demeanor. It was the young man that Qin Yining had met before, alright.

    When she thought of what¡¯d happened when they met, she flushed an awkward red. While Pang Xiao had been assiduously looking off into the distance and had even slouched to change his aura, he too looked away awkwardly when he saw Qin Yining¡¯s reddened face.

    Priestess Liu¡¯s shrewd look flickered between several people before she grinned widely. ¡°Come, it¡¯s cold outside. Let¡¯s chat inside. My ce is small and only this house has an active brazier at the moment. You¡¯ve all met anyways. Pleasee in, patron.¡±

    Guests followed the host¡¯s lead. Since Priestess Liu had already expressed her stance and the duchess was to settle here in the future with the rest of her family, Qin Yining was in no position to express disdain. She could only help n¨¦e Sun and the duchess inside.

    It really was as warm as spring within. Priestess Liu upied the head seat and had the others take seats where they wished. The young patron sat at the head left seat while his strong follower stood behind her. The duchess and n¨¦e Sun sat in front of him while Qin Yining took up her usual position behind her grandmother. She sent Bingtang and Jin-mama to the outer room.

    When Qin Yining saw that Priestess Liu was taking her time and drinking tea, she didn¡¯t want things to drag on further consider the priestess¡¯ personality. She stepped forward and curtsied. ¡°Apart from entrusting my family to you today, I also have something to ask of you, honored priestess.¡±

 Chapter 87: Meeting Once Again (II)

    <h4>Chapter 87: Meeting Once Again (II)</h4>

    The light in Priestess Liu¡¯s eyes grew even brighter. Whenever a favor was needed, there was money to be had. She¡¯d always felt that one should have a hobby. Life would be so boring without a hobby. Some liked to eat, others liked to be pretty, while some liked money. She loved money.

    ¡°Please speak of anything you need, Miss Qin.¡±

    Qin Yining took out two two-thousand tael notes from her sleeves and handed them over to the priestess with both grin. She continued when she saw that the priestess¡¯ eyes had curled into slivers from a wide beam. ¡°You know of what¡¯s happened to my maternal rtions, so I¡¯d like tomission forty nine days of soothing rites. Here are thousand tael notes. I hope the priestess will take special care in them.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Priestess Liu blinked understandingly at Qin Yining and counted the bills in hand. ¡°Miss Qin has the best bearing and is most generous. Don¡¯t worry, I will try my best in this matter. You can be at ease with the Sun females residing here.¡±

    ¡°Then I leave this in the priestess¡¯ hands.¡± Qin Yining retreated back behind the duchess when she saw that her goal had been met. She could understand grandmother¡¯s desire to reduce contact. But she just couldn¡¯t be at ease if she didn¡¯t use some money to ease the way for her family that was currently drowning in sorrow. The duchess understood the effort that Qin Yining was going to and was deeply touched. She patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand with great emotion. N¨¦e Sun was surprised that Qin Yining had so much money, but she was happy because her daughter was filial and thinking for n¨¦e Sun¡¯s family.

    Just as Priestess Liu was merrily counting her money, a low, resonant voice spoke up measuredly. ¡°Is this young miss the daughter of Grand Preceptor Qin?¡±

    He¡¯s finally talking to her! Huzi looked excitedly at his master.

    Both the duchess and n¨¦e Sun were a bit surprised. They hadn¡¯t thought that an outside male would address them of his own ord. If he really was someone who abided by the code of manners, he would¡¯ve removed himself from the situation when he saw them speaking. He would¡¯ve never just sat off to the side and tantly listened in. But since they were in Priestess Liu¡¯s house and she¡¯d asked him to stay, they couldn¡¯t very well forbid the young man to talk. Qin Yining looked over and rested her eyes only briefly on Pang Xiao¡¯s face before curtseying.

    ¡°That would be me. This gentleman has a deep shared destiny with Priestess Liu. It¡¯s the second time we¡¯ve met, yet I still don¡¯t know your honored surname, or where you might hail from.¡±

    ¡°My surname is Yao and quite ordinary. Ie from the north and am here on business.¡± Pang Xiao stood up to return a dashing bow and responded with the surname of his maternal rtions.

    ¡°So it¡¯s Sir Yao.¡± Qin Yining looked down and didn¡¯t say anymore. Pang Xiao also sat down as well, his heart pounding a bit from his first real discourse with Qin Yining.

    Sonn came in at this time and curtsied with a smile. She then walked over to Qin Yining and spoke a few words in a low tone. Not a change flickered over the Qin fourth miss¡¯ expression. She nodded to indicate her understanding and dismissed Sonn after murmuring a few words next to the maid¡¯s ears. The duchess and n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t think much of this.

    The priestess started chit-chatting with the duchess again, covering some mundane, everyday topics. Although Qin Yining stood next to them, her attention was inly elsewhere. Her eyes kept subconsciously flitting to the windows and door. Pang Xiao remained quiet, but his attention was on the girl. He guessed that something was about to happen given her movements. An interested smile curled his lips. He knew that Qin Yining was a smart girl and was greatly looking forward to finding out what she was up to.

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, so we...¡± The duchess began with a smile when she felt the hour was gettingte.

    However, Qin Yining ced her hand on her grandmother¡¯s shoulder to stop her. ¡°I get along so very well with the priestess. I¡¯d love to stay and chat a bit longer. I don¡¯t think the priestess minds, do you?¡±

    Priestess Liu blinked, not sure how she got along so very well with this noble girl. But since the Qin fourth miss had just given her fourth thousand taels and the Duchess of Ding was to take up residence in the nunnery, there would surely be much more money in the future. With this future revenue, whatever the noble girl said, went.

    ¡°Of course not. To be honest, this humble nun feels that I get along very well with Miss Qin as well.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I find the priestess even more amiable after seeing her. It¡¯s in to see that we share destiny.¡± Qin Yining looked around with her charming eyes andughed. ¡°Has the priestess lived here long? I¡¯ve only just returned to the capital and so don¡¯t understand many things.¡±

    The duchess could feel the faint pressure that Qin Yining was exerting. Although she didn¡¯t understand why her granddaughter had cut her off, she yed along. ¡°I remember that the priestess arrived here about five years ago?¡±

    Priestess Liu nodded merrily. ¡°Indeed. I share a deep destiny with the capital. However, my knowledge is shallow and there¡¯s much I can do to improve myself. Sadly, I haven¡¯t had much of an opportunity to do things for others, so I really do feel ashamed.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too humble, priestess,¡± Qin Yining quickly responded. ¡°Your predictions are on par with the ¡®Soothsayer¡¯.¡±

    During her time in the world, Qin Yining had heard of a wandering monk in Great Zhou who made unerringly urate predictions. His title was ¡®Soothsayer¡¯. The soothsayer specialized in reading the heavens and predicting what would happen in the mortal world. He¡¯d even read the destinies of the yet-to-ascend emperor of Great Zhou and his two notable generals a few years ago.

    History spoke of the Great Zhou emperor Li Qitian, Marquis of Northern Stability Ji Zeyu, and Faithful Prince Pang Xiao swearing brotherhood to each other. They were the rock solid triangle of rebellion against Northern Ji tyranny. ording to the soothsayer, one of them represented the ¡®Field Marshal¡¯ star, also known as ¡®Seven Kills¡¯, and another the ¡®Army¡¯ star, also known as ¡®Star of Destruction¡¯. Thest was said to be blessed with ¡®unparalleled fortune¡¯. Li Qitian had taken the throne, so he naturally possessed ¡®unparalleled fortune¡¯, while rumors abounded that Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu were the reincarnations of the ¡®Field Marshal¡¯ and ¡®Army¡¯ stars. Qin Yiningparing Priestess Liu to the soothsayer was high praise indeed.

    Priestess Liu stered an honored smile on her face, but she started grumbling uncertainly inside. Huzi could barely keep a straight face as he snuck nces at her. Pang Xiao lifted his eyes and calmly sized up Qin Yining. Is this on purpose or not? Does she say this because she knows Priestess Liu¡¯s true identity?

    The priestessughed. ¡°Gods above! This humble nun doesn¡¯t dare ept Miss Qin¡¯s luxuriouspliments. I only have a little bit of smarts but have no ability to help people avoid or dispel disaster. What use is there in just being able to talk about something and not do anything about it?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too humble, priestess. Foreknowledge is still much better than beingpletely unprepared.¡± Qin Yining started chatting about Taoism next and then moved onto where the priestess had lived before the nunnery, and what the local customs were.

    Another two hours passed, and the duchess and n¨¦e Sun were a bit tired. They¡¯d been in the house for four hours now, and their waists were sore. The duchess made to take her leave again, but Qin Yining pressed her down with a smile again before she could even open her mouth. ¡°We have a rare moment of free time today, so why not chat a while longer?¡±

    Everyone sensed how she was acting out of character this time. N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t hold herself in and hectored with a frown, ¡°What are you trying to do, daughter Yi? Don¡¯t forget that we have things to do at home today!¡±

 Chapter 88: Perilous Circumstances

    <h4>Chapter 88: Perilous Circumstances</h4>

    Qin Yining was actually already surprised by n¨¦e Sun¡¯s ability to just sit there for four hours today, listening to unimportant chatter between her, the priestess, and the duchess. Foremost on the girl¡¯s mind was knowledge of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s desire to hurry back. Concubine Cao would be entering the manor today, and even if n¨¦e Sun wanted to express the disdain of a wife for a concubine, being fashionablyte was enough.

    Now that n¨¦e Sun was growing truly angry, Qin Yining felt that it was alright to tell the others the situation outside. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry or anxious, mother. I¡¯ve been dying things because I was worried people would be afraid if I spoke the truth.¡±

    Pang Xiao arched and eyebrow and looked at Qin Yining with interest. Drastic shifts in expression urred on the duchess¡¯ and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on??¡± n¨¦e Sun demanded.

    ¡°I found traces of suspicious people when we ascended the mountain earlier.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s face was serious.

    ¡°What?!¡± N¨¦e Sun eximed. ¡°What kind of people?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret, let¡¯s listen to darling Yi first.¡± The duchess patted n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve started living in the mountains since I was eight. Because I lived alone, I needed to be constantly on the alert against wild beasts. Therefore, I trained a very keen perception. My hairs stand on end whenever someone looks at me with hostility. I had that feeling when we were going up the mountain just now and looked around casually. I discovered two men wearing Great Zhou army uniforms hiding behind the short trees next to the stone stairs. I was worried that they weren¡¯t alone and that our family would be injured if I raised a fuss. So, I just continued going up the mountain.¡±

    Qin Yiningforted the anxious looking duchess at this point. ¡°I already sent half of our guards to the residence that my aunts are in and kept the remaining half here. But, I think that the other half of the family is safe for now. If these people really do have ulterior motives, then anyone worthy of kidnapping or assassinating in this nunnery are all gathered in this house.¡±

    That was right. The priestess, duchess, wife and daughter of Grand Preceptor Qin were all in this house. Compared to the other nuns or females with insignificant status, the most valuable people were gathered here. It was the duchess and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s turn to have their hairs stand on end. Qin Yining had only seen two, but how many were there? It was also very bizarre that they¡¯de in Great Zhou uniforms!

    ¡°Daughter Yi, are you sure you saw clearly? This is the capital of Great Yan! Even if we¡¯re not in the best of straits, that doesn¡¯t mean Great Zhou soldiers can just take a walk through our streets!¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice had be slightly shrill from taut nerves.

    Qin Yining quickly shushed her mother. ¡°Let¡¯s set aside whether or not they¡¯re Great Zhou for now and when they got their hands on these uniforms. What¡¯s important is what their intentions are.¡±

    Many ideas circted in the duchess¡¯ mind. Her first guess was that the decrepit emperor had sent these people. Perhaps he¡¯d arranged for his men to wear Great Zhou uniforms and kill the remaining Suns to vent some ill temper, but also give himself the veneer of innocence at the same time. Although it might seem ridiculous, it was entirely possible that the trash emperor would do something this ludicrous.

    All was deathly quiet inside the house.

    ¡°What do we do, what do we do?! Mother, what should we do??¡± N¨¦e Sun was shaking all over.

    The duchess frowned with disapproval. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s panicked disarray was a sharp contrast to Qin Yining¡¯s measured pre-knowledge. ¡°Will you be quiet? We¡¯re all here together!¡±

    ¡°No matter, no matter. My house is solidly built and we¡¯ll be fine for a bit.¡± Priestess Liu piped in as well.

    Pang Xiao retracted his cold, dismissive gaze from n¨¦e Sun and looked calmly at Qin Yining. He admired her wits, pitied her circumstances, and had some thoughts of his own as well. Since she¡¯d noticed the enemy on her way up the mountain and the Celestial Nunnery was about four hours from the city, this amount of time was enough for reinforcements to arrive with all haste. While not everyone was familiar with his looks, what if someone she summoned recognized him? He¡¯d be in real trouble then. The reinforcements would be able to keep thedies safe because Qin Yining was a smart one. She¡¯d never let her grandmother and mother be in any trouble, not to mention her newborn niece.

    When his thoughts traveled here, Pang Xiao shot to his feet with an ashen face and trembling voice. ¡°Why, why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?? What do you mean by all this? You¡¯ll be the death of me!¡±

    His cowardly act was on point as he paced and turned like ants in a hot pan. ¡°This won¡¯t do, we¡¯re leaving right away. Good luck to the rest of you!¡± He dragged a ck jawed Huzi away with him.

    Doesn¡¯t my prince like Miss Qin? Shouldn¡¯t he step forward at this time and promise manfully that ¡°I¡¯ll keep you safe¡± to win her over? My dear prince, aren¡¯t you afraid of leaving a bad impression running away like this?! The befuddled guard chased after his lord.

    Qin Yining narrowed her eyes andughed softly, the sound appearing particrly crisp. ¡°Sir Yao, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being very suspicious?¡±

    Pang Xiao halted, an admiring look appearing in his eyes. He looked back, still appearing like someone about to wet his pants. ¡°What, you nobles brought the bad guys here and don¡¯t let us escape? I don¡¯t have the time to waste with you. Our family has only one male carrying on the family name in thest three generations! Do you want me to stay and protect you? Not happening! You better get out while you can too!¡±

    ¡°Stop joking, Sir Yao.¡± Qin Yining focused her eyes on Pang Xiao, the sharp light in her limpid, charming eyes making her hard to ignore. Although her body was pliable and soft, her aura wasn¡¯t one bit less than that of a mature man¡¯s. Pang Xiao was almostpletely taken in by her dazzling gaze.

    ¡°If Sir Yao was any normal person, you¡¯d think about how it¡¯s much more dangerous outside than inside, right?

    ¡°I see only two suspicious people here. Any normal person would wonder if the enemy had already surrounded the nunnery.

    ¡°You probably won¡¯t get out now even if you know how to fly!

    ¡°Unless... you brought those people and you¡¯re in a hurry to go meet up with them?

    ¡°Or are you worried that my reinforcements will unmask you for who you truly are?¡± Qin Yining took a step forward with each line until she was in front of the duchess and n¨¦e Sun. A light danced in her eyes, that of a small animal that wasn¡¯t willing to ept defeat. Even if she was small and weak, she would bristle all of her fur to meet the enemy. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart pounded wildly when he saw this. He really wanted to just take her away and tame her at his side!

    Qin Yining grew even more nervous when she saw the man remain silent. She tugged the duchess and n¨¦e Sun in the direction of the door, calling out for her people as she did so. Because the priestess hailed Sir Yao as her patron, even the priestess couldn¡¯t be trusted at the moment.

    Four tall and stocky guards charged in with wooden bats, almost breaking the door. They put Qin Yining, n¨¦e Sun, and the duchess behind them. Bingtang, Sonn, and Qiulu also came rushing in, blocking the way to their mistresses. Qin Yining was standing very close to the door, a position making for easy escape.

    Priestess Liu pped her thighs with a loud cry. ¡°Oh gods above! My redwood table! And that¡¯s jade embedded above the door curtains! What do you want? Get out!¡±

    Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t in a mood to pretend anymore and discarded all pretense in front of Qin Yining for the first time. He was no longer the elegant gentleman, the schrly merchant, much less a death-fearing coward. He straightened his slightly stooped back and red an exceedingly domineering aura, making it difficult for others to breathe. His long and slender brows gave one a sharp and cutting feeling. Arrows of ice seemed like they would shoot out of his angled phoenix eyes as a teasing and dominating smile yed around his lips. He brazenly seized up Qin Yining while the girl¡¯s mind sent her the signals indicating the arrival of danger.

    It felt like she was staring down a tiger or panther. ¡°So it really is you? Who are you?¡± Her voice trembled slightly.

    ¡°Why should I tell you who I am?¡±

    ¡°You¡ª!¡±

    ¡°I have a thousand methods if I really wanted to do anything to you. Would I have to go through all of this mess? Little girl, it¡¯s good to be smart, but don¡¯t be so confident in yourself.¡±

    Qin Yining thought furiously, trying to see if her four guards could fight him and his follower. He seems quite domineering, but does he know martial arts? As she hesitated, cries and shrieks suddenly traveled in from the front door, swiftly followed by yells of violence and ughter that made listeners quail. She thought it was the arrival of reinforcements, but the sight of a group of men in Great Zhou uniforms greeted her quick peek. They hacked at everyone they saw without mercy!

    ¡°Oh heavens!¡± N¨¦e Sun screamed loudly.

    ¡°We can¡¯t stay trapped in the house!¡± There were too many she couldn¡¯t trust inside and so many enemies. They would be fish in a barrel if they stayed! Qin Yining pulled n¨¦e Sun and the duchess out with her, calling out to the guards as well and wanted to leave via the side door. They¡¯d just set foot outside when a sharp, earsplitting sound broke through the air!

    She felt a sense of danger she¡¯d never experienced before. All of her hairs stood on end and she subconsciously wanted to duck to the side. But her mother was behind her! What would her family do if she dodged? This mometary hesitation was enough to let a bulky, uniformed mane charging over with blood dripping from an upraised de. She also saw two archers on the walls. It¡¯s toote!

 Chapter 89: A Life-Risking Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 89: A Life-Risking Rescue</h4>

    Qin Yining screwed her eyes shut tightly with fright. This was the end of the road for her!

    And yet, fierce air discement sounded next to her ears in the next moment. Someone seemed to dart in front of her, blocking the sunlight. Her hand was enveloped by a warm,rge, and callused hand. She opened her eyes to see Sir Yao¡¯s nted body in front of hers, holding her hand with one hand and grasping the arrow with the other. Cold light gleamed darkly off of the arrow tip, less than an inch away from her neck!

    Time moved slowly for her. Unceasingly warmth traveled to her hand from his on this cold winter¡¯s day. He¡¯d yanked her behind him and obscured all vision with hisrge height. It took only him to partition off all blood and gore, filling her eyes with just his back. She couldn¡¯t see his face or his exceedingly fast moves. She could only see cold light sh to him again and again, but he was able to beat them off again and again with deft and wily moves.

    He¡¯s not a merchant alright! No merchant would have such adept and strong moves or be so coollyposed in such a situation. Who is he? The assassins were showing him no mercy at all. Every move was fatal as they penned the group in. If it wasn¡¯t for Sir Yao, her guards wouldn¡¯t be able to put up a fight at all. They might even be already dead! Qin Yining knew that she¡¯d misunderstood him. Even if Sir Yao¡¯s identity was a mystery, he wasn¡¯t with the assassins.

    She covered the duchess¡¯ and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s retreat into the house, but the assassins had already nned for this and blocked their way. She could only settle for the next best move of hugging the wall and slowly moving to the corner to remove themselves from the fight.

    Pang Xiao and the other four guards put themselves in front of the women. The prince was torn between fighting off twenty or so strong opponents, evading the unexpected arrows, and calcting what angle the arrows wereing from. He was afraid that the girl behind him would get hurt if he dodged out of the way. Even though his martial arts skills were superb, there was no guarantee that he could fully protect her.

    ¡°Huzi!¡± Pang Xiao roared and flicked his eyes up the wall. The guard understood and immediately gave up protecting the women. He picked up a steel de and charged outside the encirclement, trying to take down the two archers. Meanwhile, Pang Xiao had gotten to the bottom of the backgrounds of these assassins.

    At first, he¡¯d thought it was the Great Zhou emperor who meant him no good. The emperor had possibly figured out his movements and wanted to kill him in Great Yan territory. He could¡¯ve bid his own men to wear Great Zhou army uniforms so that no one would suspect this had been an imperial mission.

    But when he truly crossed paths with the assassins, he discovered that they possessed the same style and methods as the Tatars, enemies would often invaded Great Zhou! Although they were dressed like Great Zhou soldiers, their build and body odor were the result of spending many years in the ins. These details were impossible to ignore!

    The Tatar khan 1 was extremely devious and slippery. The khan certainly knew that since Great Zhou was fighting Great Yan, the Valiant Tigers would be fully deployed to the southern borders. The Tatars dould take advantage of this to increase their invasion efforts in the north of Great Zhou. Ji Zeyu was probably holding back the Tatar invasion with all of his might, trying to buy as much time for Pang Xiao as possible. Neither of them had considered the possibility that the Tatar savages would travel through Great Zhou territory and make it all the way to the Great Yan capital for an assassination attempt!

    Using the Great Zhou army uniforms is a stroke of genius! Pang Xiao thought through all of this in a quick instant. Meanwhile, Huzi had made it to the wall and bounded up to sh at one of the archers. When the other archer saw that hisrade under attack, he didn¡¯te to hisrade¡¯s aid or run away. Rather, he took advantage of the time to kill a few more people.

    Seeing that he was unable to harm Pang Xiao, he aimed his arrows at the females huddled by the corner. He fired off three arrows in a row before Huzi charged him, forcing the archer to jump down the wall.

    Qin Yining saw the cold lighte whistling forth again and only had enough time to turn and hug n¨¦e Sun behind her. Her mother had long since been terrified into a mess of tears and snot. She thought she was done for when she saw the cold light arc towards her again, but Qin Yining hugged her tightly and interjected herself between the arrows and the two women.

    N¨¦e Sun was both touched and horrified. She tried to push Qin Yining away, screaming gibberish. The duchess was transfixed with horror as she screamed, ¡°Darling Yi!¡±

    Pang Xiao noted the arrival of three more arrows and used all his strength to snap the neck of the assassin blocking him, flinging himself towards Qin Yining in the nick of time. However, the arrows were extremely fast. He hacked downwards with his de but knocked aside only two of them. He couldn¡¯t reach the third and didn¡¯t think much in that crucial moment, thrusting out with his arm to block it.

    Qin Yining only heard the sounds of weapons shing and arrows ttering to the floor, then the muffled piercing of a sharp weapon into flesh. She looked back frantically and saw the familiar, tall, and strong backside in front of her. This time, the right side of his body was dyed red with fresh blood and the arrow had pierced through his shoulder. The arrowhead was protruding out beneath his shoulder de!

    She sucked a breath in and eximed, ¡°Sir Yao!¡± He¡¯d saved her again!

    Pang Xiao looked quickly back at her, actually flicking an eyebrow up with a smirk! He didn¡¯t hesitate to break off the arrow that was embedded in him and charged back in the fray. Blood continued to spread along his clothes, making Qin Yining twinge with phantom pain as she looked at him. But somewhere in the depths of her heart, she was strangely shaken.

    She blinked rapidly and shook her head firmly, trying to sweep away that utterly handsome and assured smile from seconds ago. N¨¦e Sun was hugging Qin Yining tightly and drenching the girl¡¯s shoulder with tears.

    ¡°Are you alright, daughter? Are you alright? You scared me!¡±

    Qin Yining came back to herself and patted n¨¦e Sun¡¯s backfortingly, giving another reassuring smile to the nervous duchess looking at her inquiringly. The duchess nodded, tears in her eyes.

    The assassins were quickly cut down to half of their numbers after a while of hacking from Pang Xiao and Huzi. Roars sounded again from outside. This time, it was the reinforcements that Qin Yining had sent for.

    There were only six assassins left, all wounded. Once surrounded, they looked at each other and shuddered once. ck blood trailing down from the corners of their lips heralded the crashes of their dead bodies onto the ground.

    Pang Xiao sneered as he clutched his shoulder. Tatar deathsworn. They hadn¡¯t killed him or their principal targets, but would manage to cause misunderstanding and friction between Great Zhou and Great Yan with these uniforms.

    Huzi rushed up to his master and lifted up the prince¡¯s shirt to take a look at the wound. He red fiercely at Qin Yining. They say that pretty women bring trouble. Well, she¡¯s big trouble!

    ¡°Are you alright, master?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Pang Xiao shook his head and moved his shoulder still dripping with blood. ¡°Mm. It didn¡¯t harm the tendons or bones. It¡¯s just a flesh wound.¡±

    ¡°But you¡¯ve bled so much.¡±

    Footsteps sounded from the yard as a man in ck army uniform respectfully showed in a tall, bearded man in a luxurious, ck fur cape. It was East Area Commander Xu Mao of the Warden¡¯s Office 2 making way for Qin Huaiyuan.

    Qin Huaiyuan was out of breath and took in the ghastly scene in the yard first, immediately looking at Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun after. He exhaled a long sigh of relief when he saw that they were fine, his expression finally taking a turn for the better. Whereas, Huzi clenched his fists so tightly that the bones cracked when he saw Qin Huaiyuan, and Pang Xiao¡¯s gaze chilled as well.

    Qin Yining inwardly rxed when she saw her father arrive, feeling that everything would be fine now. N¨¦e Sun ran up with tears streaming down her face, grabbing Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s arm and sobbing like a bullied child.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, my lord.¡±

    ¡°Mm. I rushed here immediately when I received Sir Xu¡¯s news. Are you alright?¡± Qin Huaiyuan straightened n¨¦e Sun¡¯s crooked cloak and nodded at the duchess. He finallypletely rxed when he saw that Qin Yining was unharmed despite her mussed up hair and some drops of blood on her.

    ¡°It was daughter Yi who protected us,¡± n¨¦e Sun sniffled. ¡°And Sir Yao. If it wasn¡¯t for him helping, I¡¯m afraid that we...¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan followed her gaze to the young man who¡¯d taken an arrow to the shoulder and was covered in blood. He was just a hair over twenty, tall, fit, and quite handsome. His eyebrows nted upwards energetically and the look in his phoenix eyes was deep. This is an unfathomable character.

    ¡°Thank you greatly for your help, Sir Yao.¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised his hands in a cupped fist salute.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s left hand was behind his back. He clenched it tightly and loosened it again, smiling faintly with the color drained from his face.

 Chapter 90: The Favor of Saving a Life

    <h4>Chapter 90: The Favor of Saving a Life</h4>

    ¡°Sir Yao¡¯s bearing is umon and martial arts sophisticated. It¡¯s truly admirable that you were able to lead my daughter¡¯s four guards in resisting the attacks of more than twenty assassins.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s smile was elegant and expressed genuine gratitude, but was also tinged with suspicion.

    Pang Xiao had resumed his genteel demeanor and was clutching his wound with the color drained from his face. ¡°I¡¯m a business person and once had a martial arts master when I was young. Thankfully my guard has the real skills, or I wouldn¡¯t have been able to manage by myself.¡±

    ¡°No no no, young master¡¯s skills are very good.¡± Huzi immediately smiled honestly and shook his head.

    Qin Huaiyuan turned his attention to Huzi, seeing a young-looking, strong guard with very shrewd eyes. His taut muscles brimmed with vitality, and it was apparent at first nce that this was a very well-trained professional. When the grand preceptor looked back to the handsome gentleman, he noted that thetter was also tall and fit, but possessed a gentle and elegant air. Qin Huaiyuan mostly believed what he was being told after this. He had no option but to be suspicious. This person had just so happened to appear at the nunnery and saved his wife and daughter. He had to make a thorough investigation.

    Qin Yining¡¯s lips werepressed and asked anxiously during a lull in their conversation. ¡°Are the family members in the side yard alright?¡±

    The duchess also looked nervously in their direction, while Qin Huaiyuan looked at Xu Mao off to the side.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grand Preceptor. We¡¯ve already sent men over. The females in the side yard are all fine as the assassins didn¡¯t make their way over there. They came straight here,¡± the East Area Commander responded. He looked at the duchess suspiciously as he spoke, and at Priestess Liu as well.

    The duchess was veryposed, albeit with a bad pallor to her face. Priestess Liu still had an unsettled, frightened expression on her face and was murmuring various things with her eyes closed. She was inly still shaken.

    Xu Mao finally turned his assessing gaze onto Pang Xiao and Huzi. Pang Xiao was frowning slightly and holding his shoulder, while Huzi was inwardly cursing up a storm. Qin Huaiyuan, you bloody ingrate! Isn¡¯t there a single good official left in this stupid Great Yan? And Qin Yining you¡¯re trouble, big big trouble! We could¡¯ve left a long time ago and not get involved in any of this. It¡¯s all because of you, big trouble!

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining¡¯s slender brows were knitted together in worry as she watched the look in Xu Mao¡¯s eyes. She was certain that the gentleman hadplex origins, but he had saved her, mother, and grandmother today. If it hadn¡¯t been for him taking the arrows, she¡¯d probably be dead by now. She was someone who repaid kindness. Besides, this was only the second time she¡¯d met Sir Yao. It was natural that he wasn¡¯t telling the truth about who he was. She wouldn¡¯t negate the gratitude she felt for his life-saving actions just because he was keeping his identity a secret.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t have the best impression of Great Yan officials, and she deeply despised the corrupt government. She naturally wouldn¡¯t help them do ill to her lifesaver. Her brain flew furiously through ideas and ns.

    Pang Xiao had been feeling a bit dejected, but his mood quickly took a turn for the better when he saw that Qin Yining was worried for him. His observation skills were were superb. Even if he wasn¡¯t staring at her, he still got a clear glimpse of her vaguely narrowed eyes set in slightly frowning face that was deep in thought. How can she be so cute? He really wanted to just carry her off and keep her by his side. The girl was as beautiful as a painting, and it would be nice to just look at her everyday.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan had much to do with Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s death. Logically speaking, Pang Xiao knew that he couldn¡¯t put all the me on Qin Huaiyuan. It was firstly the paranoid despot of Northern Ji¡¯s fault, and secondly just a matter of different positions. As a Great Yan citizen, it was normal that Qin Huaiyuan would try to take down invaders. But emotionally speaking, he felt awkward, ufortable, and conflicted whenever he saw Qin Huaiyuan. Why is such an interesting girl his daughter...

    As the two rummaged through different thoughts, Qin Huaiyuan had already taken n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand and called out to his daughter. He turned to Xu Mao. ¡°Since this is the case, I¡¯ll be taking my family home.¡±

    However, Xu Mao strode forward and blocked Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s way, raising his hands in a polite cupped fist salute. ¡°Please hold your steps, grand preceptor! Your family are witnesses in today¡¯s matter and I¡¯d like them to remain for questioning.¡±

    ¡°The nuns are also witnesses, and the others as well.¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded with dissatisfaction. ¡°With all these people, isn¡¯t that enough for Sir Xu?¡±

    Xu Mao remained smiling and bowed respectfully, but his words and attitude remained resolute. ¡°Please forgive me, Grand Preceptor Qin. I¡¯m just doing my duty. Grand Preceptor Qin is the foremost example for all officials. You won¡¯t deny me this small, reasonable request, will you? It would be bad for your reputation if word of this gets out.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s expression was dark as he frowned at Xu Mao. Themander remained smiling and firmly blocking Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s way. It was apparent to Qin Yining what exactly was going on. Sir Xu wasn¡¯t in the same camp as her father. He was likely part of Elder Statesman Cao¡¯s faction. The Caos had aplicated web of connections at court, and after many years of careful cultivation, their confidantes were present in every department. Although Qin Huaiyuan was domineering, he didn¡¯t have the empress backing him up like Statesman Cao did.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want want her father to conflict with Statesman Cao because of this matter. It wasn¡¯t good to make enemies, even if the other party was Statesman Cao, not to mention that she wanted to help the gentleman. If she put in an appearance, his identity would seem much more believable. Even though she suspected him as well, helping his cover would be a payback for his earlier favor.

    ¡°Father, why don¡¯t you go home with mother first?¡± She walked up and curtsied. ¡°Matters at home need your help as well. I can stay here to exin to Sir Xu and go home after.¡±

    ¡°How will it appear if a girl like you goes out and about in public?¡±

    ¡°Father knows that I¡¯m different from ordinary girls,¡± Qin Yining responded. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m not by myself. Grandmother¡¯s here, as is my business partner and guards.¡±

    ¡°Business partner?¡± Qin Huaiyuan arched a skeptical eyebrow.

    ¡°Yes, Sir Yao. Father also knows that the Institute has various businesses.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned at Pang Xiao again. He wanted to ask further, but knew that it was no time to do so. Who knew how many informants were present? He nodded. ¡°Keep your wits sharp.¡±

    N¨¦e Cao was about to enter the manor and although he wanted to stay, he had to go back and take care of things. He¡¯d already spent so much time here. If matters grew bigger, his ns would have to change as well. In cooperating with Xu Mao and leaving Qin Yining behind, themander wouldn¡¯t dare do anything to her.

    Qin Huaiyuan left quickly holding n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand. The madame was so touched and happy at this public disy of affection that she left the nunnery without further thought of the new concubine toe. She even forgot to bid her mother farewell.

    ¡°You two go in first and check on Sir Yao¡¯s injury.¡± Qin Yining ordered Bingtang and Qiulu as Xu Mao checked the yard with his men. She said ¡°you two¡±, but was actually looking at Bingtang. The maid nodded firmly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll go right now.¡±

    Qin Yining then turned to Pang Xiao. ¡°Be at ease, sir. My maid knows a bit of medicine. She¡¯ll dress you wound and stop the bleeding first, then have the doctore over for a look.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining with a hint of a smile, neither nodding nor declining. Her heart actually sped up at this look. Even the hand he¡¯d grabbed earlier felt a bit on fire.

    ¡°Then I thank you for the trouble.¡± He finally let her off that hook when she quickly lowered hershes, a bit flustered.

    Priestess Liu quickly showed everyone inside again. ¡°Let¡¯s check it here. I have some herbs we can use.¡±

    When Pang Xiao and Huzi followed Bingtang and Qiulu into the house, Qin Yining took Sonn with her to answer a few questions. Xu Mao¡¯s questions dwelled on what had happened today, how had Qin Yining discovered the assassins, and how she¡¯d sent people for help.

    Qin Yining responded nomittally, glossing over her answers. The more she chatted with Xu Mao, the less she liked him. He seemed friendly and smart, but was actually quite arrogant. She often wouldn¡¯t even finish before he interrupted with ¡°yes yes I know¡± or ¡°that¡¯s enough, I know¡±. She refused to speak towards the end. He had drawn his own conclusions already anyways, so what was the point?

    Xu Mao crossed his arms. ¡°Is that Sir Yao really your friend?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Sir Yao and I are business partners.¡±

    ¡°Business partners?¡± A sneer suffused Xu Mao¡¯s tone. ¡°Miss Qin is a strong character, hmm?¡±

    She naturally noted his disdain and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re joking, sir. I¡¯m just a girl of the inner residence. How strong can I be?¡±

    The seemingly innocent response reminded Xu Mao who the girl in front of him represented. She was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter, the Duke of Ding¡¯s granddaughter! Although the Duke of Ding had fallen, his faction¡¯s supporters still existed. Qin Huaiyuan was the recipient of great royal favortely, so he really couldn¡¯t afford to offend this girl!

    He ignored the girl and began conjecturing about the bodies on the ground.

    ¡°After careful observation, these assassins are wearing Great Zhou army uniforms. Hah! Do they think the Warden¡¯s Office is that easy to fool? They¡¯re definitely not from Great Zhou!¡±

    ¡°Right right, you are so very right sir!¡± Someone instantly agreed fawningly.

    ¡°You are quite wise, milord! If they really were from Great Zhou, why would they wear their own uniform?

 Chapter 91: Be Responsible for Me

    <h4>Chapter 91: Be Responsible for Me</h4>

    Qin Yining frowned slightly when she saw the petty, self-satisfied smile on Xu Mao¡¯s face. Not only was this man arrogant, but also blindly conclusive. Although she had some spection about the identity of the assassins, she wasn¡¯t willing to say a word further in front of him.

    Themander had enough ttery from his subordinates by now and suddenly grew stern. He snorted coldly, ¡°Idiots!¡±

    Qin Yining jumped from this sudden shout, and his men around him were shocked silent.

    ¡°You¡¯re such a bunch of idiots! I wasn¡¯t being serious, but you all believed me?!¡± Xu Mao sniffed. ¡°I was saying the opposite of what I meant! Why can¡¯t any of you use your brains??¡±

    ¡°Yes yes, the lord speaks truly.¡± Everyone quickly agreed.

    ¡°We humbly request your guidance.¡±

    ¡°These people are wearing Great Zhou uniforms.¡± Xu Mao pointed at the ground. ¡°They want to give us the impression that I just spoke of, making us think it¡¯s impossible that Great Zhou people would wear their own uniforms in an assassination attempt. But I feel that these assassins are definitely from Great Zhou! They¡¯re trying to trick us!¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s the case!¡±

    ¡°Milord is so very smart!¡± Over the top agreement and fawning praise arrived in a tidal wave. They were so eager to express their admiration that one almost couldn¡¯t make out what was being said. The looks of adoration and worship on people¡¯s faces werepletely foolish to Qin Yining.

    Su Mao was once again pleased by this reaction. Heughed heartily. ¡°Since this is the case, we can close the books on this! These are Great Zhou scouts who dared assassinate the Duchess of Ding and Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s wife and daughter! Mmhmm, that mongrel Pang Xiao at Xihua City must¡¯ve sent them!¡±

    ¡°Right! That must be it!¡±

    ¡°We are all amazed at the lord¡¯s great speed in solving cases!¡±

    ¡°Our Warden¡¯s Office is blessed by Sir Xu being in charge!¡±

    ¡°Absolutely! We wouldn¡¯t know what else to do otherwise!¡±

    Qin Yining really couldn¡¯t keep watching the disgusting show any longer. Great Yan was on the decline because of these termites slowly nibbling away at it! ¡°Since the lord has solved the case, I won¡¯t disturb the lord any longer.¡±

    Xu Mao finally remembered that there was someone else present as well and waved his hand, unconcerned. Qin Yining had Sonn send the duchess back to the side yard before returning to the priestess¡¯ house.

    The scent of blood wafted over her as soon as she let down the door curtains and closed the door. She lifted her eyes to see the gentleman¡¯s pure-white undershirt half undressed, revealing a healthily tanned, fit, right arm and shoulder. The broken arrow had already been taken out and ced in a wooden basin with steaming water, dying the water red.

    Bingtang had used ropes to tie up her sleeves. There was blood sttered over her arms and body as well. She was currently frowning in concentration as she sewed up the wound. Qin Yining¡¯s sympathized greatly with the bloody wound, but the gentleman didn¡¯t even crease his brow. It was as if the wound wasn¡¯t his.

    When she thought of how this wound would be on her body instead if it hadn¡¯t been for his help, and most likely her life lost, she felt both gratitude and guilt towards Sir Yao.

    ¡°Bingtang, is Sir Yao¡¯s injury alright?¡±

    The maid put in thest two stitches before responding with a frown. ¡°The arrow didn¡¯t harm the tendons or bones. He¡¯ll be fine if he rests well, but Sir Yao has lost too much blood, and there was poison on the arrow.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Qin Yining was shocked. ¡°What poison? Will he be alright?!¡±

    ¡°What do we do??¡± Huzi was also frantic. ¡°Is there an antidote for it?¡±

    Qin Yining, you big trouble! And a pox on all you Qins! Her father doomed master¡¯s father, and now she¡¯s doomed master as well!

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything, just a bit dizzy.¡± Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t concerned at all. ¡°Isn¡¯t that because I¡¯ve lost blood?¡±

    ¡°This is a poison that paralyzes the brain,¡± Bingtang exined. ¡°If we don¡¯t cure it, it¡¯ll paralyze the victim over time. It looks like the assassins wanted to rob their targets of their ability to move if they failed their mission.¡±

    Pang Xiao arched a brow. The Tatars use such vicious andplicated plots. Just use arsenic or a peacock¡¯s galldder. It¡¯s so much more straightforward. What, did they want to admire my paralyzed state after the poison took effect?

    ¡°Bingtang, is there any way to cure this poison?¡± Qin Yining frowned with worry. ¡°Use whatever medicine you need and however much silver. I¡¯ll have people get on it immediately!¡±

    Huzi red at Qin Yining. That¡¯s more like it. Meanwhile, Pang Xiao was looking at her with a hint of a smile. His deep eyes seemed to speak: you don¡¯t suspect that I¡¯m with the assassins now?

    Qin Yining understood that look and felt her face burn, averting her eyes when color streaked her cheeks.

    Bingtang finished bandaging Pang Xiao. ¡°This poison needs aplicated acupuncture method paired with medicine to be cured. The medicine part is easy, but the acupuncture method has long since been lost.¡±

    This was Huzi¡¯s worst nightmare. He began tearing up and pulled on Pang Xiao¡¯s uninjured hand. ¡°Master, what do we do? How could you be so silly? I-I wish it was me instead! You can¡¯t die!The old madame and dowager madame are waiting for your return!¡±

    Qin Yining also felt awful when Huzi started crying. Even though she suspected the gentleman, she didn¡¯t want him to die! If he died because he saved her, she¡¯d feel guilty for the rest of her life. Her eyes were rimmed with red, but she was calm enough. ¡°No worries, no worries. I¡¯ll find a way to cure you. No matter how much time or silver it takes, I¡¯ll cure you. If you really are paralyzed in the end, I¡¯ll, I¡¯ll take care of you for the rest of your life.¡±

    Huzi¡¯s teary eyes widened with surprise. Priestess Liu looked at Pang Xiao with a faint smile and then back at Qin Yining. Light suddenly dawned in Pang Xiao¡¯s phoenix eyes. ¡°Do you mean that?¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s gaze was steady.

    Pang Xiao immediately burst outughing. Hisugh was the blossoming of spring flowers, and his originally domineering aura retracted without leaving a hint behind. His handsome features softened, making Qin Yining¡¯s heart pound as she quickly looked down.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished speaking yet, why don¡¯t any of you listen to me?¡± Bingtang continued with resignation.

    ¡°What?¡± Everyone looked at her.

    She pointed at her pert, little nose and sniffed. ¡°It just so happens that I know the acupuncture method.¡±

    ¡°Aiyo! Ugh! You little girl, you just wanted to tease me, didn¡¯t you??¡± Huzi brusquely wiped off the tears on his face and red ferociously at Bingtang.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault you¡¯re such a girl!¡± Bingtang snorted. ¡°You¡¯re a man, but you love to cry!¡±

    ¡°You stinky little girl! Beancurd! Stumpy potato!¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯re you calling a potato?!¡± Bingtang¡¯s apple cheeks were flushed red with anger as she nted her hands on her waist. She was short and diminutive. She hated people teasing her about that!

    Pang Xiao ignored the two and rested his gaze on Qin Yining. He smiled meaningfully. ¡°Since this is the case, miss, you¡¯re responsible for me now.¡± 1

    What be responsible for him? What kind of words are those?! Qin Yining blushed furiously red and herrge eyes scraped a rough re across him. ¡°You got your wounds because you saved me, I¡¯ll naturally take responsibility for that.¡±

    ¡°Why the rush to exin? I didn¡¯t say I wanted you to be responsible for other things. I¡¯m not the one who said she¡¯ll take care of me for the rest of my life.¡± Pang Xiao was so entertained by her re that he couldn¡¯t help but tease her.

    Qin Yining¡¯s blush further deepened. He¡¯s so annoying! The gentleman had shown too many sides of him since they¡¯d met. Even though it was always the same face, he had the ability to projectpletely different airs. She didn¡¯t know which was his real self. When she thought of his mysterious and expert martial arts, she felt that this was an unfathomable character.

    But as unfathomable as he was, he really needed to keep his mouth in check! Qin Yining red at him again.

    Pang Xiao held in hisughter and clutched his shoulder, speaking with pain, ¡°My good intentions wentpletely to waste! I saved someone¡¯s life but am treated with mountains of disdain for my troubles. She just said that she would take care of me for the rest of her life. I haven¡¯t even been paralyzed yet, but already she¡¯s showing me such a mean face. This means you weren¡¯t sincere earlier, you were just humoring me!¡±

    Qin Yining really wanted to just walk off and leave him here! He¡¯s in such good spirits and can run his mouth like this, he¡¯s totally fine! Bingtang also snorted. Master and guard are both no good, they talk with the same attitude!

    It was actually Huzi who was shocked by Pang Xiao¡¯s attitude. Having served by the prince¡¯s side for so many years, the guard had seen many sides of his master. Pang Xiao could be a coarse, arrogant brute, or remote and distant. He might be cocky and domineering, or genteel and schrly. He¡¯d even been cowardly and afraid of death, or the epitome of a money-grubber.

    Regardless of what it was, Pang Xiao could put on a different mask and change his demeanor to perfectly pull off the act so as to reach his goals. But he¡¯d never seen his master y the role of ¡®teasing a proper, well-borndy¡¯. I¡¯ve seen new things since meeting this Miss Qin! Pang Xiao had stolen her hairpin and caressed her cheekst time, then infiltrated the home of the one who killed his father andughed sillily after sneaking in. And now he was trying out a pitiful act? Is this still my decisive master who doesn¡¯t hesitate to kill, and who¡¯s an absolute god with military strategies and other schemes?

 Chapter 92: Taking Advantage

    <h4>Chapter 92: Taking Advantage</h4>

    Bingtang huffily prepared silver needles and adroitly stabbed Pang Xiao with one of them.

    ¡°How long will it take for my injury to heal? How long will the acupuncture and medicine be necessary?¡±

    ¡°Half a month for the medicine, but the acupuncture will be a bit more tricky. It needs to be performed every day for half a month.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded, and turned to look seriously at Qin Yining. ¡°Since this is the case, lend me your maid for half a month.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡± Qin Yining frowned and shook her head without hesitation. Bingtang wasn¡¯t a normal maid. The trampress might try to hurt her if she left Qin Yining¡¯s side. It was better to keep the maid with her.

    Pang Xiao screwed up his face pitifully again. ¡°Such a ruthless person. It looks like ady¡¯s word really can¡¯t be trusted. You just said that you¡¯d take care of me for the rest of my life if I was paralyzed, but now you won¡¯t even lend me a maid with medicinal skills.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qin Yining had gone beet red with indignation. She bit her lip as she thought furiously. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, although you¡¯ve been dyed, all expenses you incur within the Cloudsoar Inn are on the house. I¡¯ll have someone bring Bingtang to you for treatment every day until you¡¯re well. What do you say?¡±

    A smile twinkled in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes as he drew out his response. ¡°I suppose this could be a solution... but how can I take advantage of you by staying at the Cloudsoar Inn for free?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I own the inn. Plus, you were injured because you saved me, so this is my responsibility.¡±

    ¡°Oh~¡± Pang Xiao once again drawled. ¡°Since the miss wants to be responsible, it seems I have no choice but to take advantage of you then.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked her longshes; it took her a moment to realize the double meaning in his words. She was instantly so enraged that she wanted nothing more than to send him flying with one kick. On the other hand, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t seem like an injured patient as heughed heartily.

    ¡°Stop moving around like that! Aren¡¯t you afraid of your wound splitting open?!¡± Bingtang quickly inserted another silver needle into him. Is this man made of metal and not afraid of any pain at all?

    Pang Xiao was in a great mood and started haggling again. ¡°I was only wounded because I tried to save you. And now, you only send a maid to give me acupuncture. Isn¡¯t this glossing over things too much?¡±

    ¡°I also waived all room and board fees for your stay in the Cloudsoar Inn.¡± Qin Yining had a vague idea of where he was going with this.

    ¡°And what does that do? It¡¯s not like Ick that bit of silver. I¡¯ll pay you double room and board if youe see me tomorrow and serve me tea and water. How about that?¡±

    ¡°What, do Ick that bit of silver?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s face was burning. The only thing holding her back from punching him was the the worry that it could worsen his injuries and kill him from blood loss.

    The impulsive thoughts surprised her. Although she was still rtively young, she¡¯d been through so much that being mature had be a habit. There were very few people who could thoroughly rile her up like this.

    Even still, it was a different anger, not the like Qin Huining would normally provoke. That fury could be ayed with schemes and ns, appeased by an oue. But this, this anger wasn¡¯t something that plotting could solve. She just wanted to beat some sense into this infuriating good-for-nothing.

    Meanwhile, Bingtang had put away her needles and was cleaning up. Qin Yining felt that the longer she stayed, the more her blood pressure would soar from the continued teasing. She had Qiulu prepare the carriage and asked, ¡°Will you be staying here for now, sir? Or should I have someone take you to the Cloudsoar Inn?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you take me there, naturally.¡±

    When did I say I was going to do that? Qin Yining pursed her lips and sighed. ¡°Alright, then we¡¯ll be off shortly.¡± She turned politely to the priestess. ¡°I leave my grandmother in your care, priestess.¡±

    ¡°God¡¯s blessings! I will take care of my charges well.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve brought trouble to the nunnery today. Although the Warden¡¯s Office has gotten involved, send word to the Qin Manor if you run into any troubles.¡±

    Thanks to the assassination attempt, they¡¯d lost two grooms and the nunnery had lost three nuns. Compensation would be sent to the grooms¡¯ families, and Qin Yining felt apologetic towards the innocent nuns.

    The priestess opened her mouth to solicit another sum of money, but swallowed her words when Pang Xiao nced over with a supercilious smile. She swiftly changed tack to beam merrily at Qin Yining. ¡°Thank you, Miss Qin. I understand.¡±

    ¡°Stay here for now, sir. I¡¯m making a quick trip to the side yard.¡±

    She didn¡¯t wait for a response before stepping out with Bingtang. The side residence had been cleaned up, with only the lingering scent of gore in the air ruining the area¡¯s tranquility. Dusk had fallen, and gray clouds loomed threateningly overhead, signaling the imminent arrival of snowfall.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare dwell on the shocking violence that¡¯d happened today. She quickly set foot into the house that the duchess and others were in, politely locating and pulling her grandmother to the side. She took out a thousand tael note from her sleeve and shoved it into the matriarch¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Grandmother, this note can be immediately redeemed for silver. You¡¯ll have need for money when living here, so don¡¯t short yourself on food, clothing, and other necessities.¡±

    The duchess was touched when she saw the sincere look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. Darling Yi isn¡¯t the slightest bit angry by my desire to put a distance between us. The duchess sighed in quiet sorrow and patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I won¡¯t stand on ceremony with you then. Thank you for the silver, darling. Take good care of your mother when you go back. Although she¡¯s asionally silly, her heart has always been true towards your father. Before you came back, she would always throw a tantrum for quite a while whenever your father took a concubine. This time¡¯s concubinees with an imperial order and an umon background. You two must stay on guard!¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Qin Yining nodded solemnly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, grandmother. I¡¯ll try my best to keep mother safe and take care of myself.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a smart child. Grandmother knows that you¡¯ll do things appropriately.¡± The duchess gave Qin Yining quite a few reminders and warnings before reluctantly seeing her out the door. When the girl turned back to look at her maternal rtions, a wave of heartache hit her.

    Destiny was ever the most mercurial of powers. Who could¡¯ve thought that such a powerful dukedom would copse overnight? Who would¡¯ve guessed that a family would be rent asunder forever in the blink of an eye? Perhaps there had been a couple who had just fought, or siblings who were stewing over a misunderstanding. They¡¯d thought life to be long, with plenty of time to make up or resolve misunderstandings. Who would¡¯ve ever spected that this time, regret would turn eternal? No one could predict whether disaster or a bright future would be the first to arrive.

    Qin Yining took a deep breath in and slowly let it out. No matter what, she would take every step carefully and to the utmost of her abilities. She wouldn¡¯t allow regret to appear in her life.

    When she arrived at the main doors, she saw a warmed carriage making its way down the mountain. She didn¡¯t want to take the carriage, so she took Bingtang, Qiulu, and Sonn on a walk down. They climbed into their own carriages at the foot of the mountain, with Qin Yining sending the gentleman off to Cloudsoar Inn first.

    They were just in time to bump into a frantic Grand Steward Zhong. He¡¯d been fretting and worrying ever since he¡¯d first heard that the Warden¡¯s Office had caught Great Zhou spies in an assassination attempt at the Celestial Nunnery. His anxiety for Qin Yining had turned him as antsy as mustard seeds on a hot pan. Steward Zhong was finally able to rx when he saw the miss return safely.

    Qin Yining ryed what had happened, and the more he heard, the more respectfully Steward Zhong¡¯s looked at Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Sir Yao, thank you for saving the owner¡¯s life. The miss is my entire family¡¯s savior, and you¡¯re the miss¡¯ savior, so that makes you mine as well.¡± Steward Zhong smiled gratefully and turned to Qin Yining. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll take good care of Sir Yao.¡±

    ¡°That would be good.¡± She looked at the skies and sighed. ¡°I need to go back. I¡¯ll be in trouble if I go back anyter.¡±

    While Pang Xiao had a thorough grasp on Qin Yining¡¯s affairs, he obviously wasn¡¯t able to express any of it. As such, it was only polite of him to ask, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Is there anything I can help with?¡±

    She looked at him and shook her head. ¡°What can you do about something as inevitable as rainfall and marriage?¡± She sighed and tried to force herself into better spirits. ¡°My surname is Qin and I¡¯m the fourth in my family. Four is pronounced ¡¯si¡¯, so you can call me Qin Si in the future. What should I call you?¡±

    A girl¡¯s full name wasn¡¯t easily given to an outside male. That Qin Yining was introducing herself thus meant that she was willing to be friends with Pang Xiao. Heughed. ¡°My given name is ¡®dada¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Yao Dada?¡± 1 Qin Yining turned it over in her mouth before she blinked in realization. When she saw the cheeky light in the gentleman¡¯s eyes, she knew she¡¯d fallen for a trick again. She stomped her foot angrily and stalked off. ¡°You are so annoying!¡±

    Pang Xiao threw his head back inughter, but quickly winced as he grabbed at his wound. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, miss. My secondary name is Zhixi. You can call me Yao Zhixi.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s footsteps didn¡¯t stop, nor did she turn back. She hadn¡¯t seemed to hear anything as she stomped angrily back to her carriage with her maids and left.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s smile slowly faded as he watched her carriage disappear into the dusk. A genteel and disinterested expression dropped over his face as he turned. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be imposing on you these days, Grand Steward Zhong.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Please follow me, Sir Yao.¡± Steward Zhong smiled.

 Chapter 93: Getting a Few Stomps In

    <h4>Chapter 93: Getting a Few Stomps In</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s face was still red even as she took her seat in the carriage. When she thought of Yao Zhixi¡¯s rascally attitude, she itched to give him a few punches. But there were also some scenes that kept rising to the surface of her thoughts.

    Such as when he suddenly withdrew his timid appearance and asked her in a dominating fashion, ¡°Why should I tell you who I am¡±.

    When he suddenly charged forward to grab her hand and the arrow aimed straight at her throat.

    When he stood in front of her, presenting a tall and strong back.

    When his shoulder had been pierced through by the arrow, he¡¯d still arched an eyebrow and smiled at her. That smile hadn¡¯t wavered even when he grasped the arrow in hand and casually broke it off.

    The more she thought about these scenes, the more her heart felt uneasy. Even though the gentleman didn¡¯t have the nicest of tongues and liked teasing her, he¡¯d saved them without hesitation when push came to shove. Otherwise, she, her mother, and grandmother would¡¯ve all met their end in the nunnery today.

    ¡°Bingtang, are Sir Yao¡¯s injuries severe?¡±

    ¡°Sir Yao is harmed very badly,¡± Bingtang responded quietly. ¡°Even though the arrow hadn¡¯t injured his bones or tendons, he has lost a lot of blood. With that paralyzing poison, he¡¯ll be very weak over the next few days. He¡¯ll need to rest well after being cured, but I can assure you that his life is in no danger.¡±

    This finally gave Qin Yining some peace of mind. ¡°Let¡¯s go back and look through the storeroom. I remember that I have a 70-year-old ginseng. Let¡¯s use it if we can, or I¡¯ll really feel very bad about this.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. You¡¯ve got me.¡± Bingtang nodded with a smile.

    ¡°Of course I trust you. It¡¯s just... I¡¯ve been saved by wild horses and dogs before, but the number of times I¡¯ve been saved by another person can be counted on one hand. My foster mother saved me when I was a baby and raised me until I was eight. It¡¯s such a tremendous pity that I didn¡¯t have time to repay her before she passed away.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s gaze fell on the swaying tassel by the carriage window as the look in her eyes grew distant. ¡°Then, when I was seven, my foster mother fell gravely ill and we had no money left in the house. I really didn¡¯t know what to do and no one would help me. I¡¯d already nned on selling myself off as a servant because I wanted to save my foster mother no matter what. That day, a beautiful big brother happened by my house and asked for a bit of water. He forced a tip of ten taels of silver and severalrge coins on me. Although his tone was very mean, I could see the kindness behind his words. That is the second person who saved me. I want to repay him, but I can¡¯t find him anymore.¡±

    ¡°The third is Sir Yao.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Although the people I¡¯ve met, such as father and my maternal grandmother, all mean me well, they¡¯re family and thus different from outsiders. I didn¡¯t have the ability to thank my foster mother and Brother Beauty before, but I can repay Sir Yao now. Curing him thoroughly without any lingering side effects is a must, and it¡¯s not much of a repayment either. If he needs help with anything in the future, I¡¯ll help him the best I can.¡±

    Sonn and Qiulu both nodded with a smile. When it came to paying back favors of gratitude, Bingtang and Sonn shared many of the same thoughts.

    ¡°Miss, you¡¯re kindhearted and loyal. Fortune will smile on you,¡± Bingtang said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need good fortune or karma,¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I just want to have a clear conscience. Let¡¯s go look for medicines in the storeroomter and prepare some more nutritious supplements. Bingtang, take them to Sir Yao when you visit him tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Won¡¯t you be going tomorrow as well, miss? I think Sir Yao would really like to see you.¡±

    ¡°There should be a distance between men and women.¡± Qin Yining involuntarily flushed hotly, and shook her head. ¡°Besides, I have a new ¡®aunt¡¯ entering the manor today. It¡¯s an unknown how things will be from now on.¡±

    Qin Yining felt a massive headache whenever she thought of Concubine Cao joining the family today. Her mother was sure to throw a fit, and she had no idea how to salvage the situation. Concubine Cao came with an illustrious family background and had the emperor as a matchmaker. She had the empress and Elder Statesman Cao as her backer. Although they¡¯d yet to meet, Qin Yining already felt that the new concubine had a higher status than even the old dowager.

    When the carriage arrived back at the Qin Manor, she quickly brought Bingtang, Sonn, and Qiulu to the Garden of Loving Piety. She entered the main doors, passed the decorative stone wall, through the archway, and had just walked down the steps when she saw the big rednterns hung in the yard. They were the ones typically used to celebrate the new year, and they lit up the courtyard like it was day. Bright light shone through the windows of the main house, drawing long shadows from the many people inside. The light scattering past the windowsill also illuminated the long shadows of n¨¦e Sun, Jin-mama, and Caiju kneeling in the courtyard.

    Qin Yining quickly walked up to her mother, hearing the happyughter inside before she even drew near n¨¦e Sun. It was warm and bustling inside, a stark contrast to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s teary and lonely figure on the ground. The scene ignited Qin Yining¡¯s anger.

    ¡°Mother, Old Dowager told you to kneel?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun lifted watery eyes and reacted like a bullied child seeing their parent when she saw Qin Yining.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, daughter Yi! The old dowager said that Ick virtue and possess too much jealousy. That I can¡¯t give birth to anything but refuse to let concubines enter the family. She said I wasn¡¯t willing toe receive n¨¦e Cao¡¯s tea! I exined, but the old dowager wouldn¡¯t listen. Daughter Hui, daughter Hui even...¡± N¨¦e Sun garbled thest part out amidst sobs.

    Qin Yining had long since gotten a thorough understanding of how self-serving the old dowager was. She didn¡¯t need to listen to the rest to understand the old dowager¡¯s intent or thoughts. Now that the Duke of Ding was gone, there was no more need to fete n¨¦e Sun. She was of no use to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s career anymore. Although the people hated the Caos, their patriarch was still an elder statesman. Though he¡¯d been demoted, he had manypatriots at court and a wide-ranging,plexwork. It wasn¡¯t anything that a Qin Huaiyuan with unstable foundations could measure up to.

    And today, n¨¦e Cao had been given to Qin Huaiyuan as his concubine. The most secure way of tying two families together had always been through marriage. Although the then Grand Preceptor Cao and Qin Huaiyuan had been at odds with each other because of Prince Ning and the Duke of Qin, all was water under the bridge now that Qin Huaiyuan was a Cao son-inw. Qin Huaiyuan had gained a strong backer and Elder Statesman Cao a fine son-inw. They could put previous matters behind then, since this marriage would put the position of grand preceptor in the hands of a Cao son-inw. This would likely shuffle the political situation at court again.

    Thinking of things from the old dowager¡¯s perspective, it made sense that she thought this way. How else could she show sincerity in weing n¨¦e Cao if she didn¡¯t make use of this asion to firmly stomp on n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining a few times?

    It was just... this was too heartless. But such was reality. Now that mother has no support, I¡¯m sure to be dragged in as well because I¡¯m the granddaughter of the Duke of Ding.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, mother.¡± Qin Yining knelt and wiped away n¨¦e Sun¡¯s tears. She embraced her mother andforted her like a child. She whispered in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s ears. ¡°Remember, mother. We have no backer now. We can only rely on ourselves. No matter what the old dowager does, what sister Hui does, what father chooses, I will always be with you. I¡¯m your daughter and will always be on your side. I¡¯ll protect you. No matter how tough the road may be, I¡¯ll always be with you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded helplessly. When Jin-mama and Caiju heard Qin Yining¡¯s words, they started crying wordlessly again.

    Qin-mama happened to emerge from behind the door curtains right then,ughing and chatting with Jixiang. She quickly lowered the curtains and walked up to curtsey respectfully when she saw Qin Yining. She murmured lowly, ¡°You¡¯ve returned, Fourth Miss. May we talk for a moment?¡±

    ¡°Does Old Dowager have any instructions, Qin-mama?¡± Qin Yining quickly rose when she saw the old servant walk towards her.

    The old servant led Qin Yining to the covered hallway section off to the side.

    ¡°Fourth Miss,¡± she murmured. ¡°The new concubine is inside. Old Dowager loves her very much. I know you¡¯re a filial girl, but you must keep in mind that you can¡¯t be impulsive.¡±

    That singr sentence epassed many undertones. Was it avoid being impulsive so she didn¡¯t offend the new concubine? Or not to offend the old dowager? Or to not be brash so that she would avoid earning the old dowager¡¯s enmity? Qin-mama was the old dowager¡¯s most trusted servant. Her words were likely the old dowager¡¯s words.

    What, the old dowager hadmitted the ruthless and heartless act of bullying her mother, but wanted to still y at being a happy family with Qin Yining? The girl¡¯s lips curved up in a smile, but the look in her eyes grew icy. Since the moment the old dowager shut n¨¦e Sun in the ancestral hall when the Sun males were executed and made a fuss of wanting to divorce n¨¦e Sun, Qin Yining had thoroughly seen through the Qin matriarch.

    N¨¦e Sun was the eldest Qin daughter-inw, and her rtionship with the old dowager spanned at least thirty years. Any other person would develop feelings for even a pet that¡¯d been with them that long, much less a person. But the old dowager had acted this way to n¨¦e Sun, someone who should be half a daughter to her. And what about Qin Yining herself? She¡¯d only known the old dowager for less than two months. If the old dowager¡¯s affection for her had ten parts, then five parts was due to her father¡¯s love for her, and three parts because her maternal grandfather was the Duke of Ding. Of the remaining two points, one was because her status as the official daughter of the grand preceptor would be very useful for future marriages. Only thest part was a result of the grandmother-granddaughter love that had developed between them during this time.

    Now that the Suns had fallen from grace, she¡¯d lost three parts of this support.

    Qin Yining would never watch n¨¦e Sun be bullied, nor would she abandon her mother for a little bit of dimly discernible happiness. With this, it was now only a matter of time before the unrest in her rtionship with the old dowager woulde to the surface. Therefore, she could pretend that the one point assigned to familial love was already gone. Then, the only support she had left was due to her father¡¯s love and her status as the official daughter. She had a sixty percent chance of ensuring peaceful days for herself and n¨¦e Sun as long as father still liked her.

    Qin Yining was the sort whose thoughts became calmer as the difficulties she faced mounted. It only took her a few breaths to sort out her thoughts, and smile serenely at Qin-mama. ¡°Thank you for your pointers.¡±

    For some reason, when the old servant looked at Qin Yining¡¯s clear eyes, she felt a chilly wind blow through her heart. The fourth miss was simply too simr to a young Qin Huaiyuan. It reminded Qin-mama of the same eyes young Qin Huaiyuan had when he¡¯d fought to protect his mother with nothing but wit and courage.

 Chapter 94: Auntie Cao

    <h4>Chapter 94: Auntie Cao</h4>

    Qin-mamaughed dryly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, miss. Shall we go inside?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s.¡± Qin Yining walked in, side-by-side with the old servant. ¡°Qin-mama, where is my father now?¡±

    ¡°The lord has just gone to the outer study.¡±

    ¡°He must be very happy with a new concubine.¡±

    The old servant could tell that the fourth miss was fishing for information regarding Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s attitude towards all of this. It wasn¡¯t exactly a secret, and the fourth miss would just ask someone else if she didn¡¯t speak up. There was no point making a mountain out of a molehill, so the mama decided she might as well y the good person. She responded softly, ¡°The lord left after a short while. The old dowager found fault with the madame after.¡±

    This meant that Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t know n¨¦e Sun was being punished. Qin Yining smiled gratefully. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too polite, miss.¡± The two halted just inside the covered hallway as Qin Yining thought for a moment and summoned Bingtang. She whispered a few words into the maid¡¯s ear.

    ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll go do so immediately.¡± Bingtang nodded immediately. Qin-mama didn¡¯t know what Qin Yining had sent her maid for, and frankly it was none of her business. The miss could do what she wanted with her own people. She walked forward and lifted the door curtain to wee Qin Yining into the house.

    The fourth miss smiledfortingly at n¨¦e Sun as she gave further orders to Sonn and Qiulu. ¡°Go fetch three plush cushions as well as two charcoal braziers. The old dowager is benevolent, and even though she¡¯s currently angry at mother and ordered her to kneel, the old dowager would never want her to kneel on the ice-cold stone floor in the middle of a winter¡¯s night. The old dowager would be quite heartbroken if mother fell sick.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The maids immediately went off to fetch the items as well as cloaks and hand warmers.

    Qin Yining¡¯s harsh gaze swept across the open-mouthed servants standing beneath the covered hallway in the Garden of Loving Piety. ¡°You all serve by the old dowager¡¯s side, so how could you misunderstand her orders like this? If people talk about this in private, they¡¯ll gossip that you¡¯re a group of servants whock brains. If word of this gets out, won¡¯t the old dowager¡¯s reputation be ruined because of all of you?¡±

    Qin-mama inwardly marveled at Qin Yining¡¯s wit and charisma. Impressed, she too curtsied with the other maids. ¡°This servant knows her wrongs.¡±

    Having finally been satisfied, Qin Yining turned to give her mother aforting smile before heading inside the house. N¨¦e Sun was looking at her daughter with eyes shining with hope. She now had thick cushions and a charcoal brazier on each side, as well as a thick cloak wrapped securely around her as she cuddled a hand warmer. Her heart felt much more settled after this infusion of warmth into her chilled body. Jin-mama and Caiju almost burst into tears as they too warmed up. Their reverence for and trust in Qin Yining rose another level.

    Qin Yining hadn¡¯t kept her voice down just now, so her voice had traversed the entire house, letting everyone hear her. That included the old dowager, who had flushed beet red with indignation. The girl had clearly been criticizing her!

    After entering the house, Qin Yining circled merrily past the exquisitely carved divider to see the crowd who had gathered. The old dowager was wearing a vest ensemble of dusky purple, replete with a forehead band of simr color which had a ruby embedded in the center. It was clearly an outfit meant for celebration. Sitting close to her was a young madame wearing a light pink, flowery two-piece with a phoenix hairpin perched in her hair. She looked stunningly beautiful with pink rouge adorning her cheeks and a graceful nose sitting above her cherry lips. She seemed to be smiling even when she wasn¡¯t, and her almond shaped eyes were so very expressive. She looked to be no older than early twenties, belying her actual age of over thirty, and she had a delighted expression on her face.

    So this is the empress¡¯ sister, an official Cao daughter. Cao Yuqing. The two didn¡¯t look all that simr, but that innate talent of mesmerizing seduction was the same. Even as a female, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but want to take a few more nces at her. But just as she was discreetly sizing up Cao Yuqing, so was the new concubine openly assessing Qin Yining.

    ¡°This must be the fourth miss? So very pretty! The fourth miss looks so incredibly simr to a young Lord Qin!¡± Delighted shock appeared in her eyes. She seemed to be entranced as she gently shook off Qin Huining¡¯s hand, which was clutching her arm. She rose and seemed to want to caress Qin Yining¡¯s face, but recollected herself halfway through the motion. She took off a pair of ivory-white jade bracelets on her arms and offered them to Qin Yining with both hands. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, Fourth Miss, this is a small token from me.¡±

    It really was tough to decline a smiling beauty shing her pearly whites. Qin Huining¡¯s eyes widened in absolute shock when she saw how proactive Cao Yuqing was being, a surprise shared by the old dowager. She had been moments away from lecturing Qin Yining for not knowing manners and rules, but forcefully swallowed those words.

    Qin Yining looked at n¨¦e Cao with a smile in her eyes and bent her knees in a half curtsey. ¡°Greetings to Auntie Cao. I shouldn¡¯t refuse your goodwill, but it should¡¯ve been me preparing a present for your arrival today. I really shouldn¡¯t ept your present.¡±

    She was the daughter of the wife, the true mistress of this household! Cao Yuqing was just a lowly concubine. Regardless of the imperial decree, her status of a concubine was set in stone! Concubines could be bought and sold, their standing only a hair higher than bedwarmers 1 They had to call themselves ¡®this humble concubine¡¯ in front of the madame, much like how maids had to refer to themselves as ¡®this maid¡¯ or ¡®this lowly one¡¯. What right did an underling have to meet with her as a senior? Who had given her so much face as to allow her to present a gift to an official daughter of the house?!

    Qin Yining¡¯s words are too harsh! The second and third madame grew nervous and the third, seventh, and eighth miss wrung their handkerchiefs anxiously. On the other hand, Qin Huining quietly snorted in derision. Idiot. You just dug your own grave.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, how dare you!? Kneel in apology to your Auntie Cao!¡± The old dowager became immensely nervous and immediately rebuked her in a low voice.

    ¡°Kneel? Apologize?¡± Qin Yining looked askance at the old dowager, an innocent expression on her face. ¡°Grandmother, I don¡¯t know what wrong I¡¯vemitted. Why should I apologize? Are the rules that you¡¯ve taught me before all false?¡±

    This stopped the old dowager dead in her tracks. She didn¡¯t have time to formte her response before Qin Yining continued. ¡°Grandmother¡¯s told me that concubines are sometimes only brought out when hosting guests, and can be easily traded around. They¡¯re just a higher level servant. I¡¯m my father¡¯s daughter, born of his wife. Is grandmother telling an official Qin daughter to kowtow in apology to a servant? Is that really right?¡±

    ¡°When, when did I say all that?!¡± The old dowager¡¯s face reddened rapidly as she smiled apologetically at Cao Yuqing. ¡°Yuqing ah, don¡¯t listen to the child. Mother has no intention of looking down on you.¡±

    Cao Yuqing had frozen in her steps, her beautiful eyes trained on Qin Yining. There were many emotions within them that the girl didn¡¯t understand, but the new concubine unexpectedly curtsied to the fourth miss.

    ¡°This humble concubine has overstepped herself. This concubine was just too excited at seeing the fourth miss and forget herself. Please don¡¯t fault this concubine for this transgression.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Cao doesn¡¯t need to stand on ceremony like this. We¡¯re all one family from now on.¡± Qin Yining smiled magnanimously.

    Pin drop silence fell over the room at thosest words. Ever since Cao Yuqing hade through the doors, the old dowager had put the new concubine on a pedestal and danced attendance on her like she was a family ancestor. The matriarch had even found a random excuse to throw n¨¦e Sun out and make her kneel in order to amuse n¨¦e Cao. But who would¡¯ve thought that this Miss ¡®Barbarian¡¯ would ignore all propriety and just shut Cao Yuqing down like this?!

    And then, Cao Yuqing had just docilely taken the slight?!

    The second and third madame privately disagreed heavily with the old dowager¡¯s methods. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s current tragic circumstances had tugged at their hearts, to feel sympathy for one of their own. Thus, they felt a private, sweet thrill when they saw how Qin Yining was standing up for her mother. The third, seventh, and eighth miss looked at their fourth sister with eyes of worship, but almost immediately morphed into worry. This is n¨¦e Cao!

    N¨¦e Cao, the eldest daughter of Statesman Cao and the empress¡¯ sister from the same mother! Isn¡¯t Yining afraid of her running back to her family after this kind of treatment?

    The same thoughts naturally urred to the Old Dowager as well. However, the matriarch wasn¡¯t particrly afraid of Cao Yuqing tattling on Qin Yining, but more fearful that Elder Statesman Cao and the empress would be enraged by this! She gave vent to her worry in a fit of fury, angrily hurling her brass tobo pipe and pouch at the girl.

    ¡°You wench! Down on your knees!¡±

    Being made of brass, the pipe and apanying pouch had quite a heft to it. The old dowager had used her full strength in her anger, and the pipe was dead on target for Qin Yining¡¯s head. If she was hit, it would open bleeding wounds in her head and ruin her looks at the very least.

    The crowd gasped in collective shock, but Qin Yining¡¯s hand quickly intercepted the pipe and pouch, knocking itpletely off course. It tumbled haphazardly into the disy rack beside her. Azurite decoration became the unfortunate casualty of the missile, jolted clear of the rack. All three crashed loudly onto the ground. Thezurite shattered on impact while the pipe and pouch separated into two and skittered across the floor. The tter rang clearly in the quiet yard, shaking everyone¡¯s heart with the violence. What shook them the most was the ruthless look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes as she¡¯d so casually swept the projectile away. There was nothing else to call it, those were the eyes of a wolf!

    ¡°Grandmother, are you trying to kill your granddaughter? Or ruin my looks?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s smile was as serene as ever, but her dark eyes burned like fiery coals as they transfixed the old dowager. ¡°The emperor has always extolled ruling with benevolence, and so his subjects should follow suit as well. Families should be governed with virtue. If grandmother feels that I¡¯ve spoken incorrectly, you can correct me with logic and reasoning. Why use such a heavy object to smash my head? If you kill me, father will have no descendants. Then, I¡¯m sure gossip about him will start at court as well.¡±

    ¡°Shut up! Get down on your knees!¡± The old dowager lost her temper in the face of these brazen usations, bringing her hand down hard on the end table next to her.

 Chapter 95: To the Rescue

    <h4>Chapter 95: To the Rescue</h4>

    Qin Huining hurriedly patted the old dowager¡¯s chest to help the matriarch breath more easily. She turned back to yell angrily, ¡°How dare you act like this! How dare you talk to grandmother like this?!¡±

    ¡°Shut your trap. What right do you have to lecture me?¡± Qin Yining looked coldly at her.

    An involuntary tremble ran through Qin Huining as the color drained from her face. The bellyful of resentment and anger she was nursing withered into fear in the face of Qin Yining¡¯s aura and presence.

    ¡°This is ludicrous, ludicrous! She¡¯s rebelling! Servants, drag her out of here, drag her out!¡± The old dowagermanded.

    Off to the side, Qin-mama was frowning. The fourth miss has always been explosive in her methods, there¡¯s no ways she¡¯d let it go when she sees her birth mother being treated like this? Even knocking n¨¦e Cao down a notch like this, mistress¡¯ bit of temper probably doesn¡¯t matter to her at all. Resigned to the impending cataclysm, she sent servants over to tug Qin Yining away.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for you all to do anything, I¡¯ll leave after I¡¯ve said my piece.¡± Qin Yining snorted disdainfully when she saw movement out of the corner of her eyes. She looked straight at the old dowager, the glowing coals in her eyes turning fiery. ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking of, old dowager. Everyone does as well, we¡¯re no fools. We¡¯ve only known each other for two months, so it¡¯s understandable if you don¡¯t care about me, father¡¯s feelings, and the ties of blood between us. But my mother has poured a great deal of effort into this family, even if she might not have stunning achievements to show for it. She¡¯s kept youpany for almost thirty years, so is this the kind of heartless treatment that she¡¯s due? How will second and third aunt feel about this? What about the newly entered Auntie Cao?¡±

    ¡°You!¡±

    ¡°I rmend grandmother think about all this carefully, and not present too ugly a sight in your doings.¡±

    ¡°Unfilial granddaughter! Servants, beat her out of here! Beat her out!¡±

    ¡°Granddaughter¡¯s words have been improper today and offended the old dowager. Please announce your punishment, grandmother.¡± Having said all that she wanted to say, Qin Yining lifted the hem of her skirt and knelt primly. Her back was ramrod straight and her proud aura hadn¡¯t faded one bit. Although she was admitting her fault, everyone could see that she was doing so only because of the ties between grandmother and granddaughter, and not because she truly wanted to.

    They all felt that they learned something new today when they saw how domineering and feisty Qin Yining was in the face of suppression! The look in Cao Yuqing¡¯s eyes had changed to subtle appreciation and interest.

    The old dowager took a deep breath in, nearly screeching. ¡°Lock the fourth miss in the woodshed! Let her out only when she realizes her wrongs!¡±

    Silence reigned.

    Unlike usual, Qin-mama didn¡¯t spring to attention at her mistress¡¯ words. She bit her lip, stamping down on the urge to speak to her mistress. In the same vein, the second and third madame also looked at each other, wondering if they should speak up for Qin Yining.

    When Qin Huining saw how those assembled were hesitating to follow the old dowager¡¯s instructions and how differently Qin-mama treated Qin Yining, a surge of jealous anger overcame her self control. She loudly reprimanded the mama, ¡°What, is Qin-mama nning on ignoring grandmother¡¯s instructions?¡±

    The mama started in surprise and looked down. ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°Impudence! When did it be your ce to talk?!¡± The old dowager frowned and irritably red at Qin Huining. The girl flushed hotly and looked down sullenly.

    Although the old dowager didn¡¯t like Qin Yining¡¯s resistance, she still liked the girl¡¯s smarts, charisma, and manner of dealing with matters. Not only did this type of girl know how to react in any situation, she had a pretty face, and had caught the crown prince¡¯s fancy. She was perfect for a strategic marriage. The old dowager was punishing Qin Yining only for considerations of face.

    Inparison, the matriarch quite disliked the fence-sitter that was Qin Huining. To be honest, in moments of calm, she did feel guilty about how she was treating n¨¦e Sun. However, given the circumstances, she really had no choice. That Qin Yining was willing to go such depths for n¨¦e Sun only reminded the old dowager of how fiercely Qin Huaiyuan had protected her when they were both young. Qin Yining had been home for less than two months. Not only was she not close to n¨¦e Sun, but the madame hadn¡¯t been very nice to her daughter these two months either. Yet here Qin Yining was, steadfast and unrelenting in her support for her mother.

    And Qin Huining?

    N¨¦e Sun had loved that girl like a precious pearl for fourteen years. But now that things had taken a turn for the worse, Qin Huining had wasted no time in cozying up to the new concubine as soon as thetter had arrived. She waspletely ignoring the mother who¡¯d raised her, and was even appearing in bright and colorful clothing days after all the Sun males had been executed.

    Although the old dowager¡¯s own actions weren¡¯tpletely above reproach, she still didn¡¯t like the look of Qin Huining hurrying to curry favor with those in power.

    Cao Yuqing smiled when she saw the silent crowd. ¡°Old Dowager, if this humble concubine may say something out of line, it¡¯s frightfully cold and the ground is freezing today. The fourth miss is just a little girl. If she catches a cold in the woodshed, illness might take root in her. If that happens, wouldn¡¯t you be the saddest of us all? Friction is inevitable in a family, but as all our parent, please treat the fourth miss lightly.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, don¡¯t take niece Yi to task for this, mother.¡± The second madame also entreated.

    The old dowager was greatly soothed by someone giving her a way out. She settled for ring coldly at Qin Yining and was about to speak when a maid announced loudly from outside, ¡°The lord is here!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan strode in almost as soon as the words were out of the maid¡¯s mouth, a lead-gray brocade cloak topped with ck fur flung casually over his shoulders. Frost had touched the tips of his hair and steam still wafted off his skin. It was obvious that he¡¯d just finished bathing and hadn¡¯t even dried his hair before rushing over.

    Qin-mama snuck a peek at the door and saw Bingtang¡¯s figure sh by. So the fourth miss was telling Bingtang to summon reinforcements just now. That was quick thinking!

    Qin Huaiyuan bowed to his mother as soon as he entered the room. ¡°Mother.¡±

    ¡°Meng¡¯er, why are you here without even drying your hair? You¡¯ll get sick, you know.¡± The old dowager fretted over her beloved son, telling Qin-mama to quickly fetch towels to tousle Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hair dry.

    The lord of the house sat down on a stool within the old dowager¡¯s line of sight, smiling in thanks at Qin-mama, who had taken it upon herself to dry his hair. ¡°I was perusing ¡®The Thirty-Six Stratagems¡¯ when I came across the one of hiding a knife behind a smile. I wanted to discuss it with daughter Yi. Therefore, I came rushing over as soon as I heard she was here.¡±

    There was great meaning in ¡®hiding a knife behind a smile¡¯, and everyone drew different conclusions as they digested his words. Regardless of other people¡¯s thoughts, a blush appeared on the old dowager¡¯s face. She snorted ufortably. ¡°What would a little girl who hasn¡¯t read many books know of the ¡®Thirty-Six Strategems¡¯?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled happily. ¡°Daughter Yi, which chapter of the ¡®Thirty-Six Stratagems¡¯ does thise from?¡±

    ¡°The tenth strategy of the second chapter. ¡®Charm and ingratiate yourself with the enemy. When you have gained his trust, move against him in secret. Be of firm inward resolve and outward gentleness.¡¯... Father, your daughter knows her wrongs.¡± Qin Yining sighed lightly. She¡¯d still been too violent after all. Her father¡¯s words had snuffed out her fury and brought rity to her thoughts. Although her way was both simple and effective, it had also erased any possibility of handling the matter in a more peaceful manner. She just wasn¡¯t used to thinking about the people supporting her when she got the short end of the stick. Previously, it¡¯d always been just her. That had formed her personality, which was why she¡¯d shed so badly with the old dowager.

    Her thoughts had been that since the old dowager didn¡¯t care about her, it didn¡¯t matter what she did or didn¡¯t do. However, she¡¯d forgotten to consider her father¡¯s feelings. He was caught in the middle. He¡¯d purposefully referred to ¡®hiding a knife behind a smile¡¯ to jab at those doing just that, subtly warning them that their actions weren¡¯t as covert as they thought. He was also teaching her that she should be ¡®of firm inward resolve and outward gentleness¡¯.

    One had to say, it was no wonder that Qin Huaiyuan was called the ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯. His years as a court official hadn¡¯t gone to waste. In just a few words, he¡¯d criticized everyone who had needed it just the right amount, and subtly given pointers to his daughter.

    Heughed when he saw how quickly Qin Yining had realized her mistake. ¡°A resonant gong doesn¡¯t need to be beaten with a heavy mallet. Very good, daughter Yi. You¡¯re a good child. You¡¯re just a bit too blunt and should think more carefully before taking action in the future.¡±

    In saying that she was ¡®just a bit too blunt¡¯, Qin Huaiyuan had just tacitly admitted that his daughter¡¯s intentions had been correct, simply that she¡¯d been a bit too straightforward about it all. So while he looked like he was lecturing Qin Yining, he was actuallyining about the old dowager¡¯s actions!

    There was not a soul in the room who missed that, and cogs started turning as they began to formte their own opinions of the evening. Meanwhile, the old dowager blushed even redder. She actually felt a bit aggrieved. Who else was she doing all this for if not her son?!

    ¡°Understood. Thank you for your teachings, father.¡± Qin Yining immediately kowtowed docilely towards the old dowager. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, grandmother. Your granddaughter is only fourteen and has eaten less rice than you have grains of salt. If I¡¯ve offended you, please forgive me on behalf of father.¡±

    The old dowager had had enough unpleasantry for the night. ¡°How would I dare speak of forgiveness?¡±

    Qin-mama had finished drying Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hair by now and had skillfully retied it in a knot on top of his head. He stood up to interject, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother. Daughter Yi¡¯s faults are because of my mistakes in parenting. Think of all the years she¡¯s spent outside, she¡¯scked the chances for proper discipline. She¡¯s had so many years of hardship. Don¡¯t be angry, mother. My heart is fraught with worry whenever you feel angry.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, but still presented such a submissive front to his mother. This gave her the best way out and thoroughly satisfied her sense of dignity. She sighed. ¡°Forget it, just forget it. I¡¯ll just have you set her punishment. You can¡¯t let her off easily, however! I¡¯ll be watching how you punish her.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled gratefully and turned to Qin Yining. ¡°For your transgressions, daughter, I punish you to copy the ¡®Thirty-Six Stratagems¡¯ thirty times over. I¡¯ll inspect them in the outer study two days from now.¡±

    What kind of punishment is this... It was only by virtue of the long years they¡¯d spent practicing manners that the crowd¡¯s jaws didn¡¯t hit the floor en masse. Did Qin Huaiyuan feel that his daughter needed to use more strategy when going against the old dowager in the future?! Even before that, weren¡¯t girls usually punished with copying ¡®Lessons for Women¡¯ or ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯, or the liker? Qin Huaiyuan was treating her just like a son!

 Chapter 96: Education

    <h4>Chapter 96: Education</h4>

    No matter what outsiders thought, Qin Yining understood that in publicly treating her like a son, her father was giving her both face and support. He was reminding everyone present that no matter how many concubines he had, he only had one daughter. No one present was a fool. They naturally knew what Qin Huaiyuan meant to convey with his words, and thus looked at Qin Yining with different eyes.

    Even the old dowager felt a bit of regret in throwing her pipe just now. Thankfully, Qin Yining had dodged it. If it¡¯d connected and caused a head injury that ruined her looks, how would the old dowager exin herself to Qin Huaiyuan? As a mother, she knew of the difficulties her son carried. As aplished as he was, Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t have any sons to carry on his name. Not only did Qin Yining look very simr to him, she was also quite intelligent, decisive and assured in her actions. She didn¡¯t seem like a typical girl of the inner residence, and had more than a couple of hints of boyish straightforwardness. No wonder Qin Huaiyuan liked her and was raising her like a son. If I¡¯m going to discipline Qin Yining in the future, I¡¯ll have to hide it from my son.

    ¡°Daughter Hui.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s sonorous voice caught their attention again.

    Qin Huining had been quietly sitting off to the side with her head lowered. When she met his gaze, her heart pounded and she frantically lowered her eyes to curtsey. ¡°Father.¡±

    He flicked a sideways nce at Qin Huining, displeased by the bright red ensemble and the jade and gold ornaments in her hair. He nced over at Qin Yining and was slightlyforted to see her in an ivory-white outfit free of any hair ornaments. ¡°Daughter Hui is dressed very prettily today.¡±

    Qin Huining swallowed nervously, knowing that her father was admonishing her. She scrambled for an exnation. ¡°Father, I don¡¯t wear this normally either. It¡¯s just that Auntie Cao joined our family today, so I felt that dressing properly for the celebration would be the best show of respect.¡±

    The lord of the manor finally looked at Cao Yuqing. It was the first time he¡¯d truly looked at her since entering the house. The look in Cao Yuqing¡¯s eyes had be extremely gentle; joy and fondness near leaped out of her eyes as she met his gaze.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan looked away. ¡°Your Auntie Caoes from an illustrious family and is well learned. How would she care what you wear? Daughter Hui, the bodies of the Sun males are yet warm. You called the Duke of Ding your grandfather for more than a decade. Even if you possess no other talents, can you not even restrict what you wear?¡±

    ¡°Please forgive me, father. I don¡¯t know what I was thinking. Please don¡¯t be angry.¡± Qin Huining¡¯s face burned hotly, so red that it seemed like it would drip blood any second. She fell to her knees with a thump.

    ¡°You are grounded in Snowpear Courtyard starting tomorrow morning. Don¡¯te out until you¡¯ve copied ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯ a hundred times over. Reflect carefully on what you¡¯ve done.¡±

    Although Qin Huaiyuan was only lecturing her, doing so in front of so many others made Qin Huining feel like her face had beenpletely torn away. But father was the head of the household and had the old dowager in the palm of his hand. She wouldn¡¯t dare defy him even if she had ten times the courage. She could only lower her head piteously. ¡°Yes, thank you for your teachings, father.¡±

    ¡°You should conduct yourself better.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled as he bowed at the old dowager. ¡°Mother, I¡¯ve been waiting to study with daughter Yi, so I¡¯ll be taking her with me now.¡±

    The old dowager could only nod. Qin Huaiyuan put on his cloak and headed for the door, calling out tonelessly, ¡°Well,e on, daughter Yi.¡±

    The fourth miss curtsied properly to the old dowager, second and third madame, and her various sisters in farewell before catching up to her father. When they were in the covered hallway, Qin Huaiyuan looked at the sobbing n¨¦e Sun still kneeling on the ground, as well as Jin-mama and Caiju shivering with cold.

    ¡°The senior madame is fragile and she hasn¡¯t fully recovered from her illnessst time. Hurry and help your mistress up. Prepare a carriage and send her back to Garden of Tranquility for some rest.¡± He sighed.

    This was protecting the wife after defending the daughter! The old dowager pursed her lips but didn¡¯t otherwise object. She sent Qin-mama out instead to await orders. The old servant immediately rushed to prepare a carriage.

    Cao Yuqing had also followed Qin Huaiyuan out. She looked at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s ashen, tear-stained face and at Qin Huaiyuan standing tall and straight with his arms across his chest. She bit her lower lip in thought. On the other hand, n¨¦e Sun was greeted with the sight of a beautifully dressed Cao Yuqing, so stunning that it put n¨¦e Sun to shame, when she lifted her head. Anger and hatred that¡¯d never been present in such intensity before surged into her eyes!

    Her family had long since done a thorough investigation and learned that there had been a chance that the emperor was going to deny the Great Zhou envoy¡¯s demand for Sun Yu¡¯s brain. It¡¯d been the trampress who¡¯d goaded him into making the imperial decree, forcing Sun Yu to take a stand with his death. When Great Zhou had distributed their response for all to see and threatened the emperor¡¯s life, it¡¯d been the trampress who¡¯d given the emperor the idea of annihting the Suns in order to pacify Great Zhou. The spawn of Cao had been the cause of the Suns¡¯ downfall, and the Cao family were the vilest of enemies!

    But today, Qin Huaiyuan had weed a Cao daughter into his home as his concubine! At the moment, n¨¦e Sun looked bedraggled, well past the prime of her beauty, as she knelt on an icy and windy night with her tears forpany. On the other hand, n¨¦e Cao looked radiant, her attire gorgeous as she stood next to Qin Huaiyuan with a smile. When old hatreds and new grudges shed together, how could n¨¦e Sun keep her calm? She wanted to rip n¨¦e Cao to pieces and drink her blood!

    Jin-mama could sense her mistress¡¯ emotional fluctuations and started panicking. She mped her hand over n¨¦e Sun¡¯s mouth and called out to Caiju, ¡°Hurry and help the madame into the carriage!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tears covered the mama¡¯s hands as she groaned and struggled. But she had no strength left, and her head slowly drooped to rest on the old servant¡¯s¡¯ shoulder. Resignation and guilt shed through Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes as he watched his wife silently shed tears. He walked down the stairs. ¡°Come with me, daughter Yi.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining had finished dressing herself and was holding a hand warmer along with Bingtang, Qiulu, and Sonn.

    Cao Yuqing took an involuntary two steps forward and called out sweetly, ¡°My lord.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s footsteps paused for an instant, but he didn¡¯t turn as he responded, ¡°Concubine Cao has had a tiring day. Put her up well.¡± He turned to Qin-mama. ¡°Make sure you arrange for the most fitting servants for Concubine Cao. Not one bit ofcking service can happen. Send her the best of food and clothing.¡±

    Qin-mama nodded with surprise. Did Qin Huaiyuan mean to give n¨¦e Cao afortable life but not touch her at all?

    Well, that makes sense. Everyone in the world knew how the Suns had met their end. Qin Huaiyuan had never even once argued with the Duke of Ding. Then he¡¯d just lectured Qin Huining for refusing to wear the appropriate garments of mourning and grounded her, setting her to copy ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯ a hundred times over. How would he possibly ept n¨¦e Cao immediately? Then again, if he was the type to be in a hurry to sleep with every woman who walked through their doors, it wouldn¡¯t be the Qin Huaiyuan she¡¯d watched grow up. The old servant greatly admired Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s character, and was starting to see more and more of her lord in Qin Yining. The mama smiled involuntarily.

    Cao Yuqing watched as Qin Huaiyuan vanished into the distance, the hopeful expectation in her eyes dimming as she sighed lightly. She was invited back inside again by Qin-mama, who well understood her mistress¡¯ wishes. Qin Huining also brightened her mood again. My punishment starts tomorrow anyways, so I might as well sit andugh with Cao Yuqing.

    Everyone feted her like the stars dancing attendance on the moon, surrounding her as theyughed and apanied her inside. The warm hubbub of conversation soon smoothed any unpleasantness.

    Qin Yining followed her father to the study in the outer residence. The two each took a seat on the luohan bed next to the window. Qin Huaiyuan dismissed the maids after they¡¯d served tea. Qin Yining bit her lip and spoke apologetically, ¡°Father, I was too impulsive today and offended the old dowager. Please forgive me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re my daughter, so I naturally understand your thoughts and anger.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s voice was calm and measured. He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re smart and perceptive, capable of seeing through things with a single nce. But you¡¯re too impetuous. You seek to immediately make a move right after you assess the situation, and there¡¯s always a right or wrong in your eyes.

    ¡°I know that there isn¡¯t anyone who can stand up to you if you argue or fight at home. But outside? If you really run into someone who knows martial arts, you are only slightly strongerpared to other girls, that¡¯s all. What could you do to them? You¡¯re relying on the status of the official daughter at the moment. No one would dare harm my daughter inside this manor. But in the outside world, people wille after you even if you don¡¯t do anything to them. Do I make sense to you, daughter?¡±

    ¡°Father speaks truly, I know my wrongs.¡± Qin Yining lowered her head in shame. ¡°I really am too impulsive. I can¡¯t help but charge forward when I see injustice.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°But you must remember that filial piety sits on top of all virtues. Although the old dowager is incorrect in her doings, she is still my mother. I believe that you have more strategies in you than just direct assault in trying to improve your mother¡¯s circumstances. You can use your other tremendous methods on Qin Huining, but it¡¯s disrespectful to your elders if you employ them against Old Dowager. Besides, what does it aplish if you win an argument with an elder? Life will still be difficult for you and your mother in the future, no?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had spent most of his days in the outer residence and rarely set foot inside apart from greeting the old dowager. Qin Yining found it quite admirable that her father was able to so clearly analyze the inner residence.

    ¡°Father is right. I actually regret my actions as well. I was just thinking that well, since the old dowager doesn¡¯t like me, she still won¡¯t like me no matter what I say or do. She¡¯ll still treat me and mother coldly, so I just did whatever I thought was right.¡±

 Chapter 97: Of Inward Resolve and Outward Tenderness

    <h4>Chapter 97: Of Inward Resolve and Outward Tenderness</h4>

    ¡°But you actually do have more diplomatic methods, don¡¯t you? You just forgot about them because the anger rushed to your head.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed, nodding. She looked like a little kitten who understood her wrongs and was begging for her human¡¯s forgiveness.

    ¡°You child!¡± Qin Huaiyuanughed. ¡°Brash impulsiveness isn¡¯t a great sin. I also believe that we can¡¯t just mutely take all injustices, but it¡¯s best to be of both firm resolve and tenderness. Now, I¡¯m not saying that you have to unterally soften your stance on everything, but to adjust your attitude ordingly. To those you can¡¯t afford to offend, appearing seemingly gentle might be more appropriate.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining looked her father with worshipful, shining eyes. ¡°You were like that just now, father. A single phrase of a ¡®knife hiding behind a smile¡¯ was enough to make so many guilty and ashamed. Father, when can I be like you? You¡¯re so amazing! You don¡¯t have to kick up a fuss or even raise your voice to dominate everyone with just a few words!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was very satisfied that his daughter admired him so greatly. He reached out to tousle her hair. ¡°Methods are one thing, but the most important factor is my status.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked, suddenly understanding her father¡¯s meaning as hershes fluttered. He was telling her that only by upying a high position would one inspire dependence and respect from others, and only by doing the right things at the right time in the proper position would onemand subservience. Otherwise, one would bebeled a firebrand and troublemaker, and undesirable gossip would start.

    ¡°I understand, father, and will serve the old dowager in the future.¡± She nodded firmly.

    ¡°These aren¡¯t important matters. I trust that you¡¯ll handle them well in the future. Now, what happened at the Celestial Nunnery today is immensely suspicious. Tell me about it.¡±

    Qin Yining had known that her father would ask about it, so sheunched into her prepared summary with no hesitation. When she got to Yao Zhixi, she became careful, keeping the truth just slightly out of sight. Instead, she repeated what she¡¯d said to Xu Mao. Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t suspect anything was amiss with the mix of truth and lies.

    ¡°Although that Sir Yao knows Grand Steward Zhong, I can tell from the look in his eyes and his bearing that he¡¯s no ordinary person. It¡¯s right that you sent someone to look at his wounds, but keeping your distance from him in the future would be a solid course of action.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father.¡± Qin Yining also felt that this person was mysterious and unfathomable, even more so when she remembered all that had urred between the two of them. She had no problem agreeing with her father¡¯s advice.

    Qin Huaiyuan was very pleased to see how open his daughter was with him. ¡°Do as you¡¯d like in this. I trust that you have your own set of principles. In addition, you should keep an eye on one thing.¡±

    ¡°What is it, father?¡±

    ¡°Now that there has been two mass distributions of Great Zhou propaganda in the capital, the emperor has concluded that Great Zhou spies have deeply infiltrated the city. Add the incident at the nunnery and Sir Xu¡¯s conclusion that it was the work of Great Zhou, the emperor¡¯s nerves will only wind tighter when he receives word. What do you think an uneasy emperor will do?¡±

    Qin Yining thought for a bit and answered straightforwardly. ¡°The emperor will most likely move to achieve peace at all costs. He¡¯ll further lower his head and make more examples out of loyal subjects in order to pacify Great Zhou.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was halted in his tracks by such a direct answer.

    ¡°Father, am I wrong?¡± Qin Yining smiled as the silence hung in the air.

    ¡°Your analysis is spot on.¡± Qin Huaiyuan coughed. ¡°Now that we¡¯re connected to the Caos via marriage, the emperor and I are rted through our wives. Our family is temporarily safe, but it¡¯s tough to say the same for any other officials. Decline any and all invitations thate your way for a while, such as flower viewing parties. I¡¯ll speak to your grandmother about this as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood, I¡¯ll follow this well.¡±

    ¡°And, your mother...¡± Qin Huaiyuan frowned and sighed when he got to the matter of n¨¦e Sun. ¡°No matter what, it is I who should apologize to your mother this time. Take good care of her.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded silently. A brief lump rose in her throat at the sight of her her father feeling guilty because he had to take n¨¦e Cao as a concubine. He¡¯d had no choice, but there was also sense in mother¡¯s resentment. At the heart of it all, it was because of the emperor that their peaceful days had been disturbed.

    Silence filled the air in the study. Qin Huaiyuan finally spoke again after several long moments. ¡°Now that Great Zhou has swapped out their suprememander at Xihua, I wonder if we¡¯ll have some breathing space in the fighting.¡±

    ¡°Changed theirmander?¡± Qin Yining was surprised. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that little prince Pang in charge?¡±

    ¡°Pang Zhixi is a proud and uncontrolled person. He refused to execute the Great Zhou emperor¡¯smand, and so the emperor removed him from his position in a fit of anger. The new Supreme Commander of Southern Pacification is the Minister of Military Affairs, Lian Shengjie.¡± A mocking smile appeared on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s lips. ¡°This Lian Shengjie possesses mediocre skills in most aspects, but is adept at being a lecher and lusting after wealth. He¡¯s very ustomed to currying favor with those in power. Our scouts have reported back that Pang Zhixi is quite irritated by his demotion and erupted into furious argument with Lian Shengjie two days ago. He left the camp angrily on horseback and vanished. His whereabouts remain unknown. His Valiant Tigers don¡¯t listen to Lian Shengjie¡¯smands at all. If Great Zhou continues making such ill-thought decisions, then this might actually resolve our crisis.¡±

    Pang Zhixi? Qin Yining immediately was put in mind of Yao Zhixi when she heard that name. But it was just a matter of sharing the same secondary name. There wasn¡¯t anything particrly strange about that. She didn¡¯t dwell on it too long. ¡°It¡¯d be best if they have some internal conflict.¡±

    ¡°That depends on how everything is handled,¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded. ¡°But at least we can take advantage of this space to catch our breaths.¡±

    Qin Yining could tell from this that even if Great Zhou didn¡¯t have Pang Zhixi leading the troops, Great Yan didn¡¯t have much of a chance to win. Even still, although the chance was small, she still hoped that they could get through the new year safe and sound.

    The thirty-fifth year in the reign of the Qinglong Emperor of Great Yan, the third year of Great Zhou¡¯s rise to prominence, arrived in a dismal fashion.

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were observing a mourning period for the Sun males and thus always dressed inly. They also abstained from attending any banquets or watching any theater troupes who had been invited into the manor. The sixth miss, grounded for helping Qin Huining, was also released in light of the new year celebrations. While Qin Huining was grounded in Snowpear Courtyard and had been tasked with copying ¡®The ssic of Filial Piety¡¯, she hadn¡¯t actually finished for some reason. And, she was surprisingly quiet throughout the new year.

    Most surprising of all was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s attitude towards Cao Yuqing. It was if the beautiful and gentle woman was invisible to him. He gave her the best of housing and care, but never visited her yard. With his attitude, attitudes towards n¨¦e Sun grew respectful once more.

    But of course, except for the old dowager.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t n¨¦e Sun and granddaughter Yi in mourning? Then naturally they can¡¯t feast on fish and meat. Have the kitchen send over some vegetarian dishes, the simpler the better! If they¡¯re made too exquisitely, how will that highlight n¨¦e Sun¡¯s filial piety? We can leave off granddaughter Yi¡¯s daily bird¡¯s nest soup as well. That costs silver! Who observes mourning in such avish fashion?¡± The old dowager drew deeply from her new brass pipe, but privately felt that the old mouthpiece was better. A wave of anger washed over her again at the thought.

    Qin-mama tried talking her mistress down from her simmering anger a few times, but she didn¡¯t dare be too blunt with her attempts, in case the old dowager grew suspicious. She could only have servants send boiled vegetables and rice to the Garden of Tranquility.

    ......

    Shaking with anger, N¨¦e Sun held up the bowl and peered at the coarse grains of rice inside, then looked at a jug of vegetable soup. The contents had been boiled tasteless, and nearly formless.

    ¡°What is all this! Are they bullying someone without parents?! As down on my luck I may be, I am still Qin Meng¡¯s wife! Is this how they treat Qin Meng¡¯s wife and child?!¡± She was so enraged that she was seconds away from smashing the white porcin bowl.

    Qin Yining moved swiftly to rescue the poor bowl. She¡¯d borne witness to the murder of countless bowls over the past few days. The mary value of the destroyed porcin was higher than even the food they ate.

    ¡°Calm down, mother. Remember what I told you before that being able to endure suffering will help you be the best that you can be? Although they¡¯re not spending much effort on our meals, we¡¯re not actually eating all that badly.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Do you like the vegetarian dishes from Great Prosperity? I can have servants bring more food from them.¡±

    Tears swam in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes. ¡°We¡¯re the main branch of the family and receive a given stipend every month. The main kitchen is sending us meal boxes that are even worse than the servants¡¯. Where did all the silver go? I sent servants to ask and they said that we should eat lighter because we¡¯re in mourning, that they haven¡¯t shorted us on anything. But the new concubine and your father¡¯s four original concubines have gone and shared our stipend between the four of them! The old dowager is pping my face with this!¡±

    The tears could no longer be held back and trickled down like a newly freed river. Qin Yining used every trick she had, exhausting everything before she finally calmed her mother down. It had taken a long time for her mother to finally stop crying.

    But the day was yet to end. A wave of titters and murmurs traveled in from the yard. Jin-mama came in with a very ugly expression. ¡°Senior Madame. Concubine Cao, Hua, Li, Qian, and Chen as well as Miss Huining are here to greet you.¡±

    The curtains were lifted before n¨¦e Sun even had a chance to response, and the gaggle of concubines, all done up, walked in.

 Chapter 98: Anyone Can Be A Mother

    <h4>Chapter 98: Anyone Can Be A Mother</h4>

    ¡°These humble concubines greet the senior madame and fourth miss.¡±

    ¡°Daughter greets mother.¡± The soft, breathy female voices would have been pleasing music to one¡¯s eyes, very like how their concerted curtsies would have been a beautiful sight. That is, if one discounted the barely concealed pride in their expressions.

    Qin Yining smiled and returned their curtsies, then took her seat below n¨¦e Sun. Her mother¡¯s face was now beet red with effort as she mightily ignored the food on the table in front of her and refused to cry in front of the group. She was going to bring out the aura of the official wife to subjugate them! However, her reddened ears betrayed the frayed edges of her mental state and the humiliation she was feeling.

    Cao Yuqing sat down leisurely on one of the round chairs,zily supporting her body with an elbow. She looked smilingly at everyone, as if ready for a good show. Concubine Hua, Li, Qian, and Chen wanted to imitate her, but when they happened to meet Qin Yining¡¯s supercilious gaze, they stopped their movements. They didn¡¯t enjoy the same background as Cao Yuqing, so they couldn¡¯t quite do the same things without worry.

    Qin Huining had walked up to n¨¦e Sun with a smile at this point and wrapped her hands around her mother, shyly taking a seat beside her. ¡°Mother, I was grounded these days and couldn¡¯te see you. You look like you¡¯ve lost a great deal of weight.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± N¨¦e Sun was happy to see her daughter, but the joy turned to a frown when she saw the silver-red padded jacket with an intersecting cor. ¡°What kind of outfit is this? Your maternal grandmother and uncles have just departed this world. What are you trying to do, dressing up in this showy fashion?!¡±

    Qin Huining sneered inwardly but pasted a frightened expression on her face. She rose and spoke with a lowered head, ¡°Mother, it¡¯s the new month of the year and I was afraid that the old dowager would be displeased if I dressed in any other way. Besides, I needed to express my filial piety given that foster mother¡¯s newly joined our family.¡±

    ¡°Foster mother?¡± N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t immediately understand what was going on, but Qin Yining¡¯s eyes had already alighted on Cao Yuqingzily snacking on candied dates off on the side.

    Concubine Cao noticed Qin Yining¡¯s gaze and responded with a polite smile, an obvious gesture of wanting to build intimacy with the fourth miss. In response, Qin Yining arched an indifferent eyebrow, her eyes returning to Qin Huining. Looks like Qin Huining¡¯s attached herself to Cao Yuqing.

    ¡°In response to Senior Madame,¡± Concubine Chen interjected smilingly. ¡°Miss Huining has a great shared destiny with sister Cao. The old dowager made the decision for Miss Huining to take sister Cao as her foster mother. We were just at Garden of Loving Piety observing the ceremony.¡±

    Concubine Chen was thirty-five years old this year and had served Qin Huaiyuan since her youth. She¡¯d gradually risen to the status of bedwarmer, and had finally been elevated to the status of a concubine once n¨¦e Sun had married into the family. Therefore, Concubine Chen felt that her rtionship with Qin Huaiyuan was different than those of others. Even though she¡¯d been sold as a ve to the Qins, she felt she had the allowance to speak more freely than others. That freedom had spread to her thoughts as well. In fact, she suspected that n¨¦e Sun had secretly fed her medicine to prevent her from having any children all these years. How was it possible otherwise that she hadn¡¯t any?!

    ¡°Precisely. I too feel that Miss Huining has a great shared destiny with sister Cao. Their beautiful features are so simr as well.¡± Concubine Qian joined in as well when she saw Concubine Chen go on the offensive. ¡°We just held the banquet at Garden of Loving Piety. Everyone said that Miss Huining is like a shadow of sister Cao. But our hearts were all with the senior madame, so we only ate two bites of the meal beforeing to greet you.¡±

    The old dowager had purchased Concubine Cao from outside to carry on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s line. She was twenty-eight now, but looked just over twenty. She was extremely seductive and boasted mesmerizing looks.

    With Concubine Chen and Qian leading the charge, Concubine Hua and Li also startedughing. They ignored n¨¦e Sun¡¯s livid expression and put on a great show of congratting Qin Huining. The girl looked slightly embarrassed and tugged on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s sleeve cutely, calling out, ¡°Mother.¡±

    The room went dark in front of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes as fury thrilled through her veins. Her head spun and it took a very long moment before she could catch her breath. Enraged beyond reason, she pointed a shaking finger at Qin Huining.

    ¡°Well, well now! You ungrateful traitor! I was truly blind to have raised you for so many years!¡± She didn¡¯t waste her breath on words, and instead just pped Qin Huining heavily across the face.

    The foster girl never thought that n¨¦e Sun would p her in the presence of Cao Yuqing! She didn¡¯t even have the time to dodge, and stumbled backwards, crashing to the ground. Unconscious of her rumpled state, she could only stare at n¨¦e Sun with dumb shock.

    The stubborn tears that n¨¦e Sun had been holding back finally spilled over and she pointed at everyone in the room. ¡°I know what you¡¯re all trying to do! Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m still Qin Meng¡¯s wife!¡±

    The four concubines were greatly enjoying the show of a seemingly threatening, but in reality weak n¨¦e Sun. Inwardly, they all snickered in malicious glee. They¡¯d been suppressed from n¨¦e Sun for long enough, and now, they were being treated to the real life illustration of ¡®a plucked phoenix is less than a chicken¡¯! What a sweet thrill!

    Qin Huining covered her face and began sobbing. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother. No matter who bes my foster mother, you¡¯re still my mother! I¡¯ll never forget your years of nurture! I just get along well with foster mother, that¡¯s all. You, you acting like this... isn¡¯t, isn¡¯t this making things difficult for foster mother?¡±

    Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to Cao Yuqing at this. She was still lounging on her chair with a new handful of candied dates to munch on. She didn¡¯t say anything, merely continuing to sit with slightly pursed lips. Her posture was the very picture of casual elegance. The concubines drew courage from their backer and once again looked dismissively at n¨¦e Sun again, carrying on their nattering.

    ¡°Senior Madame, you should have a more gracious bearing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. The Duke of Ding is no more, but you¡¯re still here. Has the senior madame lost all of her manners just because she¡¯s lost her family?¡±

    ¡°The old dowager is so very happy right now, so who is the senior madame aiming all of this towards? Are you dissatisfied with the old dowager?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, the senior madame is definitely most filial. She would never be like this to the old dowager.¡±

    ¡°Then she¡¯s acting like this against sister Cao?¡± The four concubines had quite the silver tongue between them. It had only taken them a few words to frame a battlefield between the two two who already shared a blood feud.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes were wide and staring in her anger, while Cao Yuqing continued to silently snack, her serene eyes taking everything in. The Ding Manor had been mighty just a few days ago, so no one had dared offend n¨¦e Sun when she was on one of her high and mighty fits. Even the old dowager had showed n¨¦e Sun some respect. Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t that enthused about his concubines, so the four didn¡¯t dare cause any trouble.

    But things were different now. N¨¦e Sun was now eating coarse and simple food, suffering eye rolls from the old dowager without anything held back. She no longer had a backer, but still had to face Cao Yuqing and her immensely strong family. Of course these concubines would take advantage to get a few stomps in.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s mind spun again as she trembled with suppressed anger. Just as she was about to explode, Qin Yining spoke up, one one step ahead of her.

    ¡°Quiet down.¡± Her voice hadn¡¯t been very loud, almost nomittal in its tone.

    The concubines all started when they heard Qin Yining¡¯s voice. However, they didn¡¯t think much of n¨¦e Sun these days, to say nothing of Qin Yining. They continued flinging out barbed words.

    ¡°Jin-mama, what do we do when concubines don¡¯t respect the wife?¡± Qin Yining snorted coldly, her voice rising a little in volume.

    ¡°In response to the miss, the buying and selling of concubines are no different to that of servants. It¡¯s all up to the mistress of the household.¡±

    The four concubines finally shut up at that. Concubine Chen turned to Qin Yining, taunting her, ¡°Don¡¯t get such a big head, Fourth Miss. The senior madame has yet to say anything, so what right do you have to stick your nose in this?¡±

    ¡°Right. The fourth miss is just a child; it¡¯s best not to get involved in adult matters.¡± Concubine Hua also chimed in.

    Qin Yining ignored them, issuing orders to Jin-mama from her seat. ¡°Go summon a few strong granny servants. Concubine Chen, Hua, Li, and Qian haven¡¯t served father well over the years. Apart from not being able to extend the family line, they¡¯ve darede to the senior madame¡¯s residence today to create trouble. As lowly concubines, they dared offend their mistress! The Qin household has no need for unruly servants of their ilk. Have the vers strip them of their luxurious clothes and jewelry. Give them coarse, padded cotton jackets and sell them somece I¡¯ll never see again!¡±

    The group was bbergasted by these promations. N¨¦e Sun also stared dumbly at her daughter when she finally recollected her senses. Jin-mama swallowed hard. The fourth miss is a tough one alright!

    The four concubines were also slightly surprised. From past experiences, they¡¯d assumed Qin Yining to only have the methods of a barbarian. They were well prepared to meet insults and physical violence. The second Qin Yining was provoked into action, it would put n¨¦e Sun in the wrong no matter what. It would be easy enough to spin that into n¨¦e Sun failing to raise her child properly. Being faulted for turning an official daughter into an uncultured barbarian would tarnish n¨¦e Sun¡¯s impression in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes as well.

    No one had thought that instead of arguing with them or resorting to brawling, Qin Yining would immediately order their sale!

    ¡°What nonsense is this?!¡± Concubine Chen sniffed coldly. ¡°I¡¯ve been serving the lord since before you were born! You have no right to sell me without the lord¡¯s approval!¡±

    ¡°No right?¡± Qin Yining stood up and looked at Concubine Chen with a smile ying about her lips. ¡°My rightes because I¡¯m the mistress, and you¡¯re the servant. She turned back to Jin-mama. ¡°Well? Go on.¡±

    When Jin-mama saw how Qin Yining was taking charge of the situation, she felt courage well up from within her. She immediately ran off to summon reinforcements. On the other hand, Qin Huining grabbed a handful of Qin Yining¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Sister Yi, how can you do this?! Who are you to sell those who share father¡¯s bed like this? Are you trying to rebel against the family?¡±

    Qin Yining lightly brushed off the foster girl¡¯s hand and smiled gently at her. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, your turn¡¯sing up next.¡±

    Her voice was even, almost gentle in its tone. She didn¡¯te off as fiercely as before, but Qin Huining still felt ice trickle down her spine. The foster girl quailed and took two involuntary steps backwards. She just managed to ovee panicked fear when she snuck a nce at Cao Yuqing, seemingly absorbed in her snacks.

    The news that Garden of Tranquility was selling off concubines spread like wildfire before Jin-mama returned, thanks to the servants the concubines had brought with them. The old dowager had been chatting merrily with the second and third madame in Garden of Loving Piety. She roared with anger when the news came to her attention. ¡°Ludicrous, how ludicrous! That sterile hen can¡¯ty a single egg herself, but wants to sell off those at Meng¡¯er¡¯s side. How dare she!?¡±

    It was Ruyi who answered with trepidation after sneaking a nce at Qin-mama. ¡°In response to Old Dowager, the senior madame wasn¡¯t the one to give the order. It was the fourth miss.¡±

    ¡°That brat!¡± The seething irritation turned volcanic in scale. ¡°She¡¯spletely rebelling against everything! How dare she make a move on those who keep her fatherpany! Second and third daughter-inw,e with me! I¡¯d like to see who dares throw their weight around in my house!

 Chapter 99: Unexpected Plea For Mercy

    <h4>Chapter 99: Unexpected Plea For Mercy</h4>

    The old dowager rose huffily and made her way outside. The second and third madame looked at each other, interest shing through both of their eyes. Although they disliked the old dowager¡¯s fence-sitting, fawning ways of currying favor with those in power, they¡¯d also always been at odds with the main branch of the family. This was particrly true for the second branch. The third elder master was concubine-born and therefore unloved, but the old dowager still liked the third madame enough because most of the family¡¯s silver came from the third branch. But the second branch? The second elder master was also born of the wife, so why was he so much lower on the totem pole whenpared to the firstborn?

    Qin-mama stepped forward to support the old dowager to gently persuade, ¡°There¡¯s no rush, mistress. We can set out after putting on a cloak properly and adding some more warm clothing. Mistress is of a dignified age, and it would be disastrous if you caught a cold from the wind.¡¯

    The old servant¡¯s words were slow and measured, andnded on the old dowager¡¯s ears like warm rain. After all, they were clearly in her best interests. The old dowager allowed Qin-mama to help her into a cloak and warm hat. She continued cursing the entire time, ¡°That brat definitely wants to lord it over me! It¡¯s only been a few days, but look what she¡¯s up to! What does she want to do in front of n¨¦e Cao? Doesn¡¯t she know of the difficulties our family is in?!¡±

    Although the old servant was wholeheartedly devoted to the old dowager, she sometimes couldn¡¯t bear to see her mistress be so heartless. But as a servant, she was limited in what she could do. She could only grasp the opportunities presented and go along with the flow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mistress. Your children and grandchildren naturally have their own fortunes. It only makes for poor health if you be so angry. Not to mention, when has the lord not gone along with what the fourth miss has done? In this servant¡¯s eyes, the lord loves the fourth miss like no other, even raising her like a son. With the lord¡¯s character and talents, his thoughts and actions aren¡¯t something that a humble one like I can understand. But I know that the lord has always had a reason behind his actions. Now that he¡¯s spent so many years at court, the lord has be ever more outstanding. His ability to assess others has also be sharper. Since he¡¯s letting the fourth miss do all this, then surely this is something he wants as well.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was the old dowager¡¯s soft spot. In bringing his qualities to the fore, the old dowager was instantly rid of most of her anger. When the old dowager took a moment to think, the old servant¡¯s words made sense. Even though she was angry that Qin Yining was being so domineering, perhaps Qin Huaiyuan really had authorized the girl in private to act this way?

    She wanted to go ask her son, but it was the sixth day of the month and a great meeting was being held at court. No one could know when Qin Huaiyuan would return.

    When the second and third madame saw the old dowager¡¯s mood no longer as irate, they found themselves without much to say. They knew that although the old dowager was an impulsive character, Qin-mama was the shrewd one. The old servant would hold a grudge if they so much as spoke a word out of line, and the old dowager would believe whatever the old servant said about them.

    When the four of them rushed to Garden of Tranquility, the strong granny servants had already changed the four concubines out of their previous clothes. They looked just as bedraggled now as they did luxurious earlier. They were also being dragged out of the house by the granny servants. Concubine Chen had her arms wrapped around a hallway column, holding on for dear life as tears streamed down her face. Concubine Hua was sprawled on the ground with a death grip on the plinth of a column. The yard rang with all manner of curses, screams, and wails.

    Qin Yining was supporting n¨¦e Sun as the two watched the messy spectacle unfold. Qin Huining kept Cao Yuqingpany. When they saw the old dowager arrive, Qin Yining helped her mother down the stairs to curtsey. ¡°Greetings to grandmother.¡±

    ¡°Good health to Old Dowager.¡± N¨¦e Sun and Cao Yuqing curtsied as well.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to be well, but you don¡¯t haven¡¯t given me a moment of peace yet.¡± The old dowager¡¯s expression was dark. ¡°How am I supposed to be well? N¨¦e Sun, what are you ying at now? How dare you kick up a fuss like this before the first month of the year is even over? The emperor rules the nation with benevolence and wisdom, and no Great Yan noble has ever had the scandal of beating a servant to death. Don¡¯t you go overboard with whatever you¡¯re doing!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had been nurturing a grudge all these days because the old dowager¡¯s distant callousness had thoroughly broken her heart. Now, faced with this bare-faced lecture and her fiery personality, there was no way she would be remaining quiet.

    Thankfully, Qin Yining tugged on her hand before she had a chance to open her mouth. The young miss stepped forward and curtsied. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. I don¡¯t mean to kill them. They just haven¡¯t lived up to their duties, so I¡¯m merely going to sell them off. It wasn¡¯t mother¡¯s idea today, but mine.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s sharp gaze stabbed towards Qin Yining as she jabbed at the girl¡¯s nose with a finger wearing a gold encrusted jade ring. ¡°And you! I was going to look for you anyways. You rebellious brat! On your knees!¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s lips curled up in delight. Let¡¯s see who¡¯s the one beaten up first!

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t care about themand at all and was just about to kneel nonchntly when a graceful hand caught her arm firmly. Surprised, she lifted her head to see Cao Yuqing¡¯s stunning face.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager.¡± A charming smile illuminated Cao Yuqing¡¯s face even as one arm kept Qin Yining from descending to her knees. If she hadn¡¯t been on the receiving end of the grip, Qin Yining would¡¯ve never thought that the concubine had so much strength to her slender figure.

    Qin Huining was also quite perplexed. She was the one who¡¯d taken Cao Yuqing as a foster mother! Why was the concubine helping Qin Yining?

    ¡°Old Dowager, allow this concubine to overstep herself. The fourth miss is but a young girl, how can she endure kneeling on such cold stones? The lord would be greatly saddened if she grew ill from this punishment.¡±

    The old dowager was quite soothed by these words. Despite her stunning looks and illustrious background, Cao Yuqing had never walked about with the airs of a Cao daughter. She was unfailingly polite and pleasant to her mother-inw and followed the old dowager¡¯s will in everything. She even considered things from her husband¡¯s perspective! The matriarch had given orders for Qin Yining to kneel, and even her birth mother had busied herself with being angry and hadn¡¯t protested. It had been Cao Yuqing who¡¯d taken a stand for the girl.

    ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you due to consideration for your Auntie Cao.¡± The old dowager nodded. ¡°So tell me, what¡¯s going on in this yard? Who gave you the courage to sell off these concubines?!¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know what Cao Yuqing wanted, nor did she have the time to ponder it. The girl walked over to the old dowager to whisper, ¡°Grandmother, can we talk over there?¡±

    The old dowager followed Qin Yining over when she saw how solemn the girl¡¯s voice had be.

    ¡°Old Dowager, these concubines don¡¯t respect the rules,¡± Qin Yining began murmuring into the old dowager¡¯s ear. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to hold them ountable for this at first because the old dowager is wise and kind. I was just going to view it as keeping around some additional servants. But who would¡¯ve thought that they would be so disrespectful to the senior madame? I feel that the rules of our household can¡¯t be broken like this. Not to mention, we can¡¯t let gossip start about father being too muddle-headed to properly choose concubines, and be known for a restless inner residence. That¡¯s why I had the idea of selling them off. Besides, now that Auntie Cao has joined us, do we really need other concubines?¡±

    The old dowager didn¡¯t want to hear any of Qin Yining¡¯s earlier words. In fact, she heard only thest line. That¡¯s right! Why didn¡¯t I think of that?!

    Sadly, Cao Yuqing couldn¡¯t rece n¨¦e Sun. There still remained an insurmountable difference between wife and concubine. But apart from an official wife in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s yard, there were other concubines as the same footing as n¨¦e Cao. Wasn¡¯t that just an invitation for ire from the new concubine? So was Qin Yining actually helping the family out by making such an enormous deal today and helping Qin Huaiyuan clean house?

    The more the old dowager thought it over, the more she felt that there wasn¡¯t much fault she could attribute to Qin Yining for blowing the matter up and selling off the concubine. As the family matriarch, the old dowager had to keep her eyes firmly set on the prize. Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t too fond of these four concubines to begin with; he¡¯d always been indifferent to them. Looking at it this way, having just a wife and one concubine seemed to be enough.

    ¡°Well, what are you waiting for? Throw these four cheap servants out!¡± The old dowager nodded almost to her self, and snapped out. ¡°How dare they throw their weight around in front of the senior madame?! Do you think the Qins can be bullied like this?! We fed and clothed you and didn¡¯t mind that you never bore any children. How dare you get all high and mighty like this?!¡±

    The crowd was bbergasted. What on earth had Qin Yining just whispered to the old dowager? In the blink of an eye, she¡¯d convinced the matriarch so thoroughly that thetter was fully supporting her!

    The concubines had thought that with the old dowager¡¯s attitude towards n¨¦e Suntely, she would certainly help them get a few stomps in on n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining. But the fourth miss had only spoken a few words, and the old dowager had taken the field against them! Although n¨¦e Sun easily flew into jealous fits, she¡¯d never shorted them on anything. They always wore the best of fabrics in the Qin Manor and had servants waiting on them hand and foot. How could they go back to being an ordinary person? These days of milk and honey woulde to an end if they were sold off!

    They were so regretful that they wished they could dig out their guts to express their regret! They shouldn¡¯t have stuck their necks out to please n¨¦e Cao. Now that they thought about it, although n¨¦e Cao was also a fellow concubine, her background was so much more illustrious than theirs. How could she ever treat them as peers? Not only had they not gotten anything out of this mess, but they¡¯d dragged themselves down instead!

    ¡°Mercy, Old Dowager! We know our wrongs!¡±

    ¡°Senior Madame, have pity, please have pity on us!¡± The concubines screeched and wailed for mercy, the cocky and jeering expressions from moments ago having vanished without a trace.

 Chapter 100: Pang Xiaoâ€™s Fury

    <h4>Chapter 100: Pang Xiao¡¯s Fury</h4>

    However, the granny servants roughly jerked them out, pinching the concubines fiercely when they refused to go. After enduring several vicious pinches on their delicate waists and backs, even the most recalcitrant concubine let go with a wail. The granny servants hadn¡¯t been fully confident earlier, since the only order they¡¯d heard was Qin Yining¡¯s. But now with the old dowager¡¯s support, their reservations had been wiped clear. When the concubines kicked up an unholy fuss in screeches, the servants decided to use the handkerchiefs around the former¡¯s waists as a makeshift gag.

    Garden of Tranquility quickly regained its peace and quiet. The remaining servants looked at Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun with new eyes. Who said the senior madame had fallen from grace? Who said that the fourth miss had lost favor? If that really was the case, would the old dowager have backed them up so decisively?

    Those four concubines had been old hands in the manor, but here they were, sold off just like that, all because of a disrespectful showing to the senior madame and fourth miss! Thank goodness the remaining servants hadn¡¯t run afoul of these two, or they¡¯d also be part of the ones being sold off today!

    Qin Yining understood that she had reached her goal after sweeping her eyes across those assembled in the yard. It looks like it isn¡¯t too difficult to have the old dowager do things my way as long as I say the right stuff. She hadn¡¯t gone head to head with the matriarch this time, but had still aplished her goal of making an example out of the four concubines. If she hadn¡¯t been sessful today, then even the servants wouldn¡¯t hesitate to bully them in the future!

    The fourth miss was naturally very grateful for her grandmother¡¯s ¡®help¡¯ and invited the matriarch in for a spot of tea. When the old dowager saw the expressions on the crowd¡¯s faces, she immediately realized that she¡¯d been used. Although her actions also signaled goodwill towards n¨¦e Cao, they¡¯d also helped n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining. Not only had she been yed, she¡¯d willingly gone along for the ride.

    Some irritation inevitably arose after being used so. She knew she¡¯d choke on anger if she conversed with Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun after this! The old dowager whirled huffily and left, leaving behind an indifferent Qin Yining who curtsied politely with the others. The second and third madame nked the old dowager and apanied the matriarch back, quietly reassessing n¨¦e Sun after witnessing Qin Yining¡¯s methods.

    N¨¦e Sun was a brash, headstrong, arrogant, and frankly brainless character. Qin Yining was the very opposite. Setting aside the fact that Qin Huaiyuan knew the matters of the inner residence like the back of his hand, n¨¦e Sun still had Qin Yining by her side. It would be more than just difficult for the second and third branches of the family to pull one over the main branch.

    After everyone had left, Cao Yuqing nodded with a smile at n¨¦e Sun and turned to Qin Yining. ¡°Fourth Miss, your wits are unparalleled. This concubine is filled with admiration. Please doe and visit my residence when you¡¯re free in the future.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun red at Cao Yuqing, her eyes wanting to rip the concubine to pieces. Qin Yining didn¡¯t give her mother a chance to respond as she also returned a smiling nod. ¡°Many thanks to Auntie Cao today.¡±

    ¡°No need to be so polite, Fourth Miss. This concubine merely lifted a finger.¡± Cao Yuqing dimpled.

    The two smiled at each other. Yet the slightly strange smiles on their strikingly beautiful faces had nothing to do with Cao Yuqing preventing Qin Yining from kneeling in punishment. How many days had it been since the new concubine had entered the Qin Manor? She¡¯d ¡®merely lifted a finger¡¯ today and used Qin Yining¡¯s hand to bloodlessly and easily take out four potential opponents. Whereas, Qin Yining was ¡®thankful¡¯ that this matter had reestablished n¨¦e Sun¡¯s authority and forced the old dowager into publicly supporting the senior madame¡¯s actions, making the servants respect the senior madame and fourth miss again.

    It was win-win.

    Qin Yining understood this. Cao Yuqing understood this. A silent momentter, the two shed knowing smiles at each other. Meanwhile, n¨¦e Sun was still off on the side andpletely lost. All she could tell was that something seemed to be going on, while Qin Huining was almost drowning in envy.

    She didn¡¯t understand! She¡¯d been the one to sessfully im Cao Yuqing as a foster mother, so why did it still feel like she was inferior to Qin Yining? Qin Yining only had that good-for-nothing n¨¦e Sun! It¡¯s not fair that she gets to live such a high and mighty life! Why was n¨¦e Cao treating Qin Yining so kindly and even asking for leniency on thetter¡¯s behalf?

    Qin Huining wracked her brains, but couldn¡¯t figure out when these two virtual strangers had the chance to interact with each other before. She only knew that her brave decision to shoulder the ugly name of ¡®fence-sitter¡¯ hadn¡¯t brought her the power to suppress Qin Yining. This was hateful, just too aggravating!

    Qin Yining helped her mother inside to finish her meal after Cao Yuqing and Qin Huining took their leave. While they ate, she gave n¨¦e Sun a rough exnation so that she finally understood Cao Yuqing¡¯s scheming and Qin Yining¡¯s intentions. After the madame understood how things had gone, she grew even more convinced of her daughter¡¯s great wits and methods.

    Meanwhile, news of the fourth miss sending away four concubines with just a few words and doing so with the old dowager¡¯s support quickly traveled all over the manor. The old dowager had thought that Qin Huaiyuan would at least ask when he heard about his four concubines being sold. She¡¯d already prepared her response, but the lord had shut himself in the study after returning from mourning court. He even missed the evening greeting at Garden of Loving Piety, not even emerging when the old dowager sent servants to inquire.

    Fortunately, the second elder master Qin Xiuyuan had also attended court. The news he brought back was so unexpected that the entire family was stunned.

    ¡°What? Say that again! Great Zhou wants to parley?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Qin Xiuyuan nodded. ¡°The Great Zhou envoy announced that he was willing to discuss peace during our court session. The military campground outside Xihua has been chosen as the location. After a few rounds of discussion, big brother won out over all proposed representatives. The emperor has made him the envoy of peace.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful, wonderful!¡± The old dowager nearly danced in her joy. The other females also sported slight smiles. No matter who went to speak of peace between Great Zhou and Great Yan, this would be an enormous achievement! The representative would be recorded in the annals of history! Qin Huaiyuan was already the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. If he could sessfully broker peace, then it would be another marvelous stroke for his reputation amongst the popce and through the eyes of historians.

    ¡°Great honor to our ancestors, great honor!¡± The old dowager was immensely gratified. ¡°But this is a good thing. Why is your brother depressed aftering back and refusing to see anyone?¡±

    A strange look flitted across Qin Xiuyuan¡¯s face. ¡°In response to mother... it came down to big brother or Elder Statesman Cao. When big brother was chosen, Statesman Cao... offered... a ridiculous idea...¡±

    ¡°What, what ridiculous idea?¡± The old dowager leaned forward with widened eyes.

    ¡°Elder Statesman Cao said that...¡± Qin Xiuyuan¡¯s voice almost became inaudible. ¡°Great Zhou¡¯s main representative this time is their Minister of Military Affairs, Lian Shengjie. This person is extremely wily and crafty, but he has been known to have a weakness for beauties. The statesman rmended the emperor try seduction as a tactic. His Majesty felt that this was a wonderful idea, saying that ¡®heroes always be prisoners of love¡¯. The statesman then followed up with the statement that since ¡®Grand Preceptor Qin is called Wise Pan An, and that his daughter bears a remarkable likeness, she must be a stunning beauty. In the interest of national peace, it would be a great achievement if the grand preceptor is willing to offer up his daughter¡¯.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± An explosion went off inside the old dowager¡¯s head. She wanted to save Qin Yining for the crown prince! If the girl was sent to parley, then this pawn would bepletely ruined! She¡¯d heard of Lian Shengjie. He was known as an old lecher. If Qin Yining truly made this trip, her chastity would be gone for sure! Their house finally had a girl so eminently suited to be the crown princess consort, but now she was to be sacrificed for peace?! The old dowager tripped over her words in her haste to ask. ¡°And the emperor? What did the emperor say? Did he agree?¡±

    Qin Xiuyuan sighed and nodded. ¡°The emperor¡¯s already given the decree that big brother is to set off ten days from now, and take niece Yi with him. He must sessfully broker peace, or offer up his own head in apology. This is why big brother is so depressed.¡±

    His words plunged everyone into an icy cavern of dread. An imperial decree had descended. If Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t bear to sacrifice his daughter, the Qins might be eradicated. But realistically, the family would never give up so many years of effort to save a single girl, so Qin Yining¡¯s sacrifice was a foregone conclusion.

    The old dowager sat primly in her seat, her lips tightlypressed. She didn¡¯t utter another word. Everyone looked at each other, various thoughts rattling around in their brains.

    ......

    Back at Cloudsoar Inn, Pang Xiao had given orders for Huzi to send Bingtang back when he received a message from his subordinates. A ck fur cloak was draped around his shoulder as he stood in front of a window. After perusing the note thoroughly, he threw it into the charcoal brazier. He made sure to incinerate itpletely, staring at the live coals with his forehead tightly knitted.

    Huzi came back inside to see an exceedingly ugly expression on Pang Xiao¡¯s face. ¡°Are you alright, master? Is it your injury?¡± he asked anxiously.

    Pang Xiao¡¯splexion was still a bit pale, but when he turned to face Huzi, his phoenix eyes had turned into furious orbs of fire. Huzi had spent enough time at his master¡¯s side to recognize the warning signs and smartly hopped back two steps. A moment of silence passed, and his master exploded into action, upending the charcoal brazier with a mighty kick!

    Huzi quickly sshed a basin of water over the coals scattered all over the ground, causing them to hiss in dismay. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, master?¡±

    ¡°F*ck that motherf*cking old f*cktard Weichi!¡± Pang Xiao roared. ¡°His Majesty ordered Lian Shengjie to negotiate for peace, but the Great Yan emperor wants to gift Qin Si to Lian Shengjie!¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± Huzi sucked in a breath. This was a fresh flower that even his master couldn¡¯t bear to pluck! Would it be nted on that turd heap Lian Shengjie?

 Chapter 101: Undercurrents of Peace Negotiations

    <h4>Chapter 101: Undercurrents of Peace Negotiations</h4>

    Huzi knew better than to ask too many questions when his master was this livid. He busied himself with cleaning the floor of coals with a broom and dustpan. He also made sure to summon an inn employee to relight the brazier. As he waited for Pang Xiao to cool off, the guard also personally brewed a cup of tea for his master. When he saw the prince¡¯s expression lighten slightly, he finally dared voice the questions burning the tip of his tongue. ¡°Why would His Majesty suddenly speak of peace? We¡¯ve always had the upper hand in the war. It should be Great Yan begging for peace. Why are we the ones to speak of it first?¡±

    Pang Xiao swept his robe aside to sit on a round chair. A mocking lilt curved his lips. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡±

    ¡°Master, I don¡¯t understand.¡± Huzi scratched his head curiously.

    ¡°We¡¯ve fought Northern Ji for so many years now, and then picked up the mess that was the country after a hard victory. We then dered war on Great Yan almost immediately, disregarding the Tatars to the north who have always been harassing, raiding, and looting us. Ji Zeyu¡¯s men in the north need rations and feed as well. How deep do you think our nation¡¯s vaults go?¡±

    ¡°But... but Great Zhou¡¯s armies are strong...¡±

    ¡°The fiercest soldier and strongest horse has strength only if they¡¯re fed. Did the emperor dere war on Great Yan right after his coronation only because he wants to unite the world?¡±

    Huzi blinked and ¡®ohhhh¡¯ed inprehension after a long while. ¡°I get it! His Majesty wants the richnd that Great Yan sits on. Not to mention how easy of a target they are, so he wanted to fight a war to feed another war.¡±

    Pang Xiao poured himself another cup of tea and sipped it slowly. Huzi paced in several circles and then smacked his forehead. ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t really want peace, does he? We are... out of silver for the front lines? The emperor¡¯s lying about the negotiations so that... we get a sum of silver to continue the war?¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded absently as he stared at the white porcin teacup in his hand. His gaze was unfathomably deep.

    ¡°Tsk tsk, this makes things interesting. Those Great Yan idiots want nothing more than peace. They¡¯ll probablye with all the sincerity they have. That¡¯s why old fart Weichi forced Qin Huaiyuan to offer up the Qin fourth miss. If they go through the negotiations and then discover it to be all a sham, won¡¯t their citizens be furious?¡±

    ¡°Great Yan citizenry is already up in arms.¡± Pang Xiao firmly poked the teacup with a callused finger, sending it spinning round and round. ¡°That old fart Weichi favors the trampress and savages his loyal subjects. Whether it¡¯s the death of Imperial Physician Tang, Sun Yuanming, or the execution of all the Duke of Ding¡¯s male rtives, all of this has only enabled the people to see how trash their emperor is. A coward to the bone, to think nothing of the life and death of the ordinary people and soldiers. Whenever trouble knocks, he sends his loyal subjects to answer the door. After a string of events like this, both Great Yan¡¯s citizens and army will bepletely disappointed in their emperor. This, is what His Majesty wants.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why the emperor wanted Sun Yu¡¯s brains.¡± Huzi understood it all now. ¡°He wanted to enrage the popce and drive them to hate their emperor even more.¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    So, the negotiations this time had multiple des hidden within. It would not only extort silver from Great Yan that would then be used to fuel the war against them, but also use Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s good name to once again stir up the army and popce¡¯s discontent against their emperor.

    Last time, the trash emperor and trampress wanted great schr Sun Yu¡¯s brains in order to appease Great Zhou. This time, this fool of an emperor had thrown all dignity to the wind and was hiding beneath the skirts of a girl, sending her to the front. Even though old fart Weichi might feel perfectly justified in protecting his hide, any hot-blooded man of Great Yan felt the deepest of shame and fury.

    After all, Great Zhou had just ughtered twenty thousand Great Yan captives! That was twenty thousand men who would nevere home again! These captives had parents, families, and friends. And their emperor wasn¡¯t pursuing revenge for this blood feud, but ughtering all of the Duke of Ding¡¯s male rtives instead? And now was sacrificing Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter to boot?!

    It would be even more difficult for Great Yan to unite as one after this. Huzi couldn¡¯t help but stick a thumb up in appreciation of his emperor¡¯s shrewdness.

    ¡°His Majesty is so wise! But, what do you n on doing this time, master? You refused to ughter everyone in the cityst time, so the emperor turned around and killed all the prisoners of war and still scared the crap out of old fart Weichi. His Majesty even yanked the position of suprememander from you. If you object again, the emperor will probably be even more furious. Who knows what will happen then? The Valiant Tigers are too good in fighting, and they listen only to you. He¡¯s long been wary of them.¡±

    ¡°No matter what, Qin Si can only be mine.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s deration was supremely self confident as he put the tea cup down.

    ¡°I knew you liked her, master!¡±

    ¡°Who says I like her?¡± Pang Xiao snorted.

    ¡°Eh?¡± Huzi¡¯s mouth fell open.

    ¡°I want to keep her by my side and treat her like a painting. What, can¡¯t I do that?¡±

    ¡°Yes yes, you can do whatever you want, master.¡± Huzi turned away and pulled a funny face.

    Pang Xiao drummed his slender fingers on the table top. ¡°Ever since I got injured saving her, she¡¯s only sent a maid to look after me. She hasn¡¯te even once. Is this the attitude that she should have towards her savior? Have Bingtang tell her miss tomorrow that if Qin Si still refuses toe see me, I¡¯ll go visit her.¡±

    He rose and stalked off to the inner room as Huzi pulled another funny face. And you say you don¡¯t like her? Look how out of character you¡¯re acting! His master used to be someone who spoke bluntly to girls, but now he was shamelessly forcing a girl toe see him! If the old madame and dowager madame learned of this, they¡¯d be utterly delighted! Praise Buddha! Their precious son and grandson didn¡¯t just love violence!

    ......

    By this time in the capital, news of Great Zhou wanting to parley, the emperor sending Grand Preceptor Qin, and hismand to have the grand preceptor offer his daughter had spread everywhere. No one knew who¡¯d started the rumor mill, but the main gossip was that Great Zhou¡¯s Minister of Military Affairs, Lian Shengjie, was ascivious brute who liked to torture others. The rumor went on to suggest that the number of pretty, young girls he¡¯d tortured to death was near countless.

    Several versions of the rumors started spreading from there, and with every retelling, the contents grew ever scarier. Any family with a daughter worried for Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter when they heard the gossip.

    Any soldier, general, civilian, schr, and official with the slightest inkling of conscience had already been mourning the death of the loyal Suns, a family who had always fought for the nation. Now that Duke of Ding¡¯s granddaughter was being gifted to an old lecher. Not only would her chastity be in danger, but even her life was forfeit if this happened! This roused everyone to new heights of anger and dissatisfaction.

    People started to surreptitiously speak of this in taverns, restaurants, and bars. They viciously cursed the dog emperor, forcing the emperor to send guards and soldiers on street patrols, arresting any bold traitor who dared criticize the emperor. For a span of time, the capital was captured by a resentful, ill atmosphere.

    Qin Yining had also received the news at home. She didn¡¯t faint like n¨¦e Sun, nor did she cry til her eyes were swollen like Bingtang and Sonn. She was very calm and collected, and was even able to get a good night¡¯s sleep.

    The next day, she¡¯d just risen when a maid outside called to her. ¡°Fourth Miss, the lord¡¯s body servant has been waiting outside since before the sun rose. He says that the lord wishes to take breakfast with you in the outer manor.¡±

    Qin Yining rose and had Bingtang, Sonn help her wash and dress. She decided on a in, ivory-white sleeveless vest paired with a turquoise eight-panel skirt. Her hair was swept back, cleanly divided into a series ofrge knots on top of each other, held in ce by a solitary mahogany hairpin. A sky-blue, brocade cape rounded off the look. Maids trailed her as they left the Venerable Study Hall.

    The Venerable Study Hall was exceedingly close to Garden of Loving Piety. They¡¯d only just set out when they bumped into Qin Huining and the sixth miss.

 Chapter 102: A Daughterâ€™s Forgiveness

    <h4>Chapter 102: A Daughter¡¯s Forgiveness</h4>

    Qin Yining still greeted the old dowager every morning and evening as part of her daily schedule. She just didn¡¯t go as eagerly or early as Qin Huining and the sixth miss. When the two saw her walking sedately towards them, they thought her scared after learning she would be part of the parley group and hade to ask the old dowager for help.

    Contempt filled Qin Huining¡¯s eyes, a stark difference from the fear that¡¯d resided in them the day before. She crossed her arms and snorted withughter, circling around Qin Yining.

    ¡°It¡¯s a little toote for Little Creek to be seeking salvation as thest minute. If you¡¯d been a proper granddaughter from the beginning, the old dowager might have treasured you a little more and thought to speak a few words in your defense. Who knows, that might have been enough to avert your destiny of serving that old lecher. But what did you do instead? Instead of learning how to be filial, you always make the old dowager mad. Who cares whether you live or die now?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The sixth miss smirked coldly. ¡°You and your looks. What gives you the confidence to be so cocky every day? Let me tell you something, the old dowager will send your body to that old lecher even if you kill yourself. She doesn¡¯t want to see our family end up like your maternal rtions.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at the splendidly dressed pair and listened silently to their disgusting words of venomous hate. She stared evenly at them without saying a word in return.

    Qin Huining and the sixth miss were now firmly convinced that Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare act as brazenly as before, given her current predicament. They finally had a chance to strike back after being bullied so relentlessly before. Of course they would make full use of this opportunity! However, it was more than a bit eerie that Qin Yining wasn¡¯t snapping back, or attempting to beat them up. She¡¯d confined herself to a re that made their hair stand on end. It took them a great deal of effort to keep from stumbling backwards and focus on ring back hatefully instead.

    ¡°You¡¯re just a barbarian!¡± The sixth miss found more courage deep within her and started cursing. ¡°Letting you strut around the Qin Manor for so many days is already a favor from the heavens! If you really doe back alive from serving the old lecher, don¡¯t worry. We can still afford to keep a broken and dirty woman like you!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯sshes suddenly fluttered, and she lowered her gaze. Those words had seemingly struck a chord. Her in outfit already made her stand out from the girls d in auspicious red. And now she was being forced to such an end by fate. There was no way she could decline an imperial decree, and now she had to endure such insults from her cousins! Flinging words like ¡°serving an old lecher¡± and ¡°a broken and dirty woman¡± at her, even a full grown woman might not be able to take such humiliation, much less a young, unmarried girl.

    When the sixth miss and Qin Huining looked at her aggrieved figure, they felt only the sweet thrill of revenge. The sixth miss grew even bolder. ¡°Aren¡¯t you something normally? Isn¡¯t there no one who can win a fight or argument against you? Try fighting with the old dowager now and see if she helps you! Don¡¯t think you...¡±

    ¡°Are these the manners that second sister-inw teaches? It seems that I¡¯ve learned something new today.¡± A low male voice, clearly suppressing anger, sounded from behind Qin Huining and the sixth miss.

    The two girls shuddered violently, their eyes widening instantly in disbelief. They turned slowly, and found Qin Huaiyuan in a gray, fur cor cloak standing not too far away with his arms crossed. Next to him, Second Elder Master Qin Xiuyuan was livid, ring at the sixth miss.

    An explosion went off inside the sixth miss¡¯ brain as her knees weakened and she fell to the group with a thump. Qin Huining was also scared out of her wits. No wonder Qin Yining hadn¡¯t said or done anything just now! She¡¯d seen Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuaning from a mile away! Not only had she not prevented them from speaking further, she¡¯d even goaded them onto further efforts!

    And I was wondering why that wench wasn¡¯t talking back today! She was waiting for disaster to fall on our heads!

    Qin Huaiyuan was looking at Qin Huining and the sixth miss with a dark expression. He hadn¡¯t said a word yet, but his aura was terrifying to behold.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, brother. I¡¯ll teach sixth daughter well.¡± Qin Xiuyuan hastily dered.

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and made straight for Qin Yining. The other two girls were so frightened that all color had drained from their faces. They scuttled to the side to let him pass. When he reached his daughter, he took a good look at her and rubbed her head, then lovingly adjusted her cloak. ¡°Come, eat breakfast with your father in the outer residence.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Yining touched her forehead, right next to where Qin Huaiyuan had just patted her and smiled contentedly. She dutifully followed by her father¡¯s side to the outer residence. She didn¡¯t spare the two girls even a single nce. Minor characters weren¡¯t at all worthy of her attention or fear. Someone else would take care of them without another word from her.

    Qin Yining brought Bingtang and Sonn with her to the outer residence. ¡°Didn¡¯t father send someone to get me? Why didn¡¯t you wait for me to leave the inner residence?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan was distracted by his thoughts. Qin Yining knew that her father was wholeheartedly concentrating on other matters when he was like this and didn¡¯t speak again.

    The two arrived at the outer study and Qin Huaiyuan led his daughter to a side hall for breakfast. Six small dishes of tantalizing food, fragrant thick porridge, arge tter of steaming buns, and two tes of gleaming, stir-fried vegetables sat on the table. They would normally be quite appetite inducing, but neither father or daughter had much appetite right then. After a few mouthfuls for the sake of courtesy, they both set aside their chopsticks.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know of everything.¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qin Yining answered. ¡°The news is everywhere. It¡¯s rather difficult for me not to know.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned as he stared at the steaming hot dishes in front of him, silent for the longest time. When she saw how conflicted her father was, Qin Yining smiled.

    ¡°Father, the imperial decree has been announced. You can¡¯t defy it or disregard the lives of the family. I¡¯ll make this trip with you.¡±

    The lord of the household jerked his head up violently, looking deeply into Qin Yining¡¯s unconcerned, smiling face. ¡°Daughter Yi, aren¡¯t you afraid? Do you not resent this?¡±

    To say nothing for her chastity or life, her reputation alone would be utterly ruined after such a matter. Any other girl would¡¯ve tried to hang herself by now, or throw themselves into the closest river. But here was Qin Yining, living her life in tranquility. She wasn¡¯t even thinking of running away! Qin Huaiyuan already felt her behavior to be a disy of great maturity, but she had enough presence of mind tofort him with smiles instead! But she¡¯s the one who¡¯s being hurt here!

    Emotions assailed him as his eyes grew hot. For once, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s titanic self control was of no use to him.

    When Qin Yining saw the ck circles beneath her father¡¯s eyes and how he seemed to want to say something, how could she not understand his thoughts?

    ¡°With what happened to the Duke of Ding still fresh in our minds, my death or attempt at running away in this crucial moment will only result inplete disaster to the family. The only thing I can do now is quietly set off for Xihua in nine days and broker peace at whatever cost. I can¡¯t let this sacrifice go to waste. It¡¯s enough that our family stays safe and sound and I remain alive. I¡¯m not thinking too much about chastity and reputation. You shouldn¡¯t either, father.¡±

    ¡°Daughter Yi...¡± Qin Huaiyuan never thought that Qin Yining would be so unruffled at such a critical juncture. Shouldn¡¯t she be the most pitied and innocent one at this moment?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, father. I¡¯ve seen too much of death and parting in the outside world. There, one¡¯s life and death is the result of merest chance. Children of poor families die from idents, or are run over by carriages, or are dragged off by wild wolves or dogs, or even drown after slipping into water. Life is precious, but lives can also be the cheapest ofmodities. When enemies raze a city or a natural disaster ims food stores, the poor will sell off a perfectly healthy girl for half a bag of flour...

    ¡°Father, in my view, hope exists as long as we stay alive. Aren¡¯t I hope to you? I once thought I would have to hunt and pick herbs in the mountains for the rest of my life. But father found me! Every life contains trials. Those who live through them, smiling to the end, have the best lot in life. As for what we endure in between, well, I don¡¯t care about that... and neither should you, father. I¡¯m not one of those weak, teary noble daughters. I¡¯m not afraid of this. Any of it.¡±

 Chapter 103: Eager Expectancy

    <h4>Chapter 103: Eager Expectancy</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan looked silently at his own daughter. He felt like he had never truly known his daughter until now. She was a flower seed who¡¯d been ripped away from afortable greenhouse and struggled to survive in the cracks of the boulders. With nothing but sheer stubborn will, she had withstood the battering of the elements and blossomed into the most beautiful of flowers. Despite himself, he always found himself surprised by the depths he could find in her. Always learning, always improving, whenever he felt delighted with a new side of her, it wouldn¡¯t be long before she disyed another stunningly polished side of herself to him.

    Compared to the typical noble daughters brought up in the inner residences, her wisdom, courage, abilities, and methods left them in the dust. She even had a strength of mind that many noble sons couldn¡¯t measure up to. She had simultaneously be his greatest source of pride and his greatest source of guilt. How much pain did a girl who¡¯d yet toe of age have to endure to possess the mental fortitude to stare down cmity of this scale with utter equanimity? How much of her life had been so cruel and seemingly inevitable to so unflinchingly ept her fate?

    How is this child so mature and so likeable? Qin Huaiyuan reached out across the square table to tousle Qin Yining¡¯s hair roughly. His voice was a bit raspy. ¡°This is my fault.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by this, father?¡± Qin Yining blinked her big, limpid eyes brightly at her father. ¡°This isn¡¯t your fault, father! Not at all! I know that you wouldn¡¯t take me along if you had the slightest say. The imperial decree has descended, and father can¡¯t defy it just to save me. You¡¯re not only my father, but the patriarch of the entire Qin n. What happened to the Duke of Ding and his household can¡¯t happen to us.

    ¡°I am the grand preceptor¡¯s daughter. As I enjoy the conveniences and benefits of that title, so must I also shoulder my share of the burden in times of crisis. What kind of family member would I be if I only shared in the joy and not the pain? If that really was the case, then I wouldn¡¯t be worthy of being father¡¯s daughter.¡±

    ¡°Good, very good!¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes were moist. Having spent so many years at court, he¡¯d thought that he¡¯d long since been tempered into an old leather boot. But here he was today, nose twinging at the words from his daughter. He tilted his head back and blinked forcefully, letting his eyes cool off. After a moment, he looked back down, his demeanor returning to a semnce of normalcy. He sighed. ¡°Daughter Yi, no matter how open-minded you are about this all, I owe you a debt beyond words. Promise me this. No matter what happens in the future, you¡¯ll live on bravely.¡±

    He was most worried that an innocent girl like her wouldmit suicide after being humiliated.

    ¡°Of course! I love living and am most afraid of death.¡± Qin Yining knew of her father¡¯s worries and smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve finally made it so far and gone through a lot of effort to keep this life. I don¡¯t want it to all go to waste!¡±

    ¡°Good child.¡± Qin Huaiyuan could see her sincerity; she wasn¡¯t just saying this to cheer him up. She really had epted this with her customary tranquility. He finally felt his worries ease a little. Perhaps Qin Yining¡¯s calm and collected attitude was infectious. Whatever it was, the tight knot in his heart that had kept him from clearly thinking all night finally loosened a little.

    Qin Yining sat for a while longer before taking her leave and returning to Venerable Study Hall. Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan recalled what the sixth miss and Qin Huining had done and said earlier. He resolved to stand up for Qin Yining and vent this frustration on her behalf. He thought for a moment more and made for the old dowager at Garden of Loving Piety.

    When Qin Yining finally returned to her residence, Bingtang and Sonn¡¯s long suppressed tears finally started spilling over. Standing by in the outer room, they had clearly heard Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s conversation. The two were touched by the familial affection between the two and in awe of their mistress¡¯posure. But more than any of that, like a tidal wave out of the ocean, they felt furious and vengeful.

    ¡°Hasn¡¯t the trash emperor done enough to my family? Harming innocents wasn¡¯t enough, now even you, miss!¡± Bingtang was choked with sobs as she roughly wiped her tears away. Her apple cheeks were rubbed raw with the force of her hands.

    ¡°Shh, the walls have ears here.¡± Qin Yining gently handed her a handkerchief.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the only one who curses his name. That old monster should¡¯ve died a long time ago!¡± Bingtang thought of everything Qin Yining had done for her and all of the effort her mistress had gone to on her behalf. Her mistress had never once demanded a portion of the sales of her ointments and powders, and had in fact done all she could to increase Bingtang¡¯s revenue. Whenever the families of Clearist officials sent gifts, Qin Yining unhesitatingly turned them all over to her. Her mistress had always shown her deep care for Bingtang at every possible asion.

    Such an upright and kind person was now going to be a toy for an old lecher because of one word from that trash emperor! Why doesn¡¯t he just choke on his food and water and die!?

    Sonn, Qiulu, Liuya, and Zhu-mama all started crying sorrowfully. Qin Yining was affected by their mood as well. It would be lying to say that she wasn¡¯t afraid, or that she didn¡¯t find this utterly unfair. It was just, she¡¯d seen too much darkness in this world. When one spent enough time struggling at the bottom, they learned to ept their fate and fight with the flow of destiny. Since she couldn¡¯t change this shift in the current of fate, it was pointless to remain fearful. What she needed to do now was figure out how to live through the negotiations and then the rest of her days.

    When her servants saw their mistress so calm andposed in front of them, they wiped their tears away as well. It would be bad to keep making a fuss like this in front of her. Bingtang blew her nose and finally recalled an errand she¡¯d been given. She pulled Qin Yining to the corner. ¡°Miss, the gentleman at the inn sent a letter today saying that you hadn¡¯te seen him for too long. He says you aren¡¯t treating him with any sincerity. He asks if you¡¯ve forgotten that he saved your life and ns on just ignoring him.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled awkwardly at this. She hadn¡¯t forgotten Yao Zhixi, but she hadn¡¯t been in a good mood these days because of her mother¡¯s circumstances. Inner residence matters ran her ragged from dawn to dusk. Bingtang went to administer treatment to Yao Zhixi every day, and while Qin Yining would ask about progress, she¡¯d never thought of paying him a visit.

    ¡°Ah well, I should still go see him,¡± she said after some thought. ¡°I¡¯m setting off on the sixteenth, which is about nine days away. I don¡¯t know if the emperor wille up with any other ns in the meantime. I might as well make use of the free time today to bid him farewell.¡±

    Farewell was a saddening word. Bingtang nodded mutely and had servants prepare the carriage.

    Qin Yining brought Bingtang, Sonn, and Qiulu with her, setting off after letting her father know where she was headed. The old dowager¡¯s bias had no limits, so she tried to avoid interacting with her paternal grandmother as much as possible.

    Pang Xiao had purposefully taken a shower today to change into a set of ivory-white brocade robes. He was sitting on the luohan bed, reading a book next to the window. His posture was ramrod straight, and every iota of his mind was focused on what was in front of him.

    He also hadn¡¯t flipped a single page all morning.

    As Huzi slipped in and out of the room with tea and water, his face almost froze sideways from all the grinning. His master was putting on a masterful disy of gentlemanly manners, but his mind had clearly gone on a fanciful journey. If the Qin fourth miss didn¡¯te today, his master would probably go crazy!

    Just as Huzi was wondering about the future sanity of his master, the prince suddenly shot to his feet. A secondter, scattered footsteps and female voices traveled in from outside. Huzi sighed and prepared to go out to wee his new guests. The corner of his eye caught his master striking a purposely nonchnt pose on the bed.

    The guard silently rolled his eyes and opened the door. ¡°You¡¯re here, pleasee on in.¡± He bowed, hiding his grin.

    ¡°Is your master feeling better?¡± Qin Yining nodded back at the guard.

    ¡°Miss Potato¡¯s skills are amazing. My master is much better.¡± Huzi responded cheerily.

    ¡°You¡¯re the potato!¡± Bingtang exploded outside, hopping from foot to foot in her fury. ¡°I warn you, kitty, 1 I¡¯m very angry today. I¡¯ll yell at you if you call me potato again!¡±

    ¡°Heh! You called me kitty!¡± Huzi stuck his tongue out at Bingtang. ¡°So what are you gonna yell about, little potato!?¡±

    Bingtang¡¯s apple cheeks had turned a ming red in childish anger. Herrge eyes leveled a furious re at Huzi as she whipped out a silver needle, ready to stab him. Huzi felt incrediblyfortable being red at like that, his grin broadening at the sight of the steaming maidservant. He jumped out of the way of Bingtang¡¯s needle as she lunged forward.

    As Bingtang chased him inside, Qin Yining, Sonn, and Qiulu looked at each other. The Qin fourth miss smiled. ¡°Wait for me outside.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The maids curtsied and retreated.

 Chapter 104: Little White Rabbit

    <h4>Chapter 104: Little White Rabbit</h4>

    Qin Yining walked slowly into the house. She passed through the openwork screen to see Yao Zhixi sprawledzily on the luohan bed by the window, seemingly absorbed in his book. Sunlight filtered through the papered windows behind him, outlining his tall figure with a faint, golden halo. Celestial radiance scattered across his inky ck hair and the ck fur cor of his cape, softening his sharply delineated, strong features with a hint of tenderness.

    Put together, the scene in front of her imparted a sense of serenity that she¡¯d never felt before. Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but smile, the sentiment coloring her tone as well.

    ¡°Sir Yao.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s lips unconsciously curled upwards when he heard her voice, but he resolutely maintained his casual pose. He didn¡¯t lift his head, responding in a drawl. ¡°What a rare visitor. I¡¯d thought you¡¯d forgotten me.¡±

    Those words fairly dripped with sourness.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping tabs on your injury,¡± Qin Yining answered apologetically. ¡°But things have been busy at home and I haven¡¯t had time to stop by. However, Bingtang updates me on your situation everyday. I¡¯ve been very much at ease knowing that you¡¯re improving.¡±

    ¡°You speak pretty words.¡± Pang Xiao snorted and lifted his head to look sideways at her. His legs folded together until he was facing her, now sitting cross-legged. When he lifted his chin and continued to train his gaze on Qin Yining, there seemed to be a light in his eyes. This was when she finally noticed that hisshes were very long, and the edges of his brows and eyes quite handsome.

    Bizarrely, this reminded her of the handsome alpha horse of the wild horse herd that¡¯d once saved her. They were both so handsome and had prickly personalities. The horse had an explosive nature and would rather die than let anyone ride it. She¡¯d originally had kept itpany out of gratitude for her rescue. She had cut grass and bathed it every chance I could. After a while, the horse had actually let her climb on for a ride! So I guess when faced with this kind of temper, whether it¡¯s a wild horse or a wild Sir Yao, I can only stroke their fur to get on their good side?

    Qin Yining¡¯s smile grew even warmer as she curtsied sincerely. ¡°The fault is mine for not visiting you these days. There really have been things happening at home...¡± She thought for a bit. ¡°You know of my situation, and Elder Statesman Cao¡¯s firstborn daughter has be my father¡¯s concubine. The winds of change blow too often these days, and my mother doesn¡¯t have the old dowager¡¯s love. Life has been a bit difficult the past two days, so I was a bit too preupied too. You are magnanimous, Sir Yao. Don¡¯t fault me any longer.¡±

    Her willingness to speak of matters at home with him meant that she was no longer treating him as an outsider. Although Pang Xiao had ways a-plenty to find out what was going on in the Qin Manor, it made him very happy to learn this all from Qin Yining, even if she¡¯d glossed over the details. He snorted again, but the beginnings of a smile yed around the corners of his eyes. He lifted his chin proudly.

    ¡°Ah fine. I¡¯ll graciously let you off the hook for now since you¡¯re apologizing so genuinely.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks.¡± Qin Yining grinned back at him.

    ¡°What are you smiling for? What an ugly sight.¡± Pang Xiao felt his back and even his brain tingle with happy numbness from the smile. His neck and ears flushed a deep red as he forcefully jerked his eyes away with a cold expression. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been long since you said you¡¯d be responsible and take care of me for the rest of my life. You even called me ¡®dada¡¯, but then you went and just ignored me. I really did think you were an ingrate and didn¡¯t n on repaying this debt!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face burst into mes. ¡®Dada¡¯ was what lovers and couples used in private as a nickname for the man in the rtionship. She¡¯d asionally heard the term in the markets, so when he¡¯d tricked her into calling him ¡®Yao Dada¡¯st time, she¡¯d immediately realized that he was teasing her. When she remembered all of his frivolity, it took Qin Yining enormous strength to avoid erasing her savior¡¯s annoying presence from the world with a couple of smacks.

    Huzi¡¯d had enough of teasing Bingtang by now and merrily came over with a cup of tea. ¡°Please have some tea, Fourth Miss.¡±

    Qin Yining chose a thickly padded, circr seat off to the side and sipped at her tea with a lowered head, resolutely ignoring her savior. Since she wasn¡¯t looking at him, Pang Xiao propped his chin up and openly admired the beauty in front of him.

    She was still stunning even after so many days of not seeing her. She¡¯d chosen to dress inly, without powder or gold and jade ornaments, seeming as pure as a spring. Her silent sipping of tea was a beautiful sight, almost straight out of a painting, but she also seemed like a docile little bunny, leaving one feeling the desire to to feed her with carrots and vegetables.

    Pang Xiao naturally knew of Qin Yining¡¯s wit and abilities, but to him, those methods seemed as terrifying as an angry bunny scratching its enemies, almostpletely harmless. How odd. When he¡¯d seen little rabbits before, all he¡¯d thought about was whether he should roast them or braise them. But now he wanted to keep one as a pet! He wanted to hug it and tug on its ears, or firmly squeeze its furry roundness.

    His eyes rested on Qin Yining¡¯s slightly skinny and diminutive form. Tsk tsk. This bunny is too young. I need to feed it more carrots.

    ¡°Sir Yao!¡± Qin Yining was very ufortable from the close scrutiny and finally put down her teacup to re at him with unconcealed anger. But, she really was very beautiful and not truly angry. Therefore, she didn¡¯te off as threatening at all.

    ¡°Alright, alright, I won¡¯t tease you anymore.¡± Pang Xiao burst outughing at this cute and fuming form, almost wanting to stroke her face. It¡¯d be tough to pacify her if he really did make her angry. ¡°I heard that you¡¯re going to the peace negotiations with your father. But, Great Zhou¡¯s Minister of Military Affairs isn¡¯t a good person. I can help you if you want.¡±

    When it came to the peace talks, although Qin Yining¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, Pang Xiao could immediately tell that she had fallen out of her previously good mood. Perhaps because she was talking to an outsider, and because his actions wouldn¡¯t impact her mood or life and death, Qin Yining subconsciously lowered her mask of fortitude.

    ¡°You, help me? How? Tell the emperor to change his mind? Or have Great Zhou swap out the official for the peace talks? Sir Yao, I know you don¡¯t have an ordinary background, but neither you nor I can change anything about these two matters. I can¡¯t run. I can¡¯t hide. I can only ept my fate.¡±

    ¡°If you really go, you¡¯ll have to call that Sir Lian ¡®good dada¡¯ in the future.¡± Pang Xiao arched his brow. ¡°From what I know, Sir Lian isn¡¯t someone to just verbally take advantage of you like I do.¡±

    ¡°So you also know that your crooked mouth takes advantage of others, hmm?¡± Qin Yining red at him.

    Pang Xiao leaned forward, supporting himself with one hand and pointing at his lips with the other. He widened his eyes and slightly curved his thin lips. ¡°My mouth¡¯s crooked, you say? Where, pray tell? Howe I¡¯ve never seen it that way?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes almost lost focus when the handsome face suddenly drew near her. She jerked backwards with a reddened face. ¡°W-what, you can¡¯t take a joke? I meant you¡¯re too mean and always bullying others, I didn¡¯t say your mouth was actually crooked.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Pang Xiao had drawn close and couldn¡¯t help but cross his arms and loom slightly over her, unconsciously moving closer when he saw the deep blush on her face. ¡°Then I suppose I misunderstood.¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her head and tumbled right into his deep, fathomless eyes. His eyes arrested her thoughts, and his nose was firm and straight. His lips were thin and though they were solemnly shut, she still felt that the slight curve upwards spoke of a hidden smile. She suddenly realized that she was studying his face and quickly looked down, her eyes resting on his Adam¡¯s apple, half exposed outside of his snowy-white, intersecting cor.

    That doesn¡¯t seem like the right ce either. She decided to turn her head in another direction.

    Pang Xiao startedughing and crossed his arms, pretending to pace nonchntly in front of her. Although he wasn¡¯t looking at her, all of his attention was on her.

    ¡°Tsk tsk. To think you¡¯re the kind of girl who knows to ept fate like this. I was thinking you¡¯d do something else, like run away.¡±

    ¡°If I run away at this time, what will my family do?¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t treat you well anyway, nor did they raise you. Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for them?¡±

    ¡°They may not treat me genuinely nor raise me, but what have I ever done for them? I¡¯m not a gold bracelet, able to make everyone who sees me to like me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s expression rxed as he chuckled.

    ¡°What?¡± Qin Yining looked at him with confusion.

    ¡°I rather liked you from the moment I saw you.¡±

    An explosion went off in Qin Yining¡¯s head as her cheeks flooded with color again. Her lips twitched, but no response came. She simply didn¡¯t know how to respond.

 Chapter 105: A Confession of Love

    <h4>Chapter 105: A Confession of Love</h4>

    Pang Xiao was also immensely surprised at the words that¡¯d juste out of his mouth. He coughed lightly as he hurriedly tried to salvage the situation. ¡°After all, you look like Salt.¡±

    ¡°Salt?¡± Qin Yining asked dumbly.

    ¡°My mother¡¯s pet pug.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°He has snow-white fur, very silly and loves food. My mother calls him Salt. We also have a guard wolfdog. He¡¯s called Pepper. They¡¯re a pair.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s momentary awkwardness and shyness disappeared like smoke in the wind as she red fiercely at this mischievous man in front of her. She actually couldn¡¯t tell what she was feeling right now. He loved teasing her and his origins were still unknown. His words were always a mix of truth and falsehoods, and Qin Yining could no longer tell which was which. All she knew was that her teeth itched with anger whenever she saw him.

    She wanted to ignore him, but he wasn¡¯t really that hateful. But if she did talk to him, he always took advantage of her. She really didn¡¯t know what to do. However, when she thought about the uing peace talks and how she might note back from them, she ignored theplicated tangle of emotions the man represented and didn¡¯t care to sort them out anymore.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t save my life, I¡¯d definitely beat you up.¡± Qin Yining huffed.

    ¡°Beat me up? Or give me a massage?¡± Pang Xiao smirked.

    ¡°Alright, Sir Yao, let¡¯s really cut the banter. I would¡¯vee to visit even if you hadn¡¯t sent the letter. My future after this trip is still in the dark. So, this may well be a final farewell. I feel quite guilty that I haven¡¯t repaid you for saving my life yet.¡± Qin Yining rose to summon Bingtang. ¡°My maid says that the poison afflicting you will be cured in another three or four days. That sets my heart at ease. I¡¯ve already given orders to Grand Steward Zhong that even if I¡¯m not here in the future, you can go to him for anything. Although the Institute of Luminous Charm isn¡¯t a grand business, and may not seem much to you, we still have a bit of awork. This may not be much in terms of a repayment of my debt, but it¡¯s all that I can arrange for for now.¡±

    She walked over to the door, opening it slightly to let Bingtang in. ¡°You can administer acupuncture for Sir Yao now.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked at her back with furrowed brows. Her inky locks flowed down her back like spools of velvety soft ribbon. When paired with her pure white skirt, he felt like he was looking at a figure in a painting, one so ephemeral that it seemed she would float away at any moment. She was tall for a girl, but still only came up to his shoulder. Such a tender, fragile girl was being forced to shoulder so much resignation! Nothing in her life since childhood had been under her control. How was he any different from her?

    ¡°Qin Si.¡± The name slipped out before he could help himself.

    Qin Yining looked back. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Nothing. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked nkly at him. What was he about to say? Nevertheless, she smiled at him. ¡°I¡¯m going to have a word with Steward Zhong. I¡¯ll leave Bingtang behind for your treatment. Farewell, Sir Yao.¡±

    Pang Xiao arched a brow and smirked. ¡°Alright, go about your business.¡± He waved carelessly and turned to undo his cloak. Qin Yining didn¡¯t linger longer and went off in search of Steward Zhong.

    News of Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter apanying him to the peace talks had already traveled throughout the city. Many people were cursing the trash emperor under their breaths. When Steward Zhong learned of it, he was so saddened that he couldn¡¯t sleep all night.

    He almost burst into tears when he saw Qin Yining. ¡°Decrepitude, such utter ipetence! You¡¯re such a good person, miss, why is this happening to you? Reputation is the most important thing for a girl. If you really do go to Xihua... ¡± He suddenly realized that his words might incite panic in his miss and quickly switched tacks as he wiped away his tears. ¡°This evil!¡±

    Qin Yining could sense the grand steward¡¯s sincerity towards her and poured him a cup of tea with a smile.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always felt that I was a lucky one. I was a mere child when I was thrown into the wilds. Wild wolves should¡¯ve made off with me, but then foster mother came to my rescue. When she was dying from illness when I was seven, I¡¯d just decided to sell myself as a ve for money to hire a doctor when I ran into a kind person who gave me some silver.

    ¡°Foster mother passed away when I was eight, so I headed into the mountains. I thought that I would just die someday, but somehow I lived through everything. When I thought that I would have to hunt in the mountains for the rest of my life, father¡¯s people found me.¡± Qin Yining looked cheerfully at Grand Steward Zhong andforted him. ¡°If it¡¯s one thing I¡¯ve learned from my time out there, it¡¯s that we never know whether something is good luck or bad if if we don¡¯t walk to the end of the urrences that life throws in our path.¡±

    Steward Zhong was infected with Qin Yining¡¯s optimistic attitude; a heroic air flourished within him. ¡°You truly have a great heart, miss. Although I¡¯m many years older than you, I am much shorter than you in many areas.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re joking, Steward Zhong. To tell you the truth, I¡¯m scared to death. But this matter is staring at me straight in the face, so what use is there in being afraid? Although we all know that death is the most inevitable of ends the moment we¡¯re born, do we stop living as a result? As afraid as we might be, we need to keep on living. Everything will sort itself out when the timees. We just have to leave things up to fate.¡±

    ¡°Precisely so!¡± Steward Zhong burst outughing.

    Qin Yining gave the steward some further instructions and finally whispered at the end, ¡°My odds of making it back aren¡¯t great. If I don¡¯te back, the emperor might take back the Institute. He was already thinking about the business when he raided the Ding Manor. If something happens to me, it would only be right and proper if the emperor takes back the business. You¡¯re an old employee of the Institute, so the emperor will treat you well, but I¡¯m worried about my maternal grandmother and family.¡±

    As long as Qin Yining was alive, she could use her identity to hire out the Sun females and put them up nicely. But once she was no longer the owner of the Institute of Luminous Charm, the emperor would never hire out people with no expectation of being paid back.

    ¡°Miss, my words are unimportant because of my lowly status, so I don¡¯t dare promise much.¡± Steward Zhong sighed. ¡°But I promise that I¡¯ll help the old owners as much as I can. They treated me well when they were alive, and you saved my entire family. I haven¡¯t paid back this debt yet. Don¡¯t worry, if something really does happen to you, miss, I¡¯ll take care of them the best I can. If there¡¯s really nothing to be done, I¡¯ll give them enough money to run away.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and expressed thanks from the bottom of her heart. ¡°Many thanks.¡±

    Monkeys scatter when the tree falls, and rarely does someone give up the opportunity to hit someone when they¡¯re down. Now that she was about to fall out of favor, even her own cousins and grandmother were getting their kicks in. She was quite touched already that Steward Zhong wasn¡¯t adding fuel to the me and had promised to help the Sun widows and orphans.

    As they finished up their conversation, Bingtang joined them, having finished today¡¯s treatment. Qin Yining took her maids back to the Qin Manor and didn¡¯t set foot outside over the next couple of days. She stayed in the Garden of Tranquility to serve n¨¦e Sun.

    The senior madame had suffered repeated blows recently. First learning that her daughter of fourteen years was a fake, then the death of Sun Yuanming and the execution of all the Sun males. Qin Huaiyuan had immediately taken n¨¦e Cao as a concubine shortly after, and the difference in everyone¡¯s attitudes had be the straw that broke the camel¡¯s back. And now Qin Yining was going to be offered to an old lecher and might not evene back alive? She had just started improving rtions with this long lost daughter and now had to watch the girl throw herself into a fire pit. How could n¨¦e Sun possibly take all this?

    She finally fell ill from all the worrying. Qin Yining spent her days taking care of her mother, paying little to no attention to anything else. In the blink of an eye, eight days had passed. On the fifteenth day of the new month of the year, Zhan-mama took her leave and returned to the pce. Before the pce servant left, Qin Yining thanked her with sincere gratitude.

    She had learned much from the mama during thetter¡¯s short stay and had benefited greatly. As the pce servant looked at Qin Yining¡¯s pretty face, the words ¡®beautiful faces make for unlucky lives¡¯ sprang to mind. But she was just a servant, a floating stick really. There was nothing she could help with, so she could only take her leave with resignation.

    A house banquet was held during the Lantern Festival 1, but the atmosphere in the Qin Manor was subdued. The old dowager raised the wine jug and sighed. ¡°The retinue for peace negotiations will set off tomorrow. Has everything been readied for granddaughter Yi?¡±

    ¡°Yes, everything¡¯s been prepared.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    ¡°Mm. That¡¯s good.¡±

    The old dowager had just finished speaking when Qin-mama entered with an exceedingly ugly expression on her face. ¡°Old Dowager, mistresses.¡±

    On the other side of the great redwood divider carved with images of the four gentlemen of flowers, Qin Huaiyuan and the other men also put down their silver chopsticks and turned questioningly to the old servant.

    Qin-mama lowered her head, her tone exactingly even. ¡°The empress has sent a mama of joy to offer guidance to the fourth miss. She¡¯s waiting outside.¡±

 Chapter 106: A Strong Father

    <h4>Chapter 106: A Strong Father</h4>

    Everyone knew what a mama of joy did. Qin Yining was an unmarried girl, and even though she was going to be offered to the old lecher hosting the Great Zhou side of the talks, they couldn¡¯t just tantly send her a mama to teach her how to pleasure a man!

    It wasn¡¯t her wedding night, nor was she a hooker reporting for work in a brothel. The empress was serving a dish of humiliation to the Qins and shredding their face with these actions!

    Qin Yiningpressed her lips. She¡¯d strongly suspected that the trampress would do something before her departure. Everyone¡¯s expressions had gone ugly. N¨¦e Sun was still quite weak after her bout of illness and had managed to scrape together enough energy to participate in the house banquet. Who would¡¯ve thought that this kind of news would be delivered? Her mind hummed loudly with anger, rage alternatively dimming and brightening her vision. If it wasn¡¯t for Jin-mama acting quickly to bolster her frame, n¨¦e Sun would¡¯ve copsed to the ground.

    The third, seventh, and eighth misses all looked at Qin Yining with helpless gazes of pity. Only the sixth miss rolled her eyes, silent in the belief that Qin Yining deserved all this. She¡¯d been lectured heavily by her father, and her father¡¯s wife had punished her with copying the four ssics for women. She¡¯d been released from her punishment only this morning.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huining dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief and said worriedly, ¡°Something like this happening before she even sets out. What about after she sets off? Will she be able toe back alive?¡±

    These were actually everyone¡¯s thoughts, but only Qin Huining would actually say them out loud. The old dowager, second and third madame all felt that Qin Huining was being simply too heartless in saying this now. But due to Cao Yuqing¡¯s presence, they didn¡¯t dare say anything to avoid offending the new concubine.

    N¨¦e Sun started coughing again from anger. She red at Qin Huining, absolutely livid. To think that she¡¯d raised this girl for fourteen years! She¡¯d gone and raised an enemy!

    Qin Huining sneered back proudly at the quiet Qin Yining and ring n¨¦e Sun. Who would¡¯ve thought that it¡¯d be Cao Yuqing who would frown and scold her, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re saying, Qin Huining?! Shut up!¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s eyes widened with shock, stunned silent. She didn¡¯t understand why Cao Yuqing spoke for Qin Yining time and time again! Why did everyone in this family like Qin Yining and take a stance against her?!

    The shes between the womensted only a breath. On the other side of the divider, Qin Huaiyuan, Qin Xiuyuan, and Qin Zhiyuan all had solemn expressions. However, the younger generation, Qin Yu and Qin Han, couldn¡¯t keep still.

    Qin Han was a heroic person and loved standing up for justice. He mmed his hand on the table and shot to his feet, speaking urgently. ¡°Senior uncle, we can¡¯t let people bully fourth sister like this! Fourth sister joining the peace talks is due to the imperial decree. She¡¯s doing this for our country! What do they mean by sending this person? What do they think an official Qin daughter is? If we allow that mama in, won¡¯t we be inviting everyone to look down on us?!¡±

    Qin Han¡¯s words were also a reminder to the women on the other side of the divider. The second and third madame¡¯s expressions began to grow stern and they unconsciously crumpled their clothing in tight fists. If that pce servant did indeed enter the house, all sorts of rumors would develop. What about their daughters¡¯ dignity? Their branches of the house had unmarried daughters, to say nothing of anything else!

    The second and third madame looked to n¨¦e Sun for help, but the senior madame was busy trying to master her temper and didn¡¯t look at them. It looked like she didn¡¯t have the excess capacity to think about therger ramifications. The two then looked at the old dowager, but the matriarch lowered her head to take a sip of tea. She didn¡¯t look at them or anyone else. That told them everything they needed to know... the old dowager had thought of everything but was unwilling to say anything. She was afraid of offending the trampress¡¯ sister.

    The two mothers instantly flushed beet red with anger. What kind of mother-inw was this?! The second madame hesitated; she was just about to speak when Qin Yining beat her to the punch.

    ¡°Please think about this carefully, father. I may be about to be discarded, but there are other sisters at home. They have their future to think of.¡±

    Her two aunts looked gratefully at her, while the girls finally realized the severity of the situation. Some frowned nervously, others lowered their head to hide their emotions. Some looked at Qin Yining gratefully as well, while Qin Huining and the sixth miss red at her, resentful that they¡¯d been dragged down by her.

    Qin Huaiyuan slowly rose to his feet and strode to the door with his arms crossed. ¡°Have the person be brought here.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin-mama left after this order.

    A thirty five year old woman quickly walked over before long, dressed in a rose-red, flowery vest and skirt ensemble. She wore powder on her cheeks and a big red silk flower on her head. She looked very joyous. When she saw Qin Huaiyuan, she curtsied with beaming smiles. ¡°Greetings to Grand Preceptor Qin. This servant wishes the grand preceptor good health and pays her respects to all the masters and mistresses present.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan inclined his head slightly. ¡°What is your honored surname?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, I wouldn¡¯t dare. This servant¡¯s in surname is Jiang.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Jiang-mama.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly and asked gently. ¡°Are you here today with the empress¡¯ decree or the emperor¡¯s?¡±

    Jiang-mama looked swiftly at Qin Huaiyuan, wanting to carry on an apologetic chat. Although the grand preceptor¡¯s smile was warm, the look in his eyes was much too cold. Jiang-mama¡¯s smiling face froze and she hastily made another curtsey. ¡°In response to my lord, the empress¡¯ decree.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°Servants, prepare the carriage and take Jiang-mama back to the carriage.¡±

    The mama widened her eyes with surprise. The heretofore silent old dowager shot to her feet and charged a few steps out from the divider to grab Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Meng¡¯er, you can¡¯t!¡±

    The second and third madame almost did their best n¨¦e Sun-angry-fit-imitation when they saw the old dowager thus. Even the second and third elder master frowned and pursed their lips. Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t angry as he was too well acquainted with the old dowager¡¯s temper.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry mother, I have my ns. I¡¯ll tell youter.¡± He spoke soothingly. The old dowager looked hesitantly at Qin Huaiyuan and nodded slowly after a long moment. Qin Huaiyuan turned back to Qin-mama. ¡°Prepare arge red envelope for the mama.¡±

    He then turned with another gentle smile. ¡°I must ask Jiang-mama to exert herself and bring back a message to the empress.¡±

    ¡°Certainly. This servant will do as the grand preceptor says.¡±

    ¡°I willmit to heart the empress¡¯ kind intentions. If the Qin Manor marries off a daughter in the future, we will certainly request a mama of joy from the pce.¡±

    Go back and tell your mistress that we¡¯re not marrying off a daughter today. There¡¯s no need for this hypocritical act!

    Jiang-mama¡¯s face had gone pale with this message. She hesitated, ¡°But the empress¡¯ verbal decree...¡±

    ¡°If Her Majesty is set on doing this, then have His Majesty give an imperial decree. I will do whatever the imperial decree says!¡±

    We didn¡¯t defy the decree to send Yining out because we are loyal subjects and love our country. But the Qins have a grand preceptor and think nothing of a mere woman from the imperial harem! This strong disy of emotion was overtly expressing anger and going head to head with the empress!

    Some of the Qins found a sweet thrill in this resistance, while others were worried like the old dowager. In fact, the old dowager almost fainted on the spot from this. Cao Yuqing rose at this time to speak to the pce servant.

    ¡°Go back and tell Cao Yurou to keep her nose out of our business. Just mind her own.¡±

    Sweat dripped down Jiang-mama¡¯s forehead. This must be the empress¡¯ sister? But, she can do so because they¡¯re sisters from the same mother. If I went back with a message like this, I wouldn¡¯t live to see the next morning! And yet, she could only assent while she quietly sweated through her undergarments. She couldn¡¯t not pass on the message, but neither could she really pass it on. She wanted to stay alive!

    Qin Huaiyuan stayed where he was with his arms crossed. He didn¡¯t care whether the pce servant was in a difficult position. These people were ustomed to feting those in power and stepping on those who lost favor. They bullied the weak and feared the strong. She¡¯d so happened to run into someone firm like him today. If she¡¯d been facing someone weak, she would¡¯ve been much more devious than any regr person. There was no reason why he couldn¡¯t be angry when someone was bullying him to his face!

    Cao Yuqing looked tenderly at Qin Huaiyuan and spoke gently, ¡°My lord, let this concubine apany the mama back into the pce. I can make my exnations to the empress. We¡¯re sisters, after all, and also bound by ties of marriage. It¡¯d be bad if misunderstandings developed.¡±

    ¡°Good, good. Yuqing, I¡¯ll have to trouble you for these efforts.¡± The old dowager heaved a long sigh of relief and pulled on Cao Yuqing¡¯s hand to give her intimate pats.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Old Dowager. Since this concubine has entered the Qin Manor, I¡¯m one of the Qins. How can I sit idly by and watch us be made a fool of?¡± Cao Yuqing smiled at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°My lord, what do you say?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at Cao Yuqing and was silent for a moment. He nodded and raised his hands in a cupped fist salute. ¡°Then I thank you for your troubles.¡±

    The light in Cao Yuqing¡¯s eyes dimmed when she saw how polite her husband was being. She immediately returned the gesture. ¡°You¡¯re too polite, my lord. I¡¯ll be on my way then. I will stay at the empress¡¯ tonight and return tomorrow. Please be at ease.¡±

    She summoned Jiang-mama after this and left with her maids.

 Chapter 107: Wholehearted Devotion

    <h4>Chapter 107: Wholehearted Devotion</h4>

    Book 2: The Path of Love is Long

    The old dowager put her hands together in prayer and made a few worshipful gestures.

    ¡°Amitabha, praise Buddha! Thank goodness we still have such a virtuous and helpful person at home, unlike some who stirs up trouble everyday and only knows how to lose their temper in every situation. They are of no use to the family at all.¡±

    She was obviously talking about n¨¦e Sun. Qin Huaiyuan frowned.

    ¡°Mother, it¡¯s gettingte. We¡¯ll be setting off tomorrow morning, so I¡¯ll have to take my leave to make preparations.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for the old dowager to respond and circled past the divider to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side. He coaxed, ¡°Come, let¡¯s go home.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tears broke through thest vestiges of her will, her anger at the old dowager¡¯s oblique insults vanishing. She nodded mutely.

    The old dowager was stunned, and didn¡¯t collect her senses again until the two were far away. ¡°Let¡¯s all go back. Give them some room for their preparations,¡± shemanded awkwardly.

    The sudden development had doused everyone¡¯s enthusiasm. The group left for their own respective residences. Qin Yining returned to Venerable Study Hall and rested after her customary washing up.

    The next day, officials from the Ministry of Rites were waiting outside the manor doors early in the morning. Qin Yining followed Qin Huaiyuan in bidding farewell to her family, going in for a round of ¡°you must be mature and docile¡± from the old dowager. Bingtang and Sonn helped her into the carriage decorated with eight treasures and tassels before settling in themselves. Qin Yining pushed open the carriage windows and lifted the aqua-colored tassel curtains. She took off her veiled hat and raised her eyes to take ast look at the Qin Manor front doors.

    Under the piercing winter sunlight, therge words, ¡®Qin Manor¡¯, on the gold trimmed board over the doors made her squint. The matte ck tiled walls stretched to both sides, encircling therge Qin household in their arms. Girls and women wearing cheery clothing and jade ornaments stood in front of the doors, both real and fake tears brimming in their eyes. They looked at her in helpless longing as n¨¦e Sun leaned against Jin-mama¡¯s shoulder, her body wracked with heartbreaking sobs.

    This home wasn¡¯t always warm, but the existence of this manor had given her an anchor in life. Sadly, fortune was capricious. Even though she¡¯d finallye to have a true home, she was bidding it farewell today, her return up to the whims of fate.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s red-wheeled carriage, decorated with brocade coverings, had taken its ce in front of Qin Yining¡¯s carriage. He too was looking out the window at the moment. The apanying officials noted that the auspicious hour had arrived and pulled up to his carriage to make a cupped fist salute.

    ¡°Sir, the hour has arrived.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s be on our way.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded and let down the curtains. Qin Yining smiled at n¨¦e Sun, Qiulu, and the others when she heard this. She also let down the curtains and closed the window. She¡¯d already asked Jin-mama to take care of all the servants in Venerable Study Hall. This was thest of the arrangements she could make for those she cared for. If she couldn¡¯t make her way back, her heart would be satisfied that she had done all she could for them.

    She didn¡¯t actually want to take Bingtang and Sonn with her, but they¡¯d been adamant about it. Sonn had sworn up and down that she would drown herself if she was left behind, and Bingtang had gone silent and steely-eyed as she¡¯d gathered her poisons, ready to go down with the trampress in a fiery ze. Qin Yining couldn¡¯t convince them no matter what she said, so she ended up taking them with her.

    The carriages swayed as the entourage slowly set off. N¨¦e Sun pulled Jin-mama with her and took two steps forward. She drew a shaky breath, and called out loudly, her voice still choked up, ¡°Daughter Yi, youe back, do you hear?! I¡¯ll be waiting for you toe back!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s firmly suppressed sorrow at parting came rushing to the fore with her mother¡¯s words. She screwed her eyes tightly shut and tilted her head back as she tried to will her tears away.

    N¨¦e Sun sobbed soundlessly as she watched the retinue vanish into the distance. ¡°The child¡¯s onlye back for two months. I haven¡¯t even started treating her well yet!¡±

    Hardships were the true test of rtionships. N¨¦e Sun no longer suspected Qin Yining anymore and could also tell who treated her with sincerity in this household. Qin Yining was a genuinely filial girl and had thought only for her mother. But in return, n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t taken care of the child even when she had the ability to. At that moment, the madame truly regretted her actions over the past two months.

    Jin-mama, the third and eighth miss were all trying tofort n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°The fourth miss will surely return safely. Don¡¯t worry, madame.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, senior aunt. Fourth sister has courage and wits. Surely she¡¯ll return safely.¡±

    The old dowager wasn¡¯t feeling well about this entire matter either. On that carriage was a beautiful girl, a child with a personality and looks so simr to that of her most beloved son. But such were the times they were in. There was nothing they could do but ept fate¡¯s ham-fisted grip.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± The old dowager sighed. But just as the words escaped her mouth, scattered and urgent hoof steps traveled in from the distance.

    Everyone turned back questioningly, and was greeted by the sight of the crown prince, garbed in light purple and a cape with a white fox fur cor, riding hard towards them on the back of a fast horse. He was trailed by a group of panting eunuchs wearing gray cotton uniforms.

    Weichi Yan didn¡¯t dismount, only asking hurriedly, ¡°Where¡¯s the fourth miss? Is she already gone?¡±

    He didn¡¯t ask about his tutor, Qin Huaiyuan, but was concerned only with Qin Yining. Who would still be oblivious to the crown prince¡¯s thoughts now? If it wasn¡¯t for this imperial decree, they could¡¯ve had a crown princess consort and a potential future empress!

    It felt like knives were slicing themselves across the old dowager¡¯s heart when she thought of all this. Regret dyed her tone as she shook her head slowly. ¡°Gone, she¡¯s gone.¡±

    ¡°Gone?!¡± Weichi Yan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Did she take her own life because she wasn¡¯t willing to suffer humiliation?

    The second madame quickly piped up when she saw the crown prince¡¯s face suddenly drain of all color. ¡°Your Highness, the fourth miss and Grand Preceptor Qin have just started their journey. You still have time to catch up to them if you ride fast.¡±

    Weichi Yan came back alive at those words, color returning to his pallid face. He nodded sharply to the second madame and old dowager and whipped his horse in hot pursuit without another word.

    ¡°Your Highness! Your Highness! Oh my goodness.¡± The eunuchs tore off in mad chase.

    The retinue had taken arge road away from the crowds. On the other hand, Weichi Yan hadn¡¯t picked his path carefully in his haste. He made his way straight through the market and so naturally didn¡¯t meet up with them. When he reached the northern city gate and saw that the carriages hadn¡¯t arrived yet, he wanted to double back to find them. One of his eunuchs, panting heavily, acted as a voice of reason. ¡°What if you choose the wrong path again, Your Highness? Why not wait on a path outside the city that they¡¯re sure to take?¡±

    Weichi Yan smacked his forehead and heaved a long sigh. ¡°I¡¯vepletely lost my wits in my panic.¡± Calming himself down, he chose to wait in a copse of trees about twenty miles out from the city.

    Within that same copse, Pang Xiao was perched up in the branches of arge tree with Huzi, the two munching on buns. They slowly stilled when they heard footsteps draw near.

    ¡°Master, it seems that someone¡¯sing here.¡± Huzi muttered.

    ¡°Mm.¡± Pang Xiao shoved thest bit of his bun into his mouth, popping his cheeks out as he swallowed slowly.

    Huzi also finished off his bun and rose to look in the direction of the road. He whispered back, ¡°It looks like they¡¯re here to send the group off. Judging from their outfit and those followers, it should be the crown prince of Great Yan.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Pang Xiao leisurely tightened the fine cotton cloak around him. He clearly couldn¡¯t be bothered with more words.

    Huzi rolled his eyes privately at his master. You turn into a scoundrel whenever you see the Qin miss, but you can¡¯t be bothered with more than a word for me? The difference in this treatment is too much! He sat down next to the prince. ¡°Master, should we take advantage of this to kill him?¡±

    ¡°Do you serve the Great Yan emperor?¡± Pang Xiao arched a brow.

    Huzi blinked and shook his head dumbly. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then why are you helping that scum?¡±

    Even though the Great Yan emperor had only one heir, he was still wary of his own son. He wasn¡¯t willing to admit that the years had caught up to him and refused to vacate the position he was upying. In fact, he wished desperately his son would die so there would be one less threat to his imperial throne.

    ¡°Leave him.¡± Pang Xiao closed his eyeszily.

    ¡°But then we don¡¯t need to wait here. With the speed of their carriage, they¡¯ll reach Xihua in two days no matter how slow they¡¯re traveling. What can happen in two days?¡±

    Pang Xiao closed his eyes as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything. Huzi knew that he was being thoroughly ignored again and could only squat on the branches and pick at the tree bark for entertainment.

    The sound of carriages rattling on the road sounded before long. Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes flew open, but he remained absolutely still, concentrating to listen to what was going on.

    Weichi Yan immediately steered his horse forward when he saw the retinue approach.

    ¡°Halt!¡± The apanying one hundred soldiers and fifty guards dismounted and bowed when they saw the crown prince. Someone ran back quickly to report, ¡°Sir, the crown prince is here.¡±

    Weichi Yan snapped his reins and steered his horse to the side of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s carriage. He raised his hands. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan alighted and returned the gesture with a slight smile. He wanted to exchange some pleasantries, but the crown prince quickly interrupted him.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, I have some words for the fourth miss. I hope you¡¯ll allow me to dy the convoy for a bit.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan blinked and then looked at the carriage behind them. The door was pushed open, and Qin Yining looked nkly out, wrapped warmly in a white rabbit fur cor cloak.

    When Weichi Yan¡¯s eyes met with Qin Yining¡¯s, his heartbeat sped out of control as he dismounted and sped unconsciously towards her.

    ¡°Fourth Miss, I¡¯m so d I caught you! Don¡¯t worry, no matter what happens, I¡¯ll request an imperial decree from my royal father as long as youe back! I swear that only you can sit in the crown princess consort seat!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s mouth was agape as she looked at Weichi Yan. He looked ardently back at her. Everyone had fallen silent in the wake of such a deration. Within the trees, Pang Xiao snorted softly, his face now thunderous. Huzi scrambled away from his master as quickly and silently as he could, almost falling from the tree in his haste. Aiya! My master is too scary when he¡¯s angry!

 Chapter 108: Protection

    <h4>Chapter 108: Protection</h4>

    Qin Yining blinked a few times, spending quite a few moments before she digested the meaning behind Weichi Yan¡¯s words. She was a bit moved, but was even more surprised and thoughtful. She wasn¡¯t that familiar with Weichi Yan, but his actions would make others think that they¡¯d already exchanged unending vows of love. If he really wanted to share those words with her, why say them in front of so many people? If he was afraid that she¡¯d take her life because she couldn¡¯t endure the humiliation, why not tell her surreptitiously to give her the hope to live on?

    The officials from the Ministry of Rites as well as the emperor¡¯s hundred soldiers and fifty guards were all present today. There were naturally many people from different factions arranged in the convoy as well. Weichi Yan was publicly tying her to his ship and nting Qin Huaiyuan firmly on his side. He was thinking of her reputation at all and in fact wanted everyone to misunderstand that she and the crown prince had illicit rtions and privatelymitted themselves to each other.

    Qin Yining admitted that she was being far too cynical. But she was an official daughter of the grand preceptor. She couldn¡¯t just fling herself headlong into a rtionship without thought of the political situation. If Weichi Yan was the son of an ordinary family, she¡¯d think that he was just expressing his honest feelings.

    But he was the crown prince.

    And the crown prince was in a precarious position these days.

    The crown prince was also very close to the Prince of Ning.

    When the Prince of Ning had carried off Bingtang and she fell for their plot to rescue the maid, that had forced the Duke of Ding and her father into the Prince of Ning¡¯s camp. That was how the Prince of Ning had sessfully censured then Grand Preceptor Cao and how her families had offended the Caos. This was why the trampress made moves against them at every possible opportunity. This had caused the death of Sun Yuanming, the destruction of the Suns and robbing support from so many women, as well as indirectly causing her mother¡¯s troubles in the Qin Manor.

    This series of interconnected reactions were all a result of schemes from the Prince of Ning and the crown prince¡¯s faction. She¡¯d really naively thought she was saving someone that day, but reality had given her a harsh lesson and her gift was the blood of the Suns.

    With these experiences, Qin Yining was no longer a young girl with her brains full of love. She smiled slightly and took Bingtang and Sonn¡¯s hand when alighting from the carriage. She took two steps backwards and spoke crisply, ¡°Please be mindful, Your Highness. Matters of marriage have always been decided by parents and matchmakers. Your Highness¡¯ actions are inappropriate.¡±

    Weichi Yan paused and his pale face rapidly flushed red. He took two quick strides to Qin Yining and reached out for her hand.

    ¡°Fourth Miss, you¡¯ve misunderstood. I...¡±

    p! His hand caught one of her hands but was immediately pped away by her other hand, leaving a red welt behind.

    Qin Yining frowned and spoke coldly, ¡°Your Highness, there should be a distance kept between men and women! Although others create fanciful, dirty lies about my eptance of the imperial decree to join the peace talks, that¡¯s all because I¡¯m willing to make this sacrifice for my country! Your Highness¡¯ frivolous actions in front of the group today is aplete disregard of my reputation!¡±

    Weichi Yan looked dumbly at his hand and then at the crowd more than hundred strong around him, then turned to the frowning Qin Huaiyuan. Some parts of his simple mind were finally making the connections!

    He thought of how the Prince of Ning had persuaded his father to unground himst night, and then hade to him first thing this morning to urge him to quickly chase down the Qin miss. Some foggy notions were beginning to form in his mind. Weichi Yan felt that he¡¯d been used, but he didn¡¯t know the exact details yet. He only knew that his confession of love hadn¡¯t been answered with Qin Yining¡¯s emotional tears or moving pledge to him. Instead, it¡¯d been interpreted as a frivolous action in public and debasing her.

    That was true! She wasn¡¯t a brothel worker, she was a noble daughter. When it came to rtionships, it would be illicit rtions even if he mentioned all this between only the two of them. Not to mention that he announced it openly like this and gone to grab her hand...

    Weichi Yan was the epitome of regret as his face flushed beet red.

    ¡°The days are cold. Your Highness must be busy with official matters. Please return to the pce.¡± Qin Yining bent her knee to curtsey and returned to the carriage, leaving the crown prince stunned where he was, looking dumbly at her pretty figure.

    Qin Huaiyuan had observed everything from the side and naturally understood his daughter¡¯s concerns. He had an even deeper understanding of her intellect from what had just happened. When she¡¯d plotted against others in the manor before, that disyed only her wits and methods. What she did now truly showcased her political sensitivity and acumen. She had rejected the crown prince so severely not only to protect her own reputation, but also to indicate to others that he was stoutly loyal to the emperor. That even though he was the Grand Preceptor to the Heir Apparent, he hadn¡¯t be a de in anyone else¡¯s hand.

    She was an unmarried girl, so her censure and rejection of the crown prince¡¯s thoughtless actions in broad daylight werepletely justified. She¡¯d also said that marriage was up to the parents, so that also left room for the Qins to maneuver for a possible marriage to the crown prince.

    ¡°Your Highness, the auspicious hour cannot be dyed. We must be on our way again.¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed with a slight smile. His attitude and courtesies were the same as usual, giving no hints as to what he was really thinking.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, I...¡± Weichi Yan was so anxious that beads of sweat had popped out on his forehead.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for further words, Your Highness. This subject understands all.¡±

    Understand what?! I¡¯m worried you understand the wrong thing! Weichi Yan cried out in his heart as his lips moved, unsure of what he should say.

    Up in the branches, Pang Xiao rxed and closed his eyes to rest. Once Qin Huaiyuan had gone through all proper courtesies with Weichi Yan, the grand preceptor climbed into the carriage again and gave orders for the convoy to set off.

    The convoy moved off slowly, with Weichi Yan and the eunuchs sending them off to the side. It took the crown prince a long time toe back to his senses. He climbed listlessly into the saddle with none of the high spirits he¡¯de riding up with. The eunuchs following him tried to guess their master¡¯s mood from his expression.

    ¡°Your Highness, that Qin chit is simply too blind and ignorant! How dare she be so arrogant when someone as dashing as Your Highness still wants a sullied woman like her! Your Highness, how about...¡±

    ¡°Move!¡± Weichi Yan cracked his whip over and ordered angrily, ¡°To the Prince of Ning¡¯s manor!¡±

    The eunuch realized to his horror that this bit of ttery had been aimed in thepletely wrong direction. He didn¡¯t dare say anything and bowed in acknowledgement, leading the eunuchs in tailing the crown prince back to the city.

    Peace slowly reconvened back on the road. Pang Xiao opened his eyes andnded lightly on the ground, Huzi close behind him.

    ¡°Master, that crown prince really does like the Qin fourth miss.¡±

    ¡°He does, but he really go about things brainlessly.¡± Pang Xiao walked further into the copse of trees to where their horses were tied.

    The guard was surprised that Pang Xiao had responded and quickly followed up. ¡°Master, although the crown prince didn¡¯t consider the fourth miss¡¯ reputation with his public actions, it was a disy of honest emotion.¡±

    ¡°The hand in the shadows was making use of precisely that. He was sold and turned around to count money for the one who sold him. It¡¯s not a bad thing to keep this kind of corn prince around.¡±

    ¡°Master, I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t he say to head for the Ning Manor?¡± Pang Xiao had reached the horses and were untying the reins. ¡°The crown prince was ungrounded onlyst night. He spent the entire new year reflecting in the Eastern Pce. He rushed here as soon as he regained his freedom and did this idiotic thing. Now he¡¯s gone back to find the Prince of Ning. Do you still not get it?¡±

    Huzi blinked before he gave a long ¡°ohhhh¡±.

    ¡°It¡¯s that Prince of Ning again! He wants to recruit Qin Huaiyuan still! Aiya,st time he tried, all of the Sun males lost their heads. This time, tsk tsk. Thank goodness the fourth miss knew the importance of her reputation and avoided the entire mess.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a smart one.¡± Pang Xiao caressed the gleaming ck fur of his treasured horse. What a waste of my nervous sweat just now.

    ¡°Master, do you mean that the fourth miss did that on purpose just now?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Eh, master, you haven¡¯t answered me yet.¡±

    Pang Xiao had nothing more to say. Huzi pouted with dejection and followed Pang Xiao in leading their horses to the road.

    ¡°It¡¯s just us two,¡± he muttered. ¡°What can we do even if the Tatars do show up? Besides, their convoy has at least a hundred fifty men. The Tatars number thirty at most. They won¡¯t kill the entire retinue.¡±

    Pang Xiao arched an eyebrow at Huzi and tugged out a ck leather ne from his cor. There was an exquisitely carved, red jade whistle in the shape of a tiger¡¯s stripes.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to summon the Elite Tigers?¡± Huzi was greatly taken aback. Pang Xiao answered with blowing on the whistle. A high, deste hawk¡¯s cry soared through the skies.

    A short whileter, ten extremely fit men came thundering down the road on horseback from the capital¡¯s direction. They were all just over twenty, tall, and stocky. They rippled with vitality, making it obvious at a nce that they possessed great martial skill. When they saw Pang Xiao sittingmandingly atop his ck horse, they jumped down in unison and went one knee to the ground.

    ¡°Master!¡± They raised synchronized cupped fist salutes.

    ¡°Mm, rise. You¡¯ve had a tough journey. Come with me.¡±

    ¡°There is nothing tough in following our master, but an honor!¡± The ten mounted their horses again and fell in behind Pang Xiao.

    Huzi tsk¡¯ed silently. The Elite Tigers were a troop that Pang Xiao had poured specific care into. They were all made homeless by the war and on the surface seemed like ordinary soldiers of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. There were only a hundred in this troop, but they were all handpicked from thousands. Those who didn¡¯t make it were part of the Valiant Tigers. Therefore, many Valiant Tigers had been personally cultivated by Pang Xiao. They all wanted to be part of the Elite Tigers and serve the prince closely.

    Given the chaotic times they were in, the prince had left forty Elite Tigers to protect his manor before setting out. He¡¯d surreptitiously inserted twenty of them in the Great Zhou capital to execute various missions, and had six dress up as pageboys, body servants, and bodyguards to protect the dowager madame and the others. He¡¯d brought only thirty four with him to Great Yan, and each had their own mission.

    Now that they knew the Tatars had infiltrated Great Yan, he¡¯d redeployed ten of them to protect his enemy¡¯s daughter. Huzi had no idea what to say about this anymore. They trailed the Great Yan convoy at a modest distance, able to maintain their cover but also protect the retinue. At dusk, they actually did discover a group of Tatars dressed as bandits. Pang Xiao¡¯s men easily swept them out of the way.

    For Qin Yining, the road was rather peaceful. For Pang Xiao and Huzi, it was a wee break from tedium.

    On the afternoon of the eighteen, the retinue finally arrived on the outskirts of Xihua. Qin Yining lifted the carriage curtains to see the fiery setting sun illuminated between mountains in the distance. Xihua¡¯s ancient walls stood guard, looking piteously down on the wavering nation of Great Yan. Camps of the two sides were set up on the open fields, and the breeze itself brought traces of gunpowder and gore.

    This was a cruel battlefield, and Qin Yining¡¯s expression grew solemn.

 Chapter 109: Lofty Sentiments

    <h4>Chapter 109: Lofty Sentiments</h4>

    Great Yan¡¯s convoy was immediately weed into the city by General Wang Hui and Prefect Liu 1 when it arrived. Everyone knew what was going on when they saw a beautiful girl in the retinue.

    The hot-blooded men who¡¯d fought and bled on the battlefields felt their faces grow hot. They weren¡¯t like those who cowardly shrank in their shells and only talked of war on paper. These were men who charged on the front lines and had personally witnessed the cruelty of war. They knew more than anyone else the role that the elderly, weak, children, and women yed in war.

    They wereying their lives down on the line so that the enemy would no longer threaten their women and children at home. They fought so that everyone would have food to eat, clothes to wear, and children had school to attend and could grow up peacefully. Anyone with a bit of character to them wouldn¡¯t want treachery, rape, capture, and piging to happen in front of them!

    If they died, then it was their own ipetence and they could do nothing about what happened afterwards. But they hadn¡¯t died yet, and the emperor was sending an innocent girl to the enemy. Wasn¡¯t this tant ps to their face?

    That Great Zhou emperor bullied and oppressed Great Yan citizens, but their own emperor blindly listened to the trampress and ignored the voice of the people as well as oppressing his own loyal subjects. The blood of the loyal Duke of Ding line had yet to grow cold. All of the soldiers and generals were gearing themselves up for another furious battle, but that cowardly emperor threw all history aside when Great Zhou flung out a casual request to parley. He even offered Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter of his own ord!

    Everyone had a knot of ill will within them that they couldn¡¯t vent. They hated the trash emperor and trampress, and agonized over the annihted Duke of Ding line. They¡¯d always respected Grand Preceptor Qin and thus sympathized with him greatly and pitied his daughter immensely. With General Wang Hui and Prefect Liu heading the group, everyone treated Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining with extreme courtesy.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, Miss Qin, please take lodgings with the prefect for the night.¡±

    ¡°Our lodgings aren¡¯t important,¡± Qin Huaiyuan dismissed. ¡°A long night is fraught with dreams and anything can change. Why don¡¯t we have someone deliver a message to the enemy camp right now and settle on the negotiation time and location.¡±

    ¡°Yes, the grand preceptor speaks truly.¡± Prefect Liu nodded.

    Qin Huaiyuan turned to his daughter. ¡°Go get some rest. I¡¯ll have someone fetch you if anything happens.¡±

    ¡°Yes, father.¡± Qin Yining curtsied and withdrew from the room.

    The prefect¡¯s wife was waiting outside the door with maids and granny servants. When they saw Qin Yining emerge, they politely led her to the inner residence of the yamen, 2 and arranged her to be in an upper room. The prefect¡¯s wife alsomanded the servants to prepare quality food and hot water.

    Qin Yining tossed and turned all night, finding it difficult to sleep. No matter how strong she presented herself, she was still a girl who¡¯d yet toe of age. She broke out into a cold sweat at the mere thought of what she was about to endure. She kept saying that she was open-minded and that there was nothing more important than staying alive.

    But when the hour was nigh, she suddenly wondered if she could keep living if she really was humiliated. What do we live for? She lost herself in thought as she stared at thentern¡¯s projection on the window, finallyying down for bleary eyed sleep when pale white graced the horizons. She seemed to have just fallen asleep when servants called to her from the outside.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin requests the fourth miss¡¯ presence.¡±

    Qin Yining bolted to an upright position and lifted the bed curtains to see a bloodless Sonn and Bingtang with reddened eyes.

    ¡°I know now. Go tell my father that I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡± Her voice was a bit raspy. She rubbed her slightly throbbing temples and turned to her maids. ¡°Help me wash up and dress.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Sonn choked out. She took out a jasper colored brocade vest and skirt ensemble as well as a in pale-green cloak with a white fox fur cor. Bingtang opened the cosmetic box to help Qin Yining with makeup.

    Her hair piled into two buns with the remainder trailing down, her brows outlined for elegant emphasis, her eyes shadowed to illuminate their watery depths, and red applied to her lips...

    Qin Yining assessed herself in the bronze mirror. She was very different from her normal appearance, being much more visually stunning today. She tried for a smile.

    It seeded, but it made Bingtang and Sonn burst into tears.

    ¡°Miss, you, you...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, I¡¯m not going to my death.¡± Qin Yining rose and lightly caressed the long hair that had fallen her shoulders. She smiled. ¡°Stay here and wait. Don¡¯t go with me.¡±

    ¡°Miss! I¡¯m going with you!¡± Bingtang sniffled. ¡°I know poisons at least! If that damned old man wants to do something to you, I¡¯ll poison him!¡±

    ¡°If he dies from poison, the peace talks fail, and then the Qins are the next to die.¡± Qin Yining held up a handkerchief for Bingtang¡¯s tears with a wry smile.

    Sonn fell to her knees with a sob and grabbed a corner of Qin Yining¡¯s pale-green cloak. ¡°Miss, you saved my life. If you aren¡¯t here anymore, I¡¯ll go with you so that I can serve you in the underworld!¡±

    ¡°Me too! If you¡¯re not here anymore, I¡¯ll go take the trampress down with me and then serve you in the underworld!¡± Bingtang also knelt and grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Sillies.¡± She pulled them up and patted Sonn¡¯s shoulder, then pinched Bingtang¡¯s apple cheeks. ¡°You¡¯re both young. If I¡¯m really not here anymore, won¡¯t you take care of my mother for me?¡±

    ¡°Miss...¡± Sonn sobbed even harder.

    Qin Yining blinked back the tears that were about to leak out and shed them a dazzling smile.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be off now.¡± She turned and pushed open the door, striding forward without hesitation.

    Bingtang and Sonn gulped, chasing out with tears. However, they could only stand in the hallway and watch their miss follow the prefect¡¯s wife, slowly disappearing into the distance.

    Qin Huaiyuan hadn¡¯t slept all night. He was currently standing in the covered hallway with a ck fur cloak on, losing himself in thought with the vivid blue sky overhead. General Wang Hui was preparing to go out and Prefect Liu was waiting off to the side.

    ¡°Father.¡± A clear call pulled him back down to earth. He followed the voice to see a inly dressed, yet still stunning Qin Yining. She was looking at him with a faint smile. ¡°Father, shall we be on our way?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed. He grit his teeth after a long moment and nodded. ¡°No one¡¯s at ease with the location being within the city or outside of it. Afterst night¡¯s negotiations, we¡¯ll be erecting a temporary tent outside Xihua, between the two armies. Both sides are allowed one hundred soldiers each. Daughter Yi, you¡¯lle with meter.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded docilely, her pearl tassels swaying slightly next to her cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s just as well that it¡¯s not in the city. That way, Great Zhou won¡¯t have the opportunity to nt spies. We need to shut the city doors tightly after we leave and have people be on guard.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ve already discussed this with Prefect Liu and General Wang Hui. The officials from the Ministry of Rites will lead the peace talks. General Wang Hui and Prefect Liu will stay behind to guard the city.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. We can be at ease this way then.¡±

    General Wang Hui selected a hundred soldiers before long. With Qin Huaiyuan and Minister of Rites Cui Wenqing leading the way, Qin Yining brought up the rear by herself. They left the yamen together. Just before they cleared the city gates, Qin Huaiyuan took Qin Yining up a city walls. The general, prefect, and soldiers followed close behind.

    As they looked out over the grand city gates, a wild gust teased at Qin Yining¡¯s long hair. The dawn sun illuminated tracts ofnd as it continued to climb in the sky. The Great Zhou encampment was not far from the city walls. Her eyes followed the horizon to gaze upon the endless mountain ranges in the distance, their tops capped with white. She suddenly felt that the world was a vast and expansive ce, and the knot of dejection within her unfurled.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, are you afraid?¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood with his hands sped behind his back.

    ¡°What am I afraid of? No one leaves this world alive. It¡¯s just death, so what should we be afraid of?¡± Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it carried clearly to those present.

    The one hundred soldiers chosen had epted their duty with expectations of a grisly death. Even Minister Cui Wenqing was sweating profusely with nerves. If the peace talks failed and Great Zhou erupted in open hostilities, none of them woulde back from the negotiations alive. But now, the men had been spurred onto new heroic highs. Courage bloomed within them and lofty sentiments roared at the skies!

    What was there to be afraid of? A little girl was proiming such viewpoints, so what reason was there for strapping men like them to be afraid?

    ¡°Miss Qin is the daughter of illustrious family, alright!¡± General Wang Hui answered with great emotion. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grand Preceptor Qin! If the talks fail, we¡¯ll take down these petty thieves with us! How dare theye bullying to the doorstep of Great Yan!¡±

    ¡°Good. With General Wang and Prefect Liu guarding the city, we can rest assured about our backs.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled peacefully and called out, ¡°Prepare the carriages. Move out!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The men shouted back, their voices soaring to the clouds.

    Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing took he first carriage while Qin Yining sat in the second by herself. They were escorted by the hundred soldiers to the temporary camp that had just been set up between the two armies. Due to the two sides bringing equal amounts of soldiers, everyone¡¯s own tent and equipment, and the ones needed for negotiations, the temporary campsite was quiterge.

    Qin Yining¡¯s convoy pulled into the campground to see two groups of men facing off against them.

    One group was dressed in red clothing and ck armor with a tiger head embroidered on their sleeves. Behind them, several ck gs with a golden tiger and one red g with a ck ¡®Pang¡¯ cracked in the wind. The other group was dressed in regr muddy yellow uniforms, with the ¡®Lian¡¯ g rippling in the breeze. Qin Yining understood that the first group were the Valiant Tigers loyal to Prince Pang Xiao, and the second were regr Great Zhou troops loyal to Lian Shengjie.

    Their carriages rolled to a half as Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing first alighted, Qin Yining following after setting foot on a ckcquer stool. They raised their heads to see a group walk out of the opposing tent.

    The leader was a fit man over fifty with drooping bags under his eyes and an oily face. He was a general in golden armor, and his eyes fixated on Qin Yining as soon as he saw the girl. He instantly halted and looked like he wanted to dig out his eyes to put them onto the girl.

    Such a lecherous person must be Great Zhou¡¯s Minister of Military Affairs, Lian Shengjie. Qin Yining was inwardly repulsed but maintained a calm expression on her face. Her eyes darted around tond on an elder over sixty. He was dressed in a pale-gray cotton cloak and his long beard fluttered in the wind, imparting ethereal hints to his figure.

    Who is he? He looks like a strategist.

    The elder who looked like an immortal was staring intently at Qin Huaiyuan with eyes of hate!

 Chapter 110: So Itâ€™s Him!

    <h4>Chapter 110: So It¡¯s Him!</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan took a step forward and shielded Qin Yining behind him, then turned confused eyes at the elder staring at him. He didn¡¯t know the man and so didn¡¯t understand why the elder was looking at him with eyes of such hate and rage.

    Zheng Pei took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. He asked benevolently, ¡°This must be the famous ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯, Grand Preceptor Qin?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just some over-the-top praise that the citizens have bestowed on me. May I know who this gentleman is?¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised his hands in a cupped fist salute.

    ¡°I am a strategist under the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. My surname is Zheng.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining instantly knew why the elder held such hostility when they heard the prince¡¯s title. Qin Huaiyuan was the man who¡¯d engineered the fatal plot back in the day. Given Sir Zheng¡¯s age, it was possibly he¡¯d served Pang Zhongzheng.

    ¡°So it¡¯s Sir Zheng, my apologies for not recognizing you earlier.¡± Qin Huaiyuan looked around and smiled. ¡°This umonly dashing lord must be Minister Lian of the Bureau of Military Affairs. I wonder if the little prince is around as well?¡±

    Lian Shengjie had already stuck his neck out for unabashed assessment of Qin Yining¡¯s body. Pride surged when he heard Qin Huaiyuan mentioned himself, but it swiftly turned to displeasure when Pang Xiao was inquired after as well. His face sank.

    ¡°I¡¯m in charge of the Southern Pacification Army now and hold my emperor¡¯s decree in hosting these peace talks. Little Prince Pang is just the general of the Valiant Tigers now. What difference does it make if he¡¯s here or not?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very true.¡± Qin Huaiyuan arched a brow and smiled faintly.

    Zheng Pei had seized up Qin Yining by now and inwardly spat that here was yet another tramp who would cause the downfall of a nation. Outwardly, he beamed merrily. ¡° And might I ask what position does thisdy official hold in Great Yan?¡±

    This question made the faces of those from Great Yan burn slightly. It was a known fact that their nation didn¡¯t have any female officials. It also wasn¡¯t a secret that Lian Shengjie had a great vice of lust. So therefore, it was self evident why there was a beautiful girl in Great Yan¡¯s peace talk entourage. Zheng Pei¡¯s knowing question was a firm stomp on their dignity. Qin Yining thought very little of this Sir Zheng as a result.

    Qin Huaiyuan however, remained smiling. ¡°This is my official daughter. I have no son; she¡¯s the only pearl I have. I have great ns for her in the future, so I like to take her with me wherever I go so that she sees more of the world.¡±

    Those from Great Yan breathed a silent sigh of relief, feeling that they¡¯d regained some of their lost face. Thank goodness for Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s wits!

    Meanwhile, those of Great Zhou sneered privately. Using such a righteous excuse in offering a beautiful girl. How shameless can you lot be?

    ¡°So it¡¯s Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter. My apologies.¡± Zheng Pei was still smiling, but his eyes held mockery now.

    If it¡¯d been any regr girl, they would¡¯ve wanted to burrow into a hole somewhere under Lian Shengjie¡¯sscivious leering and Zheng Pei¡¯s jeering smile. But she remained standing quietly behind her father, as if she really were an official son out on a jaunt with her father.

    ¡°Since this is the case, let¡¯s talk inside the tent.¡± Minister Cui Wenqing smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve ordered food and drink to be prepared. Let¡¯s eat and talk at the same time.¡±

    ¡°After you.¡±

    ¡°After you!¡±

    As the key personnel to the peace talks entered the tent, Qin Yining naturally followed beside her father. The tent was a pure white contraption made of the rough fabric found in armies. A bonfire had been set up in the middle of the room, with an iron pot mounted over it, boiling water. A vivid red carpet covered the ground, with three settings set out on either side at the end of the carpet.

    Lian Shengjie, one of his sub generals, and Zheng Pei sat on the left. Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing sat on the right. Qin Yining picked up a stool and sat behind her father.

    Lian Shengjie was sitting across from Qin Huaiyuan, so he could see Qin Yining¡¯s charming face whenever he lifted his head. His heart was capering madly with excitement as his lustful urges reared their heads in full. He was the main host of the talks, but his mind waspletely preupied by the beautiful girl. He wasn¡¯t paying any attention to the proceedings at all.

    Thankfully, Zheng Pei was calmly collected on the Great Zhou side. He was perceptive and engaged in all sorts of verbal feints with Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing, paying overtpliments while dishing out subtle jeers, haggling and bargaining to the utmost to prevent Great Yan from taking the advantage in the negotiations.

    The first bout went for eight hours, but many areas such as tribute and the partitioning ofnds had yet to be agreed upon. Great Zhou was making ludicrous demands to maximize their gains as much as possible, while Qin Huaiyuan was clinging bitterly onto everything, trying to decreases their losses as much as possible as well.

    When thenterns outside were lit, so did soldiers bring inmps for the tent. Everyone had talked themselves hoarse. The food had chilled and been reheated several times in a row.

    All Lian Shengjie had done the entire afternoon was to admire the view in front of him and fantasize about all the tricks and positions he wanted to try. When he saw that Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t agreeing to the reparations of fifty million silver, he frowned and pretended to be deep in thought. ¡°This sum is for the losses that my Great Zhou soldiers have endured. It¡¯s actually not a great sum. However, it can still be discussed.¡±

    Zheng Pei wanted to interject, but Lian Shengjie cut him off with a dark expression as soon as the elder opened his mouth. ¡°Sir Zheng has been busy all afternoon. Isn¡¯t it my turn to say a few words now?¡±

    Zheng Pei was in Pang Xiao¡¯s camp and was known as the ¡®Advisor¡¯ in the Valiant Tigers, but he didn¡¯t have an actual title or armymission. He was sitting here todaypletely because of Pang Xiao. The prince wasn¡¯t in residence at the moment, and the Valiant Tigers had to be represented. This was why Lian Shengjie didn¡¯t actually dare do anything too tant, but neither could Zheng Pei do anything when Lian Shengjie pulled rank.

    Seeing that Zheng Pei wasn¡¯t saying anything else, Lian Shengjie stood up and pretended to stretch and walk around to loosen his joints. He ended up next to Qin Huaiyuan and leaned sideways to look at Qin Yining¡¯s pale face. Greed was written all over his eyes as he spoke to Qin Huaiyuan.

    ¡°Of course, we should talk about everything in peace talks! I love drinking and hear that Grand Preceptor Qin is raising this daughter like a son. Then her tolerance must be good. If she¡¯s willing to have a drink or two with me, then we can still talk about those conditions!¡±

    It¡¯se. Qin Yining closed her eyes. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hands slowly balled into fists. He remained smiling, but he was torn between rage and resignation inside. She didn¡¯t want to put her father in a difficult position, so stood up to bend her knee in a curtsey.

    ¡°Sir Lian is a renowned hero with a forthright personality. I truly do admire such a person. Therefore, allow me to make use of this opportunity to toast you, sir.¡± She picked up the wine jar as she spoke and filled arge bowl, while she herself picked up a small, delicate white porcin jug.

    When Lian Shengjie epted the white porcin bowl from the beauty, the only thing in his eyes were the shes of her pale skin and the only thoughts upying his mind were lewd. He didn¡¯t pay any attention to what he was drinking, keeping his eyes trained on Qin Yining as he emptied the bowl. Only when he felt the burn in his stomach did he realize he¡¯d been served arge bowl of potent liquor!

    The alcohol rushed to his head but he didn¡¯t grow angry. He smiled instead. ¡°Ai! The favors from beauties are the hardest to digest and beauties always pour the finest wine.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Then please have another. They say that three cups of alcohol will be enough to render even heroes drunk. Since the lord is a great hero, you must have three bowls of it.¡± She poured another bowl and looked at Lian Shengjie with bright eyes.

    He was well and thoroughly tipsy now, and while still rtively clear headed, his courage was bolstered by the alcohol. he was very worked up and didn¡¯t care about the others present. He grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s soft hands and dragged her into his embrace.

    ¡°Beauty, are you trying to get me drunk? Let me tell you something, I¡¯m most afraid of the gentle affections from women. We can talk about anything in these negotiations if you serve me well. My emperor is far away and waits for my report, hmm? I can loosen my lips a little. I can tell that you¡¯re a perceptive one. Let¡¯s get to know each other better. Heaven¡¯s bestowed this fate on us, hmm?¡±

    Qin Yining had stiffened all over and her face was beet red. Her round, almond-shaped eyes were filled with humiliation and indignity, but resignation even more so. Wasn¡¯t this her goal ining here today? Get to know each other better? I suppose I should be happy that the heavens haven¡¯t arranged for Sir Lian to take me away with him.

    A tendon throbbed on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s forehead as he shot to his feet with unrepressed fury. He dragged Qin Yining behind him with one pull.

    ¡°Sir Lian, I brought my daughter with me to see more of the world and add to her knowledge. We should focus on our business at hand.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at the tall, broad figure shielding her through teary eyes. Her father was on her side in the end. Even though they couldn¡¯t defy the imperial decree, her father was still shielding her in pivotal moments! But how could she let her father protect her like this? If the peace talks failed, the emperor would me their family!

    ¡°What? You know this is what I like! Didn¡¯t you bring a beauty for my pleasure? I¡¯m giving you face in ying along! So you regret things now huh?! What was all this earlier then huh?? Fifty million silver and another fifteen cities, and not one bit less!¡± Lian Shengjie¡¯s face had gone dark with his voice climbing an octave due to the alcohol.

    He¡¯d only wanted five cities beforehand, but had just raised the price for no reason at all! Qin Yining bit her lip and didn¡¯t things to be ruined because of her. She was satisfied enough that her father wanted to protect her.

    Qin Huaiyuan was grappling with an immense internal struggle, and his face alternated between red and white. Lian Shengjie smirked cockily and pushed Qin Huaiyuan away, grabbing Qin Yining¡¯s hand again and headed outside with her. He was certain that no one would dare stop him this time!

    But at this time, the tent p was harshly flipped aside. Arge figure wielding arge de strode in with an immense aura, light refracted every which way off the weapon. He had broad shoulders and an upright back, his arms rippling with strength and waist with vigor. His ck fighting robe made him appear the very picture of noblesse, but a storm brewed within phoenix-shaped eyes that were set under slender eyebrows!

    Qin Huaiyuan was startled by the sight when he looked back, and Qin Yining even more so.

    ¡°Yao Zhixhi...¡± Her thoughts spun furiously. She thought he¡¯d barged in to rescue her and was assailed with a conflict of emotions. She almost started crying and frantically tried to gesture to him. ¡°Go away, quick! You shouldn¡¯t be here!¡±

    Pang Xiao paid attention to nothing apart from drawing his arm back and shing forward with his sword! The stroke was aimed straight at Lian Shengjie¡¯s face. If it connected, the minister¡¯s face would be split down the middle!

    ¡°Little prince, you can¡¯t!¡± Zheng Pei was scared silly off to the side. Qin Yining paused, her eyes wide with surprise as she took another swift look at Pang Xiao.

    The proceedings scared Lian Shengjie into sobriety and he backed up two steps with a cry of dismay, falling to the ground on his butt and just barely managing to avoid the sword. Nervous sweat dripped down his face as he pointed at Pang Xiao with shaking fingers, ¡°Pang Zhixhi, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    ¡°F*ck you motherf*cking piece of shit! How dare youy hands on my woman?! I¡¯ll f*cking hack you to pieces!¡± These words were followed up with another mighty stroke!

 Chapter 111: Making a Move

    <h4>Chapter 111: Making a Move</h4>

    When Lian Shengjie saw that Pang Xiao was still intent onmitting homicide, he screamed bloody murder and scrambled for his life. His panicked scrabbling barely put him out of reach of the second sword strike.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s sword, seemingly unhappy about missing its target, bit deep into a decorative end table. It sank halfway into the table, but thetter remained intact. Pang Xiao yanked at his de, but it stubbornly clung onto the table. Cursing under his breath, Pang Xiao promptly let go of his sword and grabbed Lian Shengjie¡¯s cor, giving its owner a no holds barred punch.

    The minister, now the proud future owner of a magnificent ck eye, yelped in surprise and pain. His other hand grabbed Pang Xiao¡¯s wrist as he started to yell, ¡°Pang Zhixi, how dare you beat an official of the court! I¡¯m going to censure you, censure you!¡±

    ¡°Hit me back if you¡¯re man enough to! You only know how to tattle!¡± The aggrieved minister was gifted another punch, this time to his rather significant paunch.

    ¡°I won¡¯t give you the chance to censure me!¡± Lian Shengjie doubled over, clutching his stomach. He attempted to struggle, but was quickly overpowered by Pang Xiao. ¡°I¡¯m going to criticize you so harshly that you lose everyst position you have!¡±

    ¡°Whatever!¡± Pang Xiao tossed Lian Shengjie onto the ground and sat astride him. Without a moment of hesitation, he thenmenced giving the minister the beating of his life.

    It was right about then that the rest of the group finally processed the events that happened after the ¡®my woman¡¯ deration. Zheng Pei rushed frantically forward and restrained one of Pang Xiao¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Little prince, you¡¯re being too impulsive! He¡¯s the suprememander!¡±

    Undeterred by the loss of an arm, Pang Xiao got in a kick. ¡°That¡¯s exactly who I¡¯m beating up!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brains had long since turned into mush as she stared dumbly at Pang Xiao. No wonder his secondary name was ¡®Zhixi¡¯! He¡¯s Pang Zhixi! She¡¯d always thought that there was more than met the eye with this person. Indeed, he was the young prince who was known to kill without blinking; someone who made others tremble at the sound of his name!

    So why is he in the Great Yan capital? What is his rtionship with Priestess Liu? She recalled that the emperor was taking Priestess Liu¡¯s pills. Pang Xiao¡¯s father had died because of her own father¡¯s plots, so theoretically, he should hate all Qins. Why had he helped her again and again? If he had any ulterior motives, why had she never felt any hostility from him?

    Pang Xiao looked back and shook his hand, flicking his eyebrow at Qin Yining with a smirk. That smirk went all the way to his eyes, saying, ¡°Well? Feeling good after I beat that old fart up?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face burned; she had no idea what she could say. Pang Xiao was treating her the same way he had before, but she didn¡¯t know how to face him...

    Lian Shengjie kept a hand pped over his new ck eye and scrambled to his feet. Zheng Pei walked forward to help the suprememander up, but was pushed roughly away.

    ¡°Pang Zhixi, you¡¯re involved with the Great Yan grand preceptor¡¯s daughter?! You¡¯re a traitor to Great Zhou!!¡±

    ¡°Since when was I involved with her?¡±

    ¡°You SAID so just now!¡±

    ¡°I just fell in love with her at first nce!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just making things up!!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the one who beat you up and I¡¯m the one who likes Miss Qin. If you can show the emperor proof of my treason, do whatever you want. But then again, you need to be alive to show him.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s words fell like iron, and he strode towards the tent p. Just before he ducked out of the tent, he turned to nce at Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s gaze was calm and unfathomable as he returned the gaze. Pang Xiao didn¡¯t pay much attention to him, but shed a half-smile at Qin Yining again before leaving in high spirits.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart pounded at this smile, and she subconsciously hid behind her father. Qin Huaiyuan looked at the bruised Lian Shengjei with a frown on his face.

    Zhang Pei heaved a sigh and red at Qin Huaiyuan, then at Qin Yining. He stomped his foot.

    ¡°What sheer, utter trouble!¡± He too also left with a flourish of the sleeves.

    The momentarily raucous tent returned once again to peace, broken only by the sounds of Lian Shengjie¡¯s pained moans. The negotiations had yet to be concluded, but the Great Zhou host had been beaten ck and blue right in front of them. Both Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing had no idea what to do.

    Lian Shengjie finally mbered to his feet with the support of a subordinate and staggered outside.

    ¡°Sir Lian, our negotiations...¡± Cui Wenqing chased them.

    ¡°What negotiations?! Don¡¯t you see that my lord is injured? Youe with no sincerity at all and dare ask us about the negotiations?¡± The submander shouted harshly at him before carefully helping his lord away.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, what should we do about this?¡± Cui Wenqing was quite anxious.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret. Negotiations are neverpleted in one day. They always take time. We¡¯ll stay here for now and see what happens. We can continue on the morrow.¡±

    Cui Wenqing was greatly reassured to see Qin Huaiyuan soposed. When he thought about the farce that had just happened, he couldn¡¯t help but curse under his breath. ¡°Great Zhou is so treacherous! I heard that Pang Zhixhi was stripped of his formermand because he was too arrogant to bother taking orders! The Great Zhou emperor sent Lian here, but Pang Zhixi is still full of resentment. He left the camp for a few days a while back to express as much. Now he¡¯s used our gathering today to make trouble because he wanted revenge on Lian, but he shamelessly dragged Miss Qin into it and destroyed her reputation. He is truly despicable!¡±

    ¡°What can we do when we¡¯re under another¡¯s roof?¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°Sir Cui, let¡¯s make camp here for tonight and see what the situation bes tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You speak truly, sir. Let¡¯s settle here for tonight.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan, Cui Wenqing, and Qin Yining left the main tent and headed east for their own territory. The father daughter duo entered their own tent after bidding Cui Wenqing goodnight and had their guards remain a yard away from their tent.

    ¡°Father, I didn¡¯t know he was Pang Zhixi.¡± Qin Yining kept her voice low even in her urgency.

    Qin Huaiyuan waved off his daughter¡¯s exnation. ¡°I know, this isn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    ¡°But he still messed up our matters today!¡±

    ¡°Darling Yi.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled as he patted her head. ¡°I¡¯m actually not angry that he barged in to ruin the proceedings. I¡¯m in fact, very grateful to him.¡±

    Tears welled up in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes at her father¡¯s words. She thought back to Lian Shengjie¡¯s disgusting behavior as if no one else had been in the tent, and how he¡¯d treated her like an actual whore in front of her own father and other strangers. If she really was a typical noble daughter ingrained with the importance of her virtue, she would¡¯ve hanged herself right then and there to prove her innocence. And yet, her father had tried his best to protect her in those crucial moments.

    ¡°Father, I¡¯m really very touched that you wanted to protect me. But we can¡¯t defy the emperor¡¯s decree. We have to report back to the emperor that the talks failed today, and you won¡¯t be able to defend yourself if he mes you for that. What if he says that you don¡¯t care about the country because you weren¡¯t willing to give up even a daughter? He¡¯ll use you of blithely ignoring the safety of the nation. If... if Lian does this again next time, you... you should just give me up.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan knew that his daughter was right, but how could he bear to give up his only child, and one that looked so much like a younger version of him and had such a likable personality?

    ¡°I¡¯ll think of another way. Don¡¯t worry, my daughter.¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her head abruptly and looked up at her father through teary eyes. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart melted at the sight. It took him a moment topose himself as he patted her lightly on the head again. ¡°My biggest regret in this life is that you didn¡¯t grow up by my side. We haven¡¯t reunited for long, and we always seem to be apart from each other.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s grin was so wide that it squeezed the tears from her eyes.

    ¡°Silly girl, what are you crying for?¡± Qin Huaiyuan offered his sleeve to wipe her tears away. ¡°If you¡¯d grown up at my side and with my dedicated education, you¡¯d be much superior to all of themon men out there. All we have to do is obey the emperor¡¯s decrees. He told me to bring you, and so I brought you. But if Great Zhou themselves aren¡¯t willing to negotiate, we can¡¯t just force you onto them, can we? How can he me me for that?¡±

    ¡°Father means...¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes widened as she quickly grasped her father¡¯s meaning. ¡°That Pang Zhixi¡¯s antics today were in pursuit of this goal as well? He beat up Lian so that it¡¯s Lian¡¯s fault everything failed and not ours?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s most likely what he meant to do.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes narrowed as a deep look entered them. ¡°I can¡¯t really see through him. From your description of him before, I felt that he had unplumbed depths, but today we¡¯ve seen that he really is unordinary. It may look like he¡¯s unbridled and headstrong, but he has his own reasons for his actions.

    ¡°It¡¯s said that he has many unconventional tactics when you face him in battle, that he always has a surprise up his sleeve. He also doesn¡¯t y by the rules in their court. Some say that he¡¯s a mighty, proper man who refuses to be humiliated, but there are others that say he¡¯s simply a demon incarnate who acts like a little bastard in front of the emperor. There are all sorts of rumors about him and even his own emperor can¡¯t keep him fully under control. Today is also the first time I¡¯ve really met him, so I¡¯m a little uncertain as to what he really wants.¡±

    Qin Yining listened to her father¡¯s analysis and matched them up to Pang Xiao¡¯s constant teasing whenever they interacted. But somehow she didn¡¯t really hate him. Whatever it was, she¡¯d gained a deeper understanding of his ways today.

    ¡°Let¡¯s leave it for now. It¡¯s been a long day for you, so go on back to rest. There are men everywhere in the camp, so be careful.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Good night, father.¡± Qin Yining curtsied and took her leave, a Great Yan soldier showing her the way back to her tent. Due to the prevalence of men in the campground, Qin Yining¡¯s tent was purposefully cordoned off by a wooden fence. It was built on the north side of camp, and therge tent looked rather lonely and isted all by itself in the middle of the fence. There were two soldiers standing guard on the outward side of the fence.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t light themps after returning to her tent. She washed her face and changed in the darkness, then took out a dagger that she¡¯d snuck out of Xihua and ced it under her pillow before going to sleep.

    Over the next few days, the negotiations were caught in a peculiar quagmire. Lian Shengjie imed to be ill after being beaten up by Pang Xiao and didn¡¯t show his face. Because he was the host of the talks, there was no point in discussing further if he didn¡¯te out to sign and seal the agreements.

    The Great Yan party were able to wait patiently for the first two days, but imperial decrees fluttered forth from the capital like startled birds from the third day onwards. Xihua wasn¡¯t too far from the capital, so the emperor¡¯s words essentially came one after another. Qin Huaiyuan received messages every two hours thatmbasted him for his sheer and utter ipetence.

    The decrees, although using different words, were all the same. Qin Huaiyuan was incapable. Qin Huaiyuan was useless. Qin Huaiyuan was trash. He had brought his daughter but refused to offer her. If he¡¯d simply offer her, the peace talks would¡¯ve concluded sessfully a long time ago. Was Qin Huaiyuan harboring thoughts of rebellion in not presenting his daughter?

    Although Qin Yining lived alone, she heard the loud promations from the eunuchs with the imperial decrees everyday. The decrees verbally yed Qin Huaiyuan alive, and she couldn¡¯t help but start to worry for her father. It looked like the emperor was truly panicking. He wouldn¡¯t use so much manpower and resources otherwise, and now had be so frantic that he was discarding all of his dignity.

    It was the seventh day of the peace talks, and Lian Shengjie was still cooped up in his tent, ¡®sick¡¯ and refusing to sign and seal the agreements. On this particr night, Qin Huaiyuan received the harshest criticism yet. The emperor had called him a ¡®senile dotard¡¯ and ¡®worthless, menial ve¡¯!

    The girl knew what Lian Shengjie was doing. He wanted to recoup face and was waiting for them to send her over because he hadn¡¯t had his fill that day. And it was true, her father hadn¡¯t offered her up the past couple of days. Could she just stay under her father¡¯s protection like this? Wouldn¡¯t she then be the death of her father? When Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts travelled that far, she suddenly sat up and looked at the skies outside.

    It was dark already, well past the hour of the dog.

    She clenched her teeth and made up her mind, taking the dagger beneath her pillow and hiding it in her sleeves. She fixed her hair and flung on the pale-green cloak with the white fox-fur cor, leaving her tent and making straight for the Great Zhou encampment.

 Chapter 112: A Forceful Kiss

    <h4>Chapter 112: A Forceful Kiss</h4>

    The night gale made all the gs crack loudly against their poles. The gold embroidered tiger head on the Valiant Tigers¡¯ gs bared sharp fangs under the flickering light of the torches. Qin Yining drew her cloak tightly around herself, her long hair dancing behind her in the wind. She resolutely made her way through the empty parade ground, walking straight towards the opulent tent in the center of the enemy side.

    She¡¯d already asked around. Since Lian Shengjie was the suprememander, he held the highest position within the army and therefore upied the most luxurious tent. Not only was he allergic to hard work and overindulged in pleasure, he also wanted beauties to keep himpany every night.

    At this hour, most of the soldiers of the camp were asleep. Only those on patrol or night watch were still awake. The tent in the center was the only one withmps still lit. The Valiant Tigers on guard took note of Qin Yining¡¯s approach. Her pale-green, brocade cloak glowed dimly in the moonlight, highlighting her wless, fair face. There were only men in the camp, so naturally they wanted to get their fill of such a beautiful girl in their midst. The ones on guard settled for admiring her in lieu of stopping her.

    Qin Yining could feel the countless gazestching onto her. Like needles pricking her skin, every hair on her body stood on end. But she couldn¡¯t retreat. She couldn¡¯t be afraid. She couldn¡¯t let her father lose his life because he chose to defend her. Before her thoughts could run any further, she arrived in front of the tent, she arrived in front of the tent. She could see the shadows inside due to thentern light projected on the tent walls.

    The two Valiant Tigers looked at each other, a bit hesitant. Such a beautiful girl standing outside theirmander¡¯s tent in the dead of the night was obviously here to make a gift of herself. Should they... not stop her? Not block her? Definitely not stop her? They exchanged knowing nces and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face flushed red and pursed her red lips. ¡°This girl is n¨¦e Qin and requests an audience with the lord.¡±

    Silence was the only response. As she started sweating profusely from nerves and awkwardness, a voice finally sounded from within, ¡°Come on in.¡±

    Qin Yining tightened her grip on the dagger hidden in her sleeves and mentally admonished herself to focus before she walked slowly forward, lifting the door curtains.

    The two Valiant Tigers on duty looked at each other again, shing identical grins.

    Fourmps, each with their own embroidered tassel, were burning in the tent. Immediately to the left of the entrance was a short table that held neatly arranged books and diagrams. A stool with criss-closed legs finished the work table ensemble, and the precious sword on the tent wall added that little bit of ir. On the right, red carpet ran up the floor to a divider in the middle of the room. On the other side of the divider was a stark military bed with nkets neatly folded on top of it.

    A litmp projected the outline of a bathtub onto the divider, and within the tub seemed to be a figure in the middle of his bath. Water sshed down as he lifted his arm.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face flushed a bright red. No matter how strong she might be inside, she was still an unmarried girl. Goosebumps popped up all over her arms whenever she thought of Lian Shengjie¡¯s old, fat body. Disgust roiled in her stomach. It looked like no matter how clearly she¡¯d thought things through on her way here, she still couldn¡¯t remainpletely impassive in the face of reality.

    ¡°N¨¦e Qin greets the lord.¡± Qin Yining curtsied.

    A growling rasp, slow and quiet, filled the air. ¡°Miss Qin, didn¡¯t you not want to see me that day? Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll eat you whole if youe here like this today?¡±

    Such candor both embarrassed and infuriated Qin Yining. But she couldn¡¯t explode with rage, and could only respond quietly. ¡°You are quick-witted, my lord. You know why I am here today.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Then tell me, what are you here for?¡±

    Qin Yining wanted nothing more than to reap his life with a swift blow when she heard the amusement in his tone. But the peace talks needed his seal. ¡°If you are willing to seal the matters we¡¯ve already agreed upon, I will naturally satisfy all of your requests.¡±

    ¡°Haha, you little girl! So you know how to consider the needs of the country? And you¡¯re willing to offer yourself for that decrepit emperor of yours?¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to give Lian Shengjie the satisfaction of addressing his mockery. The hand that had slowly rxed its grip on her dagger once again grew tight. ¡°Have you agreed, my lord?¡±

    ¡°And what would you do if I don¡¯t?¡±

    Water sshed freely as the man¡¯s figure rose higher on the divider. Qin Yining hastily ducked her head out of shyness. The rustle of clothes did nothing to conceal the unbridled gaze she felt on her skin. The musk of a foreign male grew ever closer as a naked pair of feet appeared in her lowered gaze. She could clearly see the veins, shoved upwards by the bunched muscles beneath. They were a sure testament to the man¡¯s strength.

    Qin Yining clenched the dagger even more tightly and subconsciously backed up a step. However, before she could react, a pair of iron arms pulled her in, enveloping her in a fiery hug. She jerked her head abruptly upwards to look into Pang Xiao¡¯s striking face.

    ¡°You, you...¡±

    His long hair was tied up high, and droplets of water fell onto the thin, snow-white fabric on his shoulders, turning them transparent in patches. Qin Yining was pushing firmly against his warm chest; she could even feel the soft, yet steely muscles beneath her palms and the firm thumps of the heart beneath.

    ¡°Why is it you?!¡± Her eyes went round with utter shock.

    ¡°What, do you wish it was that old dog, Lian?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not... I¡¯m here to...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re here to give yourself to that old dog? Or are you...¡± One hand firmly grasped her wrist and flipped it, deftly spilling the hidden dagger into his hand. He whirled her around, mping his hand firmly on her thin waist and nting her back against his chest. He rested his chin on her shoulder, taking in the fragrance of her hair and neck. He murmured, ¡°...here to attempt an assassination?¡±

    How would Qin Yining ever have imagined that it wouldn¡¯t be Lian Shengjie in the tent?! Her mind waspletely muddled; this was her first time being so close to a man. The only reaction that overwhelmed her thoughts was to struggle fiercely.

    ¡°Let go of me!¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°Pang Zhixi, you let go of me right now!¡±

    ¡°Nope, I¡¯m just not going to! What, you came to serve that old dog and you won¡¯t even let this prince hug you?!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a scoundrel!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a scoundrel?! You came to offer yourself on a silver tter and I¡¯m the scoundrel?!¡± Rage came out of nowhere as his low voice shivered with suppressed fury. He hugged her tighter, almost painfully so as he deeply breathed in her vaguely sweet scent. He wanted to wring her neck! He couldn¡¯t even bear to imagine what would¡¯ve happened if he hadn¡¯t kicked that old fart out of this tent. What would¡¯ve this stupidly fearless girl have experienced then?? ¡°Tell me, what would you have done if you¡¯d met that old fart today? Would you have offered yourself or tried to assassinate him?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business! Let go!¡± Qin Yining could sense the hidden fury and hostility behind her. rm bells were nging loudly in her mind as instinctive fear made her hairs stand on end. She used all her strength in trying to wrest free. If she didn¡¯t escape, this man might squeeze her to death!

    Qin Yining was deceptively strong, but her opponent was Pang Xiao. He could feel how hard she was trying to get free and interpreted it as utter disdain for him. His rage grew even further! He was trying so hard to control himself so he wouldn¡¯t hurt her, but she didn¡¯t feel any of his consideration!

    ¡°You stupid, foolish woman!¡± He spat out through clenched teeth. He let go of her waist, spinning her around roughly with a hand on her shoulder. The other hand slipped around the small of her back and pulled her close. Leaning in, he bit her lips fiercely.

    Well, he wanted to bite her hard, but the soft, sweet sensation instantly enraptured him. He couldn¡¯t bear to hurt her, so he kept his teeth back and just tasted her. Hisrge hand drifted up her shoulder to her chin, forcing her pert mouth open.

    An explosion went off inside Qin Yining¡¯s head as she froze stiff. How dare he kiss her! He¡¯d gone and tyrannically imed her as ¡®my woman¡¯ that day in the tent without even considering her feelings. She had just barely managed to exin that as him wanting to help her and her father, so that the Great Yan emperor wouldn¡¯t misunderstand that Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t willing to offer his daughter.

    But what now?

    He concealed his identity from her and saved her life, striking up an acquaintance. She¡¯d genuinely treated him as a friend and thought hard of how to repay this favor, but now he was taking advantage of her!

    Tears spun in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes as she struggled with both hands and feet, making mewling sounds like a little animal being bullied.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s fury was thoroughly doused by this kiss. She looked so soft and docile, like a little bunny almost vibrating in anger. He couldn¡¯t help but want tofort and cheer her up. He moved his mouth away and left a loud, dominating kiss on her forehead.

    ¡°Alright, no more antics from me. Shh!¡±

    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?! How can you do this to me?!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s lips were drawn into a thin hard line. She rubbed at her forehead with the back of her hand, tears trickling down continuously.

    ¡°Who the hell am I?!¡± His vanished fury reemerged as Pang Xiao cursed with a cold expression. ¡°I¡¯m your man! Who the hell am I, you say? You¡¯d rather sleep with that bastard Lian and not me, is it?!¡±

    ¡°Go away! I never want to see you again!¡± Qin Yining violently shoved him away and took off running before he could collect himself.

    Pang Xiao was poleaxed by thatst line. It was almost like something broke inside, as his emotions ran between rage and grief. A variety of emotions assailed him before condensing into a hard-to-exin ruefulness. He took two deep breaths in before running out in hot pursuit.

    ¡°Stop right there!¡± he roared.

    The Valiant Tigers outside were tremendously surprised when Qin Yining hade running out. Had she not made a sessful present of herself? Or had their prince been found wanting? Their answer came a few secondster in the form of a barefoot Pang Xiao dressed in only an undershirt. His loud roar made them snap to attention. Patrolling Valiant Tigers unsheathed their swords and started running towards themotion.

    The Great Yan soldiers in the opposing camp also heard this shout. When they saw the Valiant Tigers charging across the camp with bared des, they thought that Great Zhou was reneging on the temporary ceasefire and started panicking.

    ¡°Get up, get up! Grab your weapons! Great Zhou is attacking!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing flung on clothes and ran out when they heard the rms go off. The ranks of Great Yan soldiers who were on guard had unsheathed their weapons as well, creating a solid line of defense against the approaching Valiant Tigers.

    Qin Yining leaped past them, running to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side. When he saw the streaks of tears down her face, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He quickly pulled his daughter in. ¡°Daughter Yi, are you alright?!¡±

    ¡°Stupid woman!¡± Pang Xiao cursed silently. He quickly strode forward, nting himself in front of the Valiant Tigers; barefoot, hands on his hips, in only an undershirt and showing half of his chest. He jabbed a finger at the Great Yan side and shouted, ¡°Stupid woman! I¡¯ll let you off for tonight. But just you wait, you¡¯ll be mine sooner orter!¡±

 Chapter 113: The Goddess of the Moon

    <h4>Chapter 113: The Goddess of the Moon</h4>

    Deadly silence fell across the scene. The Valiant Tigers had thought something enormous had gone down, but now theypletely understood. So their prince liked a girl! He was truly an umon man, even chasing after a girl with such thunderous methods. Pang Xiao had a monumentally important ce in their heart, so they all craned their necks curiously as they stared towards the other side. They wanted to see just what kind of beauty had caught their prince¡¯s eye to the point where he was making such a big fuss in dering ownership.

    Meanwhile, the soldiers on the Great Yan side were livid. They felt it was shameful enough that their emperor wanted Grand Preceptor Qin to offer his daughter, but when she was being humiliated in public like this, they all felt the hearty smacks to their faces. They itched to fight, grips tightening on weapons as they yelled curses at the Valiant Tigers.

    When the Valiant Tigers saw the other side thus, they too grew serious and faced their opponents solemnly. The situation was taut, bnced on the edge of a knife.

    However, Pang Xiao red fiercely at Qin Yining and waved his hand. ¡°Retreat!¡±

    The Valiant Tigers were well trained, and sheathed their weapons in synchronized unison, turning to march back to their positions. Last to turn, the prince sauntered back to his own tent, still barefoot and in his undershirt.

    The Great Yan side heaved a sigh of relief when they saw the enemy retreat. After all, the true danger of the Valiant Tigers came not just because of theirmander¡¯s tactics, but because of individual battle ability. A regr Valiant Tiger soldier was worth more than five elite Great Yan soldiers, a disparity likely due to differences in climate and training regimen. This sort of gap left the Great Yan soldiers with a deep feeling of helplessness.

    ¡°Let¡¯s return as well. Everyone to their posts!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The soldiers retreated.

    Cui Wenqing looked at the fresh tear streaks on Qin Yining¡¯s face and at the frowning Qin Huaiyuan. He sighed and returned to his tent. After all, offering up one¡¯s only official daughter to another man was an immensely humiliating matter. He wasn¡¯t inclined to closely question Qin Huaiyuan as to what was going on, but it was also unexpected that the little Prince Pang would be so interested in the girl.

    As he thought about everything, Cui Wenqing still decided to truthfully ry the events of the night in a secret report. Grand Preceptor Qin has already offered his daughter. Lian remained unmoved. The Faithful Prince has openly expressed his affections.

    The emperor was up all night with delight when that report reached the capital. This little Prince Pang was a genuine war god and possessed great authority. He was even blood sworn brothers with the Great Zhou emperor. If they could please this man, then maybe things would take a turn for the better.

    However, he was instantly torn internally and wanted to hit himself for his negligence. If he¡¯d known beforehand that Prince Pang would like the grand preceptor¡¯s daughter, he would¡¯ve chosen another beauty for Lian Shengjie! Then, both of them would be happy, and this fight over the same beauty wouldn¡¯t happen. What if things be worse because they fight over the same girl?

    The emperor considered things all night long and sent out another urgent order. Qin Huaiyuan received it noon the next day. ¡°...make your moves ordingly. A sessful end to the peace talks is of utmost priority.¡±

    ...basically, gift Qin Yining to whoever can make the decisions.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly at Cui Wenqing after he sent off the eunuch with the message. Thetter felt both guilty and resigned. He was here on two imperial orders, first to participate in the negotiations, but also to monitor Qin Huaiyuan. The emperor was worried that Qin Huaiyuan would resent having to offer his daughter and thus seek to betray Great Yan. Cui Wenqing¡¯s daily secret reports were something he did out of great resignation.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, now that the other side isn¡¯t doing anything, should we add fuel to the mes? The talks have dragged on long enough, and I¡¯m worried that the emperor will grow anxious.¡±

    The emperor was prone to anything if he grew anxious. If the talks this time weren¡¯t a sess, he might ignore everything and ughter both of their families to vent his rage.

    Qin Huaiyuan naturally understood the awkward situation Cui Wenqing was in and his concerns. ¡°Let¡¯s observe things for one more day. If we can¡¯t reach a conclusion tomorrow, let¡¯s rx the conditions some more.¡±

    Cui Wenqing nodded. It was because Lian Shengjie¡¯s temper that some of the conditions hadn¡¯t been agreed upon and caused the talks to stagnate. He¡¯d been feeling rather conflicted because he wanted to retain as much for Great Yan citizens as he could. However, he knew full well that the emperor didn¡¯t care how much silver and cities they handed over. As long as Great Zhou agreed to a ceasing of hostilities, the emperor would likely even happily grant positions to their envoys. Every time he thought of his liege¡¯s behavior, he wasn¡¯t sure if he should sob out loud or not.

    ......

    The next day, Qin yining was resting in her tent. Sleep was scant all night, as the previous night¡¯s events kept reying behind her eyes everytime she tried to close them. Pang Xiao¡¯s hot embrace, his tyrannical kiss, the furious growling, the marginally gentle coaxing, as well as that final roar in front of everyone. ¡°You¡¯ll be mine sooner orter!¡±

    The scenes seemed to be different colored dyes, mixing and tumbling in her mind to create a vortex of emotions. She didn¡¯t understand why Pang Xiao would do any of this. She was used to weighing pros and cons of any situation she encountered, but her mind was aplete mess when it had to analyze herself as a variable.

    She wasn¡¯t valuable at all to Pang Xiao, so why had he wanted to get close to know her... to strike up a friendship, to save her, or even rescue her from Lian Shengjie twice? She wasn¡¯t so narcissistic as to think that Pang Xiao liked her. But since she had no value, so why was he doing this? Most of all, her father had yed a crucial part in the death of his. His reasoning for his actions only grew more puzzling when she considered herself as the daughter of his enemy.

    But she had to admit, she was feeling quite relieved for now.

    Thankfully she¡¯d walked into the wrong tent, one that didn¡¯t shelter Lian Shengjie. Being forcefully kissed by Pang Xiao was still better than offering herself to Lian Shengjie.

    Her face burst into mes whenever she thought back to that kiss, and she tossed violently to bury her face into the pillow. Although her father hadn¡¯t said anythingst night, with his intelligence, he definitely knew that she¡¯d gone to the other side to do something. Some things didn¡¯t need to be spoken of, but they shared the same thoughts all the same.

    Her n had failed. She hadn¡¯t even glimpsed Lian Shengjie¡¯s shadow. So what would happen to the peace talks now?

    ¡°Miss Qin!¡± A soldier called out to her from outside the tent. His voice was tinged with joy. ¡°Miss Qin! The grand preceptor requests your presence at the suprememander¡¯s tent! Great Zhou hase to talk to us of their own ord! The little prince demands your attendance there!¡±

    Qin Yining bolted upright and blinked nkly. ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    Great Zhou hade to talk to them? Had she misheard?

    There wasn¡¯t time to consider anything. She fixed her hair, flung on her cloak, and ran straight to the Great Yan suprememander¡¯s tent.

    The sight of a bruised and battered Lian Shengjie, looking darkly around him, greeted her as soon as she walked in. He was speaking quietly with Qin Huaiyuan while Pang Xiao was off to the side in a ck battle robe. Huzi was next to him in a guard¡¯s uniform, keeping his masterpany as the prince knelt, murmuring to a little white bunny he had cupped in his hands. Cui Wenqing was also awkwardly stooped next to Pang Xiao, his expression very stiff.

    Needless to say, Qin Yining was taken aback. The lofty Faithful Prince of the First Rank was holding a bunny... in a military camp... and at a solemn asion such as a peace negotiation between two enemies? She couldn¡¯t help herself, ¡°Little Prince Pang, are you pretending to be the goddess of the moon?¡± 1

    Pang Xiao had been in a very good mood as he coaxed the bunny, but his cheer vanished instantly when Qin Yining mocked him the moment she entered the door. His expression sank as he rose elegantly to his feet, still holding the bunny.

    ¡°It¡¯s for you! Catch!¡±

    Qin Yining was once again caught on the back foot. She took a closer look at the bunny. It was different from the typical rabbit. It looked a bit fatter and had rather round cheeks. Its ears flopped happily on either side of its face and it was only the size of a palm. The snowy fur was marred only by a ck circle around its left eye. It actually looked ratherical.

    ¡°What does the little prince mean? Rewards can¡¯t be epted when a service wasn¡¯t rendered. How can I keep you from yacting as the goddess?¡± She almost smiled when she saw Pang Xiaoe up to her with such a small rabbit.

    This girl¡¯s still holding a grudge! Fine, he did take slight advantage of her yesterday, but would she still be standing here arguing with him today if he hadn¡¯t happened to be in that tent yesterday? He¡¯d gone to so much effort to find such a cute bunny as a present, all in the hope that she wouldn¡¯t be angry anymore. But not only was she not thankful, she was making fun of him!

    ¡°It¡¯s for you, so take it.¡± He responded darkly and took two steps forward, wanting to shove the bunny into Qin Yining¡¯s hands.

    She quickly stepped back two steps, refusing to ept it. ¡°I don¡¯t want it, you keep it.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s expression was terrifyingly unpleasant now, and a storm was ratcheting up in fury in his eyes. He nodded grimly. ¡°Fine, you don¡¯t want it? Then I¡¯ll smash it to death!¡± He lifted the bunny high into the air, as if he was about to m it into the ground.

    Qin Yining jumped in fright and quickly leaped forward to tug on his sleeve. ¡°What are you doing?! You¡¯re being ridiculous!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s you who refused a toast only to drink a forfeit!¡± Pang Xiao lowered his upraised arm and thrust the chubby bunny at Qin Yining. ¡°Here, take it!¡±

 Chapter 114: Ownership

    <h4>Chapter 114: Ownership</h4>

    Qin Yining begrudgingly took hold of the soft, warm bundle. The little thing shifted in her hand, its pure, ck eyes looking lovingly up into Qin Yining¡¯s. She felt her heart was going to melt and couldn¡¯t help but smile. She cradled it with one palm and stroked its back with the other.

    Pang Xiao thought for a moment and undid the jade pendant at his waist, removing the red, knotted square on top of it. He walked up to Qin Yining, who took a perplexed step backwards. She was on the verge of asking him what he wanted when hisrge hand reached out to adroitly fasten the red square around the bunny¡¯s neck.

    He was leaning over, bringing his face close to her. He didn¡¯t look up at her as he was focused on the bow he was making, but Qin Yining¡¯s attention was quickly drawn by the pretty curve of his brows and his longshes. She frowned and averted her eyes.

    ¡°Its name is Riceball and is a pledge of my affection for you. It¡¯s also the token of negotiations between Great Zhou and Great Yan. If you don¡¯t care for it well, then any agreements made today will be treated as as null and void.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯re being too childish!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes widened in incredulous shock.

    ¡°Say what you will, but I¡¯ve given Riceball to you. You do as you see fit.¡±

    Qin Yining recalled that he¡¯d once said she looked like his pet pug, which was named Salt. And if she remembered correctly, they also had a guard wolf dog named Pepper. And now this bunny would henceforth be Riceball...

    If it wasn¡¯t for the situation, she really wanted tough at the Pangs¡¯ naming abilities. 1 But right now, all she wanted to do was to yell at Pang Xiao for his ridiculous behavior. Didn¡¯t all the rumors say that he killed without blinking and was a war god of unfathomable strategies? Why was that reputationpletely different from the Pang Xiao she knew? This guy was just a madman with a mercurial temper!

    She looked down at the bunny, nestled in her hand and now adorned with an intricate red, square knot around its neck. It was snuffling around, searching for afortable position as it stared up at her with inky-ck eyes.

    Pang Xiao was standing in front of Qin Yining with crossed arms, admiring the cute human and bunny duo in front of him as if no one else was present. A smile floated unconsciously onto his face. In his eyes, she was just as soft and cute as Riceball. He wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and pat her head or give her a good cuddle.

    Qin Yining nced helplessly at her father. He and Cui Wenqing were also paying attention to the events on that side of the tent. Her father¡¯s eyes were calm, revealing no hint of what he was thinking, while Cui Wenqing had an understanding expression on his face. She immediately knew that they¡¯d misunderstood the situation. With Pang Xiao bold derations and now this ¡®pledge of his affections¡¯, she¡¯d now been thoroughly dyed with hisbel.

    Even if the peace talks came to a sessful conclusion and she returned safe and sound, rumors would still swirl through the popce about the two of them. Being toyed with by fate like this was something she couldn¡¯t help either.

    On the other hand, Lian Shengjie was quite depressed when he saw how Pang Xiao had used a cheap rabbit to gain Qin Yining¡¯s affections. In her in outfit and white fur cor, the girl really did look like the goddess of the moon with that white bunny in her pale hands. He was unwittingly entranced by the picturesque sight. A pity, what a pity! Not enjoying a night with this beauty was the greatest loss of this trip.

    He wanted to steal a few more looks, but Pang Xiao purposely moved forward to block his line of sight. Lian Shengjie almost tumbled down from his chair when the imposing figure moved in front of him. He was quite traumatized by that beating; his facial muscles twitched with remembered agony at the same time as his healing injuries ached in sympathy. He almost wanted to clutch his head with both hands to feel a bit safer.

    But he was the Minister of Military Affairs.

    No one knew how much strength he used topose and refrain from embarrassing himself. Pang Xiao was standing in front of him with a supercilious smile, not holding back his aura as he admired the view of the minister seemingly desperate to find a hole in the ground. He didn¡¯t speak for a long moment.

    ¡°Minister Lian, has everything been settled?¡±

    ¡°This official is the suprememander of the Southern Pacification Army and the host of these peace talks! You¡¯re just... you...¡± He swallowed his remaining words when he met Pang Xiao¡¯s domineering stare.

    ¡°Minister Lian has simply dyed the emperor¡¯s affairs too much this time, dragging your heels and making excuses again and again during the peace talks. This prince will be sure to harshly censure you in my report.¡±

    ¡°How dare you censure me instead!¡± Lian Shengjie flew into a towering rage. ¡°You¡¯re the one who beat me up first, so how dare you criticize me?!¡±

    ¡°This prince beat you up? Who saw that? Who¡¯s your witness? All that happened is that you behaved inappropriately to begin with by treating a good girl with utter disrespect. Then you received a beating from her family. You should be considering your family¡¯s reputation at your age, minister. Instead, you¡¯vee all the way to the country of Yan to act so shamefully. Even if you¡¯re not embarrassed by this loss of face, will your children be able to live with your behavior?¡±

    ¡°Bullshit! My submander saw everything that day!¡±

    ¡°Is that so? Then whatever you say. Let¡¯s seal the ords first.¡± Pang Xiao dropped casually into a seat nearby and picked up a teacup.

    Lian Shengjie was shaking from fury, so it took him a moment to realize. Had he seen his submander recently? The hairs on his body stood on end as he thought about Pang Xiao¡¯s preferred style. Could my submander have...

    It was easy enough toe up with an exnation for a death when you were on the front lines. Pang Xiao could likelye up with all sorts of convincing reasons for the emperor if the submander had indeed fallen victim to foul y. Anyone else would have some reservations about taking action like this. After all, if their achievements had built a reputation that threatened even the emperor¡¯s, they¡¯d act with more restraint as to avoid making themselves a target.

    But Pang Xiao was different. He didn¡¯t follow the rules of logic when he moved. He was sly and slippery, at times dependable, other times devious. He could appear as a learned schr, but also came across as aplete ruffian. The only thing one could say about him was that it was hard to say anything about him! A cold chill gripped Lian Shengjie¡¯s heart and he no longer dithered. Without further ado, he sealed the negotiated terms with his personal and official seal.

    When they saw the two copies of the agreed upon terms, both Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing heaved an enormous internal sigh of relief.

    Pang Xiao also smiled and crossed his legs. ¡°This is most wonderful. There will be no more warring between us in the future. Trade and diplomatic rtions can once again resume, and peace will reign again!¡±

    He then turned to Qin Yining with a cocked head and a devious half smile. ¡°This way, I can go take a stroll around your nation and see just what things look like from all walks of life.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed. You speak so seriously, but just look at the expression on your face! You¡¯re obviously a good-for-nothing fop!

    Qin Huaiyuan stood up and exchanged some polite words with Lian Shengjie and Pang Xiao. The two parties then took their leave of each other.

    ¡°Take good care of Riceball.¡± Pang Xiao looked meaningfully at Qin Yining.

    She rolled her eyes at him and stroked the bunny¡¯s head. ¡°What kind of name is that! You might as well call a pig ¡®pork bun¡¯!¡± 2

    Pang Xiao blinked and actually began seriously considering the matter. ¡°That does seem a bit inappropriate after some thought. So what do you think its name should be?¡±

    She feltpletely speechless at the situation. Not only does he tie a cor around a bunny, he even names it. She also felt that she was getting too deep into this, arguing with a silly Pang Xiao over a rabbit¡¯s name. She turned and walked off with the bunny in hand. ¡°Forget it, Riceball will do.¡±

    ¡°Yo! So you think I gave it a good name as well?¡± Pang Xiaoughed and walked after her. The only response that came was the sight of her backside and the rather strange looks from the Valiant Tigers around him.

    Pang Xiao snapped back to attention, his usual expression slipping back into ce as he gave orders to take down the camp. Huzi was still desperately trying to keep a straight face, nearly giving himself an internal injury from holding in hisughter. He kept his head low, knowing that it was exactly the wrong ce and time to startughing.

    When the Great Yan contingent heard the peace talks were a sess, their cries of jubtion rattled the heavens. They prepared to take down the campground as well, while Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing took Qin Yining back to the capital first.

    They¡¯d originally left on the winds of certain death, so everyone was beyond themselves with joy upon their return. The celebration that ensued almost eclipsed that of new year¡¯s. Qin Huaiyuan had sent messengers on first, so when they arrived at the city gates, General Wang Hui and Prefect Liu were already waiting with arge delegation.

    The people had heard the great news as well and rushed over as if they were celebrating a national holiday. They lined the streets, cheering and yelling with all their might. The news of little Prince Pang falling in love with the grand preceptor¡¯s daughter at first sight also spread rapidly throughout Xihua. Everyone knew that Miss Qin had apanied her father to the peace talks, but had been instantly imed by the little prince. That lecher Lian Shengjie hadn¡¯t been able to take a single step near her.

    Her reputation wasn¡¯t ruined at all, but a new name was now tied with hers.

 Chapter 115: Going Home

    <h4>Chapter 115: Going Home</h4>

    Bingtang and Sonn were both stunned after listening to Qin Yining¡¯s recounting of what¡¯d happened over the past couple of days.

    ¡°So Sir Yao is Great Zhou¡¯s Faithful Prince of the First Rank? That legendary serial killer who drinks blood?¡± Bingtang¡¯s eyes were with shock.

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°But he doesn¡¯t seem like what the rumors say.¡±

    ¡°Oh my heavens! I had so many opportunities to stab him to death!¡± Bingtang started spinning around. ¡°No wonder his aura is so different from a regr person¡¯s, and he has such high level martial arts abilities! But I don¡¯t understand, Grand Preceptor Qin caused the death of his father back in the day, so you¡¯re the daughter of his enemy. One cannot bear to coexist with such an enemy, but he treats you so differently. This really is very confusing.¡±

    Sonn petted the bunny that Qin Yining was cuddling and smiled. ¡°What¡¯s confusing about it? Even heroes fall victim to beauties. Our miss is so pretty that even we can¡¯t help but take a few additional peeks at her on a daily basis, much less anyone else, particrly the prince. Miss, see how much effort the prince has gone to for you. He even gifted you a little bunny. It¡¯s so cute!¡±

    Riceball seemed to understand Sonn¡¯spliments as it nuzzled the palm of her hand. It then turned with a twist of its little butt and wanted to hop down. Qin Yining knelt to ce it on the floor, and Riceball paused after hopping to the door, stymied in its attempt to get out.

    ¡°Does it want to go out?¡± Bingtang walked up, mystified and opened the door for the bunny. Riceball twitched and bounced its way out, only to return shortly in Bingtang¡¯s arms. She was smiling. ¡°Prince Pang picks his presents nicely alright. This bunny is something else! It even knows to let itself out to answer the call of nature.¡±

    Soft, cute, and furry little animals naturally invited affection. Not only did Qin Yining like it, so did Bingtang and Sonn adore Riceball. They cleaned it up carefully and handed it back to their mistress.

    When Qin Yining looked at the bright red square knot around Riceball¡¯s neck, she recalled how that arrogant man had bent over to fasten it around the bunny. She frowned slightly, but also blushed as well.

    Bingtang and Sonn looked at each other.

    ¡°Miss, don¡¯t think too much.¡± Bingtang smiled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that things will naturally right themselves when the timees? When we came here, we thought that the future of the peace talks looked bleak. And yet we¡¯ve weathered it all now. And, I¡¯d like to say something that I hope you don¡¯t get angry at me for.¡±

    She turned and stooped next to Qin Yining, stroking Riceball¡¯s head with a finger. ¡°I feel that Prince Pang isn¡¯t that bad. Rumors about you two are flying all around the city now. If they¡¯d been between you and Lian, I would¡¯ve wanted to go kill that old lecher. But with you and the prince, I actually feel that it¡¯s a perfect match.¡±

    Sonn nodded as well. ¡°I agree. The prince saved you again and again, and not just at the nunnery. If it wasn¡¯t for his actions in the military camp, not only would you not escape from Lian¡¯s clutches, but the emperor would still find fault if the lord protected you. But with his antics, who can the emperor me?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s blush deepened. They hadn¡¯t seen how atrociously he¡¯d behaved! But she couldn¡¯t tell others how he¡¯d teased her and how he¡¯d forcefully kissed her. Although he hadn¡¯t behaved verbally before, he still conducted himself like a gentleman. But his true form had revealed itself in the military camp, and he really was a demon incarnate!

    When they saw their mistress¡¯ face red, the maids knowingly didn¡¯t say anything else. After all, women were the weaker sex in this world. With Qin Yining¡¯s identity, her future wasn¡¯t in her own hands. What if they really did send her down a certain path with their teasing, but fate had some other arrangement in store for her? They¡¯d just be causing her unnecessary heartbreak. The two went to overlook preparing hot water for Qin Yining to wash up.

    Qin Yining declined attending Prefect Liu¡¯s banquet and fell into a deep slumber. She¡¯d been on tenterhooks in the military camp, unable to eat or sleep for several days straight. She fell into a deep sleep this time and didn¡¯t wake until the sun was high in the sky the next day.

    Qin Huaiyuan had discussed with Cui Wenqing and decided not to tarry in Xinhua. They had missives sent back to the capital early on to let the emperor know that the peace talks were a sess. All that was left was to get their affairs in order and depart Xihua.

    When they left, citizens lined the streets and cheered, with yells of ¡°Wise Pan An¡± reverberating loudly. Qin Yining, Bingtang, and Sonn were taking the same carriage. They couldn¡¯t help their curiosity and lifted the carriage curtains a crack to peek outside.

    ¡°The two of us didn¡¯t do anything, but we¡¯re basking in shared glory because of the lord and miss,¡± Bingtang murmured lowly. ¡°We¡¯re swaggering about in borrowed influence!¡±

    Qin Yining sped Bingtang¡¯s hands lightly when she heard this. The girl had a tough life. The Tangs hadn¡¯t lived. If they had, the people would love Imperial Physician Tang just as much.

    Bingtang seemed to understand what Qin Yining was thinking and shed a sunny smile back.

    Sonn had been keeping an eye on the situation outside and suddenly asked, ¡°Miss, look! Is that little Prince Pang?¡±

    Qin Yining leaned curiously in the direction that Sonn was pointing at and saw two men on horses at the rear of the convoy. They followed at a leisurely pace and wore regr, fine cotton cloaks. Their faces were half covered by fur cors, but upon further look, who else would those shapes and forms be other than Pang Xiao and Huzi? And what did they want??

    Seemingly feeling Qin Yining¡¯s gaze, the stone-faced Pang Xiao suddenly looked at the carriage and met her eyes. He shed a grin that caused her heart to tremble. She whirled around and let down the curtains.

    Pang Xiao rubbed his nose and resumed his cold face. He¡¯d practiced smiling in front of a bronze mirror for half a day. Surely his smile wasn¡¯t that ugly?

    Back in the carriage, Sonn was musing, ¡°Are they headed to the capital disguised like this? That might not be the best...¡±

    Qin Yining stroked Riceball unconsciously, smoothing its fur down and taking a moment to calm her heart down. ¡°The peace talks were a sess and Great Zhou withdrew its troops. The two nations have resumed their rtions, so no one will say anything if they walk around randomly in Great Yan territory.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s just on the way,¡± Bingtang added. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it, miss. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of as long as they don¡¯t mean you any harm.¡±

    Sonn also nodded at this.

    The convoy picked up speed after leaving Xihua. Qin Yining snuck a few looks backwards and noticed that Pang Xiao and Huzi wasn¡¯t trailing them anymore. Although she found it odd that they were so slow, she quickly flung it to the back of her head.

    They¡¯d felt that the road ahead had been pitted and arduous on the way here, and now everyone itched to quickly return home. Their footsteps felt much lighter, so they spent only one and a half days making a trip that would¡¯ve taken two days. The entourage arrived at the outskirts of the capital on the noon of the 29th.

    The emperor knew of the sessful negotiations and had already arranged for eunuchs to wait at the city door when the group started their return journey. When the metallic-gray d eunuch saw Qin Huaiyuan and the others, he gave a respectful grand gesture of greeting.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, Sir Cui, I bear the emperor¡¯s verbal decree to request the party to make camp outside the city walls for a night. The emperor will hold a weing ceremony tomorrow morning and will personally lead the officials out in wee.¡±

    ¡°Understood, please take a message back to the emperor.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°We are all deeply admirable of the emperor¡¯s great efforts.¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin is the emperor¡¯s deeply beloved and treasured official. It¡¯s natural that the emperor highly values you.¡± The eunuch looked at the carriage at the rear of the convoy with another smile. ¡°The emperor also gave orders to have Miss Qin enter the city first. After all, there will be many at the ceremony tomorrow, making for a chaotic scene.¡±

    Was the emperor afraid of people gossiping that he¡¯d sent a girl to the peace talks? However, Qin Huaiyuan ardently wished to send Qin Yining back first. He didn¡¯t want his daughter to be exposed to the assessing and suspicious gazes of the crowd. Therefore, he thanked with a smile. ¡°The emperor thinks most thoroughly. I never would¡¯ve thought of this. I will have people send my daughter into the city immediately. Thank you, honored eunuch.¡±

    The eunuch bowed respectfully to Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing before returning to the pce. Qin Huaiyuan and Cui Wenqing made camp outside the city walls and sent ten servants to escort Qin Yining back to the Qin Manor.

    ¡°Make sure tofort Old Dowager well when you see her. Tell her I¡¯ll return tomorrow after the ceremony isplete.¡±

    ¡°I understand, father. I won¡¯t let Old Dowager worry.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and added on further. ¡°Pay attention to what you can speak of the peace talks and what you can¡¯t speak of.¡±

    ¡°I know, father. I won¡¯t speak of what I shouldn¡¯t of. These are imperial secrets, after all.¡± Qin Yining agreed with a smile.

    Qin Huaiyuan understood his daughter¡¯s intelligence and smiled, at ease. ¡°Thank goodness we returned safely. The rest of our days will pass well, that¡¯s something to look forward to.¡±

    ¡°Yes, father.¡± Qin Yining smiled at her father and couldn¡¯t help but smile herself as well. She¡¯d gotten a deeper understanding of her father on this trip, and her admiration for her father had deepened as well. After exchanging a few words with Qin Huaiyuan, she climbed into the carriage and entered the city.

    When she passed Cloudsoar Inn, she paused to visit Grand Steward Zhong. When the grand steward saw Qin Yining return, he was so delighted that he knelt and kowtowed to all the gods and Buddha in the sky.

    ¡°All is well now that you¡¯ve returned, miss!¡±

    Qin Yining raised the grand steward up with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve troubled you these days. Has anything major happened in the capital in the ten-odd days I¡¯ve been away?¡±

    ¡°Nothing major, just that the crown prince and the Prince of Ning had a major fight. The Prince of Ning was so angry that he swept the crown prince out of his door. Our people heard this from tavern gossip. Who knows if this is true or not? Everyone¡¯s saying that the crown prince isn¡¯t thinking straight, that he¡¯d be openly hostile like this with his only backer. What else will he use to fight the trampress in the future?¡±

    Qin Yining recalled the ridiculous act from the crown prince the day she¡¯d set off and matched it to what the rumors described. Everything was clear after that. ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t as if the Prince of Ning was a reliable supporter before.¡±

    Grand Steward Zhong was a smart one as well. He grasped the heart of things with that singr sentence. After nodding with a smile, he regained his serious demeanor. ¡°And another thing that has to do with the Qin Manor.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What?¡± Qin Yining flicked a puzzled eyebrow.

 Chapter 116: A Situation

    <h4>Chapter 116: A Situation</h4>

    Grand Steward Zhong continued, ¡°I may not know about the truth of small rumors, but this is an important matter. Some tavern customers were also talking about it as well. The empress sent for your mother a few days ago.¡±

    The color drained from Qin Yining¡¯s face, turning her already pale face into the color of bleached sheets. She knew n¨¦e Sun¡¯s temper well. Her mother could create trouble out of literal thin air. Setting aside the Cao¡¯s rtionship with thete Duke of Ding, n¨¦e Sun would likely offend the empress with her acidic tongue even if the empress didn¡¯t do anything. And now the empress had summoned her for no reason at all? There was no way that it was for anything good.

    ¡°How is my mother now?¡± Qin Yining asked anxiously.

    ¡°This we really don¡¯t know. But with the status of the grand preceptor¡¯s wife, nothing too harsh should happen as a result of the empress¡¯ summons.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and took a few deep breaths to calm herself, fighting the panicked urge to rush home immediately.

    ¡°There¡¯s people waiting for me outside. I¡¯m going to return to the manor first. It won¡¯t do to have family elders wait too long for me. We can chat about business another day, alright?¡±

    Steward Zhong nodded understandingly and sent Qin Yining back to the carriage. She urgently wanted to return home and rushed the groom several times. She¡¯d actually been worried about n¨¦e Sun before setting off for Xihua, but her own safety had been a murky question mark then. No one knew if she¡¯d be able toe back alive, so she didn¡¯t pay that much attention to other affairs and naturally didn¡¯t have that much excess energy to pay n¨¦e Sun.

    Qin Yining felt a bit guilty. She¡¯d really been too proud of herself, not rushing home immediately. How could she have gone to check on her businesses first?!

    When Bingtang and Sonn noted their mistress¡¯ solemn expression, they knew that something had gone wrong in the manor and started worrying as well. The carriage sped back to Qin Manor. When they arrived, they startled the guards on duty. It seems they hadn¡¯t expected their fourth miss to arrive. The maids were quick on their toes and had servants lead their escort for some wine and refreshments, then sent runners inside to notify the old dowager. The guards finally recovered their wits and confirmed these orders.

    With their escort given to the care of the butler, Qin Yining gave orders for a good reward to be distributed before quickly making for the Garden of Loving Piety with her maids. The old dowager had heard the news of Qin Yining¡¯s return and could no longer sit still. She draped a long cloak around her, folding it around her body, and hastened out with Qin-mama¡¯s support.

    Qin Yining had just made it through the archway of the Garden of Loving Piety when she was met with the sight of the old dowager in a dusty gold cloak, embroidered with patterns of good fortune and longevity.

    ¡°Grandmother!¡±

    ¡°Aiyo! My granddaughter Yi!¡± The old dowager sped up her footsteps, but her bound feet couldn¡¯t move all that fast. She lurched forward in her haste and her body swayed from side to side, making the jade embedded gold hairpin swing crazily from the sideways angle it was shoved in at. It only heightened the air of opulence about her.

    ¡°Grandmother, your granddaughter has returned.¡± Qin Yining lifted the hem of her skirt and knelt, primly performing the grand gesture of greeting to the old dowager.

    The matriarch reached out with both hands to lift Qin Yining up. ¡°Good, good! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back. Where¡¯s your father?¡±

    ¡°Father is still outside of the city. He told me toe back first.¡±

    The old dowager beamed merrily when she heard that Qin Huaiyuan had returned safely as well. ¡°The runners just delivered the message, but I thought it was a bunch of imps trying to cheer up an old woman! To think that you really havee back!¡±

    Head maid Jixiang and Ruyi, as well as all of the maids and granny servants in the yard, clustered together in concerted interest. They all curtsied to Qin Yining, the scene quite bustling. The old dowager held Qin Yining¡¯s hands and looked closely over her granddaughter. But, she didn¡¯t find anything in her scrutiny.

    ¡°Come in for a chat.¡± The matriarch turned to Qin-mama. ¡°Lujuan, have servants tell the second and third branches, as well as the other girls. Tell them granddaughter Yi¡¯se back. Have them alle as soon as possible. They can have dinner here.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin-mama answered merrily.

    The old dowager took Qin Yining¡¯s hand up the stairs, bringing her indoors. Maids came forward to help the two out of their cloaks. They circled past the intricately carved divider of magpies on plum blossoms. Qin Yining sat down on the luohan bed next to the window that was cushioned with bright red nkets. The old dowager, sitting down next to her, had Jixiang fetch a bronze hand warmer for Qin Yining and had more maids serve tea and snacks.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t your fathere back with you? How did the peace talks go?¡±

    After seeing Qin Yining, the old dowager had first asked twice about Qin Huaiyuan and then about the peace talks. It was more than apparent where the matriarch¡¯s priorities were. Qin Yining smiled instead of growing angry.

    ¡°In response to grandmother, father and Minister Cui from the Ministry of Rites have made camp outside of the city walls. The emperor¡¯s decree indicates he wishes to hold avish weing ceremony tomorrow and personally lead a hundred officials to wee the party back into the city and celebrate the sessful conclusion of the negotiations.¡±

    The old dowager pped her hands happily, joy tracing her eyebrows and the corners of her eyes. ¡°Good, good! Did everything go smoothly on your trip?¡±

    ¡°In response to grandmother, everything went smoothly. Father¡¯s talents are without parallel and I could only watch from the sidelines. Father handled everything in the peace talks, it was truly an admirable feat!¡± Qin Yining was indirectly telling the old dowager that there hadn¡¯t been a use for her during the peace talks. She was still whole. She also showeredpliments on Qin Huaiyuan, indirectlyplimenting the old dowager as well. Qin Yining had more than seen through the old dowager by now. Selfish and self-serving, she was heartless to everyone. It was almost like she¡¯d poured all of her love in this life into Qin Huaiyuan. Complimenting Qin Huaiyuan was even better than paying respects to the matriarch.

    Indeed, the old dowager nodded repeatedly, her face wreathed in smiles. ¡°Your lord was always different from everyone else, even when he was young. He was just so exceedingly smart. Now that he¡¯s aplished such a great feat and restored peace between two countries, freeing the people from suffering, it¡¯s absolutely a great aplishment! The historians will record this well. Ah, my good son!¡± She addressed her words to Qin-mama, Jixiang, and Ruyi.

    ¡°It¡¯s all because the old dowager raised the lord well.¡± Qin-mama took advantage of the situation to p a grandiosepliment onto her mistress, making the old dowager break out in proudughter.

    Scattered footsteps traveled in from outside as they merrily spoke. The door curtains were lifted to show in the second and third madame, as well as the various girls. Qin Yining stood up and swept her gaze over the crowd, but didn¡¯t see n¨¦e Sun.

    Her heart rose uneasily, but she remained smiling. She curtsied to the second and third madame. ¡°Second and third aunt.¡±

    ¡°Niece Yi is back!¡± The second and third madame smiled back in greeting. In their eyes, Qin Yining¡¯s reputation had been ruined the day she left the capital. They still hadn¡¯t figured out what attitude to face her with now that she had returned. The two surreptitiously assessed Qin Yining, trying to see if anything had changed about her.

    Qin Yining also noticed the awkwardness her sisters were feeling, as well as the old dowager¡¯s thirst to know but not daring to ask directly. An angry fire began to burn in her heart. Instead, she asked with a smile, ¡°Howe I don¡¯t see my mother? Is she not feeling well again today?¡±

    Silence fell across the room. Qin Yining instantly knew that things weren¡¯t good when she saw people¡¯s expressions and looked inquiringly at the old dowager.

    Her grandmother met her with a slightly awkward expression and smiled catingly. ¡°Granddaughter Yi,e sit with grandmother.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she took a seat by the old dowager without a change in expression. Her clear, limpid eyes looked at her grandmother, clearly showing her puzzlement. The target of her attentions felt guilt well up in her heart as she patted Qin Yining¡¯s slender, pale hands with her own papery ones.

    The dry coolness unique to elders enveloped Qin Yining¡¯s hands. She wanted to yank her hands away, but forced herself to remain still.

    The old dowager spoke gently with a tender expression at seeing how docile Qin Yining was being. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, don¡¯t fret. Your mother entered the pce a few days ago.¡±

    ¡°So mother¡¯s still there?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but don¡¯t worry, your Auntie Cao also went with your mother. It¡¯s nice to stay in the pce for a change of scenery. Your mother would be so listless otherwise. It¡¯s also a good thing for your mother and Auntie Cao to grow closer to each other.¡±

 Chapter 117: Dismayed Enlightenment

    <h4>Chapter 117: Dismayed Enlightenment</h4>

    How could one bear to say any of that! Anger ballooned in Qin Yining¡¯s heart as the blood in her veins turned intova that burned through her body. Her face flushed beet red with anger, but she forced herself to maintain a calm expression and smiled. ¡°I see, so the empress sent a verbal decree?¡±

    She carefully observed the expressions around her as she spoke. She couldn¡¯t read anything from her aunts as they lowered their eyes without a word. However, her cousins¡¯ expressions offered some insight; awkwardness and worry were writ clear. Qin Yining instantly understood that n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t been summoned by the empress. She¡¯d likely entered the pce for another reason.

    The old dowager didn¡¯t seem to notice anything awkward and smiled back. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry. Auntie Cao wanted to spend some time with your mother and empathized with what had happened to your maternal rtions. She knew that your mother was dejected and brought her into the pce for a breath of fresh air.

    ¡°I see. Auntie Cao is certainly thoughtful.¡± Qin Yining kept her voice as calm and gentle as usual. ¡°How many days has it been since mother entered the pce?¡±

    ¡°Your mother entered the pce the second day after all of you left.¡± The old dowager was immensely pleased that Qin Yining hadn¡¯t flown into a rage as expected.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Yining was thinking furiously and hade to a few conclusions. The matter likely stemmed arge part from the old dowager¡¯s desire to please n¨¦e Cao. The matriarch had probably subtly indicated to n¨¦e Cao to take n¨¦e Sun into the pce to do as the concubine would. She was humiliating n¨¦e Sun in order to raise n¨¦e Cao higher. But there was another dimension that the old dowager likely didn¡¯t have the brains to think about.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that Auntie Cao discussed this visit with the empress before she entered the pce?¡± Qin Yining smiled gently, but didn¡¯t wait for a response. She rose to her feet, adopting a ramrod straight posture. ¡°With our trip to Xihua for the peace talks, the emperor basically bet the entire fate of Great Yan on father¡¯s actions. Although we¡¯re a rich and fertilend, many years of running a deficit have turned us into a weak woman without the ability to fight back, a target that prances in front of bandits with arge bag of silver. Not only can we not safeguard our wealth, we¡¯re hard pressed to ensure even our own safety. Father is a renowned heroic talent with a great reputation. Old Dowager, what do you think the emperor is most afraid of when he sent father to the peace talks?¡±

    Although Qin Yining was still smiling, her aura had slowly transformed. As the crowd looked at her, the resemnce to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s usual stern visage was uncanny. Although Qin Yining had never spent time at court, the cold ferocity in her personality, nurtured by her time battling wild animals, added a few formidable hints to her bearing.

    When the old dowager looked at Qin Yining, her expression changed drastically when she recalled what her beloved son had once told her. The matriarch looked dumbly at her granddaughter, the color draining away from her previously beaming face.

    ¡°The emperor is naturally... most afraid of...¡± Her voice trailed off with fright. No one present was a fool, they all knew what had remained unsaid.

    The second and third madame looked at each other, while the girls had solemn expressions on their faces.

    ¡°Right.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°The emperor is most afraid of my father suddenly defecting to the enemy. Thus, naturally, he needs something to restrain father with. What¡¯s father¡¯s weakest spot? Is it only my mother?¡±

    The girl walked slowly up to the old dowager, her smile never wavering. ¡°But thankfully, father sessfully concluded the peace talks and has returned safely. The crisis looming over our heads has retreated as well.

    ¡°We are all Qins, and all in the same boat. When a bird¡¯s nest is overturned, no eggs remain intact.¡± Her prating gaze raked sharply across the old dowager and her two aunts. ¡°Not to speak of those who wanted to take advantage of either my father or my absence to scheme and plot to gain certain things, but even if they did seed, it is still a mystery as to whether they¡¯d be able to keep their gains or burn their hands instead.¡±

    Qin Yining wasn¡¯t being too narrow minded in subtly reminding them all, but her ¡®family¡¯s¡¯ surprise and hostility at her return was simply too overt. The Qin family branches had yet to split off into their respective households. Qin Huaiyuan was the firstborn of the main branch and thus the main pir of the family. Second uncle was the second official son and also an official of the court. However, his position wasn¡¯t high and he¡¯d always been suppressed. Third uncle was concubine-born and had focused his efforts on being a merchant, bing the economic lifeline of the family.

    When Qin Huaiyuan was present, the second and third branches all stayed neatly in their ces. But once he left, the other branches had stirred into action. The second official son felt that he could inherit the mantle of leadership, while the concubine-born wondered why the economic lifeline of the family had to give their silver away to others. No one dared bring up splitting up the family to Qin Huaiyuan, but that didn¡¯t mean theycked plots in y in the shadows.

    As for her? The Institute of Luminous Charm was incredibly rich pickings if she was no longer alive, to say nothing of anything else. She and her father knew that the emperor wanted the Institute, but the family didn¡¯t. Perhaps those who wanted to take the Institute inwardly felt it a pity that she¡¯d returned.

    Qin Yining¡¯s gaze fell on Qin Huining. She must be the one who¡¯d found it the greatest pity of all. Even though she was now the foster daughter, she¡¯d once called the Duchess of Ding her maternal grandmother. If Qin Yining were no longer alive, naturally the other granddaughter would take over the family business. But now that n¨¦e Sun had seen through Qin Huining¡¯s scheming personality, their mother absolutely wouldn¡¯t let that happen. Therefore, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s existence was an obstacle to Qin Huining realizing her ns.

    Have these simple-minded people with only insignificant profits in mind ever thought of what would happen if father or I didn¡¯te back? They¡¯d have lost even their lives, much less all this silliness they¡¯re plotting about. Qin Yining had simplyid out this logic as clearly as she could for them to think about. If they scared themselves with what they imagined, well, then, that would be a sort of punishment as well.

    The old dowager¡¯splexion had gone ashen, and the second and third madame also had very ugly expressions on their faces. Qin Huining¡¯s face had drained of all color as she pursed her lips and lost herself in thought for a while. When she saw Qin Yining looking at her, she red back fiercely to indicate her strength. However, her hands toyed nervously at her handkerchief, betraying her nerves.

    ¡°So this means that n¨¦e Cao might¡¯ve taken your mother into the pce because the emperor wanted her to?¡± The old dowager finally caught on.

    ¡°This is most likely the case.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°The emperor can¡¯t very well openly bring my mother into the pce as a hostage. That would make for ugly gossip. There¡¯s already enough dissension and criticism of how the peace talks had been handled this time. The emperor isn¡¯t that much of a fool, so he borrowed n¨¦e Cao¡¯s hands.¡±

    Indeed, an imperial decree couldn¡¯t be given, so they could only make use of the legitimate excuse of n¨¦e Cao visiting her rtives.

    ¡°To... to think that n¨¦e Cao wouldn¡¯t be on our side!¡± The old dowager looked quite stunned.

    ¡°Avoiding losses and seeking gains is natural human behavior. Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining responded without a flicker in expression. Wasn¡¯t this what the old dowager often did? What, was it only eptable when she did it, and disloyalty from anyone else?

    The females within the room all turned grave when they heard Qin Yining¡¯s words. The second and third madame had once again experienced their niece¡¯s capabilities, and even began to think that they should never seek to confront Qin Yining directly. In front of them was a girl who¡¯d faced down an old dowager who¡¯dpletely set aside many years of rtionship with a daughter-inw, allowing a concubine to take the official wife into the pce for unspecified torment. Qin Yining hadn¡¯t kicked up a fuss at all. She¡¯d merely analyzed the political situation aloud, and that¡¯d been enough to make the color drain from the old dowager¡¯s face and cause her to wish dearly for time to travel backwards. This wasn¡¯t just use of threats anymore, she¡¯dpletely crushed the opposition with intelligence!

    When she saw how thunderstruck the old dowager looked, Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, grandmother. Now that father has returned safely, everything will be resolved. I¡¯m sure that mother and n¨¦e Cao will return home soon.¡±

    Even if this was the case, how would the old dowager trust n¨¦e Cao in the future? The matriarch felt that she¡¯d been sorely lied to.

    ¡°Old Dowager, shall we take dinner in the warmed room tonight?¡± Qin-mama had been listening off to the side for a quite a while,cking the chance to sneak a word in edgewise. Now that matters had been discussed, she walked forward to curtsey and smile.

    The old dowager¡¯splexion was ashen as she nodded,pletely devoid of interest. Qin Yining lowered her eyes, carefully hiding all of her emotions. After the group partook of dinner, they returned to their residences with various thoughts.

    Qin Yining was holding Riceball while sitting cross-legged on the luohan bed next to the window. She¡¯d put on a thinly padded cotton jacket and was thinking of things with a furrowed brow. Qiulu brought in anothermp to greatly brighten up the somewhat dark bedroom.

    ¡°How utterly shameless! I¡¯ve never seen anyone like this! All she does is bully our madame when we¡¯re not at home, that¡¯s all she¡¯s good for anyways!¡± Sonn and Bingtang were quite furious, cursing as they worked on shoe soles with needle and thread.

 Chapter 118: Welcoming Ceremony (I)

    <h4>Chapter 118: Weing Ceremony (I)</h4>

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing for it either.¡± Qiulu sighed. ¡°The madame loses her pir and support when our miss isn¡¯t here. On the other hand, Miss Huining only knows to add fuel to the fire in front of the old dowager. We all know what the old dowager¡¯s temper is like as well. She can¡¯t even find north after someone pays her threepliments.¡±

    ¡°I say she doesn¡¯t even know where north is!¡± Bingtang stabbed a sole ferociously.

    Sonn made a shushing gesture and nced back at Qin Yining.

    ¡°Miss, some people have left our Venerable Study Hall in the days you¡¯ve been gone as well.¡± Qiulu changed the topic.

    This caught Qin Yining¡¯s attention and she smiled. ¡°I see that Liuya and two servings girls have gone missing. Did they go to Snowpear Courtyard?¡±

    Qiulu nodded. ¡°Liuya took the two girls with her and went to Miss Huining. I don¡¯t know what Miss Huining said to the old dowager, but the old dowager agreed to the change in personnel. She said that Sonn and Bingtang were extras in our yard to begin with, but since they were on the Duke of Ding¡¯s payroll, it was eptable. But now they¡¯re on our payroll, there¡¯s no need for extra people in our residence.¡±

    Qin Yining had long since noted that Liuya was a source of restlessness. The maid had only serve her out of duty, not because the maid truly wanted to. She¡¯d thought that things would be fine as long as Liuya kept from causing trouble. It was unexpected of the maid to take advantage of the situation and leave.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine that that kind of person¡¯s left.¡± Qin Yining responded indifferently.

    ¡°She liked to y little schemes and take the lion¡¯s share of all anything good anyway,¡± Bingtang added. ¡°She didn¡¯t seem good to me either. It¡¯s better that she¡¯s gone! She won¡¯t end up randomly causing trouble for the miss.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I¡¯d rather quality over quantity with my people. In arge family like ours, having more people is actually a hassle.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very right, miss.¡± Bingtang and Sonn both nodded.

    As they chatted inside, they heard a serving girl talking outside.

    ¡°Go see who¡¯se,¡± Qin Yining said with puzzlement. ¡°Who could be visiting sote at night?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Bingtang put down her needle and thread and swiftly descended the stairs. It only took a few moments for her to return. ¡°Miss, a serving girl from the old dowager delivered a message that the family is to go to the second floor of the Drunken Immortal for the emperor¡¯s weing ceremony tomorrow. She¡¯s reserved the entire floor and wants everyone to witness the lord¡¯s splendor.¡±

    Qin Yining found this a tad funny. For those frightened out of their wits in the capital, the sessful conclusion of peace talks between Great Zhou and Great Yan was even more cause for celebration than the new year. The emperor was also cing a lot of emphasis on this matter as well, holding a weing ceremony and leading a pack of officials to wee the negotiation party back. With the old dowager¡¯s bias for Qin Huaiyuan and her love of pomp and circumstance, she¡¯d probably thought of the high likelihood of seeing the other noble families of the capital. She really doesn¡¯t pass up an opportunity to unt what she has.

    No one yet knew how n¨¦e Sun was doing in the pce, but this was all that was upying the old dowager¡¯s thoughts. When Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts ran as far as musing that this was the only sort of treatment her mother had earned after marrying into the Qins for so many years, she instantly lost interest in everything.

    ¡°I see. Since this is the case, let¡¯s all rest a bit earlier.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The servants curtsied and left Qiulu on duty for the night. Bingtang and Sonn went to wash off the dust of the road and settle down for a good night¡¯s sleep.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t have a peaceful night. Her heart was still uneasy as she worried about n¨¦e Sun. She awoke from shock twice in the night and had all sorts of troubling dreams. However, none of them bubbled to the surface in the light of day. All that was left behind was a disquieting, fearful feeling.

    She took a simple breakfast early the next morning and headed to the Garden of Loving Piety to make her greetings. The old dowager was wearing an exceedingly eye-catching shade of plum blossom red and was heavily made up. There was even a headband with a ruby embedded in the center across her forehead. It was a joyous outfit that the matriarch likely wouldn¡¯t wear even if the Qins were marrying off a daughter.

    The second and third madame were chit-chatting idly with Qin Huining off on the side. The cheerful chatter made for a bustling scene. Qin Yining took one look at the cherry-red eight-panel skirt that the foster girl was wearing and sat down, expressionless.

    Those who had a heart and mind for principles would understand even without being told. Someone without a heart like Qin Huining would never develop a mind for principles even if she was lectured ten thousand times. The foster girl didn¡¯t care about her family on the Duke of Ding¡¯s side anyways, so it was more than likely that her grandfather, uncles, and cousins in the underworld wouldn¡¯t care about what she wore either.

    The second and third elder lord had arranged for pageboys to keep an eye on the road. One of them came in at the hour of the dragon 1.

    ¡°Reporting to Old Dowager, the emperor and empress¡¯ sedans are nearing the city doors. Their Majesties are trailed by a hundred officials. They¡¯ve almost reached the wee party.¡±

    The old dowager nodded repeatedly, all smiles for once. ¡°Well then, let¡¯s be on our way as well. Let¡¯s circle around to the Drunken Immortal first. It¡¯s not too far from the city gates and the view from the second floor is particrly good. We¡¯ll be able to take in the entire return party from there.¡±

    ¡°Mother thinks most thoroughly,¡± the third madame ttered.

    ¡°Indeed, grandmother¡¯s ns are the best. We all want to see father¡¯s triumphant return. This brings great honor to our ancestors!¡± Qin Huining also chimed in.

    The old dowager was filled with happiness and felt very rxed. Peals of merryughter sounded in the air as they all jostled each other jovially.

    Qin Yining felt increasing irritation at the sight of these people. None of them valued rtionships and thought of n¨¦e Sun at all, so there was no point in hoping any of them were worried about the senior madame¡¯s safety.

    Another pageboy politely entered amidst the cacophony. ¡°The carriages have been prepared. This way please, Old Dowager, madames, and misses.¡±

    Everyone smoothed out nonexistent creases on their outfits a old dowager as they headed out as a pack. The convoy took a longer than usual path to the Drunken Immortal. When they ascended the stairs and pushed out the gridded windows on the second floor, they discovered that the streets were lined with a great many people, all craning their necks for a look.

    It was a sea of people, stretching as far as the eye could see in both directions. One could barely make out individual heads and smiles as theyughed and chatted with each other. The Qin females rarely ventured out of the manor, so the sight of so many people was quite intriguing to them as well. They gathered around the windows, pointing and murmuring to each other. Qin Yining was standing at the window furthest to the right. It offered her a view of the city gates that she could ess with just a tilt of the head.

    The newly swept streets reached towards the city gates, and someone on the back of a fast horse suddenly appeared in front of them. The rider was wearing the gray-blue robes of a eunuch and called out shrilly, ¡°The emperor and empress have returned!¡±

    The announcement triggered the release of firecrackers, sending furls of smoke everywhere and bits of red paper dancing in the air. The people smiled andughed with joy, apuding fiercely for the happy news. The Qin females stretched their necks out for a better look as well.

    The emperor and empress were walking at the head of arge crowd near the spacious city gates. Qin Huaiyuan and the crown prince followed close behind, with neatly dressed civil and martial officials lined up in order of rank behind them.

    Qin Huaiyuan was upright and tall in his crimson robes that sent him greatly apart from the mass of officials. He looked very umon and different from them, even exuding a few hints of an ethereal immortal in his bearing as he strode forward.

    The emperor was dressed in golden dragon robes, holding the hand of the empress wearing red phoenix robes. They proceeded under the protection of guards, waving at the people lining the streets.

    Whether heartfelt from the popce or from people nted in the crowd, someone suddenly shouted, ¡°May the emperor live for ten thousand years! May the empress live for a thousand years! The protection and fortune of the emperor causes all to be well and at peace within Great Yan!¡±

    The citizens all knelt, and the Qin females curtsied as the royal entourage passed by the Drunken Immortal. None of them dared look straight upon the imperial visage. The old dowager then led all the females in kneeling on the ground and kept murmuring, ¡°A good Qin son! A fine Qin son! It¡¯s all thanks to the ancestors that we can bring glory to the family name!¡±

    The old dowager was not the only one to feel proud of this all; it was a feeling shared by Qin Yining. This was the peak of glory and prosperity for an official. Qin Huaiyuan was in a position where many could only hope to beg for.

    These thoughts had just crossed her mind when an uproar sounded in the distance, interspersed with angry yells and screams from the people.

    The girl¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she quickly rose to take a look outside. More than twenty men with covered faces charged out from the crowd, weapons unsheathed. It was an assassination attempt!

 Chapter 119: Welcoming Ceremony (II)

    <h4>Chapter 119: Weing Ceremony (II)</h4>

    There were roughly twenty of them, all dressed in street clothes. With almost the entire city present on the streets, no one had spared the assassins a second nce when they¡¯d blended in. Moreover, since the emperor¡¯s appearance also brought a heavier security force to the event, no one had imagined that someone would pick this particr moment for an assassination attempt.

    The assassins drew swords and brandished clubs as they broke cover, distancing themselves from the crowd in an instant as they charged the imperial couple. But the imperial guards and the men from the Warden¡¯s Office were also quick to react, closing ranks around the imperial majesties and meeting the assassins in openbat.

    Themon people closest to the assassins panicked, doing their best to back up and flee, deathly afraid of getting involved. However, there were simply too many people on the streets. As people pushed and shoved each other in blind fear, a stampede grew, trampling those unfortunate enough to fall. The assassins hadn¡¯t even reached the emperor yet, but some of the general popce were already close to death.

    ¡°My Meng¡¯er! Heavens! Save him, someone go save him!¡± The old dowager was beside herself in fear.

    Qin Huaiyuan was very close to the emperor and the crown prince. Although they had security all around them, they were also the target. The color drained from Qin Yining¡¯s face and her heart almost stopped. It meant nothing if the trash emperor and trampress died, but her father waspletely innocent! In that instant, Qin Yining hated the fact that she wasn¡¯t a boy and didn¡¯t have advanced martial arts skills. Her bit of brute strength was nothing here, so she could only watch as her father sank further into danger!

    The Qin females shrieked from their vantage point as chaos engulfed the scene. Adults shouted, children wailed, and shrill screams and violent yells beat painfully on everyone¡¯s eardrums.

    Unlike her cousins around her, Qin Yining didn¡¯t scream and wail. Rather, one hand tightened painfully on the windowsill as she stared unblinkingly at the situation developing below. A few of the assassins had broken through the melee formed by their assault on the guards and were now sprinting towards the imperial couple. Qin Yining¡¯s sharp eyes took note of their direction. Their target was the emperor and empress, not Qin Huaiyuan!

    Her taut nerves rxed infinitesimally when she drew that conclusion. With the trash emperor and trampress dead, perhaps the nation could actually recover to its previous glory. It was just that, des have no eyes, and she was afraid Qin Huaiyuan might be injured in the fray.

    The thought had just crossed her mind when screams started in a different ce; this time, the city gates. Her head whipped around, and her eyes widened as she saw a dozen men wearing Great Zhou army uniforms charge into the crowd. They seemed to have no care for civilians, hacking their way through as they made a beeline for Qin Huaiyuan, bellowing, ¡°Take down Qin Meng!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s eyes rolled up into her head when she heard the new battlecry, fainting dead away. Qin Yining¡¯s hands went white as her fingers dug into the windowsill. She didn¡¯t even feel it when a nail broke and her finger started to bleed. The way those assassins moved, it was very simr to the way the assassins at the Celestial Nunnery attacked!

    Vicious des and simr figures, even though Qin Yining didn¡¯t know martial arts, she could tell from their techniques that the first group of masked assassins and this second group in Great Zhou uniforms werepletely different parties. She didn¡¯t understand; Qin Huaiyuan was someone who¡¯d just aplished a great feat for his nation and had always had a good reputation. Why would he be targeted after sessful peace talks?!

    The trash emperor and trampress should¡¯ve died a long time ago, but not her father!

    Unless, these people aren¡¯t from Great Zhou! The sh of inspiration only served to make Qin Yining¡¯s face even more solemn.

    The streets were now aplete mess. Themon people and officials who could run away had long since scattered, and those who were caught in the middle could only seek shelter in the food stalls by the side of the road. With two groups of assassins carving their way through the unfortunate civilians into the center, they looked like they were about to seed in their assassination attempt!

    Qin Yining noted that the imperial guards and Warden¡¯s Office¡¯s abilities were now in grave danger of falling short of their duty. Sweat trickled down her forehead. If her father fell into further danger, she¡¯d charge down to save him herself even if it cost her life!

    In that crucial moment, a different group made their appearance. Garbed in ck, wearing silver masks and each armed with a sword, this mysterious group came from the direction of the city center, navigating rooftops and building walls with contemptuous ease as they bounded towards the fray. Qin Yining¡¯s heart froze as the dozen figuresnded on the street. More assassins? Her father¡¯s life was truly in danger!

    Before the girl could do anymore than fret helplessly from the window, the neers split into two and charged. One headed straight for the melee of guards and assassins, and the other intercepted the group of purported Great Zhou dissidents. The result was clear in a matter of moments. Like twin ck daggers, the silver-masked fighters cut through and suppressed both assassin groups with overwhelming force and technique. They were clearly highly trained, and each one had reached a terrifyingly high level in martial arts. One of them was even a diminutive, lithe woman!

    As Qin Yining looked on with surprise, the two groups were quickly beaten intoplete submission. Some were dead, others injured, but a majority were captured alive. The girl heaved a long sigh of relief at seeing the situation finally fall into some semnce of control. The imperial couple could also finally rx from their position within the protective encirclement.

    The dozen silver-masked fighters swiftly strode up to the emperor and made a grand gesture of greeting. It turned out that the lithe woman was their leader, as she called out loudly, ¡°Please forgive your subordinate for arrivingte, Your Majesty!¡±

    The emperor patted his chest to soothe his lingering fear and waved a hand. ¡°Your may rise. Thank goodness We are alright. We will not forgive you if you dareete again next time.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s mercy!¡± The woman responded loudly and kowtowed. The others followed her lead.

    The emperor coughed and finally settled back down. ¡°Take these assassins to the dungeons and interrogate them fully! We would like to see who wishes death on Our head!¡±

    Thumps sounded out as soon as the emperor finished speaking. He looked back to see the men in Great Zhou uniforms crashing to the ground with purplish-ck blood oozing out of their mouths. It would appear that they¡¯d taken a page from the same book as the group from the nunnery,mitting suicide via a poison caplet.

    Qin Yining¡¯s brows were furrowed tightly. She could be certain now that these people certainly weren¡¯t from Great Zhou. The two countries had just agreed on peace talks, how would they be so idiotic as to send an assassin after Qin Huaiyuan to ruin the ords? The gold, silver, and cities that Great Yan had promised hadn¡¯t been handed over yet! And yet, she had no idea why this group of deathsworn would try to drive a wedge between the two nations.

    ¡°Trash, useless trash!¡± The emperor roared angrily. ¡°There¡¯s so many of you, so how could you not have stopped them frommitting suicide?! They¡¯ve died before We¡¯ve found out the truth of this matter, so what use is any of you!¡±

    The assassins dressed up as civilians were inspired and wanted to bite their tongues off as well. But given what the previous group of assassins had done, the guards hastily broke the jaws of the remaining assassins. Even if some of them moved faster than the others, they only seeded in injuring themselves, and didn¡¯t quite consign themselves to death. The emperor breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that there were still many that could be interrogated.

    ¡°Set off for the pce! I leave the Warden¡¯s Office and Bureau of Punishment in charge here. We want to see results in three days!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Sir Xu of the Warden¡¯s Office agreed with a rueful expression.

    Qin Yining looked in her father¡¯s direction with a greatly furrowed brow. Thank goodness that danger had been diffused into nothing and he hadn¡¯t been injured. The old dowager had been revived thanks to some judicious pinching of the acupuncture points between her thumb and index finger. Once she was assured that Qin Huaiyuan was fine, she heaved a long sigh of relief as well.

    When Qin Yining saw that her father was about to climb into a carriage, she suddenly recalled that n¨¦e Sun was still in the pce. She quickly made her way down to the ground floor with Bingtang and the others. Her eyes met Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s when she reached the door of the Drunken Immortal.

    The man frowned slightly upon seeing Qin Yining here as well. He thought for a moment and murmured a few words to the little eunuch next to him. The eunuch nodded and walked to Qin Yining.

    ¡°Good health to Miss Qin.¡± The eunuch cupped both hands in a salute.

    As a general rule, Qin Yining knew that one should avoid offended pce eunuchs at all costs. They¡¯d never be the nicest or most gentle of folk, but they certainly had a harsh bite if provoked. She immediately reacted with all due courtesy, ¡°Greetings to sir eunuch.¡±

    The eunuch didn¡¯t dare ept Qin Yining¡¯s curtsey and quickly shifted to the side. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin ordered this lowly one to ask Miss Qin if anything has happened at home, given the miss¡¯ presence here?¡±

    A wry expression spread itself across Qin Yining¡¯s face as her heart palpitated with lingering shock. ¡°The old dowager brought the entire family out early this morning to witness this magnificent asion. We wanted to glimpse the authority of the son of heaven, but to think such horrifying developments urred instead! Grandmother is worried about the emperor and empress¡¯ safety, as well as father¡¯s health. Thus, she had mee down for a look.¡±

    ¡°The Qin Old Dowager has an exceedingly loyal heart and the mind of a loving mother.¡± The eunuch saluted a few times towards the second floor. ¡°The emperor and empress possesses such fortune as to be one with the heavens. They were able to peacefully weather disaster and emerge unscathed. There is nothing untoward, and Grand Preceptor Qin is doing well as well. Please pass this message onto the old dowager.¡±

    ¡°Understood, many thanks, gonggong.¡± Qin Yining once again curtsied in thanks and lifted her arm to re out her billowy cloak. She took advantage of the cover to slip amonly made sachet of exquisite material into the eunuch¡¯s hand.

    The eunuch had never seen a noble daughter with such practiced moves. He blinked and squeezed the sachet a few times, his fingers telling him that there were more than a few gold beans inside. He beamed even more merrily at her and epted the gift without a change in expression.

    ¡°This lowly one thanks Miss Qin. Many thanks, Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°Go well, gonggong.¡±

    ¡°There is no need to send this lowly one off.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded slightly and lifted her eyes to gaze at the carriage when the eunuch turned to leave.

 Chapter 120: Coercion

    <h4>Chapter 120: Coercion</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan had noticed Qin Yining¡¯s actions just now. A small, satisfied smile crossed his face, and he nodded at his daughter before lowering the carriage curtains.

    This put Qin Yining more at ease. Her father was headed for the pce. With his wits, he surely knew that her mother was already in the pce. Perhaps father would also bring mother back with him when he returned home. Qin Yining was guessing that the emperor wouldn¡¯t have hurt her mother. He had to hold her for her father, after all. Now that the peace talks had sessfully concluded and her father hadn¡¯t done anything resembling treason, the emperor would be at peace and return the grand preceptor¡¯s wife.

    Temporarily resolving her worries for now, Qin Yining went upstairs tofort the immensely shocked old dowager. The females returned home after the matriarch had slightly recovered. They gathered at the Garden of Loving Piety after returning to the manor, still feeling the tremors from the shock and unable to rid themselves of their fear.

    The Qin females often didn¡¯t cross past the second gate of the manor, much less the main gates. They were used to living in the peacefulp of luxury and had never seen such violence. The more timid sixth miss had actually wet her pants back at the Drunken Immortal, and was now running a slight fever after changing her clothes.

    The old dowager was busy having servants brew calming concoctions for all of the madames and girls. None of the other girls had lost theirposure as much as the sixth miss though, so the girl was feeling quite embarrassed. She had buried her reddened face deep into the luohan bed in the old dowager¡¯s quarters in shame.

    That a noble daughter had been scared into peeing herself left the second madame feeling like she¡¯d lost a great deal of face. As a result, even as she sipped at her cup, her expression was rather ugly.

    The third madame would never waste an opportunity to needle the second branch, theatrically sighing as she nced at the calm Qin Yining. ¡°Niece Yi is the solidly dependable one after all. She has senior brother-inw¡¯s personality and doesn¡¯t panic when she runs into trouble. I feel that very few of the girls from our house have a personality simr to niece Yi.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyebrow quirked up. Was her third aunt attempting topliment her or make enemies for her?

    Indeed, various awkward expressions appeared on people¡¯s faces at the third madame¡¯s words. The second madame nced over at Qin Yining and smartly decided not to fall into the third madame¡¯s honeyed trap. However, the sixth miss wasn¡¯t quite that circumspect; she shot up from her curled position on the luohan bed and red angrily at the third madame. And yet, she was a junior and a concubine-born girl who¡¯d been grounded several times by her father and the official wife. She didn¡¯t dare set herself against the third branch since they held the reins of the family¡¯s money, so she could only vent her spleen on Qin Yining.

    ¡°Fourth sister is incredible alright. How would any normal noble daughter like us be as experienced as fourth sister?¡±

    ¡®As experienced¡¯ epassed a great variety of things, such as Qin Yining¡¯s recent attendance of the peace talks and being offered to the Great Zhou host. Obviously, this kind of experience was the greatest stain on one¡¯s reputation and the greatest insult one could use.

    Some of the other girls frowned at the sixth miss¡¯ words. Some were worried, others repulsed. But there were also those like Qin Huining who let slip a chuckle. Even some of the maids couldn¡¯t help but blush at these words.

    Any other woman would¡¯ve been so embarrassed that they would desperately wish for a hole in the ground to burrow into. Possibly those who were less able to endure stress might¡¯ve charged at a pir or hung themselves to prove their innocence.

    Qin Yining, however, just smiled. ¡°Sixth sister praises me too highly. I have indeed seen a few more things than most. Setting aside the fact that sixth sister has grown up in the manor since youth, and has never witnessed the difficulties of the outside world, I¡¯ve personally watched father¡¯s dashing figure verbally joust during the peace talks. Such a wondrous sight is one for the annals of poetry! So although I don¡¯t possess any talents, I really am a bit more worldly than sixth sister. As for my courage, it¡¯s also just a bit bigger as well.¡±

    Clever use of leverage would always triumph over brute force. Everyone¡¯s attention was now back now back on the sixth miss peeing her pants from fright. The girl¡¯s face instantly med bright red. She red at Qin Yining, tears gathering in her eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sixth sister?¡± Qin Yining quickly coaxed. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my father¡¯s held a sessful negotiation that will be gloriously recorded in history. This is great cause for celebration; why are you crying? Or is it... that little matter? Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t think too much about it. Who would gossip about this? Grandmother loves you so dearly, she won¡¯t let anyone talk about this.¡±

    The sixth miss cried furiously with great sniffles. The more Qin Yining spoke like this, the more it proved that her matter had already spread throughout the manor. So what if no one talked about it? Everyone knew about it!

    The old dowager rubbed her aching forehead, her patience at its limit as she censured angrily, ¡°Settle down! How can you all have the heart to bicker with each other when something so major happened today? Not only can all of you not shoulder the family¡¯s burdens, but you even turn around to stir up more trouble instead. What use is it keeping you useless bunch of girls around?!¡±

    Everyone rose to curtsey respectfully when they saw that the old dowager was truly angered.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager.¡±

    The sixth miss also made a huping curtsey. The old dowager¡¯s brow was tightly furrowed and she was about tounch into a longer lecture when Qin-mama deftly ced a newly filled tobo pipe and apanying pouch in her hands. Thus distracted, the matriarch swallowed what she was about to say and took several long drags on the pipe in an attempt to calm down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining smiled during the lull. ¡°I just met with father. He¡¯s heading into the pce at the moment, most likely for a banquet. He¡¯ll return soon and you¡¯ll soon be reunited.¡±

    She watched her grandmother¡¯s face closely and noted that although the old dowager looked slightly happier, her frown still lived in the wrinkles of her brow. ¡°Our family is about to step into the height of glory. Father has aplished an unparalleled meritorious deed, and the emperor is sure to reward him handsomely. Honor and glory will brighten our doorstep, and all the credit goes to the old dowager for raising children well.¡±

    These wordsforted the old dowager greatly, and she made a noise of agreement after taking a few more pulls on the pipe. With that, it seemed that her anger had abated.

    When the group saw that the old dowager had been pacified with a few words from Qin Yining, they privately heaved sighs of relief. The third madame began coyly fawning over the matriarch again, with the others joining in to agree every so often.

    Only the sixth miss remained quietly sobbing off on the side, quite aggrieved. Qin Huining was sitting next to her, providingfort in low murmurs. The two would frequently cast looks in Qin Yining¡¯s direction and put their heads together to whisper some more.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t care what they were saying about her at all. Only ipetents would fear direct confrontation and resort to talking behind one¡¯s back. Now that she¡¯d apanied her father on this trip and witnessed matters that affected the bigger picture, as well as the blood shed to achieve it, she felt that her mind had been greatly broadened. Such miniscule matters were so... petty inparison. They were just something to be dealt with when they arose.

    She was worried about her parents, and wary of this mysterious force behind the assassination attempt. She didn¡¯t care about the group who¡¯d gone after the the trash emperor¡¯s life, nor the fate of the trampress. She was focused on those who¡¯d been dressed as Great Zhou soldiers and hade for her father. Would they try again, given this attempt had failed?

    If the main negotiator of Great Yan from the recently sessful peace talks was assassinated, this would be a provocation towards both Great Yan and Great Zhou, wouldn¡¯t it? Great Zhou would think that the Yan government was looking down on them or wanted to weasel their way out of the terms, whereas Great Yan would suspect that Great Zhou wanted to rip up the ords.

    Who would benefit if the two nations continued their war? The Miao territory that bordered Great Yan? Or the Tatars to the north of Great Zhou?

    Contrary to Qin Yining¡¯s expectations, the pce wasn¡¯t exactly the picture of merriment she¡¯d described to the old dowager. In fact, pin drop silence had fallen over the imperial study. Qin Huaiyuan was kneeling on the ck marble floor. The stone, so polished that one could clearly see one¡¯s reflection, mirrored the solemn expression of his downturned face. The only sound that broke the oppressive silence was the the emperor¡¯s footsteps as he paced in front of Qin Huaiyuan, his hands behind his back.

    ¡°How about that, how about that, huh!? I¡¯ve broken my back for this country for thirty five years, and in return, get gifted with an assassination attempt! And it¡¯s still that group of people who came to kill me?!¡±

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed.

    ¡°Quell my anger? How can I quell my anger?!¡± The emperor angrily picked up the secret missive that one of the silver-masked men had just delivered and threw it in front of Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Take a look at this, how do I quell my anger?!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart thumped violently as his eyes flicked over the contents. His expression changed dramatically; all color draining from his face.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed loudly three times from his kneeling position on the floor. ¡°Your subject¡¯s entire family is loyal without question! To the very end! Even if Your Majesty wished for this subject to die, this subject wouldn¡¯t have the slightest reluctance! Please investigate this matter well, Your Majesty!¡±

    The emperor minutely rxed when he saw the normally refined immortal Qin Huaiyuan truly panicking. He thought carefully for a moment and broke into a smile,pletely different from his hopping fury from seconds ago. He gently reached out with a single hand to help Qin Huaiyuan rise.

    ¡°We naturally know of beloved subject Qin¡¯s wholehearted devotion to the country. Your wife is also currently a guest in the pce. But you¡¯ve read the secret report. We will not allow this group of assassins to live any longer. So, all you need to do next is to y out a scene with Us. We will be at ease then and will reward you handsomely.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan felt both his hands and feet grow mmy, but he had no choice other than to lower his head. ¡°All shall be in ordance to Your Majesty¡¯s wishes. This subject will follow to the end of everything!¡±

 Chapter 121: Breaking Out

    <h4>Chapter 121: Breaking Out</h4>

    Back in the Qin Manor, the old dowager was happily ordering servants to prepare a sumptuous dinner banquet, and had posted men every fifty steps on the roads that Qin Huaiyuan was certain to take on his way home. She had given explicit orders to have a carriage bring news the moment the lord was sighted.

    The group remained in the Garden of Loving Piety to keep the old dowagerpany. The happy atmosphere permeating the air was even warmer than the one around new year¡¯s. It obviously wouldn¡¯t do for Qin Yining to return to the Venerable Study Hall first, so she had to stay and partake of the gathering.

    However, this wait stretched into a four hour vigil. Even as dusk fell, Qin Huaiyuan still hadn¡¯t returned, and the old dowager was beginning to worry.

    ¡°Even if there is a pce banquet being held, there¡¯s no reason for them to stay sote. What kind of banquet runs so long?¡± The emperor should consider the family more if he¡¯s keeping my son behind! I haven¡¯t seen him in so long! But the old dowager feared the emperor in the end, and swallowed herints, opting to inwardly nag him a thousand times over instead.

    The third madame was best at currying favor, so she smiled when she saw the old dowager¡¯s impatience. ¡°Senior brother-inw¡¯s great merit marks his name as one for the halls of fame. It¡¯s only natural that the emperor would keep him to talk a while longer. Only he would have such a special honor. Anyone else might spend their entire life waiting for such treatment in vain!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, grandmother.¡± Qin Huining chimed in. ¡°We¡¯re all Qins, so it¡¯s easy for us to see father, but other officials and court peers? It¡¯s probably hard for them to even talk to father normally, so they¡¯ll definitely make use of today¡¯s banquet to have a good chat with him!¡±

    Qin Huining had spent fourteen years as the old dowager¡¯s most doted upon and favored grandchild, but had found herself suppressed in every way possible after Qin Yining¡¯s return. Now that she was once again by the old dowager¡¯s side, she was both gratified and excited. Naturally, Qin Huining used every trick in her arsenal to make the old dowager happy.

    Scenes of Qin Huaiyuan being surrounded by adoring peers crystallized in the old dowager¡¯s mind. When she dwelled on the fact that her son was the one being feted by everyone, and how filial he was normally, the old dowager felt as if her heart had been immersed in honey. She couldn¡¯t help butugh heartily.

    The third madame and Qin Huining started teasing the old dowager when they saw how happy the matriarch was. The sixth, seventh, and eighth miss also clustered around them, lifting the old dowager up into immense delight.

    Qin Yining sat removed from that group with the third miss, the two sipping tea and chatting randomly in low voices. They weren¡¯t of a mind to join in the fawning action at all. The third miss was already engaged and her wedding day wasn¡¯t far off. Besides, she¡¯d always had a nature detached from worldly strife and desires. Qin Yining on the other hand, hadpletely seen through the old dowager and no longer sought her deeply cherished wish for pure, familial love from her grandmother. The old dowager didn¡¯t like her or n¨¦e Sun at the moment anyways. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t the sort to offer her right cheek when her left cheek was struck.

    Just as the house full of females were chattering and tittering happily, rapid footsteps suddenly sounded from outside. The vague tones of a man¡¯s voice filtered inside to them.

    ¡°It must be Meng¡¯er.¡± The old dowager looked to the door with a smile.

    However, the door curtains lifted to reveal Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s body servant, Qitai! The servant thumped to his knees as soon as he entered the house.

    ¡°Old Dowager! Something¡¯s happened in the pce!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s smile, as well as everyone else¡¯s, froze on their faces.

    ¡°Speak! What¡¯s happened?¡±

    ¡°In response to Old Dowager, a grand banquet was held in the pce for the various officials. The lord and madame was in attendance, and the emperormended the lord, bestowing the position of the Marquis of Anping!¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s wonderful!¡± the third madame cried out joyfully.

    Qitai kowtowed. ¡°That is wonderful, but the empress immediately said afterwards that a hero such as the lord should have beauties serving him. She¡¯d chosen Lady of Handsome Fairness, Lady Lu, and Lady of Talents, Lady Xu, as gifts to increase the lord¡¯s household. The two imperial concubines currently enjoy great favor from the emperor, but he didn¡¯t object at all.

    ¡°However, the senior madame rejected the empress on the spot and the two started arguing. The empress upbraided that the senior madame was eaten by jealousy, while the madame railed that the empress was a ¡®trampress¡¯ that wrecked families and plotted against loyal subjects. The madame¡¯s words were exceedingly pointed, so angering the empress that she gave the order to sentence the senior madame to death by poison wine!¡±

    It was deadly silent inside and everyone¡¯s face white as a sheet. Qin Yining¡¯s brain was was buzzing loudly. She carefully considered Qitai¡¯s demeanor and wanted to read some ws from his speech and expression. However, his anxious and worried look didn¡¯t ring false.

    N¨¦e Sun really did harbor significant vengeful resentment towards the emperor and empress. But even so, she wouldn¡¯t have the courage to insult the empress unless she was backed into a corner. The feud between the Suns and Caos wasn¡¯t fresh, and although n¨¦e Sun might feel hatred, she hadn¡¯t started anything with the empress when she entered the pce on the first of the new year.

    In the days that Qin Yining had been away, n¨¦e Sun had spent a decent amount of time in the pce. Nothing had happened during that period, so it could be seen that the bouts of humiliation and setbacks in the manor had caused her to ept reality. Besides, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart was filled with Qin Huaiyuan. If Qin Yining looked at things with an impassive eye, she felt that the blow of Qin Huaiyuan taking n¨¦e Cao as a concubine was greater than all the Sun males being executed.

    To someone who was so wholeheartedly devoted to her husband, this was just a bestowment of two imperial concubines to her husband. All she needed to do was to wee them home and house them well. It wasn¡¯t as if Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t have concubines, so why would she insult and berate the empress? Is something else at y here? But the matter had already urred, so she couldn¡¯t just leave things to luck!

    ¡°Qitai, exin the circumstances in detail to me.¡±

    ¡°In response to the fourth miss,¡± Qitai nodded. ¡°I didn¡¯t see what happened with my own eyes. The lord sent a eunuch out to me after it¡¯d happened. The eunuch was shaking all over and didn¡¯t dare say another word. I¡¯m guessing that the empress was in a terrible rage. You know that the emperor dotes on the empress and can¡¯t bear to see the hint of anything bad happening to her. The senior madame really... this time... really...¡±

    ...is really asking for it, and there¡¯s no one who can hold her back!

    Qin Yining rubbed the throbbing center of her forehead and spoke a few quiet words to Sonn. The maid nodded and circled past the shocked group before anyone had a chance to recover and take note of what she was doing. She lifted her skirts and ran out from the Garden of Loving Piety.

    ¡°Grandmother, what do you think should be done in this situation?¡± Qin Yining turned to curtsey at the old dowager.

    ¡°What should be done?!¡± The old dowager finally recovered from her stunned state and angrily crashed her brass pipe into the table, chipping off arge chunk of the ckcquer from the side table engraved with patterns of clouds. ¡°You have an idiotic fool of a mother! How dare she insult the empress! Don¡¯t take people down with her if she wants to die! Let her die! Our house at least would be clean afterwards!¡±

    Although she¡¯d anticipated such a reaction from the old dowager, sudden numbness spasmed Qin Yining¡¯s heart when she heard such cruel words. It was as if argedle of ice cold water had been dumped over her head in the heart of winter, freezing her from inside to out.

    ¡°Grandmother, although mother is impulsive, it¡¯s all because she genuinely loves father. She¡¯s been a Qin daughter-inw for twenty-Old Dowager years. That makes her half your daughter as well...¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± The old dowager interrupted with yelling of her own. ¡°Half a daughter? Pretty, empty words! If I had a daughter like this, I would¡¯ve long since drowned her in thetrines! She¡¯s apletely ignorant dunce and a bitch that should be sliced to pieces by a thousand cuts! She can¡¯t do anything decent and can¡¯t give birth to shit, and now she wants to doom my son as well! Don¡¯t she dare drag down my family even in death!¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips, her gaze growing cold. ¡°Is the old dowager really ignoring a rtionship of so many years?¡±

    ¡°I have no rtionship with anyone surnamed Sun!¡± The old dowager waved her hand curtly, ring at the second madame who¡¯d wanted to plead for the senior madame.

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Even if you wish to wash your hands of this matter, Old Dowager, it¡¯s unlikely that you can. If you plead for mercy for my mother, not only would you not endanger yourself, but you¡¯d gain a virtuous reputation as well. Aren¡¯t you afraid of outsidersughing at you if you have no reaction whatsoever as a mother-inw when the empress wishes to consign my mother to death?¡±

    ¡°What a joke! What would I care about what others think at my age? Your father says you¡¯re smart, but you look like an absolute fool to me. It¡¯s better if your mother dies. You have nock of powerful woman to call ¡®mother¡¯. N¨¦e Cao is in every way better than that Sun. You...¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Qin Yining finally couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She couldn¡¯t beat the old dowager, but had no ce to vent her anger. Thus, she sent a round stool by her side flying with a sturdy kick. The stool crashed to the ground and brought a bowed leg side table tumbling along in its wake. The blue and white porcin teacups and teapot shattered shrilly on the floor.

    ¡°Mutiny! Rebellion! Servants, throw her out of here, throw her out!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you bother yourself, I can walk myself out!¡± Qin Yining retorted coldly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of saddening others with how heartless you are? The heavens may be impassive, but they always leave a ray of hope for people. Even though my mother¡¯smitted a mistake, it¡¯s not enough for the death sentence. My father¡¯s just held a sessful peace talk and received the position of the Marquis of Anping, do you think the emperor would let my mother die just like this? Even if the empress doesn¡¯t care about gossip outside, the emperor does! It¡¯s truly enlightening to see how fearful you are, Old Dowager!¡±

    She whirled around and left after this, her words giving the old dowager a few hearty ps across the face. True, the emperor values face so dearly, so would he let the empress decree death for n¨¦e Sun just like this? It wouldn¡¯t make for good gossip if he harmed the wife of an official who¡¯d just achieved a great deed.

    And yet, it wouldn¡¯t be the first time that he¡¯d done so. The old dowager couldn¡¯te to the correct conclusion immediately. When she came to her senses, she realized that Qin Yining had exited her residence. The old dowager started with shock and yelled, ¡°Servants, stop her!¡±

 Chapter 122: Public Beheading

    <h4>Chapter 122: Public Beheading</h4>

    With Qin Yining¡¯s explosive temper, she was bound to stir up trouble if she went out! The group recovered their collective senses and surged outside. Naturally, there were servants on duty in the yard who tried to stop the fourth miss, but they were all house dogs. What could they do against a wild wolf?

    All the girl wanted to do now was to save her mother. Even if she knew that her abilities were insufficient, she would never give up hope and still give it her all in a rescue attempt. Anyone who dared try to stop her were easilyid low on the ground. More than ten maids and granny servants weren¡¯t enough to deter her.

    The old dowager, second and third madame stood beneath the covered hallway with the rest of the girls, refreshing their memories of how her physical capabilities and fully witnessing Qin Yining¡¯s barbaric manners.

    ¡°Hurry, hurry up and get her back here!¡± the old dowager roared. ¡°Don¡¯t let her out!¡±

    But what did Qin Yining care about them? She charged out of the inner residence with the momentum of willing to trample right over whoever came to obstruct her, even if it was Buddha!

    Although it¡¯d yet to reach curfew, lights were lit brightly everywhere within the manor, casting longer shadows into the corners.

    Servants had caught wind of what was going on and had gathered outside the inner door. Male servants would be stronger than Qin Yining, as well as the manor guards who came rushing in as well. However, she was the official daughter and a rightful mistress of the manor in the end. These people wouldn¡¯t darey a hand on her even if they had a hundred times more gall. They could only surround her and not really do anything.

    Qin Yining was frowning ferociously now, her lips tightly pursed. Due to doing battle with the maids and granny servants earlier, her hairpins were knocked askew and hot sweat poured down her face. If she spent too much time with these people and more came from the inner residence, she¡¯d lose the upper hand then.

    ¡°Out of my way, or I¡¯ll tell my father that you were disrespectful to me!¡±

    ¡°Fourth Miss, we¡¯re all just following orders,¡± the guards had rueful expressions on their faces. ¡°The old dowager said not to let you out.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression softened slightly, but her tone was still hard. ¡°And you dare be involved in the matters of your masters? Aren¡¯t you afraid of dragging your family into this? Move out of the way and I¡¯ll make the exnations to father. The old dowager is elderly and suitable only for handling matters of the inner residence. She can¡¯t make the call in what happens outside of the home. Besides, don¡¯t you all know who is the master of this house?¡±

    The male servants looked at each other and hesitantly opened a path for Qin Yining. She seized the best timing and picked up her skirts in rushing out.

    The maids and granny servants from the inner residence finally straggled in at this time, panting and wheezing as they leaned on the wall or ced their hands on their hips to catch their breaths. They looked on in Qin Yining¡¯s direction with dry mouths and thick tongues, unable to say a single word for the longest time. The fourth miss was simply too good at running! She didn¡¯t seem to exert any effort, but was able to leave them in the dust all the same. They couldn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of her back, and the outer residence servants were milling around uncertainly. The maids and granny servants didn¡¯t know what to do. They could only go back to report to the old dowager.

    When the matriarch heard that Qin Yining had made it out, she threw a terrible fit. The entire porcin tea set within the house met their doom; not a single piece survived unscathed.

    Qin Yining exited the manor as the old dowager was throwing her tantrum. She saw Grand Steward Zhong, Bingtang, and Sonn waiting in a street corner with a carriage, craning their necks in the direction of the manor. They waved when they saw Qin Yining, and Bingtang came running over to support her mistress.

    ¡°Are you alright, miss? Thank goodness for big sister Sonning to get me. We slipped out when no one noticed and just saw a lot of people running for the inner door. We were worried that you wouldn¡¯t be able to make it out.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they wouldn¡¯t dare touch a hair on my head. Steward Zhong, let¡¯s chat along the way.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled gratefully at the steward and had her maids sit outside with the groom, leaving only the steward inside for a private chat.

    The carriage sped along the roads to the pce. Grand Steward Zhong actually seemed a bit uptight within the carriage, and so Qin Yining. ¡°You are my elder, grand steward, so allow me to put on some airs in wanting to chat with you.¡±

    The title of ¡®elder¡¯ reminded the grand steward that when it came to age, the two of them could be grandfather and granddaughter. They were employer and employee to boot, so there was nothing untoward about only the two of them in a carriage together. He rxed and spoke solemnly, ¡°I¡¯ve sent people to ask around in the pce. It was indeed the Qin senior madame conflicting with the empress, resulting in the empress consigning her to death. No one¡¯s carried out the order yet, so she should be shut away somewhere. They have to wait for the emperor¡¯s orders first.¡±

    ¡°So all of this is true?¡± Qin Yining frowned.

    ¡°Were you doubting the truth of the matter, miss?¡±

    ¡°I did at first. As muddle-headed the emperor may be, he still cares about face. My father just sessfully concluded the peace talks. Why would the emperor just turn around and kill the wife of an aplished official?¡±

    The steward shook his head and murmured, ¡°We can never use regr logic to understand our emperor¡¯s decisions.¡±

    He¡¯d thrown away imperial face to save his own skin. Would he balk at hurting loyal officials?

    Qin Yining¡¯s forehead was very tightly knit together as she followed up hurriedly, ¡°Steward Zhong, do we have any ns whatsoever to save my mother? Do we have connections in the pce?¡±

    ¡°Just say what you wish, miss, and I will do whatever is within my power to do. Besides, the Institute¡¯swork of connections is yourwork as well.¡± Steward Zhong started chuckling. ¡°I¡¯d guessed that you wouldn¡¯t sit idly by when I heard of what¡¯d happened, miss. You¡¯d want to save the senior madame. I¡¯ve already bought out the guards at the gate. We can get eunuch uniforms and think of a way to steal the madame out.¡±

    Qin Yining felt her nose twinge when she saw Steward Zhong¡¯s wrinkled face creased in a very benevolent and sincere smile. She almost teared up. The grand steward was an outsider, but he was trying to help her without regard for his own safety after she¡¯d only done him a passing favor before. The old dowager has spent almost thirty years with mother, but she is still be so cold hearted. The chill within the manor had exceeded Qin Yining¡¯s expectations. After someparison, it was more and more apparent who was close and who was distant, as well as who was dependable.

    It was narrow within the carriage, but Qin Yining still curtsied to the grand steward. ¡°I cannot thank you enough for this great gratitude.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be this way, miss!¡± Grand Steward Zhong quickly lifted Qin Yining up. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for you, my entire family would¡¯ve fallen to the furious revenge from the Clearists. We¡¯d be broken and destitute by now. The grass might even be a third of a meter tall on my tombstone by now. How would I be able to sit here and chat with you? It¡¯s not my style to not pay back debts of gratitude. Don¡¯t be so polite with me in the future, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a sleeve. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t mention it in the future.¡±

    ¡°What are your ns after saving the madame, miss?¡±

    ¡°The pce will surelyunch an investigation if they lose someone. I can only help my mother get away. As for me, I won¡¯t be able to leave. It¡¯ll be another scene of parting then.¡± She was a bit depressed, but swiftly recovered her spirits. ¡°No matter what, we¡¯ll be able to meet one day as long as we¡¯re alive.¡±

    The grand steward nodded, highly admiring of Qin Yining¡¯s steadfast loyalty in the face of disaster and her tenacious spirit. They had arrived at the Institute¡¯s closest tavern to the pce, Roamer¡¯s Return, by now. There were still many customers dining within the establishment, so Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare reveal her face in front of everyone. She headed for the rear garden to await news. However, a grave Steward Zhong came with an even more despairing update before long.

    ¡°Miss, our men have heard that the pce sent word not long after you left the Qin Manor that the senior madame¡¯s matter had grown even more severe. Her original fate of death by poisoned wine has been changed to a public beheading outside the Meridian Gate at noon tomorrow, her head disyed for all to see.¡±

    An explosion went off inside Qin Yining¡¯s mind as the blue and white porcin teacup slipped from her fingers. Itnded on her thighs, spilling the hot tea all over her and then smashed ear-piercingly onto the ground.

    ¡°Miss!¡± Bingtang and Sonn rushed forward to check her skirts, deathly afraid that their mistress had been burned. Thankfully, she¡¯d been wearing a lot since it was winter. Otherwise, the hot tea really would¡¯ve burned her.

    ¡°Miss, don¡¯t be too sad.¡± Steward Zhong sighed.

    Qin Yining took a few deep breaths in to force herself to calm down. Her voice trembled slightly. ¡°Do you also know why this is?¡±

    Death by poisoned wine left the door open to announcing that n¨¦e Sun had died from sudden illness. It maintained her final dignity. But a disying of her head after a public beheading denied n¨¦e Sun even that. This was different even from just a beheading. A beheading was just taking off the head, but disying meant that the head would be hung high on a wooden pole for everyone to see.

    This was a punishment reserved for exceedingly wicked criminals. What crime had n¨¦e Sunmitted??

    ¡°Apparently the senior madame cursed that the emperor is a trash emperor,¡± Grand Steward Zhong continued. ¡°She said that the emperor specializes in hurting loyal officials and that he should just hurry up and die...¡±

    Qin Yining held her forehead and didn¡¯t know how to react in the heat of the moment. As strong as she might be, she was still a young girl who¡¯d yet toe of age. As much human emotion she¡¯d witnessed, she still found it hard to decide what to do when faced with something like this and justpletely panicked.

    ¡°And my father? Has my father returned to the manor yet?¡± Father will have a way to save mother!

    Steward Zhong shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s been no word yet of Grand Preceptor Qin returning to the manor.¡±

    Had father been dragged in by this and locked up? Qin Yining fixed her gaze on the flickering candlelight. Her hand remained propping up her forehead as she stayed lost in thought.

    Although Bingtang and Sonn were frantic and furious, they didn¡¯t dare voice random thoughts for fear of disturbing their mistress. They could only worry off on the side.

    Qin Yining¡¯s gaze steadied after a moment. ¡°Whatever happens, I can¡¯t watch my mother die. Even if she was insubordinate because she flung out ¡®trash emperor¡¯, that¡¯s only because she spoke the truth with her candid personality. The Duke of Ding was innocent of all his crimes, and the emperor is doing all this out of shameful guilt. But, the more he conducts himself this way, the more people will curse his name.¡±

    ¡°Yes, the senior madame is right.¡± Steward Zhong agreed softly. ¡°But what of you, miss?¡±

    ¡°We need to try, no matter what. But Steward Zhong shouldn¡¯t take part in what¡¯s toe. All you have to do is find out some information for me. Let¡¯s offer a great sum of silver to see if any brothers in the underworld are willing to take a risk for my mother. I¡¯m certain that courage grows in the face of heavy reward. As long as we offer enough silver, there should be enough willing heroes who can¡¯t abide by what the trash emperor is doing.¡±

 Chapter 123: Mother-in-Law

    <h4>Chapter 123: Mother-in-Law</h4>

    ¡°You wish to raid the execution ce, miss?!¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    Steward Zhong thought deeply for a moment and nodded. ¡°Our Institute doesn¡¯t have much, but connections are our strong point. I¡¯ll send out people immediately. Rest for now, miss. We¡¯ll do our best. Don¡¯t tire yourself out either.¡±

    ¡°Be careful in this matter. Don¡¯t drag yourself into this by appearing yourself,¡± Qin Yining responded gratefully. ¡°Just push everything onto me. Don¡¯t remain involved once the hired handse. Just go be the grand steward of the Institute of Luminous Charm.¡±

    ¡°What kind of words are these, miss! Ole Zhong isn¡¯t the sort to forget debts of gratitude!¡±

    ¡°I know what your character is like, grand steward. But you¡¯re not alone in this world. You have a family to take care of. Listen to me, don¡¯t get further involved in this. Give your orders through multipleyers of people and hire them in a roundabout manner.¡±

    Grand Steward Zhong opened and closed his mouth a few times and still swallowed his words in the end. He nodded heavily and left with quick strides.

    Bingtang had found a skirt and was helping Qin Yining change her clothes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. Rest for now. No matter what you do tomorrow, you need to rest well so you have the energy to, no?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded withpressed lips and spoke after a moment. ¡°All of you are dismissed. I¡¯d like to spend some time alone.¡±

    It was bound to be a sleepless night. Whenever she closed her eyes, the image of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s head separated from her body and the ground sshed liberally with blood, the head ced into a wooden cage and hung high on a pole, would appear in front of her. The stinging scent of gore seemed to hang in the air. How could she sleep peacefully then?

    The strong wind rattled the shutters as the candlelight flickered with it. She seemed to hear the crying of a woman. The sound startled Qin Yining into flinging off her covers. But when she stood up, the sound seemed to vanish. The room¡¯s unfamiliar items and ckness of the shadows seemed to harbor a violent beast, one that would pounce and devour her at any time.

    She rubbed her aching forehead and wearily sat on the edge of the bed again, leaning her head against the bedpost and closing her eyes.

    The door creaked open as Bingtang came in with amp. She asked anxiously, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you slept yet, miss?¡±

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the hour of the tiger.¡± 1 Bingtang ced themp on the table and instantly brightened the room, banishing the beast in the shadows. ¡°You must¡¯ve been so worried that you didn¡¯t sleep all night!¡±

    ¡°How could I sleep when something like this has happened?¡±

    Bingtang ced three fingers on Qin Yining¡¯s wrist and took pulses from both hands. ¡°There isn¡¯t much wrong with you, miss. I¡¯ll prepare some calming side dishester. You should drink more water as well. You¡¯ll be fine in two more days. Does your stomach still cramp, miss?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°It does, and my hands and feet are so cold.¡±

    ¡°You suffered from the cold before, miss. And now that your monthly courses are about to start, you naturally have cramps. But don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll help you adjust your body from now on. I¡¯ll be able to cure you of the lingering effects the cold left in you before a year¡¯s out. You have a healthy foundation, so it won¡¯t impact your child bearing capabilities at all.¡±

    ¡°And what are you talking bout?¡± Qin Yining was embarrassed.

    Bingtang started teasing when she saw Qin Yining¡¯s forehead rx. ¡°Such is what¡¯s decreed in the heavens. This is just nature¡¯sw. There¡¯s nothing bad about it. We who know medicine can see stuff like this, we¡¯re not like those quack doctors, you know.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who talks so much.¡± Qin Yining had almost forgotten that the two were the same age.

    ¡°Lay down for a while, miss. I¡¯ll return shortly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be troubling you then.¡± Qin Yining smiled gratefully. It should¡¯ve been her mother to tell her all this, but she¡¯d heard some from Zhan-mama and Jin-mama, and now Bingtang was taking care of her. She was very thankful that Bingtang and Sonn were keeping herpany at this time. She wouldn¡¯t know what to do if it was just her.

    The maids returned before long to help Qin Yining wash-up and change clothes. When all preparations were made, they served warm porridge made of hard rice and some other side dishes. With warm porridge in her belly, Qin Yining felt a bit better, and her face was no longer as sheet-white as before.

    ¡°Are you awake, miss?¡± Steward Zhong¡¯s voice came from outside.

    Qin Yining quickly ran to open the door. ¡°How did everything go, Steward Zhong?¡±

    The grand steward looked like he hadn¡¯t slept all night either, but he was smiling. ¡°Thank goodness I haven¡¯t disappointed you, miss. I¡¯ve already hired four experts who promise that they¡¯ll rescue the madame. I promised them five thousand silver each when the deed is done.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful! Thank you so much, Steward Zhong.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s heart could finally settle back in its proper ce. She¡¯d had such a sleepless night because she¡¯d been afraid that even all the silver she could muster wouldn¡¯t be enough. But now that they had their men, she began to worry that the operation would fail.

    Sonn observed her mistress¡¯ expression closely and helped her sit down. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. Our n is a surprise, and the madame will surely be able to transform disaster into good fortune. The hour is a bit early and you¡¯ve done all that you can for all the arrangements you can think of. Rest a little so that you¡¯ve full energy for the matter at noon.¡±

    Qin Yining understood all this reasoning, but it was difficult for her to do so. When Bingtang saw Qin Yining thus, she couldn¡¯t help but be reminded of her own circumstances. Her nose twinged, but there was nothing else that they as servants could do at this time other than take good care of their mistress.

    And so Qin Yining sat there until the hour of the snake 2. She really couldn¡¯t wait anymore, so she summoned Steward Zhong.

    ¡°Please prepare my carriage, the one I use normally.¡±

    ¡°Are you still nning to go to the execution ce?¡±

    ¡°I need to see things with my own eyes whether or not the operation is a sess. If it is, I¡¯ll return back to the manor and continue being a Qin miss. If not...¡± Qin Yining¡¯s breathing hitched before she forced herself to calm again. ¡°If not, I¡¯ll still return to be the grand preceptor¡¯s official daughter.¡± Except no one will be able to stop me from whatever I do afterwards.

    Steward Zhong nodded with a sigh. Things had happened so quickly, yet the miss had been able to make her preparations in the shortest time possible and think of a corresponding strategy. She could even steady herself so that she didn¡¯t give in to her impulses, and didn¡¯t drag the entire Qin family down into her worries and hate. Compared to her daughter¡¯s methods, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s unountable stirring of trouble appeared even more idiotic.

    Such were the steward¡¯s thoughts, but it wouldn¡¯t do to openly criticize the owner¡¯s mother. He just carried out his orders. Qin Yining was dressed properly and climbed into the carriage with an ashenplexion, feeling intense difort from cramps. They made for the Meridian Gate.

    Grand Preceptor Qin had just sessfully concluded the peace talks and brought back peace to citizens of Great Yan, but the emperor was going to execute his wife! This news had spread throughout the entire capital, and many citizens cried out for her innocence. However, the imperial decree had been given and the grand preceptor¡¯s wife had even cursed out the emperor. With the title of ¡°insubordination¡± pped to her head, who would dare defy this oue? There was no point to the pleas of mercy from the popce.

    When noon arrived, the executioner roughly pushed n¨¦e Sun onto the stage. She was dressed in white, her hair a wild mess, trussed up like a chicken, and a dirty rag stuffed in her mouth. When the crowd saw that the star of the show hade, a great hubbub broke out and people started pushing and shoving. If it wasn¡¯t for men from the Warden¡¯s Office and the Bureau of Punishment situating themselves in the right ces early on, it was likely that the crowd would¡¯ve rushed into the execution grounds.

    Qin Yining stood at the head of the crowd with Bingtang and Sonn. When she saw n¨¦e Sun¡¯s dirty face, she couldn¡¯t hold back her tears anymore. She cried out, ¡°Mother!¡±

    The young girl¡¯s voice was crisp and brimming with sincere sorrow. It carried out quite a distance in the air. When the people realized that Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s daughter was next to them, they all shuffled to the side, seemingly afraid of squeezing her. They¡¯d also taken a clear look at her. No wonder the trash emperor had the grand preceptor bring his daughter to the peace talks.

    The Qin miss is the daughter of ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯ alright.

    But the Qins are really too tragic!

    No matter who in Great Zhou took a liking to her, the grand preceptor had to offer his daughter for the peace talks and not only was there an attempted assassination after his return, but now the trash emperor wants to execute his wife!

    There¡¯s no justice in this, no humanity!

    The people grew more agitated and started yelling and shouting.

    ¡°What crime did Madame Qinmit?! Why is she being executed and disyed for everyone to see?!¡±

    ¡°Grand Preceptor has done a great service for the country, the emperor should show mercy!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, the emperor should think of the grand preceptor and not kill his wife!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was kneeling on the stage, watching the Warden¡¯s Office soldiers holding Qin Yining back. Tears tumbled down her face as she struggled, shaking her head at her daughter. She seemed to have something to say, but couldn¡¯t voice anything because of the rag. She could only cry anxiously.

    Logic snapped in Qin Yining¡¯s mind when she saw her mother thus. She forcefully pushed aside the soldiers and wanted to charge forward, but these were the execution grounds. As strong as she was, she was still just a girl. The soldiers ripped her from her trajectory and threw her back into the ground into a sitting position.

    ¡°Miss Qin, we give respect to the grand preceptor, so please think twice about your actions. A ce such as the execution grounds are off limits to you!¡±

    Qin Yining clenched her teeth as she got up with the aid of Bingtang and Sonn. She only had four people, but there were so many soldiers. Would they seed?

    Disturbance rippled through the crowd again at this time. There seemed to be someone pushing from the back, making the ones in front stumble a few steps forward. This was when Qin Yining noticed that several tall and stocky men had surrounded here. They were dressed like normal citizens and looked quite ordinary, but they were very fit. This made the girl ponder. Are these my hired help? But they don¡¯t know who the real employer is, so they wouldn¡¯te protect me.

    ¡°The hour has arrived, perform the execution!¡± The presiding official shouted out, causing an instant stillness.

    N¨¦e Sun shook her head repeatedly, tears flying everywhere as she sobbed gutturally. The executioner pulled out the que tucked in at her back and raised his sword high.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart leapt into her threat as she frantically searched for her men. There were about a dozen men poised at the front of the crowd, ready to charge out. But in this critical moment, a piercing sound broke through the air!

    A crisp ding! rang out as the executioner¡¯s sword broke into two. The executioner rocked on his heels onto the ground. The arrow¡¯s momentum wasn¡¯t arrested at all as it flew towards the wooden pole behind the presiding official, burying itself down to the fletching into the pole supporting the tent.

    Color drained from the official¡¯s face as he shrieked with fright. ¡°Who is it?! How dare you act like this? Capture him!¡±

    The men about to charge out paused.

    ¡°Disy this prince¡¯s g so they can all see just who the hell I am!¡±

 Chapter 124: Fainting from Anger

    <h4>Chapter 124: Fainting from Anger</h4>

    Qin Yining looked back from shock when she heard the familiar voice. The sight of Pang Xiao in a dazzling purple robe embroidered with python patterns, a cloak with a ck fur cor flung around his shoulders, mounted majestically on the back of a gleaming, tall ck horse greeted her eyes. He walked out of the crowd at the head of a dozen Valiant Tigers like he was parting the seas, the people on either side swiftly getting out of the way. The red g with ¡®Pang¡¯ embroidered on it in ck as well as the ck Valiant Tigers g with the golden tiger head on it was unfurled and waving proudly in the wind.

    Qin Yining, Bingtang, and Sonn were guided off to the side by the tall men so that they cleared a path for the new group. Pang Xiao steered his horse forward and brandished arge bow in one hand, the cocky assurance of looking down on the entire world in his eyes.

    ¡°What, killing my mother-inw just after we finished the peace talks? Go ask your emperor if he wants another war, mm?!¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s voice was low and resonant. He didn¡¯t put much force behind it, but it still carried nheless. Hisst ¡®mm¡¯ had dense threatening overtones, making everyone shake on the scene.

    The crowd had been agitated outside of the Meridian Gate moments ago, but now deafening silence reigned in their wake. Only the sounds of gs cracking in the wind could be heard. The people backed off fearfully and cleared arge space. The men protecting Qin Yining melted into the crowd, like their mission had beenpleted.

    A charming girl with two maids stood in front of a group of citizens, standing out like a crane amongst chickens. Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining and flicked his eyebrow in a smile, then looked back at the official.

    ¡°Are you the Great Zhou Faithful Prince of the First Rank?¡± The official asked in a dry and raspy voice as he¡¯d led his men up to Pang Xiao.

    Pang Xiao answered with a crack of his whip. It sounded cleanly and grazed the official¡¯s shoulder, making him cry out with pain.

    ¡°Who the hell are you to talk to this prince? Get your emperor out here!¡± Pang Xiao flipped off the horse and casually threw the bow and whip backwards. Huzi hastily made sure he caught them.

    The official clutched his shoulder, blood streaming out of it and painfully sucked in air. He hastily had someone run to the pce with a report.

    Meanwhile, Pang Xiao took quick strides over to Qin Yining. The citizens were all enraged by his boldness, but didn¡¯t dare voice their indignation at his arrogance. They red at Pang Xiao with looks concealing rage. Even if they had a trash emperor, Great Zhou couldn¡¯t juste to their territory to bully them, alright!

    However, the prince seemed to enjoy the looks. He arched an eyebrow at the official, scaring thetter so much that he scrambled backwards and fell to the ground in a heap. It was such a pathetic scene that no one could bear looking at him. The people felt that their officials were too weak and started conversing lowly.

    Pang Xiaoughed delightfully and walked up to Qin Yining, taking off his cloak with the ck fur cor to put it around Qin Yining.

    ¡°Look at how cold you are, you must have been terrified?¡± A smile could be heard from his tone as his eyes looked on with great care.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare have Your Highness worry about me.¡± Qin Yining raised a hand to shrug off the cloak, but the prince¡¯srge hand covered hers.

    ¡°You¡¯re so worn out aftering back just a few days? It looks like I shouldn¡¯t have let youe back.¡± Weichi old dog, how dare you bully my woman! She¡¯s someone I can¡¯t even bear to touch a hair of, look how she is just a few days after returning to the capital!

    Qin Yining raised her eyes, involuntarily shuddering when she met the wildness and violence lingering in his eyes. She quickly struggled out of his grip and took two steps back, yanking off the cloak that still had traces of his warmth and threw it back to him.

    ¡°This little girl doesn¡¯t remember when she¡¯d be so familiar with Your Highness. Please keep an appropriate distance!¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s expression chilled after being rejected twice in a row. He¡¯d whipped his horse to get here faster because he was afraid that she would suffer. Well she¡¯s doing just fine! Look at how cold she was being to him; she hadn¡¯t even smiled at him. What was she taking him for?! His brows were knit together tightly as frost surfaced in his gaze. He mped down tightly on his temper as he red at Qin Yining, his anger almost erupting.

    Qin Yining tensed all over from the re. It felt like a wild fox had fixed her in his sights. She had no doubt that Pang Xiao could break her neck at any second, but she couldn¡¯t back down. Although she was grateful that he¡¯d saved her a few times, she was also immensely infuriated by the random, impertinent nonsense he¡¯d sprouted. Her name was even tied to his now! With that paranoid emperor, if he pped a title of ¡®traitor¡¯ onto Qin Huaiyuan, then the Qins would follow in the Suns footsteps. So how would she dare express any hint of eptance of the situation? Besides, their rtionship had always been of Pang Xiao imposing his will on her and taking what he would!

    She pursed her lips and red back at him with all the strength in her body, like she was staring down a lecher offending her. Pang Xiao¡¯s anger faded as he looked down at her skinny, palm-sized face. She was still very weak, but here she was firmly sticking her neck out and going toe-to-toe with him. He walked up again and put his cloak around her with a dark expression, tying a bow at her neck.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you back with me immediately if you keep turning me down like this!¡± He spat out through grit teeth.

    His voice wasn¡¯t loud, but the crowd around them heard it clearly. Besides, he was dressed in such a dazzling shade of purple, the python figures catching the sunlight in a splendid design. Barely repressed fury was apparent on his handsome features, and he¡¯d bent down his tall body to amodate her height. Those hands who were more ustomed to wielding weapons and reaping life were carefully securing a cloak around a little girl.

    The scene was too beautiful and also too bizarre. The buzz of conversation grew even louder.

    ¡°You!¡± Qin Yining felt under the spotlight with all the gazes being sent her way. Her wan face grew even paler and her lips started trembling.

    ¡°What you?! This prince has a temper as well! Don¡¯t challenge my bottom line just because you think you have a pretty face!¡±

    What the hell is he talking about?! She was a clean and pure girl and had never seduced him, but she¡¯d never be able to im innocence after those words! Qin Yining¡¯s head spun from anger and the scene darkened before her eyes. She hadn¡¯t slept all night and had spent the days in anxiety and anger. Now that the first of her monthly courses were upon us, her self-professed tough-as-nails body actually softened into a dead faint with all of this hammering away at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong!¡± Pang Xiao was incredibly startled by this sudden development and quickly caught her. Hisrge hand patted her cool cheeks and felt her slightly chilled forehead. He turned frantically to Bingtang. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your mistress?¡±

    Bingtang red furiously at Pang Xiao and cursed lowly. ¡°How dare you ask after you made her so angry that she fainted!¡±

    Pang Xiao looked at the person leaning against his shoulder with some guilt. Her face appeared even more pale when framed by the ck fur cor of the cloak and the vivid purple of his robes. Her longshes projected long shadows beneath her eyes. She seemed so soft and docile at the moment that his entire heart softened. His anger was a thing of the past now. I shouldn¡¯t have been mean to her just now.

    The scattered sounds of carriages sounded at this moment. Pang Xiao carefully picked up Qin Yining and ced her on the army nket that Huzi hadid on the ground, handing her over to Bingtang¡¯s care. He turned with his hands behind his back to await the neer.

    An emperor dressed in golden robes was hurrying over, surrounded by servants, his empress, crown prince, and Qin Huaiyuan. The sight stunned the crowds. A single word from a prince of Great Zhou had been enough to actually summon the imperial family? They were incredibly disappointed by still had to kneel and cry out, ¡°Long live the emperor!¡±

    The emperor had no eyes for anyone else. He was focused on the young man with an aura as sharp as a newly unsheathed sword. The young man¡¯s eyes were like knives, slicing all over him. Even with his tall and strong body, the emperor shrank into himself a few degrees when in front of Pang Xiao.

    ¡°This must be the Great Yan emperor? This prince greets you.¡± Pang Xiao raised a cupped fist salute, the very epitome of a careless greeting.

    The emperor however, didn¡¯t mind at all and smiled back. ¡°The Faithful Prince of First Rank¡¯s magnificent name is known throughout thends. Even We have heard of it in the capital. To see you in the flesh verifies such rumors. What brings Your Highness to the Great Yan capital?¡±

    Pang Xiao snorted derisively. ¡°With a sessful peace talk, Great Zhou and Yan are friends again. I¡¯d thought that given ack of war between the two in the future, we should build cordial rtions. But who knew I¡¯d see such a grand spectacle as soon as I¡¯d set foot into the capital? Dare I ask if the Great Yan emperor is dissatisfied with the negotiations, which is why you¡¯re executing the wife of the chief negotiator from your nation?¡±

    Beads of cold sweat dotted the emperor¡¯s forehead after such arrogant and direct words.

    Afterward:

    Pang Xiao: I think I made the bunny mad... Wuwuwu...

 Chapter 125: A Title

    <h4>Chapter 125: A Title</h4>

    The emperor nervously wiped off sweat from his brow and piled smiles on his face. ¡°What kind of words are these, Your Highness? Sessful peace talks are greatly anticipated, wondrous events for both our nations. How would We be dissatisfied with them at all?¡±

    ¡°If you aren¡¯t unhappy, then what¡¯s with this big disy today? If this prince hadn¡¯t happened to be in the neighborhood, then it would appear that the wife of your grand preceptor would¡¯ve lost her head. This prince doesn¡¯t care how many you kill, but you happen to be putting the family of the main negotiator under the de. This can¡¯t help but make this prince think more deeply. I¡¯m a crude person and can¡¯t discern the twists and turns this may entail, so I¡¯ll report this to my liege for his judgement.¡± Pang Xiao had actually witnessed bloodshed before, so he naturally exuded a different air when he grew serious.

    The emperor was used to being fawned over, so how could he hold up in the face of someone sending hostile intent his way like this? Sweat broke out all over, soaking through his undershirt. His stomach also churned, sending vague impressions that he needed to take a long moment to relieve himself.

    Pang Xiao snorted withughter when he took in the emperor¡¯s cowardly form.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Weichi Yan could finally bear it no longer and walked up to criticize lowly. ¡°Your Highness is just a prince of the first rank, how dare you act this way in front of the emperor of Great Yan?! Since when was it an outsider¡¯s turn to judge andment on how we do things?¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk, the crown prince certainly has much self pride. I suppose you being so threatening is also your emperor¡¯s intention?¡± Pang Xiao crossed his arms and looked down at them loftily. ¡°This prince may only be a prince of the first rank and unable to denounce the harming of loyal subjects, but my Valiant Tigers are stillmanded. by. me!¡±

    A threat! This is a naked threat! Weichi Yan¡¯s pale face flushed beet red with indignation and he wanted to carry on, but the emperor pped him viciously across the face.

    ¡°How dare you! Is it your turn to speak when We are here?¡± He turned to smile apologetically at Pang Xiao. ¡°This is all a misunderstanding, you don¡¯t need to pay heed to it, Your Highness.¡±

    Weichi Yan was holding his face and looking at the emperor with incredulity, hurt and anger written all in his eyes. The citizens were likewise outraged and conversed in low voices, while Pang Xiao flicked a look at Weichi Yan and snorted with yet moreughter.

    The emperor noted Pang Xiao¡¯sck of reaction and understood that the prince wasn¡¯t willing to give him a face-saving way out of this, even with the emperor¡¯s open disy of goodwill. When he heard the buzz of conversation around him, he felt that he¡¯d been stripped of all clothes and was being paraded around the streets. The emperor grew angry from the humiliation, but had nothing he could do against someone like Pang Xiao.

    The empress understood her imperial husband¡¯s thoughts and smiled charmingly. ¡°Your Highness may not be aware, the matters of today...¡±

    ¡°Piss off! Did this prince ask you? And who the hell are you?¡±

    The empress widened her eyes unbelievingly, tears welling up in her beautiful eyes as she looked at the emperor, aggrieved. His expression was exceedingly ugly as he both seemed to exin and find fault with Pang Xiao.

    ¡°This is Our empress, n¨¦e Cao.¡±

    ¡°A hen crowing at dawn is like a woman in power,pletely upending the bnce of yin and yang. This will cause the destruction of a nation. Are there no men left in your nation to allow someone of the rear court to jump up and down like this?¡± Pang Xiao sniffed dismissively.

    The emperor was livid, but had to pretend all was fine because he was deathly afraid of the consequences otherwise. And while the crowd around them immensely disliked Pang Xiao¡¯s arrogant methods, they somehow exulted in his censure of their emperor. He was saying what they didn¡¯t dare say, and damn it was a sweet thrill to see the sour expressions on the dog emperor and trampress¡¯ face!

    The emperor took a deep breath in and forced himself to calm down. He wore an apologetic smile instead. ¡°Actually, the matters of today are a test that We are giving beloved subject Qin and his madame. Beloved subject Qin and n¨¦e Sun are a wonderful match who are deeply in love, deploying gratifying Us and the empress. We feel that this love is truly touching. It¡¯s perfect that Your Highness is here, you can be a witness for us.¡± He turned back and roared angrily when he saw that n¨¦e Sun was still hogtied on the stage. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you untied Madame Qin yet?!¡±

    A servant quickly strode up and pulled out the gag in her mouth, cutting off the ropes as well. Qin Huaiyuan ced his own dark-gray cloak around his wife and fixed her hair slightly, voicing a sigh.

    N¨¦e Sun craned her neck to look behind Pang Xiao, crying anxiously when she saw that Qin Yining was still unconscious. ¡°My lord, daughter Yi...¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan ced a forefinger by his lip, making a sign for quiet and indicating that they would speakter. N¨¦e Sun nodded and followed her husband to the emperor, both of them performing grand ceremonies of greeting.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin aplished a great deed with the peace talks and demonstrates a steadfast love with his madame,¡± the emperor spoke with great satisfaction. ¡°We are immensely pleased and thus hereby bestow about Grand Preceptor Qin the title of the Marquis of Anping, a hereditary title to be passed down through the generations, and Madame Qin to be the Marchionness of Anping of the Paramount Rank.¡± 1

    ¡°We thank Your Majesty.¡± Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun kowtowed together as this provided more fodder for the crowd.

    Just what did the emperor want? First he wanted to kill the madame, now he says it was to test their rtionship? What kind of bullshit was this? It was just him being afraid of power and authority! He was almost on his knees in front of little Prince Pang, and while this hereditary title of marquis sounded like an enormous disy of favor, everyone knew that Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t have a son. There were even rumors that there was no hope for the grand preceptor to have any. So what hereditary title? Hereditary for who? If the emperor truly wanted to elevate the grand preceptor, he might as well bestow the title Defender Duke, one of the highest titles there was!

    A steady undercurrent of conversation rippled throughout the crowd. The emperor couldn¡¯t make out the continuous buzz, but he figured it wasn¡¯t anything good. All of his nning today had been utterly ruined by the stupid brute in front of him, but he couldn¡¯t even express his displeasure because of the status of his station! He had a bellyful of anger and nowhere to vent it, and still had to show Pang Xiao a pleasant face.

    ¡°We have already given orders for a banquet to wee the Faithful Prince of the First Rank...¡±

    Pang Xiao waved and cut off the imperial majesty¡¯s words. ¡°There¡¯s no rush. Miss Qin¡¯s been scared into a faint because she was worried about her mother¡¯s death. I¡¯m not at ease and won¡¯t have the mind to do anything else until she¡¯s better.¡±

    The emperor almost choked on the interruption but still didn¡¯t dare explode into a rage. He could only nod andugh awkwardly. ¡°Of course, of course. Heroes really do fall victim to beauties, haha!¡±

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t be bothered with that old dog and turned to check on Qin Yining. Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun also took their leave from the imperial couple. The emperor cast a meaningful look to the grand preceptor.

    Qin Huaiyuan walked up understandingly. ¡°What orders do Your Majesty have?¡±

    ¡°If that demon likes her, you know what to do.¡± The emperor responded lowly.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at the emperor with utter shock and urgently pleaded, ¡°Your Majesty, your subject caused the death of Pang Zhongzheng back in the day and so have a blood feud with the prince. He harasses my daughter constantly, who knows what he has in mind! How could I give my beloved daughter to an enemy?¡±

    ¡°You want to defy imperial orders?!¡± However, these words dispelled the emperor¡¯s suspicions that Qin Huaiyuan was turning traitor.

    ¡°This subject... wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed, finally satisfying the emperor. The son of heaven returned to his carriage with a woeful empress in his wake. Weichi Yan had heard everything off to the side. He looked at the emperor¡¯s departing figure and then at the immensely worried Qin Huaiyuan. Combined with what the people were saying... he ardently wished for a hole in the ground to crawl into.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor, I, uh, this seat shall be returning to the pce first.¡± Weichi Yan turned away awkwardly.

    Qin Huaiyuan waited until the crown prince was a long ways away before putting away his anxious and resigned expression. He rose and looked calmly in the direction of the imperial entourage.

    N¨¦e Sun had run to Qin Yining by now and was holding her fainted daughter.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, don¡¯t scare your mother!¡± She sobbed. ¡°I kept shaking my head at you because I wanted to tell you that they weren¡¯t really going to kill me, but they gagged me! Oh wake up, daughter!¡±

    Pang Xiao arched a brow off to the side. It looked something was greatly amiss with everything that had happened today.

 Chapter 126: A Disaster of Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 126: A Disaster of Marriage</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan stooped next to n¨¦e Sun with a frown and patted her shoulder gently when he heard her words. When n¨¦e Sun turned her head to see Qin Huaiyuan, she leaned into his embrace to continue crying.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s confusion deepened when he studied Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face.

    ¡°Miss Tang, how is my daughter?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked worriedly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my lord, madame. There¡¯s nothing really wrong with the miss. She¡¯s only fainted because of sudden anger and extreme weariness. I¡¯ve already performed some acupuncture, so she should be fine soon.¡± Bingtang held Qin Yining¡¯s hands and continuously massaged her mistress¡¯ fingers and the acupoint between thumb and forefinger.

    The soldiers of the Warden¡¯s Office had dispersed the crowds, leaving only Qin Huaiyuan and his family in front of the Meridian Gate, as well as Pang Xiao¡¯s dozen Valiant Tigers. No one had felt the cold since there was a gaggle of people to block the wind, but as the cutting winds swept across the ground, everyone felt the bite of winter¡¯s chill on their faces.

    ¡°It¡¯s still cold out. Why not find a quiet ce nearby where Miss Qin can stay, so that she doesn¡¯t catch a cold?¡± Pang Xiao thought for a moment. ¡°I remember the Institute of Luminous Charm has a tavern nearby.¡±

    Bingtang nodded. ¡°The miss stayed at Roamer¡¯s Returnst night. My lord, madame, why don¡¯t we rest there for now?¡±

    When Pang Xiao thought of how the Qins acted, he could mostly guess at what Qin Yining had endured. It felt like someone was squeezing his heart, a painful, but dull ache rising in his chest.

    ¡°This prince has learned something new today! The Qins can¡¯t even be bothered to put up with a girl!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun finally recalled that the person speaking was little Prince Pang, a character who killed his foes without blinking twice. When she thought of how intimately he¡¯d behaved with Qin Yining moments ago, she began crying even harder. Qin Huaiyuan knit his brows together and nced at Pang Xiao.

    ¡°The miss barged her way out.¡± Bingtang couldn¡¯t very well criticize the Qins in front of the master of the house. She did her best to gloss over the incident and helped Sonn pick up Qin Yining, taking their mistress to the carriage nearby. N¨¦e Sun hurried over to help as well.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s prodigal wits weren¡¯t about to fail him now, how could he not understand what¡¯d really happened? When he¡¯d brought back his daughter from the mountains, she had been hale and hearty, her face flush with good health, but now look at her! As he watched his wife and the maids work together to help Qin Yining into the carriage, he sighed softly and turned to raise a cupped fist salute to Pang Xiao.

    ¡°What ns does Your Highness have now?¡±

    ¡°This prince will naturally go with your group. We can talk about the rest after she recovers.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned. He was a man and understood a man¡¯s thoughts. His daughter was fair as a flower and as beautiful as the moon, and had a personality that matched her looks. He wouldn¡¯t have objected if it¡¯d been anyone else who¡¯d liked her, even someone as mediocre at politics as the crown prince.

    But Pang Xiao was different. His father had been Pang Zhongzheng, the Protector of Northern Ji. The man who¡¯d died because of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s scheming!

    ¡°I thank you for Your Highness¡¯ sentiments and thank Your Highness again on behalf of my daughter. However, my daughter is yet unmarried, and men and women should keep the lines of propriety intact. His Majesty has already prepared a banquet for Your Highness, so why not attend to proper business?¡±

    Pang Xiao burst out in a chuckle. ¡°Her safety is my proper business now. There¡¯s no need for further words, Grand Preceptor Qin, or is it that you¡¯d like to defy the imperial decree?¡±

    The prince walked forward, a corner of his lips turning up in what seemed to be a precursor to violence. ¡°This prince seems to recall that your emperor gave the grand preceptor some orders just now? If Grand Preceptor Qin feels disinclined to obey them, this prince has no choice but to inform the Great Yan emperor of your... insubordination.¡±

    What had been a congenial atmosphere just moments ago had suddenly turned tense and dangerous. It felt like the two men woulde to blows at any second! N¨¦e Sun, Bingtang, and Sonn nervously returned when they noticed the weird atmosphere, but none of them dared to speak any cating words. Nevertheless, even in the face of such an oppressive pressure, Qin Huaiyuan remained calm and took a moment topose his next words.

    ¡°Little Prince Pang is certainly a hero of the ages. This official admires true men like Your Highness the most. Although you have blood on your hands, they have never been that of innocents. I deeply admire Your Highness¡¯ actions in risking your life when defying your emperor¡¯s decree at Xihua, even though it resulted in an official warning and being stripped of your position as the Supreme Commander of the Southern Pacification Army. This official thanks Your Highness on behalf of the citizens of Xihua.¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed to Pang Xiao with his hands sped at chest level. The tension in the air disappeared with the grand preceptor¡¯s actions.

    The others around them were startled by these words. Neither n¨¦e Sun, Bingtang, or Sonn had thought that a killing machine like Pang Xiao had been stripped of his position because of his refusal to put Xihua under the de.

    Meanwhile, the prince was looking at Qin Huaiyuan with aplicated gaze. Not only had the grand preceptor sincerely expressed his gratitude, he¡¯d also showed his hand. He had just admitted to the prince that he had spies in Great Zhou, and highly ced ones at that! What did Qin Huaiyuan want in revealing his cards like this?

    ¡°You and I are both men,¡± Qin Huaiyuan rose and continued. ¡°Feuds between men shouldn¡¯t extend to families and children. I once targeted your father with a plot and indirectly engineered his gruesome death, but it was truly something I did only because of the differences in our position. If the little prince hates me and wishes revenge, you cane at me with everything you have.

    ¡°But as a father, I implore and beg you to not harm my daughter. She was lost to us ever since she was young and is innocent of all the pain she¡¯s suffered.

    ¡°Your Highness took the risk of standing on the side of justice for thosepletely unrted to you when caught between two armies. So now, please lift your hand from another innocent and don¡¯t involve daughter Yi in all of this.¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed once more. His sincere words had prompted fresh tears from n¨¦e Sun, and Bingtang and Sonn had also grown teary-eyed as well. Even a hot-blooded man like Huzi, standing behind his master, couldn¡¯t help but be touched.

    Even though Qin Huaiyuan is a damnably sly bastard who harmed my prince¡¯s father, he¡¯s still a genuine and sincere man.

    However, thunder-like anger reced Pang Xiao¡¯s admiration for this disy of sincerity.

    ¡°So it turns out that this prince is that much of a base and despicable character in the grand preceptor¡¯s eyes? If I¡¯d wanted to take revenge, who knows how many times you would¡¯ve died already! Do you really think you¡¯re that fortunate?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought that way.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled coldly and took two steps forward. His hawk eyes pierced sharply through Qin Huaiyuan, wordlessly telling him that he wasn¡¯t about to back down, ¡°It¡¯s not up to Grand Preceptor Qin who this prince likes!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan met Pang Xiao¡¯s look evenly, and suddenly smiled. ¡°Since this is the case, then let¡¯s be on our way to Roamer¡¯s Return.¡± Without another word, he turned to stride back to the carriage, the very picture of being in a hurry to have his daughter settle in.

    Pang Xiao looked at the grand preceptor¡¯s back and couldn¡¯t help butugh. He finally understood where Qin Yining got her infuriating habits from, the one that made one¡¯s heart itch with anger but even still left one unable to smack her. Her wisdom and wits hadpletely been inherited from her father.

    ¡°Master, are we going to Roamer¡¯s Return?¡± Huzi stepped up to his master¡¯s side. Pang Xiao nodded and tugged his beloved steed over, mounting in a dashing fashion. The other Valiant Tigers also took their ces and trailed behind Pang Xiao behind the Qin family carriage.

    Huzi steered his horse next to his master¡¯s and murmured in worried tones. ¡°My prince, I¡¯ve just received word from the Elite Tiger scouts that His Majesty has appointed Lian Shengjie as the ambassador to Great Yan. He should be here in two days. With our presence here already, will Great Yan think that you¡¯re an imposter?¡±

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t care. ¡°They can think whatever they want to think. What can they do to me?¡±

    Huzi could only shake his head resignedly. However calm and calcted his prince was normally, it was exactly how reckless he became when it came to anything concerning that Miss Qin. It was as if he was reserving all of his impulsiveness for her. This woman will be a disastrous trial for my prince.

    ......

    Qin Yining felt like she was a small fish floating in the river. The sunlight dappled river was warm and clear. She felt free of all worries, and her heart felt light as she swamzily through the river. She didn¡¯t remember who she was and where she was swimming to.

    But the waters gradually grew shallower, until arge hand broke the water¡¯s surface to scoop her up. The owner of the hand had a half smile on their face and brought her up to a pair of clear, phoenix-shaped eyes. She seemed to hear someone calling out to her¡ªLittle Creek, Little Creek. Little Bunny, Little Bunny.

    She suddenly grew angry. She was called Little Creek, yes, but her name was Qin Yining now. And who was Little Bunny? The momentary re of anger brought her memories rushing back and she suddenly recalled her mother on the execution grounds. Her eyes sprang open as she shot to an upright position.

    ¡°Mother!¡±

    ¡°Miss, you¡¯re awake?¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling better, daughter Yi?¡±

    Qin Yining looked nkly at her mother sitting on the side of the bed, holding her hand, then at her father who was looking back with a face full of care. She then looked around the unfamiliar room, but wasn¡¯t able to react to what was in front of her before n¨¦e Sun pulled her into a hug.

    ¡°You¡¯re finally awake, daughter! Do you know you¡¯ve slept for an entire day?¡±

    ¡°Mother?¡± Qin Yining slowly lifted her arms to return n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hug. She felt that she was still in the dream. Her mother was usually much more distant and cold towards her. When had n¨¦e Sun ever shown her such tenderness? She rested her face on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s shoulder. If this is a dream, then please, let it continue for a bit longer.

    Her incredulous and exceedingly careful motions, as well as an attitude of immensely treasuring this treatment brought twinges to both Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao¡¯s nose. Thetter frowned. Just how much ill will did this n¨¦e Sun vent on this silly girl?

 Chapter 127: The Reason Behind It All

    <h4>Chapter 127: The Reason Behind It All</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t help but caress his daughter¡¯s head. This caused an increasing sense of wrongness to grow in Qin Yining. Why are the sensations so real in this dream? Her mother¡¯s hug felt so warm. The few drops of tears that hadnded on her had now turned cold, while her father¡¯s hand felt equally warm and so real. There was also Pang Xiao smiling at her from the side, as well as Bingtang, Sonn, and Huzi.

    Qin Yining abruptly came back to herself. ¡°Mother, you¡¯re alright!¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯mpletely fine.¡± N¨¦e Sun stroked her daughter¡¯s cheek. ¡°Are you feeling better?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, there was nothing wrong with me at all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, I was so scared when you fainted.¡±

    ¡°Mother was the one who scared me. I thought I¡¯d never be able to see you again.¡± Tears rolled in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes as she spoke. However, she forced herself to smile and strove mightily to not let them fall. She looked at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°It must¡¯ve been father who rushed to mother¡¯s rescue.¡±

    Otherwise, her men would¡¯ve made their move, even if Pang Xiao was present.

    ¡°It was little Prince Pang who saved your mother.¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded, a tad shamefaced. ¡°I was in the pce with the emperor all along and didn¡¯t have a chance toe out. It was only when the emperor heard that His Highness had made a personal appearance that I managed to make it to the execution grounds.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at Pang Xiao in surprise. She remembered. Pang Xiao had arrogantly ordered the executioner to bring the emperor himself for questioning. With the trash emperor¡¯s personality, he¡¯d likely have peed himself upon seeing Pang Xiao. Naturally, whatever the prince said went. So... Pang Xiao really did save mother?

    Counting his actions at the Celestial Nunnery for her, mother, and maternal grandmother, then how he¡¯d protected her at Xihua, and now rescuing n¨¦e Sun at the execution grounds, he¡¯d saved her three times by now. Qin Yining pushed the covers aside to stand beside the bed. She got down on her knees in order to kowtow to Pang Xiao.

    Her face was as white as snow, without the slightest trace of color in it, and her body was still weak from what she¡¯d just endured. How would Pang Xiao be willing to let her go through with the courtesy? He quickly supported her. ¡°What are you doing? Get up.¡±

    Qin Yining refused to rise, but was unable to kowtow given that he had an arm holding her up. She could only gratefully lift her head up to the man leaning down to her.

    ¡°I have nothing with which to thank Your Highness for your repeated rescues, as well as the rescue of my mother this time. If Your Highness has a need in the future, just speak it. I will enter frothing currents and pools of fire, and will not shrink from dying ten thousand times over.¡±

    Who could bear to let you die ten thousand times?! Pang Xiao¡¯s ears were now ming red since Qin Yining was in such close proximity. He exerted a bit of force and lifted her up.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be this way, Miss Qin. This prince just happened to be close by.¡±

    Huzi¡¯s mouth twitched twice from off on the side. What, you were just fine in the nunnery, my prince, but charged here as fast as possible when you received the Elite Tigers¡¯ secret report. Don¡¯t you know to make a big deal of it in front of the person who matters? What¡¯s this bullshit of ¡®happened to be close by¡¯? How are you ever going to win thedy? This would be the death of him!

    ¡°How is it possible for there to be so many matters of convenience in the world?¡± Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°Your Highness¡¯ identity is special and it¡¯s already difficult for you to walk about in Great Yan. I¡¯m not a mulish brat to not know right from wrong. Although Your Highness voices... rather rebellious words sometimes, I see your actions as well. If I say I¡¯ll repay a favor, I will.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s admiration deepened with these words. He knew she was a smart one and indeed, she¡¯d lived up to his affections for her. She could wisely see to the heart of a matter. Although she didn¡¯t like his words, it hadn¡¯t erased what he¡¯d done for her. He waved a hand nonchntly.

    ¡°Think nothing of it, Miss Qin. Since you¡¯re fine, this prince will be leaving now.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that he must have other matters to attend to. She curtsied solemnly. ¡°Go well, Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao took another deep look at her before leaving with Huzi. Qin Huaiyuan rose to see the prince off.

    Qin Yining pulled on her mother¡¯s hand. ¡°Mother, you¡¯ve suffered greatly. I only found out that you weren¡¯t at the manor when I returned home. They said that n¨¦e Cao brought you into the pce? Did anyone treat you badly?¡±

    ¡°It was a short stay in the pce. No one there would treat me badly, I was just very nervous when facing the empress.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Why did you offend the emperor and empress that day?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun started when she heard the question and responded in surprise. ¡°Just when did I offend the imperial couple?¡±

    Qin Yining grew even more perplexed when she saw n¨¦e Sun thus. Suspicions had already taken root when she saw her perfectly fine mother sitting in front of her. N¨¦e Sun wasn¡¯t a bold or courageous person. She¡¯d almost died earlier, so she¡¯d normally still be in the throes of shock and quite weak as a result. Why did it seem that all was fine with her world?

    ¡°So mother didn¡¯t insult the emperor and empress? The rumors outside are that the empress bestowed two imperial concubines to father, and not only did you not agree, but you even shed with the empress on the spot. They also said that you were sentenced to death after insulting the empress. The emperor tried to smooth things over, but you shouted that he¡¯s a trash emperor instead. Thus, the emperor sentenced you to death via execution and public disy in his anger.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m crazy?¡± N¨¦e Sun had gone white, and shook her head furiously. ¡°I know what can or cannot be done! Where would I get the guts to curse the emperor as a trash emperor? As for me giving offense because of the empress bestowing two concubines, that¡¯s even more impossible. I¡¯m not that kind of jealous woman. ...well, alright. I may not like your father taking concubines, but still, I¡¯m not the sort to forbid it from happening. When did I ever talk back to the empress?¡±

    ¡°So, you didn¡¯t do any of that? Then why did you end up on the execution grounds?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m just as confused about that as well. I was resting in the pce when a mama called me out. The pce servant only said that they wouldn¡¯t really be killing me before shoving a gag into my mouth and tying me up. They then just took me to the Meridian Gate.¡±

    The door creaked open as Qin Huaiyuan slowly walked back in. Qin Yining looked at her father quizzically. She believed n¨¦e Sun. Her mother had never been the calcting sort and wouldn¡¯t lie about something like this. So then, why had an official¡¯s wife, who¡¯d been enjoying a stay in the pce, be suddenly summoned from her bed, bound, gagged, send off to the execution grounds?

    Although the imperial family had a great deal of authority, how would father not have a single word ofint? Unless, they¡¯d exined things to Qin Huaiyuan already? The emperor may be able to destroy the entire Qin family with one hand, but Qin Yining also believed that her father was absolutely not the kind to take this kind of treatment lying down.

    So there was only one exnation.

    Father knew of this.

    ¡°Father?¡± Qin Yining asked, perplexed. ¡°Do you know what¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan took a seat in the round chair by the window and yed with the teacup lid in his hands.¡°I don¡¯t know the particrs either.¡± He sighed. ¡°The emperor kept me in the imperial study and said he wanted to chat, so he didn¡¯t allow me to return home. As for what happened in the execution grounds, I didn¡¯t know about any of it until I got there.¡¯

    ¡°So, there was no pce banquet either?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head and lowered his head, not meeting Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. She frowned in deep thought.

    The emperor had used their family to set up a plot. But to what end?

    N¨¦e Sun had been spontaneously sent to the execution grounds, and was supposed to have her head publicly disyed after an execution. This now seemed to be an enormous trap and in fact, seemed to be testing someone.

    Qin Yining mentally jumped with shock as her thoughts ran to a close. The emperor hadn¡¯t really wanted to kill her mother, so if her men had really raided the execution grounds, what would¡¯ve happened then? The emperor must¡¯ve had additional men lurking in the shadows. She¡¯d only had four on her side, and there was no saying whether they would¡¯ve escaped sessfully or not. If they¡¯d been captured and the emperor had found out that she was the one behind everything, then the Qins...

    Cold sweat broke out all over the girl. She was beyond grateful that Pang Xiao had gotten to the scene in time and made a royal mess of things. Otherwise, her impulsive actions this time likely would¡¯ve spelled doom for the Qins!

    And father... Qin Yining looked at her father in terror and murmured, ¡°Father, a-after the peace talks, did, did the emperor¡¯s attitude towards you change at all? Should we be keeping a lower profile?¡±

    The emperor had most likely been testing her father this time. Perhaps he suspected that Qin Huaiyuan harbored traitorous intentions?

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at Qin Yining with aplicated look. There were some things that he couldn¡¯t tell her or his wife, so he could only let his daughter continue down her current train of thought. He was apologetic about his inaction, but some things would only result in greater trouble if he exined. He could only sigh softly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, daughter Yi. I¡¯ll take care of this. Now that you¡¯re awake, and we¡¯re in the capital, I¡¯ve yet to set foot back home, so why don¡¯t we pack everything up and return to the manor.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that her father must have his troubles, so she didn¡¯t press him further. But when she thought of the old dowager¡¯s irritating behavior, the Qin fourth miss shook her head. ¡°You can go back first, father, but I won¡¯t go back so easily with mother.¡±

    ¡°Daughter Yi, what do you mean?¡± Qin Huaiyuan blinked and questioned in puzzlement.

    ¡°Father, I don¡¯t want to discuss the rights and wrongs of my elders.¡± Qin Yining smiled, but that smile was uglier than crying. ¡°You¡¯ll know what¡¯s happened if you ask after returning home. I¡¯m not being unfilial, but for the sake of me and my mother¡¯s future in the manor, please understand why I¡¯m doing this.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at his daughter with a deep look, as if he was assessing something. A weighty aura red unconsciously from his figure.

    N¨¦e Sun was trembling inwardly as she looked back with worry. ¡°Daughter Yi, why don¡¯t we listen to your father and go home with him? I¡¯ve been in the pce for a while now and should go back to greet the old dowager.¡±

    Qin Yining looked piteously at n¨¦e Sun. Her mother had spent many days in the pce and was still unaware of the old dowager¡¯s heartlessness. N¨¦e Sun viewed the old dowager as her mother-inw, but the old dowager treated her like an outsider. The old dowager was an exceedingly selfish and heartless individual, but Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to tell n¨¦e Sun about any of what had happened.

    The senior madame wasn¡¯t someone who was ustomed to concealing her emotions. She had to continue living in the manor in the future. If she knew everything, how would she be able to calmly face her mother-inw from now on?

    Therefore, Qin Yining only shook her head. ¡°I hope father and mother can forgive my stubbornness. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m disrespecting the old dowager, but that I have to do this so that those in the manor don¡¯t bully us to excess in the future.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan could vaguely surmise what had happened when he saw his daughter so restrained and unwilling to tell n¨¦e Sun what had happened.

    ¡°I understand, then stay here for now.¡± He rose with a sigh. ¡°I will look into this upon my return.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, father.¡± Qin Yining smiled gratefully, her dimples exceedingly adorable and likable.

    Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Take care of yourselves well.¡±

    ¡°My lord.¡± N¨¦e Sun looked at her daughter in resignation and rose to see her husband off. ¡°I¡¯ll speak to daughter Yi and return as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Our daughter has her own ns.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a smile. ¡°Just stay here with ease.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun returned to the room after she¡¯d sent Qin Huaiyuan off.

 Chapter 128: Revenge

    <h4>Chapter 128: Revenge</h4>

    Qin Yining had already given orders to have some exquisite and delicious small tes prepared. She enjoyed a simple dinner with n¨¦e Sun, and after they washed up, they shared the same bed.

    Mother and daughter fell into an easy rhythm of chitchat. They stayed away from matters of the house; Qin Yining brought up some interesting things she¡¯d noticed around the city. She and n¨¦e Sun were rarely this close to each other, and the girl was delighted that they could talk so easily as they did. This was everything she¡¯d hoped for when she¡¯d first returned to the manor.

    Qin Yining¡¯s quiet happiness was infectious, lightening n¨¦e Sun¡¯s mood as well. However, the madame still privately wondered just what the old dowager had done to make her daughter so unwilling to return home.

    ......

    Thenterns were brightly lit in the Garden of Loving Piety, with brand new courtnterns hanging beneath the edges of the covered hallway. Both the zingnterns and the blurry outlines of the houses were reflected in the wet bluestones on the ground. A fine, misty rain had added a touch of gleam to the scene, making the spacious yard seem as if a heavenly pce.

    Qin-mama held antern aloft as she guided Qin Huaiyuan in, a cloak flung around his shoulders. Two more maids behind him were holding wax umbres to shield him from the light drizzle. The entire group set a fast pace as they wound their way to the main house.

    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful that the lord has returned safely.¡± The granny servant smiled. ¡°The old dowager will be so very delighted.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled peacefully back, not responding. Taking note of this expression and the fact that he¡¯de back alone, Qin-mama smartly changed the topic.

    ¡°The days are getting warmer. There was only a touch of rainfall in the capital two days ago, and already some greenery is beginning to appear in the rear garden.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Spring has arrived in the blink of an eye.¡±

    They crossed the front yard and went up the stairs to the main house. Ruyi bent her knee in a curtsey and diligently lifted the ink-green door curtains, oveid on bamboo ts, aside. Magpies alighting on plum blossoms, symbolizing the arrival of good news, were embroidered on the curtains. The warmth of the interior andughter wafted outwards as Ruyi stood to the side, curtain in hand, but neither brought a smile to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face.

    Ruyi was about to enter the house to serve the mistresses inside, but Qin-mama pulled her back. ¡°Go tell the small kitchen in the back to prepare what the lord likes to eat.¡±

    Ruyi nodded and shed a smile of gratitude at the granny servant before slipping off. Qin-mama remained beneath the covered hallway. There was no need to go inside; anyone unrted to the situation about to develop would be soon dismissed anyways. She didn¡¯t need to stick her nose in this.

    Qin Huaiyuan made a beeline for the center of the house and was greeting with the sight of Cao Yuqing, Qin Huining, and the sixth miss either sitting or standing around the old dowager. The three rose to make their greetings when they saw the master of the house return. The old dowager cheerfully got off the luohan bed and grabbed her son¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Meng¡¯er¡¯s back! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, absolutely wonderful!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan bowed to his mother and briefly examined her. He saw that her cheeks were flush with good health and herplexion seemed to be just as hearty as usual.

    ¡°Have you been well, mother?¡±

    ¡°Good, good. I¡¯ve just been worried about you. Look at you, you¡¯ve gotten so much skinnier after this trip. We need to get some good health back in you.¡± The old dowager smiled at Cao Yuqing. ¡°I was just telling Yuqing what you like to eat. She said that the days are getting warmer and that it¡¯s time to prepare summer clothes for you.¡±

    Due to how time intensive handmade clothes were, the manor would usually start working on clothes a season in advance.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked ndly at Cao Yuqing. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to spend effort on this, the senior madame will naturally oversee it all.¡±

    You¡¯re just a concubine, don¡¯t overstep your station.

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s smile dimmed as the color began draining out of her face. However, she maintained her slight smile. ¡°It¡¯s not a trouble at all. These are all part of this concubine¡¯s duties.¡±

    ¡°Your duties?¡± Qin Huaiyuan helped the old dowager sit down on the redwood luohan bed that had been made up with brand new baby-blue cushions. Heughed softly. ¡°And here I thought your duties were in the pce and not the manor.¡±

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s face turned a mottled red from indignation as she red at Qin Huaiyuan. She couldn¡¯t understand why he was suddenly disying this attitude towards her. But self control returned in a breath as she looked down and made a docile curtsey. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, my lord.¡±

    Meanwhile, it was the old dowager¡¯s turn to nch when she saw how her son was treating n¨¦e Cao. This was n¨¦e Cao! The empress¡¯ sister, Elder Statesman Cao¡¯s oldest daughter! She kept throwing significant looks to her son, but Qin Huaiyuan seemed to not see any of them and in fact, leisurely sat down with a cup of tea.

    Anxious irritation rose in the matriarch and she went to support Cao Yuqing herself, helping her to a nearby garden stool. ¡°Good child, don¡¯t mind him. He¡¯s just confused at the moment, I¡¯ll lecture him properly.¡±

    However, Qin Huaiyuan spoke up right after the old dowager. ¡°You may all leave first. I have words to speak with my mother.¡±

    The shivering Qin Huining and sixth miss felt like they¡¯d received an imperial pardon. They quickly made their curtsies and departed. Cao Yuqing however, hesitated and cast a look at Qin Huaiyuan before leaving.

    There was soon no one else in the house. The old dowager rebuked her son worriedly when she saw how pitiful n¨¦e Cao looked. ¡°Meng¡¯er, what are you doing? How can you treat n¨¦e Cao like this right after your return?¡±

    ¡°Treat her like this? As a concubine, she schemed to trick her superior, the official wife, into the pce. I haven¡¯t even taken her to task for that act. Can I not even obliquely admonish her?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, her surname is Cao!¡±

    ¡°Her surname is now Qin.¡±

    The old dowager pointed at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°You wicked child! Don¡¯t you forget what kind of people her sister and father are! Who knows what will happen if you don¡¯t keep those two happy!¡±

    ¡°I know that mother worries constantly about me out of love.¡± Qin Huaiyuan helped his mother sit down again and poured some more tea for her. ¡°But please understand that I am a husband and a father as well.¡± This was as tant as he would be.

    Changes flickered rapidly through the old dowager¡¯s face as a scowl crossed her face. She started to curse, ¡°I knew that that bitch n¨¦e Sun and brat Qin Yining would cause trouble behind my back! What have they made up or used me of this time?¡±

    The more she thought about it, the more like a victim she felt. Her voice choked up. ¡°N¨¦e Sun challenged imperial authority and your precious girl wanted to go save her! It would¡¯ve been better for that idiotic woman with no brains to die a clean death. At least she wouldn¡¯t have dragged you down with her! I¡¯m your mother, the matriarch of this family. Was I to allow the stinking fish that¡¯s n¨¦e Sun to mess up the entire pot of soup?!¡±

    ¡°Be calm, mother,¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded with a lowered head. ¡°Your loving desire to protect me is the same as mine for daughter Yi. You might¡¯ve forgotten how grandmother made life difficult for you back in the day. Father doted on his concubine at your expense, his wife. Have you forgotten how you spent everyday in tears when father raised n¨¦e Jiang to extreme heights? Or what your son did then?¡±

    Even as she burned with anger, these words reminded the old dowager of the pain of her youth and how Qin Huaiyuan had protected her as a child.

    ¡°What mother hated most then was grandmother¡¯sck of kindness and benevolence, all in the hurried pursuit of fame and aplishment. But now look, how are you different from grandmother back then?¡±

    ¡°You unfilial son! I¡¯m doing all this for you!¡±

    ¡°Then for me, mother, please consider your son¡¯s reputation. I cannot bear the name of an ungrateful cad who dotes on a concubine at the expense of my wife. I hold one of the highest positions possible in the nation and now have the additional one of marquis. In terms of Great Yan¡¯s fortunes, your son has reached the peak, and has nothing further to strive for. I¡¯ve always conducted myself so that my behavior would be beyond reproach and allow others nothing to criticize. I pray that mother will no longer act of your own ordance like this.¡±

    ¡°Well, well now! You think I¡¯m just in the way now?!¡±

    ¡°Mother, you know what I speak of, so why turn the subject to something else?¡± Qin Huaiyuan looked straight at the old dowager. ¡°Daughter Yi and n¨¦e Sun will be staying outside for a short while. I won¡¯t be involved in this, so do as you see fit, mother. As for n¨¦e Cao, those are matters that stay between us, so please don¡¯t interfere in the future.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan bowed and left. The old dowager¡¯s tears finally spilled over when she saw him walk off. ¡°This unfilial son, unfilial son! Just what have I done to deserve this?!¡±

    Qin-mama, Jixiang, and Ruyi curtsied to Qin Huaiyuan from beneath the covered hallways. They also had a servant apany him out with an umbre. Qin-mama took in a deep breath of the moist air and patted her cheeks, putting her expression in order before going in tofort the old dowager.

    Although the conversation between mother and son had been a private one, no wall in the world was airtight. The second and third branches of the house soon learned of what had happened, and both madame of those branches felt some schadenfreude when they heard the details. They¡¯d long since had enough of the old dowager¡¯s habit of fawning on those in power.

    Setting the Qin Manor aside for now, the Court of State Ceremonial was currently weing a noble guest. The Court of State Ceremonial was a central government agency under the Ministry of Rites that was, amongst its other duties, also in charge of court receptions of foreign dignitaries. Its minister was currently showing the Great Zhou envoy into the main hall.

    Lian Shenjie was dressed casually and walked in with a ramrod straight posture. The minister was fearfully reporting to him, ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank from your noble nation arrived a step early. He¡¯s already waiting in the Flower Hall for you to partake in the banquet together. I¡¯ve prepared an exquisite banquet and the specialty song and dances of my nation. I hope the lord envoy will feel so inclined as to join us.¡±

    When he heard that Pang Xiao was also present, a trace of fear appeared on Lian Shengjie¡¯s face. But when he thought of his orders, heforted himself once more. And the minister¡¯s mention of song and dance had been enough to send his heart lurching lewdly. With singers and dancers, the people of this nation wouldn¡¯t be barbarians now, would they? He wouldn¡¯t have to fear long and lonely nights here.

    They entered the Flower Hall as they chatted, drawing a sideways nce from Pang Xiao as he sat in the head seat. ¡°So it¡¯s Sir Lian.¡±

 Chapter 129: A Crisp Slap

    <h4>Chapter 129: A Crisp p</h4>

    ¡°Who else would it be, if not for me?¡± Although Lian Shengjie¡¯s response sounded firm, one could hear how dry his throat was if they listened carefully.

    Pang Xiao snorted withughter when he took another look at Lian Shengjie¡¯s oh-so-solemn face and then promptly ignored the neer. His slender, limber fingers picked up a gold-rimmed, white porcin wine cup. A beautiful maid with a pretty smile immediately appeared by his side with a copper jug.

    The amber nectar sloshed into the cup, sparkling in its radiance, immensely rich and fragrant to the nose. The maid¡¯s red lips were upturned slightly as she looked carefully at Pang Xiao¡¯s handsome face. Two spots of color instantly appeared on her cheeks as she looked shyly downwards.

    Lian Shengjie was highly envious of the scene in front of him. He couldn¡¯t help but swallow hard as he hesitantly took a few steps forward. Pang Xiao didn¡¯t care at all as he flung his head back to drain the cup. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed and the curves of his hard chin added a few hints of roguishness and dominance to his being.

    The maid¡¯s cheeks grew even redder and she looked ready to pour even more wine, but Pang Xiao took the jug from her. He waved his hand to dismiss her and looked sideways at Lian Shengjie again, remarkingzily, ¡°Sir Lian must have received the emperor¡¯s decree, or your courage wouldn¡¯t have grown to the point where you don¡¯t even bow upon seeing this prince.¡±

    This caused Lian Shengjie to finally unglue his eyes from the beauty. He trembled once all over when he met Pang Xiao¡¯s sharply mocking look and almost sank to his knees.

    ¡°Ahem. This, this official is naturally here with the emperor¡¯s decree, not like some people who are here on a private trip.¡± Lian Shengjie spoke with a fair amount of trepidation. Fear had been beaten into his bones, and his body unconsciously tensed all over whenever he saw Pang Xiao. His back ached in sympathetic phantom pain even as he looked at the prince.

    Pang Xiao smirked down at him, arching his brow as he pointed at a random empty seat. ¡°Have a seat, why remain standing? This prince didn¡¯t punish you to stand.¡±

    Lian Shengjie flushed a furious red as anger flooded his mind, burning away some of his earlier trepidation. He stiffly took a seat in front of Pang Xiao. When the minister of the Court of State Ceremonial saw that the two Great Zhou delegates didn¡¯t seem to like each other very much, his hands grew mmy from sweat. He was deathly afraid that the two would start fighting at the drop of a hat. If such a thing happened on his watch, the emperor would surely find great fault with him.

    He breathed a quiet sigh of relief when Lian Shengjie took his seat without further ado, and gave orders for the apanying officials to sit as well. The minister also indicated for the banquet and performances to begin.

    Pleasing strains of music rose elegantly from the orchestra as lithe, young dancers wearing sheer veils turned and twisted in pleasing forms. They appeared slightly ethereal in the opulent and magnificent Flower Hall. The scene was further elevated by the sumptuous delicaciesid out on red, peony embroidered, brocade tablecloths that decorated the tops of the square tables on the sides. 1

    Lian Shengjie was enjoying the fine wine and delicious food served by beautiful pce servants. His eyes were drawn to the elegantly performing girls and he felt quitefortable and at ease. All of his previous tension and nerves hadpletely drained out of his body.

    Pang Xiao caught sight of Lian Shengjie¡¯s undisguised leering from the corner of his eyes. He took the wine jug from the maid serving him and watched the performance with an exceedingly frosty look. The seductive scene that yed before him didn¡¯t seem to register at all.

    The minister and other Great Yan officials all had their own spections when they saw the vastly different reactions from Pang Xiao and Lian Shengjie. But they didn¡¯t dare involve themselves in the fight between the two, and could only mutely keep thempany.

    After a few rounds of wine, Lian Shengjie hadpleted rxed and his emotions started rising because of the alcohol.

    ¡°Y-your Highness, y-y-you made a private trip... to Great Yan. What, what do you think your crimes w-will be?¡± What should¡¯ve been a strongly imposing statement came out in a stammer as the wine tangled his tongue.

    Pang Xiao respondedzily. ¡°The peace talks were a sess and the two nations are now friends. This prince is just walking around. What kind of crime is that?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just irrationally making things up! As the general of the Valiant Tigers, how would you not know of the importance of your position? His Majesty hasn¡¯t allowed you to make any such excursion, but you made that decision for yourself! Don¡¯t you know that you¡¯ve already angered the emperor?!¡± The alcohol rushing to Lian Shengjie¡¯s head gave him the boldness to m his hand hard on the table.

    The music and dancing instantly ground to a halt as attendees shook from the sudden disy of fury from Lian Shengjie. The minister didn¡¯t dare be involved in Great Zhou matters, so he quickly rose and slipped away with his men.

    What had been a lively scene of celebration was now eerily quiet. Pang Xiao didn¡¯t seem inclined to speak, instead just taking a sip of wine. Lian Shengjie snorted derisively at the silence.

    ¡°Not speaking means you¡¯re afraid! Let me tell you something, Pang Zhixi, it¡¯s not the first day that your arrogance has grated upon our ears! You¡¯ve always been disrespectful to us old officials of Northern Ji. We serve His Majesty, but you still look down on us and sneer at us. You use violence against us and curse at us. But it¡¯s a good thing the emperor is wise and noble and has seen through your cockiness!¡±

    ¡°Are you quite done yet?¡± Pang Xiaozily dug at his ears.

    ¡°The emperor bade me ask you why you¡¯vee to Great Yan instead of returning to the capital! So answer!¡±

    ¡°The usual chain ofmand may be discarded in the field of battle.¡± Pang Xiao put down the wine jug, causing it to clink lightly against the table. ¡°Besides, I have my own reasons.¡±

    Lian Shengjie continued tough coldly when he saw that Pang Xiao didn¡¯t erupt in his usual immense rage. So what if he had themand medallion of the Valiant Tigers? So what if the Valiant Tigers were so fierce that one of them could counter ten foes? Even if Pang Xiao was a prince, he still had to bow his head in front of the emperor and fear the old Northern Ji officials and the strong Dragon Rider troops of the Marquis of Northern Stability, Ji Zeyu!

    When Great Zhou had trampled Northern Ji, Pang Xiao¡¯s Valiant Tigers had acted as the vanguard and had led from the front during each ughter and act of violence. He¡¯d dragged out officials who had surrendered and slowly sliced pieces off of them to feed the hounds. That vicious cruelty had be a trademark that horrified the Northern Ji officials. They were now under the Great Zhou banner, but they still viewed Pang Xiao as the reason for the fall of Northern Ji.

    How would they not hate Pang Xiao? Even the emperor was wary of Pang Xiao¡¯s military strength. Ji Zeyu¡¯s growing Dragon Riders was the sharpest weapon that could counteract the Valiant Tigers. And yet, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t know how to keep a lower profile and continued his cocky ways, doing whatever he would, whenever he wanted.

    As a surrendered Northern Ji official, Lian Shengjie had long since felt that Pang Xiao was a thorn in his side. And now that the prince could only respond with some titude like ¡®the usual chain ofmand may be discarded when in the battlefield¡¯, he really felt so delighted that he could nearly float to the rafters!

    ¡°Don¡¯t be proud of yourself for too long.¡± Lian Shengjieughed heartily. ¡°Take it from your old brother, rein yourself in some. If you exin yourself well to me now, I can put in a few words for you in my report back to His Majesty. Otherwise, you won¡¯t even know how you die. Not to mention, it¡¯s not me who wants to know why you¡¯re in Great Yan, but the emperor.¡±

    The man propped himself up on the square table and leaned forward as if to listen carefully, but his supposed sincerity was belied by the mockery writ clear across his face. ¡°Well? Come on now, tell me.¡±

    Pang Xiao had been smiling downwards all this time as he yed with the gold rimmed wine cup. Huzi by his side had long been purple with indignation. The guard was absolutely itching to charge up and wring Lian Shengjie¡¯s neck.

    When Lian Shengjie saw that Pang Xiao was still remaining silent, he leaned a few degrees even more forward and smiled jeeringly.

    ¡°And why aren¡¯t you talking? You said that you have your ¡®reasons¡¯, so what are those maaaaarvelous reasons?¡±

    Smack! rang out crisply. Lian Shengjie clutched his swollen cheek with disbelief as he stared at Pang Xiao, stunned.

    ¡°What the hell are you?¡± Do you have the right to listen to this prince¡¯s words?¡± Pang Xiao rose to his feet, looking down loftily at Lian Shengjie¡¯s face, which was now alternating through different colors. The alcohol had been pped clean out of the man. When he recalled how he¡¯d mocked Pang Xiao earlier, he stumbled back a few steps, still holding his cheek, as if this would somehow save him from another strike.

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t be bothered with him and strode straight out of the Flower Hall with Huzi.

    Lian Shengjie grimaced at Pang Xiao¡¯s departing figure, roaring, ¡°You! You won¡¯t hop around for long! You¡¯ll be crying one day, sooner orter!¡±

    The situation had been witnessed in full by the minister of the Court of State Ceremonial. In fact, all of his men had surreptitiously stered themselves against the doors right after they¡¯d left, using the cracks as peeping holes. They scattered into the pce before making a report to the emperor.

    The emperor was holding the empress in the imperial study, flirting and cuddling on the golden nkets on the luohanbed next to the window. When they heard the minister¡¯s report, the empressughed coyly. ¡°What prince of the first rank? He¡¯s nothing much at all!¡±

    The emperor had had enough of Pang Xiao¡¯s airs as well. He smacked the empress¡¯ buttocks and murmured a few words into her ear. The empress pouted and protested cutely for a while, loathe to leave. She finally did so when she saw that the emperor really did want a moment alone.

    The emperor merrily watched his empress walk off, adopting a serious expression when only the men were left. He rose to his feet.

    ¡°So it seems that the Great Zhou emperor is wary of Pang Zhixi.¡±

    ¡°This humble official thinks so as well. Otherwise, with Pang Zhixi¡¯s arrogant nature, he would never put up with repeated questioning like this.¡±

    ¡°Pfft! We knew that someone as cocky and self-sure like him would never enjoy prosperity and fortune for long. How would those in positions of power allow others to sleep soundly by their side? It¡¯s likely the Great Zhou emperor has long since been irritated by the sight of Pang Zhixi. Why else would Lian be so bold in front of Pang Zhixi?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is wise and noble.¡± The minister nodded repeatedly. The emperor dismissed his men with a wave.

    When he was alone in the study, he took a seat behind the ckcquer, paulownia table covered with decorative dragons. His expression was dark as he recalled, with great regret, his extreme courtesy towards Pang Zhixi that day in front of so many officials and subjects. Who knew that the prince¡¯s position had already be tenuous in Great Zhou?

    If he¡¯d known, he would¡¯ve been tougher and showed a harsher attitude! Pang Zhixi likely couldn¡¯t sway the Great Zhou emperor these days! How could he have believed those threats of renewed war? What a miscalction, an utter miscalction!

    In a fit of fury, the emperor swiped his arm across his desk, sending the papers and ink stones on the table tumbling to the floor.

 Chapter 130: Nicely Done

    <h4>Chapter 130: Nicely Done</h4>

    The guards and eunuchs outside the study rushed in en masse as soon as they heard themotion. A feeling of slight relief shed across their hearts when they realized it was only a disy of imperial temper, but their relief was quickly drowned by terror at the revtion. Trembling, they carefully took up positions around the study, not daring to draw closer to talk the emperor down. Their liege¡¯s temper had grown more and more violenttely, and it often rampaged out of control when his emotions ran high. The head eunuch in charge of the study had only spoken a single word of restraintst time before he was dragged out for twenty beatings of the nk. If the eunuch hadn¡¯t umted a good amount of authority and greased some palms beforehand, he wouldn¡¯t even be alive now!

    The emperor exhaledfortably after he¡¯d smashed everything he could smash to smithereens.

    ¡°Bring me the divine pill from Priestess Liu.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The head eunuch immediately took out an exquisite box, wrought of gold, and offered the inky-ck medicine pill inside it with both hands.

    The emperor tossed it back with a drink of chilled wine and immediately felt highly refreshed. His mood took a turn for the better and heughed heartily.

    ¡°The empress certainly made a good rmendation with Priestess Liu. Have her reward the priestess as she will. She can take what she wants from my personal storeroom.¡±

    ¡°Understood, this servant will go immediately.¡± The head eunuch¡¯s face was wreathed in cating smiles. He also took advantage of his momentary reprieve to murmur orders to young eunuchs to clean up the mess all over the floor.

    The emperor thought for a moment more. ¡°And, go deliver an imperial decree tomorrow. The favor I bestowed on the Qins isn¡¯t to be considered fake. N¨¦e Sun now has a title of the paramount rank and what should be awarded to her cannot be foundcking. I¡¯ll write the new signboard to go up over the doors tomorrow. Have it made and delivered. Also, raise a tablet in honor of n¨¦e Sun tomorrow in front of the Qin Manor. Ry my instructions after you deliver the rewards tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°This servant hears and obeys.¡±

    The emperor wrote out the words ¡®Marquis of Anping¡¯, which the head eunuch personally delivered the next afternoon, along with the tablet heralding n¨¦e Sun¡¯s new rank and various boxes of gold, silver, and jewels.

    The old dowager was drinking a bowl of almond milk when she heard the news and couldn¡¯t sit still in her happiness. As a result of her excitement, she ended up spilling half her bowl.

    ¡°Quick, quick, set up the receiving table and have all of the females head out to the front of receive the imperial decree!¡± 1 She turned around to instruct Qin-mama to help her into formalwear and makeup. The joyous atmosphere spread quickly from the inner residence all the way to the outer residence.

    The head eunuch was used to acting as the asion dictated, so after he ryed the imperial decree and delivered the rewards, he felt no hesitation in asking about n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining when he didn¡¯t see them.

    ¡°Old Dowager Qin, where might the marchioness and Fourth Miss be today?¡±

    The old dowager blinked once, and pasted a wide smile on her face. ¡°Thank you for your concern, gonggong. The marchioness isn¡¯t feeling well and needs to rest quietly. My fourth granddaughter happens to own businesses outside the manor and says that they¡¯re the quietest ce around and most suitable for resting. She¡¯s serving her mother there. We haven¡¯t had time to bring them back due to the tight schedule of the imperial decree.¡±

    Although the head eunuch was sharp enough to pick up the old dowager¡¯s awkwardness, he didn¡¯t dare offend Qin Huaiyuan and so didn¡¯t question the matter further.

    ¡°Since this is the case, I request that Old Dowager Qin have someone lead the way. We can have servants set up the tablet, but the emperor and empress has given orders that their rewards be handed to the marchioness and Fourth Miss in person.¡±

    The old dowager quickly agreed and looked at Qin Huaiyuan questioningly. The lord smiled and ordered senior master Qin Yu and second master Qin Han to lead the way. The two masters of the younger generation naturally agreed.

    When the two left, the old dowager turned to give some more orders to Qin-mama. ¡°Hurry and catch up to grandson Yu and Han. Bring them a message that they don¡¯t need to be in a hurry to return after guiding the way. Tell them it¡¯s more important to bring their senior aunt and cousin back with them.¡±

    The granny servant felt a headache looming; that would be nigh impossible. But she swallowed her protests. There was no need for her to personally offend the old dowager, so she chased after the two masters.

    On the other hand, once they received the message, Qin Han and Qin Yu felt like they¡¯d been put between a rock and a hard ce. They didn¡¯t want to be caught between the old dowager and Qin Yining. Qin Yu had his temper and emotions under control, but Qin Han was the explosive sort who like to stand up for justice. He inwardly disdained the old dowager¡¯s instructions, but refrained from showing so on his face because they were acting as guides for the head eunuch.

    They made their way to Roamer¡¯s Return where the rewards were appropriately delivered. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t at all surprised to see a head eunuch visit her. When she kowtowed in thanks for the imperial order, she politely sent the head eunuch off and smiled at Bingtang when there was no one around.

    The maid immediately came forward amiably and offered a stack of banknotes. ¡°Our miss would like to treat the honored eunuch to tea.¡±

    The head eunuch beamed merrily at the stack of banknotes and kept bowing in thanks. Qin Yining had been very polite to him all along, so he was in quite good spirits. He knew exactly what he was going to say when he returned to the pce.

    Qin Yining returned to the rear residence in Roamer¡¯s Return after seeing off the pce servant. There, Qin Han and Qin Yu were speaking with n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°...the old dowager means that it¡¯s not convenient for senior aunt to be living outside as there¡¯s not as many servants here as there are back home. There¡¯s better care in the manor, senior aunt. If you like quiet, senior aunt, then the old dowager can exempt you from the morning and evening greetings. You only need to spend your days recovering in the Garden of Tranquility. No one will be allowed to disturb you,¡± Qin Yu kept a smile on his face as he spoke.

    N¨¦e Sun was a bit tempted by the offer. She was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s wife, and now that her husband had been made the Marquis of Anping and she the Marchioness of Anping of the Paramount Rank, her title was now higher than the old dowager¡¯s. She really did feel tempted to return with this. For one, there would be many congrattory events held in the days toe, so it wouldn¡¯t look good if she wasn¡¯t home. Secondly, she¡¯d be able to lift her head in front of the old dowager now. She knew that her mother-inw didn¡¯t like her, but now that her title was greater than that old woman¡¯s, what else could the old dowager do?

    But n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t immediately make a decision. Instead, she nced hesitantly in Qin Yining¡¯s direction. It was still unknown if there woulde a time when she¡¯de to depend on her daughter¡¯s opinion for all her decisions, but for now, she was exceedingly reliant on the girl. Perhaps the duchess¡¯ and Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s repeated reminders had convinced her to make it a habit.

    When Qin Yu and Qin Han saw n¨¦e Sun look at Qin Yining, they understood who the true decision maker was. However, they weren¡¯t the most familiar with the girl. Qin Yu¡¯s impression of her were built off the tidbits that first wife n¨¦e Yao told him. Qin Han was a little better off as, apart from hearing his wife chitchat about affairs from the female side of the family, he had formed a connection with Qin Yining when he¡¯d apanied her back to the capital from the wilderness and taught her some of the house rules.

    Just as Qin Yu was deliberating on how to broach the subject, Qin Han spoke up. ¡°Cousin Yi, do you want to go back?¡±

    Qin Yining had always felt gratitude towards Qin Han. He¡¯d privately imparted the socialyout of the manor to her on the way back to the capital, teaching her the rules so she wouldn¡¯t embarrass herself. That was how she¡¯d passed the first test of greeting her new family when returning and had given her a base from which she could adapt to her surroundings. Because she felt closer to him, she retracted her acerbic edge when speaking to Qin Han.

    ¡°This errand truly puts my two cousins in a difficult position.¡±

    The two men were smart enough to immediately understand that she wasn¡¯t nning on going back.

    ¡°So fourth sister is nning on a long stay outside with senior aunt?¡± Qin Yu was rather put out by her response. ¡°Forgive me for being blunt, but you¡¯re still an unmarried girl. It¡¯s not good to be this headstrong and show yourself off outside like this.¡±

    Qin Han snorted before Qin Yining had a chance to respond. ¡°Oh, so now she¡¯s a girl? Where were you as her senior cousin when our fourth sister was being sacrificed for the peace talks?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Qin Yu red at Qin Han, who, not to be outdone, red ferociously back.

    Qin Yining started chuckling. ¡°Senior cousin, second cousin, don¡¯t be mad. This truly has nothing to do with either of you. Both of you know why I left home. If I went back just like this, my mother will suffer too much for it.¡±

    ¡°So you mean that you won¡¯t go back unless certain conditions are met?¡° Qin Yu frowned involuntarily.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. I don¡¯t want to make life difficult for you, cousins. Just go back and tell grandmother that my mother isn¡¯t feeling well. She suffered repeated shocks after entering the pce and needs rest and rxation for now. Although the Garden of Tranquility is quiet, it¡¯s not as quiet as my businesses outside. I¡¯ll naturally bring mother back with me when her health takes a turn for the better.¡±

    Qin Han was quite pleased with this deration and pped Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder with a heartyugh. ¡°Nicely done!¡±

    Meanwhile, Qin Yu was rolling his eyes with anger. He was used to Qin Han¡¯s prickly nature, but was his second brother really cheering on a girl who seemed unafraid of making things worse? Although the old dowager¡¯s actions were indeed unjust, weren¡¯t women supposed to be virtuous and morally good? No wonder second sister-inw is so spoiled by Qin Han that she doesn¡¯t even do embroidery.

    ¡°Forget it.¡± Qin Han rose and dusted off his robes. He bowed to n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Since senior aunt has decided upon this, then we will take our leave to bring this back to the old dowager.¡±

    This made n¨¦e Sun a bit nervous, but all the same, she didn¡¯t countermand Qin Yining¡¯s decision. When the girl had sent her two cousins off, n¨¦e Sun tugged on her daughter¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Daughter Yi, isn¡¯t it making life difficult for your father if we stay here? Tell me what happened that day to make you object to my return like this.¡±

 Chapter 131: You Can Do The Honors (I)

    <h4>Chapter 131: You Can Do The Honors (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining knew that her mother was curious and would certainly ask about what had happened. She wasn¡¯t in a hurry to respond, and first ced a cup of warm ck tea, sweetened with honey, in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret, mother,¡± she started slowly. ¡°Father has tacitly agreed to us living here. He¡¯s not feeling put in a difficult position at all. Besides, we¡¯re only going home a few dayster. It¡¯s not like I won¡¯t let you go back if something major happens at home. But if we are to return, we should go back with great honor and respect. The old dowager has to give us an exnation so that we can return properly with our heads held high.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s voice was soft and warm, slow and measured. It was veryfortable to listen to. The fragrance of the ck tea and honey tickled n¨¦e Sun¡¯s nose, tempting her into taking a sip from the cup. The liquid was warm and sweet, the sensation gently enfolding her heart.

    As she looked at Qin Yining¡¯s warmly smiling face, n¨¦e Sun sighed. ¡°Daughter Yi, tell me truthfully. Did the old dowager make things difficult for you when I was dragged out to the execution grounds?¡±

    ¡°Not really.¡± Qin Yining smiled. She didn¡¯t want to fling a spark onto the explosive that was her mother¡¯s temper. She could only gloss things over. ¡°Mother knows the old dowager¡¯s personality, not to mention she¡¯s the matriarch of the Qins. She has to consider more than one person¡¯s safety, like the gains and losses of the entire family.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still speaking for your grandmother even now.¡± N¨¦e Sun sighed and patted her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°Your grandmother is exceedingly rapacious, and she threw away her own face in order to suck up to that bitch Cao Yuqing. I¡¯ve spent some time thinking about it these past two days. News of the emperor suddenly wanting to kill me must¡¯ve rmed everyone at home. I can guess at what happened after without any clues from you. The old dowager must¡¯ve actively wished for my death so that I wouldn¡¯t drag the Qins down with me.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tone sounded outraged, but Qin Yining could tell that she wasn¡¯t as mulishly headstrong and self assured before. Although her mother was angry, she wouldn¡¯t just blindly vent her emotions as she would before. Indeed, harsh reality is the best teacher. One always grew faster when they weathered trials and disaster.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, mother. We just need to walk steadily on our own path. We can¡¯t dictate what other people think or do, so we¡¯ll just deal with things as theye up. No matter what, all mother needs to remember is that I will always be on your side.¡±

    ¡°Daughter Yi...¡± N¨¦e Sun looked at Qin Yining¡¯s delicate features and pulled her daughter¡¯s hands into her own with great emotion. Through Bingtang¡¯s careful treatment, the scars and calluses on Qin Yining¡¯s hands had somewhat faded. Now, her hands didn¡¯t seem much different from those of typical noble girls¡¯. But when n¨¦e Sun sped the girl¡¯s hands, she could still feel the scars and calluses from Qin Yining¡¯s slightly rough palm. When the madame recalled how cold and suspicious she¡¯d been when the girl had first shown up, she felt wracked with guilt.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know of the somesaults of emotion that were happening within n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart. She delicately freed her hands, and started to rummage through the various jewelry items gifted from the emperor and fished out a ck wooden box from the pile on the round table. It housed a colored-ss snuff bottle. The yellow oriole drawn near the top looked very lively and joyous.

    She thought for a moment and instructed Bingtang. ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to buy a snuff bottle for me over the next couple of days. It needs to be simr to this one.¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t we have one right here?¡± Bingtang was puzzled. ¡°Why do we need to buy another one?¡±

    ¡°This one was awarded by the emperor and empress. I wouldn¡¯t dare use it carelessly, it¡¯d be bad if it broke!¡± Qin Yining put the item down with a chuckle. Despite her words, she didn¡¯t seem to exercise much care. Bingtang asked no further and quickly left to find a simr bottle in the markets.

    Qin Yining had Sonn put away the rest of the imperial gifts and chattered about some happy topics with n¨¦e Sun. Any mention of how much Qin Huaiyuan loved n¨¦e Sun was more than enough to put her mother in a good mood.

    At the same time in the Garden of Loving Piety, the old dowager was in the middle of smashing what was left of her teacups after Qin Yu and Qin Han had delivered their message.

    ¡°That wild brat! She¡¯s gone and learned bad habits from her mother and is now spurring that foolish woman on to further heights of idiocy! Fine, very well then! I have no such unfilial granddaughter! If that idiot fool n¨¦e Sun likes to run wild, then let her do so outside! Is there ack of people to serve my son?! There are naturally younger, prettier, and more nobledies to serve him!¡± Caught up in her temper, the old dowager had forgotten to consider the surroundings. Some of the girls off to the side didn¡¯t miss the connotations of her words and started to blush furiously. The second madame frowned in displeasure and waved her hand at the third miss, wanting the girl to leave with all of her cousins. Meanwhile, the third madame was trying to talk sense into the old dowager.

    Although they were trying to calm the old dowager down, the two madames disagreed heavily with the old dowager¡¯s actions. As a fellow daughter-inw, all of this might be happening to n¨¦e Sun at the moment, but what if it simr straits befell them in the future? N¨¦e Sun was lucky in that even though her family had fallen mightily in the world, she had a filial and capable daughter of her own. The lord also wasn¡¯t a bastard who could led willy nilly. If any of this happened to them, who could predict how the situation would turn out? Setting aside aparison between their husbands, none of their daughters were aspetent or charismatic as Qin Yining.

    It¡¯d been eight days since the whole execution ground debacle had happened, and the manor had swapped out their old signboard for the new ¡®Marquis of Anping¡¯ signboard over the main doors. Craftsman had also mounted a tablet for n¨¦e Sun in front of the manor doors. That a woman would receive an imperialpliment and have a tablet erected in her honor was unparalleled glory enough, but how many madames boasted of a paramount rank title in Great Yan?

    The days were slowly growing warmer now that spring was here. The noble madames anddies who¡¯d grown lethargic in winter hibernation had started to spread their wings. And so, a continuous string of invitations for n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining started to arrive at the manor doors.

    The old dowager declined them at first, citing n¨¦e Sun¡¯s fragile health, but continued use of this excuse made it seem that the matriarch was purposefully obstructing the senior madame. But if she had the invites sent to Roamer¡¯s Return, it would appear that she, as a mother-inw, couldn¡¯t bear to put up with her daughter-inw and had chased away the proper mistress of the Anping Manor.

    In actuality, the old dowager had already heard multiple sets of rumors, each version going further and further in specting that she was too narrow-minded to allow her daughter-inw to stay and that she wanted to vie with n¨¦e Sun. The matriarch gave orders to Qin-mama early that morning for the old servant to make a visit to Roamer¡¯s Return, instructing her to bring back n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining no matter what. But the granny servant came back with nothing to show for her efforts as well.

    This finally set the old dowager off and she summoned Qin Huaiyuan, newly returned from court for the day, for a thorough lecture. However, to her surprise, her son¡¯s response made it clear what stance he was taking in the matter.

    ¡°I¡¯m not the one who caused my wife and daughter to leave out of anger. I¡¯m very tied up with the matters of court and have no time to pay attention to this. Please shoulder some of the burden, mother.¡±

    ¡°You mean for me to personally pay a visit and request that they return?!¡± The old dowager gaped in shock.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled gently. ¡°Mother is the best at keeping the inner residence in order, what would your son know of this? All shall be as you say.¡± Without further ado, he quickly took his leave afterwards to meet with his peers in the outer residence study.

    The old dowager¡¯s gums positively itched with anger, but maintaining face was still the most important. She could only turn to Qin-mama.

    ¡°Prepare a carriage. I¡¯m making a trip to Roamer¡¯s Return. Let¡¯s see if that damn brat can still throw her weight around when she sees me!¡±

    The old servant quickly acknowledged the order and had servants prepare the carriage, providing transport for the old dowager, Qin-mama, Jixiang, Ruyi, and other servants for a quick trip.

    ¡°Miss, I was chatting with some others outside just now and saw a luxurious carriage parked in front of the main tavern doors.¡± Bingtang¡¯s voice preceded her lithe figure as she bounded excitedly into the house. ¡°I went to take a look and found out that it was Qin-mama asking where the miss was! You¡¯re so smart miss, the old dowager really hase in person!¡±

    ¡°How could she not?¡± Qin Yining toyed with a brand new snuff bottle and dimpled. ¡°There¡¯s been an unending stream of people asking us to return over the past two days. Something must be happening in the manor that the old dowager needs my mother present for. She probably can¡¯t handle it by herself. Bingtang, request the madame to join me and have Sonn wait for our honored guests outside.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Enthusiasm gleamed in Bingtang¡¯s big, round eyes as she merrily trotted out.

    It wasn¡¯t long until Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can apanied n¨¦e Sun in. The madame took a seat by Qin Yining and smiled at her.

    ¡°Is there some good news? Bingtang¡¯s eyes were creased from the force of her smile, like she¡¯d found a big gold ingot.¡±

    Qin Yining rose to fetch a tter of snacks and a cup of hot tea. She ced the white and blue porcin teacup lightly by n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand. ¡°Those outside say that the old dowager has descended upon us with her personal servants.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s teacup froze halfway to her lips. After so many days apart, she was actually a bit nervous to hear that the old dowager was here for a visit.

    Qin Yining understood her mother¡¯s apprehension and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, mother. Just be as you normally are. Besides, you haven¡¯t done anything wrong at all.¡±

    True! It was the old dowager who¡¯d been utterly heartless towards her.

 Chapter 132: You Can Do The Honors (II)

    <h4>Chapter 132: You Can Do The Honors (II)</h4>

    When devastation had struck the Ding Manor, the old dowager¡¯s first thought was to have her son divorce n¨¦e Sun instead offort her daughter-inw. The matriarch had never once stopped suppressing n¨¦e Sun since, and in fact, the torment had only gotten worse after n¨¦e Cao had darkened their doorstep. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s wavering heart grew firm again.

    ¡°Madame, miss, the old dowager has arrived.¡± Sonn called out merrily from her position beneath the hallways of the side wings. N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining looked at each other, rising in concert to wee her.

    Irritation and frustration started building in the old dowager¡¯s heart as she gazed upon the elegant and tranquil rear residence of Roamer¡¯s Return. The outer painted walls were topped with ck earthenware tiles, and the bluestones on the ground were swept clean. A toweringurel tree stood elegantly to the side. It was easy to imagine how charming the tree would look in the fall when it was in full bloom.

    Going up the steps allowed one to see baby-blue brocade curtains oveid on bamboo ts for the door curtains. They were embroidered with a hundred butterflies frolicking amongst the flowers, and were held in ce by two exquisite jade gourds. Just the curtains themselves gave off the feeling that it must be the residence of a young woman, and one that led a fulfillingly happy life.

    When the old dowager thought of the irritation she¡¯d nursed over the past few days and contrasted it with the idea of a merry n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining weing her, she felt as sour as if she¡¯d eaten a bushel of lemons.

    ¡°Old Dowager, your personal presence brings glory to my small establishment. Please forgive me for not weing you properly.¡± Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun curtsied to the old dowager and nodded to acknowledge Qin-mama. They immediately nked the matriarch and helped her up the steps, so courteous that it seemed nothing untoward had ever happened between any of them.

    One didn¡¯t p a smiling face, so the old dowager couldn¡¯t very well erupt in anger when Qin Yining was being so polite. She merely snorted and responded in a half joking tone, ¡°And were you not nning oning back if I didn¡¯t make this visit? You were just waiting for this old woman toe and request your return!¡±

    The old dowager assessed the decorations inside as she spoke. Auspicious carvings of magpies alighting on plum blossoms wreathed the luohan bed, craftsmanship that was even more intricate than the same scene that graced her room divider in the Garden of Loving Piety! The disy case framed by the openwork screen housed fine, valuable treasures. It was sectioned off by a pale-green veil that trailed from the ceiling, embedded with rice-sized pearls that gleamed softly in the light.

    Jealousy reared its ugly head in the old dowager¡¯s heart. No wonder these two didn¡¯t want toe home! These surroundings weren¡¯t any worse than theirs in the manor! She let one hand trail across the pearl studded veil. Who would¡¯ve thought the Duchess of Ding, that old hag, would¡¯ve casually given her granddaughter an organization that was worth so much! Who knew how deep the Institute¡¯s foundations were! What a pity that it had fallen under Qin Yining¡¯s name, and she had no way of taking it over!

    Her hand subconsciously clenched into a fist, crumpling the pearl curtain. Her expression grew dark and her eyes almost gave away the look of greed and resentment that lurked deep inside. Qin-mama frowned slightly and pretended to give her mistress a helping hand. She was worried how degrading it might be if someone realized the old dowager¡¯s true emotions.

    ¡°Please take a seat, Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°That pearl curtain is an imperial gift. What do you think of the pearls, Old Dowager?¡±

    The old dowager was frightened into immediately releasing the curtain. An imperial gift! She wouldn¡¯t be able to bear the consequences if it was damaged! Sheplimented the item as she took a seat.

    ¡°It¡¯s a gift from the son of heaven alright. The entire house is illuminated by its beauty when it¡¯s hung. The emperor enjoys the fortune of heaven, so his gifts are naturally all great treasures.¡±

    Off to the side, Jin-mama, Caiju, and Bingtang didn¡¯t dare lift their heads as they tried to hold in theirughter. N¨¦e Sun also coughed to cover up her mirth and offered a cup of tea to her mother-inw, taking a seat below the old dowager.

    ¡°Have you been well, Old Dowager? Daughter-inw feels that yourplexion has gotten better than before. The lord has been made a marquis, bringing untold honor upon the Qin ancestors. You must be in good spirits with all of this glory. It¡¯s a pity that my health has gotten so fragile, particrly after the fright I¡¯ve suffered, so I don¡¯t have the fortune to enjoy it all with you.¡±

    The old dowager looked critically at n¨¦e Sun. Her daughter-inw was outfitted in an outer jacket and inner dressbination that was cinched at the waist. The outfit was made of purplish-blue satin decorated with auspicious symbols all over. Her hair was neatly pulled up into a neat coif, with only a singr, pure silver flower hairpin embedded with a sapphire in her hair. Simrly generic flowers embedded with sapphires served as her buttons.

    Although she was wearing ornaments appropriate for mourning, they exuded a sense of opulence. Taking in a deeper breath brought the pleasant scent of jasmine flowers mixed with herbs. The old dowager knew that scent, it was the jasmine hair oil from thetest fashion boutique in the capital, Beauty Works!

    Beauty Works had seemingly roared into poprity overnight. The rouges and powders it sold had medicinal herbs integrated into them, and their products had exceedingly exact proportions of ingredients, making them more effective than thepetition. The line of jasmine hair oil that n¨¦e Sun was using made hair softer and slowed down the growth of white hair. Its poprity had sent prices soaring to fifty silvers a can.

    Using Beauty Works products was now a sign of status for noble women. The old dowager had obtained a small can a few days ago and had wanted to save it for a banquet for additional face. But here, n¨¦e Sun was seemingly using it everyday like it was regr powder or rouge!? Just where had n¨¦e Sun gotten so much silver? It was either from Qin Yining or Qin Huaiyuan!

    The sourness and biting jealousy within the old dowager was so thick that she could almost taste it. It was inevitable for it to leak into her tone. ¡°Oh let¡¯s not go there. You look to be enjoying life greatly here. You¡¯re using Beauty Works products, wearing silk and satin, and dining upon fine food. It doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re recovering from anything, but on vacation. Someone not in the know would actually wonder if you have a new backer!¡± 1

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression immediately darkened at that. She¡¯d been a fool to feel soft-hearted; someone like the old dowager wasn¡¯t worth being nice to at all!

    Qin Yining stole a march on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s instinctive retort and ced a tter of snacks next to the old dowager with a smile. ¡°Have some sweets, grandmother. You can bnce out the sourness in your mouth.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± The old dowager widened her eyes with outrage.

    ¡°I just wish I wasn¡¯t a girl,¡± Qin Yining smiled sweetly back. ¡°Otherwise I¡¯d work so hard to have mother wear the phoenix crown and cape of the rosy dawn. This is just putting her up with fine food and clothes, what kind of vacation is this at all? Using, wearing, and eating good things isn¡¯t living the ultimate good life. Being honored beyond parallel and receiving the adoration of thousands, now that¡¯s the ultimate good life.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s words first brought the old dowager down, and then lifted her with praise. The matriarch wasn¡¯t sure if she should be angry or smile. She looked at Qin Yining and sniffed. ¡°Your mother¡¯s a lucky one to have such apetent daughter as you.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the same go for you, Old Dowager? You have such apetent firstborn.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly.

    The old dowager choked on the retort, anger finally winning when she remembered that Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t on her side in this.

    ¡°I¡¯vee myself today, so stop putting on airs. Pack your things ande back with me! N¨¦e Sun, you¡¯re a Qin daughter-inw at the end of the day. Now that you have a paramount rank, are you really going to make your husband handle all the affairs having to do with guests? What good are you then?¡±

    This was tantly mocking n¨¦e Sun¡¯sck of virtue.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°You¡¯re just throwing a tantrum with those words now, Old Dowager. Although I may not be at home with my paramount rank title, the manor still has you, a first rank old dowager. Mother-inw is an old hat at handling the affairs of the inner residence, skills that have been honed over the years. You naturally know better than I how to assess the situation, who to form rtionships with, and who to keep at a distance.¡±

    This in turn was subtly jabbing at the old dowager¡¯s tendency to be a fence-sitter until the winds blew in a favorable direction, and then only being a fair-weather elder.

    The old dowager¡¯s expression was now so dark that it almost made one wonder if they needed to find antern. N¨¦e Sun glowered right back at her, unwilling to back down. Qin Yining stood off to the side, ying with the snuff bottle and not making a sound. The atmosphere within the house was now as frosty as a freshyer of winter¡¯s chill.

    The tense moment stretched on a little longer before the old dowager clenched her teeth and softened her tone. ¡°N¨¦e Sun, it looks good for everyone if you return to the manor now. Besides, there¡¯s a n¨¦e Cao at home. Are you really alright with leaving your husband to a concubine?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart was dripping blood at that, but she pretended not to mind.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a jealous woman. If the lord likes, then taking another eight or even ten beautiful concubines is perfectly alright. I just don¡¯t know how the old dowager would exin yourself to n¨¦e Cao then.¡±

    ¡°You! You fool of a woman!¡± The old dowager could finally hold it in no longer and shot to her feet, her hand drawn back high to p n¨¦e Sun.

    The senior madame shrieked a little from fright, and Qin Yining quickly moved forward to stop the impending violence. In the flurry that ensued, the old dowager smacked the girl¡¯s hand, sending the small snuff bottle flying.

    The colored ss bottle shattered sharply on the ground, sending a thick scent of mint tobo wafting throughout the room. The old dowager was about to continue her rage, but Qin Yining¡¯s face had gone as white as a sheet.

    ¡°Oh no, oh no! Grandmother, you¡¯ve done something terrible! That snuff bottle was the dowager empress¡¯ most beloved item, something that she¡¯s had for thirty years! Even the empress has to kneel when she sees it! The emperor had just given it to me, but now grandmother¡¯s broken it. How do we exin ourselves if the emperor finds out?!¡±

    An explosion went off inside the old dowager¡¯s mind. She looked dumbly at the snuff bottle shards on the ground, then at n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining and finally cursed loudly. ¡°How dare you just take out imperial gifts and use them so carelessly! Don¡¯t you know to store them well?!¡±

 Chapter 133: Slapping Herself

    <h4>Chapter 133: pping Herself</h4>

    Distressed tears rolled down Qin Yining¡¯s face as she rebutted defiantly. ¡°The emperor¡¯s imperial decree told us to use them as we would normally! Of course we¡¯d take out something as exquisite as this bottle and use it! Old Dowager, instead of saying something about you randomly breaking an imperial gift, you me us for following the imperial decree? This really doesn¡¯t make any sense!¡±

    The old dowager was now so panicked that beads of sweat had popped out all over on her forehead. White hairs were likely spontaneously appearing on her scalp.

    ¡°Old Dowager, that was a snuff bottle that the dowager empress used and a treasured item that even the empress kneels to. How could you, how could...¡± N¨¦e Sun had finally recovered from the shock and covered her face as she began sobbing.

    ¡°What snuff bottle? I didn¡¯t see anything like that. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± The old dowager snorted, regaining her calm in all of a moment as she turned to leave. When she passed through the pearl curtain, she lifted it aside with extreme caution. It wasn¡¯t until the old woman had cleared the curtain that Qin-mama, Jixiang, and Ruyi realized what was going on and quickly curtsied, going after their mistress in panicked pursuit.

    A deathly silence reigned inside, the shards of the snuff bottle on the ground and mint tobo smell hanging in the air the only silent witnesses to the farce that had just urred. Sonn and Bingtang looked at each other, then tiptoed over to the yard for a look. As soon as they confirmed that the old dowager¡¯s group was far in the distance, they burst out inughter.

    Jin-mama helped n¨¦e Sun sit down and had Caiju and Can grab dust pans to clean up the mess. ¡°The miss must¡¯ve already thought of this possibility when you had Bingtang go find a simr snuff bottle, right?¡± The old servant smiled.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Yining smiled delightfully. ¡°Although, I hadn¡¯t thought that she¡¯d be even more cowardly than I¡¯d imagined.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun also enjoyed a chuckle when she thought of how the old dowager had run away with her tail tucked between her legs. Much of the anger and resentment she¡¯d felt from earlier dissipated with this burst of levity. However, soon, bewilderment and anxiety settled in.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, your father probably won¡¯t like it if he finds out how you¡¯ve pranked the old dowager. Even though he¡¯s tacitly agreed to us living here, he¡¯s still a very filial person. Since the old dowager believes that she¡¯s broken an imperial gift, and something that the dowager empress once used, she might be very frightened. She might even fall gravely ill when she gets back.¡± N¨¦e Sun frowned at this point. ¡°If your father asks, say that it was my idea. I don¡¯t have much of a good image with the Qins anyway, but you¡¯re different. You still have to marry in the future.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite touched and she hugged her mother¡¯s waist in a disy of cute affection. ¡°Mother dotes on me, but aren¡¯t you worried about father lecturing you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid. Your father and I are an old couple. It¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t had our share of nasty fights. This is simply how life will be in the future since my family has gone.¡± N¨¦e Sun was used to Qin Yining¡¯s affectionate behavior now and put her arm around her daughter for a good cuddle. ¡°You¡¯re different though. You¡¯re still an unmarried child.¡±

    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re so good to me.¡± Qin Yining hugged n¨¦e Sun with a merry chuckle. This made n¨¦e Sun feel extremely guilty. She wasn¡¯t actually that good to Qin Yining, and even though she¡¯d tried her best to grow closer to the girl and be better to her, the truth was that they¡¯d only known each other for a short time. The amount of effort and attention she¡¯d spent on Qin Yining was far less than she¡¯d spent on Qin Huining.

    Also,paring Qin Huining¡¯s behavior to Qin Yining, thetter¡¯s filial nature and loyalty stood in marked contrast. The easier Qin Yining was to satisfy, theguiltier n¨¦e Sun felt. She rocked Qin Yining lightly, like she was soothing a baby in her swaddling cloths. ¡°Mother will treat you well in the future.¡±

    ¡°Mother taking care of herself well is the greatest treatment you can give me.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s tone was lighthearted and content.

    The loving scene caused the eyes of Jin-mama and all the other servants to glisten. Trials and hardships were the truest test of rtionships. Mother and daughter had finally established a connection after all, and now, sunny days were definitely ahead after a tumultuous start.

    Qin Yiningzily made herselffortable in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s embrace, but quickly thought that her mother might get tired and sat up straight after a short while. She thought for a moment and summoned Sonn.

    ¡°Let¡¯s pack our belongings.¡± The fourth miss then turned to Jin-mama. ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to pack all of my mother¡¯s things as well. We¡¯ll return to the manor shortly.¡±

    ¡°Why are we suddenly going back?¡± N¨¦e Sun was quite taken aback at this abrupt change of pace. She¡¯d thought Qin Yining had made up her mind not to return. It wasn¡¯t just her, everyone else in the house had the same question as well.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Mother, we didn¡¯t immediately return to the manor and lived for a while outside because we wanted an exnation. That way, no one would look down on you when we returned. I wanted to ensure that your days would be as smooth as before. Now that the old dowager herself hase to request our return, this much face is more than enough to cancel her previous jeering. She¡¯s pped her own face and we¡¯ve reached our goal. We can look upon a fascinating array of expressions now if we return, but the fault will be ours if we still hold out.¡±

    It was to their credit that they¡¯d forced the old dowager far enough to make a personal visit and invite them back. But if they still refused to return, they would be seen as the unfilial ones. Reason would no longer be on their side, even though they were in the right. Jin-mama and n¨¦e Sun both nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Since this is the case, why did you set this up to trick her?¡± N¨¦e Sun followed up.

    ¡°She¡¯d take us for dead cats if we always keep our ws retracted.¡± Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°This incident will be enough to demand her good behavior for a few days.¡±

    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t really an imperial gift that was broken. If she goes back and spreads word of this, wouldn¡¯t you havemitted the crime of lying to your liege?¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression twisted a little as the thought crossed her mind.

    ¡°She won¡¯t mention this to anyone at all if she has any brains at all,¡± Qin Yining soothed. ¡°Breaking an imperial gift is a crime in itself. There¡¯s nothing she¡¯d rather do than absolve herself of all responsibility. How would she possibly spread word of this? If she doesn¡¯t have enough brains, then she¡¯ll definitely mention it to father, but father is smart. He¡¯ll definitely keep this under wraps ande ask me about it.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun thought for a moment and nodded slowly. Another question instantly urred to her. ¡°How will you respond if your father asks you? He¡¯s very sharp and won¡¯t be hoodwinked by any lies.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I¡¯ll have my ways.¡± Qin Yining smiled affectionately at her. ¡°We should get ready now so we can be on our way soon. We can return before dinner and make our greetings to the old dowager as well.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun lightly pinched her daughter¡¯s cheek. ¡°Naughty girl, you have so much mischief hidden up your sleeves.¡±

    Jin-mama smiled warmly. ¡°Thank goodness for the miss¡¯ mischief, or we¡¯d be long bullied and ground into the dust.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun recalled how her days had been after the Ding Manor had been raided and exterminated. If it hadn¡¯t been for Qin Yining constantly by her side and shielding her from all worries, she might¡¯ve been driven crazy by now. The madame subconsciously tightened her grip on her daughter¡¯s hand.

    Everything was packed in less than half an hour. Qin Yining headed to the front desk to have the shopkeeper run a message to Steward Zhong that she was returning to the manor.

    The group availed themselves of a carriage to return to the Qin Manor. Soon enough, when they rounded the far corner of the manor, they could see craftsman hard at work with their crew. The workers were busy erecting the tablet in honor of n¨¦e Sun.

    When they arrived at the main doors, the original ¡®Qin Manor¡¯ signboard over the doors had already been swapped out for the gold-trimmed ¡®Marquis of Anping Manor¡¯ board, penned by His Majesty himself. The walls had been repainted and the y tiles cleaned and re-organized. The manor exuded a vibrant aura of prosperity when one stood in front of the main doors.

    Although the emperor was a fool, having an imperially penned signboard over one¡¯s doors was still an utmost honor. Pride grew from the bottom of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart when she looked at the words ¡®Marquis of Anping Manor¡¯. She even held herself straighter.

    Qin Yining had a few runners enter the manor before helping n¨¦e Sun down from the carriage. She murmured in her mother¡¯s ear, ¡°You¡¯ve been resting outside, mother, but you still haven¡¯t fully recovered. We could only do our filial duty today after the old dowager personally requested our return. But please avoid bing angry no matter what happens. Just take care of yourself and leave the rest to me.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun suppressed her mirth and nodded. ¡°I know.¡± She put most of her weight on Qin Yining, actually looking a bit sickly and fragile.

    Meanwhile, inside the manor, the old dowager was acting like ants in a hot pan. She was tugging anxiously on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand. ¡°Meng¡¯er, I have something important to tell you!¡±

    ¡°Please speak, mother.¡±

    The old dowager peered left and right for a second, only speaking when she saw that only Qin-mama was by their side. ¡°Today, granddaughter Yi broke the snuff bottle that the emperor bestowed upon her! I saw it with my own eyes! This was something that the dowager empress once used, a treasure that even the empress kneels down to! That flighty girl didn¡¯t know to put away the imperial gifts properly and actually took them out to use however she would! Now that it¡¯s been broken, what do we do if the emperor finds out?! It¡¯ll drag the entire family down if the emperor finds fault with us!¡±

 Chapter 134: Touching

    <h4>Chapter 134: Touching</h4>

    Qin-mama lowered her head and frowned ferociously at the old dowager¡¯s words. Looking to your son to clean up your messes at your age, and lying about it?!

    ¡°Daughter Yi isn¡¯t the arrogant and willful sort, and she knows the boundaries of appropriateness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan found this odd. ¡°Why would she purposefully break an imperially gifted snuff bottle?¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s expression stiffened awkwardly as she answered sourly, ¡°I personally went to invite your dearest wife and daughter home today, but not only did I fail, I even got yelled at! Then, granddaughter Yi threw a temper tantrum and broke the snuff bottle, and now she wants to me it on me! Oh, why is my life so hard?! Why is there such a home-wrecking, chaotic element in my life?!¡±

    The old dowager covered her hands and sniffled loudly. Qin-mama quickly offered a handkerchief and softly tried to cate the old dowager.

    Qin Huaiyuan was well acquainted with the old dowager¡¯s nature. This story of hers had gaping holes, making it altogether too suspect. He looked questioningly at the old servant, but thetter averted her gaze in front of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s assessing look.

    She couldn¡¯t refute her own mistress, but it wasn¡¯t right to keep the truth from the lord either. When Qin Huaiyuan saw the mama thus, it only served to confirm his suspicions.

    At that moment, a servant called in from the outside. ¡°Reporting to Old Dowager and milord, the senior madame and Fourth Miss have returned and are making their way to the Garden of Loving Piety to greet the old dowager.¡±

    The old dowager was so startled that she burped. That bitch schemed against me! She¡¯d just proimed that they¡¯d roundly insulted her and refused toe back, but not even a heartbeatter, here they were! Didn¡¯t that just make her the carrier of tall tales?!

    When the old dowager met Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s skeptical eyes, a chill gripped her heart. ¡°That bitch, how dare she saunter back like this to make a greeting!¡± she spat out.

    ¡°But she returned out of respect for your wishes.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled.

    His mother looked incredulously back at him. She actually hadn¡¯t generated many tears from her brief spat of crying, but newfound indignation made them swiftly gather in her eyes now.

    ¡°You unfilial son! You¡¯ve got your heart set on helping your wife bully your mother! Didn¡¯t you tell me to ask that they return? I did as you said! If you¡¯d been willing to order them home, I bet you they would¡¯ve listened since one¡¯s your wife and the other your daughter! You only treat outsiders well, and now you¡¯re saying all this to hurt me! Sons really do forget their mothers after taking a wife. Oh, what have I done to deserve this?!¡±

    A resigned frown crossed Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s brow. He was most familiar with his mother¡¯s temper. If reason didn¡¯t somehow find a ce at her side, she¡¯d just throw a tantrum. Since she¡¯d only do this to family, they¡¯d always give way in the end because of a multitude of reasons. Him in particr, as he could never bear to see the old dowager cry herself sick.

    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re speaking too harshly.¡± Qin Huaiyuan could only adopt a gentle tone in response to her wails. ¡°I¡¯m just summarizing the truth. You gave your orders and they returned. Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±

    ¡°Good thing? I¡¯m almost dying from anger because of your wife, is that a good thing?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you were the one who originally decided upon my marriage,¡± Qin Huaiyuan could only try and prevaricate. ¡°N¨¦e Sun hasn¡¯t done anything wrong since joining our family.¡±

    ¡°Nothing wrong?! She still hasn¡¯t given birth to a son, how is that doing no wrong?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s already given birth to a daughter, proving that the problem doesn¡¯t lie with her.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s patience quickly eroded when they touched upon a sore point.

    When she saw her son¡¯s expression darken, the old dowager realized that she¡¯d said something she shouldn¡¯t have in her haste. She actually had her own spections whether the problemid with Qin Huaiyuan, but her son was an exceedingly proud person, and she didn¡¯t want to hurt his feelings with extraneous questions.

    Before the silence could grow more awkward, a maid called in from the covered hallway from one of the side wings. ¡°Old Dowager, the senior madame and Fourth Miss have returned.¡±

    The ink-green curtains lifted to allow Qin Yining to enter with n¨¦e Sun. The madame had changed into a in, ink-green outer robe and dress ensemble that was cinched at the waist. Her hair was done up, with a silver hairpin keeping it in ce. On the other hand, Qin Yining was wearing an ivory jacket and skirt outfit, her hair was swept up into twin buns with hair trailing out of them, secured by ribbons. Mother and daughter hadn¡¯t put on any powder, but the charmingly elegant fragrance of pure jasmine charmingly wove around them.

    It was the same jasmine perfume from Beauty Works, making the old dowager both envious and vexed. She was also feeling out of sorts from her good cry moments ago, so she settled for ring fiercely at n¨¦e Sun and turning away.

    This act of pique elicited a corresponding anger from n¨¦e Sun, but Qin Yining softly pinched her arm right as she opened her mouth. The madame immediately understood and took a deep, calming breath before walking up to curtsey with her daughter.

    ¡°Daughter-inw greets Old Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Granddaughter greets Old Dowager. Mother¡¯s given no thought to her own health ande rushing back after one word from the old dowager.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were refusing toe back?¡± The matriarch snorted coldly as her heart pounded fiercely from the thrum of anger. ¡°First lying to me by saying you weren¡¯ting back, but showing up like this, you were obviously ying this old woman!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun bit her lip and lowered her head. Her face was flushed red with indignation. Qin Yining bent her knee.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Old Dowager. You¡¯ve simply overthought things. Mother spent her days recovering outside also because she wanted to avoid the spread of sickness at home. Since the old dowager loves mother so much, how can we ignore your wishes?¡±

    ¡°With such a slippery way with words, I can¡¯t win verbally against you!¡± The old dowager mmed her hand on the table. Qin Yining pursed her lips and lowered her head, aggrieved by the treatment.

    Qin Huaiyuan pinched the bridge of his nose. ¡°Go back first; don¡¯t disturb mother¡¯s peace and quiet.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining swiftly changed their attitudes and took their leave.

    ¡°Rest well, mother. I also have official matters to attend to.¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed as well.

    The old dowager forgot to be angry when she saw that her son was also about to leave. ¡°What about the broken snuff bottle...¡±

    ¡°Mother.¡± Qin Huaiyuan pped his hand over his mother¡¯s mouth and muttered, ¡°How can you speak so loudly about something like this? It never happened!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s heart suddenly skipped a beat. She¡¯d only been thinking of washing the me from her hands, but had forgotten that this would be a matter of life-or-death to all the Qins if it spread! Her face white as a sheet; she no longer dared continue raising a fuss.

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°The emperor gives out many presents, and the dowager empress has a great deal of belongings as well. The imperial family doesn¡¯t pay attention to whether things are being kept well and no one wille ask about previous gifts. Just pretend that you don¡¯t know anything, mother.¡±

    The old dowager nodded repeatedly, as docile as a child. Qin Huaiyuan bowed again before taking his leave.

    When she saw Qin Huaiyuan had walked off into the distance, the old dowager asked pensively, ¡°Lujuan, do you think I¡¯ve done something wrong?¡±

    Qin-mama inwardly nodded a thousand times, but responded out loud, ¡°You were doing all this because of the new inws, so how could any of it be wrong?¡±

    The old dowager shook her head and sighed, the ruby dangling from the gold hairpin tucked in her high coif glinting from the light of the candles.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve pretended to know nothing about the snuff bottle at all, and shouldn¡¯t have asked Meng¡¯er. Meng¡¯er is so very smart, he¡¯s probably already guessed at something. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have talked to me that way.¡±

    So the mistress only regrets this matter?! Qin-mama was utterly speechless, but she could only mouth theforting words that the old dowager liked to hear.

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t immediately head to the outer residence when he left the Garden of Loving Piety. Instead, he made his way to the Garden of Tranquility, where his hunch was confirmed. Qin Yining was keeping n¨¦e Sunpany instead of heading to her residence.

    He dismissed the servants and started his questioning when there were only the three of them left. ¡°Daughter Yi, was the snuff bottle really broken today?¡±

    The girl nodded docilely and described what had happened. ¡°Anger probably got to the old dowager¡¯s head, and she wanted to hit mother. She hadn¡¯t thought that I¡¯d try to stop her, and the snuff bottle was sent flying in the scuffle.¡±

    ¡°So that really was the dowager empress¡¯ snuff bottle?¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed heavily and knit his brows together.

    ¡°Well.¡± Qin Yining grinned mischievously. ¡°It was certainly the same style as the dowager empress¡¯ snuff bottle.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at his daughter bringing out her best imitation of a fox¡¯s expression and didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Her answer had made the truth of the matter crystal clear, and he tapped Qin Yining¡¯s forehead reprovingly. ¡°You girl, you. You¡¯re thoroughly wicked! You dare trick even your grandmother.¡±

    Qin Yining rubbed her forehead, even though the tap didn¡¯t hurt at all, and stuck out her tongue.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, father. I wasn¡¯t intentionally targeting the old dowager. I¡¯m sure the version of the snuff bottle incident you heard was different from the truth I just ryed. All I did was some harmless intimidation so that mother wouldn¡¯t be worse for the wear when you¡¯re not at home.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked warmly at n¨¦e Sun, who¡¯d long been shocked silly by the way father and daughter were interacting. She smiled awkwardly as Qin Huaiyuan looked at her. ¡°Um... don¡¯t grow angry, my lord. This was all my awful idea.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I know that this must¡¯ve been daughter Yi¡¯s work.¡± Qin Huaiyuan waved his hand smilingly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to try to keep her out of trouble. You¡¯re an honest person, not like this imp of ours with a head full of tricks.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had no idea how to respond to that, but Qin Yining snorted. ¡°Is that supposed to be apliment, father?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan patted his daughter¡¯s shoulder and broke into heartyughter. Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can also joined in the merriment from off to the side.

    Theughter and cheerful chatter from indoors travelled out to the exterior hallway where Cao Yuqing was standing. Her face was quite calm and she called out, ¡°My lord, senior madame, this concubine is specially here to greet the madame.¡±

    Theughter inside instantly stilled and Qin Huaiyuan responded ndly, ¡°You may enter.¡±

    Cao Yuqing adjusted her emotions and slowly made her way inside.

 Chapter 135: Redeeming a Vow (I)

    <h4>Chapter 135: Redeeming a Vow (I)</h4>

    Specialnterns like these.

    The inside was brightly lit by the intricate six-panelednterns hanging beneath the rafters. The vividly-lifelike images of the eight immortals crossing the seas rotated slowly on the panels, scattering soft illumination by Cao Yuqing¡¯s feet. She unconsciously came to a stop for an appreciative moment. This was the main hall of the Garden of Tranquility, the ce where Qin Huaiyuan spent the most amount of time apart from the outer study.

    ...with another woman.

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s longshes fluttered down and she crossed through the openwork screen extending down to the ground to arrive in the side hall after a while.

    Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun were respectively sitting on the left and right luohan beds next to the window. The furniture was decorated with stylized carvings of scepters. Qin Huaiyuan was leisurely sipping tea while n¨¦e Sun idly toyed with stir-fried pumpkin seeds in a nearby dish. The jade bracelet adorning the snow-white wrist of her left hand clinked lightly against table as the madame poked and prodded at the seeds.

    Qin Yining could tell that her mother wasn¡¯t very happy and patted the madame¡¯s shoulderfortingly. She took her ce next to her mother and began openly admiring the beautiful woman.

    A pale-green, in wrap dress cinched at the waist neatly outlined Cao Yuqing¡¯s well proportioned body. Her jet ck locks were pulled to the side in a stylemonly called the horse¡¯s mane and held in ce by a singr golden hairpin with a jade butterfly dangle hanging off of it. She walked with a light step and sashay, the hem of her dress swaying elegantly. Her earrings swung in tempo and a smile yed around her lips. Her watery eyes looked throbbingly forward, and she was simply as magnificent as captivating flowers reflected by the water¡¯s surface.

    It was said that she was thirty years old, but it seemed that the years had been extraordinarily kind to her. No traces of the passage of time had been left on her, only the refined bearing of a mature woman. When splendid looks were paired with boundless tenderness, Qin Yining believed that very few men would be able to shrug off such a beauty¡¯s embrace.

    Objectively speaking, Cao Yuqing looked like Qin Yining¡¯s sister. The middle-aged n¨¦e Sun actually looked like Cao Yuqing¡¯s mother. This was a fact that the madame also perceived, and she tightened her hold on the intricately carved arm of the luohan bed.

    Be calm. Have greater depths to myself. I need to hold it in when needed and not just vent my emotions whenever I feel like it. Her stern admonishments managed to barely calm herself down.

    ¡°This concubine greets the lord and madame.¡± Cao Yuqing swept a graceful curtsey. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the madame¡¯s health hasn¡¯t been well and so recuperation outside has been in order. This concubine has sorely missed the madame, and can be at ease now that I¡¯ve seen the madame hale and hearty.¡±

    One didn¡¯t p a smiling face. Qin Huaiyuan was here holding down the fort and Cao Yuqing¡¯s mannerisms and greeting were without fault. N¨¦e Sun could only tug her lips in a smile that could pass for gentle.

    ¡°Concubine Cao has gone to great thought. Jin-mama, show thedy to her seat. Caiju, serve tea.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, madame.¡± Cao Yuqing curtsied again before her body servant helped her up.

    ¡°Please sit, Concubine Cao.¡± Jin-mama brought over a bowed-leg stool with a soft and thick baby-blue cushion atop it.

    These are ¡®garden stools¡¯ in English, but definitely not your average garden stool!

    Cao Yuqing thanked the granny servant with a soft smile. The concubine was charm incarnate to begin with, so when her eyes creased in a smile, they almost made Jin-mama lose her train of thought.

    Qin Yining subconsciously nced at her father and saw that Qin Huaiyuan was busily taking small sips from a teacup, noting the buoyancy of the pale-green tea leaves with lowered eyes. It was as if the stunning beauty in front of him didn¡¯t exist at all.

    The girl couldn¡¯t help but admire her father¡¯s steady nature and concentration, but she was also increasingly puzzled. It wasn¡¯t as if her father had never had concubines before, and he¡¯d spent nights with them as well. But why was he sopletely indifferent to a breathtaking woman who was rightfully his?

    Cao Yuqing and the trampress were all beauties who could capitte cities and nations with their looks alone. Although Qin Yining didn¡¯t feel that her father was someone who¡¯d rather a beautiful woman than his country, it didn¡¯t make sense to reject a choice meat brought up to his mouth. Everyone knew that Qin Huaiyuan and Cao Yuqing hadn¡¯t consummated their marriage yet, and that the lord was just putting up the concubine with the finest treatment, lodgings, and food. She was enjoying immense trappings of life, but he hadn¡¯t so much as touched her finger.

    Is it only because Cao Yuqing¡¯s father is Elder Statesman Cao? While Qin Yining was deep in thought, Cao Yuqing engaged the madame in easy conversation and quickly exined her intentions.

    ¡°I made a wishing vow at the Celestial Nunnery a few days ago and asked that the great goddess Dou Mu watch over the lord and fourth miss for a safe return, and that everything go well. Now that all of our troubles have gone away, I would travel to the nunnery tomorrow to redeem my vow with gratitude. It would also be a good time tomission a few days of peaceful rites for our family. This concubine hase to ask the madame if you¡¯d like toe with the fourth miss tomorrow?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun almost eagerly agreed when she heard this. She hadn¡¯t seen her mother or sisters-inw for almost a month and didn¡¯t know if they¡¯d adjusted to life in the nunnery well. However, she suddenly recalled that she was ¡®sick¡¯. If she immediately spritely travelled up the mountain, wasn¡¯t that making it obvious to her husband that she¡¯d been lying to the old dowager?

    Although Qin Huaiyuan had forgiven Qin Yining, that was because the girl was too cute and his own flesh and blood. She was so simr to the lord in his youth and he had great hopes for her. The two had also weathered the trials of the peace talks together, so there was nothing that he couldn¡¯t forgive of her.

    But n¨¦e Sun was different. She was his wife, and one who¡¯d failed to give birth to a son at that. The beautiful concubine was already thoroughly trouncing her when it came to family background, for what else would Qin Huaiyuan be biased towards her if she couldn¡¯t win with virtue as well?

    ¡°Concubine Cao is quite thoughtful.¡± N¨¦e Sun propped her forehead up weakly. ¡°But although I have the desire to, I¡¯m still not feeling well. If the ardors of traveling by carriage triggers my illness again, I¡¯ll have to leave the manor to quarantine myself. Why not have daughter Yi go in my stead?¡±

    She was looking at Qin Yining for thest sentence, who in turn was looking back at her mother with a look of anguish. That her mother¡¯s personality had changed so much in such a short period of time spoke to the forced maturity she¡¯d underwent after repeated tribtions. N¨¦e Sun was a forty year old child who still liked to throw temper tantrums to others, but she was just someone who¡¯d been overly protected all her life to Qin Yining.

    The girl was happy that her mother had changed, but was also pained by the reason that had caused the madame to change.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Yining responded tenderly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry mother. I¡¯ll give a proper kowtow to the great goddess Dou Mu and pray that her protection falls onto the entire family.¡±

    ¡°The fourth miss is the most thoughtful.¡± Cao Yuqing smiled at the girl. This reminded Qin Yining that Qin Huining was Cao Yuqing¡¯s foster daughter. She didn¡¯t want to fight with these people at all. She was worried that she wouldn¡¯t be able to hold back her temper and beat up the foster girl outside. It was a small thing if Qin Huining came back ck and blue, but it really was tiring to beat someone up.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll head out with Auntie Cao tomorrow. The nunnery is a tranquil ce of serenity, so we should travel lightly and not bring anyone with us.¡± Qin Yining cut straight to the point and made her remarks a statement instead of a question.

    Cao Yuqing instantly understood that the girl was referring to Qin Huining. ¡°The fourth miss speaks rightly so. This was what I¡¯d intended as well.¡± She nodded quickly and rose to bend her knee. ¡°Since we¡¯ve decided upon this, this concubine will no longer disturb the lord and madame. I will see you tomorrow morning.¡±

    Qin Yining also returned a half curtsey. ¡°Then it shall be as Auntie Cao says. See you tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°This concubine takes her leave.¡± Cao Yuqing slowly took her leave and took a look at Qin Huaiyuan before she exited the door. He was still sipping away at his tea and hadn¡¯t even looked properly at her. Pain stabbed her heart when this registered.

    When Qin Yining saw that her parents were remaining quiet, she felt that she shouldn¡¯t linger and took her leave to return to the Venerable Study Hall. Qiulu and the others naturally helped her undress and bathe. At the end of her nightly preparations, the girl stretched out on the bed with a soft and furry Riceball, blearily drifting off to sleep.

    She set out with Cao Yuqing and a few guards the next day after washing up, eating breakfast, and making her morning greeting to the old dowager.

 Chapter 136: Redeeming A Vow (II)

    <h4>Chapter 136: Redeeming A Vow (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining and Cao Yuqing shared a carriage as they sped along the government-built roads to the nunnery. Bingtang was with the fourth miss, while the concubine had brought an old mama. The four upied two different sides of the carriage, escorted by six house guards outside.

    Qin Yining and Bingtang were both sitting prim and proper, their manners elegant and to code. The mama that Cao Yuqing had brought was slightly more rxed, while her mistress waszily reclining against a round cushion. She was holding a small pouch filled with snacks and her pert lips were bunched together as she sucked on a plum, their owner reading a ybook.

    She chuckled softly every now and then, her tones gentle and tender. Herughter rang out like an oriole¡¯s, particrly pleasant to the ear. The light peeking in through the cracks of the carriage curtains alighted on the pearl dangle of the gold hairpin stuck in her hair. The soft hue cast its radiance over her skin, enhancing the concubine¡¯s snow-white flesh and further illuminating her looks.

    Bingtang was ying with a small wooden box the width of a thumb and three inches long. Her head was lowered and her hatred of the Caos well concealed. Meanwhile, Qin Yining was openly admiring a beauty.

    Cao Yuqing spat out a pit and lifted her eyes to meet Qin Yining¡¯s. She smiled in spite of herself. ¡°Why is the fourth miss looking at this concubine this way?¡±

    ¡°Auntie Cao¡¯s looks are enough to conquer cities. Everyone has a heart for beauty, so I naturally have to make full use of us riding the same carriage to have a good look.¡± Qin Yining smiled as she spoke with apletely serious tone. If a man had reeled off those words, it would¡¯ve been tant flirtation. But given how solemn the girl was being, no distaste developed from that spiel.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking, Fourth Miss.¡± Cao Yuqing chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m already a middle-aged woman, what cities could my looks conquer? But the fourth miss has spoken truly. When a beauty is in front of us, we must make full use of the opportunity to take our fill.¡±

    She tossed the ybook to the side and indolently supported her upper body with an arm, turning to admire Qin Yining instead. There was no enmity in her eyes. Her gaze upon the Qin fourth miss was that of admiration for a valuable antique.

    If Qin Yining had been any regr girl, she would¡¯ve quickly felt embarrassed by the fixation. But she wasn¡¯t and felt that Cao Yuqing could look as much as she wanted to. It wasn¡¯t as if she hadn¡¯t been admiring the concubine either. They were both women, so what did it matter?

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s eyes on Qin Yining gradually softened until they were as warm as spring. However, her look grew remote, as if she was looking through Qin Yining to see someone else.

    The girl sharply picked up on these changes and could understand why when she thought of how others usually described her. Qin Huaiyuan had a beard now and his demeanor had changed over the years. He must differ greatly from his youth, from when he took the capital by the storm. The Qin Huaiyuan of now was a genteel, handsome middle-aged man with hints of an ethereal bearing. N¨¦e Cao was likely picturing a young, clean shaven ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯ through her perusal of his daughter.

    ¡°How long have you known my father, Auntie Cao?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s question brought Cao Yuqing back to reality.

    She blinked and smiled. ¡°We were only acquainted with each other, so we actually haven¡¯t really known each other for long. But I once saw the lord and madame in a pce banquet before I was married.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded withprehension. She could tell that Cao Yuqing liked Qin Huaiyuan. No matter whose daughter she was or for what reasons she¡¯d lured n¨¦e Sun into the pce for, it was undeniable that the concubine greatly toed the lines of propriety when facing the lord. She even seemed to want to get into his good graces. This show of goodwill wasn¡¯t to fight over favor, but genuine love.

    Father should¡¯ve already been thirty before she was married. That was a man¡¯s prime years. They would¡¯ve shed the shy awkwardness of a boy by then and fully grown into themselves. It was an age when men were the most mature and dependable.

    Such a pity that my lord was already aged when I was born.

    Qin Yining smiled faintly in response. ¡°Auntie Cao, have you...¡± The carriage rocked and shook violently before she had a chance to finish!

    Horses whinnied and screamed as the guards hectored, ¡°Who are you?!¡±

    A hand tightened around Qin Yining¡¯s heart and she quickly lifted a corner of the carriage door curtains, while Cao Yuqing yanked up the window curtains.

    A band of civilian men dressed in ragged, tattered clothing had surrounded the carriage. They numbered twenty in total and were using scraps of cloth to cover their faces. Most were wielding clubs with a few holding knives as well.

    The Qin family carriage was currently in the remotest of locations. There were no viges or way stations in sight. Trees bordered either side of the way. While the road to the nunnery was straight and smooth, no one was was traveling on it!

    Qin Yining shrank back into the carriage with fright and quickly pulled the concubine back when she saw Cao Yuqing peering curiously outside. ¡°Auntie Cao, be careful not to show your face!¡±

    Is she trying to cause trouble?? With her looks, devious thoughts will arise for the bandits if they see her face, even if they didn¡¯t have any in the first ce!

    ¡°What do we do, what should we do?¡± Bingtang tugged on Qin Yining anxiously. Cao Yuqing was also being supported by old Lu-mama. The two were curled up into a shivering ball.

    The bandits had charged up to the carriage by now and were locked into brawling, twisted knots with the guards. As clubs, knives, and swords crossed paths, Qin Yining even heard a crude man shout, ¡°That woman was dem fine! Let¡¯s git her and take her back to be boss¡¯ wife!¡±

    Qin Yining and Cao Yuqing looked at each other, horror dawning in each other¡¯s faces.

    ¡°At this rate, we can only fight ourselves as well!¡± Qin Yining pulled out a silver hairpin from her hair and wielded it. ¡°Hurry and see what can be used as a weapon and prepare yourselves!¡±

    ¡°But, but they have knives!¡± Cao Yuqing imitated the girl and was clenching a hairpin tightly as well.

    Ghastly wails sounded form outside the carriage at this time. The Qin family guards had been ughtered outside the carriage! A bloodstained de flicked up the door curtain, allowing a rough man with thick eyebrows to poke his head in. Although his face was covered by cloth, it didn¡¯t obstruct the delighted surprise in his eyes when he saw Qin Yining and Cao Yuqing.

    ¡°Tsk tsk, this girl is somethin¡¯ fine alrigh¡¯!¡± He reached towards Qin Yining¡¯s face as he spoke.

    She red ferociously back through grit teeth and abruptly stabbed him violently with the hairpin when his hand drew near. Caught off guard, the man¡¯s arm was not only punctured, but a thin cut raked out as well. Blood immediately dripped from the wound.

    ¡°Ah!!¡± He stumbled back, making hispanions roar withughter when they saw he was injured. Rage brewed as he pointed at Qin Yining with the tip of his de. ¡°Stupid girl, go to hell!¡±

    He threw the de away and flung himself into the carriage. Qin Yining used all the strength in her body to fight back, but although she was strong, she didn¡¯t know martial arts. She was also the only one in the carriage that could put up any resistance at all. Cao Yuqing and Lu-mama were already sprawled weakly on the cushions from terror. They didn¡¯t dare move an inch, and Bingtang¡¯s struggles were nothing to the bandits.

    All fourdies were dragged out in the end. Cao Yuqing fainted after a shrill scream and Lu-mama remained supporting her mistress, tears streaking her cheeks from fright. Bingtang was slightly moreposed, but she too was white as a sheet and trembling all over.

    Two men had restrained Qin Yining¡¯s hands behind her back, and she had to bend over from the pain. But she still red ferociously at the first brute and yelled, ¡°Just what do you want?!¡±

 Chapter 137: Kidnapping (I)

    <h4>Chapter 137: Kidnapping (I)</h4>

    ¡°What do we wan¡¯? We¡¯ll kill you, of course! We specialize in scalpin¡¯ and skinnin¡¯ and pullin¡¯ out yer tendons. We¡¯ll have a few rounds with you stinkin¡¯ women when we get back an¡¯ then peel yer skin off to makenterns! We¡¯ll slice the rest of you up for the dogs!¡± The man roared withughter as he excitedly described what he wanted to do. It was almost like he could see the grisly scene in front of him. Hispanions guffawed as they too began to get excited.

    Bingtang was trembling in fear, but she drew deep from within herself as she forced herself to keep from fainting. On the other hand, Lu-mama was not as strong-willed, fainting at the thought of such atrocities. Her eyes rolled up, and as she fell, she brought the already fainted Cao Yuqing down to the ground with her in twin thumps.

    The man could tell that although the color had drained from Qin Yining¡¯s face, there wasn¡¯t the slightest ripple of emotion in her eyes. In fact, she seemed to be even calmer than before instead of showing any fear. He patted her face with one callused hand.

    ¡°Tsk tsk, lil girl, aren¡¯t you afraid at all? Go on, cry some so we can have a goodugh!¡±

    Qin Yining jerked away from the man¡¯s hand and retorted coldly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you simply fine men after money? If you really wanted to kill us, you would¡¯ve done so back in the carriage. Since you didn¡¯t, that means you think you have a use for us. But you won¡¯t get silver if the hostages are harmed. You¡¯ll have gone to all this effort for nothing!¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you an interesting one! You¡¯re that old fox¡¯s daughter alrigh¡¯!¡±

    Another bandit called out to him. ¡°Shaddup and quit jawin¡¯. Just knock ¡®er out and take ¡®er back!¡±

    Qin Yining tensed all over warily. Even though her hands were bound behind her, she hadn¡¯t given up thinking furiously on how to get free. However, the bandit seemed to see through her thoughts and brought his hand down sharply on the back of her neck before she had the chance to attempt anything.

    The girl trembled violently once and fell to the ground in a dead faint. The man hauled her up and threw her face down over his shoulder. Bingtang panicked and tried to struggle free, but her little bit of strength was nothing to these bandits. She too was quickly knocked unconscious.

    ......

    When Qin Yining opened her eyes next, she found herself in a dusky, simply lit room. The scent of straw, fresh firewood, and mildew immediately filled her nose. The moist dirt on the ground gave off its own unique scent, mixing in with the smell of mold. It was a scent that was very familiar to her, bringing to mind memories of the childhood straw hut she¡¯d lived in with her foster mother.

    A scrap of a rag was stuffed into her mouth, and her hands and feet were bound by hemp ropes. She cautiously peered around and noted that she and Cao Yuqing seemed to be locked in a small woodshed. She could hear low voices outside the door if she listened closely. The sound of chickens and ducks close by confirmed her budding theory; this was the woodshed of a farm.

    She looked around but didn¡¯t see Bingtang or Lu-mama. When she peered closely again at Cao Yuqing, she noted that the concubine had been stripped of all her valuables. Cao Yuqing¡¯s clothing was in slight disarray and her pretty face was still ashen. She was lying on her side on the ground with her eyes firmly shut, a simr rag stuffed into her mouth. Her arms and legs had also been tied with hemp ropes.

    The girl was now beginning to panic slightly. It seemed this group had actually kidnapped them to threaten her father. What they¡¯d said about ying skin and pulling out tendons was just to scare them.

    I wonder if they did this for silver or something else. It¡¯d be easier to manage if they just wanted a ransom. But if they had deeper ulterior motives and were tools of her father¡¯s political enemies in arger plot, then thedies wouldn¡¯t be traded for anything simple.

    Qin Yining was filled with worry and questions. Thankfully, her emotions didn¡¯t impact her ability to assess her surroundings. She¡¯d certainly been searched. Anything that could be used to cut the ropes seems to have been confiscated. After checking her bindings for weaknesses, Qin Yining frowned in defeat. What should I do? Do I just sit here and await my fate?

    Right as she¡¯d almost given up, scattered footsteps approached the door. She turned to peek through the irregr door crack and could vaguely discern a very luxuriously dressed person approaching. She could see the sunlight glinting off of silver thread, delineating designs wrought into the brocade.

    The woodshed door creaked open, prompting a nervous gaze from the Qin fourth miss. Two men, both with obscured faces, escorted another in. When she got a clear look at who was in their midst, Qin Yining¡¯s almond-shaped eyes widened with stunned shock.

    It was an elderly woman!

    The in, ruby-colored outfit the woman was wearing was decorated with orchids picked out in silver thread. A pure-white cloak was flung over her shoulders, and the woman¡¯s hair had turnedpletely white since Qin Yining hadst seen her. Now, it was neatly upturned into big curl with a white flower tucked into the side.

    The neer walked close and yanked out the rag gagging Qin Yining. The girl looked dumbly back, murmuring, ¡°Grandmother, why is it you?!¡±

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, apologies for the suffering.¡± The Duchess of Ding smiled faintly down at Qin Yining and leaned over to undo the ropes on Qin Yining¡¯s limbs.

    Once freed, her mmy hands sped by the duchess¡¯ dry, cool ones, and Qin Yining used them to help herself up. ¡°Grandmother, what¡¯s going on here?!¡± She looked incredulously at the elder woman and then at the men in the back. ¡°Who are these people?¡±

    The duchess remind smiling faintly, but a sharp light shone out of her shrewd eyes. She surreptitiously assessed the expression on her granddaughter¡¯s face and then looked at the unconscious Cao Yuqing on the floor.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, do you know of the Azure Justice alliance?¡± 1

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat as understanding dawned. ¡°Grandmother, you... Azure Justice is a gathering of rebels that the government has sworn to hunt down!¡±

    ¡°Rebels?¡± The duchess snorted derisively. ¡°I wasn¡¯t a rebel before, and neither were your maternal grandfather, cousins, and nephew. Even then, at the end of the day, how did they end up?¡±

    Sorrow was born anew in Qin Yining¡¯s heart when she remembered the grisly deaths of the Sun family males. She could understand her maternal grandmother¡¯s bone-deep hate of the trash emperor, and how her grandmother wouldn¡¯t suffer to coexist with the emperor beneath the same heavens. But was joining Azure Justice a prudent response?

    Azure Justice was a brand new organization that¡¯d recently risen from the general popce. It sought to overthrow the trash emperor and discard the tyrannical policies he¡¯d enacted, returning a future as bright as clear blue skies to the people. It loved standing up for justice, so it was present wherever it saw people being oppressed or innocents being wronged. Many citizens who¡¯d been suppressed by the emperor or his greedy officials ended up bing members.

    Qin Yining had only learned about all this through chatting idly with Grand Steward Zhong. Her gut reaction back then hadn¡¯t been rm. The appearance of a rebel organization was only normal with how decrepit the emperor was. Azure Justice might even be able to eliminate the scourge of corruption in Great Yan and act as the hand of justice, saving some who¡¯d been harmed by the trash emperor. But to think that this alliance had something to do with her maternal grandmother!

    ¡°Grandmother, is this... what you¡¯ve been doing...¡± Qin Yining swallowed and continued with difficulty. ¡°Did you create Azure Justice?¡±

    The duchess nodded, her face breaking out into a smile. ¡°There are too many who¡¯ve suffered beneath that filth of an emperor. I only needed to send out a call for countless unheard victims to respond.¡± She epted a dagger from the man behind her and ced it in Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Darling Yi, go. Kill that Cao bitch for your maternal grandmother.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for that trampress egging things on, your senior cousin wouldn¡¯t have wanted to kill himself to protect his brains. Your maternal grandfather and the rest of the family wouldn¡¯t have been dragged off either. There are so many evil people in this world, so let¡¯s start with n¨¦e Cao!

    ¡°If you kill her, you¡¯ll be the head of Azure Justice! And all of the power with the alliance wille into your hands!¡±

 Chapter 138: Kidnapping (II)

    <h4>Chapter 138: Kidnapping (II)</h4>

    A loud hum filled Qin Yining¡¯s mind, and the light dagger in her hand suddenly seemed to weigh a thousand pounds. She looked back at the unconscious Cao Yuqing on the ground. Killing a woman who was out cold was the definition of easy, and certainly much easier than hunting in the mountains. But could Qin Yining possibly kill Cao Yuqing?

    It wasn¡¯t that the girl was afraid of killing. Nor was it a matter of motivation; she still felt a righteous anger over what had happened to her maternal grandfather and male rtives. She hated the trash emperor and trampess¡¯ oppression of the Suns with a fury, matched only by the rage she felt over how the imperial couple toyed with her father and mother.

    In reality, she very much supported Azure Justice. But her mind was not one to fall to momentary impulse, as consequences and possibilities revealed themselves in all their dark and twisted glory in her head. Her grip tightened, and she tookthe duchess¡¯ arm.

    ¡°Grandmother, shall we talk outside?¡±

    The duchess¡¯ slightly upturned mouth froze for a second, almost curving downward. A sharp light shone out of her eyes once again, seemingly assessing Qin Yining. It felt rather unnerving to Qin Yining, and the girl once again pressed, ¡°Grandmother, can we talk outside? I have a few words I¡¯d like to exchange privately with you.¡±

    The duchess hesitated for a moment before finally nodding. ¡°Alright then.¡± She turned to two Azure Justice members holding the door open for her.

    Qin Yining followed the duchess to a field out front and discovered great mountains to their rear. Fields covered the other cardinal directions, houses dotting thendscape not too far in the distance. Each house was separated byrge tracts ofnd. Because it was early spring, hints of green could be found in the fields closer to the forest, but the chilly wind here was even more biting than in the winter time.

    The two walked deeper into the field, leaving the alliance members on guard behind. There was no fear of being overhead, but it was still advantageous for the duchess. The alliance members would be able to rush to aid their leader in plenty of time if Qin Yining tried to make a move against the duchess.

    When Qin Yining saw how the guards positioned themselves, her heart chilled some more. It looks like not only does grandmother want to drag me into her quest for revenge, but she distrusts me on a fundamental level.

    ¡°Grandmother, are my people alright?¡±

    ¡°Naturally. Would I harm an innocent little girl?¡± The duchessughed mockingly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you too concerned about your servants. Why don¡¯t you ask after your aunts-inw and cousins?¡±

    ¡°Grandmother¡¯s ability is without parallel, so I trust that the Sun females are naturally in good hands.¡± Qin Yining responded, keeping her tone measured and not rising to the duchess¡¯ bait. ¡°Please forgive me for being unable to do what grandmother spoke of today. I won¡¯t spread the word that you¡¯re the leader of Azure Justice, nor will I leak information about your movements. But I really can¡¯t agree to joining you.¡±

    The duchess¡¯ lips pursed unhappily, but her face remained expressionless as she responded. ¡°Do you have no desire for your own faction? Or the power thates with it? Do you know how many more you¡¯d be able to call upon if you were the head of Azure Justice?¡±

    ¡°Your granddaughter is but an ordinary noble girl, what would I do with so much power?¡±

    ¡°Others may not see it clearly, but would I be that blind?¡± The duchessughed coldly. ¡°You¡¯re smart, and ambitious enough to desire it. I wouldn¡¯t gift you the position of the alliance head if I didn¡¯t know you personally either.¡±

    ¡°Does grandmother think that the alliance members really would follow and believe in me, an unmarried girl, if I simply kill n¨¦e Cao? Since grandmother says I¡¯m smart, why do you try to lull me into false security like a fool? What people respect isn¡¯t me, but my identity. The fact that my father is Grand Preceptor Qin, Marquis of Anping!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s tone turned sad. ¡°I understand grandmother¡¯s pain and hate, but I¡¯m still a Qin daughter. I can¡¯t endanger the entire Qin n for my own desires. I have no right to dictate the lives of the rest of the family.

    ¡°And grandmother, had you really not thought of any of this before kidnapping me today and forcing me to kill n¨¦e Cao?¡± Qin Yining lifted her eyes to look at the duchess, tears gathering in them. ¡°I will never forget the love and protection that you showed me, but grandmother, you shouldn¡¯t have tried to use me as a g to delineate sides or as a de for your purposes.¡±

    The duchess¡¯ expression had already flickered through several faces by this point. Qin Yining¡¯s words made perfect sense, and the girl wasn¡¯t in the wrong to take those factors into consideration.

    But the hate burned! The Sun matriarch couldn¡¯t let her family die for nothing! She was going to use everything at her disposal to exact revenge! The kidnapping today was a step they¡¯d taken to tie Qin Huaiyuan to Azure Justice and get some initial interest by eliminating the trampress¡¯ sister.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, do you recall your maternal grandfather¡¯s face? Do you still remember the appearance of your senior cousin and fifth cousin?¡± The duchess¡¯ tone was bleak and deste.

    Qin Yining closed her eyes, the tears swimming in them escaping down her cheeks. ¡°I remember. I¡¯ll never forget!¡±

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you want to take revenge for them?!¡± The duchess suddenly shrieked.

    ¡°I want to, but I know I can¡¯t.¡± Qin Yining responded evenly. ¡°I can¡¯t turn the Qins into my funeral pyre or put my father in a position where he¡¯s attacked on all sides, unable to take a single step!¡±

    The duchess looked at Qin Yining with aplex and resigned gaze. All of the emotions in her eyes were slowly crystallizing into tears, but she didn¡¯t shed them. Instead, she suddenly smiled.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, if you¡¯re not willing to kill Cao Yuqing, the alliance members will kill you and your servant. I won¡¯t be able to do anything about that.¡±

    ¡°Grandmother!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s head jerked up. She looked incredulously at the elder who¡¯d done nothing but impart endless warmth and love since the girl had returned home. Had her shrewd and just maternal grandmother, who¡¯d once spoken up on her behalf and gifted her the Institute of Luminous Charm, be so blinded by hate that she refused to recognize her family?

    ¡°Grandmother, you want to kill me?¡±

    ¡°Not me, them. How would they let you live if you won¡¯t be the alliance head and know so many of our secrets?¡± The duchess looked at Qin Yining. ¡°Cao Yuqing more than deserves her death. You can receive the adoration and respect from all of Azure Justice if you rid the world of one bitch. Is that not enough for you?¡±

    Qin Yining sighed lightly and tilted her head back to look at the azure sky. ¡°I don¡¯t care about worldly goods, or receiving adoration and respect from others. My desires have always been very simple, grandmother. I want my family to be safe and sound. Although I¡¯m not terribly smart and can¡¯t do much for them, at the very least, I know what I can¡¯t do. Grandmother, I really can¡¯t do what you ask of me.¡±

    The duchess stared fixedly at Qin Yining, her hands clenching and unclenching, forcefully tamping down her rage.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart softened when she thought of the hate coursing through her grandmother, and the difficult position they were both in. She gingerly approached the elderly woman and wanted to speak words offort when a terrified yell rang out. A man quickly ran up to the duchess and pointed at the woodshed door not too far away.

    ¡°Bad news, n¨¦e Cao¡¯s run off! Two of our brothers at the door have died!¡± He panted out.

    ¡°Run off?¡± The duchess was taken aback. The woman¡¯s hands and feet had been tied, and there were two men standing on guard at the door. Who could possibly be so skilled and vicious to kill the guards without anyone noticing and save n¨¦e Cao? The duchess looked suspiciously at Qin Yining.

 Chapter 139: Hostage

    <h4>Chapter 139: Hostage</h4>

    Qin Yining was also filled with confusion. They¡¯d just exited the woodshed and spoken only a few words, but that¡¯d been enough time for n¨¦e Cao to escape! Was someone protecting them from the shadows?

    She didn¡¯t have anyone by her side like this, but Cao Yuqing was a Cao, so it was possible that she did. But, if that was the case, why hadn¡¯t the rescuers appeared earlier? Why had they waited until she¡¯d woken up and gone out to speak with the duchess?

    Perhaps the Caos wished nothing more than for her to die here? Or perhaps they felt that she was in cahoots with the duchess! This would spell great trouble if the Caos really did think that she was on the same side as the Duchess of Ding!

    Although the Caos and Qins were connected by ties of marriage, Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t warm towards n¨¦e Cao and he¡¯d taken over Elder Statesman Cao¡¯s old position. Even if Statesman Cao was no longer an official, his connections were everywhere and hiswork wide andplex. The Qins didn¡¯t have the ability to resist them at all.

    Quite a few thoughts urred to Qin Yining in an instant, and she felt that this development was quite tricky. All of this had happened because of her maternal grandmother, and thetter happened to be assessing her with a suspicious nce. At the moment Qin Yining really didn¡¯t know whether to be angry or resigned.

    The duchess sized up Qin Yining for quite a while and didn¡¯t read anything from the girl¡¯s expression. Sheughed self-deprecatingly. ¡°Well, she¡¯s run off now, so nothing I say will make a difference. But you live under the same roof as n¨¦e Cao, so you¡¯ll have plenty of opportunities to kill her in the future.¡±

    Qin Yining looked back at her grandmother and responded seriously. ¡°Grandmother, I think I was quite clear just now. I won¡¯t tattle on you or make life difficult for you, and I¡¯ll even continue looking after everyone¡¯s lives here. But I really can¡¯t drag the Qins into this.¡±

    The duchess shook her head with disappointment after the repeated rejections. Those remaining on guard around the duchess had gathered not too far away. When they heard Qin Yining¡¯s repeated rejection, they couldn¡¯t help but grow angry.

    ¡°Leader, why waste all these words with her? I can tell this girl lusts after wealth and glory and is the same as that dog of an emperor!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Leader! Not only is she the same as the dumperor, she¡¯s long since forgotten the ties of family she has with you and is even involved with Great Zhou!¡±

    ¡°Right! I heard that that Pang fellow from Great Zhou is overly intimate with her!¡±

    ¡°Perhaps old man Qin brought her to the peace talks to turn traitor!¡±

    ¡°Not only is she so blind as to serve that fool of an emperor, but she¡¯s a traitor as well! Leader, kill her!¡±

    ¡°Kill her! Kill her!¡± The men had violent grimaces on their face as they hoisted their iron des high, looking at Qin Yining in a bloodthirsty fashion. They were like feral dogs, ready to pounce on Qin Yining and rip her to bits at any moment.

    But she wasn¡¯t afraid. She merely looked calmly at the Duchess of Ding.

    ¡°Everyone, be quiet.¡± The duchess¡¯ voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it was full of authority that really did quiet everyone down. ¡°The Marquis of Anping is wholeheartedly devoted to Great Yan. He is the same as the males of my house and would never betray his country. As for my granddaughter, do you really not know why the trash emperor had her join the peace talks?¡±

    The group thought carefully of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s character and quieted down again.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t we want Miss Qin to be the leader today because the Marquis of Anping is trustworthy?¡± the duchess continued. ¡°I hope we don¡¯t act emotionally and just impulsively call for someone¡¯s head. Wouldn¡¯t that make us the same as those greedy and corrupt officials who murder and harm innocents?¡±

    These few words were enough to make hands wielding des trail down, their desire to hurt Qin Yining waning. The girl heaved a silent sigh of relief, gaining a deeper understanding of her grandmother¡¯s ce in Azure Justice.

    ¡°Grandmother, should...¡±

    ¡°Bad news! Everyone run!¡±

    Qin Yining was interrupted as soon as she¡¯d spoken. She quickly looked backwards at the source the voice and her eyes widened with shock. Cao Yuqing was wielding a longsword, dressed in silk skirts and a ring cloak around her shoulders! She was at the head of ten other silver masked, ck garbed men and charging in from the distance!

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s face was frost and the edge of her de keen. The agility she disyed in her twists and turns demonstrated an even higher grasp of martial arts than the Silver Masks behind her, and it was clear that the men looked to her as their leader!

    In her extreme surprise, Qin Yining suddenly recalled the Silver Masks who¡¯de running down walls to protect the emperor on the day of the weing ceremony. Their leader was a woman, and her figure had been remarkably simr to Cao Yuqing¡¯s!

    Even though her brain was sluggish from the unexpected development, Qin Yining had realized by now that Cao Yuqing was the leader of the Silver Masks that served the emperor! So she was the one who¡¯d killed the guards and run away, there was no one else!

    Cao Yuqing had purposefully brought Qin Yining with her to the nunnery and allowed herself to be captured, likely because she already knew that the leader of Azure Justice was the Duchess of Ding! She was testing me and using me to lure grandmother out!

    And if the Silver Masks that served the emperor knew of the duchess¡¯ involvement, would the emperor remain in the dark? Now that n¨¦e Cao was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s concubine, did he know of Cao Yuqing¡¯s true identity as well?!

    The color drained from Qin Yining¡¯s face the more she thought about this. Cao Yuqing was charging in with her men, ughtering people like she was slicing vegetables. A handful of alliance members were dead on the ground already and the Silver Masks were about to break through. Qin Yining frantically threw significant looks at the duchess.

    The Duchess of Ding was also arrested in her tracks by Cao Yuqing¡¯s momentum and instantly understood when she saw the girl¡¯s looks. Qin Yining was telling her to use the girl as a hostage! Mixed emotions assailed the duchess. She¡¯d wanted to use and had then threatened Qin Yining, but her granddaughter was still trying to protect her!

    There was no time to think and the duchess immediately threw an arm around Qin Yining, yanking a de from the hands of a man next to her. She rested the de on Qin Yining¡¯s pale,slender neck, ¡°Halt, or I kill her!¡±

    Cao Yuqing pulled out her sword from another¡¯s chest and looked expressionlessly at Qin Yining and the Duchess of Ding. She snorted coldly. ¡°The ties of family run deep between you two, huh? This is certainly eye-opening.¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m unworthy of that sentiment. The eldest Cao daughter is the trash emperor¡¯s secret service. This is certainly eye opening as well. I wonder if your father, mother, and younger sister know of your identity?¡± The duchess was coollyposed as she backed towards the outskirts of the fields, the de still on Qin Yining¡¯s neck.

    Qin Yining was panicking wildly and sobbing ferociously through her struggles. ¡°Let me go! I was so filial towards you, but this is how you treat me! I was wrong about you!¡±

    ¡°Shut up! You¡¯re just a dog for that pathetic excuse of an emperor. How dare you talk of filial piety with me?! If you really are filial, why didn¡¯t you kill her just now?!¡± The duchess steeled her heart and banged the sword hilt firmly onto Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder. When the girl shouted with pain, the de was once again pointed towards her neck. ¡°Have all of your men move away and let us leave, or I¡¯ll kill her!¡±

    Cao Yuqing could see that Qin Yining¡¯s face was mottled with tears and that herplexion was wan from nerves. Her slender hands were grasping one of the duchess¡¯ arms, but the cold de edge was pressing against her neck. It seemed that blood would paint the scene if the girl leaned forward even the slightest bit. And so, Qin Yining was frozen with fear, prompting a dark and vicious expression on Cao Yuqing¡¯s face.

    The concubine had been certain that Qin Yining wasn¡¯t in the same camp as the duchess when the fourth miss had refused to kill her. Now that she saw how heartless the duchess was being and ignoring ties of family with her granddaughter, Cao Yuqing was even more certain that Qin Yining had nothing to do with Azure Justice.

    Cao Yuqing wouldn¡¯t have cared if it¡¯d been any other Qin daughter. She would¡¯ve ordered her men to charge forward and execute all of the rebels. But this hostage was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s most beloved daughter. He had no son and loved this firstborn daughter like no other. Cao Yuqing was devoted to Qin Huaiyuan and if his daughter died here, he would hate the concubine even if it wasn¡¯t n¨¦e Cao¡¯s fault. Wouldn¡¯t that form a moat between the two of them that could never be bridged?

 Chapter 140: Loving Everything About a Person

    <h4>Chapter 140: Loving Everything About a Person</h4>

    ¡°So it seems that someone as righteous as the Duchess of Ding can be this cold hearted as well. I wonder how the Duke of Ding would feel if he knew that you¡¯d dragged innocents in for your own purposes and was threatening even your own granddaughter?¡± Cao Yuqing¡¯s knuckles were white from her tight grip on her sword.

    ¡°You Caos are least qualified to say that!¡± The duchess spat through clenched teeth, wanting nothing more than to pounce on the concubine and eat her alive. She shifted the de closer to Qin Yining¡¯s neck. ¡°Move aside and let us leave, or I¡¯ll kill her. It¡¯ll just be some noble blood apanying us in death if ites down to it, so it¡¯s not a loss for Azure Justice at all!¡±

    Qin Yining yed along nicely and arched her neck, shrieking in sobbing tones, ¡°Save me, save me! I don¡¯t want to die here!¡±

    Cao Yuqing looked coldly at the duchess and slowly lifted her left hand, backing away as she did so. The Silver Masks behind her also followed, clearing a path.

    Qin Yining heaved a silent sigh of relief and clutched her grandmother¡¯s arm even more firmly, urging her to leave quickly. The duchess immediately ran out with the remaining six alliance members, still holding Qin Yining hostage along the way.

    Cao Yuqing quickly ran off in hot pursuit, but she could see that the Duchess of Ding still had her de resting on the girl¡¯s slender neck as they ran. Flecks of blood could even be glimpsed, making the concubine more fearful about her pursuit. She was deathly worried that the duchess would really kill the girl.

    Wooden fencing lined the path and the group rounded the corner to see five horses hidden in the grass. The duchess had prearranged this and loudly urged her men onto them.

    ¡°Get on the horses, quick!¡± Her people obeyed and jumped on, two or one to a horse. Cao Yuqing had caught up by now.

    ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡± The duchess tightened her grip on the de.

    Cao Yuqing could see the crazed determination in the duchess¡¯ eyes. This gave her enough hesitation that she didn¡¯t order her men forward.

    It all happened in the blink of an eye. The duchess threw Qin Yining down onto the ground and swiftly whirled, taking someone¡¯s hand to jump onto a horse. The five horses immediately galloped down the road.

    ¡°After them!¡± Cao Yuqing waved her hand to send her men forward.

    Qin Yining was sprawled on the ground, scrapes on her palms and elbows and gulping down wracking sobs. Cao Yuqing took a few steps forward and sheathed her sword when she saw the girl¡¯s hair in wild disarray, her entire being bedraggled and in shambles, and weeping up a piteous storm. The concubine helped her up with both hands.

    ¡°How are you?¡± she asked gently.

    Qin Yining looked tearily up at Cao Yuqing, her reddened eyes and nose inviting even more sympathy when offset by her creamy skin. Cao Yuqing lifted the girl¡¯s chin up to inspect for injuries and found that a small patch of her white cor had been dyed red from fresh blood. There were two cuts on her neck, likely from when things had gotten tense earlier. They¡¯d already stopped bleeding.

    ¡°Thank goodness nothing major happened.¡± Cao Yuqing sighed and put her arm around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder for a good pat. Setting aside how she was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s most beloved daughter, Cao Yuqing would¡¯ve never been able to harm the girl given how simr she looked to a young Qin Huaiyuan. She only felt that the girl was quite innocent for having suffered all this, having been tricked into making this trip.

    ¡°Auntie Cao, you...¡± Qin Yining sniffled loudly. ¡°Your martial arts skills are so good, are you really the imperial secret service that my maternal grandmother mentioned?¡±

    Cao Yuqing nodded.

    ¡°I saw the Silver Maskse protect the emperor when the assassins attacked the emperor and my father. There was a woman with them who was highly skilled. Was that you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Cao Yuqing nodded forthrightly.

    Qin Yining had an exceedinglyplicated impression of the concubine, she finally concluded, ¡°Then my father knew of your identity from the very beginning?¡±

    Cao Yuqing arched a brow and asked prettily, ¡°What makes you ask that?¡±

    ¡°Because you¡¯re not hiding your identity from me, today.¡± Qin Yining looked down again and wiped away tears with her sleeves. ¡°I really hadn¡¯t thought that grandmother could be like this.¡± There seemed to be no end to her tears as they kept falling.

    Her sad form dispelled thest suspicions in Cao Yuqing¡¯s heart. She held the girl andforted Qin Yining instead.

    The remaining Silver Masks returned before long.

    ¡°They got away?¡± Cao Yuqing didn¡¯t wait for them to speak.

    ¡°Yes.¡± The man leading them responded with a downcast head.

    ¡°I see. I¡¯ll exin this to the emperor. Dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The men raised cupped fist salutes and quickly took their leave.

    Cao Yuqing brought Qin Yining back to the residence that the woodshed was a part of. A carriage had already been readied, and a unfamiliar groom was on it, waiting to be of service. Bingtang and Lu-mama were standing next to the carriage, craning their necks around anxiously. Their hearts pounded when they saw their mistresses walking back so intimately and how Qin Yining¡¯s eyes were puffy from crying.

    They¡¯d both been knocked unconscious and hadn¡¯t known what¡¯d happened, but their mistresses were beauties. Even if someone had saved them from the bandits, they still must¡¯ve suffered to certain degrees.

    Bingtang¡¯splexion was shockingly pale, but she still had to retain her calm. She walked up to help Qin Yining. ¡°Miss, you¡¯re hurt!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Qin Yining shook her head.

    The maid¡¯s expression grew even uglier when she saw that her mistress¡¯ hands and elbows were scraped, and that traces of blood dotted Qin Yining¡¯s neck. However, Bingtang didn¡¯t ask further given that n¨¦e Cao was present as well.

    The concubine gave orders to return to the manor when they settled into the carriage. She leaned against a cushion and closed her eyes in rest. Thatzy gentleness was the same as when they¡¯d travelled to the nunnery. Her sword was somewhere, somehow.

    Qin Yining knew that those who practiced martial arts had exceedingly fine sensitivities. An expert like Cao Yuqing would give her trouble if the girl so much as took a few extra looks at the concubine. Thus, the Qin fourth miss trailed her head down without another word, as if she¡¯d suffered a grave injustice and fright, but still had to put on a brave front in spite of it all.

    Bingtang¡¯s heart sank to new depths as she treated the wounds on her mistress¡¯ hands and elbows. Some foreboding spections surfaced in her heart, but she couldn¡¯t satisfy her curiosity out of concern of pouring salt in Qin Yining¡¯s wounds. She could only speak some soft words offort.

    The carriage stopped in front of the Anping Manor at dusk. Cao Yuqing turned to the fourth miss with a smile when they alighted.

    ¡°Fourth Miss, traveling by carriage is so tiring. This concubine will go back first and rest. You should as well.¡± She didn¡¯t behave out of the ordinary at all.

    Qin Yining understood that the concubine wished to keep today¡¯s matters a secret. The girl had purposefully cried her eyes puffy and now ¡®forcefully¡¯ squeezed out a stalwart smile. ¡°Go well, Auntie Cao. I need to borrow a book from father¡¯s study and won¡¯t apany you since we¡¯re going in different directions.¡±

    Cao Yuqing flicked a brow up, surprised that Qin Yining was so directly revealing that she was going to Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°I see, then as you wish, Fourth Miss.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a slight smile and went her separate way after bidding farewell to Cao Yuqing. She made straight for the outer study after entering the manor doors and grabbed a pageboy to confirm that her father was there.

    ¡°Please deliver a message from me that I¡¯d like to borrow a book from father. Is he free at the moment?¡±

    The pageboy happily confirmed and bounced inside to deliver the message.

    Qin Huaiyuan happened to be reading cross-legged on the luohan bed next to the window. He found the servants¡¯ words rather odd. The Venerable Study Hall has a rich library. Daughter Yi can read her fill there. His daughter hade to him just after a trip to the nunnery with Cao Yuqing, so something must¡¯ve happened on the road.

    ¡°Have the fourth miss enter.¡±

    The pageboy immediately went to respectfully invite Qin Yining in. It wasn¡¯t until she stepped into the brightly covered hallway that the pageboy started, surprised by the miss¡¯ bedraggled appearance. He was afraid of being dragged into the troubles of his masters and quickly took his leave with a lowered head.

    Qin Yining left Bingtang outside and entered by herself. She circled past a divider of the four gentlemen of the flowers to the side hall, meeting her father¡¯s gaze.

    He too was taken aback by his daughter¡¯s reddened and puffy eyes. ¡°Daughter Yi, has someone bullied you?¡± His first reaction was that Cao Yuqing had done something to his daughter.

    Qin Yining took off her cloak and hung it to the side, revealing her dirty skirt and bandaged hands. ¡°We ran into something during the trip today. Father, can we talk here?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and frowned ferociously as he looked at Qin Yining. Not only were her hands and elbows superficially treated, her eyes reddened, but there were also traces of blood on her white, intersecting cor! He threw down his book and strode over without even putting his shoes on. He lifted his daughter¡¯s chin to peer closely at her neck.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurt! Who hurt you? N¨¦e Cao?¡±

    ¡°So father knew of n¨¦e Cao¡¯s real identity.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s words halted Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s in his tracks. ¡°You know?¡± He responded after a long moment.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s brow was knit tightly. ¡°Are your wounds alright? Shall we summon a doctor first? Are you hurt anywhere else?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, father. Miss Tang already treated me on the way back.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°Come, sit. Tell me what happened today.¡±

 Chapter 141: The Ins and Outs of Things

    <h4>Chapter 141: The Ins and Outs of Things</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand and called out, ¡°Have Miss Tange by.¡±

    Qitai was on duty outside and immediately voiced his assent.

    Before long, Bingtang entered, curtseying as she did so. ¡°Great fortune to the lord.¡±

    ¡°No need to stand on courtesy, Miss Tang. Please fetch a change of clothing for daughter Yi from the inner residence, as well as some medicine to dress her wounds. Quietly.¡±

    Being highly perceptive, Bingtang immediately understood the undertone that she wasn¡¯t to speak of what had happened today. She nodded seriously. ¡°Understood. This servant will go immediately.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for the trouble, Miss Tang.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a smile when he saw that Bingtang had instantly understood his unspoken meaning.

    ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare, this is just part of my duties.¡± Bingtang departed after another curtsey.

    Qin Huaiyuan gave orders for Qitai to guard the door and not allow anyone to approach the study. He finally looked questioningly at his daughter when everything had been arranged properly. Qin Yining carefully recounted everything that had happened today to her father, holding nothing back.

    The marquis remained quiet for a long time, studying the picture of the carp frolicking amongst lotuses on the porcin teacup cover. He didn¡¯t seem to be in a daze or deep in contemtion. He just sat there quietly.

    However, the fourth miss knew that veritable seas and rivers were being upended in her father¡¯s heart. Many things would be connected, and many difficult decisions would present themselves.

    Qin Huaiyuan finally spoke again after forty five minutes. ¡°That day when we returned to the capital, you returned home first and I made camp outside the city. The emperor arranged for a weing ceremony the next day, but there was an assassination attempt.¡±

    Qin Yining sat up ramrod straight, looking seriously at her father, who smiled back at her.

    ¡°Not long after I followed the emperor into the pce that day, one of his Silver Masks delivered a report. The emperor threw the secret report to me so that I could see that there were two groups of assassins. One of them remained yet unidentified, but the other group confessed under torture. They were members of Azure Justice, and the Silver Masks already knew that the alliance is being led by your maternal grandmother.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked when she heard this, many fragmented clues connecting themselves in her mind. So this was why so many things had happenedtely!

    ¡°So, the emperor suddenly wanted to execute mother and disy her head because he wanted to lure my maternal grandmother into rescuing her?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded heavily. ¡°The emperor was absolutely enraged that day, so I could only bow my head and be grounded in solitary confinement. I couldn¡¯t do anything in the subsequent matters and couldn¡¯t get word out. Thankfully little Prince Pang messed up the entire affair, or the consequences would have been unthinkable.¡±

    Qin Yining started sweating and murmured, ¡°I¡¯d actually recruited men to raid the execution grounds that day as well. It really is thanks to Pang Zhixi because otherwise, even our family would bebelled as rebels, and not just Azure Justice.¡±

    Her father didn¡¯t seem surprised at all that she had made her own arrangements. He only nodded silently.

    ¡°Father, n¨¦e Cao must¡¯ve arranged for today¡¯s matters in advance. I can tell that n¨¦e Cao has a high position in the Silver Masks. She purposefully brought me out today and pretended to be captured. I¡¯m sure it was to test me out and also capture Azure Justice in one fell swoop.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°The emperor may be fearful of external enemies, but he¡¯s upied his position for thirty some years. How could someone who fought for the throne and won out against allersck shrewdness? Since he failed at using your mother, he must have more ns to follow up on that.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and felt another wave of fear. Had she agreed to the duchess¡¯ demand to kill Cao Yuqing today, not only would her own life be in jeopardy now, but the skills would fall in over the Qins.

    The ceilingmp was brightly illuminating Qin Yining¡¯s ugly expression. How would Qin Huaiyuan not understand her thoughts when he saw sweat bead her forehead? It was easy for one to be fearless when still in the fog of confusion after running into a matter of life and death. But once the truth wasid bare, and the abrupt realization dawned that death had once brushed by within a hair, well then, even he would shake from fear, much less a little girl.

    ¡°It¡¯s been tough on you to be dragged into this.¡± Qin Huaiyuan rubbed his daughter¡¯s head with a sigh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, father.¡± Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°I still hold to those same words. Since I enjoy the benefits of being a Qin daughter, I should shoulder the corresponding responsibility and pressure. I only think that I¡¯m rather lucky in having avoided the wrong path and not brought the family into this.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan felt the same way as well and nodded.

    ¡°Father, did you know of Auntie Cao¡¯s identity long ago?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Huaiyuan hesitated and decided to tell Qin Yining everything. ¡°One of the emperor¡¯s most vaunted forces is the Silver Masks. This secret service specializes in assassination, information gathering, investigations, and protection detail. N¨¦e Cao is the leader of the Silver Masks. Our nation¡¯s crisis was resolved after the peace talks, and so the internal disputes of court began to appear again. The emperor is wary of the Caos¡¯plex and wide web of power at court and wanted to put a trump card in my hand to counter them. This is why the emperor had me ept n¨¦e Cao.¡±

    Qin Yining was ck jawed with surprise. ¡°Does Elder Statesman Cao not know of Auntie Cao¡¯s identity?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head. ¡°This is the best part of the Silver Masks. Each of their members reside in the shadows with a wholly unexpected identity. They¡¯re absolutely loyal to imperial power and haveplete anonymity. Statesman Cao doesn¡¯t know about n¨¦e Cao at all. He think she¡¯s just a normal woman. And ording to what I know, n¨¦e Cao¡¯sst marriage was because of an imperial decree to kill her husband after gaining certain intelligence.¡±

    Qin Yining thought back to all she¡¯d seen today. Such a beautiful woman with such tremendous skills was in fact be someone else¡¯s tool. She couldn¡¯t even decide her own marriage; that was just a tool toplete a mission! Last time¡¯s marriage had been a mission, resulting in her being a widow. Her status now as Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s concubine was also a mission...

    ¡°She¡¯s someone to be pitied as well.¡± The girl gave a long sigh and her father remained quietly smiling. Qin Yining sighed again and rose. ¡°Father, I won¡¯t tell mother what happened today. If mother asks of my maternal rtives, I¡¯ll say that they¡¯re doing very well. I¡¯ll find an opportunity to tell herter that grandmother and them don¡¯t live at the Celestial Nunnery anymore, that they¡¯ve found another ce. As for my wounds, I¡¯ll say that I fell out of carelessness if anyone asks.¡±

    ¡°Good, thorough thinking.¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded approvingly. ¡°Remember that your attitude towards n¨¦e Cao can¡¯t change at all. She¡¯s in our family to assist in a few things, and there¡¯s also the possibility that she¡¯s here to keep me under surveince as well. Regardless, I¡¯ll will take care of these things. Just be yourself.¡±

    Qin Yining understood her father¡¯s meaning and nodded with a smile. She had Bingtange in and changed clothes in the wash room. Once her wounds were redressed and the cuts on her neck concealed, she went off nonchntly to the Garden of Tranquility to greet her mother.

    N¨¦e Sun tugged on Qin Yining¡¯s hand to closely question her daughter about the Suns. The girl glossed over things by saying everything was good, departing for the night only after her mother was in good spirits.

    ......

    Peaceful, calm days passed for the better part of a month. It was now well into spring in the capital, and the newest set of spring outfits had been delivered to each branch of the family. Sonn was helping Qin Yining try on her new clothes when the miss asked Bingtang, ¡°What was that just now? What did the old dowager say about going for a walk outside?¡±

 Chapter 142: Oft Spring Garden (I)

    <h4>Chapter 142: Oft Spring Garden (I)</h4>

    Bingtang was holding up an aqua silk wrap up to Qin Yining and assessing its measurements. ¡°I heard about it from the serving girl at the Garden of Loving Piety, but she only knows some vague words from when she delivered hot water this morning. She doesn¡¯t know the particrs, and only said that the old dowager is of the mind to take the family out for a walk. She didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    ¡°I see. These clothes are fine, no need for further adjustments.¡± Qin Yining looked at the ivory robe and dress ensemble through the bronze mirror and took it off to have Sonn put it away. She sat down on the embroidered cushion of the bowed legged stool in front of her vanity, and saw that Sonn wasing to her with another pale-pink, padded cotton jacket for her to try on. The Qin fourth miss hastily waved a hand. ¡°No need, it doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re tighter or looser.¡±

    ¡°Try it on, miss. What if some part doesn¡¯t fit you well?¡±

    ¡°Why does fit matter? Being able to wear it is fine.¡± Qin Yining was thoroughly tired of repeated fittings and mirror viewings.

    Sonn burst out in a chuckle. ¡°Oh miss. If the other girls in the family knew that a beauty didn¡¯t care about her looks... Those who don¡¯t have your looks are all trying various ways to enhance themselves. The sixth miss doesn¡¯t dare eat her fill because she wants to maintain her figure. The seventh miss washes her face everyday with nectar. But you, you don¡¯t care!¡± She¡¯d put the clothes neatly away into the redwood drawer on the side as she spoke.

    Bingtang handed her fellow maid the wrap, a belt, and other essories. ¡°Our miss is born with fine beauty.¡± She smiled. ¡°Besides, everyone goes after different things. Why do you think the sixth and seventh miss do all that? Women beautify themselves for self enjoyment. They¡¯re doing that for their own futures. But our miss is different.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I don¡¯t have anyone I like and don¡¯t care about about any of this.¡± Qin Yining was inly uninterested.

    ¡°Nono, I don¡¯t mean this when I say our miss is different.¡± Bingtang chuckled. ¡°You don¡¯t need to mind that much because of your natural beauty, and even if your appearance and health were weak, there¡¯s still a Prince Pang who is utterly devoted to you, no?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face immediately exploded with a blush and she rolled her eyes at Bingtang. ¡°Why, you!¡±

    Bingtang broke out into heartyughter, heralding the arrival of Riceball with a twitch and a twist of its little butt. Qin Yining¡¯s heart melted when she saw the bunny¡¯s adorable figure by her feet. She picked it up to ce it in hisp and stroked it lovingly.

    ¡°Prince Pang has gone to a great deal of thought.¡± Bingtang covered her mouth as sheughed. ¡°He left Riceball with you so that you¡¯ll think of him whenever you see it! So... would this count as... a token of love?¡± She pointed at the knotted square on the bunny¡¯s neck.

    It seemed to understand Bingtang¡¯s words as it twisted and turned in Qin Yining¡¯sp, looking for afortable position. It ced two ws on Qin Yining¡¯s hand and blinked itsrge eyes up to the girl, looking steadily up at her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly, we don¡¯t have a rtionship at all! How would we exchange any tokens?¡± Qin Yining retorted in a mock angry tone and looked down at Riceball with a hidden smile. The snow white bunny was marred only by a circle of ck fur around its left eye, making it seem like someone had punched it in the face. The effect was both adorable andical. The girl burst out into chuckles and brought the palm-sized bunny closer for a cuddle.

    ¡°Miss, are you going to continue holding Riceball? We need to go make our greetings to the old dowager now. If we¡¯rete, Snowpear Courtyard will have more criticism about us again.¡± Sonn had put the wardrobe drawer in order by now and took out a pale-blue cape for her mistress. The maid flung it over her mistress and organized her hair over the cor.

    Qin Yining handed off the bunny over to Qiulu. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll go greet the old dowager first and think of something for Riceballter. Howe it hasn¡¯t grown any bigger after a month?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the type that won¡¯t grow bigger.¡± Bingtang helped Qin Yining up with a smile and nked her out the door with Sonn, making their way to the Garden of Loving Piety.

    Pageboys had long since brought out vases with budding greenery from the greenhouse, sprucing up the old dowager¡¯s residence in the throes of spring. A white and blue porcin vase and green leaves painted a few hints of vitality and gentleness into what had been a slightly cold and hard yard. They quickly walked past the bluestone lined path and up the stairs. Maids lifted the door curtains to pass messages on inside when they saw the fourth miss¡¯ group.

    Qin Yining took off her cape in the outer room and handed it to Bingtang, already hearing lively sounds of discussion from inside. She asked Jixiang smilingly, ¡°Is the old dowager in a good mood today? Did she enjoy breakfast?¡±

    ¡°The old dowager is in a wonderful mood today.¡± Jixiang smiled back. ¡°The empress has been newly gifted the Oft Spring Garden and has invited many noble and titleddies for an excursion. We¡¯ve also received an invitation, and the old dowager is inside discussing who should be part of the Qin party.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. As I thought, the little serving girl didn¡¯t have the full picture. She circled past the divider to make her curtsey to the matriarch.

    The old dowager was actually still holding a grudge for Qin Yining living outside with n¨¦e Sun, but she¡¯d seen Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s attitude towards this matter and couldn¡¯t continue a fuss. Not to mention, there was the snuff bottle incident that hung over her head like a de. Who knew when it would descend? So even if she was angry at Qin Yining and felt that the girl sided with outsiders over family, she still had to rein in her temper.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi¡¯s here, we were just talking about you.¡± The matriarch tugged her lips upward. ¡°The empress is inviting many nobledies on an excursion to the Oft Spring Garden to celebrate peace in Great Yan. This is a wondrous imperial favor! There are three of us in the family with titles, and everyone can bring someone with them. You naturally can go with your mother.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded amiably. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such an asion. Where might this Oft Spring Garden be?¡±

    Qin Huining took up the conversation with some pride. She ced the newly served snacks respectfully at Qin Huining¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You don¡¯t even know about Oft Spring Garden? It¡¯s an estate about twenty kilometers to the south of the capital, located in the Eternal Spring Mountain. Because the mountain has hot springs and is surrounded by other mountains on its sides, cold air can¡¯t make it in. Therefore, Oft Spring Garden is quite warm all year around, and it¡¯s said that even flowers still blossom in the garden throughout winter.¡± Qin Huining ended with apliment. ¡°The emperor truly dotes and shows great favor on the empress!¡±

    The old dowager nodded and looked benevolently at Cao Yuqing. ¡°The empress naturally enjoys great imperial favor. Yuqing,e with me on the excursion tomorrow.¡±

    Cao Yuqing hastily put down the bitten snack in her hand and rose elegantly to curtsey. ¡°Many thanks to Old Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Aiya, good child, what are you being so polite with me for?¡± The old dowager took advantage of the motion to pull the concubine next to her.

    Qin Huining raised her brows proudly at Qin Yining when she saw this. The fourth miss was oblivious to this disy from her standing position next to n¨¦e Sun. Her mother had been sitting quietly on the embroidered cushion of a stool without a word. She patted the madame¡¯s shoulderfortingly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you all some time to go make your preparations,¡± the old dowager continued. ¡°Yuqing will naturally be with me. Senior and second daughter-inw, go back and discuss who you¡¯re bringing as well. Thoseing on this excursion will all be madames and misses of great importance, so make sure you conduct yourself carefully.¡±

    What were they to be careful about? Their childrens¡¯ marriages, of course. Even if it was an outing fordies, it was still a good thing to assess one¡¯s future mother and sisters-inw.

    When she saw the looks of anticipation and subtle undercurrents raging between her second and third aunt, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but sigh that spring was really well and truly here! Everyone present hade alive.

    The girl helped n¨¦e Sun to her feet, and the mother-daughter duo took their leave after bidding the old dowager farewell. Cao Yuqing and Qin Huining were walking behind them.

    Qin Huining made gestures to take the concubine¡¯s arm. ¡°Foster mother, this excursion is such a wonderful asion. Will you take me along with you so I can broaden my worldview?¡±

    Frankly, Qin Yining found the foster girl¡¯s sweet voice rather sickening. N¨¦e Sun wasn¡¯t looking too well either, and both sped up their paces. However, Cao Yuqing¡¯s response floated into their ears without obstruction.

    ¡°I¡¯m just a concubine, how would I have the right to bring someone with me? The old dowager bringing me along is already a great exception. I¡¯m a tagalong, so how could Ie with another one?¡± Cao Yuqing smiled merrily. ¡°Miss Huining should ask the madame instead!¡±

    Tongues of fire spontaneouslybusted in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s heart. That bitch! Qin Huining had stopped her daily greetings at the Garden of Tranquility ever since n¨¦e Cao had darkened their doorstep, and the foster girl even refused to all n¨¦e Sun ¡®mother¡¯ when the two met. Now that something had arisen, she dared incite Qin Huining to look to the senior madame for help?? She¡¯s doing this on purpose!

    Her steps slowed and she prepared to erupt, but Qin Yining tugged her back.

 Chapter 143: Oft Spring Garden (II)

    <h4>Chapter 143: Oft Spring Garden (II)</h4>

    ¡°Mother, shall we walk back or take the carriage?¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Mother¡¯s just started feeling better, so why don¡¯t we stroll back? Some exercise is good for your health anyways.¡±

    If Qin Huining wanted to ask them her mother for a favor, then best to make her do it in public. She didn¡¯t even need to think about entering the Garden of Tranquility.

    N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t really understand what her daughter meant, but she¡¯d recently formed a habit of daily walks thanks to Qin Yining, and actually did feel out of sorts if she didn¡¯t go for a nice walk. She pushed down her anger and nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s walk back.¡±

    Behind them, Cao Yuqing flicked a nce at Qin Yining with amusement and untied the sachet of snacks by her waist. She popped a candied date into her mouth and decided not to take the carriage either, opting to walk behind n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining instead.

    Qin Huining felt her face start burning. It¡¯d been a few days since n¨¦e Cao had joined their household and the girl was well aware of her foster mother¡¯s habits. The concubine always had snacks on her and would nibble away whenever something entertaining was happening. She probably thinks a good show ising and wants to see how I¡¯ll beg n¨¦e Sun?

    The Qin foster girl was eminently conflicted and inwardly cursing up a storm. Cao Yuqing is a wily and cunning character alright! She¡¯s refusing to take me on the outing and purposefully making me beg n¨¦e Sun. She wants to see me embarrassed!

    But if she didn¡¯t fight for the opportunity this time, a better one may note around in the future. Even if the men of the noble families invited this time weren¡¯t going to be present, with her proper and dignified bearing, she was bound to leave a good impression on the womenfolk. This would open more doors for her in the future when her marriage was on the table.

    With this in mind, Qin Huining took two quick steps forward. ¡°Madame, you...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me.¡± N¨¦e Sun admonished coldly before Qin Huining finished speaking. ¡°You couldn¡¯t wait to be someone else¡¯s daughter a long time ago. You never spoke a word in my defense when others were making life as difficult as possible for me. I loved and doted upon you as a pearl in my hand for fourteen years, and you turned on your heel without the slightest hesitation. How do you even have the face to ask me for anything now?¡±

    ¡°This is a misunderstanding, your daughter was...¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m not your mother. Although you¡¯re our foster daughter in name, you tell me how long it¡¯s been since you¡¯vee for the morning and evening greetings. How long has it been since youst called me mother? Hmm? Even when I was stricken down by sickness, you never came to take care of me. You hid in the manor and stayed out of things when I was going to lose my head. Qin Huining, have you really no shame and dare make this wonderfully noble request from me now?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s volume hadn¡¯t been soft. Even the second and third madame behind Cao Yuqing, and the other misses with them, could hear everything clearly.

    Qin Huining hadn¡¯t thought that n¨¦e Sun would be so ruthless. Her footsteps halted as tears welled up. She looked pleadingly at Cao Yuqing. ¡°Foster mother, you...¡±

    The concubine pursed her lips and spat out a pit, then stuck another candied date into her mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t fret, miss. The empress has only invited titled madames and their misses to her banquet. Apparently only eight families have the right to attend. Those with an official daughter will naturally bring her, and those without will choose an exception concubine-born daughter. You¡¯re the foster daughter of the main branch, so naturally it¡¯ll never be your turn. But now that the days are warm, there will be plenty of chances for outings, so it¡¯s all the same if you go next time.¡±

    Cao Yuqing had spoken logically and at a measured pace, but Qin Huining felt like someone had pped her. This was tantly pointing out that she was neither an official or concubine-born daughter! She wasn¡¯t a Qin daughter, so it was normal that no one was taking her! The foster girl trailed her eyes down and wept piteously.

    N¨¦e Cao on the other hand, put away her pouch of snacks. To think that n¨¦e Sun had improve and didn¡¯t fly into a rage against Qin Huining. She¡¯d even learned how to use rational arguments against someone! Mmph. Boring. There was no point to snacking any further.

    After everyone had returned to their houses and made the necessary arrangements, the Qin party for the outing was thus decided. Aside from the servants, the old dowager was bringing Cao Yuqing and n¨¦e Sun naturally taking Qin Yining. The second madame didn¡¯t have an official daughter and had opted for the seventh miss since the girl was technically under her name. The third madame didn¡¯t have a title and so wasn¡¯t qualified to go. But her own daughter was third miss Qin Jianing, already engaged and the wedding scheduled for this June. Concubine-born eighth miss Qin Baoning was yet young and in no great rush, so the third madame epted this oue with great magnanimity.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huining and the sixth miss met for an angry cry and a good round ofining since they¡¯d been left out of everything.

    Early next morning, carriages were parked in front of the Anping Manor when day broke. The first in the convoy was a sapphire carriage paired with an opulent brocade covering and luxurious tassels. The second was a simple, t-topped one with blue curtains and red wheels. The third was arge, ckcquered carriage for the servants.

    The old dowager took Cao Yuqing¡¯s hand and set foot into the first one. She turned back for a look at n¨¦e Sun and merrily called out to the second madame. ¡°You and seventh granddaughter shoulde sit with me. It¡¯ll be easier for us to chat this way.¡±

    It was obvious that she wanted to ostracize n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining. And so, the fourth miss brought over a footstool to help n¨¦e Sun into the second carriage and hopped in herself. She also pulled Jin-mama and Bingtang in after her and held her mother¡¯s hands. ¡°We¡¯ll feel morefortable with just us in a carriage.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun smiled wryly. ¡°You can see from this that people have their eyes on top of their heads. Fawning over the powerful and stepping on the weak happens everywhere.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite familiar with this principle, given that she¡¯d grown up in the city. This was why she always told herself to be strong and to be strong. When she saw that n¨¦e Sun was so depressed by this, she spoke a few words gently with her mother.

    The convoy set off slowly for the southern gate. When they exited the city, they saw that the empress¡¯ imperial carriage and the other seven families were already present. It seemed that every family had sent three or four carriages as well.

    With the empress¡¯ presence in the front and the eight families trailing behind her, as well as the apanying guards and servants, they made for a magnificent, seemingly never ending retinue. The impressive disy knew no bounds as the empress had given orders for the imperial orchestra to perform when their trip began. She was most particr about the trappings of power and nobility. Pce guards had also been mobilized for this jaunt, with one stationed roughly every three meters.

    Qin Yining lifted the window curtains for a peek outside. New shoots burgeoned in the fields and any potholes on the road had long been filled in. The mighty entourage was traveling down the road with great fanfare. If Azure Justice wants to kill the trampress, this is actually a good chance to. They¡¯d be able to eliminate most of the titled madames and prized misses of the eight major families in one fell swoop as well.

    However, no assassins appeared on their way out and the journey went by very smoothly. Because the empress was making a trip, the emperor had sent out crews to the Eternal Spring Mountain early on for the purposes of checking the premises. The roads were restored to optimal condition, so the convoy slowly stopped when it was only noon.

    A eunuch dressed in gray uniform jogged back from the front to tell all the families to disembark. Qin Yining helped n¨¦e Sun off and gazed at the greenery of the mountains ahead of them. There were neatly cultivated peach trees on either side of the road as well. The scene was so refreshing that she even seemed to breathe more easily.

    ¡°Are we here already?¡± she asked the eunuch.

    ¡°In response to the miss,¡± the eunuch responded amiably. ¡°The empress says that the air is fresh and clean, and the scenery pleasing. She would like to walk up the mountain to admire the view and find pleasure in the stroll. She would like the various madames and misses to apany her.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°Her Majesty has such elegant interests.¡±

    Someone immediately piped up with agreement. ¡°It¡¯s so tranquil and beautiful here. Only the empress would receive such favor from the emperor.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, the empress enjoys never ending, sole favor from His Imperial Majesty. It truly makes one admire Her Majesty.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know the nobles madames speaking, so it wasn¡¯t her ce to join in the conversation. N¨¦e Sun on the other hand, had grown up in these surroundings, so she was like a fish in water. She pointed at a woman in her forties, wearing a robe and dress ensemble decorated with red flowers. ¡°This is Madame Li of the Defender Duke of An Manor.¡±

    ¡°Greetings to Madame Li.¡± Qin Yining swept an elegant curtsey.

    The Duchess of An nodded amiably back and pulled over an eighteen year old girl. ¡°This is my youngest daughter, Yanyan.¡±

    Li Yanyan merrily dipped her knees at Qin Yining in greeting, and Qin Yining held the other girl¡¯s hands to return the half curtsey.

    ¡°Good health to older sister.¡±

    ¡°Hello to younger sister Qin. I¡¯ve long since heard that your beauty can conquer cities. Now that I¡¯ve actually seen you, even I can¡¯t help but want to look longer at you.¡± Li Yanyan took Qin Yining¡¯s arm with a dazzling smile.

    When the other noble madames chatting with the old dowager saw that n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining were getting to know the women from the Defender Duke of An, it was as if they¡¯d suddenly found a direction and gravitated towards the two Qin women. This was how n¨¦e Sun introduced Qin Yining to an entire host of new acquaintances in a neither obsequious nor overbearing manner.

 Chapter 144: An Awkward Empress (I)

    <h4>Chapter 144: An Awkward Empress (I)</h4>

    Thanks to Qin Yining¡¯s strong memory, she was able to remember someone after a singr greeting. She realized that the lowest ranked title in attendance today was that of marquis. The only one without a title was the wife of Elder Statesman Cao, the empress¡¯ sister-inw, n¨¦e Qian.

    This was a character that Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun naturally remembered. When the Qin fourth miss had been summoned to the pcest year, she¡¯d met Elder Statesman Cao, his wife, and their son. The statesman¡¯s son, which was the empress¡¯ nephew, had been tantly disrespectful to Qin Yining. If it hadn¡¯t been for her fast reaction into a teary fit that caused the emperor to react ordingly because his side was in the wrong, she might very well have married into the Caos by now.

    Now that she was meeting n¨¦e Qian again, all sorts of subtleties flitted through her heart. But outwardly, she pretended that she¡¯d forgotten this person and made sure that she didn¡¯t overlook any courtesy.

    When the empress saw Qin Yining, she was reminded of Pang Xiao¡¯s insolence and the emperor¡¯s weak acquiescence. She sniffed and spokezily, ¡°Let¡¯s go. The banquet will begin when we reach the garden.¡±

    The group assented, chattering andughing, taking each other¡¯s hands. They crowded around the empress like a group of stars around the moon, slowly making their way up the mountain.

    The spring sun was gentle and bright, with the green of new growth stretched as far as the eye could see. A faint fragrance of flowers danced in the pure air. Birdsong and the calls of insects in the distance, along with the pleasant scenery, set one¡¯s mind and heart at rxed ease.

    The madames and misses spent their days indoors and usually didn¡¯t even set foot beyond in the inner door, much less the main doors. Although all manors had their own gardens, manmade sights were nothingpared to the ones found in nature. And the further in they went, the more exotic flowers and grasses appeared. Add to that the glory and pride they felt in apanying the empress, even someone who usually took a pnquin through a garden like the old dowager found themselves light of foot and in easy spirits during the walk.

    The officials in charge of overseeing the garden were waiting dutifully when they heard the advent of the empress. They bowed when the party drew near and led them onwards.

    ¡°This way please, Your Majesty.¡±

    The empress lightly brushed her hair aside and pouted slightly. She responded indolently, ¡°You¡¯re not needed here. Don¡¯t disturb this empress¡¯ pleasure.¡±

    The empress¡¯ temper and methods were well known. The officials didn¡¯t dare disagree at all and retreated after making their bows. They apprehensively ced themselves behind thedies and fell in step with the guards.

    The pace was slow as the group took in the scenery along the way. The old dowager and other noble madames were clustered closest to the empress, always keeping in mind to praise the surroundings to the high heavens. This was swiftly followed by further heapings of how the empress was the only one to ever enjoy such favor. Empress Cao beamed with delight andughed and chatted generously from good spirits.

    Qin Yining was supporting a huffing and panting n¨¦e Sun at the back of the group. She didn¡¯t join in the efforts to fawn over the empress, just focused on admiring the view. She murmured to n¨¦e Sun, ¡°Are you alright, mother? Are you tired?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. You¡¯re in good shape alright, I¡¯ve spent too much time idling around these years.¡± N¨¦e Sun wheezed with a smile.

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°When we get back, mother should take make twops around the garden with me everyday. Your body will start to grow stronger in no time!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun shook her head with silentughter and lifted her eyes to see a dense peach blossom forest in the near distance. She couldn¡¯t help but sigh with wonder. ¡°Look at the flowers over there! They¡¯re so pretty!¡±

    Qin Yining and the others all looked in the relevant direction. Pale-pink clouds extended in all directions, painting beauty onto the branches and interlocking with light and dark shades. The flowers here were all in full bloom, possibly due to the hot springs beneath the ground. This contrasted greatly with the flower buds back in the manors of the city, and the magical sight on disy stretched up to the skies as well.

    The group of womenfolk followed the winding path in the peach blossom grove. A light breeze flittered past, teasing silks and satins and sending petals whirling through the air. Everyone was wreathed in refreshing hints, and their eyes were drawn to babbling brook by the path. The petals were slowly washed away by the gentle eddies when theynded in the waters.

    Another ten steps forward brought newly painted walls topped with ck y tiles in sight. Curved tips of rooftops could be vaguely seen past the wall, and the brand new buildings made one feel as though they were within an ethereal mountain.

    ¡°Aiyaya, how long has it been since we¡¯ve seen such beautiful peach blossoms?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, if it wasn¡¯t for Her Majesty receiving such enormous favor, we would never have the fortune to witness such scenery as this otherworldly realm.¡±

    ¡°Only a national beauty such as our empress is worthy of such an immortal pce.¡±

    The womenfolk kept up a strong undercurrent of conversation. No one was overly loud, and no one addressed theirments to the empress, but their volume was a perfect level for her to overhear.

    Up at the front, the empress was wearing a small smile of utter delight. She strolled ahead with great pride, leading thedies on with small sounds of appreciation and awe. However, the young eunuch in charge of leading the way, dismissed to the back of the group, was nching every step of the way.

    Another dozen or so steps brought them to the door. The group looked up at the signboard over the doors with admiration but were puzzled to see the words ¡®Ning Park¡¯ dancing across the ckcquer with great magnificence.

    The empress paused and flicked a sideways nce at the servants. ¡°When did this seat¡¯s ¡®Oft Spring Garden¡¯ change name? Howe I didn¡¯t know of this?¡±

    The group was perplexed as well, and strands of conversation arose here and there.

    The young eunuch trotted up with a dismayed expression and quickly kowtowed. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this isn¡¯t Oft Spring Garden. We, we took the wrong fork just now.¡±

    This realization startled the group and all conversation halted. The empress¡¯ slender brows were tightly knit together as she responded coldly. ¡°What? We walked all this way and we¡¯re not at Oft Spring Garden? I don¡¯t recall such a ce appearing in Eternal Spring Mountain!¡±

    The young eunuch was trembling on the ground. He wanted to lead the way earlier, but the empress had refused to let him serve!

    The empress was feeling rather awkward as well. Due to her station, she spent her days keeping the emperorpany. She had exceedingly few opportunities to travel out of the pce with him. Touring a province or any other outing were very rare urrences.

    Oft Spring Garden had been bestowed to her, but she¡¯d onlye oncest year for a dip in the hot springs. There had been arge group of people with her then, so naturally she hadn¡¯t needed to remember the way. It¡¯d been an obvious conclusion for her today that Oft Spring Garden was the only ce present on the mountain. To think that the scenery that everyone had spent so much effort admiring was someone else¡¯s!

    ¡°You dog of a servant, is this how you serve?!¡± A high ranked mama kicked the eunuch¡¯s shoulder and sent him rolling on the ground.

    When the eunuch righted himself, he kowtowed several more times. ¡°Mercy, Your Majesty! Mercy!¡±

    The empress pursed her lips impatiently and felt that, with the group of people behind her, she couldn¡¯t lose her dignity as the mother of the nation. She had to swallow her temper and dismisszily, ¡°Let it pass. It¡¯s not a big deal. We¡¯re out for some fun, so we can just walk back since we¡¯ve taken the wrong way.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty speaks rightly. The air here is clean and fresh and the sunlight gentle. It¡¯s lovely to chat andugh on a nice walk,¡± the wife of Statesman Cao offered smilingly.

    Everyone hastened to agree, warming the stiff atmosphere. The eunuch quickly crawled up to show the way.

    In better spirits now, the empress marched back to where they¡¯de from with the noblesdies clustered around her. They went down a slightly wider bluestone path this time. This was when she noticed that the peach blossom grove they¡¯d just walked through was essed via a newly created path. The bluestones on the ground here marked the old way to her ce.

    However, her good spirits andplimentary sighs from the group dwindled the further they traveled down the way. With that seemingly magical pce fresh in their minds, the way to Oft Spring Garden wascking and boring inparison. The blooming crabapple trees lining the side were well enough, but on a whole, it wasn¡¯t as breathtaking as Ning Park.

    Meanwhile, the nobledies had used up their entire repertoire of pretty phrases earlier. When faced with such dull scenery, they could only silence their consciences and scrounge for words like ¡®simple and unsophisticated¡¯ or ¡®peaceful¡¯.

    The expression on the empress¡¯ face was growing uglier and uglier. When the group reached the doors of Oft Spring Garden, her face had sunk to the most extreme of lows.

    Ning Park had freshly retouched walls andvish doors. The buildings within were also brand new. Inparison, Oft Spring Garden¡¯s walls showed the passage of time. While the view through open doors of eunuchs kneeling in wee was impressive enough, the weathered buildings and unimaginative garden were also clear to see. Distaste welled up from the bottom of the empress¡¯ heart.

    ¡°How did you all prepare for my arrival?!¡± She frowned and hectored lowly. ¡°What¡¯s with that park from just now?!¡±

    Although she¡¯d kept her voice down, those behind her weren¡¯t too far away and could hear everything clearly.

    Elder Statesman Cao had given special orders to the eunuchs in charge, and they hastened to report back. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the elder statesman gave orders to fix up the park. The owner of the park has a great background, so he says to just ignore that park.¡±

    The empress grit her teeth but couldn¡¯t vent her anger. ¡°Isn¡¯t he worried of overstepping himself!¡± she squeezed out in the end and entered the garden first.

    The group of noblewoman inwardly snapped to solemn attention when they saw the empress was displeased. They didn¡¯t even dare speak loudly, for fear of angering the empress in her awkward state.

 Chapter 145: An Awkward Empress (II)

    <h4>Chapter 145: An Awkward Empress (II)</h4>

    Knowing that the empress was making an excursion to Oft Spring Garden today, the servants had prepared a banquet in a quiet corner of the rear garden.

    The empress was gazing around from her position in the head seat. She was slightly pacified by the crabapple blossom encircled surroundings and strands of birdsong from all around. A trace of a smile also appeared on her face, allowing the group to rx when they saw that the imperial presence no longer imitated a walking thundercloud.

    The empress raised a small wine cup. Her pure gold nail guards were tipped with crimson nail polish, beautifully offsetting her sparkling skin. Thebination alsoplemented the gold wine up, further highlighting her embroidered, loose sleeve, ga robe. She was the epitome of opulence and sumptuous.

    The group cast reverent nces at the head seat when they saw that the empress wanted to offer a toast. She quite enjoyed being the center of attention and cleared her throat.

    ¡°Our peace talks with Great Zhou were sessful, and peace will be known beneath the heavens in the future.¡± She called out, ¡°The emperor and this seat are immensely gratified. I have invited everyone here today first for...¡±

    Bang~~~~~ Pow~~~~

    Fireworks soared into the air, their sudden explosions reverberating through the mountain and drowning out the empress¡¯ speech. The crowd jerked their heads in the relevant direction and saw multi colored fireworks shooting into the sky from Ning Park¡¯s direction. The radiant red, green, and yellow on disy were bedazzling even in the daylight. Whoever was setting them off wasn¡¯t being stingy about them at all as fireworks gushed forth like a fountain, showing no signs of stopping at all.

    While the pops and cracks of the fireworks rang and echoed, it wasn¡¯t so loud as to be deafening, but it beat a great racket on one¡¯s heart all the same. Nothing could be heard now even if the empress yelled next to everyone¡¯s ear, much less giving a simple speech at the head of a table!

    Although fireworks weren¡¯t an exceedingly rare sight, they were umon during ordinary times, particrly a stupendous show like this. The madames and misses couldn¡¯t tear their eyes away and were quite taken with wonder. They¡¯d actually forgotten about the empress¡¯ speech!

    Meanwhile, her imperial majesty was livid and clenching her teeth. She wanted to lose her temper, but she waspletely drowned out by the fireworks. They¡¯d taken the wrong way earlier and someone else¡¯s garden hadpletely outshone hers. Now her speech was being interrupted? How could she endure all this??

    The disy went on for a full fifteen minutes, bringing the smell of gunpowder to everyone¡¯s nose when they breathed in. The group turned around to see the empress with a heavily displeased expression on her face. No one knew what to do. It¡¯s probably an inauspicious day today. Why else would the empress have lost face so many times?

    A servant was summoned and the empress murmured, ¡°Go and tell whoever¡¯s at Ning Park that the empress wishes to borrow their premises for a banquet. Have whoever¡¯s inside leave as soon as possible. I will set off for there shortly with the group.¡±

    The servant whispered back, ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the statesman did say that the owner of the park has a great background, and that we should avoid interacting with them.¡±

    A vicious re shot out of the empress¡¯ eyes. ¡°Shut your mouth! Why can¡¯t this seat use a park that my own father fixed up? Everything beneath the heavens belongs to the emperor, and I am the empress. Do I not even have the power to host a celebratory banquet in a Great Yan property?¡±

    ¡°But the statesman said not to...¡±

    ¡°Impudence! I¡¯ll have your head if you don¡¯t go!¡±

    The servant didn¡¯t dare utter another word when he saw that the empress was truly angry. He spun on his heel and trotted off to Ning Park to borrow their location. The empress lifted her chin with a supercilious smile. ¡°Well? Were the fireworks pretty?¡±

    No one dared respond and everyone lowered their heads. The empress sniffed and continued, ¡°I¡¯ve already sent someone off to borrow that yard. Didn¡¯t someone say that it was as beautiful as a heavenly pce? Then we¡¯ll have our banquet there and dine amongst the gods.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is the mother of all beneath heaven, and it¡¯s to that park¡¯s great fortune if it hosts you.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, Oft Spring Garden is elegant and tranquil. It¡¯s already a great favor that we can keep Your Majestypany here.¡± The madames offered ingratiating words again, making the empress feel slightly better.

    She glimpsed the servant¡¯s return out of the corner of her eye. The empress rose and elegantly twitched her skirts. ¡°Let¡¯s go then, over there...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± The servant almost burst out into tears when he saw his mistress stand and prepare to leave. ¡°The owner of the park said no.¡±

    ¡°No?!¡± was the shrilled reply.

    The servant thumped to his knees. ¡°Yes. This servant was stopped at the door and the guard there said that his master had spoken. The park would be lent out to no one.¡±

    ¡°Did you tell him that the empress wanted to use his yard?!¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this servant did say so, but they said no was no.¡±

    ¡°How dare they!¡± The empress could finally stand for this no longer and angrily swept all of the dishes onto the ground. Porcin shattered, food scattered, and wine sprayed all over the ground, sending the womenfolk shooting to their feet in frightened huddles.

    Even an ordinary noblewoman would find repeated losses of face humiliating, much less the empress. The imperial majesty was in a hot fury and stalked forward. ¡°Come with me! This empress would like to see just who is the owner of Ning Park! As the mother of the nation, how dare they decline my request to use the premises! We¡¯re going to tour Ning Park today no matter what!¡±

    Even the statesman¡¯s wife didn¡¯t dare try to calm down an empress in a towering rage. Cao Yuqing hadn¡¯t even spoken a word on the entire excursion. The other nobledies had even less courage to do so. They could only follow their liege wherever she may go.

    The group swept out of the Oft Spring Garden and took the now familiar bluestone path. They turned again into the magical peach blossom grove and made straight for Ning Park¡¯s brand new crimson doors.

    This quick summary sounded easy, but the noble womenfolk rarely exercised and all had bound feet apart from Qin Yining. It wasn¡¯t easy for tiny, bound feet to tread the mountain paths and walk so long. Those like the old dowager were barely keeping up thanks to servants supporting her on both sides. However, no one dared voice theirints out loud.

    When they arrived at the main doors of Ning Park, the empress coldly gestured with her chin. ¡°Go and smash those doors open!¡±

    The servants quickly assented, but they hadn¡¯t even touched the doors before the doors were pulled open. A middle-aged man in a deep blue shirt, buttons running down the front, snuck at a peek at the crowd of opulently dressed womenfolk. He frowned deeply, ¡°Madames and misses, what are you doing?¡±

    The servant lifted his chin in response and angled his body to the side to show the empress. ¡°Take a good look. This is the empress of Great Yan. It¡¯s great fortune umted from your ancestors that she wishes to tour your yard. Hurry up and open the doors!¡±

    The guard looked at the empress, then at the collection behind the empress. He raised a cupped fist salute and responded evenly, ¡°I already told you earlier, our master has said that we¡¯re not open to any visitors.¡±

    The empress had thought everything would be fine if she was here in person, but to think that rejection was still staring her down even still!

    Her face had been pummeled to the bottom of a canyon and she finally erupted shrilly, ¡°How dare you! I am the mother of the nation, why can¡¯t I borrow the use of a yard?! Servants, drag out everyone in Ning Park! I will have the emperor send troops to raze this raggedy yard to the ground!¡±

    ¡°Who dares raze my park?¡± Azy, resonant voice sounded from within.

    Qin Yining abruptly lifted her head to see Pang Xiao stride out garbed in ivory robes, a white jade buckle at his waist, a small golden crown on his head, and a magnificent air between his brows.

    He stood with his arms crossed at the head of a group and looked at the empress as if looking at something dead. ¡°Borrowing things has to be a voluntary act. Will the empress seize by force if such agreement iscking?¡±

 Chapter 146: An Awkward Empress (II)

    <h4>Chapter 146: An Awkward Empress (II)</h4>

    Almost none of the womenfolk present had seen Pang Xiao before, so the only thought that ran through their mind was how charming this young man seemed. His features were exquisite and deeply set, a pair of long brows imposingly framing a pair of phoenix eyes. Merely a casual nce was enough to send one¡¯s heart pounding hard. Although he was handsome, his body also looked tall and fit. His aura was imposingly domineering, forcing one¡¯s head down after one such nce, and not daring to possibly offend the young man.

    Wasn¡¯t the neer afraid of the empress taking revenge in the future? How dare he show such a strong attitude to the empress? Just what was his background?

    Meanwhile, her imperial majesty¡¯s face had gone ashen. So it was this demon that her father hadn¡¯t wanted her to antagonize! She¡¯d personally borne witness how the emperor had bowed and scraped in front of Pang Xiao at the Meridian Gate that day. She wouldn¡¯t dare say anything even she had a belly full of irritation!

    ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank loves to jest.¡± Sheughed dryly. ¡°Those were but words said in anger, how would I possibly force my will on anyone? As the mother of the nation, I naturally rule via virtue and lead by example. Your Highness must have some misunderstandings of this empress.¡±

    The Faithful Prince of the First Rank? The womenfolk looked askance at Pang Xiao. So this was Great Zhou¡¯s unblinking demon of ughter! After casting a startled nce at the prince, they subconsciously shifted their gaze to Qin Yining.

    Rumors had long abounded regarding the two in the city. Combined with Pang Xiao¡¯s heroic actions and promation in front of the Meridian Gate, themon popce were naturally curious about things.

    This was especially true for the old dowager, second madame, and seventh miss. In their view, the prince was a true northern man who drank blood, possessed a bristling beard, was as stocky as an oxen, had a voice that boomed like a bell, and owned eyes so sharp that they could cut someone to pieces with a single look. Who would¡¯ve thought that he would turn out to be such a good looking person!

    The seventh miss stared at Pang Xiao, infatuated, while Qin Yining red ferociously at him. Just what was he on about now? Although the two nations were at a tentative peace, he was still the prince of another nation. Wasn¡¯t he afraid of getting into trouble with such a high profile face-off with the empress??

    Qin Yining¡¯s re utterly delighted Pang Xiao. He grinned. ¡°Since the empress doesn¡¯t have such intentions, then we can forget about all this.¡±

    A beet red flush crept up the empress¡¯ neck from the awkwardness she felt. How was someone as lofty as her supposed to react now? Was she supposed to wheel around and take everyone away with her again?

    Pang Xiao snuck another look at Qin Yining and continued, smiling. ¡°But since the empress is already here, it wouldn¡¯t be the right thing to bar guests at the door. Why note inside for a tour?¡±

    The empress heaved a silent sigh of relief at this gesture and her expression rxed greatly. ¡°I naturally can¡¯t decline Your Highness¡¯ invitation.¡±

    Pang Xiao tilted to the side and carelessly weed the group inside. He paid no further attention to his new guests and walked back in with Huzi and his men. The empress clenched her teeth at this wanton disrespect and set foot inside, servants showing the way. She was naturally followed by the rest of the group.

    It was only after they¡¯d entered that they understood what was meant by the words that described skies filled with flowers and a perfect gardenyout. Only then did they truly experience an ethereal pce and an otherworldly set of surroundings.

    Setting aside the exotic flora present, even the regr peach and plum blossoms were painstakingly nted in exact configurations. From a distance, they appeared like a patch of fiery clouds. The covered hallway was decorated with exquisite carvings, and wisps of pale-green veils peeked out beneath bamboo curtains. Some cranes frolicked in and about the greenery, adding yet more hints of an immortal realm to the yard.

    A burning sensation sprang to the empress¡¯ cheeks. After entering, she really did feel that all her face had been firmly trampled beneath his foot. Oft Spring Garden was nothingpared to Ning Park! To think that she¡¯d so proudly epted everyone¡¯spliments earlier. I really don¡¯t understand why father didn¡¯t offer such an exquisite yard to the emperor, but gifted it to someone like Pang Xiao instead!

    A covered hallway three meters wide and six meters longy in front of the main residence. A table and a couple of chairs had been ced there, with tea and snacks already waiting for the group.

    Pang Xiao leisurely took a seat at the head of the table, leaving the empress to take a seat beneath him with clenched teeth. The womenfolk of the eight families took their seats ording to family prestige.

    Meanwhile, the Qin old dowager, who had oh-soplicated rtionship with Pang Xiao, was shown a seat across from the empress. The matriarch sat in the front, followed by n¨¦e Sun and the second madame, and then Qin Yining and the seventh miss.

    Their host didn¡¯t bother fulfilling any of his duties, eating and drinking as he pleased while ignoring thedies. And since the empress was a guest, she couldn¡¯t do anything that would overstep the limits of propriety. She finally understood that agreeing toe inside for a tour had simply been inviting humiliation on herself! The Great Zhou prince was now taking advantage of the situation to deliver a hearty face-pping, but she could do nothing in return!

    She hadn¡¯t suffered such treatment in many years. If the emperor had been present, she would¡¯ve long since flung herself into his embrace for a good cry. But for the moment, she could only mutely endure it all under a veneer of calm.

    Apart from the empress¡¯ family, everyone else felt a secret thrill to see Pang Xiao treat the empress this way. These titled womenfolk appeared respectful and fearful on the surface, and even fawned adoringly on her at times, but all secretly cursed their liege as a trampress under their breath.

    How many loyal subjects had the trampress harmed for no reason, all because she enjoyed the emperor¡¯s favor? Great Yan wouldn¡¯t be in these dire straits if it wasn¡¯t for her! And so, to a one, they all felt that Pang Xiao was much easier to the eye when they looked again at the legendarily cruel god of war. Plus, he¡¯s not bad looking at all. How rare.

    ¡°If the seating herecks interesting things, madames anddies, feel free to walk around.¡± Pang Xiao waved a careless hand as he addressed the group. But really, who would dare wander around the yard when the empress¡¯ expression spoke of armageddon and extermination? Although no one here liked the empress, they all had a healthy wariness of her ess to the emperor¡¯s ear.

    When Pang Xiao saw how no one dared move and the mute suffering written all over the empress¡¯ dark expression, he found the situation quite funny. ¡°Never mind that if no one wants to enjoy themselves in the park. It¡¯s actually perfect that all of Great Yan¡¯s highly prestigious womenfolk are present. You all can bear witness for me today.¡±

    Everyone, including the empress, focused on Pang Xiao while Qin Yining¡¯s eyebrow started to twitch. Something wicked this wayes...

    The prince was already beaming at the crowd. ¡°This prince has newlye into possession of this park. It used to have another name, ¡®Spring Portrait Garden¡¯. Does anyone know why this prince changed it to ¡®Ning Park¡¯?¡±

    A daughter¡¯s given name was a private, family matter. So even though those present were all fellow women, they only knew each other¡¯s surname and cement in the family hierarchy. As a result, they usually called each other Second Miss Zhang or Senior Madame Wang. Only the closest of friends would know each other¡¯s given names.

    Therefore, they didn¡¯t immediately understand the prince¡¯s words, but given the rumors between him and the Qin fourth miss, they had a couple of pretty firm suspicions.

    ¡°This prince has rampaged through battlefields for many years, hands deeply stained with blood. This prince¡¯s heart has long since turned to stone, never thinking that there would be a day when it would be besotted with a girl. However, the girl this prince now admires has a ¡®Ning¡¯ character in her given name. Even though the girls of her generation all have this character, apparently there were those who said she wasn¡¯t worthy of the name when she first returned to the family, that she wasn¡¯t worthy of being listed in the family book.¡±

    Pang Xiao cast a sidelong nce at the old dowager. The mute recipient reddened involuntarily as cold sweat broke out over her body.

    ¡°But in this prince¡¯s eyes, there is no one who is worthy of this character! As such, this prince has renamed the premises ¡®Ning Park¡¯ for two reasons. One, in honor of her given name, and second, to call upon the peaceful meaning behind this character. This park is now bestowed upon her in front of all of you. This prince promises her a life of tranquility, free from worries and years of quiet happiness. So it is witnessed.¡±

    Pang Xiao walked up to Qin Yining and bent down to peer at the girl¡¯s extremely flushed face. He chuckled softly. ¡°There¡¯s no other meaning behind this gift. It¡¯s just for your own amusement. Do you like it, my dear Yi?¡±

 Chapter 147: Continued Pursuit

    <h4>Chapter 147: Continued Pursuit</h4>

    Qin Yining sat primly in the rose seat 1 as Pang Xiao bent even closer to her. Their faces were extremely close to each other, and she could almost smell the fragrance that she knew to be unique to him.

    Her heart suddenly skipped a beat, then started to pound furiously. Rosy clouds flitted to her cheeks, and her eyes seemed to glisten ever more strongly with irritation. This person is so...

    She almost couldn¡¯t discern her feelings towards Pang Xiao anymore. She was angry at how brashly he just charged in, doing things his way, but deep in her heart of hearts, she couldn¡¯t help but be moved.

    But, but. If she really did ept this park just like this, the emperor would definitely suspect her father of treasonous thoughts, let alone the offense the trampess would take. She had no right to decide whether she was going to tie her fate with Pang Xiao, because in her hands were also the fates of the entire Qin family.

    At this moment, Qin Yining was suddenly struck by a notion. How nice would it be if Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t from Great Zhou, or if rtions between their two countries weren¡¯t so awkward? Or, wouldn¡¯t it be nice if I wasn¡¯t a Qin daughter and he not Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s son?

    There was just much too much between the two of them.

    Pang Xiao on the other hand, wasn¡¯t willing to miss the slightest ripple in her emotions. He watched her intently, the reddened cheeks and wide eyes a silent witness to how much she was moved. However, the gradually dimming look and subconsciously pursed lips also expressed her helplessness and recognition of the greater picture. He was no fool, he immediately understood her concerns.

    Indeed, Qin Yining rose and looked straight at the prince to answer righteously, ¡°There can be no rewards without services rendered. I have absolutely no rtionship with Your Highness, so how can I ept such a valuable gift? Please, retract your order.¡±

    Such a firm rejection awoke thedies from the fantasies that¡¯d erupted of that ardent confession. Those with a clearer understanding of national matters understood what the Qin fourth miss had done. Of course, there were still some who cursed her as a stupid fool.

    What kind of person was little Prince Pang? It was the umted fortune of eight generations that he would deign to show favor in such a fervent way! How dare she reject him so callously with something like ¡®I have absolutely no rtionship with Your Highness¡¯?! Wasn¡¯t she afraid that the prince would hack her to pieces in a sudden fit of fury?

    The atmosphere froze, and just as n¨¦e Sun rose to her feet out of worry that Pang Xiao would wring her daughter¡¯s neck in a momentary surge of anger, the prince burst outughing.

    ¡°You still don¡¯t think much of me, huh? My poor self-esteem is being trampled into the dirt because of you.¡± He¡¯d actually dropped the formal usage of ¡®this prince¡¯.

    ¡°Please watch your words, Your Highness.¡± Qin Yining frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a clear understanding of matters between us now. We do not walk the same path, please respect these boundaries.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if we walk different paths. I¡¯lle walk yours. I like you and want to make you happy, but that¡¯s my own business and nothing to do with you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes widened out of sheer disbelief. Exactly how thick-skinned was this prince!? How is he able to say all this with a straight face in public and in front of an audience?!

    ¡°My dear Yi, I would never force you to do anything you don¡¯t like. Think about it, when have I ever forced you into anything?¡±

    A memory of that unsolicited kiss rose unbidden in Qin Yining¡¯s mind. Her cheeks flushed red all over again and she itched to blow a raspberry straight into his face.

    For all his perception, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t quite see that blush and continued smilingly. ¡°This park is merely a trick to see you smile. If you still don¡¯t want something in the future, I won¡¯t force you into epting it. But please bear with me just this once. I had thend and residence deeds made out to you this morning, and your Grand Steward Zhong will probably deliver it by the time you return.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± The girl was bbergasted.

    ¡°Alright, alright, it¡¯s my bad.¡± Pang Xiao bent down again in order to see her expression clearly. He drank in every twitch and crinkle of her face, and softened his tone. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, alright? It¡¯s just this one time. I won¡¯t be like this in the future.¡±

    Qin Yining found it difficult to connect the gently cajoling man in front of her, trying with all his might to make her happy, with the unblinking killer demon that the rumors spoke of. It was precisely because this iron-hearted, domineering person was so soft and gentle to her that it moved her heart.

    The prince¡¯s actions in readying the contract first and then shoving it into her possession cleared most of the suspicion from her and her father, and shouldered a lot of the unnecessary me as well. She was the one who¡¯d profit from it, but the outside world would harangue him for forcing her into this. She looked at the prince with aplicated gaze, unable to give voice to further words of rejection.

    Pang Xiao was smiling happily, absentmindedly noting the resemnce between her and the snowy Riceball. Her ears even stick out the same way. He really wanted to stroke her head, but knew that his high profile announcement right now had already sessfully intimidated certain people. Unsightly criticism would spring forth if he went overboard. There¡¯s plenty of opportunities in the future, so no need to be in a rush now.

    He once again took his seat at the head of the table, while Qin Yining returned to her original seat, deep in thought. The empress¡¯ expression had long since be the epitome of unsightliness. The emperor doted on her, yes, but he was never this tender and loving towards her.

    Additionally, the emperor was a geezer as old as her father, and in stark contrast, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was a young, fine specimen. The emperor had bestowed Oft Spring Garden to her not too long ago, but Qin Yining had just received the much superior Ning Park! And it¡¯d be one thing if the Qin fourth miss was a vixen who¡¯d hooked the prince, but even a fool could see that between the two of them, the prince was the one on the back foot!

    The empress hadpletely lost in the contest of men and face, and even her most confident attribute, her looks, was a few shades weaker in the face of Qin Yining blooming like a rose in spring. The imperial majesty clenched her teeth, forced to seethe silently even as she nursed a belly full of grievances.

    ¡°Everyone, do as you wish. This prince has other matters to attend to and will be leaving now.¡± Pang Xiao rose and ignored the empress, smiling only at Qin Yining before leaving with Huzi.

    The caretaker in charge of the park bowed to Qin Yining. ¡°Mistress, His Highness has instructed this humble one to take your orders in the future. This servant kowtows to the mistress.¡±

    Well now, the park that the raging empress wanted to hold a banquet in was now Qin Yining¡¯s! The womenfolk¡¯s gazes flitted between Qin Yining and the empress, their looks... interesting.

    Qin Yining also felt like Pang Xiao had handed her a hot potato, but with how the cards had fallen, she couldn¡¯t push this off to someone else. She wasn¡¯t the type to shirk from responsibility. Plus, the empress¡¯ livid expression was quite the amusing picture.

    ¡°You may rise.¡± Qin Yining indicated her assent with a smile and curtsied to the empress. ¡°All shall be as Your Majesty desires.¡±

    The empress red at Qin Yining¡¯s pretty, young face. The girl was so charming that it made her teeth ache. After a long moment, the empress spat out, ¡°We return to the pce!¡±

    She whirled angrily and stalked off, Cao Yuqing and Madame Cao in hot pursuit.

    The nobledies hadn¡¯t eaten a bite of the banquet and now had tramped around on the mountain paths for long enough that they didn¡¯t remain behind either. The group quickly rushed off in the empress¡¯ footsteps. Meanwhile, Qin Yining cidly sent the empress off with her eyes and then nonchntly took her original seat. She poured a cup of wine and sipped at it while her eyes turned to those who¡¯d remained.

    The old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, second madame, and seventh miss hadn¡¯t left. It was just as well, because to the empress, they were clearly in cahoots with Qin Yining. And now, the old dowager no longer knew how to treat her granddaughter.

    But momentster, a shrewd light suddenly shone from the Qin matriarch¡¯s eyes. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, just what is your rtionship with little Prince Pang? Were you keeping himpany when you went to Xihua?¡±

 Chapter 148: Iâ€™ll Hold It Up For You

    <h4>Chapter 148: I¡¯ll Hold It Up For You</h4>

    Those words caused the second madame to frown fiercely and the seventh miss duck her head out of embarrassment.

    N¨¦e Sun could finally take no more. She shot to her feet with a m of her hand on the table. ¡°Are these words that the old dowager should be saying to her granddaughter?! Is this how a grandmother behaves?!¡±

    ¡°What does it have to do with you how I act as a grandmother?! Look at the good daughter you¡¯ve raised and how dirty she¡¯s be before even marrying and leaving the house! Seducing men in broad daylight! And with so many in the city witnessing it, am I wrong to ask her about things as the titled old dowager of the house?¡±

    ¡°You!!¡± N¨¦e Sun was so enraged that she wanted to tear the old dowager¡¯s tongue right out of her mouth. ¡°Have a conscience when you speak! It wasn¡¯t darling Yi¡¯s desire to go to Xihua for the peace talks, you know full well how and why she ended up going! If I¡¯d known that the old dowager was going to nder my daughter this way, I shouldn¡¯t have let her go, no matter the danger it posed to the Qins! So many men couldn¡¯t step up for the good of the country, so why did my daughter have to be sacrificed instead?!

    ¡°And now a pure and innocent girl has to be pointed at and gossiped about like this. Even you, her own grandmother, hesitate to believe her. Put your hand on your heart and ask yourself if what you¡¯re doing is truly right! Yes, you ask rightly. You¡¯re quite amazing. You gave birth to Qin Meng, a fine son, so how could you ever be wrong? We¡¯re the ones who are wrong! We should¡¯ve defied the imperial order in the beginning and tossed all you Qins on our funeral pyres!¡±

    ¡°Well, I never! N¨¦e Sun, you think you have a silver tongue, don¡¯t you?! I¡¯ll go to the ancestral hall and divorce you right now for ndering your mother-inw like this!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve wanted to divorce me for a long time now! You couldn¡¯t do it before, so let¡¯s see how far you get now! I have a paramount rank title now and there¡¯s a tablet erected in my honor outside the Qin Manor. Divorce me?! Dream on!¡±

    ¡°You unfilial bitch!¡±

    The old dowager and n¨¦e Sun were now openly shrieking at each other, startling the second madame and seventh miss so much that they forgot to pull the two sides apart and convince them to back down. On the other hand, Qin Yining was much moreposed. She pulled n¨¦e Sun a few steps away and helped her mother sit, handing her a cup of tea.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother. The old dowager is such a good grandmother. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen any grandparent talk about their granddaughter this way. I need to thank her for this lesson, so don¡¯t be angry, mother.¡±

    Qin Yining had thought things through. Open hostilities had erupted between her and the old dowager ever since the matter of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s execution. She no longer looked at the old dowager with any hope, and as a result, didn¡¯t mince her words anymore.

    The old dowager snorted. ¡°Just answer my question. As the matriarch of the family, I consider all of the girls¡¯ futures. I¡¯ll make ns for you too, so don¡¯t you be ungrateful!¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for your good intentions, Old Dowager. But it rather seems that you¡¯re making ns for the business opportunity represented by the prince instead. You want to sell your granddaughter off at a good price in order to maximize the benefits for the Qin family, am I right?¡±

    The old dowager erupted, stabbing a finger in Qin Yining¡¯s direction.

    ¡°You wild, rebellious brat!¡± She raged. ¡°Strutting and throwing your weight around, are you?! Don¡¯t go forgetting your surname after a fewpliments from little Prince Pang! Take a look at yourself in the mirror! Do you really think the prince would look twice at you if it wasn¡¯t for the Qin family?!¡±

    ¡°Who is so bold as to surmise this prince¡¯s thoughts?¡± Huzi lifted the bamboo curtain from outside the pavilion.

    Pang Xiao had changed into a dark blue outfit suitable for the moment, his hairbed into a ponytail that trailed down his back. Compared to his restrained gentility from earlier, his appearance now seemed much more like an unsheathed de.

    The old dowager waspletely taken aback by Pang Xiao¡¯s reappearance and rose, at a loss for words.

    Pang Xiao carefully sized up the Qin matriarch and smiled. ¡°It looks like the rumors are true. You really don¡¯t treat darling Yi well.¡±

    It was just a run-of-the-mill statement, but it made the color drain from the old dowager¡¯s face.

    She was deathly afraid of Pang Xiao, not just because of his infamous reputation, one so pervasive that it made children stop crying and bussing, but because Qin Huaiyuan had once plotted against and eliminated Pang Zhongzheng. It was because of this that she refused to believe Pang Xiao¡¯s motives regarding Qin Yining were as simple as mere affection.

    One did not suffer to share the same ne of existence as a father¡¯s killer. The old dowager firmly dismissed any possibility that Pang Xiao had forgotten the events of the past. How would her family be able to endure his revenge? Even the emperor bowed his head in front of Pang Xiao these days, much less the Qins!

    The old dowager had spent recent years living in fine style. Qin Huaiyuan was an exceedingly filial son and rarely disturbed her with anything. And so, the matriarch hadn¡¯t handled any major affairs for many years. When faced with Pang Xiao¡¯s piercing gaze, so sharp that it felt like he would devour her at any moment, she felt like prey affixed in the sights of a tiger. Courage and any thoughts of resistance deserted her. She only had room left to tremble and shudder, her mind spinning and her mouth not finding any words at all.

    Pang Xiao snorted coldly and stopped intimidating the old woman. After all, she was still Qin Yining¡¯s grandmother. His beloved would have a difficult time exining herself at home if her grandmother really did die from fright. He waved a hand, making a signal to the perceptive Huzi. The guard summoned a young and beautiful maid from outside.

    The maid was roughly seventeen, and possessed a refreshing, exquisite beauty. Lithe in form, she had a pair of exceptionally bright eyes.

    ¡°This maid greets the miss.¡± The maid knelt to perform a gesture of greeting.

    ¡°This is Jiyun. She¡¯ll serve you in the future,¡± Pang Xiao exined.

    ¡°Many thanks for Your Highness¡¯ good intentions. I have enough people serving by my side and don¡¯t need anymore.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay her monthly stipend. She knows some martial arts and can protect and help you. Listen to my words. Don¡¯t you dare reject me!¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. He¡¯s still being somanding.

    Pang Xiao seemed to realize that the girl wasn¡¯t happy and reflected that his words might¡¯ve been too harsh. He quickly tried to salvage the situation. ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your own good. You don¡¯t have to hold it in in the future if anyone tries to bully you. Don¡¯t waste time with words when you can just use fists. Save some energy that way. Don¡¯t shy away from having Jiyun just end the life of whoever irritates you.¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qin Yining was so stunned by this line of reasoning that she didn¡¯t know what to say anymore.

    The prince seemed to understand her reservations and lightly tapped her pert chin with his index finger. He loomed close. ¡°Remember, I can hold up the sky for you even if you poke a hole in it.¡±

    Qin Yining shuffled backwards, avoiding Pang Xiao¡¯s finger and the heat he brought with his proximity.

    The old dowager, second madame, and seventh miss had long since been lost in a daze. Who would¡¯ve thought that the prince would be so indulgent? The old dowager¡¯s lips moved as she wanted to say something, but the second madame squeezed her arm.

    The second madame hailed from a family of schrs, but the old dowager didn¡¯t like her very much since she didn¡¯t fawn over the matriarch like the third madame did. Even so, her action right then was enough to spark some enlightenment in the old woman¡¯s mind.

    Right, it was best not to say anything at this time and avoid offending this god of violence. Otherwise, no one knew whether they¡¯d be able to make it home, what with his mercurial temper and utter disregard for human life.

    ¡°Go tell the servants to prepare the carriage. This prince will personally escort Miss Qin and the Marchionness of Anping back to the manor.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Huzi saluted and left to make the preparations.

    Pang Xiao looked back at the old dowager with a smile. ¡°As for you all, do as you see fit.¡± He lifted the curtain and left before the old dowager could formte a response.

    ......

    Qin Yining was supporting n¨¦e Sun, trailed by a bbergasted Jin-mama and Bingtang. For her part, Bingtang was trying so hard to hold inughter that she was almost giving herself an internal injury. The small group exited the park doors and set foot on the small path. The skies above were filled with the branches of the peach blossoms that stood along their path. Pang Xiao took the lead, his figure tall andmanding, an intense aura emanating with each stride. He seemed more like a fierce tiger making its way down the mountain, drawing attention with sheer force of presence.

    This person, who everyone saw as a threat to their life whenever he turned to them, spent so much time and energy lowering himself in front of her and did his best to make her happy. If he really wanted her, Qin Yining knew that one word would be enough to make the Great Yan emperor pack her up and send her to him. Yet Pang Xiao had never done so. He¡¯d rather cken his own reputation and bolster her dignity in front of others, and had indulged her wishes on more than one asion.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t a lump of iron, so how would she remain unmoved through all of this? Even though she didn¡¯t like how mboyant Pang Xiao was, she well and truly felt the depth of his affections.

    The girl stared at the young man¡¯s back, her brow tightly furrowed in deep thought. Pang Xiao seemed to notice a pair of eyes staring at him and turned around, just in time to witness the deep look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes before she turned her head away.

    But their eyes had met.

    The prince quickly turned back to the front with seeming nonchnce to continue down the mountain. However, his quickened heart rate betrayed his nerves and excitement. That kind of look... S-so, Qin Yining, she liked him too. Right?

    Being supported by her daughter, there were several moments when n¨¦e Sun wanted to speak up, but in the end, she settled for a quiet sigh every so often.

    Meanwhile, the old dowager and the others were relegated to the back thanks to Huzi. They were barred from approaching Qin Yining, demonstrating how serious Pang Xiao had been when he said that they could do as they wished. The Qin matriarch¡¯s brow could not be more furrowed. She felt like she lost enough face today for several lifetimes.

    Even if she didn¡¯t like Qin Yining because the girl¡¯s intelligence made her too hard to control, the fourth miss was still a Qin daughter. Little Prince Pang¡¯s obvious favor and indulgence stood in stark contrast to his ruthlessness towards others. Such a strong disparity kept the old dowager on her guard. For starters, the maid called Jiyun couldn¡¯t be allowed to stay.

    The rest of the journey down passed unnoticed as the old woman remained deep in thought. It wasn¡¯t until she, the second madame, seventh miss, Qin-mama and others had all climbed into their carriage that she realized Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had left them far behind. The old dowager raised the blue brocade curtains of her carriage and saw Pang Xiao following Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s carriage with roughly a dozen men on horseback. Even the maid called Jiyun was riding a horse, and her clean riding form gave away her proficiency in martial arts!

    Anger made the old dowager¡¯s head hum and she bit off fiercely, ¡°Let¡¯s go slower so that they leave first. They can have their moment of glory for now, but let¡¯s see how they clean up this mess in the future!¡±

 Chapter 149: Falling Ill

    <h4>Chapter 149: Falling Ill</h4>

    ¡°Understood.¡± The groom slowed the speed of the carriage.

    Up ahead, Qin Yining¡¯s lip were tightly pursed, even while she shared a carriage with her mother. That man was simply too domineering, and never did anything with her consent! Thankfully he spent most of his days in Great Zhou. Wouldn¡¯t she die of anger if he lived in Great Yan?

    Although her thoughts were more along the lines of a sulky pout, theughter and gentleness in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t be concealed. This was more than enough to immensely worry n¨¦e Sun. With how the situation had progressed, Qin Huaiyuan had yet to outwardly oppose any of these developments. Pang Xiao had confessed his affections with such fanfare today, so would she really have such a violent son-inw in the future?

    Pang Xiao escorting the carriage back to the Qin Manor ended up rming everyone back at the manor. Meanwhile, a huffy empress had summoned Elder Statesman Cao to her pce and dismissed everyone in preparation for a thorough interrogation.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that park, father?! You didn¡¯t even tell me that you were building it and then refused to tell me who you gifted it to. What¡¯s going on here, father??¡±

    Statesman Cao wasn¡¯t irritated to be questioned by his daughter thus. Only, his tone was suspiciously low as he responded, ¡°I look to Your Majesty to show tolerance in this matter.¡±

    Although the empress was in a hot fury, she knew exactly how capable her father was, and didn¡¯t dare throw too much of a fit. She concentrated her emotions into a stern frown. ¡°Father, why did you give a park to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank?¡±

    Statesman Cao shook his head. ¡°I originally gave it to someone else and only just found out today that it¡¯s been given to the prince. I was just about to go call on my recipient to ask why.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What kind of person has the right to enjoy such an exquisite yard?¡± The empress had only asked out of absent curiosity, but inspiration struck after the words were formed. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. ¡°Is it... her?¡±

    The statesman nodded. ¡°Except, I never thought that the vaunted princess of the Tatars would seek to curry Pang¡¯s favor.¡±

    The empress tightlypressed her lips, her brow bing more tightly knit with each passing second.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t a good development,¡± she murmured. ¡°The Tatars are cruel, ruthless, and devious. Anari isn¡¯t a kind soul, and that Siqin 1 at her side appears even more like the wily sort. Our cooperation with them is supposed to be the greatest of secrets. The emperor absolutely can¡¯t find out about this, or you and I will have tragic ends, father. What if Anari tells Pang about our partnership? Wouldn¡¯t that give Pang something to hold over our heads?¡±

    ¡°I too worry about that, but you needn¡¯t concern yourself with the matter, Your Majesty. I¡¯ll take care of it. The Tatar princess may want to keep the two of us in check, but that¡¯s much easier said than done. I¡¯d never once appeared when Spring Portrait Garden was being built, so no one knows our family built that yard. But the emperor may ask nheless, so please divert him well, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°This seat naturally understands the gravity of the situation. Don¡¯t worry, father.¡±

    ¡°This subject is at ease with Your Majesty¡¯s reassurance.¡±

    ......

    The second and third elder master were home when Pang Xiao escorted Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun back home, but Qin Huaiyuan was out. This kind of rming development left everyone madly scrambling, well beyond just panic.

    Please, this was someone who killed without blinking! Hadn¡¯t everyone seen how timid and respectful the emperor had been at the Meridien Gate? Now that this harbinger of doom hade knocking at their doors, it was one thing to suffer some losses of their own if the prince found fault with their hospitality, but a much more serious matter if this became an excuse to wage war on Great Yan.

    However, everyone heaved a sigh of relief when Pang Xiao didn¡¯t set foot inside the doors. He didn¡¯t even respond to the party that went out to wee him. His eyes stayed on Qin Yining from beginning to end, and probably wouldn¡¯t have paid any attention to the Qins no matter who came out to greet him.

    ¡°Take care of yourself and don¡¯t suffer unnecessarily,¡± he gently exhorted before galloping off on horseback.

    At this point, Qin Yining was quite resigned to the drama that would follow. She looked at Bingtang and Jiyun behind her. ¡°Let¡¯s head inside. Jiyun¡¯s newly arrived, so tell her more about the affairs of the manor, Bingtang.¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡± Bingtang smiled amiably at Jiyun.

    Setting aside the strong undercurrent of gossip for the moment, everyone returned to their own residences. N¨¦e Sun was quite uneasy back at the Garden of Tranquility. When Jin-mama saw her mistress pace round and round the room like a top, an unsolicited smile rose to her lips.

    ¡°What are you worrying about, madame?¡±

    ¡°Wet nurse, you saw what happened today as well. What does that Pang mean by all this? If he really likes our daughter Yi, then he could raise it with the emperor and have a legitimate marriage bestowed upon him. But instead, hemits so many high profile acts in front of others... our darling¡¯s a little girl and doesn¡¯t understand all this, but I do as a mother! I¡¯m really worried that daughter Yi wille off worse for the wear after all of this!¡±

    The madame was fraught with worry when she thought of Pang Xiao¡¯s looks and aura, and how Qin Yining had blushed today.

    Jin-mama helped n¨¦e Sun to a nearby round chair with a high back, carved with intricate patterns. The old servant offered a white porcin teacup with both hands and soothed her charge, ¡°Don¡¯t think so much, madame. This isn¡¯t something we can resolve by fretting about it. To me, I feel that the fourth miss does know what¡¯s going on. The lord isn¡¯t muddle headed either, so we can just leave this matter in their hands.¡±

    ¡°But that little Prince Pang ughters people like he¡¯s stepping on ants...¡±

    ¡°It would truly be a disservice to our miss if she happened to be tied up with a useless fop in these troubled times. Our miss is a heroicdy with a deep sense of justice. It might not be a bad thing if the prince really does like her.¡±

    ¡°But Pang Zhongzheng suffered his agonizing, terrible death that year because of the lord¡¯s plot!¡±

    ¡°Madame, the matters of court run deep, with many twists to them. Back then, the Northern Ji tyrant terrorized the citizens and sought absolute authority. Perhaps he had long since put up his guard against General Pang. Although the general died horribly, making it seem like our lord¡¯s plot worked, the Northern Ji tyrant bears a lot of the responsibility as well. If someone like this servant can think of all this, then the prince has surely thought of it as well. Since he¡¯s still willing to get closer to our miss after all this, that means he doesn¡¯t mind it.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded and set down the teacup, her anxiety only slightly abated. She drummed her fingers unevenly on the table and responded after a long moment. ¡°Do you think he¡¯s purposefully getting closer to daughter Yi so that he can hurt her, in revenge for his father?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much, madame.¡± The old servant smiled. ¡°You¡¯re panicking because of your love for the miss. But with the prince¡¯s martial arts and other abilities, if he really wanted revenge, wouldn¡¯t he just charge into the manor and raze it to the ground?¡±

    The thought of this prompted shudders to travel through n¨¦e Sun. The imaginary scene brought chills to her, but she had to admit that her old wet nurse was right.

    ¡°So you mean that he may be sincere?¡±

    ¡°What have heroes found hardest to conquer since ancient times?¡± Jin-mama chuckled. ¡°The fourth miss has the best of the lord and the best of you, madame, in her. Even I like her very much, so of course the prince would as well. In fact, the crown prince does as well. When a daughter grows up, she might be hotly pursued by a hundred families. Don¡¯t worry about this, madame. The lord won¡¯t let anything bad happen to the miss.¡±

    The old servant¡¯s words praised Qin Yining, n¨¦e Sun, and Qin Huaiyuan in one breath, immensely soothing n¨¦e Sun and helping her rx. But the madame still felt greatly irritated when she thought of the old dowager¡¯s unreasonable and disgusting face.

    Without a strong family at her back, n¨¦e Sun had been forced to correct the habits of a lifetime and rein herself in. It was a painful process for her, and with the additional burden of these troublesome times, unkindness from her mother and sisters-inw, a new concubine with an illustrious halo, and fretting about her daughter¡¯s future... the stress of it all brought her low with illness after getting wet from a little bit of rain when traveling back and forth from the old dowager¡¯s. Later that night, n¨¦e Sun took to her bed with a fever.

    Qin Yining was inspecting the Institute¡¯s ounts when she received the news. She was so frightened that the books slipped from her hands, bouncing off the floor and scattering papers everywhere. She left Qiulu to clean up the mess and grabbed Bingtang, Sonn, and Jiyun, racing towards the Garden of Tranquility.

 Chapter 150: Finding Clues

    <h4>Chapter 150: Finding Clues</h4>

    When the fourth miss arrived, she found head maid Caiju carrying a white porcin bowl on a redwood tray, hot from a brazier, walking down the covered hallway of the west wing. The medicinal soup was dark brown and smelled very bitter.

    The maid quickly dipped her knee when she saw Qin Yining. ¡°You¡¯ve arrived, Fourth Miss. We¡¯ve just brewed medicine for the madame.¡±

    ¡°How is the madame? Have you summoned a doctor? Which doctor? What did he say?¡±

    Seeing that the fourth miss was firing off questions one after another with hardly a breath in between, Caiju inwardly smiled to see that her madame possessed such fortune.

    ¡°The lord sent servants to deliver his calling card to Imperial Physician Zhang, and the physician has diagnosed madame with a cold brought on by a mix of worries and rain,¡± the maid responded empathetically. ¡°Although it looks severe, it looks like things will be fine as soon as the fever dissipates. The lord is inside, please, go on in, miss!¡±

    Their voices echoed down the walkway. Perhaps hearing the conversation, Can poked her head out the pale-blue brocade and bamboo curtains. The maid quietly invited the fourth miss in when she saw the participants.

    It was much warmer inside. Qin Yining quickly stepped around the divider and passed through the side hall where daily routines took ce. As she slipped into the inner room, she was greeted by Qin Huaiyuan dressed in a sapphire house robe. Her father had moved a low stool next to the bed and was reading a book by his wife¡¯s side. Jin-mama was stooped on the low step of the bed, keeping guard over her mistress.

    A wet handkerchief had been gentlyid on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s forehead, and shey peacefully between the pale-green satin sheets, despite the unnatural red of her cheeks. The senior madame was wearing a snow-white undergarment.

    It pained Qin Yining to see her mother thus. She quietly greeted her father and pressed Jin-mama for specifics. The girl was finally put at ease after she¡¯d heard the old servant¡¯s reassurance that the madame wasn¡¯t in any danger, then having Bingtang diagnose her mother, and finally confirming everything multiple times. Keeping her voice low, she told Qin Huaiyuan that she would stand vigil throughout the night, and that he should spend in the night in the outer study.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s fever ran hot as the night progressed during the night, so an exhausted Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare close her eyes until the fever broke just before dawn. When the madame awoke from her fevered sleep, the sun was shining brightly in the sky. A twinkling ray of sunlight caught her eye, and she followed it to find Qin Yining sprawled on the edge of the bed from her position on the low step.

    The girl¡¯s hair had cascaded messily down her lower back and half her face was buried in an arm. Her eyshes looked quite long from this angle, casting delicate shadows onto her cheeks. She seemed more like a child when asleep, like a cute and delicate porcin doll.

    N¨¦e Sun was taken aback at first, but quickly felt a rush of gratitude. It felt as if every vein in her body had been enveloped with warmth, like soaking in a hot spring. This girl, no matter what, was true to her.

    The truest of hearts were seen with the passage of time, and what the duo had weathered together was enough to prove Qin Yining¡¯s filial piety. The madame¡¯s hand rose shakily to stroke the girl¡¯s head. Qin Yining woke up at the first hint of her mother¡¯s touch. She smiled to see n¨¦e Sun awake and moved to sit on the edge of the bed, busily taking her mother¡¯s temperature.

    ¡°You¡¯re not feverish anymore. How are you feeling now, mother? Jin-mama¡¯s prepared in congee and some small tes for you. Let¡¯s eat some before you take your medicine, alright?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded and pushed herself upright, settling against therge cushion that Qin Yining ced behind her mother¡¯s back.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright. I just got caught in the sudden downpour on my way back from the Garden of Loving Piety yesterday. Look at how deep the circles beneath your eyes are! I¡¯m fine here, go back and rest!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave when I see that mother¡¯s taken your medicine. I¡¯ve already sent word to the old dowager just now and she¡¯s exempted you from morning and evening greetings. She tells you to rest well.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s genial mood was slightly despoiled by the mention of the old dowager, and so merely nodded in response.

    Qin Yining kept her motherpany until her mother had eaten both her breakfast and her medicine before returning to Venerable Study Hall for a nap. The next time her eyes opened, she¡¯d slept clean through lunch. She was hesitating over whether to rise and eat something when a visitor came calling.

    ¡°Miss, runners havee from the inner door to report that Grand Steward Zhong has some urgent matters to discuss with you. He¡¯s waiting for you outside the manor right now.¡±

    This chased away all sleepiness from Qin Yining¡¯s eyes, and she hastily rose to have her servants help her wash up. Steward Zhong was a great business partner and wouldn¡¯te find her for some little thing. Only the most serious of matters would summon him to her door.

    Normal noble daughters didn¡¯t even set foot out of the inner door, but for Qin Yining, her business on the outside made it amon urrence. She notified n¨¦e Sun that she was making a trip out and ignored the old dowager entirely before leaving with Bingtang and Jiyun.

    She¡¯d wanted to bring Sonn as well, but the maid had declined her with a smile. ¡°It¡¯ll be inconvenient if you bring too many people with you. Jiyun knows martial arts and Bingtang knows medicine. They¡¯re perfect to go with you, miss.¡±

    That seemed to make sense to Qin Yining, so she left Sonn and Qiulu with standing orders to look after things at home, and to take care of Riceball. The group of three saw Steward Zhong¡¯s carriage as soon as they set foot outside the manor. She had the two maids remain outside while she climbed into the carriage.

    ¡°Steward Zhong, what brings you here in such a hurry?¡±

    ¡°Miss, we found some clues about the group of assassins that attacked the Celestial Nunnery,¡± the steward responded lowly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Qin Yining was immensely surprised. Although she¡¯d asked the steward to discreetly investigate the matter, it¡¯d been a while since that affair. Combined with her ignorance of the Institute¡¯s informationwork, it was no wonder that she was very surprised when something had actually been found.

    The steward exined, smiling at her. ¡°Our people are good with the city coroner and learned a few things from him. The group that attacked the nunnery has the same origin as one of the groups that attacked the emperor when he weed back the Marquis of Anping. The coroner said that the same poison was present in both groups, and that both groups had the smell of water tobo in their mouths.¡±

    ¡°Water tobo?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s different from the loose leaf tobo that¡¯s moremon hereabouts. Water toboes from the north and has a stronger taste and kick to it. The northerners smoke it more, and it¡¯s not as popr around here. Add the long distance and higher prices, there¡¯s even fewer who regrly use it in the south. There¡¯s only one store in the entire capital that sells water tobo. When the coroner said that the assassins smoked water tobo, I had some men stake out that shop. But to think that we really did find some clues!¡± The steward unconsciously hushed his voice even more at this point.

    ¡°Those who came to purchase water tobo are all tall and brawny men. They don¡¯t talk much, but when we heard them speak, they spoke thenguage of the Tatars. They seem to have a leader, and he looks very different from us of Great Yan. Naturally, he¡¯s tall and muscr, but his eyes have flecks of light grey in them. You wouldn¡¯t notice without taking a close look, however.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°What else?¡±

    ¡°Our men kept watch at all hours and saw them purchasing tobo again yesterday, so they followed the foreigners and found their base. I didn¡¯t know what to do from there and so came to you for advice. Do we continue surveilling them, or do you have other ns, miss?¡±

    When the steward saw Qin Yining¡¯sck of surprise at the word ¡®Tatars¡¯, he knew that the owner had long since had her suspicions. And to be frank, it was a very logical conclusion after a superficial analysis of current politics.

    Great Zhou was to the north of Great Yan, and the Tatars to the north of Great Zhou. The Tatars had been at war with Great Zhou for many years, and thetter finally could free up some time and energy to deal with the Tatars after the sessful peace negotiations with Great Yan. This was undoubtedly a very bad oue, which was why the Tatars had tried their best to ruin the peace talks.

    Now that her spections had been verified, Qin Yining frowned in deep thought. ¡°Where is this base? Let¡¯s go take a look.¡±

    Steward Zhong nodded after a brief moment and called out to the groom. ¡°Head for Good Health Alley next to the Northern Gathering of Sages.¡±

    The groom made an affirmative noise and had the maids climb onto the carriage seat. He cracked the whip and quickly steered the carriage to the northern part of the city.

 Chapter 151: Deciding Upon Strategy

    <h4>Chapter 151: Deciding Upon Strategy</h4>

    The Northern Gathering of Sages was an establishment located in the north side of the city, close to the northern gate also called the Exalted Peace Gate. Going any further north would mean exiting the city. It wasn¡¯t a busy section of the capital, but there were severalrge families who called this area home.

    Steward Zhong led Qin Yining to Good Health Alley, a quiet street near the Exalted Peace Gate. There weren¡¯t anyrge manors present here, just some typical houses. A ckcquer door hid itself in the wall at the end of the alley, and two bored men were stooped in front of the door, cracking nuts as they whiled away the time.

    The mere sound of the carriage wheels rolling by the alley caused the men¡¯s heads to whip towards the head of the alley. This startled Qin Yining into tightening the crack between the window curtains.

    ¡°They¡¯re certainly alert.¡±

    ¡°That they are. Thankfully, my men are equally cautious and avoided detection. These two men are their guards.¡± Steward Zhong pointed at a few ces outside the carriage. ¡°Those people randomly wandering the street are probably also their men. Even though this manor seems to have a small entrance, it¡¯s very deep inside. It¡¯s tworge houses deep, and it wouldn¡¯t be a problem to house roughly a hundred people.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Something is definitely off here. Is this the only exit? Are there any other doors?¡±

    ¡°In response to you, miss, I had some men explore the area. There¡¯s only a front and back door to the manor, and a narrow dog hole that leads to a side street. There are no other exits.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± The girl nodded slightly. The carriage had wheeled past the alley, and the groom was hesitatingly slowing down. He was unsure whether or not to turn around, but Qin Yining spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t turn back. Keep driving straight ahead and take a longer way around to the back of the manor.¡±

    The groom assented, and drove the horses forward.

    The two men at the door and others on the street had taken careful notice of the carriage. They rxed only when the carriage rolled past without stopping, taking it as someone just passing by.

    Qin Yining was deep in thought. This ce is definitely strange. Judging from the presence of guards and Steward Zhong¡¯s investigations, there were definitely Tatars living in that manor.

    But this was the Great Yan capital, a ce where security was paramount and the emperor cast a watchful eye over everything! Was there really no one who¡¯d discovered the Tatars taking up residence here? Not to mention, the northernmander of Warden¡¯s office was stationed at the Northern Gathering of Sages, and the northern Bureau of Fire Control had their office close by. These two were solidly aboveboard government offices. Would Tatars spies really pick a stronghold so close to enemy agencies? Wouldn¡¯t that be asking to be exposed?

    But there truly were Tatars in that manor. There¡¯s just something very odd about all this.

    As she pondered the oddities, the carriage had looped around the huge manor and reached its back door.

    The rear wall of the manor was noticeably taller than its two neighbors. Thankfully, there weren¡¯t any men guarding the back door. Perhaps this was out of conscious imitation of their neighbors. No one else had guards posted to their back door. If only this manor had guards, that would actually appear more suspicious instead.

    ¡°This looks like a regr residence, but its defenses are airtight. There¡¯s no ce to begin if we wanted to investigate it.¡± Steward Zhong sighed. ¡°I¡¯d wanted to send people in, but was afraid of rming the target. It¡¯d be bad if we were exposed.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Qin Yining nodded. ¡°We can¡¯t forcefully investigate this ce. Think about it, this manor is so close to the yamen, and the warden¡¯s soldiers patrol the surroundings everyday. Can they really have no idea of the situation? If they do and still allow it, then there¡¯s something much deeper at y here.¡±

    The steward was a smart man. He immediately caught the owner¡¯s drift with just those few words. His expression grew grave as well. ¡°If this is the case, then we really can¡¯t investigate directly.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. There¡¯d actually been a split second where she wanted to give up investigating this matter. The Tatars had been involved in an assassination attempt, so the emperor would naturally send his elites after them.

    But if they didn¡¯t follow the clues they¡¯d gathered now, greater trouble might appear in the future. The Tatars had threatened the Duchess of Ding, her, and her father. Things weren¡¯t as simple as they seemed. The fact that these people yet remained within the city indicated that they had more missions to carry out. Who knew? Maybe next time they¡¯d make an attempt on her family.

    Qin Yining mentally dismissed any ideas of taking a step back when her thoughts reached that final point. She lifted her eyes in time to see a patrol from the Warden¡¯s Office walk by. She recognized the leader as Xu Mao, the East Area Commander of the Warden¡¯s Office from the Celestial Nunnery attack.

    Although she was puzzled why he would be patrolling the northern part of the city, she didn¡¯t think much of it. Instead, she had the carriage stop and lifted the window curtain to give Bingtang some instructions.

    The maid jumped off the carriage seat and headed to Xu Mao, but the steward didn¡¯t understand, looking inquiringly at the Qin fourth miss. But Qin Yining was intently focused on seeing Xu Mao¡¯s reaction.

    Themander followed Bingtang to the carriage before long. Qin Yining didn¡¯t put on airs and lifted the curtains to nod a greeting to the man. ¡°Long time no see, Sir Xu.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s Miss Qin.¡± Xu Mao was a lot more respectful to the girl than before, an obvious indication of how high Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s new position of marquis was.

    ¡°I have something to trouble Sir Xu with, and apologize for the hassle.¡±

    ¡°Not at all! Please speak of whatever you need, Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°I just passed through the area with my servants and identally dropped a gold bracelet embedded with jade. The jade in the bracelet is of exceedingly fine quality and is highly valuable. But I saw a tall,rge man pick it up. My servants called out to him but he ran off quickly, entering that manor.¡± Qin Yining pointed at the manor with the Tatars. ¡°Therefore, I¡¯d like to trouble Sir Xu to get my bracelet back for me.¡±

    Pfft. A girl alright. They only know to concern themselves with trifles like these. Xu Mao was first highly contemptuous as he listened to the story, then quickly turned grave when he heard that the bracelet had been picked up by a man of that manor. He thought for a while and then smiled apologetically.

    ¡°A lost bracelet isn¡¯t the most important of matters. If Miss Qin really likes that bracelet, then this official will buy another one for you. However, I can¡¯t search that manor. Even if we had more concrete evidence than your words, I still don¡¯t have the right to do so.¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her chin proudly. ¡°But I saw the people of that manor take my bracelet. It¡¯s a priceless piece of jewelry! Will Sir Xu still not help?¡±

    Impatience crept into Xu Mao¡¯s tone. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t intend to help, but that Elder Statesman Cao gave instructions that great personages live in this manor. They¡¯re not to be disturbed, so I rmend you let the matter rest.¡±

    A stroke of inspiration struck Qin Yining when she heard about Statesman Cao. The look of pride on her face instantly morphed to one of wariness, and she responded with a look of embarrassment. ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s just a gold bracelet. It¡¯s nothing major.¡±

    Themander heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that the Qin fourth miss was bending to the situation and not making a further fuss about her bracelet. He raised his hands in a salute and left to continue patrolling. Qin Yining let down the curtains and rushed the groom back to Cloudsoar Inn.

    ......

    The steward and Qin Yining took a seat each inside a quiet house. Jiyun and Bingtang were on guard outside, to keep from anyone eavesdropping on the conversation inside. The steward broached the subject worriedly when it was only the two of them inside. ¡°Do you still wish to investigate, miss?¡±

    ¡°Yes. These people have already attempted two assassinations, so there may be a third or fourth attempt. How can I let thistent threat continue brewing?¡±

    The steward nodded approvingly. ¡°However, it won¡¯t be easy to take them out. We can¡¯t even investigate their manor.¡±

    Qin Yining found the task daunting as well. It wasn¡¯t difficult to nab one of them for an interrogation, but what if the other didn¡¯t give them a chance to ask questions? If their captivemitted suicide, it¡¯d only rm the enemy and make their own investigations more difficult in the future. Should I tell father about this?

 Chapter 152: A Great Show (I)

    <h4>Chapter 152: A Great Show (I)</h4>

    Father was a court official and wasn¡¯t free to do many things himself. His most likely course of action after learning about this would be to report it to the emperor. But this ce was under Statesman Cao¡¯s protection. It was a veryplicated web of rtionships. Who knew how that useless emperor would react? Her father might actually be used in return, since she didn¡¯t have any tangible evidence.

    She had to tell father about this, but only after obtaining concrete proof that these people were Tatar spies. Mere suspicions wouldn¡¯t be convincing enough, and people would suspect Qin Huaiyuan of stirring up trouble instead.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face grew solemn as she reached a decision, and she suddenly asked, ¡°Steward Zhong, do we have anyone in the Bureau of Fire Control?¡±

    The Bureau of Fire Control was associated with the Warden¡¯s Office and in charge of all fire-extinguishing efforts in the city.

    The steward¡¯s eyes lit up as he understood her meaning. ¡°We do have a brother, he collects night soil for the Bureau.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked andughed with delight. ¡°Perfect! A night soil collector. Hidden talents abound in the Institute alright! Our connections are exceedingly vast. Then, let¡¯s do it this way. Please search out this brother and prepare 300 taels of silver. He can retire handsomely after finishing this job.¡±

    ¡°What are your orders, miss?¡± The steward nodded.

    The girl had Steward Zhong scoot closer and whispered her n to him. His head bobbed furiously and he sighed with admiration when she finished. ¡°As expected, the apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree. You truly deserve the title of the ¡®Daughter of Wise Pan An¡¯. I bow to your strategic prowess, miss.¡±

    A blush colored Qin Yining¡¯s face from thepliments. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, Steward Zhong. It¡¯s all thanks to your support in everything I do. I¡¯m the lucky one, given that you¡¯re willing to help me.¡±

    ¡°Not at all! If it wasn¡¯t for you, miss, where would my family be now? Don¡¯t worry, miss, I¡¯ll carry out your orders faithfully. Just sit back and wait for the show to begin.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll thank Steward Zhong in advance for making the preparations. I probably won¡¯t be present when it all happens, so please follow everything Iid out just now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, everything will go as nned. This steward is an old hand at matters like these.¡± Steward Zhong smiled. Qin Yining nodded and returned to the manor withplete peace of mind.

    ......

    Nothing much happened over the next two days, and n¨¦e Sun gradually recovered from her bout of illness. Two dayster, Steward Zhong sent word in the morning when the household had juste awake. He was inviting Qin Yining to look over the ounts.

    The girl quickly told n¨¦e Sun that she was going out and brought Bingtang, Sonn, and Jiyun to the steward¡¯s home.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s ready, miss. We¡¯ll make our move tonight. Would you like to watch it yourself?¡± An excited gleam sparkled in Steward Zhong¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Naturally. It¡¯ll be a good show. But with my identity, it¡¯s not good to stay outside for too long. Let me think of a way to legitimately do so with my father.¡± The mauve jade bracelet on her wrist shifted as she toyed with the white porcin tea cup. Her translucent nails tapped the cup lightly and she suddenly smiled. ¡°Ah forget it, my father is wise and quick witted. Lying to him or pulling the wool over his eyes in this would be an unwise option.¡±

    Steward Zhong nodded in agreement. ¡°In my opinion, why not tell the lord the truth? It¡¯d be bad if misunderstandings developed instead.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Qin Yining went over the preparations again in hushed whispers before returning to the manor.

    That afternoon, Qin Yining brought Jiyun with her to the outer study. Qitai was pruning a pot of jasmine buds when he heard footsteps behind him. He quickly bowed in greeting when he saw that it was the fourth miss.

    ¡°Fourth Miss.¡±

    ¡°Is my father in?¡±

    ¡°The lord is, this servant will report your arrival immediately.¡± Qitai ced the shears to the side and turned, lifting the baby-blue door curtains oveid on bamboo bs. It didn¡¯t take long for him toe out and respectfully wee Qin Yining inside.

    Everything was as usual inside the study. Qin Huaiyuan was wearing a light-gray house robe, reading cross legged on the luohan bed next to the window. He smiled when the girl entered. ¡°So you¡¯re here, daughter,e sit.¡±

    Qin Yining sat down on the other end of the square table and dismissed the servants with a wave. ¡°Father, I¡¯d like to invite you to watch a good show.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes flicked to hers in surprise. He automatically put the book down on a nearby table, showing an aquamarine cover with the words ¡®A Commentary of the Spring and Autumn Annals¡¯, as he turned the entirety of his attention to his daughter.

    ¡°Your daughter has set up the stage and found a suitable theater troupe. Everything is ready, and weck only father as the audience. Would you like to go watch with me?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan found it hard to hide his smile when he looked at the little fox-like smirk on his daughter¡¯s face. It was so simr to his own when he was young. ¡°Alright, tell me who you¡¯re plotting against now.¡±

    ......

    The old dowager sulking on her luohan bed that dusky evening, holding a loose-leaf tobo pipe in her hand. A jade mouthpiece decorated the end of the bronze pipe, but its allure wasn¡¯t enough to tempt the old dowager.

    N¨¦e Sun, the second, and third madame were standing next to her. The third, sixth, seventh, eighth miss, and Qin Huining were all sitting or standing off to the side, trying their best to cheer up their grandmother.

    ¡°...I¡¯ve started making slippers for grandmother to wear indoors and have already traced out the pattern. I¡¯ll bring it over for you to take a lookter, grandmother. I can change it if you don¡¯t like it.¡± Qin Huining was snuggling up to the old dowager¡¯s arm as she spoke smilingly.

    Although the old dowager didn¡¯t treat Qin Huining as lovingly as she had before, she had still warmed up greatly to the foster girl on ount of Cao Yuqing. At any other time, the affectionate disy would have elicited a smile in return, but her sulky mood was rather obstinate today. She firmly shrugged off Qin Huining¡¯s hand and gave the tobo pipe and apanying pouch to Qin-mama.

    ¡°What did he say? He was perfectly fine before getting this busy! And what does he need to take granddaughter Yi with him for? How many days has it been since he¡¯se to make his greetings!? I say he¡¯s almost forgotten that I¡¯m his mother!¡±

    ¡°Not at all. No one else knows how busy the lord is, but surely you understand, mistress.¡± Qin-mama smiled in constion.

    Qin Huining piped in. ¡°That¡¯s right, don¡¯t be angry, grandmother. The senior madame was sick a few days ago, so it¡¯s natural that the lord was busy taking care of the madame.¡±

    The old dowager red at n¨¦e Sun and sniffed coldly.

    Although n¨¦e Sun no longer held out any hope for Qin Huining, it was still incredibly depressing to see the girl throw away so many years of love and drag n¨¦e Sun through the mud in front of the old dowager. But the madame had a fiery temper. When had she ever taken anything lying down?

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind that, Old Dowager. Setting aside how busy the lord is with court, he also has few ties to the family. Daughter Yi is incredibly intelligent and the lord also likes how simr she looks to him. I¡¯d say that he¡¯s raising her just as he would a son. Perhaps there was some important business they had to handle together today, so it¡¯s natural that they wouldn¡¯t have time to even set foot in the inner residence.¡±

    Although n¨¦e Sun was smiling, her every word felt like pointed jabs at the old dowager and Qin Huining¡¯s heart. Their son¡¯s (father) thoughts were wholly preupied with court, and he didn¡¯t think about them even in his free time, wanting to spend it only with Qin Yining. But she was also right, Qin Yining was very much like her father and worthy of further development.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten full of yourself with just a few favorable points.¡± The old dowager sniffed dismissively.

    ¡°Thank goodness I have a good daughter with me. I¡¯m not as fortunate as Old Dowager to be surrounded by sons and grandchildren. I only have daughter Yi. Who else could I look to if she became unfilial as well?¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s sniff was, if possible, even more disdainful as she nced mockingly at Qin Huining.

    The foster girl bit her lip, lowering her eyes to hide the hate that boiled within. Qin Yining¡¯s her real daughter alright! I¡¯m not n¨¦e Sun¡¯s anymore! Well, since she¡¯s being this way, she can¡¯t me me for what¡¯sing her way! The foster girl already had a n in mind while she mutely suffered from this great humiliation.

    Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t know what was going on the manor, and the fourth miss didn¡¯t have the slightest inkling that Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s favor had incited the old dowager and Qin Huining¡¯s jealousy.

    The night watch had just banged the drum after midnight when a manor in the Good Health Alley caught on fire. Thankfully, the Bureau of Fire Control and the Warden¡¯s Office were both close by. The Bureau¡¯s men quickly arrived with carts of water and bravely dashed in to put out the fire.

    But for some reason, the fire leapt and burned even more fiercely at their attempts. It was as if they¡¯d dumped a bucket of oil on the mes instead of water. This made the firefighters panic and they hastily sprayed more water on the mes. But to their great dismay, it only fed the congration even more.

    They finally realized that something was wrong and inspected the water carts, discovering that someone had poured oil into the carts. Less dense than water, the oil had floated to the top and had been siphoned through the hose. So all the liquid they¡¯d been spraying earlier had been oil! Even after spraying all that oil, there still was a thinyer of oil in the water carts, waiting to be used.

    And so, an idental fire became an act of unintentional arson.

 Chapter 153: A Great Show (II)

    <h4>Chapter 153: A Great Show (II)</h4>

    The men from the Warden¡¯s Office and Bureau of Fire Control were greatly panicking now, since the oil-fueled mes had already enveloped the inner residence. The fire was growing ever stronger, and although they could still put it out, it was very possible that those inside the manor would burn to death.

    As they battled the fire, tall, strong men ran out helter-skelter from the yard, their clothes hastily pulled on. Womanly screams also echoed through the night. Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan were concealed in the shadows of the back alley, dressed in identical ck capes.

    Steward Zhong came running up to them and whispered, ¡°Miss, it¡¯s done!¡±

    ¡°Good, keep an eye on the front and back alley,¡± Qin Yining responded in hush tones. ¡°Our people don¡¯t need to pull their punches. Capture anyone whoes out and dislocate their jaw so they can¡¯t bite off their tongue tomit suicide. Break the legs of any that run fast. Let¡¯s take advantage of this chaos to capture them all and take them to the ce we arranged.¡±

    ¡°Understood! Don¡¯t worry, miss!¡± The steward quickly ran off.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked down at his daughter with a smile. ¡°We should go as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright, father.¡± Unnoticed, father and daughter quietly melted into the depths of the alley.

    ......

    The fire close to the Northern Gathering of Sages was finally extinguished in the wee hours of the morning. Strangely, the houses neighboring the manor on fire were all empty. They only had one or two servants keeping watch, so they suffered no casualties from the fire.

    An even more bizarre detail arose when only four men seemed to be present from the manor that had caught fire, despite the thirty that had been seen running out. The survivors were keeping their mouths tightly shut, and their brethren seemed to have all disappeared overnight.

    Xu Mao felt an undercurrent of unease and quickly sent a message to Elder Statesman Cao.

    The Cao Manor.

    The servants within the outer study had all been dismissed to duties elsewhere. The butler stood vigil in front of the residence doors, not allowing anyone toe close to the study.

    Inside, Elder Statesman Cao sat ramrod straight on a fragrant sandalwood chair, his expression a heavy glower. 1 The thumb wearing a jade ring trembled slightly, revealing the depths of his fury.

    Sitting across from him was an eighteen year olddy with a robust figure, thick brows, andrge eyes. She wasn¡¯t strikingly beautiful, but her features were deeply set and the intersecting cor of her bright red sleeved vest, embroidered with peonies, offset her tanned skin. Her slightly curled long hair had been piled into towering buns on one side of her head.

    Although she was dressed like a typical Great Yan nobledy, the stubbornness and domineering bent that she unconsciously exuded had no trace of the tenderness of Great Yan women. This was the princess of the Tatars, Princess Anari.

    ¡°Statesman Cao! Didn¡¯t you im that manor was the safest ce in the world and that you¡¯d had everything taken care of? Why are there only four left of my thirty warriors?! Where have the rest gone?¡± Anari¡¯s brow was knit in great anger. ¡°You owe me an exnation!¡±

    The statesman sniffed dismissively. ¡°Do calm yourself, Your Highness. I did make preparations for everything around the manor. I even spent a lot of money buying the houses around it topletely secure the location. Even if the princess is unaware of how much effort I¡¯ve gone to on behalf of your men, Sir Siqin surely knows. Am I supposed to take this carrying on as a sign of your displeasure with me?¡±

    The man sitting just beneath Anari was the one known as Siqin. He was simply dressed in the outfit of a schr and remained silent with tightlypressed lips, traces of anger also appearing on his handsome face.

    Undeterred, the statesman continued, ¡°As for what happened today, it¡¯s obviously a result of the stupidity of your men. Even if they were captured, it could only be because they¡¯d exposed themselves. So what the princess should be doing right now is thinking of how to resolve this matter, and not yelling and screaming at me, no?¡±

    Anari¡¯s fury zed even more fiercely as she mmed her hand down viciously. ¡°Even with all the preparations you speak of, my warriors are still gone! This princess held her temper even when we failed two assassinations in your nation and lost so many men in the attempts. A Tatar warrior is a proud hawk circling the ins. Even if they fall in battle, they just return to the embrace of the heavens and earth. But now? So many warriors have disappeared without even drawing their de, because of your oversight! And you me my men for being stupid?!¡±

    ¡°And aren¡¯t they?! If they weren¡¯t, how could the manor have caught fire in the middle of the night? Why did they panic when evacuating, which undoubtedly allowed their foes to capture them in one fell swoop? You should be angry, Your Highness. If I had such useless troops, I¡¯d be just as displeased.¡±

    ¡°You! I¡¯ve long since heard that those in the Central ins only know how to run their mouths and don¡¯t know how to do any actual work. This princess has finally seen it for myself today!¡±

    ¡°I pale in contrast to Your Highness¡¯ ineptitude! I bow to your superiority in doing things illogically! To think that the Spring Portrait Garden that I gifted you was turned over to someone else just like that! I haven¡¯t even asked Your Highness what the meaning was behind that, but here you are, barking and shouting at me about the ipetence of your own troops!¡±

    Seeing the conflict between Anari and the statesman growing ever more serious to the point of even dragging in matters between the Tatars and Great Zhou, Siqin stepped in to smooth things over.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind this, Elder Statesman Cao. The princess is only concerned about the lives of those warriors. We still have a long path of partnership ahead of us, so there¡¯s no reason to harm our rtionship because of this minor incident. Statesman Cao is right, what we should be focused on now is how to resolve this matter.¡±

    Anari had nursed a bellyful of anger over the past couple of days and had nowhere to vent it, but miraculously, she calmed down after Siqin¡¯s words. Although fury still marred her expression, she didn¡¯t voice offensive words anymore.

    Statesman Cao¡¯s expression also warmed slightly as his gaze flickered between Anari and Siqin. ¡°These people wouldn¡¯t have disappeared for no reason. Someone must¡¯ve captured them. It¡¯d be fine if it was anyone else, but things will get dicey if the emperor has them.¡±

    A light gleamed in Siqin¡¯s sharp, hark-like eyes, but it was quickly reced by a genteel smile. ¡°No matter who has taken them, they¡¯re discarded pieces now, so we no longer need to think about them. Statesman Cao, what do you think will happen to the men if it really was your emperor who took them?¡±

    The statesman arched an eyebrow. If he understood correctly, Siqin meant that if the situation could be wrapped up neatly, then those missing could be ignored like trash. This Tatar has a bit of the Great Yan style in his thoughts and words.

    ¡°Sir Siqin doesn¡¯t need to test this old man,¡± Statesman Cao responded expressionlessly. ¡°If the emperor really does know of this matter, then both you and I will be in difficult positions. But rest assured, with your words, I know how to wrap this matter up well.¡±

    ¡°The statesman is a smart man. It¡¯s so refreshing to deal with people like you.¡± Siqin smiled faintly.

    When Anari looked at Siqin¡¯s handsome face conversing easily with Elder Statesman Cao, a lovestruck look snuck into her eyes. Siqin happened to meet her gaze and instantly retracted the edge in his eyes, smiling faintly in response. Anari immediately felt like she¡¯d fallen into a pool of warm water and drifted along a sea of happiness.

    The statesmen took note of their interaction but didn¡¯t pay it any mind. He summoned a confidante for a hushed conversation.

    ¡°Summon our men at the Warden¡¯s Office and the Bureau of Fire Control. Whether it¡¯s threats, cajolery or even torture, make them spit out some valuable information. I want to know about everyone who¡¯s passed by the manor and especially any suspicious people in the past couple of days!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The servant left with his orders.

    Anari and Siqin were at ease for the moment when they saw the statesman take concrete action.

    ......

    Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan were sitting across from each other in the outer study of the Qin Manor. The lord was reclining on the luohan bed next to the window, and Qin Yining had moved a stool over to the foot of the bed. The two were eating snacks and drinking tea, analyzing the current situation.

    ¡°So now that I¡¯ve handed those people over to father, the rest is father¡¯s responsibility now. I won¡¯t be involved anymore.¡± Qin Yining sipped the hot tea to wash away the sweetness of the snack.

    Qin Huaiyuan arched a brow. ¡°I rather suspect that you dragged me into this just to clean up after you.¡±

    Qin Yining giggled. ¡°That¡¯s right! I can¡¯t do anything to them after capturing them, so I still have to give them to father in the end. They¡¯ll definitely be useful to you.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was a bit tired since he hadn¡¯t slept all night. But the smile on his face only deepened as he looked at Qin Yining¡¯s charming face brimming with energy. He was struck by the impulse to quiz his daughter.

    ¡°Well then, what do you think should now be done with these men?¡±

 Chapter 154: Affection

    <h4>Chapter 154: Affection</h4>

    ¡°I gave those men to father so I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about whates after, but you¡¯re asking me instead?¡± Qin Yining pouted and pretended not to y along. ¡°Are you quizzing me, father? Is there a prize if I answer well?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was amused by his daughter¡¯s rare disy of mischief. That¡¯s right, she¡¯s just a girl who hasn¡¯te of age yet. Her usual stoic maturity is a forced result of these times. His sympathy and affection for the girl grew a bit more.

    ¡°You little imp. You haven¡¯t learned anything about dependability from your mother, but you¡¯ve honed some rascally mischief instead. Alright then, if you answer well, then I¡¯ll give you a fine ink stone as a reward. How about that?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, father.¡± Qin Yining smiled and dusted off the crumbs on her hand, taking another sip of tea after she¡¯d patted her hands clean. ¡°I feel that there are three ns of bad, good, and better that we can try.¡±

    An interested sparkle shed through Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes and a smile spread on his face. ¡°Oh? Do tell.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Alright. These people kept to their principles andmitted suicide when they were captured during the assassination attempts. But that¡¯spletely different to being unprepared and taken not on a mission, not to mention therge numbers we¡¯ve caught this time. Not all of them will be tough and hold out under torture, so they¡¯re sure to spit out some actual information. We need to tell the emperor what they say, but the manner and timing of when we tell the emperor can be different.¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her eyes and was encouraged to see Qin Huaiyuan nodding slightly.

    ¡°The least preferable n is for father to take the intelligence we gain and publicly call out Elder Statesman Cao during a court session. The good thing about this method is that everyone will see how viciously ambitious the statesman is. The emperor wants nothing more than peace, but the statesman is colluding with the Tatars to ruin this oue. This is a capital crime.¡±

    ¡°But we won¡¯t be able to predict what happens after with this option,¡± Qin Huaiyuan offered.

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Qin Yining nodded and continued. ¡°We can¡¯t take this option because we don¡¯t know what the emperor thinks about Statesman Cao. The risks are too great. If the emperor favors Statesman Cao, then this will actually bacsh onto father. This is why I deem it the worst option.¡±

    ¡°Mm. You¡¯re right.¡± Qin Huaiyuan leaned easily on the big cushion behind him with a smile. ¡°And the good option?¡±

    ¡°The good option is for father to make a private report to the emperor, asking him what he wants to do about Statesman Cao. If the emperor wishes to make use of this advantage to take down the statesman, then you can be the emperor¡¯s sharp de. If the emperor would like to endure mutely for now, then you can pretend you don¡¯t know anything. This would be better than catching the emperor unawares in public.¡± Qin Yining frowned in thought at this point.

    ¡°But, there¡¯s drawbacks to this option as well. Although we¡¯ll know the emperor¡¯s intentions in advance, we can¡¯t guarantee that he doesn¡¯t change his mind when pushes to shove, or some third party causes further changes. Father will easily be a scapegoat for all of the consequences.

    ¡°Not to mention that the statesman¡¯s web of connections spreads throughout court with extremely deep roots. Although father is Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, you can¡¯t vie with others for power. It¡¯s easy to imagine how devastating the consequences would be if you be a scapegoat for the statesman. Empress Cao has spent a long time in the pce as well, so it¡¯s very likely that she has eyes and ears close to the emperor. If they learn of father¡¯s conversation with the emperor, this matter will still go up in smoke.¡±

    The more Qin Yining thought about this, the more perilous she thought this option was as well. Her expression grew stern. ¡°If you can¡¯t retreat intact aftermitting a loyal act for the emperor, then that would still be our loss. Therefore, this seemingly ¡®good¡¯ option isn¡¯t really, either.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was experiencing firsthand the thorough rity of his daughter¡¯s analysis. She was a young girl, but her consideration was on par with someone who¡¯d spent many a year at court. He warmed even more to her in this moment, and found it even more of a pity that she wasn¡¯t a son. If she was, then he wouldn¡¯t worry about having no one to seed him.

    ¡°Your analysis is veryplete,¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°I think that the best n most people can think of is to discuss the matter privately with the emperor. But there are still risks inherent with this as no one can predict the unpredictable.¡±

    Qin Yining was both ttered and embarrassed to receive such apliment. Her cheeks reddened considerably and her eyes shone happily.

    ¡°Father praises me too much. I have a better option, but I think that father¡¯s already thought of it with your intelligence. Why don¡¯t we write it down together to see if we¡¯re thinking the same?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan burst outughing. ¡°You girl. Alright, fetch brush and paper.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and went to therge, ck table to grind some ink. She dipped a fine brush of purple hair into the thick ink and brought it over along with a piece of paper. The girl took another piece of paper and sat back to back with Qin Huaiyuan, penning her answer.

    For a moment, the only sounds in the room were that of brushes scratching against paper and the melodious swaying of the pearl dangle behind Qin Yining¡¯s head. The fragrance of the ink mixed with that of the tea and baked goods, imparting a particrly quiet tone to the serene atmosphere.

    The two were finished after a few brushstrokes, and they put their papers together topare. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s calligraphy was bold and dashing, while Qin Yining¡¯s was fluid and neat. The two words on both sheets of paper were the same.

    Auntie Cao.

    A connection flourished between their hearts. Qin Huaiyuan was suddenly reminded that even thought his child wasn¡¯t a son, she was still his own daughter. What did her gender matter? With her smarts, she could still carry on his legacy.

    Qin Yining merrily took Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s piece of paper and threw both into the brazier on the ground. Sparks danced and twined around the sheets, swiftly curling them up into ashes.

    ¡°Leave it for her to make a report to the emperor. Not only is this doing her a favor, but we take our family cleanly out of the situation as well. It¡¯ll be up to the emperor and n¨¦e Cao if they want to make a move against the statesman. In this situation, we¡¯re not the ones who captured the Tatars anymore, so we don¡¯t know anything.¡±

    She grinned impishly. ¡°The emperor¡¯s been after these assassins for a while, so the Silver Masks naturally have this mission as well. They call themselves his secret service, so how much face will they still have if they can¡¯t even find a few assassins? N¨¦e Cao isn¡¯t a fool, so she¡¯ll definitely im credit for this achievement and also block all of the risks for us as well.¡±

    ¡°Scamp!¡± Qin Huaiyuan tapped Qin Yining¡¯s nose with his index finger. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried at all about the possibility that Auntie Cao won¡¯t be willing to do this?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s the emperor¡¯s secret service and under orders to capture the assassins. Why wouldn¡¯t she be willing to do all this when the cluese knocking at her door? And even if she really doesn¡¯t want to, she will if father talks to her.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked a bit awkward at this and coughed. ¡°You little rascal, you¡¯re full of nonsense. Seeing that you¡¯ve helped me a great deal, I will give you that ink stone as a present.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled delightfully. ¡°Thank you, father! Show me, show me!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan roared withughter. ¡°What¡¯s the rush? Will I change my mind and pretend that this didn¡¯t happen?¡±

    He summoned Qitai. ¡°Find the ink stone that I purchased a few days ago and send it to Venerable Study Hall for the fourth miss. Ah, there¡¯s also a case of quality brushes with it. Give it to the fourth miss as well.¡±

    Qitai nodded and departed with a smile to find the items.

    ¡°Thank you, father.¡± Qin Yining dimpled adorably. ¡°We didn¡¯t sleepst night, so father must be tired. Why don¡¯t we go back together so you can catch up on sleep at the Garden of Tranquility and I¡¯ll go back to await my new ink stone and brushes.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was in a wonderful mood and flung on a random cloak with sleeves. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll go greet the old dowager with you and we¡¯ll go catch up on sleep afterwards.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss was touched by her father¡¯s thoughtfulness. She knew that it¡¯d been many days since Qin Huaiyuan had gone to see the old dowager. Ever since the snuff bottle incident, Qin Huaiyuan had been very cool towards his mother. He knew that it was a falsified matter that Qin Yining had cooked up to scare the old dowager, but still kept his distance to tell the matriarch that Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were both people he cared about.

    This immensely touched Qin Yining. When she¡¯d firste home, she¡¯d felt that her father was someone who appeared amiable, but was coolly detached at heart. After this time together, she understood her father¡¯s love towards her. Someone as smart as father doesn¡¯t easily form genuine rtionships, but won¡¯t easily give up on the ones he does make.

    Coming back with the ink stone and brushes, Qitai handed them to Jiyun.

    Following her father, Qin Yining took the maid with her to the inner residence. But they¡¯d just set foot inside the flower-hung gate when they heard the sobs and wails of women from the Garden of Loving Piety.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s expression changed drastically and he quickly strode forward. Qin Yining also thought something was off and called to Jiyun for her to keep up.

    The closer the two got to the old dowager¡¯s residence, the louder the cries and shrieks became. Qin Yining¡¯s heart jumped in fright. The person shrieking was n¨¦e Sun, and the one begging mercy was Qin Huining? Just what had happened?

 Chapter 155: A Rampaging Qin Yining (I)

    <h4>Chapter 155: A Rampaging Qin Yining (I)</h4>

    She¡¯d only spent a night away from home and hadn¡¯t had time to pay her respects to n¨¦e Sun. What had happened now?

    Out in the yard, Jin-mama and Caiju were nking n¨¦e Sun in support. The madame¡¯s face was covered with tears, but she was pointing at Qin Huining.

    ¡°...you rotten conscience and heartless whelp! What do you gain from framing me?¡±

    Qin Huining had tumbled to the ground with loud sobs, but her voice raised in protestation was even clearer than before.

    ¡°Why be this way, madame! The voodoo doll wasn¡¯t found in my house! I had the best of intentions when I came to deliver snacks, but the madame... How can I cover up something like this! It was the old dowager¡¯s birth date on the doll! Now that the old dowager has fainted from anger and her condition is yet unknown, you only know to yell at me! If the madame really is filial, why aren¡¯t you worried about defending yourself instead of looking in on the old dowager...¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan circled past the decorative wall at the entrance and cut off Qin Huining with a frown. ¡°What voodoo doll?¡±

    ¡°My lord!¡± The crowd in the yard greeted unanimously.

    Qin Yining walked slowly to n¨¦e Sun, supporting a madame almost beside herself with distress. She whispered, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, mother? Speak slowly, don¡¯t be in a rush. Father will stick up for you.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was both furious and frantic, and still weak from newly recovering from a cold. When Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan had yet to return, she could just barely manage to hold on with her willpower. But now that she saw her daughter, her habitual dependance and trust welled up, and tears trickled down sadly from reddened eyes.

    ¡°My daughter.¡±

    Qin Yining quickly fetched a handkerchief and directed a question at Jin-mama. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Miss Huining came by with hard rice porridge that she¡¯d cooked herself and small tes this morning.¡± The old servantfinally felt a bit more on solid footing now that the fourth miss and lord were back. ¡°The madame thought kindly of their old rtionship and allowed her to enter with her maid. Everything was fine until Miss Huining¡¯s maid suddenly found a voodoo doll beneath the luohan bed cushion. The maid was helping Caiju organize the covers and cushions. Needles were stabbed into the doll, which had beenbelled with the old dowager¡¯s birth date. Miss Huining cried loudly and came to tell the old dowager of this.¡±

    Jin-mama¡¯s look at Qin Huining was filled with hate.

    ¡°This servant told the madame a long time ago that this is an ungrateful backstabber! But the madame dwelled on their many years as mother and daughter and still let her in. She didn¡¯t express any concern when the madame was to be executed. She didn¡¯te either when the madame was sick. She came by with breakfast for no reason today, and thishappened! She¡¯s obviously trying to frame the madame!¡±

    Qin Huining was kneeling in front of Qin Huaiyuan now and sobbed out, ¡°Please look into this, father! What reason would I have to hurt mother? Even if I¡¯m not her blood and flesh, I¡¯m still a daughter of the main branch of the family! Even if mother is biased towards sister Yi, I¡¯ve never gone short for clothes or food. I have no reason to harm the madame! Does father think that I¡¯d be that dumb as well? Having my people do this moments after visiting? Isn¡¯t this dumping shit all over myself? Please believe me, father. I¡¯m not that stupid!¡±

    The foster girl¡¯s teary eyes were filled with wounded innocence. Her fingers were curled piteously around Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hem. She was crying, but trying to force herself into calmness at the same time. It was truly a sympathy-evoking sight.

    Qin Huaiyuan whisked the edge of his robes away with a frown and quickly walked up the stairs. ¡°How is the old dowager? Have you called for a doctor?¡±

    ¡°We just did,¡± Jixiang responded. ¡°The fourth miss¡¯ Bingtang has alreadye by as well. She said that it¡¯s a matter of great anger at an elderly age, that it wasn¡¯t serious.¡±

    The diagnosis set Qin Huaiyuan at ease and he quickly went inside to see his mother. Qin Yining helped n¨¦e Sun inside as well.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret mother, just leave everything to me.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded. Only fury was left after sorrow had drained away.

    ¡°I¡¯m such aplete fool! She took n¨¦e Cao for her foster mother as soon as the concubine entered the manor and doesn¡¯t see me as her mother at all. But here I was, thinking that we were mother and daughter for fourteen years. That no matter how unfilial she is, we still have some love for each other. To think she would hurt me in this way!¡±

    Her words were deeply vexed and pained. The second and third madames were off to the side. They were also mothers, and chills travelled down their backs when they considered the possibility of a child they¡¯d raised using voodooism to hurt them. Their looks at Qin Huining filled with despise.

    The old dowager awoke slowly when Bingtang finished her acupuncture treatment. The maid packed her things and stood behind her mistress when she saw that Qin Yining was here.

    The Qin matriarch stared nkly at the people around the bed for a while, then burst out in hurt tears when she saw that her son was present.

    ¡°You finally know to visit your mother! Your wife is trying to kill me! You may have no time for me normally because of court, but you¡¯vee back at the perfect timing today, huh!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother.¡± Qin Huaiyuan took the teacup that Qin-mama offered and helped his mother sit up, feeding her warm water with the other hand. He continued gently, ¡°It¡¯s my oversight. There have been many things to take care of outside these days. The Great Zhou envoy is still here and there are some things to wrap up after the sessful peace talks. I have indeed been so busy these days that I¡¯ve barely had time to sit down. I wasn¡¯t purposefully noting to greet you, mother. Please understand.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was the old dowager¡¯s most beloved son, and she understood very well after listening to his exnation and thinking of his awkward straits at court. Her anger subsided slightly, but it exploded again when she looked past his shoulder and saw that Qin Yining was helping n¨¦e Sun to a round chair. ¡°Meng¡¯er, I know you¡¯re filial. But if you¡¯re truly my son, then you¡¯ll divorce n¨¦e Sun today, that vile woman!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan started frowning anger. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, mother.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry? How can I not be?! N¨¦e Sun hates me and made a voodoo doll to condemn me! If it wasn¡¯t for granddaughter Hui discovering it, I would¡¯ve died one day without knowing anything! Your wife is a hen that can¡¯ty eggs,cking in virtue and filial piety, and possessing a venomous heart! If you see me as your mother, then divorce her immediately! There is only room for one in this family!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s face was ruddy from her yelling and continual smacks against the bed frame. The jade embedded gold rings on her fingers connected loudly with the wooden frame, each blow a shuddering hit onto the heart.

    N¨¦e Sun started crying wordlessly when she heard the old dowager voice such heartless words. Her hands and feet were numb as she sat on the round chair and the scene dimmed before her eyes. She leaned weakly on Qin Yining, beside herself with sobs.

    When had she, Sun Haihan, fallen to such lows that the mother-inw who¡¯d once fawned over her would force her to the edge? Her family was no more and of no further use to the old dowager, but did that erase the help that her father and brothers had once given Qin Huaiyuan when he asked for her hand in marriage? Even performers 1 and prostitutes wouldn¡¯t be as cruel and unkind as the old dowager!

    And to think that Qin Huining had once been the old dowager¡¯s most favored granddaughter. Indeed, it rather looked like Qin Huining had learned a great deal about looking out for herself and pursuing self gain!

    N¨¦e Sun felt even more like a failure. She hadn¡¯t taught her daughter well and couldn¡¯t win over the hearts of others. Her expression grew more and more twisted, and her fingers started spasming as well. This rming development immediately had Qin Yining turning to Bingtang, ¡°Take a look at my mother!¡±

    Bingtang quickly held n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hands and started pressing down on acupuncture points. ¡°The madame is beset with anger and is suffering from heart palpitations!¡±

    The good mood that¡¯d wrapped itself around Qin Yining for a job well done had utterly vanished by now. No one would simply stand aside when they saw their mother being bullied thus. She knew that her father would have a way to convince the old dowager, but that would only result in a temporary respite, which was still an equally frustrating situation!

    Qin Yining gnashed her teeth as she looked at Qin Huining and pounced at the foster girl, taking everyone by surprise. She flung a solid punch at Qin Huining¡¯s eye.

    ¡°Ah!!¡± Qin Huining shrieked with pain.

    Before anyone could react, Qin Yining had already grabbed the foster girl by the cor and had thrown her onto the ground, kicking and punching without thought of her image. There was only one thought in Qin Yining¡¯s mind at the moment.

    I need to kill this ungrateful piece of shit!

    What thirty six stratagems, what hiding a knife in one¡¯s smile, use what brains?! There was nothing more satisfying than directly taking the life of someone as shameless as Qin Huining!

 Chapter 156: A Rampaging Qin Yining (II)

    <h4>Chapter 156: A Rampaging Qin Yining (II)</h4>

    Qin Huining had never imagined that Qin Yining would dare do anything in front of Qin Huaiyuan! The foster girl was much weaker and already pinned down on the ground. Fists rained like iron mallets on her head and face. She fought back with pained and angry might, wing wildly and cursing loudly.

    ¡°You barbarian! Stop!¡±

    ¡°How dare you act like this in front of father!¡±

    ¡°Stop! Stop hitting my face!¡±

    ¡°Ah!! Help me, someone!¡±

    The wild shrieks slowly turned into ghastly screams, like a pig being ughtered.

    The stunned old dowager finally came back to her senses and quickly gave orders, ¡°Hold her back, hurry!¡±

    Qin-mama and the others rushed over to pull the two girls apart, but the silent Jiyun stepped forward at this time to block them. The mama paused uncertainly. She knew that this maid was a gift from the Faithful Prince of the First Rank and was apparently versed in martial arts.

    The rmed sixth miss was an ant on a hot pan. She summoned five strong granny servants from outside to have them rip off Qin Yining. Once again, Jiyun stretched out her arms to block them again. The granny servants naturally didn¡¯t think much of a pretty, skinny maid. They wanted to put on a good show of effort in front of the sixth miss and the old dowager. The granny servants rolled up their sleeves and attempted to barge past, but they were the ones sitting on the floor after a few rounds, the turn around so quick they didn¡¯t even have time to feel pain.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to get past me first if you want to harm the fourth miss.¡± Jiyun smiled sweetly.

    Who wants to harm the fourth miss?!

    It¡¯s more like the fourth miss trying to kill someone!

    The granny servants hesitated as well, not daring toe further forward.

    Qin Yining¡¯s left hand had a strong grasp on Qin Huining¡¯s hair and a knee firmly lodged in the foster girl¡¯s back, keeping her on the ground. The foster girl was finding it hard to breath and stuck her neck out for some air, scrabbling with her hands and body against her attacker. A bruised eye socket and mouth was on full disy for everyone else to see.

    Everyone else stood insensate off to the side after Jiyun had blocked the old dowager¡¯s servants. The old dowager was even more maddened when she saw that Qin Huining was about to be beaten to death.

    ¡°Stop, you wild brat! Stop! Do you ignore even my words?¡± The matriarch pounded the bed frame again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget about the snuff bottle, Old Dowager, and don¡¯t forget how you bullied my mother! I¡¯m just an ordinary girl. We can all go down together if you want to be this way!¡±

    The old dowager promptly shut her mouth from fear after Qin Yining mentioned the snuff bottle and all her hairs stood on end when she met Qin Yining¡¯s razor-sharp gaze. The matriarch pulled on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s arm. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you disciplining your daughter? Are you going to let her just kill someone??¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan also felt that it¡¯d be rather bad if his daughter killed someone, and then there was threatening the old dowager with the snuff bottle incident.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stop, daughter Yi.¡±

    ¡°I naturally must listen to father¡¯s words. Let me just say a few more.¡± Qin Yining yanked Qin Huining¡¯s hair upwards, eliciting another painful scream and arcing her neck backwards. The foster girl was forced to meet Qin Yining¡¯s chilling, murderous gaze. ¡°Qin Huining, did you forget that I told you not to even think of harming my mother?¡±

    ¡°I, I...¡± Qin Huining¡¯s voice shook from terror. She couldn¡¯t finish the sentence. She knew that Qin Yining would absolutely, certainly kill her!

    ¡°What¡¯s with the voodoo doll?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t be bothered to listen. The fabric used for the doll, the stuffing inside it, the thread used, the ink used for and the content of the birth date, even the handwriting... All of that is clues to be investigated. I¡¯m sure father and the old dowager will fully look into it! We¡¯ll be able to find out who did it even if you don¡¯t say anything.¡±

    Qin Huining shuddered, her teeth chattering in reaction. Qin Yining drew close by her ear, ¡°I¡¯ll send you to where you should be if you still don¡¯t treasure what you have. Aren¡¯t you dissatisfied with how little you think you possess? I¡¯ll return you to your birth parents so you have absolutely nothing!¡±

    Qin Huining suddenly widened her eyes with horror.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t kill you,¡± Qin Yining sniffed disdainfully. ¡°That would dirty my hands and the dignity of the Qins. That ending would also be too easy for you. I¡¯m going to keep you around so you can thoroughly enjoy what¡¯sing.¡±

    The fourth miss released Qin Huining¡¯s hair and rose slowly. ¡°Only idiots would be blind to the real reason for the voodoo doll. If anyone still thinks my mother made it, that it can only be that they¡¯re purposefully targeting my mother and using this as an excuse.¡±

    The old dowager was absolutely livid.

    Qin Yining gently helped her mother up and transformed from her furiously violent self from moments ago. Her tone was so tender that it felt like the softest breeze. ¡°Mother, are you feeling better?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had long since recovered and had been so touched by Qin Yining fiercely standing up for her that she was crying.

    ¡°I¡¯m better, let¡¯s go back.¡± N¨¦e Sun took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and frowned with heartache when she saw that her daughter¡¯s hand was bleeding in two ces because of hairpins, and there were multiple scrapes and bruises on her knuckles. ¡°Look at your hand!¡±

    ¡°This is nothing. When I ran into wolves in the mountains, they took off the skin on my arms and back. But here I am now, perfectly fine.¡± Qin Yining spoke lightheartedly, but her words caused Qin Huining to shiver even more violently. ¡°Father, Old Dowager, my mother is tired. I¡¯m taking her back to the Garden of Tranquility. The voodoo doll has to do with the old dowager, so a thorough investigation should beunched into finding out who actually made it. If we lightly let off the person who wishes you ill, then that would be the greatest disservice to you.¡±

    The old dowager already had a migraine from her anger, and these words only worsened it.

    ¡°Additionally, the old dowager doesn¡¯t need to harp on about a divorce all the time. You can ask my father for his opinion. Divorce my mother if you want, I can take care of her! She won¡¯t die just because she leaves your protection!¡± Qin Yining turned back to help her mother out. ¡°Let¡¯s go, mother.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s nose twinged when she heard this and immediately burst out into new tears. She swiped at her face and sniffled loudly as she followed her daughter out, looking like a bullied child who¡¯d found her family.

    The second and third madame had mutely observed all of the proceedings, looking on with great envy. Having been stopped in her tracks, the old dowager was speechless, and Qin Yining was steadfastly helping her mother away. Even though n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t have a son, her daughter was more than enough.

    Qin Huaiyuan hadn¡¯t slept all night and felt quite resigned about his mother, after weathering this inner residence storm. He took the doll from Qin-mama and handed it over to his mother, tapping the birth date on the ugly doll.

    ¡°Servants, have Qitaie here.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± A maid in the covered hallway sprinted out of the inner door to fetch the body servant.

    Terrified, Qin Huining lifted a bloody and bruised face to look at Qin Huaiyuan. She had a feeling that he was going to proim judgment on her!

 Chapter 157: Unsuccessful Scheming

    <h4>Chapter 157: Unsessful Scheming</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan sat wearily on the edge of the old dowager¡¯s bed, leaning against a bed post and couldn¡¯t be bothered to look at Qin Huining before Qitai arrived. He was even less inclined to talk to the foster girl.

    Qin Huining remained curled up on the ground. Every breath she took in tugged at her wound, making her cry with pain. She looked up piteously at Qin Huaiyuan, hoping for a single morsel of attention.

    But the lord remained silent.

    The second, third madame, and the girls of their respective branches felt on pins and needles. They wanted to leave, but was afraid that doing so would offend the old dowager. But if they stayed, it didn¡¯t seem smart to get involved in the main branch¡¯s dirtyundry.

    As they agonized over what to do, a maid reported from the covered hallway. ¡°My lord, Qitai is here.¡±

    ¡°Have hime in.¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood and crossed over to the divider with magpies alighting on plum blossoms, adopting a stance with his hands behind his back.

    Qitai was conscious of the rules after entering and took a position on the outer side of the divider. ¡°My lord.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Three things. Firstly, clean up the manor on the outskirts of town and set a strict guard on it. Miss Huining has contracted an illness and all of Snowpear Courtyard must be quarantined. No one is to visit without my orders. Secondly, find out where the voodoo doll came from. Confirm who did it and how it was nted. There¡¯s no need to report back to me about it, just cut off their hands and send them to the magistrate. Thirdly, contact the Hall of Fosters and continue investigating the matter we¡¯d set aside.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qitai turned and left.

    It was deathly quiet inside. Everyone was looking at Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Huining withplicated, inscrutable looks. The foster girl had started trembling like a leaf in the wind at the first sentence, with sweat dotting her brow when she heard thest about the Hall of Fosters.

    ¡°Father, father!¡± She thought she¡¯d called out loudly, but her voice was as quiet as a mosquito¡¯s. She raised a trembling hand to clutch the hem of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s robe. ¡°Father, I¡¯m your daughter, your daughter of fourteen years! Why don¡¯t you care about me anymore after finding Qin Yining? I¡¯m not sick, so why are you sending me to the country manor for quarantine? I¡¯m not going, I¡¯m not going! I won¡¯t be able toe back if I go!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked down on Qin Huining, his voice so cid that he didn¡¯t seem to be angry at all. ¡°Daughter Hui, you¡¯ve disappointed me so greatly.¡±

    The girl violently jerked her head up to look at the lord¡¯sposed face, meeting his fathomless eyes. She feltpletely exposed in that moment, as if someone had stripped off all her clothes and was parading her around on the streets.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t, I¡¯m innocent! I didn¡¯t make the doll, not me!¡±

    ¡°Even though you¡¯re not my flesh and blood, you still spent fifteen years by my side. I know your character, so you don¡¯t need to defend yourself now. Since you feel that the Qin n is unfair and treats you poorly, then leave. Since you feel that my wife isn¡¯t worthy to be your mother, then don¡¯t call me father either. As for the voodoo doll, let¡¯s hope it wasn¡¯t you. If it was, life will be difficult in the future without a pair of hands.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s promation was shocking in its swiftness. Although his tone was even and calm, it stirred tidal waves in Qin Huining¡¯s life, crashing into and washing away all previous towers of glory and honor.

    This was the moment she realized the depths of her idiocy. In front of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s absolute authority, everything she¡¯d built up over the years was but sand castles. When she¡¯d gloated in self congrattion, someone else was able to destroy everything she had with a single wave.

    ¡°Father, I was wrong, I know my wrongs now. I don¡¯t think that the Qins weren¡¯t good to me, I just didn¡¯t think it was fair...¡±

    ¡°You felt it was unfair and was jealous of how daughter Yi had taken everything from you. Is that right?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked gently.

    Qin Huining couldn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°You were innocent in being abducted here, but do you know what your original family was like?¡±

    Qin Huining sweated profusely. So they had indeed found her original family! Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t have been so self-assured otherwise just now! They¡¯d already nned on sending her away, hadn¡¯t they??

    ¡°You upied daughter Yi¡¯s position and enjoyed a life of luxury for fourteen years, but think that you¡¯re the victim? The true victim is daughter Yi! A happy, carefree life was robbed from her and you were rescued from a world of troubles. You¡¯re very smart, but overly so and far too selfish. Your only thought that you were a victim in all of this, but didn¡¯t stop to think that the easy life you had with the Qins was thepensation that the heavens gave to you.¡±

    ¡°Father, I was wrong, don¡¯t send me away...¡±

    ¡°Since you call my wife madame, then call me the lord,¡± Qin Huaiyuan continued without pause. ¡°The Qins have not treated you poorly, but you know nothing of gratitude and forget that your mother raised you. This is truly chilling. Spend some time at the country manor and I¡¯ll let you meet your birth parents after the voodoo matter is taken care of. Don¡¯t you think that the Qins have mistreated you? You can go with them if you miss home then.¡± Qin Huaiyuan yanked the hem of his robe out of Qin Huining¡¯s tight grip and raised a salute to the old dowager. ¡°Mother, I haven¡¯t slept all night and need to catch up on some sleep.¡±

    The old dowager had long since been stunned into silence, but felt that her son made sense upon further consideration. Although she didn¡¯t like the overly smart Qin Yining because that made the girl too hard to control, the matriarch thoroughly despised Qin Huining¡¯s ungrateful character.

    Judging from her son¡¯s tone, he was going to send the girl away. The old dowager frowned and looked at the figure weeping on the floor. She couldn¡¯t harden her heart, seeing as she¡¯d raised this granddaughter.

    ¡°Meng¡¯er, let¡¯s hold off on the Hall of Fosters matter.¡±

    Qin Huining waspletely preupied with having a good cry, but at this, suddenly recalled that her grandmother could overrule her father! Hope bloomed and she scrambled over to the bed, kowtowing repeatedly.

    ¡°Save me, grandmother! I¡¯m not sick! I¡¯m not going to the country manor! Grandmother, I didn¡¯t make a doll to harm you, I¡¯m innocent!¡±

    The old dowager rubbed her aching forehead.

    Qin Huaiyuan interjected, ¡°The quarantine is settled. I can¡¯t tolerate a source of trouble at home. As for the voodoo matter, I won¡¯t let things slide if someone really is trying to harm the old dowager. Let this be the end of things.¡±

    Given Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s strong attitude, the old dowager didn¡¯t have any room to maneuver with. She also felt a chill grip her heart when she considered that Qin Huining might¡¯ve really created a voodoo doll of her in order to frame n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining.

    ¡°Forget it, all shall be as the lord says,¡± the old dowager proimed. ¡°Lujuan, have someone organize Miss Huining¡¯s baggage.¡±

    Qin-mama heaved a silent sigh of relief and assented with a smile. This shit stirrer is finally being sent away! We servants can finally have some peace and quiet.

    Some servants helped Qin Huining up; the foster girl¡¯s legs were as limp as wet noodles. Those of the second and third branches, including Qin Huining¡¯s closest sixth miss, couldn¡¯t intervene at this moment either.

    ......

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were both taken aback heard about everyone in Snowpear Courtyard being sent to the country manor.

    ¡°Your father is truly angry this time.¡± N¨¦e Sun spoke after a long moment of silence.

 Chapter 158: Spoils of War

    <h4>Chapter 158: Spoils of War</h4>

    Qin Yining only smiled when she heard the pangs of sadness and hurt in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice. A human heart wasn¡¯t a hunk of stone. It was impossible for n¨¦e Sun not to feel any pity for Qin Huining at all. The girl had been viewed as n¨¦e Sun¡¯s own flesh and blood for more than a decade, and as angry or disappointed a parent might be, as wrong as a child¡¯s acts might be, that would still not wipe away the ties of the heart.

    The fourth miss didn¡¯t want to speak more of this matter. Even her father was unable to tolerate Qin Huining now and had dealt with things in his own way. There was no need for Qin Yining to use her connections with the Institute any longer. She would treat the foster girl as a stranger if Qin Huining docilely kept to her ce in the future. But if the foster girl created yet more trouble, then Qin Yining would pursue things to the very end.

    When Jin-mama saw Qin Yining sit quietly with lowered eyes as Bingtang dressed the wounds on her hands, the servant was worried that the fourth miss would misunderstand the madame. It wouldn¡¯t be good if their rtions worsened again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, madame,¡± the servant quickly interjected. ¡°The lord has his own set of principles, and Miss Huining was truly outrageous this time. It isn¡¯t a particrly harsh punishment to send her to the country manor for some reflection.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded sorrowfully. ¡°I¡¯m not worried about her. With how she is, she won¡¯t suffer no matter where she ends up. I just feel that I¡¯ve spent the entirety of my life up to now in vain. I¡¯ve finally seen the true selves of so many people. I never knew that people could treat others like this. I knew that not everyone was kind by nature, but that didn¡¯t necessarily mean they would be evil.¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but sigh when she heard n¨¦e Sun¡¯s emotional reflection and noted the lost look in her mother¡¯s eyes, like a lost child. Her mother wasn¡¯t a bad person; she¡¯d just been too sheltered and too well protected for too many years. Add to that how strong her own family had been, that meant the old dowager simply hadn¡¯t had a chance to reveal her true self.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing to finally see these people for who they are, and to see everything clearly, right?¡± Qin Yining used her unharmed left hand to hold n¨¦e Sun¡¯s.

    The madame was moved when she thought of how Qin Yining had defended herself without reservation today. She squeezed Qin Yining¡¯s hand with a smile and nodded lightly.

    ¡°Miss, the medicine has been applied. Don¡¯t touch water over the next two days. I¡¯ll use my special scar ointment when the wounds have scabbed over. I promise that your hand will go back to how it was before!¡± Bingtang put away the white porcin medicine box.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Qin Yining shed a smile back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so polite, miss!¡± Bingtang merrily shifted off to the side.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s dislike of Qin Yining before had also extended to the people at the girl¡¯s side. Now that she understood her daughter more, a mutual hatred for the Caos and the trash emperor made n¨¦e Sun feel a few degrees of kinship with Bingtang. Add to that the maid¡¯s multiple sessions of treatment for n¨¦e Sun, the madame was now exceedingly gentle and polite towards Bingtang now.

    ¡°I can be at ease with Miss Tang at daughter Yi¡¯s side. Thank you for taking care of my daughter.¡±

    ¡°Oh not at all, madame. Serving the miss is this servant¡¯s duty.¡± Bingtang curtsied with a slight smile.

    N¨¦e Sun sighed to hear the girl refer to herself as ¡®this servant¡¯. I¡¯m actually a lucky one. Although my family is gone, my mother and sisters-inw are still alive. I have a husband I can depend on and a daughter who makes me proud. Bingtang was the truly piteous one here. There was no one waiting at home for her, and she was a maid now despite being a noble girl.

    Even more pity welled up for Bingtang at this point. N¨¦e Sun pulled the girl¡¯s hands over. ¡°You¡¯ll be at daughter Yi¡¯s side from now on and can take care of each other. Just ask for whatever you want. You cane ask Jin-mama if you need something. Just treat this as your home.¡±

    Bingtang was startled and ttered by the attention. To be honest, she was very disdainful of this bumpkin of a madame and only felt some sympathy for the Suns¡¯ fate. It was clear to the girl why n¨¦e Sun was being so nice to her aftering to her senses, so she smiled back politely.

    Just as a touching atmosphere pervaded the house, the sound of the serving girls calling out a greeting in the covered hallway travelled inside. ¡°The lord¡¯s returned.¡±

    The door curtains lifted to admit Qin Huaiyuan. N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining both rose to sweep concerted curtsies.

    Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand. ¡°No need to stand on ceremony when we¡¯re at home.¡±

    Taking note of the time, Qin Yining knew that her father had already spoken to Cao Yuqing and settled the Tatar affair. Having stayed up all night and weathered the nonsense of the morning, Qin Yining felt incredibly tired. She knew that her father would be even more so.

    ¡°Father, mother, I shall take my leave then.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded with a smile and had Jin-mama show her daughter out. She stayed behind to help Qin Huaiyuan change.

    Qin Yining, Jiyun, and Bingtang were taking the bluestone path to Venerable Study Hall when they heard a din of wailing and crying by the flower-hung gate as they passed the rear garden. They took a closer look to see that it was Cao Yuqing and Qin Yining.

    ¡°Foster mother, please! I don¡¯t want to leave! I¡¯m not sick, I¡¯m not ill! Please speak to father! Father will listen to you if you talk to him!¡± Qin Huining was kneeling in front of Cao Yuqing and crying up a piteous storm.

    ¡°You should get up. The lord¡¯s already spoken after your base act. How would there be any room for someone to beg for mercy?¡± Cao Yuqing sounded quite resigned.

    ¡°I, I did it for you, foster mother!¡± Qin Huining hadn¡¯t expected that Cao Yuqing would turn her down without a second word. She started panicking.

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s charming face froze and she frowned ferociously. ¡°Please watch your words, Miss Huining. What do you mean that you did it for me? Did I tell you to hurt the old dowager?!¡±

    Qin Huining abruptly realized the implications of her panicked words and hurriedly tried to exin herself. However, Cao Yuqing¡¯s patience had run dry and she circled past the girl, leaving the manor with her people.

    Qin Huining fell to a sitting position on the ground, looking helplessly at Cao Yuqing¡¯s departing figure and covering her wracking sobs. She well and truly regretted everything now. This wouldn¡¯t be how things ended up if her n had been thorough enough!

    A chilly gust scraped her back all of a sudden, like someone was scraping off the hairs of her back with a knife. She whipped her head back to see Qin Yining, Jiyun, and Bingtang standing on at the fork of the road that would split off to Venerable Study Hall.

    The sight of Qin Yining¡¯s pastel outfit and stunning looks sickened the foster girl. The fourth miss was looking at Qin Huining with a supercilious smile, so mocking that it was almost materializing as an actual de to render the rest of her paltry dignity into shavings.

    Qin Huining flushed beet red, but the fourth miss had already turned away when she was about to speak. Thatst remote flick of the eyes seemed to be some sort of alms to Qin Huining.

    ¡°Come on, Miss Huining. Don¡¯t make our job difficult for us.¡± Qin-mama and the other servants had long since lost their patience.

    Qin Huining had absolutely no face left and wished she could ram herself to death, but she forced herself to lift her chin proudly and leave through the flower-hung gate. The Snowpear Courtyard servants who¡¯d also been exiled all wore dark, glowering expressions. They spat at Qin Huining a few times behind her back. She heard them, but had to pretend she didn¡¯t know anything.

    ......

    At the same time within the Soaring Phoenix Pce, the empress dismissed her servants and asked Elder Statesman Cao in hushed tones, ¡°What brings you here for no reason, father? Has something happened at home?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing terribly devastating,¡± the statesman responded simrly. ¡°But it¡¯s not a small thing either. Our partnership with the Tatars is likely to be leaked.¡±

    The color drained from the empress¡¯ face and she asked urgently, ¡°Father, what¡¯s going on?¡±

 Chapter 159: Poison Flaring

    <h4>Chapter 159: Poison ring</h4>

    Elder Statesman Cao looked back and forth, confirming that the door were tightly shut and that no one was peeking in. ¡°Has Your Majesty heard of a fire at the Northern Gathering of Sages?¡±

    The empress shook her head nkly. With her personality and position, if she didn¡¯t purposefully go looking or someone intentionally let her know, how would a seemingly ordinary fire travel to her ears?

    The statesman continued to whisper. ¡°Last night, the manor we arranged for everyone caught on fire. The Bureau of Fire Control came to put it out, but the water in the carts had been swapped out for oil. The Warden¡¯s Office and Bureau fought to put out the growing fire while the people in the manor fled, but are now missing.¡±

    ¡°Missing?¡± The empress¡¯ slightly husky voice was incredulous. ¡°This is obviously a plot! Someone¡¯s set their eyes on us!¡±

    The statesman nodded. ¡°The princess of the Tatars flew into a rage. I conducted an emergency investigation and interrogated everyone who had possibly had something to do with the manor. I finally got a clue from Xu Mao in the end. The Qin fourth miss passed by the area a few days ago and said she lost a gold bracelet embedded with jade. She said that the people in the manor took it and wanted Xu Mao to search for her. He turned her down severely, and no one else has been by apart from her.¡±

    ¡°That Qin wild brat?¡± The empress narrowed her eyes. ¡°She¡¯s not a simple character. Her looks are a seductive tramp¡¯s and she¡¯s thoroughly bewitched that Great Zhou barbarian. He even gifted the Spring Portrait Garden to her. I¡¯ve taken a close look at her and she looks very much like Qin Meng. She might be just as wily as him.

    ¡°Father.¡± The empress frowned at this point. ¡°Qin Meng¡¯s not an easy character to handle. I¡¯ve been at the emperor¡¯s side for so long, but still haven¡¯t heard anything useful about Qin Meng. My sister is being so useless as well, only thinking of love and useless faff everyday, and not finding out anything useful!¡±

    The statesman noted that the empress had gone off on a tangent. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing that your sister only thinks of Qin Meng. He¡¯s my good son-inw now, so that rtionship could be very useful.¡±

    ¡°And what about his daughter passing by the manor?¡± The empress¡¯ tone had just softened a bit when she thought of the next suspicious item. ¡°Do you think that she¡¯s in cahoots with Great Zhou, father? Is it the prince who wants to cause trouble for us?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s possible, but we also can¡¯t rule out that she was given instructions by Qin Meng.¡±

    The empress sniffed coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t care about anything else, but if that wild brat dares be rude to me, then I¡¯ll make sure I get her for everyst bit of indiscretion! Whether she¡¯s helping her father or her lover, I¡¯ll make sure she doesn¡¯t have a life to interfere with any of this anymore! How dare she look down on me that day and watch me be made a fool of! I haven¡¯t suffered like that in so many years! Would I lose to a little thing of a girl? Don¡¯t worry father, just leave Qin Yining to me!¡±

    The statesman didn¡¯t say anything else when he saw his daughter thus and only smiled.

    Later that night after the statesman took his leave, the empress pouted and flirted with the emperor. She wanted to make a trip to Celestial Nunnery tomission some peace rites because she¡¯d had nightmares for several days in a row. This made her deathly worried about her husband and family, and she wanted to pray for fortune.

    Tears fell as she spoke, assaulting the emperor¡¯s heart with pain. ¡°My dearest sweetheart, don¡¯t cry. My heart is breaking from your tears. I¡¯ll give you anything you want.¡±

    The emperor ced his arms around the empress¡¯ waist and rocked her back and forth. He thought for a moment. ¡°Commissioning peace rites isn¡¯t a major undertaking. The Faithful Prince of the First Rank has been summoned back to the Great Zhou capital. Their officials will remain behind to handle the war reparations. They¡¯ll be without a backbone as soon as the prince leaves, and it¡¯ll be even easier to make the handover. I¡¯ll be free then and will take you to the nunnery. How about that?¡±

    The empress pouted her pretty red lips and looked like she would start crying again. ¡°That is naturally wonderful, but I¡¯ve felt so panicked these days and can¡¯t sleep well. Look at the wrinkles at the corners of my eyes. If you care about me, Your Majesty, then send someone to go with me. I¡¯ll feel more at ease after kowtowing to the image of Goddess Doumu.¡±

    Her pale, tender fingertips slide across the emperor¡¯s shirt and slowly probed downwards. ¡°I¡¯ll make another trip when you¡¯re free, Your Majesty. Is that eptable?¡±

    The emperor¡¯s heart melted under the coy pleas and restless hand. His protestations were immediately breached and he agreed to everything the empress wanted.

    The next day, the empress set off in a in outfit to visit Priestess Liu at Celestial Nunnery, escorted by a set of imperial guards.

    At the same time, Qin Yining was curled up on a soft pallet of the living room in the Venerable Study Hall. She was cuddling and teasing the fluffy Riceball with one hand, and going over the ounts with another. Rapid footsteps from the covered hallway suddenly padded up to her.

    ¡°Reporting to the miss, runners havee from the inner door to say that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯s body servant requests an audience.¡±

    Qin Yining started and handed over the ounts to Qiulu, standing up with Riceball in her hands. The maid was in charge of all money and treasure rted items now. Bingtang and Jiyun nked their mistress as they headed into the yard.

    They saw Huzi standing by the door, dressed in a dark bluebat uniform.

    ¡°So it¡¯s you.¡± Qin Yining yed with Riceball¡¯s ears with her gauze wrapped hand.

    Huzi quickly bowed to Qin Yining, ran his eyes over her injured hand, then grinned at Bingtang. ¡°You¡¯re here too, stumpy potato.¡±

    Bingtang flushed beet red with anger at this nickname but couldn¡¯t lose herposure in front of her mistress. She settled for the most ferocious eye roll she could muster.

    Huzi rubbed his nose after the visual attack and raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°Fourth Miss, our prince¡¯s old injuries are ring up and have caused a return of the poison fromst time. He specifically asked me to request Miss Bingtang to look in on him.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The image of Pang Xiao taking an arrow for her, breaking it off in his shoulder and continuing to defend her with blood-stained robes, was still sharply imprinted in her mind. A poisoning was no small matter. Although Bingtang possessed strong medical skills and a deep family background, she was still very young. What if she¡¯d missed something?

    Qin Yining frowned with worry, but Bingtang twisted her mouth with indifference. ¡°Is poison really troubling your prince?¡±

    Huzi blushed as Bingtang¡¯srge eyes fixed unblinkingly on him. He grinned even more happily. ¡°Yes, oh yes, the poison¡¯s back. So please, Fourth Miss and Miss Bingtang, pleasee with me.¡± His cupped fist salute had now morphed into a begging motion with two palms together.

    This actually made Qin Yining pause with indecision. She looked questioningly at Bingtang, who red at Huzi in return.

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to his nonsense, miss. Although the prince has sometent injuries because of his many years in the battlefield, I did indeed already cure the poison. They¡¯re definitely up to something when they say that the poison¡¯s back!¡±

    Qin Yining nodded slightly at this.

    ¡°Fourth Miss, please consider our prince¡¯s sincerity towards you and make a trip!¡±

    This made the girl¡¯s face ming red. Pang Xiao had saved her a few times. Even if n¨¦e Sun¡¯s execution had been a show, the prince had still moved to save her mother. He¡¯d even gifted her such a valuable residence and offended others just to prop her up. This man was overly domineering and never asked about her preferences, but she still owed him.

    ¡°Alright then, we¡¯ll go with you.¡± Qin Yining gave Riceball to Jiyun. ¡°I¡¯ll go with Bingtang. Go tell my mother that I have business outside, so you¡¯ll look after her in my stead. If the old dowager summons my mother, go with her and don¡¯t let anyone make things difficult for her.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss.¡± Jiyun nodded with a smile and went back inside with Riceball, while Qin Yining and Bingtang followed the guard out.

 Chapter 160: Lovesick

    <h4>Chapter 160: Lovesick</h4>

    As the carriage sped down the road, Qin Yining felt an increasing sense of wrongness when she looked at their route.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this the way to Cloudsoar Inn? Why isn¡¯t the prince at the Hall of Wee?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Huzi responded easily. ¡°There¡¯s too many people at the Hall of Wee for a diagnosis. Besides, old dog Lian is there too.¡±

    Irritation welled up when Qin Yining thought of the lecherous Lian Shengjie. Pang Xiao was very thoughtful.

    The carriage stopped at the back door of the inn before long. Qin Yining alighted to see that two tall and strong men were waiting for her. They bowed respectfully upon seeing the Qin fourth miss, who responded with a slight smile and nod. She felt that they looked slightly familiar. Perhaps I saw them at Ning Park that day.

    The two were ttered by the attention and raised cupped hands in return, standing aside to let her in.

    Bingtang followed close behind Qin Yining. ¡°I wonder if Grand Steward Zhong is here today.¡±

    ¡°No worries. The ounts have been received, so it doesn¡¯t matter if we don¡¯t see him today either.¡±

    The maid nodded. Huzi took advantage of the lull to sidle up and chuckle lowly. ¡°Hey potato, you seem to have grown taller!¡±

    The girl raked him with a vicious eye roll. ¡°Not like you! You have heights but no brains. You haven¡¯t learned anything from your prince but a glib tongue, oily speech, and shamelessness!¡±

    Huzi blinked and shouted angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t drag His Highness into this! You can say I¡¯m shameless, but how is the prince shameless?!¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s pretending to be sick. What¡¯s that if not shameless?¡± Bingtang had a never-ending supply of res for the guard.

    The argument was both amusing and provoking. Qin Yining looked back to see Bingtang puffy-cheeked, leveling a thorough re at the guard. Huzi was also huffing and widening his eyes back, but theughter in his look couldn¡¯t be concealed.

    The two associates showing them the way stopped and pushed open the door to the Prosperity Pavilion. ¡°Please go in, Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks.¡± Qin Yining walked in first as Huzi and Bingtang were preupied in a furious staring contest. The maid ended it with a harrumph and stomped on Huzi¡¯s foot with all her might, quickly following her mistress in.

    Huzi looked at the small footprint on his shoe and burst outughing. The two men also snickered when they saw how foolishly Huzi was chuckling.

    When Qin Yining rounded the room divider to set foot into the inner room, she saw Pang Xiao in a snow-white undershirt with a pale-purple robe flung over his shoulders. He was leaning on therge cushion on the luohan bed next to the window, reading. Upon closer inspection, hisplexion was indeed a bit off. His lips were pale and his hair in slight disarray.

    ¡°Are you feeling unwell, Your Highness?¡± Qin Yining didn¡¯t go through any courtesies and took a seat on a bowed stool by the eight-sided table.

    Pang Xiao put down his book and propped up his temples with a hand, tilting his head to look at his visitor. ¡°A little bit, which is why I requested Miss Bingtang toe. Why didn¡¯t you bring Riceball?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss indicated for Bingtang to take a look at the patient. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient to bring Riceball since you¡¯re sick. We¡¯re here to take a look at your illness.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Pang Xiao was slightly downcast, but swiftly brightened up. ¡°That¡¯s alright, even if Riceball didn¡¯te, it¡¯s also good to see you.¡±

    What the heck! Am I less than a rabbit?!

    These thoughts seemed wrong as soon as they popped into Qin Yining¡¯s mind. Was shepeting with a rabbit? She lifted her eyes and barged into Pang Xiao¡¯s smiling look, drawing an irritated re in return. ¡°You seem in very good spirits. It doesn¡¯t look like the poison¡¯s made a return at all.¡±

    A cough visited Pang Xiao with perfect timing, its genuineness unknown. ¡°I do feel a bit off.¡± His voice had a deep maism to it.

    Bingtang had ced a wrist pillow, finished taking Pang Xiao¡¯s pulse, and made a careful observation by now. She stood up and sighed.

    ¡°This illness isn¡¯t a result of poison, but it¡¯s also very dangerous. Your Highness, you must keep a carefree mind. I may not know how to cure your sickness, but you might be someone much more highly skilled in the future who can. This isn¡¯t an illness without a cure, so don¡¯t be too dismayed.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked calmly at Bingtang while Huzi erupted in great panic. ¡°What?! His Highness is really sick? What is it? How do we cure it? I¡¯ll go find any herb or ingredient you need!¡±

    ¡°His Highness¡¯ love sickness has already entered a terminal stage. My medical skills are insufficient and I don¡¯t know how to cure it.¡± Bingtang responded solemnly.

    Huzi froze, stunned. Qin Yining red at Bingtang, thoroughly embarrassed. Pang Xiaoughed heartily.

    ¡°Good girl, your skills are supreme alright! A perfect diagnosis! But I don¡¯t need to go looking for any famous doctor, you¡¯ve already brought me the cure.¡± He looked tenderly at Qin Yining. ¡°I feel as fit as anything when I look upon your miss.¡±

    Qin Yining burned with anger and embarrassment. She grabbed a random teacup on the table and flung it at the prince. ¡°You¡¯re crazy and full of nonsense!¡±

    Pang Xiao easily caught the weak throw and grinned. ¡°How am I crazy? I¡¯m just drunk.¡±

    His expression changed when he saw the gauze on her hand. ¡°What happened to your hand?¡± He hadn¡¯t noticed earlier because her hand had been hidden within her sleeves.

    Bingtang took out a silver needle and motioned for Pang Xiao to sit up straight. ¡°The miss gave Qin Huining a good beating, but a gold hairpin scratched her hand twice. There are also some scrapes and bruises on her knuckles, but nothing serious. She¡¯ll just be in a little bit of pain for a while.¡±

    The needle was already quivering in Pang Xiao¡¯s flesh, but the prince didn¡¯t mind at all. Since he was confined to the luohan bed for now, he could only stretch out a hand to Qin Yining. Hemanded sternly, ¡°Come here, let me take a look.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just some superficial wounds.¡± Qin Yining didn¡¯t move an inch.

    Pang Xiao knitted his brows together so tightly that he could squeeze a lemon with the folds. Impatient anger red in his phoenix-shaped eyes as a murderous aura suffused his face. His voice rose involuntarily, and its resonance drilled straight through to listener hearts. ¡°Come over here!¡±

    Qin Yining flinched at the shout. She looked at him, then immediately averted her eyes elsewhere as if she hadn¡¯t heard, still refusing to move. Meanwhile, Huzi was so nervous that his hairs stood on end. No one dared show even a hint of defiance when his prince grew angry. No one could withstand that murderous aura, seemingly emitted from a savage beast that wanted to devour someone whole. And here Miss Qin was, pretending not to hear him?

    Bingtang was also frozen with apprehension. She turned her head slowly to look at her mistress.

    Pang Xiao rose with a glowering look and grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s injured hand, ignoring that he had needles stuck in his shoulder. He mightily kept his anger in check.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you listen to me and made mee over myself? You must listen when it¡¯s for your own good in the future!¡±

    ¡°And why should I! Who are you to me?¡± Qin Yining tried to yank her hand back a few times but failed. Her heart was still trembling from that shout, and traces of feeling wronged showed in her expression.

    Most of Pang Xiao¡¯s anger dissipated when he saw the mistyyer rise in her eyes. He deftly undid the gauze on her hand and saw that there were indeed two scratches on the palm of her hand. Although they¡¯d stopped bleeding because medicine had been applied, the wounds were still a bit red and throbbing. Her knuckles had swollen bruises as well. His heart ached and he brought her hand up to blow on it.

    ¡°Qin Huining bullied you?¡± His tone was so cold that it seemed that he would instantly reap the foster girl¡¯s life if Qin Yining so much as inclined her head.

 Chapter 161: Growing Affection

    <h4>Chapter 161: Growing Affection</h4>

    Qin Yining could clearly feel the heat emanating from his hand, as well as the rough friction of old calluses as he gently took her hand. She really wanted to jerk backwards, but he was holding onto her wrist with a grip that was neither too tight nor entirely loose. It didn¡¯t hurt, but it didn¡¯t give way in the slightest.

    Rosy-cheeked with shyness, Qin Yining rolled her expressive eyes at Pang Xiao. She didn¡¯t bother struggling anymore since she knew it was futile. Instead, she justughed coldly.

    ¡°You think too little of me. She wanted to bully me, but she¡¯s the one who¡¯s worse off now.¡±

    The person in front of him had been soft and fragile merely a moment ago, but was now baring her teeth and brandishing her ws with abandon. The about face only served to emphasize the girl¡¯s tenderness and situational insight. She was like that harmless Riceball when she became irritated, first scratching him, then turning its butt up at him. He liked her even more because of it.

    Bingtang felt it safe to speak again when she saw the atmosphere grow warm again.

    ¡°Please sit back down, Your Highness. I¡¯m not done with the acupuncture yet. You have many old injuries and they¡¯ll ache and itch on cloudy days. I¡¯ll write out a prescription to improve the situation, but you¡¯ll have to take it for a year or two before it has any effect.¡±

    Huzi piped up. ¡°His Highness is usually in army camps, so it¡¯s tough for him to slowly work on his health via medicine. But if you write out a good prescription, I¡¯ll make sure that His Highness gets his medicine even if I have to take the herbs into the battlefield with me.¡±

    Pang Xiao took a seat on a bowed stool near Qin Yining while Bingtang fetched more needles. On the other hand, Qin Yining heard notes of something else in Huzi¡¯s words.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t the Valiant Tigers going back to the capital formendations and rewards after a job well done? Will there be more fighting in the future?¡±

    Huzi quietly cursed himself for his slip of the tongue and also marveled at how sensitive Qin Yining was. He didn¡¯t dare look at his master and lowered his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll have my ways toe see you, no matter how busy or tired I get.¡±

    Qin Yining could hear the undercurrents of farewell in his words. She knew that he was a prince of Great Zhou and couldn¡¯t stay forever in Great Yan. Although she was slightly sad that he was leaving, she was once again struck by the forwardness of his words. ¡°You should be careful with your words, Your Highness. Aren¡¯t you afraid of people misunderstanding and gossiping about you?¡±

    Pang Xiao arched a brow. ¡°Well that¡¯s odd. I¡¯ve been interested in you since day one, and I¡¯ve never been shy about it it. Go out and ask around, doesn¡¯t everyone know that I like you? What do they have to misunderstand about? What are they going to gossip about?¡±

    This man is hopeless! Qin Yining was infuriated. ¡°How can you be so overbearing?! Don¡¯t speak like this in the future. Who you like is your business, but don¡¯t make a joke out of me. We¡¯re from two different countries and have different positions. The grudge of nations stand in our way, so why repeatedly pursue something that we both know is impossible!¡±

    ¡°So does that mean there¡¯s hope for us if our countries didn¡¯t hate each other, or that we didn¡¯t belong to two different nations? Then I¡¯ll just get rid of those differences.¡±

    Qin Yining looked askance at the dead serious Pang Xiao. There wasn¡¯t a trace of his usual irreverent cynicism. Her heart skipped a beat at his intently serious face.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to joke with me with such serious words. I¡¯m just a girl and can¡¯t take the weight.¡±

    ¡°Who said I was joking?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Qin Yining¡¯s face nearly exploded with a burst of red. She could never fully grasp of what this man was thinking. He was downright tyrannical and never asked her opinion before doing something, but everything he did was for her own good, so she couldn¡¯t really get angry at him. He did things without rhyme or reason, so it was impossible to factor his actions into a n or predict his next move. If this was someone at court, he¡¯d be the sort that officials found maddening but could do absolutely nothing about. Darn her luck for running into him!

    She turned her face away without another word. Pang Xiao smiled with resignation.

    ¡°Are you angry again? Don¡¯t think too much, you know a lot of things are a function of the times we live in.¡± Perhaps sensing that Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore, the prince dropped the topic with a sigh. ¡°I know you feel uneasy, but don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not a phnderer. Have you ever seen me flirt with anyone else?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks started to burn again, and Huzi jumped in before she had a chance to speak. ¡°Fourth Miss, this subordinate can bear solemn witness that my prince has never been so serious about a girl!¡±

    He seemed so gravely serious that it seemed like he was only one step away from swearing to the heavens. Pang Xiao looked at his guard with satisfaction and then back at the girl.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll think of a way to make you my wife.¡±

    An explosion went off inside her head. Qin Yining red at Pang Xiao with her ears on fire. Such a mix of emotions assailed her that she didn¡¯t actually know what she was feeling. ¡°When did I ever say I was going to marry you?¡±

    ¡°Everyone knows you¡¯re mine. Who are you going to marry if not me?¡± Pang Xiao narrowed his phoenix eyes dangerously. ¡°Or do you like dumb bookworms like Weichi Yan?¡±

    Qin Yining found it even more incredible that he was dragging the crown prince into this. ¡°Why do you evene up with all this nonsense?¡±

    Pang Xiao sized up her expression carefully and his tone softened slightly. ¡°That kid¡¯s only good for show. He¡¯s wishy-washy and indecisive, and only knows to write pretty words and draw pictures. He¡¯s not good enough for you.¡±

    Qin Yining really wanted to fire back with, ¡°And are you good enough for me!?¡±, but she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue. Her face remained as crimson as the setting sun, the same color shared with the nape of her neck and ears.

    When Pang Xiao saw how the girl was pink all over and how closely she resembled sticky rice cake with how soft and tender she was, he found it harder and harder to control his impulses. He drank in this vision of loveliness as Bingtang removed the needles and Huzi prepared a change of clothes. He went inside to change clothes as Bingtang set brush to paper for a prescription.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining was stuck in a daze as she looked down on her rewrapped hand. Did she dislike Pang Xiao?

    The answer was no, of course.

    Not only did she not dislike the man, but she even felt a bit of subtle happiness whenever she saw him. He was indeed too domineering, but the things he did always emphasized much he cared for her and that he liked her. This made it difficult to really yell at him and warmed her heart as well, especially since he¡¯d saved her multiple times.

    Qin Yining had had a tough childhood and was used to being strongly independent. She always made ns for herself and others around her. Whether it was her foster mother or n¨¦e Sun after returning home, she was used to protecting people.

    She rarely felt the sensation of being protected and even sometimes felt that she only possessed a girl¡¯s body, but was even stronger than a man at heart. It was only when she was with Pang Xiao that she truly felt that ah, yes, she was a girl as well. She could be weak and rely on others too.

    This feeling made her heart pound. But as she flitted between exuberance and quiet happiness, reason kept telling her that there was too much in their way. Her slender, pale left hand softly caressed her right hand. Loweredshes drew a curtain across the emotions in her eyes.

    When Pang Xiao reemerged, having changed into a robe with the patterns of a python, he was struck with the image of Qin Yining¡¯s head lowered, deep in thought. Long locks flowed past her shoulders like ribbons, entuating her pale, creamy neck. Her side profile was equally charming, but the slightly frowning brows and loweredshes spoke to the matter that weighed on her heart. She had a belly full of worries and no ce to vent them.

    This understanding weighed on Pang Xiao¡¯s heart like a rock. He hadn¡¯t quite understood his own thoughts towards her before, only thinking that his feelings towards Qin Yining were the residual cares after their childhood encounter and general curiosity. And perhaps guilt too, as everything she¡¯d encountered in life thus far was the work of his father¡¯s men. She was innocent, so maybe there was also a desire to make things up to her? Or was it a shared sympathy for someone who was also a ything of fate?

    He admitted in his heart that he was much too domineering towards her. A tiny bit of possessiveness was responsible for all the shenanigans he¡¯d inflicted on her. But in recent times, his feelings raged out of control whenever something had to do with her. Reason always gave way in the face of emotion, and everything he did was tilted irrevocably towards her. It¡¯d helped him understand that perhaps his heart was more truthful than his reason. That his feelings towards her might run deeper than he¡¯d thought.

    At first he¡¯d felt that their countries were toorge a barrier between them, the web of rtionships around them tooplicated. Her father was a famed Great Yan official, and he only amon-born prince of Great Zhou. It would be very difficult to properly wed her.

    But the more time they spent together, the more his heart snuck ever closer to her. He was even starting to think that although marrying her would be very difficult, that it would entail a great deal of effort, and would even change many of his own ns and arrangements, it was all going to be worth it.

    Perhaps Qin Yining still resisted things for now, but he already viewed her as his woman in his heart. In that case, one¡¯s woman frowning meant a man¡¯s greatest ipetence.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Pang Xiao knelt in front of Qin Yining.

    The girl was taken aback by his proximity and quickly shook her head, the pearl dangle behind her head throwing off dazzling hues in the light.

    ¡°Tell me anything that¡¯s bothering you.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s tone was quite serious. His intimate questioning threw Qin Yining for a loop. It felt like they¡¯d known each other for a very long time, and that it was so very natural for the two of them to speak so easily.

    ¡°Your Highness, you don¡¯t need...¡±

    ¡°Call me Zhixi.¡± Pang Xiao took her hand and helped her to her feet. ¡°I told you a long time ago that my secondary name is Zhixi.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed again and lowered her head, refusing to answer. Calling a man by only his secondary name was a very intimate gesture!

    Her head drooped close to Pang Xiao¡¯s chest, putting him in a great mood. ¡°My men have sent several Great Zhou horses over. I¡¯ve chosen two docile ones and wanted to gift one to you, and one to Miss Tang as thanks for looking after my illness. The weather¡¯s good today, why don¡¯t I take you outside the city to walk the horses?¡±

    Bingtang¡¯s eyes lit up and she forgot to continue packing her medicine box. ¡°Do you mean that, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± Pang Xiao leaned slightly to look at Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°Well? Do you want to go?¡±

    Qin Yining really did want to go. She had never taken formal horse riding lessons, but she knew how to ride a horse all the same. Wild horses had saved her life more than once before, and she¡¯d spent a period of time living with a herd, so she had a particr affinity for horses.

    But... it seemed a bit inappropriate to go horse riding with the prince.

    Pang Xiao tugged her uninjured hand, his grip gentle, but his tone full of impatience. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have asked you. Next time, I¡¯ll just tie you up and take you with me.¡±

    And so, Qin Yining was tugged down the stairs while Huzi and Bingtang followed happily behind.

 Chapter 162: Random Jealousy

    <h4>Chapter 162: Random Jealousy</h4>

    Qin Yining spent most of her days in the inner residence, and though Venerable Study Hall was next to the rear garden, with a manmadeke and artificial mountain visible through a fence, nothing was as expansive and freeing as the scene of nature that unfolded in front of her.

    They were now outside the city walls. Spring came early in the south, so by April, the grass had grown tall enough for warblers to dart in and around them. The fresh green of spring stretched as far as the eye could see.

    Qin Yining and Pang Xiao walked next to each other, looking around and taking in the sights. Wildflowers poked up here and there in the vast grasnd, the mountains ovepping each other in the far distance. Not too far from the pair was a moderately sized creek reflecting a turquoise sky. Water babbled to itself, calling out greetings to the gray-white rabbits that asionally hopped happily by. White butterflies cavorted over nameless flowers as they swapped dancing partners.

    The unique fragrance of grass in the springtime filled their noses whenever they took a breath in. A few horses were grazing on the grass nearby, making Qin Yining feel for a moment that she¡¯d returned to the difficult, but carefree life of the mountains.

    ¡°What do you think? Do you like it?¡± Pang Xiao asked her with his hands behind his back and a careful look in his eyes, like a child who hoped he¡¯d be praised.

    Qin Yining chuckled and nodded. ¡°I like it a lot, how did you find this ce?¡±

    Noting the departure of her usually stern expression, Pang Xiao was also delighted that the girl next to him wasn¡¯t strictly toeing the line and overly concerned about manners like she usually was.

    ¡°I¡¯m used toing and going and like to go on rides. I found this ce by ident one day and wanted to bring you here as well.¡±

    He grabbed her hand as they spoke and walked over to where the horses were tied up.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face med furiously and she struggled a bit, but that only made his hand hold hers even tighter. She was only slightly morefortable when she looked around and saw that Pang Xiao¡¯s men were looking down with nothing in particr on their faces.

    The prince pointed at a big, tall white horse not too far away. ¡°That¡¯s Whitecloud. It¡¯s for you. Do you like it?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss was mesmerized by the extremely handsome horse with a single nce. Its fur rippled silvery-white beneath the sun, not a single blemish to be seen. It actually seemed more like a silver-white ribbon with the sun¡¯s sheen radiating off of it. Its big eyes were watery and gentle, and the horse struggled free of the groom when it saw Qin Yining draw near. It trotted happily over to the girl and lowered its head to nuzzle her cheek and neck. They seemed more like they¡¯d grown up together than strangers.

    Qin Yiningughed with delight and reached out to hug its neck. ¡°You¡¯re called Whitecloud? Do you like me?¡±

    The horse answered with more nuzzles.

    ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, I like you so much!¡± Qin Yining didn¡¯t rx her hug.

    In his memories, Pang Xiao had never seen Qin Yining so happy, nor heard such delightedughtere out from her. He¡¯d never heard these soft and coaxing tones before either. The Qin fourth miss in his mind was always a cautious, reserved, intelligent, and decisive being. She was rational and strong, more like an experienced adult than a girl who¡¯d yet to marry.

    Only in moments like these did shee alive and exhibit joy, acting more like her fifteen years of age.

    Her voice was like a little fuzzy brush, poking gently at Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. He wished she too would hug his neck and say, ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful, I like you so much¡±.

    Qin Yining turned back, still hugging Whitecloud. ¡°Is Your Highness really gifting it to me?¡± Her radiant smile was still blooming, highlighting how adorable her dimples were.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s gaze was as soft as it could be. ¡°Naturally. Whitecloud is a Ferghana horse 1 and Thundercloud¡¯s distant rtive. Whitecloud can count as his younger brother. If you miss me in the future, go on a ride with it.¡±

    Pang Xiao took the reins that Huzi handed to him and patted the battle horse with shining ck hair.

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Thundercloud, Whitecloud. They sound like rtives alright.¡± She took the reins and adroitly flipped onto the horse, her skirts swaying gently as they drew out a graceful arc over the horse¡¯s back.

    When Pang Xiao saw how dashingly she mounted the horse and her straight posture on horse back, his heart pounded furiously with emotion. He spent much time in the battlefields charging to and fro on horseback and tramping through obstacles. He naturally didn¡¯t like weak, fragile girls or ones that had pretty faces but only knew to put on a delicate act. He was attracted to Qin Yining because of her looks, but even more because of her personality and way she handled matters.

    But today, her fluid motion onto the horse¡¯s back truly clobbered his heart. He could hear fireworks exploding in the air. She was meant for him! She knew both civil and martial subjects, could be soft and stern...

    How would Qin Yining have any moment to spare for the lovestruck loon behind her? She shook the reins and sent Whitecloud excitedly galloping down the in. She kept her body down, her long hair streaming behind her, and her skirts pping in the gale. Wind howled by her ear and gusted into her face, clearing away all of the frustration and dejection in her heart with a refreshing breeze of grass scents intermixed with flowery fragrances.

    Huzi and some other Valiant Tigers tore off in hot pursuit when they saw Qin Yining gallop away as soon as she got on horseback. Please! Their prince would swallow them whole if something happened to Miss Qin on their watch!

    However, Whitecloud had already left them in the dust after a few breaths. Although their horses were fast, they were no match for Whitecloud¡¯s speed at all. Thankfully, they could tell that Qin Yining had superb riding skills when they took a closer look.

    Huzi turned his horse around and rode back to his master, only to see that the prince was still holding onto Thundercloud¡¯s reins and staring nkly, deep in thought.

    ¡°Master, the fourth miss is already a long ways away. Aren¡¯t you going to go after her?¡± The guard was a tad worried.

    This nudged Pang Xiao back to his senses and he too jumped onto his horse after steadying his emotions. Qin Yining¡¯s figure was already a small dot in the distance. Heughed.

    ¡°With Whitecloud¡¯s speed, no one¡¯s going to be able to catch up to them. Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯lle back in a short while.¡±

    ¡°To think that the fourth miss has such riding skills!¡± Huzi reflected. ¡°And Whitecloud is usually such a proud and arrogant horse, he doesn¡¯t even let me touch him! But he sidled over as soon as he saw the fourth miss, throwing away all of his pride as a Ferghana horse! Do horses also like beauties now?¡±

    A frosty chill grazed his back as soon as Huzi finished speaking. He turned back to meet Pang Xiao¡¯s unfathomable look. The guard¡¯s brain spun at high speed and he carefully reviewed what he¡¯d just said. He instantly started sweating profusely. I swear to the heavens that I had no intention of making fun of my prince!

    ¡°Heh. Eh, master, I¡¯m going to look in on Miss Potato Spud.¡± Huzi hauled his reins around and fled, making for the safe harbor that was Bingtang on a chestnut horse.

    Pang Xiao found this mildly amusing, but his heart turned over a certain question as he rode towards Qin Yining. Did he make a mistake when he gifted Qin Yining a stallion?

    He should¡¯ve picked a mare!

    The prince actually became a bit depressed when he thought of how Qin Yining kept hugging the horse andplimenting its beauty, even saying how much she liked it. She¡¯d never done that to him!

    He was less than a horse!

    ......

    It¡¯d been a long while since Qin Yining had felt so happy-go-lucky. Her life in the manor was one of treading on thin ice. She had to devote every fiber of her being to plotting how to live on. She¡¯d experienced the fall of her maternal rtions, forced into joining the peace talks, her mother almost executed, and then she herself almost kidnapped by her maternal grandmother...

    When all was said and done, she¡¯d had to use her brains more in the half year she¡¯d returned home, thanpared to her fourteen years in the wild. Her self-regtion and restraint had also reached a boiling point. Now that she could run wild and carefree, it was as if her troubles were being left in the dust as well.

    Whitecloud started slowing down. A man seated upright on arge horse, wearing a robe with a python pattern, came into view. He was tall and handsome, his steed of shining ck fur equally good looking. His back and waist were ramrod straight, honed with the unique masculinity and bearing of a soldier. They were paired with his slender brows, phoenix-shaped eyes, tall nose, and thin lips. A dashing air interwove with his charm, and tinges of happiness and innocence were present in his smile.

    Qin Yining lost track of her thoughts for a moment. Unbidden, scenes of everything that had happened since their meeting appeared in her mind. An uncontroble blush colored her cheeks and she forced her eyes away, afraid that his noble air and edge would burn her.

    Pang Xiao steered his horse close and both pulled back on the reins. Whitecloud and Thundercloud sneezed at each other and walked close, their necks touching as they nuzzled each other¡¯s faces.

    Pang Xiao smiled at the girl. ¡°How do you feel? Better after a run?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded firmly with her cheeks still red. ¡°It¡¯s been a long while since I¡¯ve run so freely around. Thank you for giving Whitecloud to me.¡±

    ¡°Are your thanks only words?¡±

 Chapter 163: A Rest Stop

    <h4>Chapter 163: A Rest Stop</h4>

    Pang Xiao shook his reins and had his horse walk alongside Qin Yining¡¯s. The white and ck horses clip-clopped slowly to the road.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Are you that miserly, Your Highness? Alright, how would you like to me thank you?¡±

    ¡°With the rest of your life. What do you say?¡± Pang Xiao chuckled.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face exploded with red and she red at him. ¡°Why do you always make jokes like these, Your Highness? You¡¯re not a lecher, but you always mouth off like these. People will make fun of you if they hear.¡±

    ¡°Who would dare?¡± Pang Xiao drew close to Qin Yining and looked at her seriously. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m not joking.¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips and blinked, not saying a word. She allowed Pang Xiao to keep holding her reins so that the two horses walked together.

    From the prince¡¯s angle, he could see her scarlet ears and neck, as well as the nervous fluttering of her longshes. He was delighted when she didn¡¯t say anything back.

    She wasn¡¯t rejecting him, which meant she didn¡¯t dislike him. Maybe she even liked him too?

    No rush, no rush. There¡¯s hope as long as she doesn¡¯t dislike me.

    Pang Xiao chuckled and suddenly urged the horses into a gallop to the road.

    Qin Yining was taken off guard by the sudden movement and groped for the reins. ¡°Why did we suddenly speed up? That scared me!¡±

    The wind carried her sweet admonishment to Pang Xiao¡¯s ears. They were soft and gentle, starting an itch from the bottom of his heart. The sky was blue and the trees green, the heavens were great and the earth vast. He was riding his beloved horse with his beloved girl at his side. Pang Xiao felt contentment in this moment as he never had before. A heroic feeling flourished in his heart and he threw back his head in heartyughter.

    Theughter traveled on the air, infecting Huzi and two Valiant Tigers behind him with simr untroubled and dashing feelings. Theyughed as well.

    An army fight song popped up in Huzi¡¯s mind and he belted it out at the top of his lungs. ¡°Wearing iron, bearing armor, wielding des! I roam the battlefields with you, a long road staring ahead.¡± 1

    Huzi¡¯s voice rang out clearly with youth. Such stirring music suddenly appearing beneath the sweeping skies summoned simr emotion in Qin Yining. Just as she wanted to turn back and look, Pang Xiao¡¯s low, resonant voice sang on as well.

    ¡°We sweep foes together and brave life and death! My heart falters not as I battle with you by my side.¡±

    The two Valiant Tigers also joined in loudly. ¡°Conquering the south and expelling the north, our song fears nothing withrades by my side!¡±

    The men¡¯s rich voices were without sophisticated technique, but brimmed with intrepid daring. They had theirrades by their side and hot blood thrumming in their veins. Beneath the great expanse, they roared out their battle song with striking passion. It gave one the feeling of a momentum that would shatter mountains and evoke tidal waves, trembling Qin Yining¡¯s heart. She too had the urge to let her horse speed free and wild over the ins.

    These were true men who lived and died on the backs of their horses. Despite their differences in nationality, they too would rather suffer themselves so that they could bring peace to their people in these troubled times.

    But how did thatpare to the opulence and corruption in the Great Yan capital? The trash emperor and trampress sought merrymaking from day to night andmitted utterly ludicrous acts. They had plenty of courage to set up loyal subjects, but didn¡¯t have the charisma to fire a bow on the field or ride against their enemies. Sorrow spread in Qin Yining¡¯s heart.

    Pang Xiao slowed down after a while. The Qin fourth miss focused her eyes ahead to see an enormous group of people not too far ahead. She immediately noticed that the official in the lead wearing bright red robes was Qin Huaiyuan. The other people were wearing various court robes. She couldn¡¯t see their faces clearly and didn¡¯t know them, but could tell that there were Great Yan officials and Great Zhou soldiers intermingled in the crowd.

    Her heart skipped and beat and she looked questioningly at Pang Xiao. The prince had already let go of her reins and was riding to the front with Huzi and the two Valiant Tigers.

    Qin Yining naturally slowed her horse down and came to a halt with Bingtang.

    ¡°Miss, are they...¡± Bingtang was a bit taken aback and asked in a quiet voice.

    ¡°Probably here for a sendoff. Today is probably when the prince is leaving.¡± Qin Yining was hard pressed to conceal herplicated look and gave a long sigh, an inexplicable feeling of loss in her heart.

    He probably set all of this up just so he could see me one more time. They¡¯d just spent a few happy and easy moments together, but farewell was suddenly staring at them in the face. Unexinable sadness welled up in her, and she discovered with shock that tears were actually forming in her eyes.

    This is bad.

    What kind of rtionship did she have with him? Why was she sad?

    When Qin Huaiyuan saw that his daughter was following behind the prince, and that her and Bingtang¡¯s horses were particrly handsome and tall, he knew that the prince had gifted the horses to them. Their presence was also likely because of the prince. He felt rather resigned.

    There were many officials present from the Ministry of Rites today. Rumors about Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were already thick and fast. The prince had dered his affections in front of everyone and then gifted her a residence. And now, his daughter was present on an asion in which no women were usually present. Wasn¡¯t this further verifying their rtionship?

    The officials from the Ministry of Rites started up their pleasantries with Pang Xiao while the escorting and send-off parties moved forward neatly. Making use of the prince being at the head of the group, Qin Huaiyuan quickly walked up to his daughter. ¡°You and Miss Tang can go back first.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, but who knew that Pang Xiao actually caught wind of these words, despite his great distance away?

    ¡°We¡¯re already quite far from the capital, it wouldn¡¯t be safe for Miss Qin to travel back alone. Why not have her join the retinue and go back togetherter, Grand Preceptor Qin?¡±

    The officials next to him looked at each other with expressions of great understanding. Meanwhile, Lian Shengjie was lost in thought as he stared at Qin Yining on her white horse, his eyes visually drooling over the girl.

    With no other recourse avable, Qin Huaiyuan sighed and climbed onto his horse. ¡°Come with me then. We¡¯ll go back togetherter.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded again and levied a fierce re at Pang Xiao, even though he was far away. Even though she knew that it was probably that he couldn¡¯t bear to part just yet and wanted to spend some more time with her, it still irked her that he¡¯d made all these ns and hadn¡¯t told her about them.

    However, her re had the exact opposite effect. Pang Xiao burst outughing and suavely continued chit-chatting with the officials. It was Qin Yining who flushed hotly with anger.

    This mode continued for roughly an hour before the officials readied to turn back. The remaining journey would be under the purview of Great Yan soldiers and Pang Xiao¡¯s elite Valiant Tigers. The group slowly ground to a halt and Pang Xiao turned to Lian Shengjie.

    ¡°This prince is being summoned back to the capital, leaving the matter of war reparations in Sir Lian¡¯s hands. This prince hopes that Sir Lian won¡¯t lose sight of proper business and disappoint His Majesty.¡±

    The corner of Lian Shengjie¡¯s mouth twitched. He¡¯d had fear beaten into him and wanted to hide whenever he saw the prince. Even though Pang Xiao was using lofty, lecturing tones, all the minister wanted was for the prince to hurry up and get out of here.

    And so, he raised an exceedingly polite cupped hand salute. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao arched a brow with a smile. At this interaction, those in the retinue who suspected that the prince had lost favor with the Great Zhou emperor reconsidered their spections.

    The Faithful Prince of the First Rank was the Great Zhou emperor¡¯s sworn brother after all. If he really had lost favor, would someone as proud as Lian Shengjie be so meek when upbraided? It looks like the rumors have to be taken with a grain of salt.

    Pang Xiao steered his horse towards Qin Yining. Thundercloud¡¯s glossy, ck mane intersected with Whitecloud¡¯s shimmering silvery-white one as the two precious horses bid each other farewell. The prince looked at Qin Yining with a faint smile, the look in his eyes making her want to jump off Whitecloud and run away. She was deathly worried that he¡¯d pop out with some other astounding deration.

    ¡°A sendoff of a thousand miles yet results in farewell in the end. Take care of yourself, Miss Qin.¡±

    Qin Yining heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°Take care, Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao raised cupped hands towards Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    ¡°Safe travels, Your Highness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan returned the gesture.

    Their masters having said their farewells, Huzi pulled a funny face at Bingtang. It really was goodbye this time.

    Pang Xiao and Huzi turned their horses around to the head of their entourage. Qin Yining looked at his departing figure with faintly furrowed brows.

    But suddenly, a cacophony of weaponry and hoof steps sounded from the two sides of the ride. People looked wildly around to see three dozen riders charge out of the shrubbery. Everyone was wielding a de, the edges glinting coldly beneath the sunlight. They dashed out with violently sharp momentum.

    ¡°Kill Pang!¡±

    ¡°Kill him!¡± The trees shook with the force of the roars as the men hurtled into the retinue in the blink of an eye. No one had thought that assassins would be lying in wait here!

    Qin Yining¡¯s red lips were pressed tightly together as she swiftly weighed up the fighting strengths of both sides. She was just about to turn back and speak to her father when she suddenly felt something tighten around her waist. She flew into the air andnded in a warm embrace.

    Pang Xiao had charged towards her and yanked her from Whitecloud to protect her in the safety of his arms. He drew his sword and madly defended against the swords around them, pping the scabbard on Thundercloud so that the horse bolted forward like a streak of ck lightning. It surged forward, bringing Pang Xiao and Qin Yining out of the chaotic fray.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let them get away, after them!¡± The assassins yelled furiously, whipping their horses in hot pursuit.

 Chapter 164: A Token of Love

    <h4>Chapter 164: A Token of Love</h4>

    The ck horseunched itself continuously forward. Whitecloud had caught up at some unknown time and was following close behind. Huzi and the other two guards were tagging along further in the distance, but so were the three dozen assassins hot on their heels.

    Scattered hoof steps, thuggish yells, and shes of weaponry sounded behind them. An anxious Qin Yining didn¡¯t know how her father was. She wanted to turn back, but was solidly blocked by Pang Xiao¡¯s stalwart body.

    ¡°Hold on tight, don¡¯t be afraid!¡± He wrapped an arm around her waist and shouted into her ear.

    Thundercloud picked up more speed. A biting wind howled past them and made her hair snake wildly and scraped her cheeks painfully. Since she was sitting side saddle in a small saddle, it was an extremely ufortable position. But she was also quite afraid that she¡¯d fall off the horse, so could only hold tightly onto Pang Xiao¡¯s shirt and bury her face in his chest.

    The prince looked down at the girl in his arms tenderly, his arms firmly ringed around her like a set of indestructible walls.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it looks like they¡¯re here for me. The officials sending me off should be fine.¡±

    Qin Yining was startled that he understood what she was worried about.

    ¡°But you¡¯re dragged into this now because I pulled you onto my horse. Do you resent me for that?¡±

    ¡°Why are you asking this at this time?¡± Qin Yining looked up at him, but then felt their position was much too ambiguous. She stiffened and quickly ducked her head. ¡°What would I resent you for?¡±

    Low and happyughter rolled forth as soon as she finished speaking. She was so close to him that she could feel his chest rumble. Her cheeks med and she wanted to keep her distance, but there was limited distance on the back of the horse, so she didn¡¯t know quite what to do.

    Pang Xiao fiercely wished that he could keep her by his side for eternity and just ride off like this, leaving all mortal worries and cares of the world behind. He¡¯d read many emotions from her eyes just now, such as conflict, nervousness, and uneasiness. But the emotion he was most afraid to see wasn¡¯t there¡ªresentment.

    She wasn¡¯t an ordinary, run-of-the-mill girl. She was wise and rational, sly but kind. She understood the depths of his efforts, so wasn¡¯t angry even though she was endangered because of him. His arms tightened their grip.

    Qin Yining resigned herself to being hugged like this, but a small me flickered into being from the bottom of her heart. The heat slowly spread to her cheeks until her face was as red as an apple. She dearly wanted to roll an eye at herself. Here they were, being chased by a group of assassins, but her thoughts had gone off on this sort of unserious tangent!

    Thundercloud pushed itself to its hearts content, flying ahead with Pang Xiao and Qin Yining. However, the assassins still nipped at their heels. Thundercloud¡¯s stamina wasn¡¯t infinite, particrly when caring double. After two hours, Pang Xiao whistled Whitecloud over and adroitly swapped horses with Qin Yining.

    Whitecloud looked gentle, but his stamina and endurance were on par with Thundercloud¡¯s. However, Huzi and the Elite Tigers¡¯ horses werepletely exhausted.

    Pang Xiao made a motion back at his men and they instantly let up. However, Whitecloud and Thundercloud galloped even faster, leaving behind the sounds of the chase in the distance. It was almost sunset.

    ¡°Your Highness! What about Huzi and the others if we leave just like this?¡± Qin Yining was worried about this development.

    Pang Xiaoughed with gratification. ¡°You¡¯re worrying about someone else at this time? Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯ll have their ways to get free.¡±

    The girl frowned. ¡°But there are so many assassins...¡±

    ¡°No worries, I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±

    Qin Yining fell silent at that. All she could do now was rely on Pang Xiao and nothing else.

    ......

    The sun handed the baton off to the moon, which made quick work of the night and climbed up high into the sky. Sounds of pursuit still rang out from behind them. Thundercloud and Whitecloud had traded bearing them on and off, but even Ferghana horses would be tired after twelve straight hours.

    Qin Yining raised her brows anxiously. ¡°Your Highness, what should we do? They refuse to give up the chase.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked back and spent a moment in deep thought. Half of Qin Yining¡¯s torso was numb with cold by now. The spring night was humid and she¡¯d spent thest twelve hours on swiftly moving horses. The breeze was very refreshing beneath the sun, but bone-achingly chilly at night.

    The prince¡¯s sigh sounded by her ear as she sensed the horse begin to slow down. She raised her head worriedly. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯srge hands pulled her in and rubbed her cold shoulders and arms. ¡°Are you cold?¡±

    ¡°This is nothing. It doesn¡¯t matter in an emergency like this.¡± She responded calmly, but the words made the prince¡¯s heart ache.

    The horses slowed down some more, making Qin Yining even more agitated. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Knowing that pack of pursuers were close behind them, he would never decrease speed if not for an injury. The assassins were like hungry wolves; how would Pang Xiao hold off against all of them?

    Pang Xiao startedughing again, happy and melodious. ¡°I¡¯m not hurt, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    He held the reins with one hand and brought her head in close with the other, lowering his head without forewarning to kiss the girl.

    The Qin fourth miss was takenpletely off guard. She was so shocked that she even forgot to breath as lips and tongue obtained a deeper understanding of each other. An electrifying sensation spread out from the kiss to the rest of her body, making her forget the cold and the fear of assassins chasing after her.

    Pang Xiao ardently demanded from her, growing hot and bothered himself. When he saw how she¡¯d utterly melted in his arms, he truly wished to take her away with him just like this.

    Lips unlocked from each other a long whileter, reminding Qin Yining to take a hurried breath. ¡°You, how could you...¡±

    ¡°This is for you.¡±

    A cool sensation crept over her wrist. She used the bright moonlight to see that Pang Xiao was slipping a bracelet of red beans onto her wrist.

    ¡°I made this myself. It¡¯s a bit rough because I¡¯ve never done anything like this before, so don¡¯t think it ugly. Consider this our... our love token.¡± He dropped a kiss on her forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll figure out a way to marry you, no matter what¡¯s between us. Don¡¯t fret, I¡¯ll take care of everything. Just remember one thing, you¡¯re mine.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skittered frantically, her brainspletely useless.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s strong tones still sounded by her ears. ¡°No matter who it is, or if you like him, or he likes you, I¡¯ll kill him if I find out!¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Remember, you belong only to me.¡± Pang Xiao dropped a kiss on her flutteringshes.

    Hoofbeats drummed behind them, but the prince pulled back on the reins. Qin Yining forced herself to remain calm, some suspicions rising in her heart.

    Indeed, the sounds of pursuit stopped in unison a few breathster. Huzi jumped down from his horse to salute at close quarters.

    ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Mm, how far away is the Great Yan convoy?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ve kept up pursuit this entire time, but their battle steeds are different from ours. They¡¯re at least forty five minutes away from catching up.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded and waved a dismissal. He settled his hands around Qin Yining¡¯s slender waist and looked down tenderly at her, speaking gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, I just wanted to spend some more time with you. Who knows when we¡¯ll see each other again after we part today.¡±

    The girl pursed her lips and didn¡¯t say anything, drawing a sigh from the prince.

    ¡°In a moment from now, take Whitecloud and find a quiet spot to hide. Your father¡¯s men will be here soon and your safety will be assured. Tell them then that I was chased by a group of Tatar assassins and found a chance to hide you because I was worried of dragging you into this. If anyone asks how you knew those were Tatars, tell them that they started cursing in their native tongue during the chase. Can you remember all that?¡±

    Qin Yining looked at Pang Xiao with aplicated look. ¡°Did you n out everything today, starting from when you said to poison had red up again?¡±

    Pang Xiao was caught off guard and nodded.

    ¡°Your Highness¡¯ wits are truly without parallel.¡± When Qin Yining thought carefully about things, there¡¯d actually been many suspect areas in what¡¯d happened today. When the assassins appeared, they¡¯d chased after only Pang Xiao and hadn¡¯t harmed a single Great Yan official. The prince had protected her well along the way, but never showed a trace of true fear.

    She¡¯d just been too distracted by her wildly swinging emotions in Pang Xiao¡¯s embrace and couldn¡¯t think critically at all. She¡¯d lost her usual mentality and also the ability to make clear judgments.

    These were his men, but he was calling them Tatars. Why? And how did he know that the Tatars were in the Great Yan capital? What kind of consequences would happen if everyone knew that the Tatars had attempted to assassinate the Faithful Prince of the First Rank when he was leaving Great Yan?

    Cao Yuqing should¡¯ve handed the men over to the emperor already, and their confession should be out in the open. The emperor wasn¡¯t a fool. Elder Statesman Cao would be exposed as soon as the captives said anything. Pang Xiao¡¯s plot now was more fuel for the mes. So in this regard, the prince was actually giving her and her father a great gift...

    Yining: Your Highness¡¯ schemes are simply the worst!

    Pang Xiao: The little bunny seems to be mad...

 Chapter 165: Questioning

    <h4>Chapter 165: Questioning</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯re really...¡± Qin Yining sighed.

    Pang Xiao looked nervously at her, observing the girl¡¯s expression. She hadn¡¯t gotten mad when he kissed her, or threatened that she couldn¡¯t like anyone else. She¡¯d only showed some hesitation when she knew that he¡¯d arranged everything today, but now looked like she understood everything.

    His heart settled back down and the princeughed happily.

    ¡°My dear Yi, aren¡¯t you going to admit that you like me too?¡± He whispered next to her ear.

    The words were apanied by a hot huff of breath. Qin Yining trembled and pushed the prince away. Pang Xiao felt that a bunny had patted him with a furry paw.

    He looked up at the sky and listened to the sounds behind him, sighing. cing two hands around her thin waist, he helped her down the horse and stroked her forehead softly. ¡°Alright, go hide now. Don¡¯t worry about anything else. Remember what I just said.¡±

    Qin Yining led Whitecloud a few steps away.

    Pang Xiao looked meaningfully at Huzi and cracked his whip. ¡°This prince is highly dissatisfied to be chased by Tatars in Great Yan territory. Let¡¯s see how your emperor responds!¡± The prince mped his legs around the horse¡¯s belly after speaking and sent Thundercloud shooting out. Huzi and the other guards were close behind.

    Qin Yining stood by the road and observed the fake Tatars follow them like shadows before finally breathing a sigh of relief. She led Whitecloud to a nearby copse and didn¡¯t wait too long before urgent hoofbeats sounded from the road. The time seemed about right for Pang Xiao¡¯s Great Yan escort to arrive. Qin Yining led Whitecloud out, jumped on, and road in the direction of the road.

    Whitecloud¡¯s silvery-white mane was coated with a sheen of white beneath the moonlight. He sped over grass glistening with dewdrops like a heavenly steed. His rider was wearing in colored silks that also glimmered with faint hues, making it impossible to ignore her.

    There were roughly twenty in the Great Yan party, and they slowed down upon seeing Qin Yining. When they caught a clearer glimpse of the girl as she drew nearer in the blink of an eye, they eximed with surprise. ¡°Miss Qin?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss nodded. ¡°It¡¯s me. What of my father and Sir Cui?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really Miss Qin? That¡¯s wonderful! The Marquis of Anping and Sir Cui are behind us. We were charged with protecting the Great Zhou prince against the assassins. It¡¯s good that you are well!¡± The leader thought for a moment. ¡°We still have a mission to carry out and can¡¯t stay for long. Why are you here, Miss Qin?¡±

    The leader continued before Qin Yining had a chance to response. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for a person here to protect you, miss. The Marquis of Anping will be here shortly.¡±

    ¡°Your business is more important. Thank you for your care, sir.¡± Qin Yining nodded understandingly.

    These men were under orders to see the Faithful Prince of the First Rank out of the country, so they had to apany him safely out of Great Yan territory. If anything happened to the prince within Great Yan borders, who knew what kind of ludicrous demands the unreasonable Great Zhou emperor woulde up with?

    The leader thought kindly of how Qins rearing when he saw how considerate Qin Yining was. A blush crossed his face when he saw how nobly Qin Yining was seated on her horse beneath the moonlight. He hastily ducked his head and shifted his mind to giving orders for one man to remain while the others rode off.

    A thirty-some year old man was left behind to protect Qin Yining. He took up a position not too far away after saluting the girl. The girl dismounted to return the man¡¯s politeness and stroked Whitecloud¡¯s silvery mane. The horse greatly enjoyed the caressing and nuzzled Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks. He was the same as Thundercloud, being quite perceptive of human nature apart from excellent breeding, endurance, speed, and initial burst of speed. Their intelligence was likely on par with a eight year old human child, which was how Qin Yining treated the stallion; gently, like a smart child.

    It was thanks to Whitecloud¡¯s presence that she felt a bit more secure in these wilnds.

    More hoofbeats sounded after forty five minutes. Qin Huaiyuan and the others quickly slowed down when they saw a white horse and a girl wearing in clothes off in the distance. The marquis scrambled off the horse and almost copsed in a heap when his feet touched the ground. He was a civil subject official and had given frantic chase on the back of a horse for twelve hours. He¡¯d long since reached the point of exhaustion, but kept pushing himself onwards when he thought of how his dear daughter was caught in the middle of pursuit from assassins.

    He took a few quick steps forward, meeting Qin Yining halfway. Qin Huaiyuan breathed a long sigh of relief when he saw that Qin Yining¡¯s clothes were on properly. Only that her long hair was in slight disarray, so it didn¡¯t seem that she¡¯d suffered anything untoward.

    ¡°Are you alright, daughter Yi?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, father.¡± Qin Yining curtsied to Qin Huaiyuan and saw Sir Cui and the other officials from the Ministry of Rites shakily dismount from their horses. She continued in trembling tones. ¡°Little Prince Pang hid me here when he finally created some distance between himself and the Tatar assassins! He rode off to lead them away! The Tatars are so violent and fierce, how will we exin ourselves to the Great Zhou emperor if anything happens to him in our territory?¡±

    ¡°The Tatars? Do you mean that, Miss Qin? How can you tell those were the Tatars?¡± Cui Wenqing was exceedingly anxious.

    Color had drained from the girl¡¯s face and there seemed to be tears in her eyes. ¡°I saw some Tatars once in the city of Liang. I heard some of theirnguage then and recognized it when they started yelling and cursing during the heat of the pursuit just now. They were also tall and strong. I could also tell they were Tatars because of how different they look.¡±

    ¡°Well... this... thisplicates things. Marquis of Anping, what do you say...¡±

    Cui Wenqing and the other officials were aching all over and their inner thighs had been chafed raw from all of the riding. They hadn¡¯t had a drop to drink or eat all day long, and their brains had long since been jostled into a pot of glue. How were they able to draw any sort of conclusions from something having to do with the Tatars, Great Yan, and Great Zhou?

    Qin Huaiyuan thought or a moment and answered decisively. ¡°The emperor needs to make the decision in this. We won¡¯t be able to help even if we catch up to them. Let¡¯s have the escort take the original path while we rush back to make our report.¡±

    Everyone nodded. They left a dozen guards to protect the officials while the rest of the escort set out in the direction of Pang Xiao¡¯s original route. However, they¡¯d spent twelve hours on horseback to make their way here. The way back was arduous and exhausting. They naturally couldn¡¯t go without food or sleep, so their speed was greatly impacted.

    They spent a while on horseback and finally reached a small town at dawn. The group entered the town to hire carriages and to rest a while. They finally returned to the capital on the morning of the third day.

    Pang Xiao was likely long gone from Xihua by then.

    Due to the need for women and men to remain separate from each other, Qin Yining was given a carriage of her own and didn¡¯t have a chance to discuss things with Qin Huaiyuan in detail.

    Once in the capital, Qin Huaiyuan dismissed all of the other officials and said that he was going to the pce to make a report to the emperor. He had the carriage park halfway and walked to a more spacious area with Qin Yining, finally creating some time for the two to talk.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, are the Tatars really after the little prince?¡±

    Qin Yiningughed despite herself. ¡°I knew that father wouldn¡¯tpletely believe my exnation that day.¡±

    An enlightened expression dawned on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face. ¡°Elder Statesman Cao may be in cahoots with the Tatars, but he¡¯s doing so for his own gain, not to lead a wolf into his own house. N¨¦e Cao has already told the emperor of this matter, so the statesman should be very nervous at the moment. He would never allow the Tatars to add to his worries by assassinating the prince at this time.¡±

    ¡°Father is wise, everything is precisely as you say.¡± Qin Yining summarized how Pang Xiao had his own men dress up as Tatar assassins, avoiding whatever was burgeoning between herself and the prince.

    However, someplicated tones were still mixed in with understanding after the marquis finished listening to the spiel. He thought for a moment and then asked, ¡°Darling Yi, what do you think of little Prince Pang?¡±

    Qin Yining had been solemnly waiting for her father to analyze what to do next. This question caught herpletely off guard. The thought of the prince made her ufortable and she pretended to beposed. ¡°I don¡¯t think anything in particr of him.¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all?¡± Qin Huaiyuan pointed at the red bean bracelet on her hand with a smile. ¡°I don¡¯t recall you wearing this that day, but you were wearing it when we found you.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed hotly at this.

 Chapter 166: Deploying Charm

    <h4>Chapter 166: Deploying Charm</h4>

    What else would Qin Huaiyuan not understand after seeing his daughter like this? Pang Xiao had umon looks, charisma, strategy, and was a heroic character that could pen grand designs to pacify the world and immediately settle things with his martial skills. He was going to great effort for Qin Yining and had saved her multiple times. The girl¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t made of stone, so how would she remained unmoved?

    As he looked carefully at his daughter, Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with augh. No wonder a heroic character such as Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t been able to keep himself apart from her.

    ¡°Never mind that. I won¡¯t ask about what¡¯s between you two. You¡¯re a smart girl and know the limits.¡±

    An embarrassed look still clung to Qin Yining¡¯s face, but she was also slightly surprised. ¡°Aren¡¯t you opposed to this, father?¡±

    ¡°Opposed to what? He¡¯s a hero amongst men. That makes him worthy of you.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s so much between us.¡±

    Understanding dawned. Qin Huaiyuan smiled and tucked his hands behind his bank. ¡°Setting everything else aside for now, if the prince was truly caught up in the death of his father, then I wouldn¡¯t be standing here now. I did use a scheme to drift a wedge between his father and emperor back in the day, but the prince is likely well aware that if it hadn¡¯t been for the Northern Ji emperor¡¯s long-standing paranoia of Pang Zhongzheng, nothing would¡¯ve resulted from the plot.

    ¡°And, my dear daughter, perhaps you don¡¯t know of the prince¡¯s background.¡±

    Qin Yining cast a curious look at her father.

    ¡°Pang Zhixi¡¯s mother, n¨¦e Yao, was a maid in the Pang Manor. Pang Zhongzheng lost control of himself once when drunk and forced himself on n¨¦e Yao. His wife was an extremely jealous sort, and had n¨¦e Yao thrown out of the manor before the maid could be raised up as concubine. The madame even sent people to further harm the maid, to prevent a concubine-born son from being delivered. Thankfully, n¨¦e Yao was smart and evaded that disaster.

    ¡°Pang Zhongzheng had no idea when his love of a night was sent away and so never knew that she waster pregnant. Disaster befell the Pangster on, and even upon death he didn¡¯t know that he had this descendent in the world.¡±

    ¡°So this means that little Prince Pang has no love for his birth father and official mother.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°You can say that. He was also forced to join the army when he was young, so he likely hates his background.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°How do you think he became a god of war who kills without blinking? He was with his maternal grandparents and birth mother, living out peaceful days in a small town. His grandfather used the silver that n¨¦e Yao came back with to open a small restaurant. They weren¡¯t rich, but they didn¡¯t want for food or clothing. But when the Great Zhou emperor Li Qitian raised high the banner of rebellion against Northern Ji tyranny, he did so primarily with Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s old troops. He found n¨¦e Yao and was convinced of Pang Zhixi¡¯s identity from the prince¡¯s looks.

    ¡°The Great Zhou emperor was just the leader of a bunch of mutinous farmers at the time. He didn¡¯t have much charisma. And so, he forced Pang Zhixi into the army, keeping the prince in line with both threats and cajolery, doing everything he could to keep the prince there. In reality, all he wanted to do was to recruit men under the guise of taking revenge for the Protector of the Nation, Pang Zhongzheng. The little prince ended up in the army because he was kidnapped from home. He refused to ept things at first, but gradually epted reality.¡±

    ¡°So he didn¡¯t join the army voluntarily.¡±

    To think that he has this kind of past.

    A fifteen year old young man, living out his days in peace, was suddenly informed that he was the son of General Pang. He was then roped into the army and had to face not only scenes of blood and gore, but even more plots and schemes on his life. Li Qitian had hoisted the banner high for Pang Zhongzheng only because he wanted his rebellion to be legitimate. He probably didn¡¯t care about Pang Xiao¡¯s life or death at all.

    The prince must have weathered great trials in order to live through an environment like that. He had to learn martial arts, how to kill, and how to plot. He tempered himself though the fires of battle, learned strategy, how to recruit people, and developed his own faction.

    He climbed to great heights one step at a time, to the point where the Great Zhou emperor didn¡¯t dare kill him. Instead, Pang Xiao was the onlymon-born prince in Great Zhou.

    Qin Yining felt that mere analysis of such hardship was enough to crush her. But Pang Xiao had done it all. He hadn¡¯t received a day¡¯s worth of fatherly love or have any rtionship with his birth father, but destiny had dictated his life based on his background.

    She suddenly understood her father¡¯s meaning. The prince likely had absolutely no feelings for his birth father, or perhaps resentment, if there was anything there. Apart from his own helpless circumstances, his birth mother had suffered grave injustice as well.

    This was why Pang Xiao could coolly, logically consider the matters of yesteryear and not just react viscerally to proim a death sentence on Qin Huaiyuan.

    After a round of analysis, Qin Yining bizarrely felt much more lighthearted. ¡°To think that father knows this much about the prince!¡±

    ¡°I naturally have to investigate someone who likes my daughter,¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded straightforwardly. ¡°I can¡¯t just watch him scheme against my daughter for the sake of revenge.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face was red, but her heart was happy. She trusted her father¡¯s abilities. If he¡¯d said all this, that meant Pang Xiao really wasn¡¯t getting close to her for revenge, but because he genuinely liked her. But... so a family feud wasn¡¯t an issue. There was still the issue of the hate between their nations...

    She sighed softly. What was the point in thinking so much? Just let things take their natural course. Pang Xiao had even specifically told her before he left that he¡¯d take care of everything.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t realize that she¡¯d subconsciously epted Pang Xiao¡¯s im of ownership and the fact that they¡¯d marry in the future.

    Qin Huaiyuan thought for a moment. ¡°Go back home first. I¡¯ve already sent Miss Tang back to the manor. Say that I brought you along for the send-off. Don¡¯t mind how others talk about it.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Take the carriage, father. I¡¯ll ride back on Whitecloud.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and heaved anotherplicated sigh when he saw Qin Yining take the reins for the handsome white horse from a servant. ¡°His n was quite watertight.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, and he gave us a big present as well.¡± Qin Yining jumped onto the horse and didn¡¯t perceive the double meaning in her father¡¯s words.

    The marquis shook his head and didn¡¯t voice the rest. ¡°Go on back.¡±

    ¡°Yes father, I¡¯ll go back first then.¡± The girl rode Whitecloud back with a carefree heart.

    Qin Huaiyuan remained where he was a while longer before seeking an audience with the emperor. He conveyed the news that Tatars had attempted to assassinate the prince, but that a furious prince had fled his way out of Great Yan.

    The emperor didn¡¯t immediately express a particr viewpoint when he heard this, so Qin Huaiyuan reported the matter again the next day during court. He requested that the emperor investigate how the Tatars were able to thoroughly grasp Pang Xiao¡¯s schedule and route. The marquis once again made the same request, and tacked on that there must have been Tatar spies in the prince¡¯s retinue!

    The emperor was already wary of Elder Statesman Cao. Combined with that Cao Yuqing¡¯s evidence of the statesman colluding with the Tatar princess and the possible consequences of the an assassination on Pang Xiao, all three together were enough to make the emperor fly into a rage and harshly deride the statesman.

    The Minister of the Department of Personnel 1, Wang Yuxian, was Statesman Cao¡¯s acimed pupil. A dozen dayster, furious emperor stripped the minister of his title with a flimsy excuse. That made for a loss of the statesman¡¯s right hand man and an immense decline in status in just half a month.

    As the official credited with the sessful peace talks and the one who¡¯d taken Statesman Cao down a peg, plus his usually good reputation, Qin Huaiyuan was unstoppable at court for the moment. But when Qin Yining, reviewing the Institute¡¯s ounts, heard this news from the grand steward, she frowned involuntarily.

    The smile slid off the steward¡¯s face when he saw this reaction. ¡°Miss, is there anything bad about this?¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°I just feel that things won¡¯t be as simple as this. The Caos aren¡¯t an easy target as they¡¯ve been able to remain standing for so many years. I¡¯m afraid of what they¡¯lle up with after this.¡±

    Just as Qin Yining thought, the empress was currently sniffling with a lowered head in the imperial study and pouting in soft tones.

    ¡°...there are few males in my family line and father has only a few pupils. Although we¡¯re just a poor official¡¯s family, that was enough to prevent outsiders fromughing that our family woulde to an end. We had just enough people to take care of each other. But now that you¡¯ve demoted Wang Yuxian, isn¡¯t that putting my father in a difficult position? Consort Shu and Honored Concubine Xiang taunt me, so I¡¯ve been unable to eat or sleep these days. Take a look, Your Majesty, there are wrinkles at the corners of my eyes now. Will you stop loving me now that I¡¯m old?¡± She was lying pitifully in the emperor¡¯s arms after this cloyingly sweet spiel.

 Chapter 167: Beautiful Bones and Enchanting Flesh

    <h4>Chapter 167: Beautiful Bones and Enchanting Flesh</h4>

    To the emperor, the empress was his goddess and the apple of his eye. He loved her more than anything and could never bear to see her suffer. Although he was wary of Elder Statesman Cao and dissatisfied with some of what the statesman had done, that had nothing to do with his beloved empress.

    ¡°My dearest darling, don¡¯t be sad. My heart hurts so much at the sight.¡± The emperor gently rocked the empress like he was coaxing a child. ¡°I reprimanded Wang Yuxian for his own good. It had nothing to do with your father. How dare Consort Shu and Honored Concubine Xiang taunt you? The imperial harem interfering with matters of court is a grave taboo. Do they not want to live anymore?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± The empressid her head down softly on the emperor¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve upied your favor all by myself ever since entering the pce. Naturally, they¡¯re jealous. I understand why they feel this way, but you are still in the prime of your life, Your Majesty, and I am slowly bing a faded flower. I truly am afraid that you¡¯ll meet a new love some day and cast me aside.¡±

    Tears trickled down the sides of her cheeks as she spoke and plopped onto the emperor¡¯s imperial robe, wetting the cloth.

    The emperor supported the empress¡¯ slender waist with one hand and gently caressed her long hair with the other. ¡°How would that ever happen? I¡¯m the one who¡¯s old. You¡¯re still as young and beautiful as ever, just like when I first met you.¡±

    However, the empress shook her head and ced both hands on the man¡¯s shoulders, sitting up straight to gaze at him with deep devotion.

    ¡°Why would you say that, Your Majesty? You¡¯re the son of heaven and have unending fortune and lifespan. And you¡¯re not old at all. You¡¯ve be more and more vigorous with the Soothsayer¡¯s pill. I...¡± She ducked a blushing head.

    The affirmative words and the empress¡¯ shy demeanor made the emperor feel as if he were floating on clouds. He did indeed feel a great surging of manhood ever since taking the divine pill and was highly confident that he could live to a hundred years old.

    The empress hesitated. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m not a son of heaven like you, nor do I have a heavenly aura protecting me. I¡¯ve grown old. Look at the corners of my eyes.¡± She caressed her smooth and pretty face. ¡°Your Majesty, I know of a medicine that can revitalize my looks. The Soothsayer told me a few days ago, but the key ingredient is a bit hard to obtain.¡±

    The emperor was relieved that the empress was no longer focused on him demoting Wang Yuxian. He quickly picked up the new line of conversation. ¡°Yurou, what ingredient is that? I own everything beneath the heavens and the four seas. As long you want it and it exists in the world, you shall have it!¡±

    The empress blushed charmingly. ¡°The Soothsayer said that this ingredient is both hard and easy to procure. It¡¯s present in the capital, but it might be difficult to really get ahold of it.¡±

    ¡°Tell Us about it, We will take care of it for you!¡± The emperor greatly enjoyed how cutely the empress acted whenever she wanted something. It gave him an immense sense of aplishment.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the empress¡¯ tone became even more gentle. ¡°The Soothsayer said that I need the charming heart, beautiful bones, and enchanting flesh of a yin beauty born in the year of the earth rabbit, the month of the earth dragon, and the day of the fire chicken. 1 These ingredients must be pounded into a pulp with a pestle to be used in the medicine.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± The emperor was a bit taken aback that the medicine needed a live person, but smiled after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°That won¡¯t be hard. I¡¯ll send out a decree to look for someone with this birth date. A yin-beauty? Then a great beauty is called for?¡±

    The empress saw hope dawn when the emperor agreed without another word. She tugged his sleeve anxiously. ¡°The Soothsayer has actually already identified the person. But I¡¯m worried it would ce you in a difficult position, Your Majesty, so I didn¡¯t say anything.¡±

    The emperorughed heartily. ¡°You clever little thing! Come, tell me. I¡¯ll obtain her to be your medicine no matter who she is!¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell you, but you mustn¡¯t be mad at me or misunderstand my intentions.¡±

    ¡°What, do I know this person?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The empress nodded. ¡°She¡¯s none other than the official daughter of the Marquis of Anping, n¨¦e Qin. She was born in the year of the earth rabbit, the month of the earth dragon, and the day of the fire chicken. The fifth day of the sixth month is her birthday. Your Majesty can have someone else confirm the calctions if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±

    The emperor fell silent for momentary contemtion. ¡°Qin Meng has only this daughter. It wouldn¡¯t be too appropriate to have him offer his daughter as medicine.¡±

    The emperor still remembered how Sun Yu had rathermit suicide than offer his brains. He

    was opposed to a recurrence on a basic level.

    And yet, the empress frowned pitifully. ¡°What kind of words are these, Your Majesty? Everything beneath the heavens is yours, and so are the people. No matter how Qin Meng may be, he¡¯s still your subject. Isn¡¯t there a saying that a subject has to die if his liege wishes it? You don¡¯t want his death, just his daughter. It¡¯d be evidence of a rebellious heart if he didn¡¯t offer her up.¡±

    These words were very crafty. Every single one of them touched on the emperor¡¯s bottom line. In his high position, the first thing he cared about was his untouchable, god-like status. The second was the loyalty of his subjects.

    After all, hadn¡¯t Azure Justice appeared in the chaotic Duke of Ding aftermath, when all the Sun males were executed?

    He wanted Sun Yu to give himself up for the country, but that schr had dared ram himself to death!

    He wanted the lives of the Sun males to pacify Great Zhou anger, but the females had dared cook up this justice alliance to foment rebellion, and even dared attempt to assassinate him!

    He was the lord of a nation and ruler of all! Could he not give the order in something as minor as this? Even the Suns¡¯ Institute of Luminous Charm was now in n¨¦e Qin¡¯s hands. Although Cao Yuqing had made her investigations and confirmed that n¨¦e Qin had nothing to do with Azure Justice, the girl was still the granddaughter of the leader of that rebellion.

    Qin Meng was indeed loyal and only had this one child.

    So what?

    His imperial authority would not brook any challenge or belittling!

    With the empress¡¯ deep understanding of the emperor, she¡¯d more or less guessed what was going on in the imperial mind when she saw various expressions flicker through the majesty¡¯s face. She encircled the emperor¡¯s neck and rubbed her soft body against the emperor¡¯s.

    ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t you want me to be forever young and always be by your side, serving you like this? Don¡¯t you like me, Your Majesty?¡±

    Her teasing sessfully aroused the emperor¡¯s attentions and lewd thoughts started running rampant. The Soothsayer¡¯s divine pill would bestow vigor even when he was a hundred years old. If the empress aged well before that, what would be the joy in life then? Besides, his darling just wanted some medicine ingredients to maintain her looks. There was nothing over the top about that.

    He smiled when his thoughts travelled here. ¡°Alright then, it shall be as you say because I dote on you so. I¡¯ll think of a way to get the girl.¡±

    The empress bestowed a delighted kiss. ¡°Thank you for your favor, Your Majesty.¡±

    The emperor¡¯s hand ran up and down the woman¡¯s body. ¡°And what will you thank me with?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty~¡± The tender voice tempted even the soul, making the emperor brush off all the petitions on the table with a broad sweep of the hand and cing the empress on it instead...

    The guards and eunuchs on duty at the doors of the imperial study felt incredibly awkward. One of the young eunuchs was beet red and surreptitiously took a few steps away, like he didn¡¯t want to hear what was going on inside.

    The head eunuch found the awkward sight of his disciple quite funny. ¡°Little Yuzi, what¡¯s with you? What are you squirming around for? Are there worms in you?¡±

    Little Yuzi flushed an even brighter red. ¡°Master. I, I, would like to visit the outhouse.¡±

    ¡°You little monkey, can¡¯t take even this? Let me tell you something, this is nothing! Go on your way, don¡¯t embarrass yourself staying here.¡±

    Little Yuzi scratched his head and scampered off, drawingughs from the guards and a few eunuchs.

    The young eunuch sprinted off to find a ce to relieve himself, but hastily scrawled a note and sent it to the Eastern Pce using previously agreed upon methods when he saw that no one was around.

    Weichi Yan received the note from another young eunuch during lunch. Color drained rapidly from his face with a single nce, and he almost knocked over the porridge bowl in front of him.

    He was first shocked, then so furious that his body shook from anger. ¡°Trampress, that trampress! She really should die!¡±

    ......

    The Anping Manor had been celebrating over the past two days.

    Elder Statesman Cao¡¯s prized pupil had been demoted and stripped of his minister position while the statesman himself had been reprimanded for ipetence. On the flip side, Qin Huaiyuan was an official of great merit after the sessful peace talks and censuring the statesman. He was highlymended and strings of imperial gifts flowed into the manor these days. They ranged from gold, silver, and jade to even tokens such as snacks that the emperor found delicious. All of them made their way to the Qins.

    This level of honor was something that many families wouldn¡¯t reach after several lifetimes. The old dowager was delighted from dawn to dusk and felt that her eldest son had brought great glory to her. The Caos¡¯ downfall also made her cool towards Cao Yuqing. Her attentions were bestowed on Qin Yining, and even n¨¦e Sun, since the girl had caught the Great Zhou prince¡¯s eye.

 Chapter 168: Wanting a Life (I)

    <h4>Chapter 168: Wanting a Life (I)</h4>

    Who in the capital these days didn¡¯t know that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was throwing away money like it was dirt on the Qin fourth miss? He was raiding execution grounds and gifting her grand manors. And when they met Tatar assassins on his way out of Great Yan, he¡¯d even pulled her onto his horse to protect her.

    The females of the eight great noble houses had witnessed Pang Xiao¡¯s dashing ir at close quarters, that day at Ning Park. It would inevitablye up in private gossip with their dear friends. The gossip had made the rounds, and now everyone in high society knew of Pang Xiao¡¯s umon gantry.

    Great Zhou and Great Yan were now allies, and marriage was naturally permitted between friends. Here was a handsome hero with impressive military aplishments, themander of the dominating force that was a hundred thousand Valiant Tigers, and a steely man amongst men. Such a character was naturally a target of admiration of all the girls, and he loved only one! What an envious and dreamy pairing.

    Qin Yining was now a target of aspiration for all Great Yan noble girls, and a bridge through which the old dowager could curry favor with the prince. For the matriarch, it didn¡¯t matter if she failed. It would still be a great help to the Qins if Qin Yining was a concubine or married over as part of another girl¡¯s dowry in the future. Therefore, the old dowager had kept her granddaughter by her side at all times over the past two days.

    On this day, Qin Yining excused herself for a change of clothing when she saw Qiulue to the Garden of Loving Piety. She met the maid in the covered hallway.

    ¡°What brings you here? Has something happened?¡±

    Qiulu nodded. ¡°The grand steward sent a messenger just now that a noble visitor is at his residence. His guest has something that he must pass onto you, miss, and the steward requests that youe as soon as possible.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite surprised. What kind of visitor was it that couldn¡¯t just make a visit themselves? Why did she have to make a ndestine visit to the steward¡¯s home?

    She paced slowly along the hallway and took a seat on a nearby cushioned bench, propping her cheek up with one hand, remaining deep in thought. This person definitely understood her daily routine since he¡¯d gone to Grand Steward Zhong. The person knew that she often discussed things with the steward, so it wouldn¡¯t raise suspicion if she made a visit. The contents of their impending conversation must be a secret since the visitor hadn¡¯t directlye for her.

    After some thought, she felt that the only person who¡¯d do this was her maternal grandmother. The two hadn¡¯t met ever since she learned of her grandmother¡¯s identity as the leader of Azure justice. Did her grandmother need something from her now?

    Qin Yining quickly had the servants prepare a carriage and made her excuses to the old dowager before rushing out the door with Jiyun and Bingtang.

    They arrived at Steward Zhong¡¯s house before long. As the maids helped Qin Yining down, the doorkeeper weed the miss as usual. ¡°You¡¯re finally here, owner! The steward was just standing outside in wait. There must be great, important business to discuss, so this humble one congrattes the owner in advance!¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your auspicious words.¡± Qin Yining smiled gently and cast a slight look sideways. Jiyun took out a small pouch from her sleeves and grabbed a handful of copper coins for the doorkeeper. The doorkeeper bobbed repeated thanks and respectfully showed Qin Yining the way to the study.

    Grand Steward Zhong was already waiting there, having received word from the servants.

    ¡°The owner¡¯se.¡± The steward¡¯s smile was as usual. ¡°Arge transaction hase form the south and needs your decision. This is why I asked you to visit.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded affably. ¡°My experience and knowledge are shallow, being from the inner residence. I¡¯m only here to listen and to learn from the steward.¡±

    The steward quickly raised cupped hands. ¡°Not at all, not at all.¡±

    The Zhong n servants were viewing their master with newfound respect. This was the official daughter of the Marquis of Anping, the target of affections from the Great Zhou Faithful Prince of the First Rank! It was in to see how amazing their master was, with how courteous the Qin fourth miss was being.

    The steward raised his hand to dismiss his servants, which Qin Yining also did to Jiyun and Bingtang. ¡°Stand guard outside and don¡¯t let anyone near.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Jiyun and Bingtang nodded solemnly.

    Qin Yining followed the steward up the steps into the study. The steward¡¯s study wasn¡¯t as spacious as Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s, but it was neat and tidy. Books of scripture and history were ced into different categories on the book shelves, and a stack of ounts were piled on the table.

    A tall gentleman dressed in gray was standing in front of the window with his back to them. He seemed to be admiring the bamboo patch outside the half opened window. Qin Yining raised her brows in slight bewilderment. It¡¯s not grandmother? And the figure actually looked a bit familiar?

    She was struck with stupefaction when the man turned around and identification was possible. She quickly curtsied. ¡°This subject greets Your Highness. Please forgive me for any discourtesy in not knowing that Your Highness had graced us with your presence.¡±

    Weichi Yan quickly stuck out his hand in a gesture of support and looked intently at the girl. ¡°Please, rise. There¡¯s no need to be so polite. You¡¯re the grand preceptor¡¯s daughter and thus my junior sister. Why stand on such courtesy?¡±

    ¡°There is a difference between liege and subject,¡± Qin Yining stood properly with her head down. ¡°The rules cannot be ignored.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve always been so polite.¡± Weichi Yanughed wryly. ¡°This seat behaved ludicrously that day and didn¡¯t consider enough. That was why I said all that in front of others, so I hope you don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±

    She knew that he was speaking of his sendoff, the day that she¡¯d been forced to join the peace talks. He¡¯d thered on something about how the position of Crown Princess Consort was going to be hers and made an incredibly tant deration of love. It¡¯d resulted in some scandal, and worst of all, could¡¯ve resulted in trouble for her father had she not turned him down severely on the spot.

    To think that the crown prince had thought of that all this time!

    ¡°You speak too solemnly, Your Highness. This subject was discourteous and begs forgiveness if any offense was given.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± Weichi Yan sighed. ¡°I had indeed listened to the goadings of others that day and didn¡¯t think things through properly. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Understanding dawned on the grand steward when he saw how careful the crown prince was acting towards the miss. Because he¡¯d told his servants that business was taking ce, he couldn¡¯t very well go back outside. He settled for excusing himself to the side room and leaving this room to the two of them.

    Qin Yining invited the crown prince to take a seat and took a lower seat herself. ¡°Are there any pressing matters to do with your visit, Your Highness?¡±

    Weichi Yan finally recalled the purpose of his visit and spoke rapidly. ¡°Miss Qin, the trampress wants to kill you, be careful!¡± His words tumbled forth like an upended bucket of beads. ¡°My man has just found out that the trampress yed coy in front of my royal father and wants a medicine ingredient to improve her looks. She said that the Soothsayer says that she needs the heart, bones, and flesh of a girl born on a certain birthdate. The Soothsayer says that girl is you, and my father has already permitted it! I think that with how my father acts, he¡¯ll move against you in the next two days. You, you should flee!¡±

    Qin Yining was bbergasted as color slowly drained from her face. She¡¯d guessed that the trampress would take revenge. The feud between the Qins and the Caos had been well and truly cemented when her father had been elevated to the position of grand preceptor. The trampress had also caused her eldest cousin tomit suicide and the downfall of the Suns. I suppose I need tomend the harlot for biding her time for so long after publicly losing face in the Ning Park matter, given her temper. In fact, the trampress was downright mature in her restraint.

    However, she¡¯d never thought that the trampress would want to kill her, and with such violent methods to boot!

    She¡¯s a fast learner. Great Zhou hade up with the idea of Sun Yu¡¯s brains as medicine. The trampress had immediately copied that and wanted Qin Yining¡¯s bones and flesh as an ingredient. Isn¡¯t she afraid that everyone beneath the heavens will curse her name once again after goading the trash emperor like this?

    Or, the trampress didn¡¯t care at all! The emperor was the master of all beneath the heavens, so she could do whatever she wanted as long as she had the emperor¡¯s protection!

    Sadly, every living being was likely his personal property in the trash emperor¡¯s eyes, his to kill and ughter like a dog or pig as he wished. Wasn¡¯t there a saying that a subject had to die when his liege wished it? She was just a little girl and worth absolutely nothing in the trash emperor¡¯s eyes. He¡¯d destroyed a great family such as the Duke of Ding¡¯s just like that, so what of her?

    ¡°Your Highness, is this certain?¡± She was trying to keep her calm with all her might, but her voice was still a bit hoarse.

    Weichi Yan inclined his head solemnly. ¡°My man serves in the imperial study and heard it with his own eyes.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell my father about this, but ran to tell me about it instead?¡± Qin Yining looked at the crown prince with her clear eyes.

    The man started and blushed. ¡°I... I forgot to... in my hurry...¡± He¡¯d even forgotten to refer to himself as ¡®this seat¡¯ or ¡®this prince¡¯.

    Qin Yining smiled and shook her head at this. It looked like the crown prince really didn¡¯t have any skill with politics.

    ¡°It¡¯s just as well that Your Highness told me about it. This matter might¡¯ve had adverse effects if you told my father.¡±

    ¡°Right, right. The grand preceptor is loyal without a fault and I wouldn¡¯t want anything toe between the grand preceptor and my royal father. Except, my father¡¯s already agreed to the trampress¡¯ demands. ...Miss Qin, you should flee!¡±

 Chapter 169: Wanting a Life (II)

    <h4>Chapter 169: Wanting a Life (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining smiled wryly at this exhortation. ¡°Where can I run to at this time? If the Qins don¡¯t give me up when the emperor sends his decree, how do you think he¡¯ll treat them?¡±

    ¡°This... ai! What can we do?¡±

    Weichi Yan was extremely familiar with his royal father¡¯s temperament. If it¡¯d been him, Weichi Yan would¡¯ve felt only admiration for Sun Yu having such grit to refuse to submit to the Great Zhou emperor¡¯s threat, and to die in such a strong manner. He would¡¯vemended the Duke of Ding and treated them well. But what had his father done?

    The crown prince felt tremendously embarrassed when he thought of how the Suns were Qin Yining¡¯s maternal rtions, and how her maternal grandfather, uncles, cousins, and little nephews had all been executed by his own father. A deep flush crept up Weichi Yan¡¯s neck and face at this.

    He might look like a lofty, noble crown prince to others; the emperor¡¯s only heir, the future son of heaven, and a born favored son, but Weichi Yan knew full well that the identity of a prince hadn¡¯t brought to him honor or glory, but chains and burdens instead.

    Because of his father¡¯s ineptitude, he didn¡¯t have the courage to confidently pursue the girl she liked, even when he came face-to-face with her. And now his father wanted to grind up the girl he liked for the empress to eat...

    Qin Yining could more or less guess at what the crown prince was thinking, given how much he resembled an eggnt at the moment. She didn¡¯t keep discussing the matter and curtsied sincerely. ¡°Many thanks for Your Highness standing up for the right thing today. Had it not been for your early warning, I likely would¡¯ve been offered up by my family.¡±

    Weichi Yan quickly helped the girl up when he saw her sweep a graceful curtsey.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so, Miss Qin. I really am ipetent,¡± he spoke with ashamed tones. ¡°I can do nothing other than tell you, and can¡¯t think of any appropriate ns at the moment... But don¡¯t worry, Miss Qin. I¡¯ll contact my people when I go back, and we¡¯ll all request that my royal father retracts the imperial decree if it¡¯s given. We won¡¯t have you lose your life for nothing!¡±

    ¡°This subject thanks Your Highness for your kind thoughts. However, I feel that we shouldn¡¯t take any risky actions for the nonce.¡± Her face was slightly wan, but her brows were rxed and the look in her eyes clear. It was apparent that she¡¯d already recovered from her initial panic.

    Ever since he¡¯d frantically chased down the peace talks entourage with thoughts of dering his love upying his mind, Weichi Yan hade back to the understanding that the Qin fourth miss was no ordinary girl, after he¡¯d thoroughly analyzed all of the ins and outs of the situation. Her public rejection demonstrated her high intelligence and illustrated why she was called the daughter of Wise Pan An.

    She was able to remain calm in the face of danger, and in fact brimmed with self-assurance. Her unruffled manner and nonchnce was infectious. If he were to ask himself, Weichi Yan knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to be this unconcerned if he suddenly learned one day that someone wanted to grind him up as a medicine ingredient.

    Veneration grew, the precursor to a tide of uncontroble emotion. He blurted out something that¡¯d been circling his mind for a very long time.

    ¡°Miss Qin, have you and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank really made promises to each other? Do I have absolutely no chance at all?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s charming face and ears suddenly went scarlet. ¡°Your Highness, this matter is decided by each of our parents. It¡¯d never fall to me to make promises in private. Please don¡¯t speak like this anymore.¡±

    Weichi Yan felt that the sunset-graced cheeks of the girl in front of him was the most adorable thing he¡¯d ever seen. Every part he set eyes on was most exquisitely pleasing. She was just standing in front of him with a lowered head, but it made him feel like he was in a beautifulndscape painting. He could hear birdsong and smell the fragrance of flowers. It swelled his heart with such emotion that he could barely contain himself.

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± He smiled genteelly. Her words meant that he only needed to convince Qin Huaiyuan. Although his royal father was a bit of a family embarrassment, he could at least guarantee the quality of his own character. ¡°You must have matters to attend to. I¡¯ll be on my way as well, lest I arouse suspicions by staying here for too long.¡±

    ¡°Yes, many thanks to Your Highness today.¡± Qin Yining curtsied again.

    The crown prince waved a hand and took another long look at her before reluctantly flinging on a pale-blue, opulent cloak. The steward was already waiting at the door as the crown prince headed out, and he respectfully saw the visitor out. Steward Zhong even put on the regretful expression of an unsessful business meeting, so as to prevent any suspicion from arising.

    Qin Yining sat at the table, sinking into deep thought as she meditated on the dark-green tea leaves within her cup. The steward frantically came back in after a while.

    ¡°What should we do about this, miss? What should we do? Ai! That trampress isn¡¯t human! How can such a vicious woman exist in this world? She wants to use human flesh to improve her looks, and the emperor actually agreed to it! What do we do, miss?? We need to tell the marquis so he can think of a n!¡±

    The study wasn¡¯trge, so he¡¯d naturally heard all of the conversation between Qin Yining and the crown prince. However, the girl shook her head.

    ¡°If we tell my father, he¡¯d only tell me to run away or sacrifice me, based on his position and perspective. And the Qins are arge n, would father sacrifice the entire family for me alone? I should take any action by myself, just to be safe.¡±

    ¡°But what can we do?¡± The steward¡¯s hair was about to go spontaneously white in his anxiety.

    Qin Yining paced slowly as she thought aloud. ¡°The two nations have a truce at the moment and peace has descended beneath the heavens. There is no Great Zhou army on our doorsteps, so the emperor will be hard pressed to find a suitable excuse to have me surrendered to the empress. It¡¯s not like the emperor can give an imperial decree that says, ¡®Give your daughter up so my empress can eat her. If not, you¡¯re a traitor!¡¯.¡±

    ¡°With the emperor¡¯s style, he may very well do something like this.¡± Steward Zhong sighed with a frown.

    The girl shook her head rapidly in response. ¡°He¡¯d be throwing away all dignity if he really did that. He can lose face to save his life when the war raged, but keeping face is once again a great consideration if the emperor wants to rule firmly in times of peace. Therefore, he won¡¯t give an imperial decree to seize me, but dump some sort of crime on me so that my death is justified.¡±

    ¡°Crime? Your father is the official of great merit who hosted a sessful peace negotiation, and so did you put forth great effort on that behalf, miss. Your entire family is loyal. It¡¯d be very difficult for the emperor to pin any sort of crime on you.¡±

    Qin Yining suddenly stopped and tightly clenched the back of the round chair. Actually, there really was an excuse the emperor could use. Azure Justice!

    Her maternal grandmother was the leader of the rebel alliance, and the culprit behind an assassination attempt! What if the emperor seized upon her identity as the granddaughter of the leader of Azure Justice?

    However, this rming possibility was quashed as quickly as it appeared. The emperor had given the leader of his most trusted secret service to Qin Huaiyuan. This meant that her father was the greatest weapon the emperor had against the Caos and Elder Statesman Cao. The emperor would never do anything to the Qin n, because he wanted Qin Huaiyuan to focus his efforts on the statesman. Therefore, she would be the only one affected in this quest to eat her.

    And so, something as major as the Azure Justice wouldn¡¯t be revealed, since it¡¯d impact the very foundation of the Qin n. Besides, keeping the rebel alliance a secret meant that the emperor had another card to y to keep the Qins under control.

    Qin Yining started pacing in thought again and murmured to herself, ¡°...since this matter won¡¯t be revealed, what will be the excuse?¡±

    She turned over every possibility and thought for a long while. Inspiration suddenly dawned.

    ¡°Miss, what do you n to do? Just give the word and I¡¯ll brave even death for whatever you need!¡± The steward knew that Qin Yining¡¯s gleaming eyes meant that she had an idea.

    She shook her head with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s hardly that serious, but the cost will be a little high for our n this time. Please prepare bank notes for five thousand silver. The faster the better. In fact, having them now would be best.¡±

    The steward nodded immediately with no questions asked. ¡°Will do! I¡¯ll go do that now!¡±

 Chapter 170: The Soothsayer (I)

    <h4>Chapter 170: The Soothsayer (I)</h4>

    Five thousand taels was arge sum. Even someone as highly ranked as Qin Huaiyuan only received a monthly stipend of eighty. Five thousand silver in the hands of an ordinary person would more than feed them for their entire life.

    Who knew how Steward Zhong managed it, but he rushed back in less than an hour and handed over notes from a private bank. They could be redeemed in both Great Yan and Great Zhou. The smallest denomination was worth a hundred taels, thergest a thousand. They made up a thick stack of legal tender.

    Qin Yining put away the notes carefully. ¡°Mark these down on my personal ounts. This is quite arge expenditure, so let¡¯s think of a way to fill in the holeter, after we survive the crisis at hand.¡±

    ¡°No need to worry, miss. Everything else is a small affair as long as we¡¯re still alive. Besides, the Institute is yours to begin with, so what you say goes.¡± The steward smiled broadly.

    Qin Yining smiled back and nodded approvingly. The steward was highlypetent, but not a miserly sort of character. The Ding Manor had an eye for talent. Although her grandmother¡¯s gift had elicited anger from the Caos over Tang Meng, it was also a tremendous addition of wealth. She¡¯d be an ordinary noble girl otherwise, and could probably only run away if she was facing a trampress who wanted to eat her.

    She sighed and perked back up. ¡°One more thing that I need you to do for me, Grand Steward.¡±

    The girl murmured a few words by the steward¡¯s ear, causing the man¡¯s face to light up as he apuded.

    ¡°Wonderful, good n, miss! The emperor won¡¯t be able to find an excuse to do anything to you now no matter what the trampress says!¡±

    ¡°Precisely my goal. Then I leave this in your hands, Grand Steward. I need to make a trip out of the city to the Celestial Nunnery and set a few things in motion.¡±

    The steward¡¯s eyes were gleaming with admiration. ¡°Miss, you want to... Good. Good! You are truly unparalleled when ites to strategy and wits. It is my honor to follow you!¡±

    ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s my great fortune that I have people like you by my side.¡±

    The steward¡¯s face with red from the praise and he humbly raised cupped hands. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone prepare the carriage immediately. You should set out now, miss. We should finish things as fast as possible. Don¡¯t worry, everything you¡¯ve put me in charge of will be done when you return from the nunnery.¡±

    ¡°Then I thank you for your troubles.¡± Qin Yining quickly pulled Bingtang and Jiyun into the carriage after thanking the steward. She had the groom whip the horse into greater speed as they made for the nunnery with great haste.

    The Qin fourth miss kept her eyes closed for some rest within the carriage, while Jiyun and Bingtang were both livid after learning that the trampress wanted to eat their miss. Both had extremely murderous expressions on their faces.

    ¡°That bitch Cao Yurou!¡± Bingtang spat out through grit teeth. ¡°I hope she rots in hell! Curses on eighteen generations of her forefathers! I¡¯m going to make a voodoo doll of her after this and stick her to death!¡±

    Jiyun took out a whistle from the cor folds of her outfit and blew hard on it. The whistle cut crisply through the air with a shrill note, like a bird¡¯s call.

    Qin Yining opened her eyes and looked curiously at the maid. A gray, downy messenger pigeonnded on the open carriage window before long. Jiyun had already written a note with a thin brush and tied it carefully to the pigeon¡¯s leg. She shook her hand and sent the bird pping back up into the sky.

    ¡°Are you reporting this to the prince, Jiyun?¡±

    ¡°Yes, miss. His Highness left orders that I was to tell him anything major that happened. Although the miss is smart and quick-witted, there will be asions in which you need help. I may have strong martial arts skills, but I¡¯m afraid that they¡¯ll try everything and anything now that they¡¯ve decided to hurt you.¡± Jiyun responded carefully, seemingly afraid that Qin Yining would be upset about her actions.

    However, the fourth miss nodded understandingly. Pang Xiao¡¯s starting point was out of consideration for her, and Jiyun was his tomand. Even though Jiyun was serving at her side at the moment, that was just to execute a mission. The maid¡¯s mission was to keep Qin Yining safe, and not follow her every order.

    She closed her eyes and leaned once more against the carriage walls to rest. The four hour journey passed by in a bleary jostling of wakefulness and drowsiness. It was the hour of the monkey when they arrived at the Celestial Nunnery. 1 The verdant green of the mountain was dappled with bright sunlight, imparting a few more wisps of ethereality to the nunnery.

    Qin Yining had the groom park the carriage with care and started climbing the stairs, tugging Bingtang in her wake. Jiyun had been worried that a noble girl would quickly run out of energy, but her mistress reached the top of the mountain without a change in expression. It was rather Bingtang who huffed and puffed, nting her hands on her waist to pant for air.

    Five young nuns were cleaning the limestone tiles in front of the main door with gourddles sshing out water from wooden buckets. They looked over when they noticed their visitors and eximed in surprise when they saw Bingtang.

    ¡°Blessings from the almighty gods. Isn¡¯t it senior Jing Zhen?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Bingtang smiled in greeting. ¡°Is our honored master in?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes she is.¡± A young nun looked at Qin Yining and Jiyun, quickly making an inviting gesture. ¡°Pleasee this way.¡±

    Compared to the scenes of winter destion, the nunnery was now covered with the green of new growth. The meditation room had been renovated as well. Everything brimmed with the vitality of burgeoning development.

    Qin Yining¡¯s group made their way to the side yard and waited only a moment before the young nun amiably showed them to Priestess Liu¡¯s quarters. The Qin fourth miss was quite familiar with this residence. It was here that Pang Xiao had taken an arrow in his shoulder in order to save her. The familiar steps and walls evoked images of the prince¡¯s handsome face.

    Priestess Liu was standing beneath the covered hallway, her hands raised upwards in the folded Taoist manner. ¡°Great fortune from the almighty gods. This humble nun has not properly greeted Miss Qin¡¯s wondrous arrival. I hope you do not fault me for it.¡±

    ¡°How would I ever? Long time no see, but the priestess remains as healthy as ever.¡± Qin Yining smiled with a half curtsey.

    ¡°All is well, thanks to the miss¡¯ fortunes.¡± The priestess swept a gaze across the girl¡¯s face. ¡°But Miss Qin looks like she might soon experience a disaster of blood?¡±

    Bingtang and Jiyun¡¯s expressions changed drastically. The former quickly ran up to pull at the priestess¡¯ hand. ¡°Master, you¡¯re so amazing. Please save the miss!¡±

    Priestess Liu stroked Bingtang¡¯s head lovingly. ¡°Jing Zhen, you¡¯re as impetuous as ever. Since Miss Qin hase to the nunnery, that means the hands of fate have brought us together.¡± She stepped to the side. ¡°I have prepared tea. Would you like to try some, Miss Qin?¡±

    ¡°Many thanks.¡± The girl turned to her maids. ¡°You two can wait outside.¡±

    The maids nodded as Priestess Liu also dismissed her people.

    Qin Yining followed her host inside and took a seat at the square table. Priestess Liu picked up a Yixing y teapot and personally poured her visitor a cup of tea. ¡°Miss Qin muste with a request today. Please, speak.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to talk in circles before a wise person.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Priestess Liu has a miraculous touch and knows that I¡¯ll likely lose my life this time if I don¡¯t do anything.¡±

    She ced a thick stack of notes on the table, gluing the priestess¡¯ eyes to the dazzling sight.

    ¡°Miss Qin, this...?¡±

    ¡°Priestess Liu, you are the Soothsayer from now on.¡± The stack was slowly pushed in front of the priestess.

 Chapter 171: Soothsayer (II)

    <h4>Chapter 171: Soothsayer (II)</h4>

    Priestess Liu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Does Qin Yining really not know that I¡¯m the Soothsayer, or is she just pretending? It look the woman a long while before she could retract her gaze from the notes. She coughed lightly and yed dumb with a faint smile.

    ¡°Miss Qin loves to jest. The Soothsayer is Buddhist and renowned for her unerring predictions. This humble nun follows Taoism and hasn¡¯t done so for a long period of time. How would I ever be able to shoulder such a reputation?¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°Don¡¯t dissemble, Priestess. You know that I¡¯m asking you to pretend to be the Soothsayer.¡±

    An eye twitched as a corner of the priestess¡¯ mouth twitched. Paying so much silver for me to y act as myself... This was a very good deal!

    Qin Yining saw the glimmer of sess when she noted how the priestess was staring fixedly at the stack of bank notes.

    ¡°The Soothsayer disappeared after analyzing the lives of the Great Zhou emperor, Marquis of Northern Stability, and Faithful Prince of the First Rank. There have no been rumors of her for the past two years. Some say that she¡¯s passed on from this world after revealing the secrets of heaven. Others say that she¡¯s gone to seek higher enlightenment in the deep mountains afterpleting the mission from the heavens.

    ¡°I think that with the Soothsayer¡¯s talent, she must be amongst us still, observing the matters of the world. I¡¯m not asking you to do anything outrageous in pretending to be the Soothsayer, just to give questioners an unfathomably deep, ambiguous answer if anyone asks you about things. Just keep them guessing.

    ¡°For one, the Soothsayer is a nun. If she wants to conceal her identity, joining a Taoist temple is the most logical and best cover. Secondly, not many have actually seen the Soothsayer in person. There¡¯s no risk that someone will see through our disguise. You¡¯re also the right age and gender. Thirdly, I¡¯m not asking you to take center stage at a grand asion, just to borrow the Soothsayer¡¯s reputation to make certain words more believable, so that my humble life may be saved.

    ¡°Priestess, you¡¯re a nun and know that saving a life is an act greater than building a seven floor pagoda dedicated to the gods. My life is in danger as someone wishes to eat me alive. This is the only n I can think of.¡± Qin Yining swept the priestess a curtsey at the end of all this.

    What the girl didn¡¯t know was that her listener had started sweating profusely when she mentioned ¡®joining a Taoist temple is the most logical and best cover¡¯. She disguised herself as a nun and fled all the way to Great Yan precisely to create a cover for herself!

    She had indeed made predictions for Great Zhou Emperor Li Qitian, Marquis of Northern Stability Ji Zeyu, and Pang Xiao back in the day. One of them was graced with unparalleled fortunes, the reincarnation of the Emperor, also known as the Purple Star. The other two were the Field Marshal and the Army star. Of the three major inauspicious stars, the reincarnation of the Greedy Wolf was with the Tatars.

    But after the Great Zhou nation was founded, the one to take the throne wasn¡¯t the Purple Star! Li Qitian was the reincarnation of the Field Marshal star, and he¡¯d taken the Purple Star¡¯s rightful ce!

    The priestess fled in the night when she heard of this development. But who would¡¯ve thought that Qin Yining would arrive on her doorstep with a stack of bank notes, asking her to pretend to be herself? The girl had even highlighted the crux of many issues with just a few words. Was this an eye of wisdom that only those with great fortunes and an unfathomable future had?

    ¡°Great blessings from above! Is Miss Qin using the Soothsayer¡¯s identity to swindle others in the outside world?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°You speak too harshly, Priestess Liu. I¡¯m doing this only to save my own life. What would I be swindling others for?¡±

    The priestess cast a conflicted nce at the stack of notes and swallowed hard. ¡°Then might this humble nun ask, what rumors are you creating outside? You wouldn¡¯t need to make use of the Soothsayer¡¯s reputation if it was only for a small matter.¡±

    ¡°The priestess is immensely smart. This really isn¡¯t a small matter. Someone wants to dig my heart out and mash it together with my bones and flesh. Apparently, this mixture will help them with their looks. The person¡¯s about to do so, so in order to save my life, I¡¯ve had people spread rumors that I have exceedingly good fortunes. Hopefully this will save me.¡± An awkward blush colored Qin Yining¡¯s face at this time. ¡°Actually, I already had people spread the word that ¡®The Qin fourth miss has exceedingly good fortunes. Great Yan will be safe as long as she¡¯s present!¡¯, and said that this was a Soothsayer promation. It¡¯s a four hour ride from the capital to the nunnery, so it¡¯s very likely that every idle man in the streets, worker, poet, and singer in the taverns is already talking about this.¡±

    The girl felt further embarrassed when she saw the priestess¡¯ poleaxed expression. She hadn¡¯t had a choice in heaping praise on herself as the ¡®protection amulet of Great Yan¡¯ and the ¡®mascot of the nation¡¯.

    The emperor would certainly try to pin a crime on her. After some careful thought, the only crime the emperor could try for was one of an ¡®evil portent that would hurt nation and people¡¯. Only this would result in a righteous arrest of the fourth miss, refrain from hurting the Qins, and make Qin Huaiyuan continue working on the emperor¡¯s behalf. This wouldn¡¯t be an act of oppression then, but one of justice, of removing an evil spirit.

    Thank goodness she was preparing for this and making the first move. When the emperor tried his tricks, her version would have taken root and flourished in everyone¡¯s hearts. And even if the emperor changed his n, as long as the majority opinion said she was the ¡®protection amulet of Great Yan¡¯, that would be enough to make the emperor reconsider any action.

    But of course, spontaneous rumors like these wouldn¡¯t be believed at all. That¡¯s why she¡¯d further added on that this was a statement from the Soothsayer, the very person who¡¯d onceid out the destines of the Great Zhou emperor, Marquis of Northern Stability, and Faithful Prince of the First Rank. Making use of this mystical person¡¯s reputation lent an air of credibility to the sayings.

    But it wasn¡¯t like she could actually find the legendary being on such short notice, and the Soothsayer might not be willing to get involved in this mess. Qin Yining didn¡¯t know any nuns she could trust either, so the only person she thought of was Priestess Liu, follower of Taoism and wealth.

    The priestess was such a lover of wealth that there was no problem that couldn¡¯t be resolved with silver. Even so, the Qin fourth miss was still a little worried that the priestess wouldn¡¯t agree. If she didn¡¯t, Qin Yining would have to think of another n then. Perhaps the new version could be that the Soothsayer was traveling the four seas after making her statement about Qin Yining¡¯s fortunes?

    Thoughts spun rapidly in the girls minds as worries chased ideas. Meanwhile, the priestess was drooling over the bank notes on the table, the drool almost falling out of her mouth.

    So much silver, and in notes that could be redeemed all across Great Zhou and Great Yan! Five thousand silver, a full five thousand! She didn¡¯t need to share it with anyone, it was all for her! This temptation was too great!

    It wouldn¡¯t be the first time she allowed someone to use her identity.

    The priestess also knew who wanted to eat Qin Yining. The empress had rushed in a few days ago and threw a box of jewelry on the table, ordering, ¡°This seat is going back to the pce to tell the emperor that you figured out the Qin bitch¡¯s flesh is good for maintaining looks! If the emperor asks, say that you said it!¡±

    Priestess Liu hadn¡¯t even had a chance to respond before she was defeated by that box of jewelry, and here Qin Yining was, doing the same thing. Forget it, let¡¯s just go with it. I earn money for this twice and save someone¡¯s life, and do little Prince Pang a favor... The priestess carefully counted the notes twice over and shoved them merrily into her clothes. She patted the bulge with immense satisfaction and a grin.

    ¡°Miss Qin is wise indeed. This humble nun is indeed the Soothsayer.¡± These words were voiced with the most serious expression ever to be seen.

    Qin Yining smiled slightly at the words and once again curtsied sincerely. ¡°Many thanks to the priestess.¡±

 Chapter 172: Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 172: Marriage</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare loiter since dusk was falling. She had the groom drive the horse hard to get back to town. It was past the hour of the dog 1 when she reached the city gates, so she had to use some silver and announce her identity for entry.

    As it was curfew, the Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t want to attract attention by being out in the streets. She ducked into a nearby inn for the night and had Jiyun sneak back to the manor to let Qin Huaiyuan know what she¡¯d aplished today. This was also a preventive shot against the old dowager or others kicking up a fuss when they realized she¡¯d spent the night outside.

    After a restful night, Qin Yining arrived back at home early next morning. Qitai was looking around at the front doors and quickly walked up to greet the fourth miss¡¯ carriage.

    ¡°Fourth Miss, the lord has instructed that I wait here for you. Please visit the study immediately.¡±

    ¡°Father didn¡¯t attend court this morning?¡± This was a surprise.

    ¡°The marquis did go, but the empress isn¡¯t feeling well today and the emperor is taking care of her in the Soaring Phoenix Pce. Therefore, court is cancelled today.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded understandingly. Was the empress not feeling well toy the groundwork to demand Qin Yining¡¯s flesh, or was she sick because she couldn¡¯t have the Qin fourth miss?

    When she reached the outer study, she saw Qin Huaiyuan watering the flowers beneath the covered hallway with a long wooden scoop. He was taking water from a wooden tub and wielding the scoop with a right hand sporting a rolled up sleeve. The lord of the house was wearing loose, straight robes today, made of fine cotton showing moderate wear.

    ¡°Milord, the fourth miss has returned.¡± Qitai bowed at the door.

    ¡°Mm. You are all dismissed for now.¡± Qin Huaiyuan put down the scoop and wiped his hands with a handkerchief that a maid handed over, fixing his sleeve at the same time. Qitai and the maids departed together.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°It¡¯s nice that you have a day off, father. You¡¯re kept too busy normally.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I have to thank the empress for this.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled genteelly. ¡°Take a walk with me in the rear garden?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Qin Yining nodded happily. She sent Bingtang back to her residence to rest and had Sonn on duty at the garden instead. When everything was taken care of, she walked through the flower-hung gate with her father and set off to the rear garden.

    It was a season of warblers dipping in and out of tall grass as life flourished in the rear garden. The arched white stone bridge cast an enchanting reflection on the lotus pond. Lush green circled the banks, blotting out the shimmery ripples of the water. A deep breath brought it with refreshing fragrance of flowers, rxing taut nerves as well.

    Father and daughter strolled to a spaciouswn. Qin Huaiyuan made certain there were no hiding ces in the premises before speaking.

    ¡°Jiyun rushed backst night to exin the situation to me. Daughter Yi, why didn¡¯t you tell me yesterday? Can it be that in your heart, your father is someone who¡¯d sacrifice you to protect the family?¡±

    Such candor took Qin Yining off guard. In her mind, her father was someone who liked to voice only half of what he wanted to say, leaving the rest up to imagination and boration. She¡¯d always quite admired this speaking style and felt that it was the hallmark was someone highly intelligent.

    Therefore, such straight words today were proof that she¡¯d angered Qin Huaiyuan, or that her father had received some sort of shock from this matter.

    ¡°Why would you say that, father?¡± Qin Yining responded quite seriously. ¡°I never thought you would sacrifice me for family profit. It was just too much of an emergency and you weren¡¯t home at the moment. If I waited until you were back, the imperial decree probably would¡¯ve already arrived. Wouldn¡¯t I just have to go bravely to my death then?

    ¡°Besides, there are hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at your every move, because of father¡¯s identity. It would easily rm our enemies if you were involved. Whereas, I¡¯m just a little girl that many will dismiss. The empress probably thought that I wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything, which is why she didn¡¯t set a guard or any preventative measures on me.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan peered intently into his daughter¡¯s eyes, finally nodding when he could tell that her tone was serious and her eyes clear. She wasn¡¯t trying to fob him off with a quick exnation.

    ¡°It¡¯s good that you¡¯re not overthinking the matter. To tell you the truth, if I¡¯d received the imperial decree with no forewarning at all, my only n would be to help you escape. If I received word of it beforehand, I would probably do the same as you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m your daughter, naturally my thoughts are the same.¡± Qin Yining chuckled happily.

    Having confirmed that his daughter wasn¡¯t affected by the empress wanting to eat her, and that she remained as steady as ever, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s love and affection for the girl grew even stronger.

    ¡°Your n is solid. I remained in the pcest night to observe the situation and although I didn¡¯t gather any concrete intelligence, I do know that court wasn¡¯t convened today not because the empress was sick, but because she was throwing a temper tantrum. The emperor was trying to console her. When connecting that to what¡¯s happened over the past two days... it¡¯s apparent why the empress is in a bad mood. No matter what method the emperor was going to use to take your life, your safety is assured for now.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan stopped and picked a thin willow leaf, folding it this way and that. Qin Yining imitated her father and put a folded leaf up to her lips, whistling through hit. The sharp sound startled the nearby sparrows into flight, making the girlugh at the sight.

    The marquis rxed greatly to see theck of a shadow on the girl¡¯s face. His tightly furrowed brow uncreased slightly.

    Father and daughter were quiet for a moment before Qin Yining threw the leaf away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about this, father. Just behave ording to your conscience. We can see clearly now that the emperor thinks only of himself. If he was a wise ruler and actively trying to improve the country, then he would be worthy of our exhaustive efforts, even if his ideas were greater than his abilities. But he¡¯s a trash emperor.¡±

    The girl raised her head to meet Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes. ¡°To say something incredibly disrespectful, it¡¯s aplete waste of father¡¯s talents to be serving at the side of this trash emperor. This kind of person isn¡¯t worth father¡¯s enthusiasm and drive. Don¡¯t be too disappointed or depressed. Now that we see reality clearly, it¡¯s time to think of the future.¡±

    How would Qin Huaiyuan not be disappointed? He¡¯d been an official for so many years, and setting aside his many aplishments, he¡¯d always brought forth full efforts to his job and been loyal to a fault. But the emperor had threatened his family on more than one asion and never thought about his subject¡¯s feelings.

    First, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s inws had been destroyed, then his wife thrown onto an execution ground. His own wishes had beenpletely disregarded when a woman had been thrust at him, and now his only child was to be eaten! It had been very difficult for him to gain any children and he had only one daughter. But the emperor waspletely disregarding his merits and acting so poisonously!

    It was a long night for Qin Huaiyuan yesterday as he tossed and turned. He was first thankful for how smart his daughter was and how she¡¯d handled the situation. Deep dejection and helplessness followed after.

    Even though a subject had to die when his liegemanded it, Qin Huaiyuan was utterly seized by despair. He even felt that Great Yan might be better off if someone else was emperor. At the very least, the people wouldn¡¯t be preyed upon like this, suffering through endless hardship and their starved corpses falling in the wilderness.

    However, he¡¯d never thought that his daughter wouldn¡¯t resent his ipetence after almost being seized. In fact, she¡¯d turned around tofort him instead. This kind of warmth and understanding was something that he hadn¡¯t experienced from even his own mother.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes grew hot and he lifted his chin high, putting his hands behind his back to look into the distance. He spoke after a moment.

    ¡°Your third cousin is going to be married in a month and your owning-of-age ceremony is in two months. It¡¯s time to think of your marriage. The crown prince came to me yesterday. I don¡¯t want you to be unhappy, so I¡¯d like to know your thoughts.¡±

 Chapter 173: The Final Conclusion

    <h4>Chapter 173: The Final Conclusion</h4>

    Qin Yining hadn¡¯t thought that her father would ask just like this. This is so embarrassing!

    ¡°You¡¯re a big girl.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled to see his daughter so shy. ¡°Our family is different from most. Your mother isn¡¯t suited to participate in matters of court, but your marriage will be inextricably involved with politics. With my current status and you being my only child, I¡¯ll have to take a hand in your marriage.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll follow everything father says.¡± Qin Yining nodded docilely.

    The marquis grinned. ¡°And if I tell you to be the crown princess consort?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat as an unexinable wave of sadness passed through her, but she still nodded. ¡°As long as father thinks it¡¯s appropriate, I will naturally listen to father.¡±

    Marriage was always decided upon by the parents. She couldn¡¯t abandon her family in pursuit of her own happiness. What kind of person would she be if she enjoyed the perks of being a Qin in normal times, but wouldn¡¯t do anything for the family at critical moments?

    Qin Huaiyuan suddenly wanted to tease this daughter of his and spoke on, carefully monitoring her expression.

    ¡°The crown prince is a kind and lenient person. Although he doesn¡¯t have much talent in politics, he¡¯ll be sufficient enough to guard the nation from further decline. He¡¯s wholeheartedly devoted to you and rushed to let you know as soon as he learned the emperor and empress wanted to kill you. I think his feelings for you are genuine.¡±

    Qin Yining pressed her lips together lightly and nodded. ¡°Father speaks truly. The crown prince does have his strong suits, but one thing. Guarding the nation from further decline? The nation of his is simply too decrepit.

    ¡°To say something extremely disrespectful, father, Great Yan¡¯s days of peace are only temporary as the world is engulfed by chaotic times. Even if there were no external enemies, the corrupt air at court must be righted and the people¡¯s suffering must be resolved. The emperor focuses only on his own entertainment and thinks nothing of the people. I think it¡¯d be faster to wish the emperor to pass on from this world than for him to rule the country well!

    ¡°With the crown prince¡¯s talents, he won¡¯t be able to handle such a mess if it was handed over to him, not to mention the Tatars and Great Zhou salivating over our borders. It¡¯s my clumsy analysis that the Qins need to start thinking of ways out for ourselves. Even if father doesn¡¯t mind sacrificing your life for the country, you must think of the old dowager and the others.

    ¡°The lesson of the Ding Manor is right before our eyes. Even if we¡¯re unafraid of death, we can¡¯t die for someone like this trash emperor. Therefore, my rmendation is that we have nothing to do with the imperial family.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had known that his daughter was quick-witted and saw things clearly, that she could urately analyze politics and mistakes. But to hear such brazen talk openlyid out like this today gave him apletely different sensation.

    Although the scoffing in her tone was greatly disrespectful, he had to admit that Qin Yining spoke rightly. He had this kind of feeling with every second he spent at court. He wanted to turn back the tides and have the crown prince take the throne, righting the path that the nation was going down. But the pity was that the crown prince¡¯s talents were all on painting and drawing, not on politics.

    ¡°You little girl. I¡¯m talking about your marriage, but you use politics to decline the crown prince.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not talking nonsense. Since my marriage will be decided upon politics, why can¡¯t my suitors be declined by politics as well? Father is an official at court, so I naturally have to consider the matters within.¡±

    ¡°Does this mean that you lean more towards the Faithful Prince of the First Rank?¡± Qin Huaiyuan was filled with curiosity.

    The girl¡¯s breath hitched and she responded after a beat, ¡°Father should focus on declining the crown prince first. Let¡¯s just take things as theye up for anything else.¡±

    The marquis could identify the undertones in these words and chuckled. ¡°You mischievous rascal! This is obviously you not thinking much of the crown prince, but not wanting me to give your hand in marriage to anyone else either.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed even harder. She really didn¡¯t want to admit that she had some feelings for Pang Xiao, but when her father really did bring up her marriage in earnest, she couldn¡¯t help butpare those men with the prince. She somehow felt that the crown princecked talent whenpared with Pang Xiao, and she¡¯d never seriously considered any of the other noble sons.

    But even so, she¡¯d ept reality if she had to.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Her father finally stopped teasing her. ¡°Which of the official families at court would dare pursue you now?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, father?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t respond fast enough.

    The marquis chuckled. ¡°Oftentimes, those caught up in a situation aren¡¯t able to read it clearly. Think about it, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank set his eye on you during the peace talks. Those rumors were purposefully spread after we returned to the capital. He¡¯s never concealed his liking for you, and the rumors were validated when he rescued your mother. He gifted you Ning Park to make you happy, and the females of the other seven great aristocratic families all saw it when he suppressed the empress. And when he was waid by Tatar assassins on his departure, he didn¡¯t think of anyone else. He only thought of pulling you onto his horse and running away with you.

    ¡°Pang Xiao is intrepid and astute. Heid down every step of his n early on and waited for you to set foot in it. Now that everything is said and done, you¡¯re stamped with his mark. Anyone who wants to wed you or do anything to you must consider that they¡¯ll face his towering fury. With his violent reputation spread far and wide, who would dare make a move against you? And of those with a family background on par with ours, who would dare ask for your hand in marriage after seeing how Pang Zhixi treated you that day at Ning Park?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face was ming red. In fact, even her ears and neck were scarlet.

    ¡°So you already had your own ideas in mind, father. You were just teasing me!¡± She turned her head away angrily and refused to look at Qin Huaiyuan.

    The marquis roared withughter at his daughter¡¯s rare disy of shyness. ¡°The days are too boring, we¡¯ve got to have some entertainment.¡±

    ¡°How can you treat your own daughter as entertainment!¡± Qin Yining red huffily back.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with amusement, eliciting a smile from the Qin fourth miss as well.

    So it would seem that she would never be free of Pang Xiao in this life. Not only was she not angry after understanding this, but she even felt a tad bit of tion. Qin Yining stroked the bracelet of red beans on her wrist, its cool sensation calling to mind the night when Pang Xiao left. A smile inadvertently drifted onto her face.

    ......

    At the same time in the Great Zhou army encampment outside the Liang city walls, Pang Xiao furiously flipped the table in front of him after reading a note. Both Zheng Pei and Huzi were open mouthed at the loud crash.

    Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t the sort to wear his heart on a sleeve, unless he purposefully wanted to express his emotions. Most of the time, especially in private, he was so calm to the point of being remote. That a messenger pigeon could bring news to infuriate him so badly truly took Zheng Pei and Huzi aback.

    ¡°Has the old madame and dowager madame been invited into the pce again?¡± Zheng Pei asked worriedly.

    The strategist¡¯s concern wasn¡¯t unfounded. Although the Great Zhou emperor called Pang Xiao his brother and had a healthy respect of the military power that the prince held, the prince¡¯s mother, maternal grandfather, and grandmother were often invited into the pce when Pang Xiao was out fighting the war.

    Of course, the high-minded excuse of being brotherly was always given, but in reality, this was a sort of threat to Pang Xiao. If the prince dared rebel or not listen to orders, then the elderly within the pce might pass away from ¡®illness¡¯.

    Pang Xiao had lost his temper on many asions because of this and had put up with it for a very long time. Now that he was this wrathful again, it must be because the emperor had done so once more.

    The prince remained stony faced and silent. Huzi observed his master¡¯s expression and picked up the note, eximing with surprise, ¡°That shameless old fart Weichi! He wants to dig out the fourth miss¡¯ heart and pound it together with her bones and flesh for that Cao bitch! For, for her looks?! He¡¯s less than animals!¡±

    Zheng Pei took the note and read it carefully, his frown deepening as he did so.

    ¡°Your Highness, what you should be paying attention to now is your rear. It¡¯s one thing to leave a guard for the Qin fourth miss, but why are you keeping an eye on Great Yan now? If someone seizes upon this, they can p a title of traitor onto you! Besides, the Qin fourth miss¡¯ father is Qin Meng! The enemy who killed your father! How can you do this? Can you face your father in doing this??¡±

 Chapter 174: Pang Xiaoâ€™s Plans

    <h4>Chapter 174: Pang Xiao¡¯s ns</h4>

    Zheng Pei was Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s old confidante. When the general had sensed that death wasing for him, it spurred the strategist to make some ns. After the strategist luckily escaped death, revenge was the only thing on his mind.

    He first sessfully used medicine to sterilize Qin Huaiyuan after someplicated twists along the way. Zheng Pei then stole away Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s only daughter, so that the marquis would be wracked with pain when he found out the truth one day.

    As for finding Pang Xiao, that was thanks to the smallest detail in his memory; he happened to run into Madame Pang sweeping n¨¦e Yao out the door that day. When Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s family was exterminated, he went in search of n¨¦e Yao, just wanting to try his luck. Who would¡¯ve thought that n¨¦e Yao really would be pregnant after just one night?

    When Li Qitian hoisted the banner of rebellion, it¡¯d been Zheng Pei who led the now-emperor to the Yaos and taken away the fourteen year old Pang Xiao for the army.

    The strategist felt that he¡¯d truly lived up to the principles of fidelity and constancy. He was a long time subordinate of thete general, whereas Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t an official son or even a concubine-born one. Zheng Pei had also witnessed the initial days of Pang Xiao being too timid to take a single life; so no matter how awe-inspiring the prince was now or how his name struck fear in the hearts of others, the old strategist still viewed the prince with certain condescension. He would always lecture Pang Xiao whenever the strategist felt that the prince had done wrong.

    In return, Pang Xiao had always treated the strategist with utmost respect and courtesy. But today, he remained quietly seated at the head seat, a slight frostiness emanating from the sharp ends of his brows. Zheng Pei¡¯s heart quailed when a frigid look, honed by the sands of battlefields, glinted at him.

    ¡°Little prince?¡± Zheng Pei¡¯s voice was a bit dry.

    Pang Xiao snorted in softughter. ¡°Sir Zheng, I think there¡¯s one thing you haven¡¯t understood yet.¡±

    ¡°Please enlighten me.¡± Zheng Pei raised cupped hands.

    The prince rose and took slow steps towards the strategist, keeping his hands behind his back. He red the aura of a towering mountain, so domineering that Zheng Pei involuntarily took two steps back and lowered his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget, Sir Zheng. This prince is the master here. You are the servant.¡±

    The statement widened Zheng Pei¡¯s eyes incredulously. He jerked his head up to look at Pang Xiao with sheer disbelief, his face beet red and whiskers trembling from indignation. ¡°What do you mean by this, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that Sir Zheng has forgotten his position. Or do you think that this prince is still the same mewling kid to be manipted however people want to?¡±

    To be manipted?! This is what he thinks?! Zheng Pei was absolutely livid.

    ¡°What do you mean with these words, little prince?! I cannot bear the responsibility of the word ¡®manipte¡¯! Don¡¯t forget that if it wasn¡¯t for this old man mentioning you to the emperor, you would be...¡±

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Sir Zheng mentioning it to the emperor, I would still be called Yao Xiaoyao 1 and would still be living with my mother, grandfather, and grandmother in a small city. We¡¯d still have our small family restaurant. We¡¯d stir fry some dishes when the mood takes us, and go drinking with a few friends when down. Even if we wouldn¡¯t be the leader of the pack or enjoy great riches and fortune, we would still happily live out our lives without going hungry or needing clothes. I wouldn¡¯t be thrown in a gory battlefield filled with hacked off limbs and violence at a young age, and wouldn¡¯t have to suffer through persecution and pressure, trying to eke out a living in the cracks! And I would never be lectured like I was the bottom of someone¡¯s shoe by a servant!¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s words brought tears to Huzi¡¯s eyes and made the color drain from Zheng Pei¡¯s.

    ¡°You follow this prince but don¡¯t ce yourself in your proper ce. Do you think I¡¯m still that naive, young boy of yesteryear? Since you¡¯ve pulled me into this circle and I¡¯ve climbed to this height through my own efforts, then I am notsomeone to be manipted by you anymore!

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me about my father¡¯s enemy, this prince has never seen my father! I recognize no official mother who is such a jealous shrew! I feel no affection for the Pangs, and my surname from the very beginning was Yao. All of you made me change my name because you wanted to use Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s name!¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Does this prince speak wrongly? None of you ever thought that I would escape your grasp after you¡¯ve thoroughly used me, did you? You can also write about this in your secret report to the emperor today. Tell His Majesty what I said today as well!¡±

    Zheng Pei¡¯s eyes widened with horror and his lips trembled, the shaking extending to the rest of his body. He knows! He knows everything!

    Huzi looked at the old strategist with disbelief, murmuring, ¡°Sir Zheng, how... how could you...¡± Someone who he¡¯d always thought was staunchly loyal to the prince was in fact, a spy that the emperor had arranged??

    Pang Xiao took his seat again with a dismissive snort and proimed imperiously, ¡°Sir Zheng, this prince allows you to live because of my father. You were a loyal subordinate to him for your entire life, after all. But I warn you, don¡¯t you think about doing anything to the Qin fourth miss! And don¡¯t you dare be disrespectful to her in front of me! Be careful of getting your hand chopped off if you reach too far with it!¡±

    Zheng Pei had always been a center of attention and upied an unparalleled position in the army. To think that Pang Xiao would criticize him so mercilessly!

    He felt the sting of losing a great deal of face and fired back rapidly, ¡°I have nothing to say if the little prince suspects my loyalty. But you should certainly, absolutely, and definitely not cavort with the enemy¡¯s daughter...¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s achievements were already such a high level that they threatened to eclipse his master. That dog of an emperor was already very wary of father. How else would a little divisive plot, easily seen through, result in father¡¯s death? You know as well as I do that that was just an excuse. The real enemy was never Qin Meng, but that dog emperor! Shifting the me onto Qin Meng like this is an ipetent disy of not being able to keep your priorities straight!

    ¡°This prince has long since exacted revenge for my father! I destroyed Northern Ji, killed the dog emperor, and sliced to a thousand pieces every single corrupt official that spurred the dog emperor onto greater heights. I slew so many of them that the old Northern Ji officials still hate me and curse me for being a demon incarnate behind my back. If this doesn¡¯t count as revenge, what does? Sir Zheng¡¯s indiscriminating actions against a female baby? If this prince is disloyal or unfilial, then is Sir Zheng loyal, with your wavering between this prince and His Majesty?¡±

    Each word made Zheng Pei¡¯splexion even more ashen, and he didn¡¯t actually have a response ready. He¡¯d lost all of his prepared arguments the moment Pang Xiao pointed out that there was secret correspondence going on with the emperor. The old strategist didn¡¯t know why his blood was thrumming at the moment, he just wanted to get away from Pang Xiao as far as possible, so that he didn¡¯t have to look into that pair of eyes that seemed to peer through everything!

    Zheng Pei tightened his lips, raised cupped hands, turned and left. Huzi didn¡¯t chase after him this time, but looked worriedly at Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Master, if Sir Zheng tells the emperor what happened today, His Majesty will be even more wary of you.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s suspicions of me have never decreased! Even if I keep a humble profile, he fears the military power in my hands. Even after I hand it over, he fears the authority I have in the army. And even without that authority, he would still fear destiny.¡± Pang Xiao snorted coldly and drummed his fingers on the round chair. ¡°I¡¯ve long since known of Sir Zheng¡¯s thoughts. Iid everything out today so that he doesn¡¯t think too highly of himself and does something that I would actually have to kill him for. His loyalty towards my father is real, at any rate.¡±

    Huzi nodded and thought of what his master had said earlier. Sadness welled up when he carefully recounted what Pang Xiao had gone through the years. The prince had no choice but to reach his current height and endure this tremendous pressure!

    The guard¡¯s eyes shifted when he saw the cold expression on his master¡¯s face and turned the topic back to Qin Yining.

    ¡°Old fart Weichi is truly vicious! I wonder how the fourth miss is. Shall we think of a n to help her?¡±

    I thought so! Pang Xiao¡¯s frosty expression melted somewhat when Qin Yining was mentioned, and a warm curve graced his lips.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, didn¡¯t Jiyun say that they were headed to the Celestial Nunnery? My dear Yi must¡¯ve thought of a n. Just wait, we¡¯ll receive further word before tomorrow¡¯s up.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness has such confidence in the fourth miss.¡± Huzi arched a brow.

    ¡°Of course, how would someone I like be unable to handle such a small matter?¡±

    Huzi inwardly rolled his eyes a thousand times, but spoke every word of agreement he knew.

    ......

    Indeed, more news came from Great Yan the next morning.

    Pang Xiao burst outughing as he read the note, hisughter growing heartier and heartier. He threw the note to Huzi at the end and keptughing.

    Huzi took the note and read it carefully, eximing with admiration at the end. ¡°The fourth miss thought of a fantastic n alright! This gags that old fart of an emperor! Except, do you think that the fourth miss knows that Priestess Liu is the Soothsayer? How else would she dare use the Soothsayer¡¯s name otherwise?¡±

    ¡°No, she shouldn¡¯t.¡± Pang Xiao thought carefully andughed again. ¡°She must¡¯ve brought silver to ask the priestess to pretend to be the Soothsayer. That must¡¯ve delighted the tricksy person quite a lot!¡±

    The prince suddenly grew solemn. ¡°Have someone secretly keep watch on the nunnery and pay attention to the Soothsayer¡¯s movements.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Huzi started. ¡°Is Your Highness afraid of the Soothsayer running away?¡±

    Pang Xiao only smiled. ¡°Send a calling card to ¡®Blockhead¡¯ saying that I¡¯ll visit the day after tomorrow.¡±

    This surprised Huzi even more. ¡°Your Highness, are you nning on having Sir Mu pay up for the bet?¡±

    ¡°A son pays the debts of his father. The Soothsayer is his master. It¡¯d be very normal for him to pay the debt if his master runs off, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    Eh... uh... what? Sir Mu was an honest man and had been dragged into things by the Soothsayer many times. I really pity the guy!

 Chapter 175: Mu Jinghu

    <h4>Chapter 175: Mu Jinghu</h4>

    There was a mysterious valley in the mountain ranges where the Great Yan and Great Zhou borders touched, called ¡®Soothsayer Valley¡¯. Those in the jianghu only knew that the Soothsayer was an extraordinary person who came from this ce. People had only ever heard of the valley name, but had never been able to visit it for themselves.

    Some said that it didn¡¯t exist in the mundane world. Others said that a poisonous miasma surrounded it so that no one who entered coulde back out alive. Therefore, it was natural that no one could enter it.

    There was other analysis that there must be strange and exotic traps and formations set up around the valley. No ordinary person could solve them, so no one could find the entrance to the valley andy eyes on the ethereal pce within.

    ......

    Pang Xiao was sitting on a foldable camp stool in front of a thatch hut, located deep in the mountains of the Great Zhou and Yan border intersection. He was glowering at the very handsome young man in front him. Oddly enough, the young man was wearing a patched and mended robe. Pang Xiao epted the offered crude, wooden cup, took a sip, and immediately spat out two tea leaf stems.

    ¡°I say, you¡¯re the Soothsayer¡¯s disciple after all! Your master is a fiend gluttonous for wealth, but you¡¯re a miserly ghost who can¡¯t even bear to light an additionalmp! Why do all these weird peoplee from your school of learning?? And what kind of lousy tea leaves are these?? Are they for humans to drink?¡±

    Pang Xiao plonked down the wooden cup with great disdain and jabbed his finger at the barren surroundings, the thatched hut, sparse bamboo fence, and a newly fertilized vegetable garden.

    ¡°Is this the wealth of the Soothsayers?? If those in the outside world knew how poor things looked inside the valley, and that a nominal head such as you are wearing patched robes, they¡¯d probably die fromughter!¡±

    Mu Jinghu looked expressionlessly at Pang Xiao, pouring the derided coarse tea into his own wooden cup. He sipped at it slowly, then spoke in slow, even tones. ¡°My master doesn¡¯t admit that I¡¯m her disciple. She only lets me call her ¡®martial uncle¡¯.¡±

    This was the first time that Pang Xiao had heard this. It was an interesting tidbit. ¡°Oh? Why doesn¡¯t your master admit to you? Is it because you¡¯re too dense, like a block of wood? Or because you¡¯re too cheap?¡±

    Mu Jinghu took another sip and mulled over the taste of the tea. ¡°When the grandmaster took my master as his disciple and tried to pass on his martial skills, master was toozy to learn. The grandmaster tried to pass on medical skills, but master was toozy to learn. The grandmaster tried to pass on Taoist teachings, but master was toozy to learn. Master was only willing to learn some fengshui, saying that being able to feed herself was enough.¡±

    The young man lowered his head. ¡°The grandmaster said that with master¡¯s temperament, she¡¯d have a ir for causing trouble in the mundane world. Since she was toozy to learn any self defense, he picked me up off the streets and passed on his martial arts and medical skills. I first called the grandmaster ¡®master¡¯, but he pushed me off to my master. He said that he was only teaching me so I could protect her, and that she was my master. My martial arts and medical skills were all to save her life.

    ¡°And so I called her ¡®master¡¯, but she felt that I was a bother and refused to admit that I was her disciple. She told me to call her martial uncle, and that if the grandmaster took another disciple in the future, I¡¯d be that disciple¡¯s disciple.¡±

    Huzi was stunned senseless by this background, not even noticing that he¡¯d chewed the tea leaf stems to a pulp. Pang Xiao however, roared withughter.

    ¡°This sounds like something the Soothsayer would say. But you don¡¯t have that many bad parts to you, apart from being a little dense, too wooden, too honest, a bit silly, and too miserly. So why doesn¡¯t your master want you?¡±

    Mu Jinghu lifted his head and responded after a long pause. ¡°You reeled off so many faults, no wonder my master doesn¡¯t want me.¡±

    ¡°Heh!¡± The prince once again barked withughter at the block of wood¡¯s expense.

    Huzi also chuckled. ¡°Then has Sir Mu¡¯s grandmaster taken in another disciple?¡±

    The young man shook his head honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. The grandmaster is a very mysterious person. I haven¡¯t seen him in many years.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯sughter petered out with a sigh. ¡°Blockhead, I¡¯m here to call in that bet.¡±

    ¡°I know, Sly Fox Pang. The two of you wouldn¡¯t be able to find me otherwise.¡± Mu Jinghu put down his cup. ¡°We¡¯re even after I help you this time.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you have my word.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a fox. You¡¯re too slippery. I don¡¯t trust you.¡± Mu Jinghu took out half a sheet of paper from his sleeve and scribbled a note with charcoal. ¡°Handprint.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked down wordlessly at the scrap of paper. ¡°Since you want to put it down in writing, can¡¯t you get a better piece of paper?¡± Still, he covered his palm with some ash and pressed his hand down.

    This finally set Mu Jinghu at ease and he put the paper back into his sleeve. ¡°Alright, what is it?¡±

    ¡°Blockhead. I¡¯d like to ask you to protect someone for me. Someone very important to me. Protect her until I can do so myself.¡±

    The young man nodded and didn¡¯t ask who that person had offended, why was he being put on protection duty, when Pang Xiao would take over this job himself, and thought even less of what kind of trouble this would bring him. He only nodded in eptance.

    ¡°What¡¯s his name and where does he live?¡±

    ¡°Her surname is Qin, given name Yining. She¡¯s fifteen years old and lives in the Marquis of Anping Manor in the Great Yan capital. She¡¯s the official daughter of the Marquis of Anping, Qin Meng, andes fourth in her family.¡±

    ¡°A female?¡± A trace of surprised emotion finally colored Mu Jinghu¡¯s tone.

    Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. ¡°Yes, she¡¯ll be my wife in the future.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Mu Jinghu nodded. ¡°Another fox.¡±

    Pang Xiao roared withughter again.

    ......

    Those in the Great Yan capital had no idea of Pang Xiao¡¯s doings in the city of Liang. Meanwhile, the empress was beet red from anger after hearing a eunuch¡¯s report.

    She smashed everything her enraged eyes alighted on in a grand show of fury. In the blink of an eye, her Soaring Phoenix Pce looked like bandits had gone through it. Shattered porcin covered the floor and pots of coral decorations were tipped over. Braziers were knocked this way and that, mimicking the disarray of jewelry boxes. Strands ofrge pearls had been snapped and pearls were rolling everywhere on the floor.

    The servants shuddered and trembled, hunching in on themselves as they knelt on the ground, deathly afraid that the empress¡¯ wrath would descend on them as well. Even after all that, the towering rage within the empress¡¯ heart wasn¡¯t the slightest bit abated. She kicked over a young eunuch, using such force that he tumbled over the ground.

    ¡°That damned Soothsayer! How dare she deceive me!¡± The empress spat through grit teeth.

    A confidante eunuch tried to pacify in low tones. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Your Majesty. Perhaps the Soothsayer has other things to do and went away on a short trip. She might be back after a few days. You know how mysterious these types of people can be. Besides, she still has to produce the divine pill for the emperor. She wouldn¡¯t dare leave for too long.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll skin her alive if she darese back!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty has a harsh mouth but a soft heart.¡± The eunuch smiled. ¡°You¡¯d still think of the emperor even if wanted to skin that baldie alive, no? Don¡¯t be angry. The statesman said for you not to be in a rush. Be at ease, he¡¯s making a list of all those who dare displease you. You¡¯re the emperor¡¯s most favored and the apple of the elder statesman¡¯s eye. Whoever displeases you is displeasing the two strongest men in the world! Nothing good wille of them! Why harm yourself with anger over them?¡±

    The eunuch had served the empress for many years and knew that she was proudest of two things. Being a Cao, and being the empress. Theseforting words mentioned her two most cherished qualities, instantly cheering her up.

    ¡°You old thing, you always have such a sweet mouth.¡± The empress sighed. ¡°Forget it, have someone clean this ce up. The emperor will surely visit soon. This seat will go freshen my makeup and outfit so I am ready.¡±

    ¡°Understood, this servant will do so immediately.¡±

 Chapter 176: Must Have Her Die

    <h4>Chapter 176: Must Have Her Die</h4>

    The empress didn¡¯t put on her usual heavy makeup today or wear her preferred jade and pearl essories. She had on very light coverage and put some gloss on her lips, appearing wan and sallow, evoking pity in the eyes of those who saw her.

    The emperor was used to a stunning empress glowing with good health. The unexpected in sight of his consort pricked his heart with pain as he ran his hand down her smooth locks.

    ¡°My darling, my sweetheart. Look at you, you¡¯re so run-down after a day. Are you angry that I¡¯m ipetent, that I couldn¡¯t get n¨¦e Qin for you?¡±

    The empress hadid her head down on the emperor¡¯s knees, her hair cascading down his lower legs. She tilted her head up and responded weakly, ¡°How would I ever fault Your Majesty? I only sigh that my fortunes are too weak to ovee the one that the Soothsayer says has a good life chart.

    ¡°Except, I also don¡¯t understand why the Soothsayer first said n¨¦e Qin¡¯s flesh can maintain looks, but then suddenly said her life chart is exceedingly good and is a talisman that can protect Great Yan. These words conflict and seem very contradictory.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I think so too. Perhaps people removed from the mundane world don¡¯t think too much. That n¨¦e Qin can maintain looks is true, but so is her life chart being a talisman for the nation.¡±

    The emperor¡¯s health had gradually improved thanks to taking the Soothsayer¡¯s pill. He was in fine spirits and showed increasing vigor in the bedroom. Having personally experienced the potency of the Soothsayer¡¯s pill and knowing of her reputation, he devoutly believed her words. Therefore, when she said that Qin Yining was born of great fortune, and that her presence would ensure stability for the nation, the emperor didn¡¯t doubt it one bit.

    Besides, he was just nning on having fortune tellers spend the word that ¡°Qin Yining is the reincarnation of a vixen spirit in the mortal world, here to cause trouble. She must be executed to ensure Great Yan¡¯s longevity¡±. But the Soothsayer announced the girl¡¯s true life chart before he¡¯d done anything. This proved how irvoyant the Soothsayer was and how she had a clear grasp of everything.

    If this wasn¡¯t the case, how would the Soothsayer possibly have such good timing to dere this before he¡¯d given the imperial decree? In the emperor¡¯s view, the Soothsayer was a loyal one who was thinking of protecting Great Yan. That she happened to save n¨¦e Qin as well was just a coincidence.

    He was the son of heaven and quite willing to believe in idea of a mascot, having been beaten down by Great Zhou for so long. As for whether or not the existence of a little girl like Qin Yining could really ensure that Great Yan wouldn¡¯t fall... did it matter?

    The empress had spent many years by the emperor¡¯s side and naturally understood what was going on in the emperor¡¯s mind. He only needed to flick an eyebrow for her to know his thoughts! The son of heaven naturally didn¡¯t know that the Soothsayer had never said Qin Yining¡¯s flesh could improve looks. It was something the empress had made up after threatening the Soothsayer. She also couldn¡¯t very well say, ¡°The Soothsayer promised me this and then tricked me!¡±, so the empress could only mutely endure the loss this time.

    ¡°It¡¯s naturally so if Your Majesty has spoken.¡± The empress was enduring it, but that didn¡¯t mean she was happy about it. Aggrieved tears rolled down her face. ¡°I feel that my birth chart is a bad one. Your Majesty criticized Wang Yuxian earlier, which spelled the doom of one of my father¡¯s few students. There aren¡¯t that many men in my family either, so we can only look to my father¡¯s students to hold up the family. Wang Yuxian was demoted and I was mocked in the imperial harem for it. I wanted to cheer up through improving my looks, but we can¡¯t do anything to n¨¦e Qin. I really am so sad.¡±

    The emperor¡¯s heart waspletely melting with the empress¡¯ soft and tender tones. ¡°Yurou, my dearest darling. What will it take to make you happy? I promise you whatever I can do, but you really can¡¯t have n¨¦e Qin. I need her to ensure our nation¡¯s safety. What if you try using someone else?¡±

    A spark of inspiration struck the empress.

    ¡°I was thinking of that as well. The Soothsayer says we need a great beauty, and don¡¯t we have a lot of those in the pce? In my eyes, Consort Shu is exceedingly beautiful and also born in the six month. She should be close enough to n¨¦e Qin?¡±

    The emperor had long since forgotten who Consort Shu was, much less her looks. He immediately nodded at the suggestion. ¡°Do whatever you¡¯d like, you little minx. I care not a whit. It¡¯s fine even if you use all of the imperial harem for your beauty, much less a single Consort Shu.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The empress sparkled with delight and sit up with her arms around the emperor¡¯s neck.

    ¡°Naturally.¡± The emperor kissed the beauty in front of him with a loud smack. The empress instantly smiled with satisfaction and started fooling around with the emperor.

    ......

    ¡°What did you say?! The empress chopped up Consort Shu and steamed her flesh, as well as fried Honored Concubine Xiang in a big pot of oil!?¡± The teacup in Qin Yining¡¯s hand slipped from utter shock, startling Riceball so that it buried its head into Qin Yining¡¯sp. The girl absentmindedly stroked Riceball¡¯s furry head and murmured in a daze, ¡°That monster, that animal!¡±

    Bingtang nodded with a pale face. ¡°I also thought it was simply too ludicrous when I heard it. Apparently, the empress invited the emperor to taste the two concubines when the flesh was cooked through. This servant... rgh!¡± She didn¡¯t even finish before leaning over and dry heaving.

    Qin Yining also felt a roiling of nausea in the back of her threat. She ultimately kept the contents of her stomach down after tremendous effort. She¡¯d escaped disaster, but the empress had ended up pointing her spear at the imperial harem instead. Was the emperor this decrepit to allow the empress to do whatsoever she wished?

    ¡°Consort Shu¡¯s father is the Left Attendant Gentleman of the Bureau of Punishment, Master Yuan, and Honored Concubine Xiang¡¯s father is the Assistant Inspector of the Chief Surveince Bureau, Master Wang. How will they just let this matter rest after losing their beloved daughters? The Bureau of Punishment and the Chief Surveince Bureau... ai. The emperor is truly trash. He¡¯s not thinking about anything else, just favoring that trampress of his!¡± Qin Yining grit her teeth, feeling distressed by the loss of two young lives. She both hated and resented the empress, her expression growing quite ugly.

    Sonn and Qiulu were next to her, their faces also drained of color. Even Jiyun, someone who¡¯d seen much of the world, felt a chilly wind scrape through her heart when she heard this.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for your timely reaction, miss, you probably wouldn¡¯t be here by now.¡± Sonn wiped off a forehead of sweat.

    Qin Yining nodded and ced the snow-white Riceball on the eight-sided table. She looked into the bunny¡¯s clear eyes and thought deeply for a moment, the look in her eyes slowly settling to down to determination.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, aren¡¯t I fine? The trampress¡¯ viciousness is helping me see things clearly. She took her anger out on others this time because she didn¡¯t get me, but she¡¯ll definitely keep trying for me. She can¡¯t do anything to me, but who¡¯s to say she won¡¯t harm our family?¡± The fourth miss rose, her hands tightly clutching the hem of her shirt. ¡°I must strike first!¡±

    She had to kill the trampress first, or there would be no peace for the Qins!

    Her words were highly treasonous, but she was speaking to a group of confidantes. Sonn and Qiulu were highly loyal to her, Bingtang had a blood feud with the empress, and Jiyun was loyal to Pang Xiao, so she had an intrinsic hate for the Great Yan empress. This was why Qin Yining could speak so freely.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, miss.¡± Bingtang nodded. ¡°The trampress¡¯ cruelty and ludicrous actions are beyond belief. If it wasn¡¯t for her entrancing the emperor and raining down destruction onto the nation and people, father wouldn¡¯t have colluded with the Clearists. It was a pity that the trampress was only half-dead from the poison and gradually recovered, ending the lives of my entire family.¡±

    Everyone knew of Bingtang¡¯s circumstances. Qiulu and Sonn nked the girl, patting her shoulders and lowering their heads in shared sorrow.

    The former Tang daughter sniffed and forced a smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯m only saying this to remind you to be careful, miss. Don¡¯t do anything unless you¡¯re certain you can take her life with one blow. The trampress doesn¡¯t act with reason at all. If you don¡¯t kill her and give her the opportunity to strike back, you won¡¯t be able to take suffer consequences. If matters really do develop to that point, it¡¯d be better for you to hide first and slowly strategize in the shadows. Otherwise, it really wouldn¡¯t be worth it to pay the price of your entire family.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and sped Bingtang¡¯s hands. ¡°I understand everything you say. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t harm a jade vase in order to shoo a rat, but I won¡¯t let her off for this either.¡±

    Bingtang nodded heavily. ¡°Tell me to do whatever you need, miss. I may not know anything else, but I know how to create poisons.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled slightly decided to tease the girl. ¡°My Bingtang is so wonderful, I¡¯ll have great need of you in the future. Don¡¯t cry yourself silly. What will I use to kill the trampress if you forget how to make poisons?¡±

    ¡°How would I cry myself silly?¡± Bingtang rolled her eyes at Qin Yining as a smile finally broke through her tears.

 Chapter 177: Loans

    <h4>Chapter 177: Loans</h4>

    Qin Yining changed the topic when she saw that the maid was finally smiling.

    ¡°Third cousin¡¯s wedding is next month. I¡¯m thinking of gifting her a set of Beauty Works rouge and powder. She normally shies away from conflicts and treats me quite well, so I¡¯d like to ask you to create a rose-scented set for her.¡±

    Third miss Qin Jianing was very partial to the fragrance of roses and had once spoke admiringly of Beauty Works¡¯ rose-scented ointment. Outsiders didn¡¯t know that Qin Yining had invested in Beauty Works, and the fourth miss wasn¡¯t the type to spread the information around, but she naturally wouldn¡¯t be stingy when her own sister mentioned it.

    ¡°That¡¯s nothing,¡± Bingtang smiled. ¡°The third miss is a nice person, I¡¯ll take care of this personally. I see that you¡¯re almost out of jasmine lotion as well, miss. I¡¯ll make more for you too. You have some more scabs on your hand... you can¡¯t be like this next time, miss. A girl¡¯s skin is quite tender, and scabs can¡¯t always be gotten rid of. You need to bring a weapon along next time you beat someone up!¡±

    Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°What kind of words are these? I¡¯m not always beating people up.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. Who can stop you when you¡¯re really angry, miss?¡± Bingtang teased happily.

    Sonn, Qiulu, and Jiyun started giggling as well. The atmosphere within the house lightened. Qin Yining¡¯s resolve to kill the trampress grew even stronger as she looked around at the pretty, charming girls loyal to her. She couldn¡¯t just sit here passively and wait for disaster to fall or the de to be at her throat before she took action. Once was enough of that!

    ......

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s position was now domineeringly unparalleled. Not only was he a prime minister, Grand Preceptor to the Heir Apparent, Marquis of Anping because of the sessful peace talks, but he was also the soon-to-be father-inw to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. Who basked in greater glory than him? Who boasted of higher honors than him?

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s increased status brought up everyone¡¯s as well. Apart from Qin Yining¡¯s identity as the official daughter of the Marquis of Anping, she also had the Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯s tag on her. The Soothsayer had also said that she was an exceedingly fortuitous person who could safeguard the peace of Great Yan.

    Not only did Great Yan nobility not dare run afoul of the prince by asking for her hand in marriage, but her position in the capital was also higher than that of other noble girls. It was a given that the old dowager and her cousins were polite to her, but that favorable attention extended to n¨¦e Sun as well. Cao Yuqing on the other hand, was quiet for a long time because of the empress torturing Consort Shu and Honored Concubine Xiang to death.

    Anping Manor was courted by all these days. Even Qin Jianing, from the third branch of the family, stood in the shared halo of attention. She was wed on the twenty-eighth day of the fifth month.

    It was a wedding between Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s niece from his male rtions to the son of the Earl of Jianan. Both houses were wealthy aristocrats, and the marquis a very low profile character. His peers ordinarily couldn¡¯t find any opportunity to curry favor, so everyone who was someone made use of this chance to show their face.

    The Qins saw such a heretofore unknown amount of hustle and bustle that the old dowager couldn¡¯t stop smiling for days. N¨¦e Sun, the second and third madame were busy with attending to the guests as well, smiling so much that their facial muscles almost spasmed.

    The third elder master was concubine born and amoner to boot, so he was immensely gratified to see such a grand to-do with his daughter¡¯s wedding. He felt a great deal of appreciation towards his senior brother and went off merrily to mix and mingle when the wedding carriage left the Anping Manor doors that evening. The third madame however, stayed beneath the covered hallway, wiping tears away.

    Eighth miss Qin Baoning, ninth master Qin Xuan, and tenth master Qin Rong clustered around their official mother infort when they noted her distress. N¨¦e Sun and the second madame also joined tofort the third madame.

    When everything was finally taken care of, n¨¦e Sun held Qin Yining¡¯s hand with great emotion. ¡°My darling Yi is growing up as well. It¡¯s youring-of-age ceremony next month. It¡¯s only been the blink of an eye, but you¡¯re already ady and can marry, which means there will be less time for you to spend by my side.¡±

    Having added to the third miss¡¯ festivities today, n¨¦e Sun was reminded of when she came of age, the fall of her family, and how her mother and sisters-inw were far removed from her now. Tears spun in her eyes when she thought of how Qin Yining would also leave her one day, like a sparrow that¡¯d grown up.

    The girl sped n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand and soothed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry mother, although I haven¡¯t spent much time by your side, the days are long ahead of us.¡±

    ¡°Ah yes, the days are indeed long.¡± N¨¦e Sun patted Qin Yining¡¯s handfortingly.

    After her edge had been dulled, N¨¦e Sun was now able to see many things clearly and was markedly different from her previous stubborn, hot-tempered self.

    Qin Yining was introduced to her new third cousin-inw on the day the new couple were to visit the wife¡¯s family. She and the second master of the Jianan Manor made their acquaintances, thetter giving a red envelope to the Qin fourth miss. She was finally at ease when she noted the faint smile always ying around the third miss¡¯ face. Qin Jianing was newly attired in the outfit of a married woman.

    For families like theirs, marriages always had to do with politics and profits. Her third sister seemed happy enough. With the wedding over, the manor returned to normalcy.

    Summer was almost over, and therge transactions that Qin Yining had Steward Zhong conduct were starting to bear fruit.

    ¡°Miss, your idea was wonderful. Quite a few people have used their houses as coteral for loans in which we collect three percent interest. With the Institute¡¯s reputation, we¡¯ve actually taken business away from many of the loan sharks out there. I never thought before that making loans would be a way to earn money!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you joke, Steward Zhong. I haven¡¯t seen much of the world and have only a few ideas to earn money fast. If it wasn¡¯t for your ster abilities, what use would a mere idea be?¡± Qin Yining held back her pale-blue, wide chiffon sleeve with one hand and picked up the teapot, pouring the jade-colored tea into a cup embossed inside with carp frolicking amongst lotuses. She handed the cup over to the steward, startling the man with the show of attention.

    Steward Zhong stammered out his thanks to Qin Yining¡¯s slight smile. The fourth miss picked up a fan painted with a cat chasing after butterflies. Some wisps of hair mischievously stuck to her cheeks, which drew her absentminded attention as she swept them behind an ear.

    ¡°Our Institute of Luminous Charm bears the imperial mark, after all. The emperor and empress have absolutely no rhyme or reason to their actions, and I¡¯ve been able to find out that the emperor definitely desires to make the Institute his own. It was one of the reasons why he so easily destroyed the Duke of Ding¡¯s household. But he can¡¯t do anything now due to considerations of face, my father¡¯s status, and those previous rumors. However, I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll give up on this, so we should hurry and make money while we can, while the winds are calm.¡±

    Steward Zhong easily followed Qin Yining¡¯s line of thought. He nodded. ¡°I understand your meaning, miss. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll smooth over what we¡¯re earning so no one will discover it on our books. We¡¯re making a lot of money from short term,rge sum loans, so we¡¯d actually attract hate from others if we spread news of this around. This was something to stay a secret anyhow.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qin Yining smiled slightly and waved the fan absentmindedly, her eyes looking out past the half-opened window to the little girls under the covered hallway across the way. Their hair was hanging loose and they were ying jacks. The girls¡¯ innocent and delightedughter was infectious, deepening the smile on the fourth miss¡¯ face.

    ¡°My foster mother yed this with me when I was young. She collected some apricot pits and sewed a small bean bag. We¡¯d pick up one pit the first time, two the second, three the third... when our hands were full, we¡¯d throw all the pits into the air and catch them on the backs on our hands. My hand was small then and couldn¡¯t hold the same amount as my foster mother. I promised myself that I would win when I grew up, but who would¡¯ve thought that she¡¯d pass on before I could grow up?¡±

    Steward Zhong sighed. ¡°Your foster mother must¡¯ve been one exceedingly gentle and kind woman.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes she was. But good people always have a hard life in times like these. We live in troubled times and so many have no homes to live in. But when the Great Zhou army threatens our city walls, the capital still makes merry and leads an opulent life.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the trash emperor setting the tone at the top. He doesn¡¯t know how to do much, but is highly skilled at harming loyal subjects. He¡¯s blind to the suffering of the people, but keeps a sharp eye on which subject is stealing his thunder. With such an emperor, corrupt officials feel at ease with what they¡¯re doing.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°Everything looks peaceful now, but the sessful negotiations safeguarded the wealth and riches of only a portion. The people still suffer.¡±

    Steward Zhong sighed again when he heard this. He¡¯d seen much of the world and experienced plenty. Although he hadn¡¯t led as tough a life as Qin Yining, he¡¯d seen the ghost towns and malnourished corpses lining ditches after many years of war. There¡¯d also been little rain since summer started, so signs of drought were appearing in many ces. The people¡¯s lives would be even more difficult then.

    ¡°It¡¯s a pity that my abilities are limited.¡± Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t have the strength to extend virtue into the world. Sometimes I want to beg the heavens to open its eyes and just take the trash emperor and trampress away from us.¡±

    ¡°Ai! Isn¡¯t that so! As opposed to hoping for the trash emperor toe to his senses, it¡¯d be faster to have him enter the cycle of reincarnation! That¡¯s probably what the people think as well, but we can¡¯t say this outside. We need to be careful above all else. There¡¯s been three teachers arrested already, under charges that their teachings harbor thoughts of rebellion.¡±

 Chapter 178: War!

    <h4>Chapter 178: War!</h4>

    ¡°He did it but doesn¡¯t allow others to talk about it. The emperor wants the people to all be idiots.¡± Qin Yining shook her head with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m talking about all this today because I¡¯m in the mood to say all this. Let¡¯s take advantage of the smoother times now to make some money, so that we have enough capital to do whatever we need in the future.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry miss, I may not have any other talents, but I¡¯ve enough brains for this.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss rose with a nod. ¡°I have full faith in the steward¡¯s abilities. It¡¯s early yet, so I¡¯ll go for a ride outside the city.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡± Qin Yining took her leave of the Zhong house after a round of pleasantries and put on a hat offered by Jiyun that had a white chiffon veil.

    Bingtang was already waiting at the door on the chestnut horse that Huzi had given her. Whitecloud was tethered next to it and arched his neck with a loud sneeze when he saw the girl.

    Qin Yining giggled softly and untied Whitecloud¡¯s reins, softly caressing his silky-smooth, silvery-white mane. ¡°Got tired of waiting?¡±

    Whitecloud nuzzled her cheek fondly.

    ¡°Miss, you¡¯re gentler to a horse than our prince.¡± Jiyun smiled as she walked over with her own spritely horse. ¡°The prince will definitely be jealous if he saw this. Smile some more when you see him next!¡±

    Qin Yining blushed and pouted back, ¡°Oh you! Did Pang Zhixi send you to me so you can natter about this all day long?¡±

    Jiyun burst outughing. ¡°You obviously miss him too, miss. You¡¯re not reprimanding me for nagging you. You haven¡¯t worn any other bracelets or bangles since receiving the strand of red beans. You hug Riceball all day long and even hand wash the square knot around its neck. Isn¡¯t that missing His Highness?¡±

    ¡°You awful girl. I¡¯m going to send you back home if you keep talking. No more rides for you!¡± Qin Yining tch¡¯ed with a reddened face.

    Bingtang and Jiyun winked and smirked at each other, giggling happily.

    The Qin fourth miss lightly flipped onto her horse. ¡°Let¡¯s ride for a little longer today before heading back. The old dowager is meting out judgment on one of the kitchen staff for fraud. We¡¯ll just be caught up in an irritating mess if we go back too early.¡±

    Granny servant Liu, in charge of purchases in the main kitchen, had been found to be swapping out purchases for subpar foodstuffs. She¡¯d also been sneaking away rice from the manor to use at home. Jixiang, a maid by the old dowager¡¯s side, happened catch the granny servant in the act and had told her mistress.

    The old dowager immediately raised a fuss and grabbed n¨¦e Sun, the second, and third madame for a thorough ounting of household affairs. Not only did they find clear evidence for the granny servant¡¯s crimes, but they also uncovered a slew of other unsightly small transgressions. Qin Yining had watched the madames at work for thest two days and her head pounded at the fallout. She¡¯d finally sought some peace and quiet outside today.

    ¡°But what if the old dowager asks where we went? She¡¯s just forbidden you to go horseback riding because it¡¯s not very bing of a noble girl.¡± However, the guard hopped adroitly onto her own horse as she said this.

    Qin Yining cheerfully lifted the veil on her hat. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t have to live our lives if we cared all the time about what everyone else says. So many people have already said bad things about me behind my back, some of the words quite ugly indeed. Who cares? I should¡¯ve hung myself a long time ago if I cared about that. I¡¯ll pay attention to them if I want, and not if I don¡¯t. We¡¯ll all live our own lives, with no one sticking their noses in other people¡¯s business.¡±

    This elicitedughter from Jiyun and the guard steered her horse forward, nking her mistress along with Bingtang. They picked a quiet road out of the city that saw little traffic.

    It was bright and beautiful outside the city walls, the blue sky a wondrous vivid blue. Deep-green grass stood up proudly from the soil. Although it was hot and muggy, the three were wearing veiled hats that blocked out the sun. The white veils on their hats and chiffon material of their skirts fluttered in the breeze caused from the galloping of their horses. They felt an inexplicable sense of refreshment and lightheartedness.

    Mistress and servant galloped down a shaded path next to the official road for quite a while before taking a break to look for water. There hadn¡¯t been much rain this year, drying out several creeks and exposing cracked creek bottoms to the air. There was only a thinyer of muddy water and blistering hot pebbles left in the creek they were walking along. They followed the rocks for a while before finding an origin source that had water bubbling out of it.

    Qin Yining, Bingtang, and Jiyun first filled their canteens, then let the three horses drink their fill. The three stood beneath the trees and looked out at the nearby road. The golden sunlight was eye-piercingly bright.

    Bingtang sighed with worry. ¡°It¡¯ll be bad if the drought continues. The harvest will be affected.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not just the farms, but apparently much of thend outside is dried up. We¡¯ll really have a disaster on our hands if this continues.¡± Qin Yining took another sip of water and hung her canteen on the saddle.

    Jiyun however, slowly put hers down and flung the veil of her hat backwards. She leapt lightly onto arge trip and shaded her eyes to look in the direction of the official road.

    The Qin fourth miss found this behavior curious. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Jiyun lifted her left hand slightly to indicate silence. Qin Yining and Bingtang felt that things were amiss and looked in the direction of the guard¡¯s gaze. They seemed to see a vague dust cloud in the far distance.

    ¡°A lot of people! Miss, there¡¯s a lot, a lot of people running this way!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she asked hurriedly, ¡°Quick, take a close look. Who are they? Is it the army or civilians? Are they on horseback?¡±

    She craned her neck as well, wanting a closer look. But her line of sight was blocked by her lower position. All she could see was the dust cloud growing bigger and bigger.

    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be the army, not from the way they¡¯re dressed... Miss, we should hide. They¡¯ll be here in a short while.¡± Jiyun jumped down and pulled Qin Yining behind the tree. Bingtang quickly brought the horses over as well.

    The three girls hid the horses carefully and doubled back, stooping behind therge tree to peek towards the road. When the crowd drew near, they could make out that it was a group of raggedy, tattered civilians!

    There was a good thousand in the group; both male and female, young and old. Everyone had packs on their back and bedraggled hair, dirty clothes and panicked expressions. All were supporting each other in a frantic sprint towards the capital. They were all gasping and panting for breath, their faces pale from exhaustion. But, no one stopped to rest.

    An elderly man fell down because of his slower speed. The crowd behind him identally stepped on him a few times before his children could help him back up. Lost children washed away from their parents cried helplessly for their parents. It was an utter scene of chaos that seemed prompted by demons chasing behind the group!

    Qin Yining turned back with the color drained from her face. She also copsed to a sitting position as her brain buzzed, murmuring, ¡°Is this... has Great Zhou started attacking again? Pang Zhixi... didn¡¯t we have the peace talks? Ah. Right, the Tatar assassination. Not only was that a present to me and my father, but an excuse to restart the war!¡±

    Bingtang was closest to Qin Yining and heard her mistress¡¯ words clearly. Cold sweat poured down when she heard ¡®war¡¯. Although she was a maid now and had been a nun for a little while, she was still a noble daughter at the heart of things. She¡¯d never suffered much in her life, a marked difference from Qin Yining, someone who¡¯d been a noble daughter for less than a year. She¡¯d only heard of the horrors of war before and had never seen them with her own eyes. The most urate impression she¡¯d ever had was when she apanied Qin Yining to the peace talks at Xihua. That trip had only shown her the magnificence of troops lined up in rank and file.

    She was now faced with the sight of so many charging in a fric rush, all of them distraught and terrified. Some deaths even urred from trampling and not the enemy. Loud cries and wails filled her ears. And this is only a short passing! Just where had all these peoplee from? It was such a long road, so despairing scenes must¡¯ve happened continuously!

    It was the first time that Bingtang had experienced, up close and personal, the fear of looming disaster.

    ¡°What should we do, miss? If, if the little prince really doese charging through with his army, will they harm you? His men might not know you!¡± Bingtang¡¯s voice was dry and her brain had ground to a halt. It took her a while to even voice half coherent thoughts as these.

    Her mistress¡¯ face was wan and she gripped Bingtang¡¯s hand with one hand, her own clothes with the other. She slowly rxed her palm only when her cor was a wrinkled mess. Qin Yining took in a few deep breaths before patting Bingtang¡¯s shoulderfortingly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. They won¡¯te charging in so quickly. Pang Zhixi¡¯s troops had already withdrawn from the city of Liang after thest battle. Although the emperor gave up some of therger cities on the border to Great Zhou, it¡¯d still be impossible for the numerous Valiant Tigers to soundlessly, invisibly make it to our capital.¡±

    ¡°But all these refugees... they¡¯re obviously terrified and fleeing to the capital.¡± Bingtang wiped off sweat from her forehead with a sleeve.

    ¡°We should go back first and discuss this thoroughly with Steward Zhong. I¡¯ll also ask my father for what news he has. Whatever information they have will be a lot more urate than the three of us specting wildly here.¡±

    Bingtang nodded, but mist immediately gathered in her big, round eyes and her voice was a little choked up. ¡°But miss, I¡¯m still really scared.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, don¡¯t be scared.¡± Qin Yining pulled her close with an arm and patted her back. Although the two girls were the same age, Bingtang looked like she was twelve because of her small stature. ¡°I¡¯ll let you all go if something bad really does happen. Just leave the capital then and head south along the coast.¡±

    ¡°What about you then, miss?¡± Bingtang sniffled loudly.

    Qin Yining only smiled wryly and didn¡¯t respond.

 Chapter 179: Knew It a Long Time Ago

    <h4>Chapter 179: Knew It a Long Time Ago</h4>

    If something really did happen, none of the Qins would be able to get away. With her father¡¯s identity and reputation, how would the Great Zhou emperor let any of them off the hook?

    ¡°Let¡¯s get up and go home. We can decide what to do after we figure out what¡¯s really happening. Perhaps I¡¯m thinking too much.¡± Qin Yining stood with a smile and pulled Bingtang up as well.

    The maid wiped away her tears sheepishly. Compared to Qin Yining¡¯s calm, she really was being embarrassing. Meanwhile, Jiyun had been watching the other two with gentle eyes all this time. Some admiration grew in her heart when she saw how quickly the two calmed down. She came forward to brush off the leaves and twigs that¡¯d caught on the fourth miss.

    The two rode quickly next to the road, taking a small detour to avoid the refugees. They made straight for Grand Steward Zhong¡¯s house when they entered the city gates.

    The steward was checking the ount with an abacus when he received the report that Qin Yining hade. Taken aback, he went out to wee the business owner. However, he found exceedingly ugly expressions on their faces when he saw the miss and her two maids.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening, miss? Pleasee in and have a cup of tea.¡± Steward Zhong quickly poured a cup of tea and handed it over with both hands.

    Qin Yining chugged a big portion of warm tea before recovering slightly. She carefully recounted what they¡¯d just observed.

    ¡°I think the group will arrive at the city gates before long. Please keep an eye out and find out where they¡¯re from and the current situation. Also, keep an eye on anything that¡¯s happening. I¡¯m going to rush back home since father should be back from court now. I need to discuss this with him.¡±

    Sweat beaded the steward¡¯s forehead now. He rubbed his face roughly with a slightly trembling hand and nodded. ¡°Yes, I understand. I¡¯ll send my people out immediately and pass on anything I learn.¡±

    ¡°Alright. If you can¡¯t find me, then you can tell those in my house. Bingtang, Jiyun, Sonn, and Qiulu are all trustworthy people.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Steward Zhong nodded rapidly.

    Qin Yining rose and pulled Bingtang and Jiyun out the door with her. However, the guard looked at the fourth miss¡¯ lithe figure with aplicated look.

    ¡°Miss, do you still trust me?¡± the guard couldn¡¯t help ask.

    Steps pausing, Qin Yining looked back as she found the question weird. ¡°What kind of foolish words are these?¡±

    ¡°The prince gave me to you, miss. I even report your condition to His Highness. I thought you wouldn¡¯t trust me when war really broke out.¡±

    It was Qin Yining¡¯s turn to disy aplex expression on her face. She took a long look at Jiyun before responding. ¡°I can tell different things apart. Besides, Pang Zhixi was Great Zhou¡¯s Faithful Prince of the First Rank the day I met him. He¡¯d already conquered a great deal of my nation¡¯s territory with the Valiant Tigers. I knew of all this a long time ago, and he wasn¡¯t born resembling who he is today.¡±

    She sighed at what she was saying. ¡°It¡¯s just different perspectives due to different countries. With the Great Zhou emperor¡¯s ambitions, he won¡¯t be content with just ruling over one part of the world. It¡¯s a foregone conclusion that he would stretch his hand towards Great Yan, and even the Tatars in the north as well. Even if Great Zhou doesn¡¯t currently have the strength to realize all of his ambitions, that still doesn¡¯t impact his desire to conquer more of the world.¡±

    Jiyun looked at Qin Yining, admiring the fourth miss from the bottom of her heart. No wonder the prince valued her so much and protected her like the apple of his eye. She was quick-witted, calm in the face of unexpected matters, and not muddleheaded like the typical noble girl with a few things to consider at once. She was rational, logical, and couldfortably handle whatever came up.

    The guard viewed Qin Yining as her second mistress now, not a hint of reluctance to be found within her.

    The three took their horses back home, riding through the flourishing scenes in the city. No one knew that war was about to visit them. Vendors and peddlers were still selling their wares in the market, raggedy children were frolicking about in the roads. There were also women leaning out of their old, worn doors, calling their children to dinner...

    It all made Qin Yining¡¯s heart ache. She didn¡¯t know what the future looked like. This was likely Great Yan¡¯sst bit of peacefulnd. Were they about to lose that as well?

    The three took the south door back into the manor as usual, taking the horses to the stables first before passing through the door in the corner to the outer yard. Qin Yining randomly sought out a pageboy. ¡°Is the lord back?¡±

    ¡°In response to the fourth miss, the lord is in the outer study.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and strode quickly to the study, but was met with Qin Huaiyuan on his way out.

    ¡°Are you going out, father?¡± She curtsied.

    ¡°No, just going to see the old dowager.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°Your grandmother punished many servants today and is still angry. I saw that chaos had engulfed the houses in the west wing. There are people wanting to hang or drown themselves in the river. I¡¯m afraid that your grandmother can¡¯t handle it all and want to take a look.¡±

    The west wing was reserved for the servants. Anyone with a family had a house there. They would only enter the manor when they were on duty. Qin Yining¡¯s expression grew stiff when she thought of how the world outside was going to fall to pieces, but here they were still fighting over nothing at home.

    ¡°Father, the old dowager¡¯s matter isn¡¯t urgent. I have something more pressing to speak to you about.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face also grew stern when he saw how solemn his daughter was. ¡°What is it? Has something happened outside?¡± His first thought was that the empress had thought of some other trick to harm his daughter!

    Ever since the empress had failed to eat Qin Yining and took it out on Consort Shu and Honored Concubine Xiang instead, Qin Huaiyuan had been on his guard against the imperial couple as the emperor had increased his doting instead of punishing the empress. Add to that his increasing stature these days... it was a marked difference to the demoted Statesman Cao. The statesman had once wanted to pull Qin Huaiyuan to his side, but seemed to understand that he¡¯d failed.

    The feud between the two families probably wouldn¡¯t be resolved for the rest of their lives, so who knew what else the empress and statesman would cook up next?

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°Father, I¡¯m afraid war has started again.¡±

    Momentary gravity appeared on the lord¡¯s usually calm face when he heard this. The girl carefully recounted what she¡¯d just seen.

    The marquis paced a few steps with his hands behind his back, his expression growing more and more severe. He spoke after a long pause. ¡°Things are likely as you guess. The start of war is upon us. But, little Prince Pang¡¯s troops may not really make it to the capital. We can garner some clues from the refugees.¡±

    ¡°Father, aren¡¯t you surprised by what¡¯s happened?¡± Qin Yining asked hesitatingly when she saw her father wasn¡¯t surprised at all.

    ¡°No. I actually worried that today would dawn when we were still negotiating during the peace talks.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled wryly. ¡°Great Zhou swindled us out of a great deal of silver with the excuse of the peace talks. They used our silver to feed their armies and came back for us.

    ¡°This may sound like Great Zhou is too wily and oath-breakers, but nothing is too deceitful in war. If I were a Great Zhou subject, I would do the same thing, given how cowardly the Great Yan emperor is. But, we¡¯re Great Yan subjects and have to listen to our emperor. The Great Zhou envoy has left with thest of the reparation money, so it¡¯s not a surprise that war is starting again.¡±

    Qin Yining could read only ruefulness and resignation from her father¡¯s calm expression. Just like one couldn¡¯t choose what family they were born into, neither could one choose the country and whether it was strong or weak, whether one was born in times of peace or war.

    As much talent one may have, there was still nothing that could be done when they were hobbled by such a trash emperor as the Great Yan ruler. In Qin Yining¡¯s eyes, this was even worse than a woman marrying the wrong man.

    ¡°Father, don¡¯t be sad. You¡¯re doing your best as a subject of the emperor. It¡¯s no one¡¯s fault that he still wishes to do things his way and not listen to anyone else. Perspectives are always different in a war between two countries. Although we¡¯re dragged down by our emperor, such is our destiny.¡±

    War was brewing again and the enemy was making straight for the capital. Any other girl would be sobbing with fear now, but his daughter was still coolly analyzing the situation andforting him.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, aren¡¯t you afraid?¡± Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡°What should I be afraid of?¡± Qin Yining arched a brow.

    ¡°¡®You¡¯re a Qin. With my identity, you can¡¯t escape even if you want to. If little Prince Pang¡¯s men really do ughter their way to the capital, we have to defend it to our dying breaths. It¡¯d be wonderful to seed, but you¡¯ll be dragged down if we fail. None of the Qin males will be able to live, and the females will end up just as your maternal rtions. No one will save us this time like you saved them.¡±

    ¡°Father, I know everything you speak of, but it¡¯s a little too early to start worrying about this. Our nation still stands! If it really does fall, I have the courage to die. Since I don¡¯t fear even death, what do I have to be afraid of? I just need to let go of everything and try my best now.¡± Qin Yining words brought tears to Bingtang and Jiyun¡¯s eyes. Even Qitai behind Qin Huaiyuan was moved as well.

 Chapter 180: Family Authority

    <h4>Chapter 180: Family Authority</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan took a few deep breaths in before he could safely ignore his hot eyes. He suddenly smiled. ¡°That¡¯s true. Death awaits us all in the end. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid or worried of.¡±

    Qin Yining gave a closed lip smile. The two faint dimples in her cheeks made her smile appear exceedingly sweet.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to Garden of Filial Piety first.¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°The news will arrive soon and I¡¯ll be quite busy in the days toe. We can¡¯t have anything go wrong at home.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I ran out for a ride today, even though the old dowager¡¯s forbidden me from doing so because it¡¯s not what a noble girl would do. She says that it¡¯s an affront to Qin dignity. Father can say a few words on my behalf when the old dowager lectures meter.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve spoken more than a few words for you, but you never learn your lesson.¡± The marquisughed.

    Qin Yining proudly arched a brow, disying the pride of a little girl but also the greatest trust and dependence she could for her father. She never would¡¯ve done so before. Everything had to conducted with utmost care and discreteness in the wild. If it wasn¡¯t for someone doting on and protecting her, she would¡¯ve never ¡®caused trouble¡¯ with such a peace of mind. But who knows how long this protection canst in the face of war and and unreasonable emperor?

    Father and daughter made their way to the inner residence and had just reached the flower-hung gate when they heard the thwacks of nks and the pleas for mercy from granny servants.

    Qin Huaiyuan stepped through the gate first. The granny servants in charge of administering the punishment stopped to greet the duo.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked with a frown.

    ¡°In response to the lord, the old dowager has given orders for these people to be thrown out after fifty hits of the nk.¡±

    Qin Yining looked carefully over and saw that it was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can! She¡¯d only left the manor for a short while, why were her mother¡¯s people being punished??

    Qin Huaiyuan could also tell that it was his wife¡¯s wet nurse and maids being beaten. Hemanded unhappily, ¡°They won¡¯t be alive after fifty hits. You should call it for what it is, disposing of the corpse instead of throwing them out.¡±

    He would never speak so bluntly in ordinary times; it was a grave loss of face for the old dowager. But the banners of war were being raised again, and court would once more fall into disarray. Even those who upied positions of power would find their lives threatened, much less the servants. This wore on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s tolerance for harshness and difficulties at home. Things were already a mess outside and troubles kept arising at home. It was a highly irritating affair.

    He walked off in the direction of the old dowager¡¯s residence with his hands behind his back, leaving behind a befuddled granny servant. Did she continue meting out punishment or what? The servant stood there dumbly for a while until Qin Yining rified things for her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand father¡¯s words? No more beating, have a doctore look at them.¡±

    The granny servant responded, relieved that someone was issuing clear orders. Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can all breathed easily. They were saved as long as Qin Yining was present. They kowtowed to the fourth miss and in the direction of the master¡¯s trail. ¡°Many thanks to the lord and fourth miss¡¯ mercy.¡±

    Qin Yining stooped down to help Jin-mama up. ¡°What happened? I only went out for a short while, howe you were beaten up?¡±

    Jin-mama clenched her teeth from pain, herplexion waxy and sweat pouring down her forehead.

    ¡°It, it was Old Dowager, saying, the madame, held back Miss Huining¡¯s monthly stipend in the country manor. The madame, didn¡¯t, and refused to say she did. Old Dowager said that us, us servants did, and grew angry.¡± The old servant spoke haltingly, a testament to how badly she¡¯d been beaten.

    Qin Yining knew that this was the old dowager making trouble for n¨¦e Sun. The matriarch didn¡¯t dare do anything to n¨¦e Sun, so she was taking it out on the servants instead. The girl didn¡¯t ask any further and quickly had Bingtange over for a look.

    Qin Huaiyuan had made it to the covered hallway by now. A maid called inside, ¡°The lord is here!¡± before deferentially raising the door curtains. He entered with a darkened expression to the side hall that the old dowager was usually found in.

    The matriarch was sitting cross legged on the luohan bed. N¨¦e Sun was on her knees, sobbing, and the third madame was also kneeling next to her speaking soft words offort. The second madame was standing next to the old dowager pleading for mercy. Qin Huaiyuan only caught thest few sentences when he came in.

    ¡°...they¡¯re senior sister-inw¡¯s people after all. There¡¯s no one left of the Suns anymore, you should let her dowry servants stay, Old Dowager!¡±

    The old dowager smacked her hand on the table. ¡°So there¡¯s no one left of the Suns, is there no one left of us Qins either?! We will not let that bunch of heartless servants mistreat my darling Hui!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t bother with a bow after entering. He took a random seat on the side and pushed aside the teacup that Qin-mama offered.

    ¡°If this continues, we¡¯re not too far away from having no one left of the Qins,¡± he remarked coolly.

    The old dowager looked incredulously at her son after hearing this.

    The lord rubbed his forehead and exined wearily, ¡°Mother, things are too much of a mess in the inner residence. I know of your tireless efforts and it¡¯s only right to punish a corrupt servant, but why are innocent people being dragged in as well? War rages again and soldiers will soon besiege the capital. We don¡¯t even know where the future of our family lies. Why can¡¯t you think on your son¡¯s behalf and create some less trouble? What am I supposed to do with all of this?¡±

    The old dowager was stunned by these derations. Color drained rapidly from her face as she started shaking. ¡°Meng¡¯er, what did you say? What soldiers besieging the capital?¡±

    The otherdies had fallen silent as well, looking at Qin Huaiyuan with horrified gazes. Frantic footsteps suddenly sounded from outside at this time. Regr decorum had flown out of his mind as Qitai sprinted along the covers hallway, whipping through the door curtains and crawled on the ground in front of the room divider. His voice shook as he made his report.

    ¡°Milord! Little Prince Pang ambushed our military camp at the stone outpost in the capital outskirts! Ten thousand Valiant Tigers looted all of the supplies and the men stationed there are... all dead!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan shut his eyes tiredly.

    The old dowager shrieked loudly. ¡°Oh heavens! Then the capital...¡± She started bawling loudly. ¡°What do we do?? Great Zhou is attacking. They broke their word, the bastards!¡±

    Thedies were scared boneless and hugged each other on the ground, filled with panicked sobs.

    Qin Huaiyuan rose and went to the outer room, ignoring the crying females. ¡°Stand up and speak.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qitai stood and wiped off the sweat on his forehead.

    ¡°What¡¯s the precise situation? Where did the Valiant Tigers go after looting the outpost? Are they headed straight for the capital?¡±

    ¡°In response to the lord, our men noted that they didn¡¯t linger and made straight for Xihua after the ambush. Supply lines are cut off between Xihua and the capital now. Ten thousand Valiant Tigers are attacking Xihua from the rear, meeting up with the rest of the Great Zhou army attacking the front of the city from the southern gate. Without supplies, Xihua will fall within the day. The next is the capital!¡± Qitai lowered his head, both anxious and saddened. The body servant was almost crying.

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°That Pang Zhixi knows how to fight alright... Have refugeese to the capital?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the emperor knows of the situation and that refugees are headed our way. He¡¯s given orders for the city gates to be opened. The streets are filled with refugees and the capital governor is leading the Warden¡¯s Office in setting up shelters. And...¡±

    Qitai hadn¡¯t finished before another runner charged in frantically. ¡°Milord, milord!¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood with his hands behind his back, looking calmly towards the door.

    ¡°Messengers havee from the pce with a summons from the emperor!¡± the pageboy responded.

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Huaiyuanpressed his lips and gave orders to Qitai. ¡°Go get my court uniform.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qitai bowed and rushed off to prepare clothes and a carriage.

    The lord of the household turned back in to see an inner room full of crying females. He spoke sternly. ¡°No more troubles may arise at home from now on. I trust that everyone heard what Qitai said just now. If Xihua falls, the capital is next. Refugees are already streaming in. Police yourselves well and increase the amount of guards in the manor from henceforth. Be extremely cautious even if you do have to go out.¡±

    He turned to the old dowager. ¡°Mother, you¡¯re elderly and shouldn¡¯t be troubled with these matters. All inner residence affairs will be handled by daughter Yi from now on.¡± The marquis turned to the door, where Qin Yining had been standing all along. ¡°Come here.¡±

    Qin Yining quickly walked up. ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Your grandmother, mother, and aunts are kindly folk who panic easily in the face of these matters. I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll return from the pce. If the emperor is angry with me as well, then the future does not look good. ...if I don¡¯t return, then you must keep the inner residence in order and discuss things outside with your second and third uncle. Don¡¯t panic and don¡¯t lose your head, understood?¡±

 Chapter 181: Orders in the Face of Danger

    <h4>Chapter 181: Orders in the Face of Danger</h4>

    Qin Yining clenched her hands tightly. They were slightly mmy from sweat but not because of fear, and not of worry that her elders wouldn¡¯t listen to the words of an unmarried girl. What she cared about was her father saying that the future was bleak if the emperor was angry.

    What would the emperor be angry about?

    Pang Xiao¡¯s ambush, naturally!

    However much benefits receiving his favor had brought her before would bring her the same amount of disaster after the fighting started. This woulde down on her, a noble girl who barely set foot outside the manor, so what of her father, someone who¡¯d overseen the peace talks?

    The negotiations had indeed been a sess, so although Great Zhou reneging on the agreement wasn¡¯t Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s fault, would the emperor see it this way?

    Pang Xiao had a closer rtionship with her, which, in times of peace, the emperor would think that an alliance via marriage was a good thing. But now that the prince was attacking, would the emperor possibly bear no ill will towards her at all? And wouldn¡¯t Elder Statesman Cao and the empress take advantage of this to add fuel to the me?

    Father probably understood this as well, which was why he¡¯d that the future didn¡¯t look good. And in putting her in charge before he returned... he meant to entrust the family to her in case he didn¡¯t return! From this she could tell that if he didn¡¯t return, she was to take charge of the Qins and try her best to keep everyone safe.

    Cold sweat beaded the girl¡¯s forehead and her back grew damp, soaking through to her undershirt. Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t help but feel guilty pain when he saw his daughter calm, but ashen-faced. How old was she? She¡¯d returned home for less than a year and hadn¡¯t enjoyed much of a good life, but one thing had happened after another. Now she had to ept additional duties in the face of danger. Even a man might not be able to endure this pressure, yet here he was, forcing his own daughter to do so.

    The marquis patted his daughter¡¯s shoulder with barely concealed sorrow. Apparent from a soft, ¡°my daughter¡¯, he was unable to say anything else.

    However, the expression on Qin Yining¡¯s face grew more and moreposed. She looked back seriously at the man. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father. That¡¯s all I need to look after this family to the best of my abilities and wait for you toe back.¡±

    ¡°Mm. You...¡±

    ¡°No!¡± The old dowager suddenly shouted harshly, having reacted to what was going on. ¡°What do you mean by this, Meng¡¯er? You¡¯re acting as if your mother has died!¡± The matriarch shot to her feet, pointing a trembling finger at her son.

    Qin Huaiyuan met the matriarch¡¯s gaze head-on. ¡°Mother, do you trust how I do things?¡±

    The old dowager might have been filled with irritation, she had to admit that her son was always quite dependable. He possessed the necessary smarts and knew how to size up a situation.

    ¡°Mother, I am the head of this household and must ensure everyone¡¯s safety in crisis. Everything I do is for the Qins. I know you don¡¯t like this, and perhaps second and third sister-inw aren¡¯t satisfied that the authority of the inner residence has been handed to a little girl.¡±

    The second and third madame were indeed feeling slighted, but they didn¡¯t feel like they could actually say anything when brought up, especially the third madame. The third miss had married with great pomp and circumstance just a few days ago, thanks to the marquis. The third branch of the family was feeling quite grateful about this.

    ¡°Although daughter Yi is unfamiliar with the reins of power, I¡¯m sure there will be no problem with mother and everyone else giving her pointers. Pandemonium is descending upon us and our family is on the edge of a de because of me. It¡¯s likely that we¡¯ll attract unpleasantness if we don¡¯t maintain an airtight front.

    ¡°Dear Yi has learned by my side for a while and can dissect political situations with aplomb. She has a nimble mind and can handle sudden developments. This is why I¡¯m temporarily giving her control over the inner residence. When the crisis pass and all is calm at court again, this power naturally reverts back to the old dowager and the other madames.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words were as clear as could be. The times weren¡¯t good. Someone who couldn¡¯t read politicalyouts wouldn¡¯t coordinate well with him and might even invite disaster instead.

    The old dowager, second, and third madame lowered their heads in silent acquiescence. Qin Huaiyuan patted Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder with peace of mind. ¡°Then let¡¯s give themand token to daughter Yi while I¡¯m here.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s expression was quite ugly as every fiber of her being resisted her son¡¯s decision. But there was nothing she could do about it; she too had to admit that his judgment was right. Out of all the womenfolk, Qin Yining was indeed the one most sensitive about the affairs of state.

    N¨¦e Sun had been in charge of the family before. Themand token had returned to the old dowager after the fall of the Duke of Ding. Now that the lord of the house had spoken, she had to hand them over, no matter how reluctant she was to do so.

    Qin Yining epted the box into her care, looking down at the wooden token that had been burnished to a bright sheen after many generations of handling. She smiled at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father. Maybe things aren¡¯t as bad as you think and you¡¯ll be able to return quickly.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled as well. Qitai had returned with a set of court robes by now and helped his master quickly change in the side room. Everyone had much more to say, but there was no time to speak even another word. The two men left hurriedly.

    Qin Yining saw her father off her with her eyes before turning back to help her mother to her feet. Unnerved and perturbed auras clung to the old dowager, second, and third madame. Whether it was because themand token was now in the fourth miss¡¯ hand or fretting over their future, no one was happy.

    The girl didn¡¯t want to poke at the despondency either. ¡°The old dowager must be tired. I won¡¯t disturb your rest then. Mother and I will take our leave then.¡±

    The old dowager waved her hand wearily. She¡¯d been caught in the throes of anger earlier, but there was only fear left now that the enormity of what was happening had sunk in. Her son had been urgently summoned into the pce. Who knew what would happen, especially with the tone that he¡¯d been using? She didn¡¯t have the strength to pay attention to anything else.

    Qin Yining helped n¨¦e Sun out the door, wiping off her mother¡¯s tears as they walked. Sheforted lowly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. Bingtang and Jiyun have already sent Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can back to the Garden of Tranquility. Their injuries shouldn¡¯t be life-threatening. No matter why the old dowager acted the way she did today, it¡¯s not the time to be focused on this. Please just endure this for now, mother.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± N¨¦e Sun sniffled, a belly full of suffering, but still nodding understandingly. ¡°Your father spoke very clearly just now. None of us will live if Great Yan really does fall and the Great Zhou emperor starts settling the score. There¡¯s absolutely no meaning in squabbling over petty things like these.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, mother.¡± Qin Yining was quite gratified by how much her mother had grown during this time. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, mother! I¡¯m still the ¡®protective talisman¡¯ of Great Yan, the safe-keeper of our fortunes. This was calcted by the Soothsayer herself. I can at the very least keep all of you safe.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was still worried. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that the emperor will take out his anger on you when he thinks of little Prince Pang.¡±

    ¡°The more our situation worsens, the more terrified the emperor will be. He¡¯ll try everything he can except hurt me. So really, don¡¯t worry, mother.¡± Qin Yining patiently exined the ins-and-outs to her mother and summoned a serving girl. ¡°Make a trip to the Venerable Study Hall and have Sonn and Qiulue to the Garden of Tranquility. Leave only Zhu-mama in the residence for now. Then go tell the mamas in charge of management toe to the Garden of Tranquility at the fifteenth minute of the hour of the chicken. 1 I have orders for them.¡±

    Qin Yining now exercised control over the inner residence, a marked difference to how she was before. The serving girl quickly curtsied and left respectfully. N¨¦e Sun nodded with gratification to see how her daughter was acting.

    The two returned to the Garden of Tranquility to check in on Jin-mama, Caiju, and Can. The granny servants who¡¯d administered the punishment had taken their orders seriously and beaten the servants with a heavy hand. Thankfully, they hadn¡¯t really wanted to kill the servants and had avoidednding their blows on the spine or waist. One smack with a nk there was enough to cause paralysis. Even so, Qin Yining had returned halfway through. Twenty hits of the nk was still quite a suffering.

    Caiju and Can were better off because they were young. Jin-mama was worse off due to her age. She was also someone with some dignity and small authority normally, so being beaten in front of the flower-hung gate with everyone watching was a great loss of face.

 Chapter 182: Compliance

    <h4>Chapter 182: Compliance</h4>

    The three were burning with fever from their injuries, particrly Jin-mama. Bingtang and the doctor had carefully looked them over, applied medicine, and went off to brew some oral mixtures.

    N¨¦e Sun stooped by the bed, holding Jin-mama¡¯s hand tightly with tears trickling down her face. ¡°Nothing can happen to you, wet nurse! You¡¯re the only one left from my family. I¡¯m so useless to drag you down like this.¡±

    Jin-mama¡¯s lips and mouth were dry. She could barely move her tongue and weakly tried to shift her head on the bed. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, madame. This servant is alright, hmm?¡±

    Her voice was so weak that she seemed not long for this world, making n¨¦e Sun cry even harder. Qin Yining grabbed a stool for her mother to sit down on and handed over a wet handkerchief. The girl then stooped in front of the bed to be on the same level as the mama and sped the servant¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Jin-mama. Father has left themand token in my hands. I¡¯ll be in charge of the inner residence for a while toe and I¡¯ll definitely exact justice on your behalf. I won¡¯t let off anyone who likes to gossip and spread ill will within the manor. Just rest and recover, not only for my mother, but also for yourself. Although chaos is engulfing our world, I¡¯ll fight for all of you each day I have. I¡¯ll never leave any of you behind.¡±

    Jin-mama was so moved that she wanted to cry. She rasped out dryly, ¡°This servant thanks the fourth miss. I¡¯m afraid the madame won¡¯t have anyone handy by her side these days. I¡¯ll have to ask you to keep an eye on things, miss.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve arranged for maids from the Venerable Study Hall toe serve. They¡¯re all trustworthy people.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± The old servant finally nodded. Her age and injuries finally caught up to her, sending her into a delirious sleep.

    ¡°Take care of her well.¡± Qin Yining reminded Bingtang.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry miss, I may not know anything else, but this won¡¯t stump me at all.¡±

    Qin Yining then found a quiet corner with Jiyun. ¡°Everything¡¯s going to change now. Who knows how many pairs of us will be staring at the Qins? Don¡¯t use your messenger pigeons anymore. You might attract fatal attention as a result.¡±

    Jiyun started and nodded hurriedly. ¡°Your considerations are thorough, miss, and quite right. I¡¯ll be careful in the future.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and sat down in the side room for a spot of tea. She¡¯d just rested for a while when a report sounded from outside. ¡°Fourth Miss, the granny servants anddies in charge of managing affairs have arrived.¡±

    ¡°Have them wait in the main hall. I¡¯ll be there shortly.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss rose so that Sonn could help her into the simple aqua sleeveless robe and dress ensemble that she¡¯d just brought over. The maid swept her mistress¡¯ hair up in a new knot and secured it with a silver hairpin that had butterflies overlooking a pearl tassel. The pearl tassel swung behind the ear, matching the pearl studs in the girl¡¯s ears. They exuded a soft, elegant hue, imparting a noble and simple air.

    Qin Yining purposefully applied some lipstick and brow dye from Beauty Works. She didn¡¯t use any of this normally, sticking only to lotion to moisturize her skin. But she might be too young to exert control over the situation today and thus decided to spend some extra effort on makeup. Her brows were carefully traced in a slender, upward arc. Some rose-red lipstick dabbed on the mouth brightened the entire face. She was beautiful, but not overly so. Some sternness had been added to her usual demeanor.

    ¡°Miss, let me go with you in a moment.¡± Sonn tucked a white chiffon wrap around Qin Yining and offered a velvet fan in the shape of a crabapple blossom flower.

    The fourth miss epted the fan and picked up Riceball from the table for a cuddle. The bunny had been plopped on the table, staring at her with itsrge, ck eyes. She smoothed its fur down.

    ¡°Thank you for the thought. I would¡¯ve brought you today even if you hadn¡¯t said anything. I only know the names of the older servants in the manor, but don¡¯t know anything else about them. Stay by my side and give me your thoughts as well.¡±

    Sonn nodded with a smile. The fourth miss usually brought Bingtang and Jiyun for excursions outside the manor, but Sonn and Qiulu didn¡¯t bear anyints. Their miss was someone who put people in the ce where they shone the brightest.

    She needed protection when venturing out, so naturally she brought along Jiyun and hermand of martial arts. When she needed to discuss things at home, she would look for the smart, inventive Sonn and her grasp of things and people in the manor. Qiulu was a smart and conscientious person, and was cool-headed and taciturn. Therefore, she was put in charge of safeguarding all important items. As for Yaoqin and Yuqi that her father had gifted to her, Qin Yining treated them as her masters for the zither and chess. She always treated them politely.

    Therefore, though there were many head maids in the Venerable Study Hall, they got along well and no one felt that someone else was stealing their limelight. Qin Yining thought for a moment and summoned Jiyun with themand token as well. The three made their way to the main hall together.

    Granny servants anddies from various residences were waiting in the yard in front of the main hall. Little groups of two and three had formed and an overall hum of conversation buzzed. Surprise and uneasy shock was the reaction after learning that themand token had been handed over to the fourth miss today. The fourth miss was a renowned barbarian tyrant! She was quite something and beat people up with a deadly look in her eyes! Even Miss Huining had been beaten up at the drop of a hat, so what of them in the future?

    ¡°The fourth miss is here,¡± the serving girl at the moon gate called out. 1 Everyone straightened their postures and looked snuck nces at the door in unnned unison.

    The fourth miss was holding a bunny the size of a palm and slowly entering with two beautiful maids. Leafy shrubbery was her backdrop and the snow-white moon gate a foil. The trio was such a pretty sight that it invited the crowd to sneak a few more nces. But when their eyes travelled across Qin Yining¡¯s face, everyone subconsciously lowered their heads again.

    The miss was smiling gently instead of being angry, but they still had the nervous palpitations that arose when facing the lord, the feeling of being deathly afraid ofmitting any mistakes.

    Two second ss maids brought out a chair from the house and put it beneath the covered hallway of the main house. A ckcquer table with tall legs was ced off to its side and tea set out on it.

    Qin Yining sat primly in the chair, cing the docile Riceball on her legs and slowly stroked its fur. She looked over the rough dozen people assembled and spoke slowly. ¡°With today¡¯s summons, I¡¯m sure everyone knows that the inner residence is under my care for a few days.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The mamas anddies responded.

    ¡°Father has given me this important duty despite my youth and immaturity. I¡¯m looking to help and support from all of you in the days toe.¡±

    ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t talk of rules since everyone has served the manor for a long time. I only want to emphasize a few things. Firstly, no one can exit the manor unless sent outside with specific business. Private transport of items is to be strictly prohibited. The guards will be on careful watch for that. The doors will be unlocked at the hour of the rabbit [5-7am] and locked at the hour of the dog 2. Doors to the various residences will be kept locked, and no one not allowed to enter a specific area may exchange items or information there.¡±

    In anyrge manor, it was inevitable that the servants would ck off, shirk their duties, or run off randomly to visit some of the other residences. Qin Yining¡¯s new rules weren¡¯t anything strange and in fact, ones that should¡¯ve been followed in the first ce. But, people were used to beingckadaisical and naturally didn¡¯t ept things so readily when they heard about these new requirements.

    ¡°I know some of you might not feel happy about this, but no worries, I¡¯d like to prune the trees anyways. Feel free to break the rules if any of you want to leave the manor! If I catch any of you, that¡¯ll be twenty hits of the nk first before being thrown out. If anyone catches someone breaking the rules and brings them to me, I will award twenty taels of silver.¡±

    The servants shivered when this was all announced. The miss was just as fierce as the rumors said, alright! But twenty taels of silver was also very tempting. That was more than a year¡¯s worth of sry!

    ¡°Secondly, the guard is to be tripled from today onwards. Whether it¡¯s the inner or outer residence, or even the night watch, drinking and ying cards is strictly prohibited! If I catch anyone neglecting their duties because of drinking or ying cards, that¡¯ll also be twenty hits of the nk before being thrown out. In addition, a careful record of the names and times of those on duty will be kept, to be handed to me everyday for confirmation.

    ¡°Those who have more duties than before because of my orders will receive triple their pay during overtime. The night watch will receive a midnight snack.¡±

    The mamas anddies looked at each other when they heard thest bit. The practice of overtime pay and a midnight snack had never been implemented in the manor before. This miss may seem harsh, but she was a fair one.

    ¡°The original rules of the household do not change. I¡¯ll listen to reports everyday in the main hall of the Garden of Tranquility. I¡¯ll take the night report at the hour of the dragon 3 and give orders for whatever everyone needs to be careful of. Those who need to pick up something or request funds should try to be present at this time to retrieve theirmand tokens. 4 Those who can¡¯t make this hour can report in at the hour of the monkey. 5 unless there¡¯s an emergency. Is this all clear?¡±

    ¡°We understand,¡± came the resounding chorus.

 Chapter 183: Killing Intent

    <h4>Chapter 183: Killing Intent</h4>

    Qin Yining rose and paced slowly, Riceball in her hands. ¡°Let¡¯s all do our jobs well in the days when I¡¯m in charge and try our best to be considerate. As long as no mistakes are made, I don¡¯t wish to gain a bad reputation either. But at the same time, all of you know that I don¡¯t have a good temper. If you really do make a mistake, don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be lucky or can escape my notice. I know how the servants and people outside talk about me. I already have a bad reputation and am not afraid of it.¡±

    ¡°We will remember your teachings well.¡± The group of servants were now fully on board with answering to the fourth miss.

    Qin Yining¡¯s taut body rxed when she saw that the servants were listening to her. She¡¯d never been in charge of so many people before and was just proceeding with her thoughts after power suddenly made its way into her hands. She didn¡¯t know if this was the right thing to do, but it looked like she could heave a sigh of relief now.

    Outside the moon gate, n¨¦e Sun shed a gratified smile to see how easily her daughter was navigating the scene. Thus reassured, she left to take care of Jin-mama in the back.

    Qin Yining listened to various reports after this and gave her orders ordingly. She also had someone wait outside the pce doors for news of Qin Huaiyuan.

    Her movements were ryed to the other branches, as well as the second and third elder master in the outer residence. Second Elder Master Qin Xiuyuan¡¯s study in the east side yard. It was separated from Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s by only a wall. The two elder masters as well as senior master Qin Yu, second master Qin Han were listening intently to a pageboy¡¯s report.

    The pageboy carefully recounted word-for-word how Qin Yining had disciplined the servants and the new rules she¡¯d set. The second and third elder master kept nodding. The two breathed a long sigh of relief in unison when the pageboy was dismissed.

    ¡°Senior brother¡¯s eye has always been unique. This arrangement is very good.¡±

    Qin Han smiled in agreement. ¡°Indeed. Senior uncle¡¯s foresight is as strong as ever. I told you father, that you were worrying too much. Fourth sister is a smart and capable person. Even if the manor isn¡¯t airtight after these arrangements, it will cut off a lot of trouble at the knees. At the very least, it¡¯s better than us keeping a close eye on the outer manor but failing to secure the inner. With fourth sister in charge of the inner residence, while she may not turn it into anything tremendous, at least we can be assured that the inner residence won¡¯t do anything stupid.¡±

    ¡°Precisely,¡± the third elder mastermented. ¡°We don¡¯t need to worry about the inner residence as a source of trouble this way. It¡¯ll save us all a bit of effort with niece Yi at the helm.¡±

    The second elder master nodded and moved on with worry. ¡°I wonder if the emperor will be displeased with our elder brother. To think that Great Zhou would rip up the peace ords so quickly aftering to an agreement! My head is still spinning from the speed of this change. We wined and dined Lian Shengjie and sent beauties to keep himpany. The emperor wanted to be friends with Great Zhou and yed the best host he could, treating Lian Shengjie as the most honored of guests. But the Faithful Prince of the First Rank came attacking as soon as he left with thest of the reparations!¡±

    ¡°Our hands are tied in this matter, there¡¯s nothing any of us can do. I¡¯m now worried about senior uncle. We all know what the emperor is like, and Pang has repeatedly expressed how special fourth sister is to him. I¡¯m afraid the emperor will project his anger...¡± Qin Yu trailed off worriedly.

    His words made everyone frown silently. They were all very afraid. The dreadful blood and gore from the destruction of the Suns yet lingered in the air.

    ¡°The emperor is capricious and there¡¯s nothing we can do to steady him otherwise. We won¡¯t be able to do anything if that really does happen. How mighty was the Duke of Ding once? He was still caught off guard by catastrophe, to the great pity of all the Sun males.¡± The third elder master was immensely saddened when he thought of the Suns¡¯ tragic downfall.

    ¡°And father,¡± Qin Yu continued. ¡°You¡¯ve just settled in as the Right Attendant of the Ministry of Education. If the emperor really does vent his anger on our family, your hard-won promotion will likely evaporate as well.¡±

    Who could be more depressed than the second elder master about this possibility? But really, what could they do now in this situation?

    ¡°With how things are, we need to thank the heavens if we can hold onto our lives. I¡¯m not afraid of my position, but most worried that our family¡¯s lives are in danger. We don¡¯t know how elder brother is in the pce and there¡¯s no point to wildly specting here. We should head back to our residences and tell the females of our branches to listen to niece Yi¡¯s arrangements. Let¡¯s make it through this first.¡±

    ¡°Second brother speaks truly.¡± The third elder master nodded approvingly. The men discussed a bit further and decided to have someone wait outside the pce for new of Qin Huaiyuan.

    The second and third elder master returned to their residences and talked sternly to their wives and daughters. They might have caused general panic if they spoke too bluntly of certain things, so the two masters didn¡¯t fully rify everything. However, impending disaster still loomed over everyone¡¯s heads.

    They all knew that if they would invite cmity if they didn¡¯t remain on the alert at this time. Therefore, the original dissatisfaction from Qin Yining holding the reins of power was slowly reced by panic.

    Within the Garden of Tranquility, Sonn and Qin Yining carefully pondered over the news from the second and third branches. The maid broke out inpliments. ¡°To think that the second and third elder master would be so perceptive!¡±

    ¡°Naturally. Second uncle is a third rank official at court now, so his mind is naturally clear. Third uncle must also be a smart person given what an aplished businessman he is. They¡¯re already skilled at reading situations. Add to that their years of experience... they know better than anyone what¡¯s really going on here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Who doesn¡¯t raise a thumb in admiration when outsiders talk about the Qins? The three elder masters are heads above others, particrly the marquis!¡± Qiulu piped in.

    Qin Yining smiled faintly at this, but began worrying again when she saw how the hour was gettingte.

    ¡°Have our men not received word of father?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. The marquis is still in the pce. Qitai is also frantically waiting outside.¡±

    The fourth miss nodded, her heart in her throat. She itched to charge right into the pce and ughter the damn trash emperor and trampress. The danger to the Qins would be half eliminated without them! Killing them would also be exterminating evil for the Great Yan citizens.

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression slowly darkened. It was the first time that she¡¯d felt such an acute urge to get rid of the imperial couple. She had a better appreciation now of what her maternal grandmother had wanted to do.

    The lives of her entire family were at stake. It was an agonizing feeling to be on someone else¡¯s chopping block. She¡¯d rather she herself was the de, even though these kinds of thoughts were highly treasonous!

    The girl¡¯s eyes narrowed. The night ahead was long, but she was in increasing spirits as a variety of thoughts crystallized in her mind. Although she might not be holding a good hand, it was still enough for her to give it her all. Perhaps her treasonous thoughts wouldn¡¯t be tolerated anywhere in the world, but so what? She¡¯d just think of it as ridding the world of an evil!

    It was the quiet depths of night. N¨¦e Sun had already gone to bed and Qin Yining was cuddling the soft and cute Riceball next to amp with an embroidered cover. She had thoughtful maids by her side keeping herpany. She just couldn¡¯t rx as long as her father had yet to return home, and could onlyfort herself with the notion that no news was good news.

    In the morning, thisfort was extended to the old dowager as the fourth miss was summoned as soon as she woke up. She saw Qin-mama waiting on the outer side of the room divider as soon as she set foot into the residence. The old servant looked meaningfully at Qin Yining, who responded with a wink and an understanding nod.

    The fourth miss circled past the auspicious divider into the house proper and made a curtsey to the family matriarch. ¡°Old Dowager.¡± She took the forehead wrap from head maid Jixiang¡¯s hands to help the old dowager with it.

    Her grandmother was frowning up a storm. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, your father didn¡¯te back allst night and there¡¯s been no news today either. I just asked your second uncle, but he hasn¡¯t heard anything from the pce either. What do you think the emperor¡¯s summoned your father for? What if, what if...¡±

    Tears had welled up in her eyes. All thoughts of power and profit paled inparison to her son¡¯s safety at this moment. She didn¡¯t care who wielded themand token and just wanted her son to return safe and sound so that he could be by her side like before.

    Qin Yining quickly fished out a handkerchief to wipe away the tears and spokefortingly. ¡°Old Dowager loves my father so much that it¡¯s causing you to panic. At a time like this, no news is the best news. Have you heard of what¡¯s happened outside?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The old dowager nodded and frowned even more ferociously. ¡°So many refugees have streaming in! It¡¯s already a year of drought and it¡¯s dreadfully humid outside. The refugees have no housing or food to eat. It¡¯ll be a great problem trying to settle them in.¡±

 Chapter 184: Slaughtering the Donkey After It Finishes the Job at the Mill

    <h4>Chapter 184: ughtering the Donkey After It Finishes the Job at the Mill</h4>

    ¡°The old dowager speaks rightly and this is only the beginning. When there are further developments at Xihua, I¡¯m afraid there will be only more refugees fleeing the chaos and violence. But, let¡¯s keep an open mind. Father has served the emperor for many years and is a trusted, able official. If things really do be that disorderly, the emperor will have to depend greatly on father¡¯s wits and strategic nning. Father will naturally be safe since he¡¯s a useful person. At worst, he¡¯ll just be criticized a bit.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, your analysis is reasonable.¡± Although things were tense, Qin Yining¡¯s analysis soothed the matriarch, and her nervous expression rxed somewhat. ¡°Nothing else matters as long as he¡¯s safe. I don¡¯t care about positions or wealth. I just want everyone to be safe.¡±

    Qin-mama was incredibly grateful as she watched Qin Yining cheer up the old dowager with just a few words. shing an admiring and thankful smile towards the girl, she handed over a bowl of bird¡¯s nest steeped in milk. The old servant moved to massage her mistress¡¯ shoulders.

    ¡°Now, look at that, aren¡¯t you feeling better, mistress? In my eyes, the fourth miss is just like the young lord. I know you miss the lord, mistress, and he may even be back very soon. But, even if he¡¯s detained a while longer, we still have the fourth miss holding down the fort.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s spirits lifted as she gazed upon Qin Yining¡¯s charming face. The girl smiled faintly and offered a spoonful of bird¡¯s nest to the old dowager.

    ¡°Have a bite, Old Dowager.¡± After the matriarch¡¯s first bite, more spoonfuls followed. ¡°Just think of how best to live life and take care of yourself. Thedies can take care of the inner residence while my father, uncles, and cousins provide us with peace of mind in taking care of everything outside. You¡¯re the pir of stability for the family. As long as you¡¯re here, hale and hearty, the very skies are held up, and no amount of turmoil can shake this foundation.¡±

    Her words lulled the old dowager into finishing the bird¡¯s nest and a few more snacks. It took only the duration of a meal for the old dowager¡¯s affection for Qin Yining to increase.

    Typically, their positions were very different. The old dowager was repulsed by n¨¦e Sun, but Qin Yining always helped her mother; in the process, denying the old dowager face several times. This had caused the rtionship between grandmother and granddaughter to stagnate. But, now they were on the same side and thinking of the family. The intelligence that¡¯d irritated the old dowager was now their pir of support.

    While the matriarch was soothed by her new feelings about her granddaughter, her heart once again leapt to her throat when Qitai sprinted back with news.

    It was just past noon and Qin Yining was about to lie down for a little while when a serving girl ran in, huffing and panting. ¡°Madame, miss, Qitai¡¯s back. He¡¯s heading for the inner residence and going to the Garden of Loving Piety.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining looked at each other before springing into action, dressing hastily and quick-stepping to the old dowager¡¯s residence. The second and third madame, as well as the second and third wife (wives of the younger generation), and some of the other misses, had also rushed over. Even senior master Yu and Han had entered from the outer residence.

    Qitai knelt on the floor. ¡°Old Dowager.¡±

    ¡°Speak! How is Meng¡¯er?!¡± The old dowager was on her feet and clutching Qin-mama¡¯s hand.

    ¡°We¡¯ve just received news that the emperor censured the lord, stripping the lord of his positions of the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent and Prime Minister. He¡¯s retained the position of Marquis of Anping but has been thrown into the dungeons. A crime hasn¡¯t been identified, and a trial has yet to be scheduled; His Majesty only told the lord to reflect on his wrongs. His life is in no danger, but who knows when the imperial temper will calm, and when the lord will be released.¡±

    The room darkened before the old dowager¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°My son!¡± she shrieked before fainting.

    N¨¦e Sun covered her mouth to stifle her horrified sobs while thedies within the house cried from fear and panic. Some went to take care of the old dowager; some went tofort n¨¦e Sun. Everything was a frantic mess.

    Qin Yining¡¯s lips wepressed as she took a quick step to Qitai. ¡°Are you certain that there¡¯s no present danger to father¡¯s life?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯re sure of that.¡±

    ¡°Is there any other news from outside?¡±

    ¡°The emperor is once again making use of Elder Statesman Cao. The statesman has been promoted to Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent and put in charge of handling this new re-up of war. Unfortunately, this servant doesn¡¯t know any more details.¡±

    Qin Yining was stunned by what she heard. Qin Han and Qin Yu were immensely angered as well. Qin Yu was a mature, dependable sort and could hold his tongue, but Qin Han broke out in loud curses.

    ¡°What does the emperor mean by this? He was the one who made heavy use of senior uncle. Now he¡¯s punishing our uncle on a whim and restoring Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s position? Our family has a huge feud with the Caos. With Grand Preceptor Cao back in power, will there be any good days ahead for us? Senior uncle and my father are all loyal subjects, His Majesty is...¡±

    ¡°Second brother!¡± Qin Yining mped down on Qin Han¡¯s wrist and looked at him sternly. His wife was shaking his other arm and crying silently. Qin Han finally realized that he¡¯d been about to speak out of line and shut up with a despondent expression.

    ¡°I think I know why Grand Preceptor Cao is once again in favor. I¡¯ll exin my thoughts to youter, brothers.¡± Qin Yining turned back to Qitai. ¡°How was the situation in the city when you returned?¡±

    Qitai¡¯splexion was slightly sallow as he replied with a dry voice, ¡°The amount of refugees within the city is slowly increasing as more citizens flee towards the capital. It¡¯s been a long year of drought, and the nation¡¯s coffers are empty after years of war. Anotherrge sum of silver was paid as war reparations. The emperor is calling for the release of grain stores, but how long will the storesst with so many mouths to feed? The refugees have yet to be settled in properly, and citizens living in the city are starting to feel afraid. Many are starting to sell theirnd and houses.¡±

    The old dowager awoke after being pinched on the acupuncture point beneath the nose. She sniffled her way through Qitai¡¯s words.

    Everyone was feeling equally unsettled and mmy after hearing all this. The suffocating feeling of impending armageddon had slithered around their necks and was slowly tightening like a boa constrictor.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, should we, should we sell our house andnd as well?¡± the old dowager asked weakly.

    Qin Yining turned back to respond. ¡°What do we after that, Old Dowager?¡±

    The matriarch had no answer for that.

    The room was deathly silent; the atmosphere broken only by the asional sniffle. Qin Yining shifted back to solemnly address the group.

    ¡°None of us can run away from this. We¡¯re all under the emperor¡¯s eyes. Given our long-standing reputation, even if our country were to one day fall, we still wouldn¡¯t be able to escape from Great Zhou¡¯s people.¡±

    ¡°But, we¡¯re a family. We weather trials together and share our fortune. I won¡¯t forget this, and neither will any of you. The Qins have at times suffered and other times reveled. We¡¯ve banded together in the face of danger and charged through it all, emerging unscathed on the other side. The Qins have a strong spine and the intelligence to respond to external danger. We¡¯ll think of a way as long as we calm down.¡±

    ¡°Fourth sister is right.¡± Qin Han nodded heavily. ¡°It¡¯s normal to be afraid. In fact, anyone who isn¡¯t at a time like this is probably a block of wood. But, there are things men can and cannot do. Even if the emperor sentences us all to execution, we¡¯ll go bravely with dry eyes. We won¡¯t bring shame to our family name!¡±

    ¡°Second brother speaks wisely. Besides, things haven¡¯t gotten to that stage yet. We still have a lot of room to maneuver in.¡±

    Qin Yining and Qin Han¡¯s words might¡¯ve been depressing, but they were also filled with encouragement. Even girls who only knew of the world within the inner residence felt their blood boiling at the sentiments.

    Indignation had reced fear. Even though they were girls who¡¯d never seen much of the outside world and were panicking at the thought of turbulent times toe, Qin Yining and Qin Han were right. They were all Qins; their family had never done anything against thew of the world or brought shame to their ancestors. Even if the Qins were to lose their lives, they wouldn¡¯t do so in cowardly manner!

    The emperor was a trash emperor hated by all, but the Qins weren¡¯t the same as him! People would die sooner orter. They¡¯d be able to do it too when the time came if it was all for the sake of their name!

    Although the womenfolk were still scared, angry was slowly burning the senseless panic out of them, so that they could steadily stay on their feet.

    Qin Han, however,tched onto something Qin Yining had just said. ¡°Fourth sister, have you already thought of how to save senior uncle?¡±

    The old dowager shot to her feet when she heard this. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, what good ns do you have?¡±

    The girl smiled backfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Old Dowager. I have a n that I need to discuss with my uncles and brothers.I¡¯ll do my best. Father will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Good, good.¡± The old dowager nodded repeatedly. ¡°I¡¯m much reassured with all of you working together.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun also rxed and wiped at her face with a handkerchief.

    The third madame helped the old dowager back to her seat. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Old Dowager. Our fourth niece isn¡¯t an ordinary girl. She was taught by senior brother-inw himself!¡±

 Chapter 185: Huiningâ€™s Background

    <h4>Chapter 185: Huining¡¯s Background</h4>

    The old dowager smiled. A daughter Qin Huaiyuan had taught himself was naturally the best. She¡¯d patently forgotten previous unhappiness now that a threatening beast was staring all of them down.

    The glum atmosphere dissipated just like this. Qitai was filled with surprised approval and his respect and trust for Qin Yining deepened further. He didn¡¯t dare view her as an ordinary noble girl anymore.

    ¡°Fourth Miss, there¡¯s something else we need your guidance for.¡±

    ¡°Please, go on.¡± Qin Yining looked questioningly at Qitai.

    ¡°When the lord sent Miss Huining back to the country manor, he sent me to the Hall of Fosters to inquire about her birth parents. We¡¯ve found them by now. Miss Huining still has a father in this world. He lives in the Li house on the outskirts of town.

    ¡°I followed the lord¡¯s orders and paid off his gambling debt, leaving him the rest of the silver to hire a carriage ande into the city. He was supposed to arrive sometime today, but the Valiant Tigers happened to ambush our army. The Li house was close to the watchpoint that was attacked and in the way of the massive flow of refugee. I felt that Li Yuzhu was caught up in the flow of people and sent men to look for him. We didn¡¯t find him, however. Something must¡¯ve happened along the way, or he¡¯s ended up elsewhere and didn¡¯t enter the capital at all.¡±

    There was too much information in Qitai¡¯s report. The picture of Qin Huining¡¯s true family was painted in everyone¡¯s minds. A debt-ridden fatherden with gambling debts that Qin Huaiyuan had helped pay off...

    The old dowager frowned. ¡°Is there anyone else left of the Lis?¡±

    ¡°In response to Old Dowager, no one else. They have some poor fields but Li Yuzhu is an alcoholic on top of a gambler. The fields have fallen into neglect. They have a daughter called Xiaoya who should be ten this year. When his wife died the year beforest, he sold off Xiaoya as well. There¡¯s only him, a widower. I made careful inquiries and found out that Miss Huining is their eldest daughter. A man stole the Li wife¡¯s baby away when she gave birth and left twenty silver for Li Yuzhu. The Li wife¡¯s health declined from sorrow because her eldest daughter had been sold and conditions at home were poor. She died young because she couldn¡¯t reply on her husband.¡±

    ¡°So it turns out that they¡¯re this kind of family.¡± The old dowager¡¯s forehead was knit together tightly. She was still repulsed when she thought of how Qin Huining had made voodoo dolls to curse her, but the girl had grown up by her side. They¡¯d spent many an afternoon with Qin Huining by the matriarch¡¯s side. The old dowager still had feelings for the girl. What would her life be like if she really is sent back to her birth father¡¯s side?

    N¨¦e Sun was likewise assaulted by emotion. She hated Qin Huining now, but they¡¯d been mother and daughter for many years. After hearing about Qin Huining¡¯s true circumstances, she actually felt some pity for the girl.

    Second master Qin Han was as candid as ever and snorted coldly. ¡°Her home¡¯s like that? Then shended in heaven after being brought to our family! That¡¯s a shameless gambler who sold his wife and children for a few more tokens. She would¡¯ve still been sold had she remained at home, but wasn¡¯t this nice! She was our official daughter for fourteen years, living in thep of luxury. But she still wasn¡¯t satisfied and was so wicked that she made a voodoo doll to curse grandmother, just so she could frame senior aunt!¡±

    Qin Yu also couldn¡¯t bear the sight of this kind of person and sniffed. ¡°Legacies are passed down through generations, blood speaks to blood. A dragon gives birth to a dragon, a phoenix rears a phoenix.¡±

    This was precisely the thoughts of everyone present. Someone such as Qin Huaiyuan should naturally have a daughter like Qin Yining. Whereas, Qin Huining¡¯s birth father was someone willing to sell his children to gamble. Someone with that kind of blood wouldn¡¯t be anything good either.

    Silence fell over the room. Qin Yining spoke after a moment of furrowed thought. ¡°Alright, I know now. Refugees have been streaming into the capital over the past two days. The country manor must¡¯ve been caught up in it. With her personality, she¡¯ll definitelye back for protection.¡±

    Everyone looked at Qin Yining to see how she would decide Qin Huining¡¯s fate.

    The fourth miss thinned her lips and gave orders to Sonn. ¡°Send a message to the granny servant standing guard at the doors. Qin Huining cane in if shees back, but she won¡¯t have a ce in the inner residence. Snowpear Courtyard ispletely out of the question. Have someone clean up the guest residence in the northeast corner. She cane back if she wants. If not, show her out ording to the rules.¡±

    ¡°This servant understands.¡± Sonn curtsied.

    Qin Yining smiled when she saw the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun nce at her with baffled looks.

    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t care if she lives or dies. She¡¯s an ungrateful wretch who tried to frame my mother multiple times. Mother would¡¯ve been greatly harmed if she¡¯d seeded even once. This kind of person is just like her alcoholic gambler of a father. Utterly shameless and base.

    ¡°But even if I have no feelings for her, that doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t consider the old dowager, father, and mother. I¡¯m willing to take her in so that my family feels at peace. She¡¯s just a guest to me if shees back, no longer a miss of our household.¡±

    These words were the epitome of rity and evoked admiration from Qin Han. They also stirred up a mixture of emotions in n¨¦e Sun, the old dowager, and everyone else. Qin Yining was doing everything required by humanity and duty for the foster girl. After all, Qin Huining¡¯s actions before had indeed left shadows in everyone¡¯s hearts.

    Qin Yining was tired of talking about the foster girl and felt that they¡¯d addressed everything. ¡°Old Dowager, I need to go to the outer study and it¡¯s almost time to listen to the daily reports. I shall take my leave now.¡±

    The old dowager nodded and waved a dismissal. The girl curtsied to Qin Yu and Qin Han before leaving with her people. Her calm mask fell away as soon as they left everyone¡¯s line of sight. She turned back with an urgent frown at Qitai.

    ¡°Do we have any ways to contact those in the dungeons so they can make life easier for father? This summer¡¯s been hot and humid, it must be stifling in the cells. Mosquitoes, rats, and ants are the liveliest now. How much suffering will father endure if he¡¯s thrown into this environment!?¡±

    Qitai sighed. ¡°The marquis does have connections in the Bureau of Punishment, but the emperor is raging furious. What he did before is also a bleak example to everyone, so we¡¯ll probably get nowhere if we try to have anyone help. Everyone¡¯s afraid that the imperial temper will implicate their own family.¡±

    ¡°Right, who would dare help senior uncle after that imperial decree?¡± Qin Han had followed the fourth miss out and was also trailed by Qin Yu. ¡°But even if we can¡¯t get anyone to do anything, we can at least send some things in, right?¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°Let¡¯s not do that either for now. I¡¯m afraid that the emperor will be even angrier if we do too much. I¡¯ll think of somethingter.¡±

    Everyone present was a knowing person and knew that with the Institute of Luminous Charm and the person that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had left her, Qin Yining would surely have a way. They ceased fretting over the issue.

    ¡°Fourth sister, you mentioned just now that you have some thoughts about the grand preceptor¡¯s rise again?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining frowned. ¡°The grand preceptor hasmunications with the Tatars. Great Zhou is bent on reopening war with us again, so the emperor likely has no other idea other than to cozy up to the Tatars. As we all know, they¡¯ve been invading Great Zhou¡¯s northern border for many years. They¡¯re quite a headache, so if they can send out their troops at this time, Great Zhou¡¯s pressure on us will fall of by quite a bit. In promoting Grand Preceptor Cao, the emperor naturally wants to suppress my father.¡±

    Qitai knew most of this due to his position by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side, but Qin Han and Qin Yu were taken aback. They looked at each other and grinned ruefully.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t know any of this. No wonder senior uncle treats fourth sister like a son. Your political astuteness puts us both to shame.¡± Qin Yu reflected seriously.

    ¡°Don¡¯tugh at me, brothers. I only happened to learn about all of this.¡± Qin Yining smiled and turned back to Jiyun. ¡°Go have Grand Steward Zhong make a trip. I have something urgent to discuss with him, but can¡¯t visit him because of some matters at home.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry miss,¡± Jiyun understood the connotations. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to convey your situation clearly. The steward will understand.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, and her cousins¡¯ appreciation of Qin Yining¡¯s skills rose even further.

    The three arrived in the outer study. The second elder master was still at court, so the third elder master sat alone, worry and anxiety clouding his forehead.

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard what¡¯s happened, right?¡± The third elder master called out despondently when he saw the young folk.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining nodded and asked seriously. ¡°Third Uncle, I have a n that could help father. I¡¯d like to ask what you think of it.¡±

    The third elder master¡¯s eyes lit up and he leaned forward. ¡°What n? Tell us!¡±

 Chapter 186: The Responsibility of a Little Girl

    <h4>Chapter 186: The Responsibility of a Little Girl</h4>

    ¡°Do you remember my residence on Eternal Spring Mountain, third uncle?¡± A maid immediately appeared to pour tea when Qin Yining took a seat.

    ¡°How would I not? There are so many precious flora and fauna in your residence. It¡¯s as opulent as an imperial park and as ethereal as an immortal¡¯s pce. It¡¯s more impressive than your neighbor, the empress¡¯ Oft Spring Garden. The most valuable thing in it is the hot spring...¡± The third elder master suddenly stopped and tilted his head, perplexed. ¡°Niece Yi, why do you mention that residence?¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°I¡¯m nning on selling all of the exotic nts and animals in it, and the costly decorations and furniture inside. I¡¯m going to trade all of them in for silver and house the refugees in it.¡±

    The third elder master was shell shocked. ¡°Niece Yi. Isn¡¯t that park... I mean, it¡¯s too much of a pity if the park is dismantled for money like this! You don¡¯t need to do this.¡±

    Qin Yu however, was frowning in deep thought. ¡°Fourth sister, are you going to influence public opinion?¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s smile deepened.

    The third elder master understood his niece¡¯s proposed n. News of the emperor¡¯s actions would spread quickly. The marquis was well beloved by the citizenry, so they were sure to be angered by this move. But when the victims reacted with selling all precious items in a valuable park to support the refugees that the government couldn¡¯t take care of, public voice would grow even louder. The emperor wouldn¡¯t do anything to Qin Huaiyuan if he cared about face at all.

    Qin Han understood the intricacies now as well but still fretted. ¡°Your idea is good, but our emperor is shameless. He could disgrace himself before by exterminating the steadfastly loyal Suns. Will he let senior uncle off easily now?¡±

    ¡°The situation seems simr, but it¡¯s not.¡± Qin Yining thought carefully before responding cautiously. ¡°The emperor executed all the males on my maternal grandfather¡¯s side because of the Great Zhou emperor¡¯s letter. Propaganda was stered all over the streets about his displeasure with not obtaining Sun Yu¡¯s brains, and his intention to take our emperor¡¯s life aspensation. Our emperor was afraid that Great Zhou would send assassinations after him, which is why he immediately executed all the Sun males to cate Great Zhou. As for the rumors that¡¯d swirled about ou emperor hoping for lessened anger and peace, I think all of that was nonsense. Our emperor is concerned about his own life first and country second.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very right.¡± Qin Han nodded.

    ¡°Even though war has broken out again, with our emperor¡¯s character, he¡¯ll still continue living in thep of luxury as long as the de isn¡¯t resting on his neck. The sense of danger isn¡¯t as strong as before. So when public opinion turns against him and gives him pressure, he¡¯ll be unhappy and possibly humiliated, but won¡¯t kill my father just yet.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s analysis drew intent gazes from the third elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu.

    ¡°Despite the emperor using Grand Preceptor Cao again, he¡¯s still wary of the grand preceptor. We can see that from the emperor making heavy use of my father before. The emperor is only forced to rely on the grand preceptor because he wants to use the connection with the Tatars to lessen Great Zhou¡¯s pressure on us. However, within court, only my father has the ability to counter the Caos. This is why there hasn¡¯t been an imperial decree issued to execute my father. Instead, he¡¯s just been grounded to the cells for self-reflection, and no interrogation has taken ce either.¡±

    The third elder master nodded repeatedly. To think that Qin Yining would have such a clear head for dissecting the affairs of state. She even knew about the rtionship between the Tatars and Grand Preceptor Cao!

    But this was only to be anticipated since the third elder master wasn¡¯t a court official. His brain power and abilities were fully invested in running the Qin family businesses. He didn¡¯t have anything else to spare for current affairs, so taking in Qin Yining¡¯s analysis seemed to be a jolt of enlightenment.

    ¡°So this means that creating some positive public opinion will indeed help big brother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I think, but I¡¯m not sure if my thoughts are right,¡± Qin Yining responded. ¡°I just think that with public pressure, the emperor will surely ease the punishment since he still clings to the idea of a good reputation. Besides, he still has to use father to counter the Caos.¡±

    ¡°I think fourth sister¡¯s idea will work.¡± Qin Han agreed enthusiastically.

    Qin Yu tended to think more and was less of the sort to give suggestions directly. But after careful thought, he too nodded in agreement that Qin Yining¡¯s n made sense.

    The third elder master rose to pace a few rounds and finally pped his hands.

    ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s do it this way then!¡± After careful thought, not only would this n save Qin Huaiyuan, but it might even be useful to save the entire family in the future. The two elder masters had gotten used to relying on Qin Huaiyuan, so the absence of such a decision-maker was very ufortable. They had to get their big brother out of the dungeons first!

    ¡°Niece Yi, what are your ns for the refugees?¡±

    The girl mused for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ll have people tell them that there are paying jobs at Ning Park. Whoever wants to go can go. I think that for people whose lives hang by a thread, it¡¯s enough that they have a job, food to eat, and a roof over their heads.¡±

    ¡°So you don¡¯t n on putting them up for free.¡± The third elder master was surprised by the revtion.

    Qin Yining was in turn startled by the reaction. ¡°I¡¯m just doing charity, not being their parents. Why would I put them up for free?¡±

    Her uncle apuded loudly with a bark ofughter. ¡°Good, good! You¡¯re not overly concerned with building a good name for yourself, niece! Just like your third uncle! Hahaha!¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°Since my third uncle and brothers think this will work, I¡¯ll have people on it immediately.¡±

    ¡°Let me how much silver you need for what you want to do.¡±

    The fourth miss shook her head with a smile. ¡°Third uncle, just to be safe, I¡¯m not nning on using family silver. A small thought also urred to me that I want to pass on. Perhaps you¡¯d like to keep a close eye on the family business and set up a way out for everyone. Just in case.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying...¡±

    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have all of our eggs in one basket.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, third uncle. I don¡¯t mean anything else by it. As for the refugees, if the n works, say it was a family effort. If the emperor gets angry, then say it was my idea. I¡¯ll discuss this n with the grand steward of the Institute of Luminous Charm. I don¡¯t n on using any family resources in this.¡±

    ¡°Niece Yi...¡± The third elder master was so touched that his eyes grew hot.

    Qin Yu also cast a contemtive look at his cousin. He was most concerned with self-preservation and his face burned when he saw how much a little girl was taking onto her shoulders. And inparison to their uncle¡¯s gratification and his older cousin¡¯s shame, Qin Hanughed heartily in good humor.

    ¡°Alright! We¡¯ll follow your n, fourth sister.¡± He rose decisively. ¡°We¡¯re family, so let¡¯s forgo empty pleasantries. Let me know whatever you need, fourth sister. Although I¡¯m not the sharpest, I¡¯m still good for errands!¡±

    Qin Yining was closer with Qin Han and loved a forthright, warm hearted personality like his. Their closeness stemmed from the care he¡¯d shown her on the initial journey home. So she responded candidly, ¡°Thank you for your good intentions, second brother. But truly, if you don¡¯t have anything pressing to do in theing days, you should probably reduce the number of times you leave home.¡±

    The girl turned to her uncle and other cousin. ¡°There are plenty of eyes on us these days. Any small mistake we make can possibly be magnified. You¡¯re men and so there are bound to be even more eyes on you when you walk around outside. It¡¯ll be slightly better for me, a girl. But all of us need to be careful, even when we¡¯re talking to each other at home. Don¡¯t forget about that one.¡±

 Chapter 187: Livid with Anger

    <h4>Chapter 187: Livid with Anger</h4>

    Naturally, everyone understood that she meant Concubine Cao. Although they didn¡¯t know Cao Yuqing¡¯s real identity, the fact that she was Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s daughter wouldn¡¯t change.

    The third elder master nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. All of us are keeping that in mind.¡±

    ......

    It¡¯d only been two days, but Qin Yining had established clear order in the inner residence. Not only did she have a firm handle on all matters, but more importantly, she had unified the hearts of the womenfolk.

    Panic had descended on the family when disaster befell Qin Huaiyuan. Even the men were apprehensive, much less the women. They were all anxious that they were about to follow the Suns¡¯ footsteps. Who knew that Qin Yining would have everything under control with a few simple moves? None of the womenfolk were carrying-on or causing a fuss, and their mindsets had even solidified against amon enemy.

    There was nothing about the fourth miss that the third elder master didn¡¯t like now. Look at her bearing, sensibleness, perception of court affairs, and utter ir in handling things. He sighed mournfully that he didn¡¯t have a daughter like her.

    Qin Yining took her leave after discussions had been concluded. Grand Steward Zhong happened to arrive at this point and the two were able to carefully go over the miss¡¯ n.

    ¡°...the valuable nts and animals, furniture and decorations, as well as paintings and calligraphy... basically, sell everything that can be sold. We can use this sum of silver as seed money. Make sure to thoroughly record the refugees¡¯ names, ce of birth, whether or not they can read, previous profession, and what they¡¯re most skilled at.

    ¡°The men should all be sent to wood chopping and house building for now. I can only supply arge plot ofnd. It¡¯s up to them to make shelters. Thankfully, there¡¯s no shortage of wood or water on Eternal Spring Mountain.

    ¡°The women can do embroidery and work in the kitchens. Two meals will be provided a day. Breakfast will be multi-grain porridge, t bread, and pickled vegetables. Lunch can be provided appropriately. Those doing hardbor can receive two extra pieces of bread.¡±

    Qin Yining cocked her head in thought. ¡°And the children, make sure we make a detailed register of them and their health. Children are frail and we¡¯re in the middle of a zing summer. Water is bing scarce because of the drought. It¡¯s also tough to say if any will contract disease during their flee to safety. We need to pay attention to see if any of the children fall sick.

    ¡°Make sure we take down if any of the children can read and write. Children below ten should receive some extra rations of meat. Since it¡¯s the mountain, anyone who can hunt can add to their te.¡±

    ¡°Understood. This is a very thorough n, miss. I think their own system will form naturally after these general guidelines are put in ce. Also, I think we should be friendly with the local gangsters. There might be some refugees who cause trouble. If they do, we can ask the gangsters to be viins and stomp on the troublemakers. And, we should form a firefighting team, one that will make daily patrols. We¡¯re in the mountains, after all,¡± Steward Zhong added.

    Qin Yining nodded rapidly. ¡°Those are great ideas, Grand Steward. Essentially, we should do the best we can since we¡¯ve decided to help them. We¡¯re preventing them from starving to death, but not live such a good life that they bezy. With Steward Zhong at the helm, I think it¡¯s even possible that some of them be our helpers in the future.¡±

    The steward finally fully understood Qin Yining¡¯s n. His eyes sparkled at the miss. ¡°You¡¯re killing three birds with one stone, miss! You¡¯re selling the items in the residence that the Great Zhou prince gifted you and turning it into a refugee shelter to one, save the Marquis of Anping and the Qins; second, to defuse some of the resentment against you because of the prince and win praise; and third, to raise a group of helpers foremost loyal to you!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m actually not thinking that much.¡± Qin Yining was embarrassed. ¡°I just want to save my father. Anything else is additional gain.¡±

    ¡°What additional gain? It¡¯s all because you¡¯re a good person, miss! This is karma!¡±

    ¡°What karma. I just want my father and family to be safe. I wonder how much suffering father¡¯s enduring in the cells.¡± Qin Yining was frowning ferociously again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ve already thought of a way to pass things inside.¡±

    Qin Yining started and shed a gratified smile. ¡°Thank you for your effort, Steward Zhong! Apologies for putting you in a risky position.¡±

    ¡°Now what kind of words are those, miss? The Institute has a widework. This was easily taken care of with a bit of silver and pping some lips. It was nothing.¡± Steward Zhong waved off the thanks with a broad grin.

    The answer brought an answering smile to Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°There¡¯s something else I wanted to talk to you about. Things are very chaotic at court these days. You might want to think of a back-up n. You have arge family, after all.¡±

    Who¡¯d ever seen a mistress worry about her servants¡¯ safety? A sincere smile crossed Steward Zhong¡¯s face. ¡°Right, don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll make the proper arrangements. Besides, I have sons. I can leave all that to them. I should spend most of my attention on our important matters.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve very grateful for your efforts.¡± Qin Yining thanked with exceedingly polite tones.

    The two chatted for a while longer before the grand steward excused him to go back to the day¡¯s work.

    Qin Yining had done everything she could do. She exhaled rxedly. She just needed to wait for good results now.

    The steward was strikingly efficient and an expert at using the right people. Thanks to his many helpers, much of the valuables within Ning Park found new homes after two days, resulting in a sum that was five times the value of all of the Institute¡¯s assets.

    Steward Zhong clucked his tongue as he counted the money and went over the ounts. The Faithful Prince of First Rank really went to huge effort to please the owner!

    What he didn¡¯t know was that Grand Preceptor Cao had initially gifted the residence to the Tatar princess, who¡¯d in turn gifted it to Pang Xiao. Pang Xiao had only regifted it to Qin Yining. So all of these transactions were a sale of Cao assets! It was an unanticipated conversion of Cao silver to Qin Yining¡¯s pockets.

    Steward Zhong naturally didn¡¯t know how furious Grand Preceptor Cao was. When he heard that the Qins were gaining a good name due to selling the valuables in Ning Park for the refugees, the grand preceptor almost fainted from the rush of blood to his head. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s an old fox and Qin Yining a young one! Both of them should die!

    He¡¯d just regained his position and his ce in the emperor¡¯s heart was far from before. But all the same, he¡¯d been seized with glee when he saw Qin Huaiyuan stripped of his court robes and thrown into the dungeons.

    ¡°It serves Qin Meng right to end up like this!¡± Grand Preceptor Cao chuckled lowly and toyed leisurely with a blue and white porcin teacup lid. ¡°I¡¯d once thought that we could form an alliance after he became my son-inw. A marriage always draws families closer, and we would¡¯ve been able to help each other at court. If the Caos were allied with the Qins, we would truly be unstoppable. Who would be able to shake our foundations then? But Qin Mengpletely refused to listen to me and was even the first to jump out against me. What aplete and utter fool who didn¡¯t understand the favor he had!¡±

    Off to the side, the empress was dressed in bright red court robes, a silk wrap draped around her, and a gold dangle swaying with each movement of her lowered head. The effect further highlighted the daintiness of her face. She tapped the table withcquered nails and care pensively, ¡°It¡¯s not that this seat is over thinking things, but you need to exercise great effort in this matter, father. Maybe the emperor already knew of our connection with the Tatars, given his request to have you contact them. I¡¯ve been uneasy by the emperor¡¯s side these days. I¡¯m worried that he¡¯s discovered something and is keeping it to himself for now. It really troubles me.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty speaks truly,¡± the grand preceptor agreed. ¡°But don¡¯t fret too much. With Great Zhou¡¯s armies threatening our borders, the emperor has to rely on me. I know what I¡¯m doing with the Tatars.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. I¡¯ll pay attention to the emperor¡¯s mood and try to sway him at appropriate times. But that slut Qin Yining really needs to die! How dare she use father¡¯s things to win favors and a good name for herself? And those idiotic peasants don¡¯t even think of who those things used to belong to!¡± The empress gnashed her teeth. ¡°That little bitch was born to be a thorn in my side! She sheltered the damn Tang girl, builds a close rtionship with Pang, protects the unlucky Sun widows, and now even openly challenges us! I wasn¡¯t able to slice and dice herst time because the Soothsayer tricked me, but are we supposed to just let her have her way like this??¡±

 Chapter 188: Hearts Together

    <h4>Chapter 188: Hearts Together</h4>

    The grand preceptor waved a handfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t be irritated, Your Majesty. I have my ns. I¡¯ve dominated the political scene for decades, will I be less than a little girl? We¡¯ll let her gloat for a few days. When she gets too full of herself, there¡¯ll be only tears left for her.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want her tears, I want her death!¡± The empress sniffed and ground her teeth.

    The grand preceptor smiled slightly in response, the wrinkles by his eyes and lips proiming his confidence. The empress also smiled proudly when she saw how her father was.

    ......

    Grand Steward Zhong had started settling in the refugees. Although the precious flora and fauna in the residence hadn¡¯t been sold off yet, the refugees couldn¡¯t wait any longer. Besides, he also wanted them to see just what Qin Yining was giving up in order to save them.

    On this particr day, the steward paid a visit to the refugee shelters with his men, introducing himself as the Qin fourth miss¡¯ secretary.

    The refugees were deep in the throes of despair. They¡¯d slept on the streets for five days and only had a bowl of thin porridge to eat every day. There wasn¡¯t any ce they could stay to get out of the wind; bugs and mosquitoes feasted on them at night. Some of children were feverish, but none of the adults or children even had strength enough to cry. It was a scene of heartbreaking suffering.

    When they heard that the daughter of the Marquis of Anping had jobs for them, that they could feed themselves with honestbor, and live peaceful lives... well! Wasn¡¯t this their lives before?

    Hope dawned for the despondent folk and everyone scrambled to answer the announcement, apart from the minority who was toozy forbor and wanted to wait out the war with the supplied welfare. Most headed over to Ning Park to work for the Qin fourth miss.

    When they followed Steward Zhong to Ning Park, the people were all stunned silly. They¡¯d never seen such an opulent andvish residence. Even though it was empty now, the ptial main residence still stood. The hot spring was still bubbling and the exotic nts and animals still present. The sight was an incredibly strong visual impact.

    ¡°S-sir, did your miss really did sell everything she could here to feed and clothe us?¡± a sixty-year-old elder stammered.

    Steward Zhong sighed. ¡°That she did. The only things left to sell are the nts in the yard. It¡¯s not like we can tear down the house. All the decorations and furniture inside were sold a long time ago. Where else would we get the silver to cook porridge and some other dishes? My lord is a clean official and the miss a girl of the inner residence. Their wealth is limited and this is the extent of the aid they can give. I hope you all don¡¯t find itcking.¡±

    ¡°Of course not! We¡¯re so utterly grateful for this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! The Qin fourth miss is a living Buddha!¡±

    ¡°Duh. The Qin fourth miss is the daughter of Wise Pan An. She helped out with the peace talks before, and then that, that Soothsayer said that she has a great life chart, that she can protect our country!¡±

    The refugees chattered interestedly amongst themselves, feeling immense gratitude towards Qin Huaiyuan, Qin Yining, and all of Anping Manor for their kind gesture. But when they thought how someone so nice was locked in the dungeons, they felt inordinately angry. They cursed the emperor and trampress between clenched teeth.

    If resentment could kill, the dog emperor and the trampress would¡¯ve died many times over by now.

    Steward Zhong was very pleased by their reaction. ¡°Our miss has limited servants to use and she¡¯s still busy with bringing food, mats, and others up the mountain. She¡¯s also looking for pots and pans and all the other bits and things needed for living. She also had people look for doctors and medicine for the children, so she really doesn¡¯t have anyone she can send out to help build houses for everyone.¡±

    ¡°Oh that¡¯s nothing! We¡¯ll have plenty of energy if we have food to eat. We can make the rest ourselves.¡±

    Steward Zhong smiled and pointed at the ptial residence behind him. ¡°But the miss did say that you can live in the house over there. The elderly, women, children, and sickly should get priority. You can build houses as you wish in the yard. There¡¯s a hot spring up on the mountain if you want to bathe and drinking water as well. Use it all however you like.¡±

    ¡°Really?? The fourth miss is really letting us use such a nice house?¡± A young man asked in surprise.

    A brawny man chortled beside him. ¡°What kind of stupid question is that? She¡¯s already sold all the nice things inside the house so we have food to eat. Would she not be willing to let us live in the house after all that? The fourth miss is such a kind person!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, everyone in the Anping Manor are kind people!¡±

    Steward Zhong pressed his hands downward for silence when he saw that the crowd was about to be diverted off on a tangent. Silence swiftly took over.

    ¡°There¡¯s one thing everyone has to keep in mind. The empress is our neighbor. Her Oft Spring Garden isn¡¯t too far away. She goes there to dip in the hot springs, and there are eunuchs and Cao family guards looking after it. Don¡¯t go there, no matter what! You can only build houses in this yard. Avoid her residence even when you chop down firewood and hunt in the woods. Don¡¯t anger the empress! Our miss doesn¡¯t have much power or people. Her authority is limited only to this yard. Her words don¡¯t mean anything anywhere else.¡±

    Everyone nodded their understanding. The Caos were powerful and the grand preceptor had held high status for many years. The trampress was the sort to literally eat flesh and drink blood. Miss Qin was just an unmarried girl. It was already great benevolence that she was giving such a big residence for them to take shelter in.

    No one was a fool. What kind of jobs could a noble girl possibly have for them? Even if she did want people for hardbor, she¡¯d hire strong and young men and women. There was no need to take in the elderly, weak, mothers, and children. And find doctors for them? And sell her own belongings to pay them wages?

    It sounded like a job, but she was saving their lives! What else would she keep around a bunch ofmoners for?

    She could¡¯ve turned this area into fields or raise pigs on it, but she was hiring them to build houses and wreck such a perfectly fine residence?

    She was probably just trying to make them feel better. After all, they all had their own houses in times of peace and could feed and clothe themselves. No one was a beggar in normal times.

    Whenparing the Qins and the royal family, it was easy to see who came out on top. The empress¡¯ residence was sitting empty, and the imperial couple hadn¡¯t offered any silver to help the people. When it was time to conscript for the army or pay taxes, the emperor always shamelessly said that everything beneath the heavens was his. The people were all his, and everything they owned was his. It was right and proper that they offer it up to him.

    But where was he when disaster struck and the people needed their emperor?

    Was this how the emperor treated his beloved people? Letting them sleep on the streets, being bullied and mocked by others, and fed only one bowl of porridge a day¡ªporridge so watery that they could see their own reflections in it?

    Some of the more sensitive womenfolk and elders were wiping at their eyes. Even the men were hugely touched, their emotions running high. Everyone¡¯s gratitude towards the Marquis of Anping and the Qins rose another notch.

    Steward Zhong was infected by the atmosphere, and he too felt emotional as he thought of how generous Qin Yining had been to donate such a valuable park to the refugees and all of her various kind acts before. He shook his head with a sigh and then perked up again.

    ¡°Alright everyone, let¡¯s settle in first. Food and doctors will be here shortly. Please follow the rules while we¡¯re here and be careful of open mes...¡±

    The steward had brought several local gangsters with him to help settle everyone in, but unexpectedly, no one tried to cause any trouble. Possibly out of sheer gratitude, they all did what they were told and imed whatever spot they were given. They were more docile than even trained soldiers.

    It looked like appreciation, tolerance, and love would flourish when people were truly thankful.

    ......

    Qin Yining was just as busy as the steward at this time. She received a message just after listening to all the reports for the morning.

    ¡°Miss, Miss Huining¡¯s returned. She¡¯s kneeling outside the side door.¡±

 Chapter 189: Returning Home

    <h4>Chapter 189: Returning Home</h4>

    Qin Yining slowly put down the teacup in hand and responded with confusion. ¡°Didn¡¯t I say to let her in if she came back? Why is she kneeling in front of the door?¡±

    The messenger felt awkward and snuck a quick look at the miss¡¯ expression. He continued haltingly when he saw that the mistress wasn¡¯t angry. ¡°She was fine at first, but started crying when she heard that you¡¯d arranged a guest residence for her. She wants the old dowager to make the decision for her. Those in the outer residence didn¡¯t dare disturb the old dowager, so they sent me to you instead.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Yining thought for a moment and turned to Sonn and Jiyun. ¡°The two of you can make the trip. Tell Qin Huining that if she wants to take up residence in the Qin Manor, she can do so as a guest. I¡¯m arranging only the guest quarters for her. If she doesn¡¯t want to want toe back, then she can do whatever she wants with herself. Father¡¯s still in the dungeons at the moment, so she can keep crying at the door if she¡¯s not afraid of getting dragged into this.¡±

    The girl looked at Jiyun. ¡°Pay careful attention. Throw her out if she dares be violent.¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡± Jiyun smiled and teased Sonn. ¡°After you, Miss Sonn. See how much the miss loves you? She sends a guard with you on your errands.¡±

    Sonn burst outughing. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it a certain prince who sent a hired hand because he was afraid our miss might run into troubles? How are you teasing me instead?¡± She curtsied at Qin Yining and flounced off.

    Qin Yining blushed and pointed usingly at the departing Sonn. ¡°Is she crazy? She¡¯s teasing even me now!¡±

    Bingtangughed heartily. Jiyun, demoted from guard to hired hand, followed Sonn with a chuckle hanging in the air.

    Their bantering carried back into the house to Qin Yining¡¯s ears. It would seem that Jiyun had found her ce amongst the rest of the maids. They weren¡¯t as politely standoffish as they¡¯d been when she¡¯d first arrived.

    The fourth miss thought for a moment and rose, calling for Bingtang. ¡°Come, let¡¯s go take a look too.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you go with Sonn and them just now, miss?¡± Bingtang immediately reacted and smiled. ¡°You¡¯re too evil, miss! You want to watch the show!¡±

    Qin Yining smirked.

    Sonn and Jiyun caught wind of stifled sobs and a low buzz of conversation before they drew near the side door. They looked at each other, feeling that something wasn¡¯t quite right. They quickly stepped out to see Qin Huining kneeled in front of the door and a dozen other citizens clustered not too far away, pointing and murmuring.

    Qin Huining¡¯s hair was a messy tangle and her hairpins knocked askew. Although her clothes were made of fine fabric, they were somehow wrinkled with a two inch long rip in her sleeve. Threads poked out, adding to the effect created by piteous tears streaming down her face. She looked exceedingly like a Persian cat that¡¯d been discarded by a wealthy family. There were knots and burrs in the previously glossy fur, making the sight even more forlorn.

    mes of irritation ignited in Sonn¡¯s heart and she swallowed the urge to chuckle coldly. How dare this onee back to create more trouble with the chaos that was already engulfing the manor!

    ¡°Aiyoyo! And here I was wondering who¡¯s causing trouble at the door. So it¡¯s Miss Huining.¡± Sonn walked down and reached out to help the figure out. ¡°Please rise, miss. What are you doing? Hasn¡¯t the guest residence been already prepared? Why aren¡¯t you willing toe in?¡±

    The maid¡¯s voice was a bit more striking than usual. It pitched her words perfectly at the crowd.

    Qin Huining however, lowered her body even more and sobbed out, ¡°I¡¯m not going to the guest residence! I¡¯m a Qin daughter, why am I living in a guest residence? The servants said that Qin Yining holds themand token now and is sending me there? What right does she have to treat me this way? I want to see the old dowager! The old dowager will give me justice!¡±

    She sniffled and huped, suffering from the gravest injustice beneath the heavens.

    Sonn let her hands drop when she noted how the miss was insistent on making a scene. She smiled mockingly. ¡°And what kind of words are these, Miss Huining? Do you still think you¡¯re a Qin daughter? Ignoring the fact that our masters would be shocked and disgusted to hear that, even the servants will dieughing from that!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Jiyun piped in. ¡°The lord and madame loved you like their own daughter. They never shorted you on anything the misses had. You had maids and servants at your side, ate the finest foods, and wore silks and satin. But you weren¡¯t satisfied with that and tried to frame our miss. You even made a voodoo doll to curse the old dowager and frame the madame!¡±

    Jiyun walked down the steps and spoke directly to the people watching the show. ¡°Friends and countrymen, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s ridiculous that such an ingrate has the face toe trouble after all that?¡±

    The crowd looked at each other. Some felt the show was boring and slipped away.

    ¡°Both, both of you are framing me!¡± Qin Huining flushed hotly, greatly dismayed to see that people were leaving. She didn¡¯t think she¡¯d be able to go back and live the life of an honored miss if she couldn¡¯t make use of public opinion!

    ¡°The lord has a soft heart,¡± Sonn continued. ¡°Even after you trying to hurt our old dowager, madame, and miss, the lord still thought of the many years of familial ties and only sent you to the country manor. Your stipend, food, and clothing allowance all stayed the same. If it¡¯d been anyone else with a harder heart, they would¡¯ve left you on the streets to fend for yourself! And you would¡¯ve deserved it and had to take it!

    ¡°And now, we¡¯ve had such a huge thing happen in the family. The old dowager and madame have fallen ill and authority over the inner residence is in our miss¡¯ hands. She¡¯s a kind and gentle soul. When she thought of how chaotic it must be outside, she left orders that you could have a guest residence if you came back. And you still don¡¯t know to be satisfied with what you have? You actually dare think you¡¯re still a miss of our household? Just where do you get all of this shamelessness from??¡±

    Qin Huining was shaking from fury and her face beet red. That quickly changed to horrified shock and some regret when she saw the crowd start to point and talk about her instead. Perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have been so greedy and made a scene? But with how things had developed now, she had to see things through no matter what!

    ¡°But I...¡± she started weakly.

    Jiyun interrupted Qin Huining¡¯s words and walked up to help the foster girl up. The guard effortlessly picked Qin Huining up without seeming to use any strength at all. ¡°Our miss is busy taking care of her elders, managing the inner residence, and settling in the refugees. She doesn¡¯t even have time to sleep. She said that she would help even a stranger, much less a previous foster girl like you. Although you¡¯re shameless sort, we can¡¯t just leave you out in the cold. The guest residence is ready. Stop making a fool of yourself ande in, miss.¡±

    Fingers exerting moderate pressure on the foster girl¡¯s wrist, Jiyun took Qin Huining¡¯s arm. Her grip wouldn¡¯t leave any marks, and also made it so that the foster girl couldn¡¯t struggle free.

    Qin Huining¡¯s eyes were teary and she wanted to speak more, but words failed her when she met Jiyun¡¯s coldly superficial smile. She was somehow brought inside the manor, just like that.

    The few remaining for the show scattered, whispering to each other that this foster girl was really an ugly piece of work. After all, no one knew if Qin Huining had been bullied, but everyone knew about the Qin fourth miss selling her assets to help the refugees. Some curious citizens had even gone to see if for themselves at Eternal Spring Mountain.

    Upon entering, Qin Huining was greeted with the sight of Qin Yining in a pale-green outfit. The fourth miss was standing charmingly beneath a ntain tree as she looked merrily back.

    ¡°You¡¯vee back? Hurry and go settle in at the guest residence.¡±

    Qin Huining felt like someone had pped her across the face.

    She was about to respond when cheers broke out at the front door. ¡°The lord is back! The lord is back! Hurry, go tell the old dowager, madame, and miss! The lord is back!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s initial shock was quickly melted by glee. She picked up the hem of her dress and sprinted to the front door. Qin Huining was forced to totter on her tiny feet in the fourth miss¡¯ wake, dragged on by Jiyun and Sonn.

 Chapter 190: Reunion

    <h4>Chapter 190: Reunion</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s hovering heart could finally settle back down in its rightful ce when she saw Qitai lead Qin Huaiyuan through the doors. But when she saw how bedraggled her father looked, her speed petered out and she almost burst into tears.

    When he¡¯d been thrown into the dungeons, Qin Huaiyuan had been stripped of his court robes, boots, hat, and other essories. He was only wearing a filthy undershirt and silk pants now. His hair resembled a crushed bird¡¯s nest with strands pulled out from it. There were two pieces of straw stuck to his head and even his beard was gnarled and knotted.

    To think that her elegant and ethereal father, a wise sage, would be in these straits!

    Qin Yining clenched her teeth and used every iota of strength in her body to keep her sobs down. She flung herself to the ground with a few steps and wrapped her arms around Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s legs.

    ¡°Father!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked down and and wanted to pat his daughter¡¯s head. But when he saw how his dusty palm and the dirt between his fingernails contrasted with his daughter¡¯s neat and gleaming locks, he hesitantly put his hand back down. He settled for a smile. ¡°Do get up. I¡¯m alright, see? I¡¯vee back just fine.¡±

    The scene made everyone around them choke back tears. Qin Huining on the other hand, was standing dumbly in ce. To think that the master of the house would sink to these straits!

    Qin Yining rubbed her cheeks fondly on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s knees and blinked her tears back before rising again. She shed a dazzling smile at her father. ¡°Will you shower and change clothes first, or go directly to see the old dowager?¡±

    The lord smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll shower first so I won¡¯t scare her.¡± He caught sight of Qin Huining out of the corner of his eye. ¡°So you¡¯vee back, daughter Hui?¡±

    Qin Huining came back to her senses and quickly walked up to perform a grand gesture of greeting.

    ¡°Father, your daughter has returned. I was immature before and disappointed you with many mistakes. Please be magnanimous and forgive me.¡± Qin Huining¡¯s forehead was on the ground in an utmost gesture of humility.

    Qin Huaiyuan rested aplicated gaze on the foster girl for a moment. ¡°Mm. You may remain since daughter Yi has allowed you toe back. Keep to what¡¯s proper in the future and don¡¯t repeat your previous actions.¡±

    Qin Huining¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Sinceing back, this was the first time she¡¯d so objectively observed Qin Yining¡¯s current status in the manor. The fourth miss was the real ruler of the inner residence now. Even the old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, second and third madame had to listen to her orders!

    Why had Qin Huining worked so hard to get into the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s good graces before? Because they had the power in the house! It was now Qin Yining at the reins and Qin Huining had just tried to scheme against her...

    Enlightenment struck the foster girl. It was impossible for her and Qin Yining to be opponents, because opponents fought on an even ying field. She would never be on the same level as Qin Yining anywhere.

    The fourth miss could easily and arrogantly step on Qin Huining¡¯s head, but the foster girl had to cling to the Qins if she wanted to live. She couldn¡¯t offend Qin Yining as long as she wanted the shelter of this family.

    The understanding twisted her heart with pain, but there was nothing she could do. She¡¯d had enough suffering at the country manor and didn¡¯t want to spend another day as a refugee with her home torn apart by war.

    ¡°Father, I understand. I¡¯ll listen to the old dowager, father, and mother¡¯s words from now on and to the fourth miss¡¯ orders.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded when he heard the sincere tone and change in address. ¡°Good.¡±

    The fourth miss had already sent runners to the inner residence with the good news and had servants prepare a fragrant bath in the side room of the outer study. When Qin Huaiyuan and Qitai headed in to refresh themselves, Qin Yining had the kitchen prepare a banquet, to be set up in the flower hall of the Garden of Loving Pietyter. Her father was safe and sound and the family was together again. This was a cause for celebration!

    She still couldn¡¯t sit still after arranging all that. She was filled with relief and excitement at her father¡¯s safe return, so she decided to stand outside the study and wait for him toe back out.

    It was a full hour before Qin Huaiyuan emerged again. His hair was half dry and loosely pinned on top of his head, secured with a ck silk ribbon. He was wearing straight, jasper colored robes made of Hangzhou satin and walked forward in cloth boots. Although he was thinner than before, he¡¯d reverted to use usual elegant, genteel, and handsome self.

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°Father, let¡¯s go back together.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded smilingly. ¡°Qitai gave me a rundown of what¡¯s happened in the manor. You¡¯ve done very well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t praise me father. It was my first time as the head of the household. I was so flustered and all over the ce. It was thanks to the old dowager and mother that I kept my head.¡±

    ¡°Oh you.¡± Qin Huaiyuan burst outughing. ¡°You¡¯ve learned how to be humble. You¡¯re very smart, charismatic, and are a good judge of character. That¡¯s all very good. You¡¯ve done very well both at home and outside. If it wasn¡¯t for you taking in the refugees, it would¡¯ve taken more effort for me to return.¡±

    The girl was naturally delighted by her father¡¯s praise, but she cared most about hisst sentence.

    ¡°Father, is the emperor angry?¡±

    ¡°That he is.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°After all, your residence on Eternal Spring Mountain neighbors the empress¡¯. Setting aside what the people think, I¡¯m sure you can grasp why the emperor is angry. But it was also the force of public opinion that made Grand Preceptor Cao unable to make a move against me, and instilled some wariness into the emperor. When the Clearists begged for mercy on my behalf, it finally moved the emperor. But it¡¯s a pity that your second uncle was dragged into this. He was moved to the Ministry of Rites as an attendant gentleman.¡±

    Whenparing the same third rank position, one at the Ministry of Education was far superior to the Ministry of Rites. But the emperor had likely let Qin Huaiyuan out earlier probably because he was worried the grand preceptor would be up to something. After all, no matter how irate the imperial majesty became, he¡¯d retain thatst bit of reason and know that he had to keep this good helper alive to help him rein in the grand preceptor in the future.

    To be honest, Qin Yining was quite gratified that the emperor hadn¡¯t stripped the Qins of all of their positions in one go. Thank goodness her n had been right.

    ¡°As long as it helped you, father. I was most worried of doing something wrong.¡±

    ¡°How could you ever?¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly. ¡°Thank goodness for you, your second, and third uncle¡¯s efforts outside. I received the things you sent to me. The bug repellent was very useful. I might be full of bug bites otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Hehe, it¡¯s thanks to Steward Zhong for being this thorough.¡±

    The two chatted idly like they would never run out of topics, and Qin Huaiyuan hadn¡¯t endured a stint in the dungeons. Their attitudes were as usual, seemingly unaffected by the times.

    Everyone was gathered in the Garden of Loving Piety, even Qin Yining¡¯s elusive eleventh male cousin.

    Tears streamed unceasingly when the old dowager saw Qin Huaiyuan. She clung to her firstborn and covered her face with tears from her eyes and nose. The second and third elder master circled Qin Huaiyuan, pping his shoulders andforting their big brother.

    Thedies and misses were smiling off to the side and wiping their tears. N¨¦e Sun was grinning through her tears.

    It wasn¡¯t long until the servants reported that the banquet was ready.

    Qin Yining went to support the old dowager with a smile. ¡°The family is together now, so we should enjoy a family meal together. The old dowager is blessed with fortune and longevity, so our family will spend our days in peace, fortune, and longevity in the future.¡±

    ¡°Yes! Good, very good!¡± The old dowager was very pleased by these words.

    The family chattered andughed their way to their seats. Since it was a family meal and Qin Huaiyuan had just returned safely, the old dowager had the divider in the room taken away. The family followed the rule of not speaking when eating, but the atmosphere remained lighthearted and joyous.

    Qin Huaiyuan spoke slowly after the servants had cleared the tables, helped the family rinse their mouths, and brought forth tea.

    ¡°Since the family¡¯s here today, there are a few things I¡¯d like to say.¡±

 Chapter 191: Hope

    <h4>Chapter 191: Hope</h4>

    Everyone put down their cups and looked at Qin Huaiyuan, demonstrating the respect hemanded in the family. He smiled slightly. ¡°I owe second and third brother thanks for looking after the family when I was away.¡±

    ¡°What kind of words are these, big brother? Nothing major happened in the family these days, so we didn¡¯t need to do anything. The inner residence has the old dowager, senior sister-inw, and niece Yi holding down the fort. We kept our doors shut tight and turned away all visitors. We were as cautious as could be. We just wanted big brother toe back safe and sound. As long as you¡¯re alright, the family is alright and has a pir of strength.¡± The group nodded along with the second elder master¡¯s exceedingly sincere words.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head wryly and waved a hand. ¡°Your words put me to shame, second brother. If it wasn¡¯t for me, you wouldn¡¯t have lost your position and been demoted to the Ministry of Rites.¡±

    This warmed the second elder master¡¯s heart. He shook his head rapidly. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for big brother¡¯s help, if it wasn¡¯t for the other officials giving you face, it¡¯d be dozens of years more before I could make it to a third rank position in the Ministry of Education. Who knows how much more hard work I¡¯d have to put in with my lowly seniority? I haven¡¯t forgotten all the help that you¡¯ve given me over the years. It¡¯s not your fault that we¡¯re in this situation. You¡¯re innocent too, brother! We¡¯re family, why talk about things as if we¡¯re not!?¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± The third elder master nodded. He greatly respected Qin Huaiyuan. His big brother was a moral, clear headed person and when growing up, had never used his status as an official son to bully the concubine-born third elder master. When the third elder master had realized that he wasn¡¯t a good student and decided to take over the family business, Qin Huaiyuan had helped enormously and eased many paths until the third elder master could stand on his own feet. Therefore, thetter nodded in great agreement when he heard his second brother¡¯s words.

    The old dowager to see her three sons in such harmony and murmured to Qin-mama and the second madame next to her. ¡°Just look at them.¡±

    The second madame covered a smile and the old servant murmured back, ¡°It¡¯s hard to find a set of brothers who get along better than them. This is all thanks to your teachings, mistress.¡±

    The matriarch was further soothed by these words and she flushed happily from this happy asion.

    ¡°Second and third brother,¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°You don¡¯t mind because you¡¯re noble and virtuous. I know that all of this is because I stuck my neck out.¡± He turned to the rest of the family. ¡°All of you know that by now that Great Zhou¡¯s armies are on our doorstep. Xihua can fall at any time. Once it does, the Valiant Tigers will no longer have any reservations and will set their sights on the capital. The emperor is out of ns and has resorted to employing Grand Preceptor Cao again. I¡¯ve never gotten along with the grand preceptor, so the emperor is also looking to suppress us with this move. Even though I¡¯ve been released from the dungeons, our days ahead will be filled with danger.¡±

    The rxed atmosphere tightened again with these words. The second and third madame wanted to dismiss the younger children since heavy subjects were being discussed. After all, Qin Yining¡¯s eleventh male cousin was only seven years old. Children might identally let the wrong thing slip outside.

    But Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand. ¡°Second and third sister-inw, the world is changing and the children should know about this too. I¡¯m having people guard the doors. These words won¡¯t travel.¡±

    Eleventh master Qin Zong nodded and turned to the second madame. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I¡¯m not a baby anymore. I know what can¡¯t be said.¡±

    The second and third madame nodded at this and took their seats again.

    ¡°We¡¯ve always conducted ourselves with honor and within the confines of thew. But with the current way of the world, being good person isn¡¯t a guarantee of a long life. I need to make some arrangements beforehand, just in case. Second brother will be the one in charge of the family if anything happens to me. He¡¯s spent many years at court and has seen quite a lot. He¡¯ll be able to grasp the right direction in times of necessity. He can a good head of the Qin n. All of you should listen to him when the timees.¡±

    ¡°My lord, you...¡± Tears welled up in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes again.

    The old dowager was also frowning and color drained from her face. ¡°Meng¡¯er, don¡¯t speak of this nonsense. You¡¯ll be fine. You¡¯ll live a long and healthy life!¡±

    He smiledfortingly at his mother and wife. ¡°This is just a contingency n in light of the current times we live in. This is what I should do as the head of the family n. Don¡¯t stop me, mother.¡±

    The matriarch sniffled silently for a while and didn¡¯t say anything else. Her face was still white as a sheet as she dabbed at her eyes.

    The marquis ignored their tears and gave solemn instructions to his younger brother. ¡°Once I¡¯m assassinated, you should take the family and immediately leave the capital. Go back to our ancestral home. I purchased the sacrificial fields around our ancestral graves a long time ago. Although they won¡¯t keep the family in style and splendor, they¡¯ll be enough to keep everyone alive. The emperor won¡¯t seize our ancestral fields even if he wants to raid and confiscate our home. We¡¯ll all stay alive this way and the family legacy can be passed down.¡±

    ¡°Big brother...¡± The second elder master¡¯s heart quailed and he didn¡¯t know what to say. So his elder brother had already thought of an escape n for the family even when he was enjoying great honors and fortune.

    ¡°This is just one possibility.¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed and scanned his family. ¡°If I¡¯m not assassinated, then surely my political enemies will be up to something. Things might be even worse then if they get in a few kicks at court. Our entire family may be dragged into it. The Duke of Ding¡¯s circumstances might be a foretelling of our end.¡±

    Deathly silence nketed the hall after these words. Shock and fright appeared on many faces, and some of the younger children burst out crying. The old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, second and third madame were all as white as a sheet.

    If that really happened, then the Qins werepletely done for. tHey wouldn¡¯t even have the ability to go back to their ancestral home and be farmers.

    The marquis cast his nce at Qin Yining. ¡°Daughter Yi, you have the Soothsayer¡¯s promation that you possess unparalleled fortune. The emperor won¡¯t do anything to you so that his luck is preserved. You¡¯ll have to think of a way to keep all of the women safe then.¡± As for the men, none of us will be getting away.

    Qin Yining rose and curtsied with utmost seriousness. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father. If that day reallyes, I¡¯ll take on my responsibilities. I know what you¡¯re worried about. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be able to do it all.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes curved into crescents as he smiled at his beloved daughter. ¡°Very good, I¡¯m reassured by how mature you are, darling Yi.¡±

    Cold sweat broke out all over Qin Yining as she listened to her father¡¯s crestfallen tone giving instructions for affairs after his death. However, she maintained a serious expression on her face. ¡°Don¡¯t be too pessimistic, father. Things haven¡¯t gotten to that stage yet. We still have a lot of room to maneuver in. Everything depends on our own efforts. You can¡¯t lose hope in life, father, even if you¡¯repletely heartbroken by others. We shouldn¡¯t lose hope as long as we¡¯re still breathing!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s words jabbed straight into Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart, cracking his cid smile. No one else but his daughter had noticed it.

    Yes, he was heartbroken.

    Heartbroken by the emperor, by the affairs of court, andpletely despairing of Great Yan¡¯s bleak future. He¡¯d worked so hard for so many years and hadn¡¯t thought of quitting even when serving an ipetent emperor. He just wanted to do his job well, advise the emperor so that court would be run efficiently, and to help the people life happy lives of stability. That was his life¡¯s wish.

    But now?

    The emperor was still the same, ipetent fool. Great Zhou¡¯s iron hooves were about to trample Great Yan into the ground. The people he¡¯d tried so hard to protect were treated like animals. The refugees had no roof over their heads and and no floor beneath their feet. They were doled out one bowl of watery porridge a day. When children and the elderly died of illnesses in the street, they were piled onto carts and disposed of in mass cremations.

    The emperor¡¯s actions were far less than Qin Yining¡¯s!

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter had no silver but still knew to sell valuables to keep the refugees alive. What did the emperor know to do at his age? Not to save his people, butmission new clothes and essories for the trampress!

    His men had given him a full report of the emperor¡¯s movements over the past couple of days when he¡¯d been released from the dungeons. In that moment, Qin Huaiyuan really felt that his heart, burning with enthusiasm, had been thrown it into an icy pit. He¡¯d been such a fool before, to hold out any hope for this kind of emperor.

    And yet, there was an ancient saying that spoke to him. ¡°A fierce woman marries not again and a servant doesn¡¯t serve a second master¡±. He hadn¡¯t been born in the right times to serve a worthy liege, but neither would he be a treasonous subject.

    He was disconste and no longer wanted to do anything for an emperor like this. He wouldn¡¯t be a traitor, but neither would he put forth all his efforts anymore. He¡¯d thought that no one would understand or even see through his sentiments, but Qin Yining had.

    The scene was still once more. Everyone looked mutely at Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining, seeming to understand the bleak innerndscape of the lord¡¯s heart. The second and third elder master frowned ferociously and thedies wept with shared anguish.

 Chapter 192: Difficulty in Sorting Through Emotions

    <h4>Chapter 192: Difficulty in Sorting Through Emotions</h4>

    Qin Yining rose and walked slowly to Qin Huaiyuan, kneeling to ce both hands on her father¡¯s knees and looked back up at him.

    ¡°Father, you¡¯re disappointed in those people and this world. Your lifelong ambitions have been ruined by that person and I understand the bitterness you¡¯re feeling. If only that person was a noble and wise liege, of if that person could realize your ambitions, then you wouldn¡¯t feel any regret or resentment even if he chewed you up and spat you back out. But that person is an utterly hopeless waste of air. He has no ambition and dismisses your contributions, even persecuting you.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes were clear. She didn¡¯t voice the words ¡®trash emperor¡¯, but everyone knew what she meant.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked down at his daughter, his hands slowly balling into fists.

    ¡°Father, I grew up in the cities and I¡¯ve seen so many dark things when war tore through the city of Liang. Human life is the cheapest. If a family had seven children, four girls and three sons, the mother would keep the family alive by selling the oldest daughter to start if she had no other choice to.

    ¡°Prices were good at first. The oldest daughter fetched a tael of silver. When prices fellter on, five kilograms of buckwheat noodles were enough to buy the youngest girl. The food the girls were traded for kept the three boys alive. The mother was anguished and the brothers felt guilty because their lives were a result of trading away family members. But even so, as hard as their lives were, they would keep on living with every bit of breath in them until they breathed for thest time.

    ¡°Even if you¡¯re not a prime minister anymore, father, even if you¡¯re the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent and we need to go back to the farms, we¡¯re all still alive. Being alive is the greatest fortune. Why be so depressed, father? Why lose hope?¡±

    ¡°And you?¡± Qin Huaiyuan suddenly choked out.

    Qin Yining started, confused.

    He tried again. ¡°And you? How did you keep on living?¡±

    Tears started flowing for the womenfolk again when they heard Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s dry tone sound, and father and daughter look at each other. N¨¦e Sun buried her face in her hands, ovee with sobs. She felt so much regret that she wanted to bury herself alive.

    But Qin Yining blinked and grinned widely, her dimples quite endearing. ¡°Me? I ate when I could and sleep when I could. I somehow made it through day after day.¡±

    ¡°Somehow?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I didn¡¯t demand anything from myself other than eating when there was food and sleeping when there was space. I had no worries when my days were that easy. Even though I had to do everything myself in the mountains, life was easy and carefree.¡±

    It felt like he was enveloped in clear pools of sun-dappled water as Qin Huaiyuan looked into Qin Yining¡¯s shining eyes. The unsullied resolution within was something that he, steeped in the mud of politics and the world, would never reach.

    Tidal waves of emotion assaulted the rest of the family. They¡¯d always been firmly ced in thep of luxury, wearing silks and eating fine delicacies, surrounded with servants, wreathed with honor and fortune. They¡¯d never suffered in the slightest.

    The morefortable their lives were, the greedier they became. Sisters envied each other if one of them received a prettier hairpin. Rtives looked to when meal boxes were delivered as an indication of their status...

    Suchplicated mindsets had always been viewed as the just due of a prestigious noble family, but it all seemed such a joke now. Theyuded themselves as blue-blooded personages, but they were all greenhouse nts. The slightest wind and rain would make them keel over.

    And Qin Yining? She was also an aristocratic daughter, but she¡¯d been moved out of the greenhouse too early. Despite the storms that battered her, she¡¯d taken deep roots in rocky soil and blossomed proudly into a stunning, tenacious flower. There was a certain fearless, unwavering strength in her that roused everyone¡¯s hearts to action.

    Their fears seemed over the top all of a sudden. They could just go back to the fields at the end of the day. That was still much better than Qin Yining had gone through. What was there to be afraid of when family was together?

    It was the first time that the Qins were reevaluating their lives in the face of danger. It was also the first time they felt such clear admiration and liking for Qin Yining. There wasn¡¯t any motives behind these emotions, just a pure appreciation for this person.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s thoughts were the same as everyone else¡¯s. His furrowed brows slowly rxed and a smile floated onto his face. He buried deeply into his heart the guilt he felt towards this child and patted her shoulder. ¡°I understand.¡±

    The girls were envious of this disy of fatherly benevolence. Many of them had superficial rtionships and only ever interacted with their fathers during the morning and evening greetings. Very few of them were as close as Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan. The touching scene warmed everyone¡¯s hearts.

    Qin Yining inwardly rxed when she saw her father¡¯s gaze turn peaceful again. ¡°You knew this already, father, but you¡¯re not made of stone, so of course you¡¯ll have some feelings about it.¡±

    The girl stood to see that the rest of the family looking back at her with different gazes than usual. It made her self-conscious and she shuffled behind her father, making Qin Huaiyuan break out in involuntaryughter. The others started chuckling as well.

    The atmosphere eased from the heavy weightiness of earlier. The marquis looked at the expressions around him and then at Qin Yining by his side. A small smile graced his face. He was immensely gratified and proud that his daughter was so exemry. He treasured her even more so.

    ¡°I talked a bit more than usual today so that we might recognize the reality of our times and understand the position we should upy. Let¡¯s not make the wrong move outside.¡± Qin Huaiyuan rose as his usual dependable, genteel self. He smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our residences and rest.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Everyone rose to take their leave from the old dowager. The second and third branches headed back to their residences while Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun helped the old dowager back to her room. The matriarch was still caught up in the fear and touching turnaround from moments ago and needed quite a lot of soothing before Qin Huaiyuan could leave with his wife and daughter.

    Father and daughter nked n¨¦e Sun. The madame¡¯s shoulder touched Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s arm as they walked. Thinner fabric was used in summer clothing, so the couple could sense each other¡¯s warmth. The two looked at each other and smiled involuntarily. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s smile was as genteel and tender as usual. N¨¦e Sun blushed and her smile crept wider, creasing her eyes, swollen from crying, into slits.

    Qin Yining quietly let go of her mother¡¯s arm when she saw her parents thus and slowed down, taking her maids back to the Venerable Study Hall.

    As Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun made their way back to the Garden of Tranquility, the madame asked how her husband had passed the days in the dungeon. Was he injured? Had he been tortured? How many meals did he have a day?

    The marquis didn¡¯t want n¨¦e Sun to worry and glossed over things with a smile. He was very skillful in his responses, wrapping misdirection in a thickyer offort. The madame didn¡¯t grasp any of the main points and even forgot what she¡¯d asked. She paid attention only to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s smile and gentle tone.

    When the two arrived back in front of the Garden of Tranquility, they saw a feminine form standing in front of the main doors, under thergenterns. She was wearing a vermillion outfit, her lustrous locksbed up into multiple buns. Pearl dangles swayed gently and threw off soft radiance behind the buns.

    The figure turned her head when she heard the footsteps, a warm and humble smile on her face. She curtsied. ¡°This concubine greets the lord and madame.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s footsteps halted and her expression chilled. Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°What brings you here at this hour?¡±

    ¡°This concubine heard that the lord has returned and came to greet you.¡± Cao Yuqing lifted her eyes, her limpid eyes tenderly seizing up Qin Huaiyuan. Her feelings for the marquis were obvious from her eyes, but he didn¡¯t seem to realize.

    ¡°Thank you for your sentiments. I¡¯m fine. The hour iste and bugs abound in summer nights. You should go back and rest.¡±

    Cao Yuqingpressed her lips and fixed her eyes on Qin Huaiyuan for a long moment before bending her knee again.

    ¡°I will. Thank you for your concern, my lord. I won¡¯t disturb the lord and madame¡¯s rest any longer.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan pointed at a random serving girl. ¡°Find antern and escort thedy back to her residence.¡±

    The little girl immediately procured a brightntern to show the way. Cao Yuqing looked deeply at Qin Huaiyuan again before turning away. Her back was ramrod straight, but the pearl dangles swayed in an almost fragile manner with the motion of her walk.

    The deep look stayed in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes for a moment longer before he smilingly walked inside with n¨¦e Sun.

 Chapter 193: Money for the Wife

    <h4>Chapter 193: Money for the Wife</h4>

    Heavy clouds obscured the moon in the depths of the night. A long awaited storm was brewing.

    Weary Great Yan soldiers had already dropped off to sleep outside Xihua. Only a few patrols were still up and about within the campground. Whooshing sounds suddenly broke through the air. The patrols didn¡¯t have time to react before they were struck in the neck, dead before they could make a sound.

    Under the cover of darkness, several hundred men wielding steel des charged swiftly into the camp like panthers. des rose and fell onto unsuspecting targets.

    Prolonged conflict had thoroughly exhausted the soldiers. They could finally enjoy a night¡¯s worth of rest after beating back the enemy, but who would¡¯ve thought that was a purposeful move from the Valiant Tigers?

    Many lost their heads while wrapped in their dreams. It wasn¡¯t until almost a hundred were killed when a random person woke up and saw the blood dripping off of enemy soldier des.

    ¡°Ah¡ª-¡°

    ¡°Ambush!¡±

    ¡°No! General Wang¡¯s been killed!¡±

    Chaos reared in the Great Yan campground. Screams and wails sounded, shes and the thuds of weapons meeting flesh rose and fell, fires started burning everywhere...

    The fightingsted until daybreak. A light drizzle fell as Pang Xiao led his ten thousand Valiant Tigers into Xihua, swiftly taking control of the yamen and grain warehouses. He took over the city¡¯s defenses and dumped all of the surviving key officials and their families into the dungeons. Heavy guard was reassigned for city protection and all captives were locked into the army campground.

    At the same time, Pang Xiao issued further orders.

    ¡°The Valiant Tigers may not raid or loot from the people when in Xihua. They may not harass or rape women. They may not trample the fields. They can conduct regr business transactions for their needs and can¡¯t umte debt. Anyone found in vition of these orders will receive one hundred canings ording to militaryw.¡±

    He pointed at two ashen-faced men kneeling within the tent. ¡°These two raped women. Drag them out and do as the militaryw dictates. Make an example out of them!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Soldiers acknowledged the orders and dragged away the two messily dressed men. Sounds of canes thwacking into flesh quickly travelled in from outside.

    Zheng Pei frowned with disapproval. ¡°Your Highness, treating the men like this will disappointment our brothers. They braved life and death with you on the battlefields. Why go to these lengths for such a small matter? One hundred canings will take their lives!¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s armor was dyed with blood and his face flecked with brown spots of dried blood. He arched his slender brow and narrowed his phoenix eyes dangerously. A murderous aura rose around him. He seemed to be a god of ughtere straight from hell, wreathed with a more solemn air than usual.

    Zheng Pei lowered his head. The remaining Valiant Tiger generals andmanders also snapped to stern attention.

    ¡°Then, has Sir Zheng received another secret missive from the emperor?¡± Pang Xiao asked smilingly, but the words felt like a p to Zheng Pei¡¯s face.

    He was in Pang Xiao¡¯s camp as the prince¡¯s follower, which was why he was able to carve out certain status for himself as Pang Xiao¡¯s strategist. He knew full well just how much the Valiant Tigers worshipped and trusted the prince. The prince was a living militarymand token. His word was more useful than amand token for deploying the troops, in the event that the emperor didn¡¯t hand one over.

    His authority would decrease if any of them learned what he¡¯d done. Even though there was nothing logically wrong with his actions, he would still be branded a traitor, emotionally speaking.

    The emperor was a paranoid sort and might not fully trust Zheng Pei, even if the strategist spoke only the truth. Pang Xiao was wily and slippery, but he had a benevolent heart. If the strategist performed well, he¡¯d receive corresponding protection.

    Thus, Zheng Pei¡¯s attitude now was markedly different from before. He quickly raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°You must be jesting, Your Highness. What secret missive would the emperor have? I¡¯m just worried about you, which is why I said what I said. The Valiant Tigers are a force you¡¯ve raised, after all.¡±

    Pang Xiao paced within the tent, cracking his whip loudly in time with his steps.

    ¡°We¡¯re shing with Great Yan to the end this time around. The emperor is determined to conquer this nation. Is he conquering it to end up with dead cities and razednd?¡±

    Zheng Pei, Huzi, and the soldiers in the tent all looked at Pang Xiao. He stopped at the head seat, his hand on the hilt of his precious sword. ¡°I made these decisions in preparation for His Majesty¡¯s rule over Great Yan. The Great Yan emperor is worthless trash, subjecting his people to years of oppression and hunger in addition to prolonged chaos from war. They need someone to end these troubled times. If we¡¯re less than their current government, what do you think the people will do then?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness is wise.¡± Everyone lifted cupped hands with respect when they understood.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°It¡¯s been a tough day for everyone. You should all rest.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The crowd departed, leaving only Pang Xiao and Huzi in the tent before long.

    Huzi walked up merrily to help Pang Xiao out of his armor. ¡°Your Highness, I had people prepare hot water earlier. You should go take a shower.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Any news from the capital?¡± Pang Xiao asked with a neat shrug out of his blood-stained war robes. Baring a fit upper body and d in ck silk pants, he headed behind a divider. Sshing sounds could be heard shortly after.

    Huzi rolled up his sleeves to wash his master¡¯s hair and back. ¡°Jiyun hasn¡¯t sent us anything for a long time, it¡¯s actually our scouts who reported back a bit earlier. I didn¡¯t say anything because you were busy with the battle.¡±

    Pang Xiao stretched out his arms to lean back on the wooden tub. He closed his eyes. ¡°Lack of news from Jiyun means that things are very tense at the Qin Manor. With old fart Weichi¡¯s temper, he probably vented his anger at the renewal of war onto the Qins. Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s likely been stripped of his position and his life may even be in danger. As for the Caos...¡±

    He paused. ¡°Old fart Weichi is probably out of ideas and even looking to the Tatars in his panic. The Caos must be in favor again.¡±

    Huzi picked up a hand towel to rub Pang Xiao¡¯s back and responded with great admiration. ¡°You¡¯ve hit the nail on the head, master. The scout¡¯s report was exactly what you said. Grand Preceptor Cao is back in favor and in his former position. Master Qin has been demoted but retains the position of marquis. He was thrown into the dungeons for a while. When we ambushed their output, that terrified the civilians into fleeing for the capital. But even then, their trash emperor refuses to take out any silver to feed and house then.¡±

    Huzi stopped apprehensively at this point. ¡°And, and, and the fourth miss...¡±

    ¡°Out with it. Stop acting like a girl.¡±

    Huzi rolled his eyes. Don¡¯t get angry when I tell you, my dear master. The guard quickly blurted out how Qin Yining had sold off all the precious baubles in Ning Park and was feeding and housing the refugees at her residence.

    Pang Xiao digested the information silently.

    Huzi quietly continued wiping his master¡¯s back, not daring to say a word. He must want to explode from anger!

    But the prince burst outughing after a moment.

    Oh man. Has anger cooked my master¡¯s brains?

    ¡°My darling Yi spends money like water. It looks like I need to umte more wealth for my future wife. We can¡¯t run out of silver after I take her home in the future, now can we!¡±

    Huzi: ......

    ¡°Tomorrow, post orders to arrest the corrupt officials, the ones that the people call ¡®scalpers¡¯ and ¡®demons¡¯, as well as the unkind moneybags in Xihua. Oh right, take the ones who¡¯ve been resisting the most violently and are likely an unstable element. Execute them all and disy their heads on pikes. Confiscate their wealth for the army and exaggerate news of what¡¯s been done. Have it spread into the capital.

    ¡°Your Highness, didn¡¯t you just say that we should have the Great Yan people think that Great Zhou is kind?¡± Huzi was perplexed.

    ¡°I have my reasons. Just follow my orders.¡±

    Although the guard still didn¡¯t understand, he nodded seriously. ¡°Understood.¡±

 Chapter 194: Scattering After a Fall

    <h4>Chapter 194: Scattering After a Fall</h4>

    ¡°Miss! Horrible news!¡±

    A frantic pattering of footsteps entered the yard. Up in the attic, Qin Yining frowned at the disturbance. Holding a dangling pearl earring that she hadn¡¯t had time to put into ear, she peered out of the window.

    ¡°What is it for you to be yelling like this?¡±

    A serving girl panted in front of the door, her hands on her knees and face beet red. She looked up at the miss and huffed out, ¡°Xihua, Xihua¡¯s lost. Apparently, little prince, Pang, killed a lot, a lot of people. He chopped, off their heads, and put them on pikes. He stuck them, over the city gates, for people to see. Everything¡¯s crazy outside. All of the people, are running away. The prince ising! Our, our heads, will all be chopped off and put on pikes!¡±

    The little girl sagged to her knees, leaning against the doorframe and started bawling from terror. In the yard, everyone¡¯s expression changed drastically. Some maids and granny servants held each other as they cried from fear as well.

    Qin Yining slowed closed the window and sat back down in front of her vanity. She stared silently at herself in the bronze mirror for a long while.

    Has this day finallye?

    Although she¡¯d anticipated this future, it still felt surreal when it actually arrived. Her heart was stuck in her throat and the bottom of her stomach seemed to have dropped away.

    Bingtang and Sonn were also white as a sheet. Qiulu shook like a leaf, sloshing out half of the tea from the cup she was holding. Only Jiyun kept her head, taking the pearl dangle from Qin Yining and putting it onto her mistress. She brought out a white jade hairpin shaped like an orchid flower and slid it into the fourth miss¡¯ hair.

    ¡°Miss, the prince, he...¡± Jiyun started hesitantly.

    Qin Yining smiled wryly and waved lightly to cut the maid off. ¡°I know, I know. This isn¡¯t his fault. This is war and not child¡¯s y. Great Yan soldiers would do the same thing if they had a chance to charge into Great Zhou. It¡¯s not anyone¡¯s fault, but the war¡¯s fault. I¡¯m just wondering when these days will end.¡±

    Jiyun lowered her head, touched and pained. Their world was about to shatter and break. No one would feel good with such helplessness and trepidation on their shoulders. It was impressive that her miss could treat the matter calmly and logically, despite how sad she might feel about it.

    ¡°Miss, what should we do?¡± Sonn¡¯s tone trembled.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing much we can do. Let¡¯s take each step as ites.¡± Qin Yining rose and took a few deep breaths in to forcibly raise her spirits. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Garden of Tranquility first. It¡¯s almost time for the daily reports. As chaotic as things are outside, life still goes on.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Some calm returned to the maids when they saw how self-possessed the miss was.

    As she made her way to the Garden of Tranquility, Qin Yining passed by servants who felt the sky was caving in on them or that their funerals were not too far off. If it was like this in the Marquis of Anping Manor, then it was easy to imagine what a mess the streets would be.

    The fourth miss listened to the reports as usual and handled some daily affairs, collecting and distributingmand tokens as needed. When she saw some of the granny servants hesitate, seemingly wanting to say something, she could more or less guess what was on their minds.

    ¡°Li-mama and Fang-mama, do you have something to say?¡±

    The other overseers and servants stopped when they saw that Qin Yining had brought the subject up. Li-mama was a diffident person whereas Fang-mama was more assertive. Thetter smiled apologetically. ¡°You are truly wise, miss. This servant does indeed have some matters, but I don¡¯t know if I can speak of them.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°Please, say what¡¯s on your mind, Fang-mama.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s this. I have a nephew in the south whose business has done well over the past two years. He wants the family to move down with him. My family¡¯s due to set off in the next couple of days, but I work in the manor and don¡¯t think it¡¯d be good to leave just like this. However, I would like to be with my family, so I¡¯ve been wondering what to do.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded understandingly. The other serving girls and granny servants all looked cautiously at the fourth miss¡¯ face.

    She ran her finger lightly across the rim of the teacup lid and thought for a moment. ¡°Fang-mama is a senior servant who¡¯s given the manor her best effort for many years. Now that you have a good ce to go to, how would we possibly not let you go?¡±

    The old servant was overjoyed and quickly returned themand token she¡¯d just received to the square end table by Qin Yining¡¯s hand. The fourth miss trained her eyes on the former servant who¡¯d turned to leave, then flicked her gaze at the other overseers. Many subconsciously shifted their eyes away, not daring to meet her eyes.

    ¡°And all of you? Do your families have other arrangements and you¡¯d like to take your leave?¡±

    When hearing that, Li-mama stammered out, ¡°Miss, my, my daughter and son-inw are in the south as well. They¡¯d like, like me to go to them for retirement.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Li-mama is at an age to just rx and enjoy life as well.¡±

    Emboldened, others stepped forward when they heard the fourth miss¡¯ words. Five more walked up to say that there were matters at home they had to take care of. Those who¡¯d sold themselves hoped to receive their release papers, and those who¡¯d flocked to the Qin banner wanted to take their leave.

    Standing by Qin Yining¡¯s side, Bingtang, Sonn, Qiulu, and Jiyun all had extremely ugly expressions on their faces. What matters at home to take care of? These people just wanted to get out because they felt things were going south! The Qins had always treated them well, but here they were, ignoring everything their masters had done for them and wanting to run because of impending danger!

    However, Qin Yining was particrly calm and nodded slightly. ¡°Well then, I know what to do. Let¡¯s do things this way, since the hour¡¯s early.¡± She rose and gave the orders, ¡°Have all of the inner residence servants gather in the open area in front of the rear gardens. I have something to say to everyone.¡±

    The overseers took the order and ran off to execute them. The fourth miss then turned to Sonn. ¡°Make a trip to the outer residence and see if my father¡¯s home. If so, please have hime. If not, then have either second uncle, third uncle, senior cousin, or second cousine. Or whoever¡¯s around.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Sonn also trotted out.

    The brightly lit flower hall was quiet in the absence of people. Only Qin Yining and three maids were left. N¨¦e Sun finally couldn¡¯t suppress her emotions and walked out. She took her daughter¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, what should we do about this? Great Zhou¡¯s taken Xihua and I bet you these servants just don¡¯t want to work anymore. What will we do when they all leave...¡±

    Qin Yining patted n¨¦e Sun¡¯s armfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t panic, mother. We can¡¯t force cattle to drink water, can we? We can take advantage of the situation today to cut away the chaff. In these tense times, it¡¯s actually not that good to have too many people in our household. Paring down our numbers is actually a good thing.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded after hearing this.

    The various branches all received news before long. It was Qin Yining giving the orders, but currently the old dowager, heads of the second and third branch of the family were all congregated on the open area in the rear gardens. All of the maids and granny servants of the inner residents, down to the littlest serving girl, were all present.

    The servants ced round chairs down for their mistresses and masters. Qin Huaiyuan, the second elder master, and third elder master sat next to the old dowager at the head seat. The second and third madame sat or stood with their family members behind the old dowager. Judging from the set up, it looked like they wanted to turning power over to Qin Yining and was going to let her handle the matter herself.

    The servants were lined up in the open area ording to their respective family branch and profession. Not one peep was heard out of so many. It was so quiet that it seemed more like a military camp than a collection of inner residence servants.

    Qin Yining stood at the head of the crowd, gently waving the crabapple blossom-shaped velvet fan in her hand. She swept her gaze around all of the assembled, taking in everyone who¡¯d gathered.

    ¡°There are 243 inner residence servants of all levels and ages, from the post at the inner door and the keeper of the back door. Are we all here? Overseers, please make sure those under your jurisdiction are all present and ounted for.¡±

    The precise figure of 243 caused minute changes to wash over the faces of old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, and the others. They¡¯d never paid attention to how many servants there were, not in all their years of being in charge of the household!

    The old dowager was actually a bit unhappy that themand token hadn¡¯t returned to her hand after Qin Huaiyuan hade back. The girl had only gotten it because they didn¡¯t want the household to identally make the wrong move when the lord was away. But now that he was back, the girl didn¡¯t need to remain in charge, did she?

    But Qin Huaiyuan hadn¡¯t given any orders otherwise and Qin Yining hadn¡¯t offered up the token. The matriarch couldn¡¯t bear the loss of face that woulde from fighting her granddaughter for the token. Thus, she was forced to keep silent and agree to Qin Yining as the head of the inner household.

    Today, upon seeing the fourth miss speak to the servants with aplomb and how they didn¡¯t even dare murmur to themselves in front of her, and the casual dropping of an urate headcount, the old dowager knew that there was real substance behind Qin Yining¡¯s words. The girl really did have the ability to keep the household in order. Thoughts of letting go and enjoying the remainder of her days arose in the old dowager¡¯s mind.

 Chapter 195: A Family

    <h4>Chapter 195: A Family</h4>

    It only took a moment before the overseers counted up their people and reported the tally. Qin Yining nodded. ¡°We¡¯re missing four. Remember to pass on my words to them.¡±

    ¡°Yes, please give your orders, miss.¡± Fang-mama smiled amiably.

    ¡°You¡¯ve all been with the family for a long time and served us for many years with your best efforts. Some of you were sold into the manor, others came with letters of sor. No matter how you ended up here, the family hasn¡¯t mistreated you.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure everyone¡¯s heard of the situation outside. Some of you came to me to resign this morning, so I decided I might as well summon everyone and go over this clearly.

    ¡°The Qins have never been bad masters! Shared destinies brought us together as master and servant. There¡¯s no need to make things ugly when ites time to part. I¡¯ll say this inly today. If you follow the family, then you must walk the family¡¯s path. You¡¯ll share any sweets we have and any bitterness we taste. If there¡¯s any of you who¡¯d like to leave or have other arrangements outside, or have rtives that you can flee to in the south, you may step forward now.¡±

    Silence rang loudly after her words. No one dared step forward. Qin Yining smiled at this.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, we¡¯re not taking an ount of who we need to punish. For those who want to leave, I won¡¯t demand your freedom silver. I¡¯ll also give you two taels of silver each for your journey. Whoever steps forward now and registers will receive their silver.¡±

    Some faltered as they contrasted Qin Yining¡¯s gentle expression and serious attitude with the trouble raging outside. They stepped forward with trepidation, silently taking up spots on the empty ground nearby.

    With disaster staring at them in the face and their lives on the line, more followed after the first person took a step. Another... and another... and another...

    More left the assembled crowd to take a spot on the empty ground. Those who wanted to leave weren¡¯t limited to one particr branch or department. There were messengers, chefs, and head maids, such as the sixth miss¡¯ head maid and eighth miss¡¯ wet nurse.

    Qin Yining watched them mutely, seeing the original crowd grow sparse and the previously empty area be crowded. There were less than forty servants who wanted to stay.

    The masters and mistresses standing behind Qin Yining were assailed byplicated, but mostly bitter emotions, particrly the ones whose body servants wanted to leave. The sixth and eighth miss were crying silently, drawing simr emotions from the servants who wanted to leave. Some lowered reddened faces, others quietly wiped away tears.

    When it seemed that everyone had taken a stand, Qin Yining asked again, ¡°Is there anyone else who wants to leave? If you leave now, you can go with silver in your hands. If you choose to stay, then you¡¯ll need to live and die with the Qins.¡±

    Her voice had scarcely fell when another hesitating woman switched sides.

    Another beatter, it seemed that all decisions had been made. Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°Thank you all for your care during this time. Jiyun.¡±

    The maid walked out with some pageboys lifting a chest.

    ¡°Form a line here. You¡¯ll receive two taels of silver when you reach the head of the line, as well as your deed of sale or deration letter. After that, you can go back and pack your things to leave.¡±

    The chest opened to dazzling silver, so bright that it wasn¡¯t possible for a direct look.

    Qin Yining stood next to the chest, keeping an eye on the overseer¡¯s records and often adding a word of advice.

    ¡°Go as south as possible once you leave.¡±

    ¡°If you have rtives on the coast of the southern sea, that¡¯d be for the best.¡±

    ¡°With how chaotic Xihua is now, avoid the north if you can.¡±

    ¡°If you really have no ce to go, then somewhere in the suburbs of the capital should keep you safe.¡±

    No one had ever seen a master like this. It was one thing to calmly send off people who¡¯de asking for shelter, but another thing entirely to let go those who¡¯d sold themselves into the family. That was stark betrayal, but the Qins were being so merciful. They weren¡¯t making a big fuss over the matter and even handing out money for the journey ahead, giving them advice on where to go.

    Those like Fang-mama and Li-mama who¡¯de up with lies in the beginning felt like they¡¯d been pped a few times across the face. They were ashamed and touched by Qin Yining¡¯s patient reminders.

    Arge amount of people were being let go today, but no one had anyints. When the silver was handed out, everyone knelt down and kowtowed to Qin Yining and the rest of the Qins behind her.

    The fourth miss waved a hand. ¡°Our lives will go in separate ways after today¡¯s departure. Be well, and may we all be safe.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to the fourth miss! Many thanks to the lord!¡± Everyone touched their foreheads to the ground and mored a profusion of thanks. The hubbub continued a while longer before they left.

    Qin Yining looked back at the thirty nine willing to stay. ¡°The Qins won¡¯t question your loyalty or forget your sincerity in sticking with us! Don¡¯t worry, as long as we¡¯re here, we¡¯ll shelter you. As long as we have food to eat, we won¡¯t let you starve! We¡¯re one family now and share each other¡¯s glory and destiny!¡±

    The words sent emotions surging.

    ¡°Alright then,¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Come up and register your names as well. Everyone will receive ten taels of silver. I¡¯ll also reassign everyone¡¯s duties. There are many ces that we¡¯ll have to depend on all of you for in a manor asrge as this.¡±

    Of the ones willing to stay, there were granny servants and little girls with their hair still down. There were also maids and mamas that served the madames and misses. They were already very touched by how Qin Yining¡¯s treatment of the other servants. They felt that the Qins were a good family worth entrusting their futures to. After the fourth miss¡¯test string of words and her generosity of awarding ten taels to everyone, they were even happier and convinced that they¡¯d made the right decision.

    Qin Yining reassigned duties for the thirty nine in the following ways. Qin-mama would still serve the old dowager. Jixiang and Ruyi had also stayed, so apart from serving the old dowager, they would also do some embroidery and help in the kitchens for the old dowager¡¯s meals.

    While the servants¡¯ numbers had decreased, the work remained the same. Therefore, the amount of work each person was in charge of would increase. But Qin Yining¡¯s words were an immense motivation. They were receiving generous awards and an increased monthly stipend, so everyone was full of enthusiasm.

    The crowd was dismissed after the new instructions were given out. Qin Yining took her ce in front of the old dowager and Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Father, you won¡¯t me me for doing all this, will you?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan arched a brow in amusement. ¡°What would I me you for? Us two boys share the same thoughts. I was just discussing with your second and third uncle how to run a leaner ship in the manor, but you swept in like a storm and did everything we wanted to before we decided on what to do. It¡¯s just as well, it saves us a bit of effort.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it? The husbands and sons of some of those who are leaving also work in the manor. I¡¯ll head to the outer residence in a moment and release a batch of people the way niece Yi has just done,¡± the third elder master said.

    The old dowager looked at her sons and then at Qin Yining. ¡°Can such arge family carry on after suddenly losing so many people?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan held the old dowager¡¯s hand with a smile. ¡°Mother, times now are not what they were before. Our family is no longer the same. I¡¯m even thinking of how to concentrate our living quarters to make it easier to defend.¡±

    The second elder master agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s not be stuck on what kind of residences we should have. All of us should bunk together and move to the residences by the Garden of Loving Piety.¡±

    ¡°I have my eye on the small house behind the old dowager¡¯s gardens.¡± The third madame smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t be unwilling to give it to me, Old Dowager!¡±

    A chuckled was teased out of the matriarch.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful.¡± Qin Yining smiled at her cousins. ¡°I have some empty houses in my Venerable Study Hall. If you don¡¯t mind, sisters, why don¡¯t you all move in? It¡¯ll make for a cozy and fun time.¡±

 Chapter 196: Reproach

    <h4>Chapter 196: Reproach</h4>

    Venerable Study Hall was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s ce of residence before he married. The library within was very valuable. Since it neighbored the rear gardens, every window opened up to a beautiful sight. To live in it was a great honor, and here was Qin Yining willing to share such a precious residence with her sisters!

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled with satisfaction. ¡°Daughter Yi¡¯s idea is sound.¡±

    The girls brightened with this agreement. The sixth misspressed her lips stubbornly. Maybe Qin Yining wasn¡¯t as irritating as she¡¯d always felt?

    The seventh and eighth miss were delighted, first making their thanks to Qin Huaiyuan and then to Qin Yining. The eighth miss pulled on Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Yay! Fourth sister has the prettiest house and arge library! I don¡¯t want to live in an empty house, I want to live with fourth sister! You also have a very cute bunny, right? I want to pet it!¡±

    The third madame spluttered withughter. ¡°Oh, you girl. Don¡¯t you get ahead of yourself!¡±

    The eighth miss blushed and stuck her tongue out shyly.

    However, the eighth miss¡¯ straightforward and innocent personality was right to Qin Yining¡¯s taste. She tugged on the girl¡¯s hand in response. ¡°But of course! If you like, all of us sisters can live together.¡± She smiled at the sixth and seventh miss. ¡°Sixth and seventh sister can choose which house you like as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± The seventh miss beamed merrily.

    However, the sixth miss snuck a quick look at Qin Yining and murmured softly, ¡°Fourth sister, you haven¡¯t said where Miss Huining should stay.¡±

    It was the first time that Qin Yining had heard such a neutral ¡®fourth sister¡¯ from the sixth miss. Thetter had always been on the same side as Qin Huining, filled with nothing but contempt for this ¡®barbarian¡¯ sister. It was rather amusing that, despite the awkward expression, she was still thinking of her good friend.

    She¡¯s a young girl after all. She might have some schemes here and there, but she¡¯s not evil to the core. But someone with such a ckened soul and as hopeless as Qin Huining... Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t forgive someone like that as easily.

    ¡°I understand sixth sister¡¯s meaning. But, Miss Huining is a guest and there¡¯s limited space in my residence. Not only will all the sisters be with me, but our servants as well. I¡¯m afraid we won¡¯t have room for her.¡±

    The sixth miss pressed her lips together tightly. She knew that Qin Huining had created a voodoo doll of the old dowager in order to frame their senior aunt. She could understand why at first, but suspicions grew after Qin Huining moved to the country manor. The sixth miss¡¯ birth mother (concubine) had mentioned more than once how the foster girl was nothing good and was using the sixth miss as cannon fodder. The miss also discovered that her days at home were much more peaceful without Qin Huining around. Even her official mother (official wife of her father) started to show her a friendlier face.

    After some time for reflection and observation of all that¡¯d happened in the manor, she had a new understanding of this so-called ¡®barbarian¡¯, ¡®uncouth, crude,¡¯ and ¡®bitterly sarcastic, harsh towards sisters¡¯ Qin Yining. The sixth miss now didn¡¯t think Qin Yining was as bad as Qin Huining made her out to be.

    She might not like Qin Yining much, but she didn¡¯t hate the fourth miss. At least she¡¯s someone genuine and really takes care of the family.

    Everyone was rather surprised by the sixth miss¡¯ uncharacteristk of argument. The second madame was very pleased with this concubine-born daughter¡¯s performance. ¡°This is lovely. You sisters can grow closer to each other and discuss things with each other. This is actually a very good arrangement!¡±

    The most critical was that everyone would be in one ce together, contrary to before. The new arrangements would be much easier protection-wise and appropriate responses could be made more quickly if anything happened.

    Qin Yining nodded while her father started discussing living arrangements with the men. The third elder master, madame, and concubines would move into the little houses in the rear gardens of the Garden of Loving Piety.

    The second elder master, madame, and concubines would move into the east wing and ear rooms in the front of the residence.

    The fourteen year old fifth master Qin Ding would take up residence in the west wing with his three younger male cousins.

    Qin Han and Qin Yu had both formed families, so they would live with their families in the northeast side wing.

    Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun would like in the ear room to the direct east of the old dowager¡¯s main room, and Cao Yuqing had the ear room to the west.

    The girls would all be in the the Venerable Study Hall, a small path away. That would prevent people from living too close to each other.

    Qin Huaiyuan thought for a moment and summoned Qin Yining to his side. ¡°Now that the family is together and we¡¯ve opened the door for Qin Huining to return, why don¡¯t you give her a spot in the residence? If it wasn¡¯t for me telling her birth father toe into the city, he might not have been stampeded to death by the refugee crowd.¡±

    Qin Yining was shocked. ¡°You mean... that Qin Huining¡¯s birth father is dead?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded lowly. ¡°I sent men to look for him and take care of his corpse. Although he wasn¡¯t any decent sort of person and had no feelings for Qin Huining, she wouldn¡¯t have lost him if not for me. I still feel some guilt towards her, and now in these dangerous times, she¡¯s still someone who bore the Qin surname for more than a dozen years. I don¡¯t want to throw her out to fend for herself. I know her nature isn¡¯t good and that you¡¯re worried she¡¯ll lead the others astray, but she won¡¯t be able to do much, not with you around. And if she makes mistakes again, you can take care of her. If not, there¡¯s always me.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°As long as father won¡¯t be heartbroken if I punish her, then I¡¯ll obey your instructions.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan burst outughing. ¡°What, would you let her off easily if I said you couldn¡¯t punish her?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t make trouble for her on purpose in our troubled times. I just want her to behave herself and not do anything disgraceful.¡±

    Father and daughter chatted andughed together. The two looked so simr that if Qin Yining was wearing a boy¡¯s outfit, she¡¯d look the spitting image of a young ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯. Such a scene was very different from the usual of the father sternly lecturing a woebegone son.

    N¨¦e Sun watched smilingly on the side. The second and third madame also teased gently out of admiration. When father and daughter came back, the third madame smiled widely. ¡°What did you two boys get off to now?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly. ¡°I was discussing having daughter Hui live in the Venerable Study Hall as well. Darling Yi softened her heart in the end and agreed.¡±

    These words made everyone look at Qin Yining in a new light. Fathers would usually just give the order, but Qin Huaiyuan had only made the decision after discussing with Qin Yining. It was more than evident from these gestures just how much he loved and respected his daughter.

    Add to that the methods that the fourth miss had disyed in her capacity as head of the household and her political sensitivity, even her own peers naturally looked up to her now, much less the second and third madame.

    The family dispersed with their servants to get ready to move while the third elder master hastened to the outer residence to dismiss another batch of servants.

    At this moment, the new inner door messenger, a little serving girl, came tearing back.

    ¡°Milord, milord! A messenger¡¯se from the pce. The emperor wants to see you immediately!¡±

    A bucket of icy water had been dumped over the rtively happy and carefree scene. Expressions grew ugly again.

    The old dowager grasped Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand anxiously. ¡°Meng¡¯er, what does, what does the emperor want now! Don¡¯t go, we¡¯re not going!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan patted his mother¡¯s armfortingly with a sigh. ¡°How can I ignore an imperialmand?¡±

    He¡¯d actually already guessed that the emperor would summon him when Xihua was lost. The marquis turned back to look at Qin Yining.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry father, leave the house to us. Come back soon.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled with gratification and left with a turn. The womenfolk looked at each other, hearts in their throats.

    Qin Yining was also worried, but she couldn¡¯t disy it. She could only organize people for the move and personally lead patrols in the inner residence. She locked away unused items into storage, redrew up which kitchens were to be in use, and how the servants should arrange their matters.

    While the Qin fourth miss busied herself with this, Qin Huaiyuan had already changed to enter the pce. Within the imperial study, the emperor viciously threw down a report from the frontlines.

    ¡°Idiots! Useless idiots! A bunch of good-for-nothing wastes of air! An army is fed for a thousand days for a moment¡¯s use. What use is there in feeding such idiots?!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Cao, Qin Huaiyuan, Weichi Yan, and the Prince of Ning were all on their knees in the face of such imperial wrath. ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty.¡±

    The eunuchs were absolutely nowhere to be seen. They were taking shelter in the yard, deathly afraid of being swept up in the onught.

    ¡°Quell my anger? How am I to quell my anger when I¡¯m surrounded by a bunch of useless fops?! Pang Zhixi is bastardly scum! He was feted in our nation and immediately charges over with his army when he leaves! What Tatars assassinating him! He¡¯s just using this as an excuse to raise hostilities! Qin Meng!¡±

    ¡°Your subject is here.¡± Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed in response.

    ¡°Is this how you handled the peace talks at Xihua?! Couldn¡¯t you tell those Great Zhou swine just wanted to scam us out of silver? Look at this! Xihua¡¯s been taken and ourbined armies from the north, east, and west thirty thousand men strong are continuously beaten by ten thousand Valiant Tigers! Is it that my generals don¡¯t know how to lead men? Do only people surnamed Pang know how to lead troops? This is all your fault! The peace talks were a mistake and now everything is a mistake! How dare you kneel here!¡±

    The emperor grew angrier the more he spoke and dashed around the paulownia wood tableid out with a golden tablecloth. He ran up to Qin Huaiyuan and kicked the marquis in the shoulder, sending the man rolling on the ground.

    ¡°Royal father!¡± Weichi Yan quickly helped up the marquis. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, royal father! Great Zhou is wily and slippery. The marquis already analyzed the gains and losses when we were negotiating with them. He signed the treaty only with your nod, royal father. How can you me everything on him now? It¡¯s Great Zhou who¡¯ve broken their word in this, what does it have to do with the Marquis of Anping? Aren¡¯t you worried of breaking the hearts of your subjects like this, father?¡±

    ¡°How dare you! sphemy! You want to lecture me?!¡± The emperor flew into a rage and flung a vicious p over.

 Chapter 197: A Time of Leisure

    <h4>Chapter 197: A Time of Leisure</h4>

    The p rang out cleanly, shunting Weichi Yan¡¯s face to the side. Some blood trickled down from a split lip. He was frozen with his hands held out to Qin Huaiyuan, wanting to help the marquis up.

    Weichi Yan turned incredulously to look at the emperor, thetter breathing hard with bloodshot eyes. All of a sudden, the crown prince didn¡¯t recognize the man.

    Choice punishments for the crown prince were to berate, ground, or beating that didn¡¯t hit the face. pping the prince also meant shattering all of his dignity and authority. How would Weichi Yanmand anyone in the future?

    But the terrified and panicked emperor didn¡¯t have time to consider this at all. Apart from resentment of useless subjects, all the emperor felt at the moment was horror that Great Zhou was advancing on the capital. He didn¡¯t have energy to spare for anything else.

    ¡°I say you¡¯ve been crown prince so long that your ambitions have grown out of control! How dare you talk back to me in front of my subjects?! Won¡¯t you stick your nose up to the sky when you¡¯re the emperor?? How will you treat me then??¡± Just shouting his outrage wasn¡¯t enough to vent the emperor¡¯s feelings. The imperial majesty grabbed the ink stone and flung it at Weichi Yan.

    Thankfully, the Prince of Ning was one step faster and caught the heavy projectile, preventing the crown prince¡¯s brains from sttering all over the study. The ink stone was the size of a grown man¡¯s palm. The Prince of Ning didn¡¯t dare wipe off the ink on his hand and sleeve. He only lowered his head to kowtow once again.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, royal brother.¡±

    ¡°This is mutiny, mutiny!¡± The emperor pointed at the Prince of Ning and hopped up and down with fury.

    ¡°Royal brother, it was just a momentary misstep from the crown prince. You only have this one son. Won¡¯t your heart ache if anything happens to him?¡±

    The Prince of Ning meant well with his words. The emperor didn¡¯t have many children and the crown prince was his only son. Who would inherit the throne if Weichi Yan was killed in a fit of anger?

    However, the words took on a different vor in the emperor¡¯s ears. His thoughts churned furiously and he cast a sidelong nce at the previous speaker, wondering if he was being mocked.

    Grand Preceptor Cao redirected fire back onto Qin Huaiyuan when he saw that the emperor was distracted. He denounced righteously, ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty. The crown prince¡¯s heart is pure and right. He must have offended Your Majesty today only after being taught by others. His good nature is being led astray! Please investigate this thoroughly, Your Majesty.¡±

    Being taught by others? Who was the crown prince the closest to normally, and who had been his teacher in recent times? It went without saying who was the viin behind all this.

    The emperor turned to Qin Huaiyuan and snorted with a dark expression. He pointed a trembling finger at the marquis for a long while before brandishing his sleeves viciously. However, there were no further denouncements. He looked back at the grand preceptor.

    ¡°Has there been any word from the Tatars? Great Zhou¡¯s armies will be here before long if they still don¡¯t respond!¡± The emperor sat down impatiently in his formal chair. 1

    The grand preceptor¡¯s expression took an ugly turn and he smiled apologetically. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve tried my best to convince the Tatars, but they¡¯ve had some things happentely as well.¡±

    ¡°What things?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotten word that the Tatar khan was recently assassinated by his only son.¡±

    ¡°What? Patricide?¡± The emperor flicked a subconscious look at Weichi Yan.

    Grand Preceptor Cao nodded. ¡°Yes. Apparently the khan lusted after his daughter-inw and forced her to do certain things in front of others. Shemitted suicide out of humiliation and his only son killed him out of fury. Princess Anari killed her brother in revenge for her father, and the Tatar court has handed power over to her. The three major Tatar factions are locked in fiercebat for supremacy. I¡¯m afraid Princess Anari won¡¯t have the ability to send troops out on our behalf.¡±

    The emperor¡¯s brow knit together tightly. ¡°Then it seems like that wench won¡¯t be able to hold onto her seat! Why didn¡¯t you find someone better to contact? Why good is a woman?¡± the emperorined petntly.

    Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s expression grew even uglier. The emperor was the height of ipetence and couldn¡¯t handle his own country¡¯s matters in critical times. He¡¯d circled around Great Zhou to beg for Tatar help, but now he was disdaining that his counterpart was a woman?

    The grand preceptor sniffed derisively. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Your Majesty. Whether it¡¯s a man or woman who holds the reins of Tatar power, our first order of business is to convince them to send out their troops. Tatar has fought Great Zhou for many years already. I don¡¯t believe that the Great Zhou treasury can support war on two fronts. They wouldn¡¯t have swindled us otherwise!

    ¡°The Great Zhou emperor can attack us with such peace of mind because they¡¯ve got Ji Zeyu holding down the fort in the north! Without Ji Zeyu, the Tatars will thrust straight into Great Zhou. When Great Zhou is dealing with enemies in her homnd, our mighty Great Yan warriors will surely be able to make them halt outside the pass and force them back to their own territory!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s words thrummed with high emotions that made the emperor¡¯s blood boil. He could almost see Great Yan gs unfurling over the cities that he¡¯d let go before.

    ¡°Then it seems we must trouble the grand preceptor to continue contacting the Tatars. Our crisis will be resolved if they¡¯re willing to send out their troops.¡± The emperor stroked his beard with satisfaction.

    Grand Preceptor Cao raised his hands in a cupped fist salute of acknowledge.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s brow was tightly furrowed and he offered a note of disagreement. ¡°Please listen to my words of caution, Your Majesty. Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s analysis makes sense, but the Tatars are far away and might not be able to save us in our hour of pressing need.

    ¡°Pang Zhixi¡¯s stratagems are unparalleled and his wily tricks are unfathomable. His Valiant Tigers are all well trained, highly skilled soldiers. Now that they¡¯ve taken Xihua, they¡¯re looking right down at us. With Pang Zhixi¡¯s valor, the Valiant Tigers will be beating down our gates if we just sit here and wait for the Tatars to distract Great Zhou.

    ¡°Our joint eastern, western, and northern armies are outside the city gates right now. Combined with the Division of the Five Armies, the Division of Three Thousand, and the Firearms Division, that makes thirty five thousand troops. With our geographical advantage, if we select an excellent general to lead them all, we can use the army to make the capital an impregnable fortress when Pang Zhixi attacks. We¡¯ll still have a chance then!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Cao jeered back before the emperor had a chance to respond. ¡°Oh? Then ording to the Marquis of Anping, Pang Zhixi is the reincarnation of a war god and impossible to defeat! Our Great Yan has the son of heaven and the protection of the gods. Would we be afraid of a brat still wet behind the ears? I say the marquis thinks Pang Zhixi is his son-inw! Look at how much you¡¯re praising him!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at the grand preceptor with a stern frown. He knew there was no point in arguing. ¡°We can take care of our differences in private if the grand preceptor has certain thoughts about me. At the end of the day, you¡¯re still my father-inw. You can hit and berate me however you wish. But please don¡¯t bring personal feelings into court. We¡¯re facing the continued survival of our nation, not a joke!¡±

    ¡°You...¡± The grand preceptor jabbed a finger at Qin Huaiyuan in preparation for a rebuttal, but he was interrupted by the emperor before he had a chance to say anything.

    ¡°Stop fighting!¡±

    Both lords stopped talking and bowed.

    ¡°Neither of you can handle any serious business, but you¡¯re each better than thest when ites to bickering. Did I keep you around for so many years to erupt in internal conflict when you¡¯re needed the most?!¡±

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty.¡± Everyone bowed once more.

    The emperor snorted. ¡°Do as the grand preceptor says in this matter. Grand Preceptor Cao, hurry and contact the Tatars.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡± The grand preceptor smirked at Qin Huaiyuan as he bowed.

    The emperor turned to Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you for now due to your many years of service. Go and reflect on your wrongs!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face was as white as a sheet. He stared calmly at the emperor, the light in his eyes slowly dimming. In the end, his forehead touched the ground again and he responded, ¡°This subject, obeys.¡±

    ......

    Dismissing the majority of the servants and concentrating the family into two residences ended up unifying hearts more. No one was panicking in the face of disaster. There were 39 servants left in the manor, each with their own master or mistress. Qin Yining dispensed with the twice daily reports. She would make decisions on an ad-hoc basis. This way, she found it much easier to run a small householdpared to the one before.

    Ever since hisst summons to the pce, Qin Huaiyuan stayed home after his return. He spent his days in the study or admiring the flowers and view by the pond in the rear garden. He sometimes erected an umbre by the pond to spend the day fishing. The days passed in a leisurely fashion.

    He hadn¡¯t enjoyed such ease in many years. And so though the war was tense and the capital chaotic, he found a measure of peace that he hadn¡¯t had in a very long time.

    Qin Yining knew that her father was immensely depressed. She often kept himpany after finishing her duties for the day. She¡¯d stay by his side when he fished or bring him tea and snacks. Sometimes, she¡¯d ask him about something she read in a book.

    Qin Huaiyuan was much more learned than her old teacher. He knew all the ssics and could even use current events as examples. He was witty and humorous, many times enthralling his daughter with his lecture. Father and daughter often spent the entire day sitting in a garden pavilion or a tent by the fish pond.

    ¡°The nation is troubled this year and I¡¯m busy. I haven¡¯t been able to give you a propering-of-age ceremony, much less a proper birthday celebration.¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s tone was light as he sat on a stool dressed in a simple shirt and pants, a straw hat on his head and a fishing rod in hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never celebrated my birthday anyways. I ate longevity noodles by myself on the fifth of the month this year, and it doesn¡¯t matter when the ceremony is held. As long as we do it before I¡¯m 20, it¡¯s all the same to me.¡±

    It was an ancient custom that aing-of-age ceremony could be held when a girl turned fifteen. However, it didn¡¯t have to be held right at that year. The timing didn¡¯t matter as long as it was held before the girl turned twenty.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. We can do it when you marry.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled.

    Marry? Pang Xiao¡¯s masculine and handsome face suddenly popped into Qin Yining¡¯s mind. She shook her head with a wry smile. With how things were now, how was it possible that there could be anything between her and Pang Xiao?

    ¡°Miss, miss!¡± Sonn trotted in. Father and daughter both looked at her with a smile. The maid curtsied. ¡°Miss, Steward Zhong¡¯s here. He¡¯s in the side hall and he doesn¡¯t seem too happy.¡±

    Qin Yining rose to her feet. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look, father. Perhaps something¡¯s happened at Ning Park.¡±

    ¡°Mm, go on.¡± Qin Huaiyuan respondedzily and turned back to his pole. The sight made Qin Yining sigh inwardly before she quickly made for the side hall.

 Chapter 198: A Large Transaction

    <h4>Chapter 198: A Large Transaction</h4>

    When Qin Yining reached the side hall, Steward Zhong was pacing in circles with a solemn expression on his face. He rushed up to the miss anxiously when he saw her. ¡°Miss, bad news!¡±

    ¡°What is it? Have a seat first.¡± Qin Yining led the steward to a chair. Sonn served both of them tea before dismissing herself.

    The steward wasn¡¯t able to pay attention to manners in his great haste. He gulped down half of the tea to quench his fiery thirst.

    ¡°More and more people have been fleeing for their lives these days. Those who¡¯ve put down their houses and stores as loan coteral have run away and left their property behind! I visited all of them and not a single one lived up to our agreement. There were only one or two servants left behind to watch the house and most of them left us letters and the property deed.¡±

    Qin Yining was taken aback and perused the pile of papers the steward handed over. Most of them said the same thing¡ªthe writer didn¡¯t care if the loan was equivalent to the value of their houses or storefronts. They had to leave the capital because of urgent business at home or various other reasons. They were turning the fourth miss¡¯ loan into a purchase of their property, so now the deeds belonged to her.

    And what¡¯s this? Forcing the purchase on me?

    Where could they go to find such good deals in times of peace? She¡¯d have to expend inordinate effort to obtain any one of the deeds in her hand, much less than the dozen she now held. Compared to how much they usually went for, this was a steal!

    But hereiny the problem. These properties were worthless in times of war! With how savage the Valiant Tigers had been in Xihua, it was tough to say that they wouldn¡¯t just barge into the capital. Once the doors were forced open, would they burn, kill, and loot in the city?

    Stores and houses were fixed, dead things. The people running for their lives couldn¡¯t take these things with them, but they could take silver with them. The silver could support their family in the new world.

    But what did Qin Yining need with so many hard assets in the capital? She couldn¡¯t eat or use them. If the Great Zhou army came in, they could reduce it all to nothing with a single torch.

    No wonder the steward was so frantic.

    Qin Yining sighed heavily. ¡°Such is how the world functions. It¡¯s no use worrying now. Look on the bright side, we¡¯ve gotten quite a few houses and storefronts. If times were like before and I could rent out all of these stores, the rental ie alone would be enough to set me up for life.¡±

    ¡°You can stillugh at a time like this, miss?¡± The steward heaved a sigh as well. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen what it¡¯s like outside these days. Merchants thinking ahead to the future have run off with their wealth, and even ordinary citizens selling their houses and stores to get away. Many country manors are being sold as well. With how bad these times are, who doesn¡¯t want some more silver in their pocket? What good are manors that one can¡¯t eat our se?¡±

    He shook his head and jabbed an usatory finger in the direction of Great Zhou. ¡°How could that bastardly scum not keep their word? Didn¡¯t we agree during the peace negotiations and sign a treaty? We gave away cities and paid reparations so that the people could live peaceful lives. But after taking everything we gave them, they decided to pretend that all of it didn¡¯t exist! Yes, our emperor ispletely useless, but what does that have to do with the people? Everyone¡¯s selling theirnds for now, but I bet you it¡¯ll be selling their sons, daughters, and wives before long.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite familiar with the kinds of lives people led in times of war. Not only was the enemy army wicked, but those who turned to banditry in search of food and shelter were even more so. They burned, raided, looted, and raped. The things they did were so terrifying that one didn¡¯t even dare close their eyes at night. She wouldn¡¯t have taken shelter in the mountains otherwise.

    ¡°Grand Steward Zhong, given how the situation is, have you made your own ns for your family?¡±

    The man nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve had my son prepare a way out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. No matter what the uing battle¡¯s results are, it¡¯s good to have ns in ce. Why don¡¯t your family head south as well? You¡¯ll be able toe back anytime if the capital remains safe, and you¡¯ll be out of harm¡¯s way if something really does happen. Martialw hasn¡¯t been imposed yet, so why not leave when you can? When Great Zhou really is at our city gates, it won¡¯t be that easy to leave. You¡¯re a smart man and should think of your family.¡±

    The steward nodded rapidly, touched. ¡°It¡¯s rare that an owner thinks so much for their people. I heard that you let your servants go and gave them silver to smooth the way. A lot of people are praising how kind and benevolent the Marquis of Anping. Ai! The emperor is blind to treat the marquis this way!¡±

    Qin Yining waved a hand with resignation. ¡°All storms and breezes are a result of imperial favor. My father thinks of nothing but to serve the nation, so he has to endure it all. I just don¡¯t want to drag in any innocents. Since they wanted to leave, I wasn¡¯t going to force them to stay. Now that Steward Zhong has made the appropriate arrangements for your family, you should leave the capital with them at an appropriate time. You can go over the ounts with me over the next couple of days and hand them off to me.¡±

    The steward hadn¡¯t really answered the question earlier because he wanted to avoid it. But the fourth miss¡¯ continued concern for him forced him to face it. ¡°But miss, it¡¯s easy for me to leave. What about you?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°I¡¯m a Qin daughter and a pir of Great Yan. I¡¯ll stay in the capital with my father.¡±

    She rose and walked over to the rear window, gazing down at the verdant grass and lush patch of forest. Some sparrows rested in the trees and chirped to each other happily. Who knows if such a peaceful scene will exist in the future.

    When she thought of the people in the capital who wanted to flee butcked the silver to, an idea urred to Qin Yining. ¡°Steward Zhong, I have onest task for you. You can leave with your family once you¡¯ve aplished it.¡±

    ¡°What is it, miss?¡±

    ¡°I should still have some silver left over after sheltering the refugees at Ning Park, correct?¡±

    The steward nodded. ¡°The Duchess of Ding gave you a great business, miss. You¡¯ve only used ten thousand or so. There¡¯s plenty more from where it came from.¡±

    ¡°Mm, good. Since the people want to run for their lives, have our people quietly buy out all of the property they¡¯re selling.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Steward Zhong shot to his feet. ¡°Miss, the property they¡¯re selling is just like the coteral that people have left behind, it¡¯s allpletely useless to you! They¡¯ll be ruins once the city falls. We don¡¯t even know what nation we¡¯ll be part of then, so what use are fields that no one will till? You¡¯re just throwing your silver away!¡±

    ¡°I know. I understand.¡± Qin Yining turned back with a smile. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to make any presents for the emperor of Great Zhou.¡±

    That stopped the steward in his tracks.

    ¡°If Great Yan is defeated, then our country is no longer our country and our home no longer our homes. The entire Qin n and Great Yan treasury will fall into the new emperor¡¯s hands, much less my Institute of Luminous Grace. I can¡¯t do anything about the national treasury or the family vault, but when ites to my silver, I¡¯d rather throw it away than give it to the Great Zhou emperor!¡±

    ¡°Miss...¡± The steward¡¯s eyes grew hot, his nose twinged, and tears almost spilled forth.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to get away. If the country really does fall, then my things will all be the property of the Great Zhou emperor. I might as well help more people run away while my silver is under my control. I¡¯m using them on Great Yan citizens anyhow, it¡¯s not a waste. I would really be sad if they just ended up filling Great Zhou coffers.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re truly noble, miss!¡± The steward raised cupped hands of admiration, seeming toe to a decision himself. ¡°Alright, since you¡¯ve decided on this, then I¡¯ll do it myself!¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Remember, don¡¯t let word of this spread. We have to do this gradually so that no one traces it to me.¡±

    ¡°Why not use this as a chance to build an even better name for yourself? You really are doing things for the people.¡±

    The girl pointed at her head. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, the emperor has his eyes on my Institute. What if he confiscates it in a fit of anger if he found out what I¡¯m doing? We wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything then.¡±

    Rage filled the steward¡¯s belly when he thought of that dog of an emperor, but he was just an ordinary person. There was nothing in particr that he could do. What he could do now was to make sure Qin Yining¡¯s silver was put to the best use possible.

    ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry miss. I¡¯ll handle this perfectly so that no one traces it to us.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for your efforts, Grand Steward Zhong. I think it can be done in three to five days. When the silver¡¯s spent, you can leave with your family after you hand over the various deeds to me.¡±

    The steward looked at Qin Yining¡¯s sincerely smiling face and shook his head. He raised cupped hands and departed. The fourth miss sent the steward off with her eyes before returning to the pond to chat with her father.

    Five days passed like this. It would be the seventh month of the year soon. There had been little rain this year and the sun grew more scorching everyday. The heat made everyone irritable.

    On this day, Qin Yining was cuddling Riceball and about to take a nap when Sonn rushed in.

    ¡°Miss, Steward Zhong is here,¡± she whispered.

 Chapter 199: Hugs

    <h4>Chapter 199: Hugs</h4>

    Qin Yining blinked and quickly got up. She did up her hair and hurried downstairs, making for the side hall of the front yard.

    The steward¡¯s forehead and face gleamed with sweat. He¡¯d actually gotten a tan after only five days, but he looked to be in good spirits.

    ¡°What brings you here, Grand Steward? Have we run out of silver?¡±

    ¡°Miss, someone wants to do big business with us! I can¡¯t make the decision myself, so came here to ask you.¡±

    Qin Yining started. ¡°Who wants to do business at a time like this?¡±

    The steward¡¯s eyes gleamed. His excitement was obvious from his expression. He lowered his voice. ¡°Miss, someone wants to buy the stores and houses that were left to us as coteral!¡±

    ¡°Who on earth would want to buy those useless stores?¡±

    Animated eyes danced in the steward¡¯s face. ¡°Come with me, miss. You¡¯ll know when you see them. Oh, right, bring only your closest servants.¡±

    Qin Yining narrowed her eyes suspiciously but still nodded out of her trust of him. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡±

    She took only Bingtang and Jiyun with her. All of them climbed into a carriage and headed for the north of the city. The fourth miss couldn¡¯t contain her curiosity once in the carriage. ¡°Who are you talking about, Grand Steward?¡±

    Steward Zhong answered with a smile. ¡°You¡¯ll know when you get there, miss!¡±

    The air of secrecy and the enthusiastic sheen on his face made him apletely different person from one worrying about the doom of the nation a few days ago. This further piqued Qin Yining¡¯s curiosity.

    Was the steward happy simply because someone wanted to take the useless properties off her hands?

    The carriage exited the inner city doors and drove into the outer areas. It was much quieter here than the heart of the city.

    The zing noon sun was high and dust swirled on the official road. Thankfully, the moving carriage stirred up a breeze, sending it inside thepartment. Qin Yining lifted the curtains for a look outside as they travelled. People were hoisting belongings on carrying poles or rushing mule carts forward. They travelled in clumps of three to five, rushing for the inner city doors. Everyone was road weary and distressed, as if the sky would cave in on them.

    What had been a rtively carefree mood took a dip when the Qin fourth miss saw the scene.

    Only when faced with war did awareness grow of how precious peace was. Just like the Qin womenfolk who¡¯d previously bicker over a bowl of bird¡¯s nest and throw veiled barbs at each other when they met, there suddenly wasn¡¯t much to fight over now. Each passing hour of peace was to be treasured, as the march of time dwindled their stock of untroubled days. Harmony filled the family. Even troublemaker Qin Huining was quiet and demure.

    Steward Zhong could guess at what was upsetting Qin Yining when he saw her face dim. He remained quiet as well.

    The carriage topped outside the wooden wall of a country manor in the city outskirts before long. The steward hopped down and checked the surroundings to make sure that nothing was amiss. He had the groom drive the carriage straight through the open doors.

    Bingtang and Jiyun jumped down after the doors were shut and helped Qin Yining down. The fourth miss smoothed out the pleats of her skirt with a smile. ¡°Howe we chose a ce like this for business discussions?¡±

    ¡°The counter party¡¯s a very special person and couldn¡¯t make it to our businesses. But don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ve taken care of everything. This way, please.¡± Steward Zhong smilingly led Qin Yining through the spacious yard to three thatched houses. Bingtang brought up the rear with a fan and Jiyun was on high alert, taking note of everything around them as they moved.

    Qin Yining was very familiar with these kinds of residences. When she was young, she¡¯d always envied whoever could live in such a neat house and have such arge yard. Although she¡¯d enjoyed living in the Qin Manor for a while, the homes that¡¯d left the deepest impression on her were the mountain caves and thatched huts she¡¯d built herself.

    The style of this residence filled her with immense reassurance.

    When they reached the door, the steward lifted a dusty yellow, coarse door curtain. ¡°Please go in, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile and crossed the threshold. She was facing a wooden, square table with stools and folding chairs scattered around it. More of the dusty, coarse cloth trailed down from doorframes to the right and left of the door she¡¯d just entered in. From the shadows cast on the ground, there seemed to be someone inside the room on the right.

    And indeed, the steward headed to the right, murmuring apologies before lifting the door curtain so that Qin Yining could enter.

    She walked in unsuspectingly. She¡¯d just set foot inside when arge hand reached out and grabbed her.

    She was pressed against the wall before she even had time to scream. A hand covered her eyes as hot lips silenced her own.

    Scared witless, Qin Yining balled her hands up and frantically pounded the person in front of her. Her legs thrashed and kicked wildly, and she tried to reach her people with guttural sounds for help. But the person holding her down was very strong. Their hand had a vice-like grip, pushing her into the wall and just one leg was enough to restrain her legs.

    What was even more terrifying was that outside the door, Steward Zhong, Jiyun, and Bingtang weren¡¯t reacting at all!

    The person¡¯s lips and tongue pressed forward with their attack, wanting to conquer her. Qin Yining decided to rx her mouth and bit down viciously when the person¡¯s tongue probed in.

    ¡°Ssss! Are you trying to murder your husband here??¡±

    Qin Yining froze with shock.

    The hand covering her eyes loosened, revealing a blurry look at Pang Xiao¡¯s familiar phoenix-shaped eyes, high nose ridge, and drops of blood dotting his red lips. His face was right in front of hers and their breathing intermingled. He changed his posture so that he was holding her waist and leaned down toy several loud smacks on her cheek.

    ¡°You¡¯ve even forgotten how I taste? It looks like I didn¡¯t leave a deep enough impressionst time.¡± Pang Xiao smirked rascally and leaned in again.

    ¡°You, you...¡± Qin Yining raised her hand for a p. It rang out clearly, prompting a grin out of Huzi, standing guard at the door to the house.

    Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t angered by the p at all. He only felt that the girl in his embrace was so fragrant and soft. He seemed to be cuddling a warm, fuzzy ball. She even looked very much like the plushy, downy Riceball when she¡¯d pped him. Arge pair of misty, angry eyes were ring at him,shes batting quickly and melting his heart. No wonder they said that the nights were always too short when it came to pleasure and that even kings would push off morning court in favor of sleeping until noon! Such a beauty would be the death of him!

    ¡°Did I scare you? Does your hand hurt?¡± Pang Xiao intimately rubbed the girl¡¯s nose with his own.

    Angry tears swirled in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. She really had thought she¡¯d fallen into a trap just now and couldn¡¯t understand why Steward Zhong had betrayed her. She thought he¡¯d lied to her to turn her over to some viins! Her pounding heart had yet to settle down.

    Pang Xiao peered closely at her when he didn¡¯t receive an answer. He felt terrible to see his girl struggling to keep tears in and rocked her back and forth infort.

    ¡°I really did scare you? I was only teasing you! How about you p me a few more times?¡± He put her hand on his stubbled cheek. ¡°Then, then, p here, here. You can p me however many times you want.¡±

    ¡°Who wants to p you.¡±

    Huzi shuddered, sending his goosebumps all over the floor. Was this shameless rogue really his prince? My eyes, my ears! He rose and pulled a red-faced Bingtang off to the side to chat. Jiyun and Steward Zhong also walked off awkwardly.

    Qin Yining took a few breaths in but couldn¡¯t hold her tears back. Since they¡¯d parted, she¡¯d almost been eaten by the empress, things at home were a mess, her father was arrested, she had to plot her rescue and run the household, shelter thousands of refugees, and their servants seemed to want to quit on a moment¡¯s notice... Although she could adapt quickly to changing circumstances and had a cool head to n on strategy, who could understand how much stress and pressure she¡¯d been under?

    And now when facing Pang Xiao, her taut heartstrings suddenly rxed and she plopped her head on his shoulder, crying like a bullied child.

    ¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s all my fault, I shouldn¡¯t have scared you like that. How about you beat me up? Kick my butt!¡± The arrival of tears flustered Pang Xiao. He sat down on the wooden bed frame on the side and ced her on hisp, iling around in an attempt to wipe her tears away.

    Can¡¯t wait to read more? Support etvo and read up to seven chapters ahead~

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 Chapter 200: Understanding

    <h4>Chapter 200: Understanding</h4>

    Qin Yining only took note of Pang Xiao¡¯s outfit when her cheeks were chafed by his coarse robes. Coarse indigo cloth with patched sleeves hung on his body. His hair was randomly tied up behind his head, a few strands escaping here and there. There was a tattered straw hat on his back.

    ¡°How dare youe into the city at a time like this!?¡± Qin Yining stopped crying and red huffily at him.

    Pang Xiao held her with one arm and took her wrist with the other hand. He lightly thumbed the red bean bracelet on her wrist and shed a wide grin. ¡°I missed you, so came to see you. Plus, I¡¯vee to do a spot of business so I¡¯ll rue more wealth for my future wife.¡±

    Qin Yining snorted. ¡°And aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll hand you over right now? I wonder how great a merit I¡¯ll earn if I give you to our emperor.¡±

    ¡°Could you bear to do so?¡± Pang Xiao brought her hand up to his mouth for a kiss, brushing his slightly dry lips still bearing traces of blood over her fingers, then swept his tongue over the bracelet on her wrist.

    The ticklish and electrifying sensation burned Qin Yining, making her tremble. ¡°What are you doing!?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I express how I¡¯ve missed you over these days? But really, if I let myself to be captured by you, would you really give me up?¡±

    Qin Yining red at him with slightly reddened eyes. She¡¯d purposefully tried to avoid and refrained from even thinking about questions like that. How could he just ask it so casually?

    The prince sighed when he looked at the girl¡¯s eyes. ¡°I was worried that you¡¯d think too much. I know that thanks to your father, you¡¯re slowly forgetting the years of suffering in your youth. The nation of your heart hasn¡¯t given you any shelter, and the emperor you look up to is trash...¡±

    ¡°I know all of this already.¡± Qin Yining interrupted and lifted her eyes to look into his nearby face. ¡°The emperor is trash and the country corrupt. But does that mean we deserve to be invaded by outside forces?¡±

    ¡°My dearest Yi...¡±

    ¡°Do you know what kind of lives people are living?! I¡¯ve sold all the valuables in Ning Park and sank a lot more silver in to barely make sure that only a thousand people won¡¯t starve to death. There are still so many more homeless on the streets! The weather has been unkind this year and no crops have been able to be nted because of the war. So many are abandoning their homes and selling houses andnd to go on the run. I¡¯m sure there will be people selling sons, daughters, and wives before long! This is all because of Great Zhou! Pang Zhixi, I really ought to hand you over to the emperor!¡±

    Her harsh words were belied by the trickling of tears. Pang Xiao kissed her forehead, pulled her to his chest, and smoothed down her hair with his hand.

    ¡°If you really could¡¯ve done it, you would¡¯ve handed me over a long time ago. You have Miss Tang, she knows poison. You¡¯re smart and crafty, and I¡¯m not on my guard against you. You¡¯ve had plenty of chances to hurt me.¡±

    Qin Yining gave up on everything and buried herself soundlessly in his embrace. She would have a mental breakdown if torn between the greater good and personal feelings.

    ¡°But you need to know that I¡¯m waging war so I can end these troubled times.¡±

    This shook her heart and she raised her head to look at him again. The prince wiped off her face with his sleeve. ¡°The sooner we end these troubled times, the sooner peace will descend for the people. It¡¯s what I thought when I fought Northern Ji and it¡¯s still what I think as I fight Great Yan. The people will have at least a hundred years of peace if allnds were united, no?¡±

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Although a lot of people die in battle, the sacrifices of now are nothing whenpared to eventual peace. Those who die leave this world so that everyone else can have a good future. I won¡¯t shy away if even my life is demanded one day.¡±

    Qin Yining looked down and leaned against his shoulder again, silently thinking over his words. Perhaps one unifiednd and world peace is the greatest good for everyone?

    She identified as a Great Yan citizen, so she hated Great Zhou¡¯s invasion. She hadn¡¯t thought that Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t fighting the war to conquer and dominate, but for the good of the world. He held not only his country in his heart, but all the people beneath the heavens. She didn¡¯t doubt the truthfulness of his words at all. Compared to him, her thoughts had been much too limited.

    The prince knew that Qin Yining had lost her earlier anger and resentment when sheid docilely in his arms. He wouldn¡¯t be Pang Zhixi if he didn¡¯t take advantage of this to get a few kisses in! As she thought over things, he quickly kissed her cheek and snow-white neck, then buried his face in her hair, breathing in the faint jasmine fragrance wreathing her and refusing to lift his head.

    The hot huffs of his breaths brought Qin Yining back to herself. She pushed him away and jumped down from hisp with a bright red face. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too hot?¡±

    Pang Xiao was indeed very hot. All of the warmth in his body was surging to one ce and it was taking a lot of energy to maintain control over himself. Therefore, he didn¡¯t stop her when she walked away.

    The Qin fourth miss fanned herself furiously before remembering why she¡¯de today. ¡°You¡¯re here to buy some shops?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I ordered some men to buy some property in secret, but they somehow got in touch with Steward Zhong instead.¡±

    She narrowed her eyes in thought. Enlightenment suddenly struck. ¡°You¡¯re so devious!¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°What really happened at Xihua must not be what the rumors say. You didn¡¯t raze the city at all, did you?¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. I only killed somendlords who specialize in fleecing the people and some corrupt officials.¡±

    ¡°But you disyed their heads and spread news that you were about to raze the entire city.¡± Qin Yining leaned over to whack the prince¡¯s head with her velvet fan. ¡°You did all this to add to your own coffers! No wonder the steward was so happy. If themander-in-chief of the enemy army is buying property in the capital, that means you¡¯re not going to raid and loot when you enter the capital. It¡¯s a guarantee that everything will be as usual.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°I¡¯m not a serial killer. Am I fighting so I can ughter people? We want to conquer Great Yan so we can add to Great Zhou¡¯s economy and help the people live better lives.¡±

    The prince shook his head with a tsk. ¡°It looks like you don¡¯t know me well enough, since you¡¯re affected by those rumors. You actually think I¡¯m a demon murderer!¡±

    ¡°You might think so, but your emperor doesn¡¯t necessary think so.¡±

    The prince fell into momentary silence. The two thought of how Pang Xiao had once refused to follow an imperial order to raze a city, resulting in his demotion.

    Pang Xiao propped his chin up with a hand and looked at her merrily. ¡°Are you worried about me?¡±

    Qin Yining started and her blush deepened. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Really~?¡±

    The girl was ufortable by the gaze and decided to turn in another direction. Pang Xiao burst outughing and decided not to tease her anymore. He took her hand. ¡°Come, let¡¯s have share a meal. I prepared some food.¡±

    ¡°You? Prepared food?¡± Qin Yining was very surprised.

    ¡°Yep.¡± Pang Xiao turned back with a smile. ¡°Why are you so surprised? Don¡¯t you know that my grandfather used to own a restaurant?¡±

 Chapter 201: Iâ€™ll Wait For You

    <h4>Chapter 201: I¡¯ll Wait For You</h4>

    She naturally knew of his past. Ever since she¡¯d realized that she didn¡¯t dislike this person barging into her life, and in fact didn¡¯t want to reject him, she¡¯d tried to learn more about his past. She knew that he¡¯d been forced into the army and that he¡¯d grown up in his grandfather¡¯s house.

    But, just because his grandfather owned a restaurant didn¡¯t mean that Pang Xiao knew how to cook. This tall, strapping man was normally domineering and high-handed. Anyone would believe that he knew how to scheme and kill, but it was tough to imagine what he¡¯d look like in the kitchen.

    Pang Xiao tugged the girl to the rear kitchen. Qin Yining had just neared the door when she smelled a particrly fragrant smell.

    ¡°Is that beef?¡±

    ¡°Mm. It¡¯s a hot day, so I chilled the beef tendon after cooking it. You can try my cold noodles in a moment.¡±

    The two entered the kitchen to see a ceramic bowl ced on the cutting board. A lump of dough was resting within it. Pang Xiao washed his hands with adle of water and lifted the wooden cover of a great iron pot to fill it with water. He shed a smile at the girl. ¡°Just a moment. The fire¡¯s already lit, we can eat shortly.¡±

    He put the dough on the cutting board and made it stretchy and stic with a few powerful kneads. The prince rolled the dough into a cylindrical shape. He shook his arms and thwacked the dough onto the cutting board. Onerge cylinder became two, two became four, four became eight...

    Qin Yining stood at the kitchen door, watching the man¡¯¡¯s adroit movements. Thin noodles had emerged from the lump of dough in the end and the water in the pot was at a boil. Pang Xiao pinched off the ends and evenly ced the noodles into the pot. The frothing water calmed down as the noodles entered it.

    Pang Xiao stirred the pot with a long spoon and then turned his attention to preparing two basins of cold water. He washed cucumbers and pears, adroitly turning them into thin strips. He fished out the chilled, seasoned beef and cut it into thin slices, then chopped a few more pieces of watermelon.

    From her position at the door, Qin Yining noted that the prince¡¯s movements were well-rehearsed and skillful. His knife work was top ss, an obvious sign that he used to cook a lot. He really did have a few hints of a master chef in the making.

    The noodles were ready before long, to which Pang Xiao dunked them in cold water and split the portion into two nearby rough, but clean ceramic bowls. He hauled up a y pot that had been lowered into the well this morning to be chilled, revealing pre-made soup to go with the cold noodles. He plucked out the spring onion and ginger chunks floating in the soup and poured the liquid over the noodles.

    Cucumber and pear strips were ced on top, and triangr watermelon and sliced beef rounded out the side dishes. Coriander and sesame were the finishing touches, and a wide smile shed on the prince¡¯s face as he ced the bowls on the table outside the kitchen.

    ¡°Come,e. Come try my food.¡± Pang Xiao merrily offered a pair of chopsticks to the Qin fourth miss.

    The girl had long been stunned by the prince¡¯s deft actions, the delicious smell, and ting of the bowl of cold noodles. The thin noodles were of uniform thickness and tasty aromas of beef soup wafted towards the nose. The soup itself was translucent, with the jade green of cucumber strips, snow-white pear strips, red watermelon chunks, and beef equally distributed between meat and tendon forming a perfect, tantalizing picture.

    Qin Yining tried a mouthful of soup. It was coolly refreshing with none of the gaminess of meat. Instead, there was a fortifying fragrance of vegetables, fruit, and seasoned beef.

    She then tried a mouthful of noodles. They were chewy without being undercooked. The thin noodles hadpletely absorbed the vors of the dish. When paired with a mouthful of cucumber and pear, and another of watermelon, then washing it all down with another mouthful of soup ¡ª the bitespletely vanquished the summer heat and humidity. She unconsciously drained half a bowl of noodles as she marveled at its tastiness.

    Pang Xiao was holding arger bowl and shoveling noodles in with a pair of chopsticks, but he kept an eye on his girl all the while. Although she was eating very daintily, her curved eyebrows were evidence of her happiness, which in turn brought him joy as well.

    Qin Yining had spent recent days fretting over matters of home. Thatbined with the scorching summer days had effectively killed most of her usual appetite. This was the most she¡¯d eaten in a while, but the bowl was toorge for her to finish.

    When the prince saw her half-eaten bowl, he put down his own. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Do you not like it?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s delicious. I like it a lot, I just can¡¯t eat anymore.¡± Qin Yining looked at Pang Xiao with sparkling eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could cook so well!¡±

    ¡°This is nothing. We¡¯re short on time, so I could only throw together a quick bowl of noodles for you. Next time, when we have more free time and more ingredients, I¡¯ll make you something really good.¡± He picked up Qin Yining¡¯s bowl in a smooth motion and slurped down the rest of the noodles.

    She lowered the hand that she¡¯d raised to stop him with. ¡°Those are my leftovers...¡±

    Pang Xiao put down the bowl with a smile. ¡°I don¡¯t see a problem. Do you like watermelon? It¡¯s been chilling in the well all day and it¡¯s still cool.¡±

    He rose to pick up a knife and chopped the watermelon into smaller pieces. He looked back to see Qin Yining, her beauty a living painting. He made a few more slices and handed her bite-sized bits.

    ¡°Many thanks.¡± Qin Yining bit into one of the chunks she was offered. Given theck of water this summer, the watermelons were small, concentrating the sweetness.

    Pang Xiao sat on a stool across from the fourth miss with his legs apart, chomping into the watermelon and looking at her. His cheeks bulged with fruit, but he still insisted on smiling at her. The girl was mysteriously in a lighthearted mood, eating two more pieces than she would¡¯ve because of her good spirits.

    After the meal, the prince drew a basin of water for her to wash her hands. He sshed the water on his face when she was done. Off to the side, Qin Yining looked at his motions and suddenly had the disorienting feeling that they were just an ordinary family.

    Pang Xiao wiped off his face, carelessly slicking back his wet hair with a smile. ¡°My dear Yi, what do you think about my cooking skills?¡±

    She nodded seriously with approval. ¡°Your cooking skills are quite wonderful. You¡¯re better than the chefs at the manor! I¡¯m so much worsepared to you. To be honest, the best I can manage now is grilled meat. I used to make that a lot and learned a bit of how to cook it after returning to the manor, so it¡¯s the only food I make that¡¯s barely edible.¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled. ¡°No worries, it doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t know how to cook. I¡¯ll cook for you in the future.¡±

    Infected by his smile, a ¡®yes¡¯ almost escaped Qin Yining. She immediately caught the undertones of his offer and blushed furiously. This man was willing to take a risk toe see her and never put on the airs of a prince with her. He was tremendously attentive and even ate her leftovers as well as use water she¡¯d already used. They were so like a family. Perhaps the rest of my life really is with him...

    Her thoughts took another turn. Outsiders thought that she¡¯d already given her chastity to him and they had indeed kissed and hugged. It really did look like she could only be his. Even if she disregarded all this, it would be difficult to pay him back for saving her life so many times.

    The more Qin Yining thought about this, the more her blush crept until her neck and ears were bright red as well.

    Pang Xiao cracked a smile and wrapped his arms around the girl. ¡°What¡¯s going on with our darling Yi? Have you been cooked through and through? Why are you all red?¡±

    Qin Yining burst outughing and pounded him with a fist. ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m not a shrimp.¡±

    ¡°Are you not? Let me have a taste.¡± The prince pretended to go in for a bite. Qin Yining pushed him away with a chuckle.

    ¡°Stop ying around. Don¡¯t we have business to discuss?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no rush. Since I know who owns the shops, the transaction will be easy. It was so difficult for us to meet up and I don¡¯t know when our next meeting is. I can¡¯te see you all the time. The tenser the war bes, the more difficult it is for me to visit. Let me hug you for a bit longer, alright?¡±

    What¡¯s he talking about! He has absolutely no sense of shame!

    ¡°What¡¯s all this? We¡¯re not married yet!¡±

    ¡°So does this mean that I can do whatever I want once we¡¯re married?¡± Pang Xiao looked at her with sparkling eyes.

    Qin Yining blinked, stunned, and forgot to struggle. She responded after a long beat, ¡°Who ¡ª who said they¡¯re marrying you!¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk, our darling Yi is such a viin. You¡¯ve eaten my noodles and taken advantage of me. Are you trying to pretend all of that didn¡¯t happen?¡±

    ¡°When did I take advantage of you?!¡± Qin Yining widened her eyes.

    ¡°And you say you didn¡¯t? You bit a hole in my tongue! Now you want to forget it all and pretend you don¡¯t know me? My reputation is ruined because of you. Whatever will I do if you don¡¯t take responsibility for all this?¡±

    Qin Yining pushed at his chest with both hands, looking wordlessly at his ever-so-close face. This man really was something else when he put on that shameless act.

    ¡°Your men really ought to see how you get when you act so shamelessly.¡± This was all she could settle for in the end.

    Pang Xiaoughed heartily. ¡°Do you take all soldiers to be coarse, brusque men? They owe their mothers and wives a great amount given their long years away from home. Us northern men are honest folk who love our family. We might act like miniature tigers outside, but we turn into cats when facing our mothers and wives. Each fears his wife more than the man before. I¡¯m actually not that bad.¡±

    Qin Yining was bbergasted. ¡°Does the Valiant Tigers specialize in raising men afraid of their wives? You¡¯re actually not that bad ¡ª do they have to kneel on soy beans when they go home?¡±

    Pang Xiao only lowered his head to look at her smilingly.

    Qin Yining blinked before suddenly realizing what she¡¯d said. She eximed softly in embarrassment and buried her face in her hands.

    ¡°So darling Yi finally views me as your man?¡± A happyugh rumbled out of Pang Xiao.

    Hisughter sounded right by her ear, making her heart tremble as well. His voice was low and resonant, but her only reaction to that was a beet red face. She wanted to dig a hole and curl up in it, but the upward tug of her lips belied her mortification.

    ¡°Silly girl, just remember that I might scheme and plot against anyone in this world but you. I¡¯m a man. Each word out of me is a nail cast in iron. I said I¡¯ll marry you, and I will. Don¡¯t worry about anything that lies between us, whether enmity between our nations or grudges between our families. If I can¡¯t settle even these little things, what face would I have to ask for your hand in marriage? Just wait peacefully for me, understand? Our good days are toe.¡± Pang Xiao dropped a reverent kiss on her forehead.

    Qin Yiningid quietly against his shoulder and nodded docilely. ¡°I understand.¡±

    He kissed the top of her head again. ¡°Trust me and wait for me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait for you.¡±

    I¡¯ll wait for you no matter what the future brings. I won¡¯t maneuver or plot, I won¡¯t think about the animosity between our countries and families. I¡¯ll just trust you.

    ROS 200 celebration! Simply leave ament on IG on what your favorite ROS scene is and be entered in a giveaway to win etvo¡¯s chicken scratches, cute things from Taiwan, cute things from Japan, and cool things like bubble tea designed oil blotting paper!

 Chapter 202: Reluctance to Part

    <h4>Chapter 202: Reluctance to Part</h4>

    The hour was growingte, Qin Yining had to return to the manor. Neither could themander of the Valiant Tigers spend the night in the enemy¡¯s capital. He had to travel through the night so he didn¡¯t impact military affairs. Making this trip had already been the greatest of risks.

    Huzi had long since readied horses in the yard.

    Pang Xiao raised a cupped fist salute to Steward Zhong. ¡°Thank you for taking care of my darling Yi during this time. It¡¯s incredibly rare that you would remain so loyal to her in light of the circumstances. She¡¯s a thorough nner and loves to worry about things. If it wasn¡¯t for such apetent person like you by her side, she might¡¯ve fallen to danger multiple times. I¡¯m far away and can¡¯t do much for her even though I want to. I¡¯ll have to continue troubling you in the future. My thanks to you.¡±

    The steward quickly returned the gesture, both ttered and stunned by the praise. ¡°You¡¯re too polite, Your Highness. It¡¯s only right and proper that I¡¯m loyal to the owner. I¡¯m not worthy of your thanks.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t betrayed her in the face of danger. How are you unworthy of thanks?¡± Pang Xiao smiled faintly.

    Complicated emotions assaulted the steward, who responded with a small smile as well. Logically speaking, the man in front of him was an enemy. He was here to destroy Great Yan and the steward should¡¯ve hated him.

    But somehow, the legendary god of ughter was a loyal, outstanding, and hot-blooded man. The rumors were obviously highly inurate and the steward couldn¡¯t bring himself to dislike the prince at all. He actually admired the prince¡¯s magnanimity and devotion to rtionships.

    Pang Xiao was purchasingrge numbers of real estate in the capital and had taken over most of the forfeited shops from Qin Yining. He basically owned half of the storefronts in the capital, a fact that made the steward believe even more firmly that talk of ¡®looting and razing the city¡¯ was just hot air.

    The people wouldn¡¯t be harmed and the capital wouldn¡¯t be trampled into the ground. Steward Zhong actually even wished that the prince would hurry up and finish his conquest. The trash emperor and trampress were a blight on the nation and had long since lost the people¡¯s hearts. Their lives might actually be better with a different emperor in charge.

    The steward wished for a stable country, but the Great Yan royals could no longer guarantee that. They fleeced their own subjects andpletely disregarded human rights. The Weichi n had lost their qualification to reign over all.

    The two exchanged some more pleasantries before Pang Xiao turned to Qin Yining. ¡°Be careful in the days toe. Stay home if you can.¡±

    ¡°I know. You be careful as well.¡± The radiant setting sun dyed her cheeks an auburn red, imparting a shade of warmth to her pale-blue outfit.

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the one who can kill me hasn¡¯t been born yet.¡±

    He reached out a hand, wanting to stroke her cheek, but settled for patting her head lovingly given the others present. ¡°I¡¯ll be off, dearest Yi.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded docilely, the reluctance in her eyes giving Pang Xiao the urge to just swing her onto his horse and ride off. He purposefully averted his eyes and took in a few deep breaths to tamp down his longing. He took the reins from Huzi and turned back to sh a smile at her, shaking the whip in his other hand. ¡°We¡¯re off!¡±

    The two led their horses out of the yard and cantered off in a cloud of dust after they cleared the door.

    Qin Yining and Steward Zhong remained where they were, looking at two departing figures draped in the rays of the evening sun until the dust settled once more. They stopped looking when only golden-russet soil greeted their eyes.

    The girl was downcast, feeling like a pail of cold water had been dumped on her previously light mood. She felt empty and lost.

    Seeing the fourth miss¡¯ despondency, Steward Zhong shook his head. ¡°Miss, I¡¯ll take you back?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°It¡¯s about time to return anyhow.¡±

    The carriage avoided the crowds on the way back, leaving her to quietly go over Pang Xiao¡¯s every word and gesture earlier.

    The sadness of parting didn¡¯t afflict the steward. He was only filled with the joy of knowing that home and city would be safe. He pped loudly. ¡°We don¡¯t have any worries this way now. I can tell the family not to be in such a hurry to leave.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°Indeed. It¡¯s a pity that we can¡¯t share this information with the people. They wouldn¡¯t believe me even if I told them.¡±

    ¡°Not only would no one believe you, miss, but you might even bebelled a traitor. This wouldn¡¯t be a good thing for your family either.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, so sometimes it really is such a heavy feeling of helplessness. We can tell there¡¯s more things at y beneath the surface, but we can¡¯t say anything. The people selling their homes andnds to flee will continue to do so, because only after escaping will they feel safer.¡±

    Steward Zhong nodded, equally resigned. After a moment, he asked another question. ¡°Miss, we have a lot of farnd after selling off the shops and houses. Since we have silver again, do we keep buying more farnd?¡±

    Qin Yining thought silently for a moment. ¡°Why do I think I¡¯m profiting off of a national cmity? I bought theirnd before so they could flee with silver in their pockets, so I didn¡¯t bring the price down too much. But now that we know full well the city will be safe, I¡¯m...¡±

    ¡°Miss.¡± Steward Zhong interrupted with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re very kindhearted. But if you don¡¯t buy theirnd, they¡¯ll probably set off on their path with empty hands. They have their hearts set on running away. If the country does fall in the end, won¡¯t allnd without an owner end up in the hands of the Great Zhou emperor?¡±

    The girl nodded, forced to agree with the steward.

    ¡°Plus, we only know that Great Zhou won¡¯t raze the city or raid the people ¡ª little Prince Pang wouldn¡¯t have used an alternate identity to purchase property otherwise. But you¡¯re still the daughter of Wise Pan An, and the Institute of Luminous Charm is such a unique business. It¡¯s not a given that the new emperor won¡¯t confiscate the Qin family properties. After all, the prince did refrain from putting his own name on the deeds. He probably doesn¡¯t want his emperor to know of his wealth either.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qin Yining sighed. ¡°What are the good farnds around the capital going for now?¡±

    ¡°Lands that went for twelve silver an acre now stillck buyers at even two silver an acre. The fields around Huizhou are even worse off. What was worth twenty to thirty silver an acre before has no buyers at even five silver.¡±

    The fourth miss frowned. ¡°Then like we discussed before, please go ahead and purchasend at the most reasonable price we can swing. Use up all of my silver. This way, at least the people can still work in the fields if they want toe back in the future. They might not own thend anymore, but they won¡¯t starve to death if they¡¯re a tenant.¡±

    ¡°Precisely. You¡¯re not a ck-hearted merchant, miss. In my opinion, you can resettle the people at Ning Park onto these fields and farms in the future.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded as well. ¡°They¡¯ll have livelihoods this way. Although I feel guilty because I really do feel that I¡¯m making money at the expense of the nation, there¡¯s nothing to be done about it. But one thing to keep in mind. Pang Zhixi being able to find you to buy the shops means that we haven¡¯t concealed our actions deeply enough. Hide the field purchases as deeply as you can so that no one can trace it back to us.¡±

    ¡°No worries! Be at ease, miss. I know what to do now that the future isn¡¯t so uncertain.¡±

    ROS 200 celebration! Simply leave ament on IG on what your favorite ROS scene is and be entered in a giveaway to win etvo¡¯s chicken scratches, cute things from Taiwan, cute things from Disney Japan, and cool things like bubble tea designed oil blotting paper! Runs through this weekend and don¡¯t forget to drop a follow~

 Chapter 203: Embezzlement

    <h4>Chapter 203: Embezzlement</h4>

    The manor doors weren¡¯t tightly shut as usual when Qin Yining returned to the manor. They were half open, with the footman stooped despondently by the stone lions by the door, almostpletely curled up on himself like a quail.

    Next to him, dressed in Cao n uniforms, were two men frostily guarding the door. It seemed more like the Cao Manor than the Qin Manor.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she frowned ferociously. Something was amiss. What are the Caos pulling now?

    Steward Zhong also noted the abnormalities and quickly called out the groom, ¡°Keep going, don¡¯t stop.¡±

    The groom was the steward¡¯s confidante and knew a little about the conflict between the Qins and the Caos. He didn¡¯t slow down at all, instead turning into a nearby alley and halting only when they¡¯d found a quiet corner.

    ¡°Miss, there might be something happening at home. Don¡¯t be in a rush to go back yet, let your people probe the situation first.¡±

    Jiyun interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. Wait here. I¡¯ll sneak back in for a look. I won¡¯t rm anymore and I¡¯lle straight back.¡±

    ¡°Be careful.¡± Qin Yining pulled on Jiyun¡¯s hand with worry. ¡°Your own safety is more important. We don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening in the manor, so don¡¯t take any risks if you sense there¡¯s too many enemies or the situation is turning bad. There will always be another way.¡±

    Jiyun nodded, touched. Qin Yining had never been the sort to disregard the lives of those around her in pursuit of her own goals. She¡¯d merely respected the fourth miss before and viewed Pang Xiao as her only master, but now viewed Qin Yining as her mistress.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. My levitation skills are quite good. I won¡¯t seek out trouble. Simply probing the situation should be easy enough. I¡¯ll be back shortly.¡± The guard smiled reassuringly at the Qin fourth miss and hopped off the carriage, making for the manor.

    The skies had fully darkened by now. All was quiet within the alley, and the steward didn¡¯t give instructions for the groom to light thenterns. It was pitch ck within the carriage.

    Bingtang took Qin Yining¡¯s handfortingly and murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. It¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Mm, it¡¯ll be fine. Let¡¯s wait and see.¡± The fourth miss¡¯ tone was calm enough, but she was unsettled.

    She¡¯d already thought of many possibilities in this short period of time. Her father had stayed indoors after being reprimanded by the emperor and beenmanded to reflect on his wrongs. He¡¯d rebuffed all guests and spent his days fishing and reading. It was as if he was no longer a Great Yan official.

    Although he didn¡¯t say anything, Qin Yining knew her father¡¯s thoughts given how she constantly kept himpany. The disillusionment and dejection he was suffering through wasn¡¯t anything that anyone else could understand.

    He was full of wisdom and stratagems, but was a sparkling pearl that had been cast into the dark. Qin Yining knew that her father was often torn between loyalty and aspirations.

    If Qin Huaiyuan was someone who only cared about the prosperity of his family, promotions, and wealth, he had more than a thousand ways to ensure his own fortunes.

    But his aspirations were peace beneath the heavens and happiness for the people. Someone with the trash emperor¡¯s talents would never help Qin Huaiyuan realize his ambitions.

    The dog emperor only saw his subjects as tools to strengthen his reign so that he could do whatever he wanted. He used the authority of a liege to cull wealth from his people, knowing only pleasure and was less than useless when it came time to y his part as emperor.

    Take the current circumstances for example. He was primarily concerned with maintaining face and hoping for a lucky break, so it didn¡¯t matter that the army of 350 thousand was left to their own devices outside the city walls, and that the seat ofmander-in-chief still sat empty. Instead, he had the frame of mind to restore the position of someone who everyone knew should be avoided, and contact the Tatars for help.

    The Tatars were far away. Would they really pose a double threat to Great Zhou when Tatar cavalry crested the mountaintops? Regardless, Great Yan would¡¯ve fallen long before then.

    Even a girl stuck in the inner residence could clearly see all of this. Even Qin Yining found their current circumstances ludicrous and damnable, much less Qin Huaiyuan. She was sure that her father had long since mentioned to the emperor anything she could think of. But the results were her father being censured and told to reflect.

    Qin Huaiyuan knew that her father no longer had any hopes for the trash emperor now. In fact, his heart was probably dead.

    What kind of threat would someone whose heart was like ashes,pletelycking ambition, merely wanting to spend his days fishing and reading, waiting to live and die with his country, and even lost all of his positions and tangible power possibly pose to the Caos?

    Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts spun furiously and she bit her lip unconsciously, slowly breathing out with frustration.

    ¡°This only goes to show that the kind are always bullied. My father¡¯s desire to be sidelined is so obvious, but the enemy refuses to believe it, much less consider our feelings. He¡¯ll only take advantage of our weak position to get a few kicks in. Therefore, my thoughts have always been that if there¡¯s a way, I must be stronger. Only this way will I be able to speak with a loud voice. We¡¯ll just be stomped on otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Your¡¯e right, miss.¡± Steward Zhong nodded with immense agreement and then sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, the marquis¡¯ reputation is still there. The Caos can¡¯t really do much.¡±

    Qin Yining could only console herself with that for now, but her hands still grew mmy despite the hot summer weather.

    Jiyun returned before long.

    ¡°Miss, I snuck into the manor and discovered that Grand Preceptor Cao is in the outer study with his men, the marquis, and second elder master. Everything is fine in the inner residence apart from the old dowager suffering some fright. The senior madame and second madame are waiting on her. The outer study has been surrounded. I didn¡¯t dare rm the upants so I couldn¡¯t get closer to eavesdrop. I came right back after that. But in my opinion, the manor is safe enough for now. Perhaps the grand preceptor has something to discuss with the marquis.¡±

    The fourth miss heaved a sigh of relief at that. As long as the grand preceptor wasn¡¯t here to raid the Qin Manor. If he really had the courage to do that, that meant the emperor was ready to make moves against them.

    ¡°What would you like to do now, miss?¡± That was the steward.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go back then. If anyone asks, say that I went to visit some of the sick refugees at Ning Park. Handle this matter for me, we can¡¯t reveal Pang Zhixi¡¯s movements, no matter the cost.¡±

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry miss.¡±

    Qin Yining returned to the manor with Jiyun and Bingtang after giving some more instructions to the steward.

    The Cao family guards at the door flicked a few looks at Qin Yining. They didn¡¯t block her way. She passed through the main doors and headed for the inner residence door, as was her custom.

    However, she¡¯d just rounded the corner when footsteps sounded behind her. A low, resonant voice denounced frostily, ¡°...it has to do with the Ministry of Revenue, which was once under your purview. Even though that was a long time ago, do you really think that you could keep proof of your embezzlement from everyone? Qin Meng, don¡¯t think you got away with it! Me being here means that I know that you led your second brother in embezzling from the government! Think long and hard over the next few days. The emperor has treated you well, so turn back when you can!¡±

    ¡°You speak rightly, Grand Preceptor Cao. His Majesty is vast and mighty, so we subjects naturally have to do all that we can for country and liege. We can¡¯t do anything that would bring us shame before our ruler. Now that you have the grave responsibility of contacting the Tatars, make sure you don¡¯t let the emperor down.

    ¡°But we all have our limits, and for someone as advanced in your years like Grand Preceptor Cao, it¡¯s inevitable that you¡¯re asionally muddleheaded. It¡¯s most impressive that you have time to pay me a visit despite how busy contacting the Tatars must be. But I must give you a reminder out of goodwill. Don¡¯t make the mistake of misjudging what¡¯s most urgent and has highest priority. Don¡¯t disappoint the emperor¡¯s trust in you.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s voice was calmly measured, reserved, and refined as always. There even seemed to be faint tones of amusement. However, his words were sharp jabs at Grand Preceptor Cao. They thoroughly jeered at the grand preceptor hugging the Tatar princess¡¯ thigh to curry favor with the emperor, and the fact that the Caos couldn¡¯t wait to stomp on the Qins when the former was in power again.

    The grand preceptor flushed beet red with indignation and his footsteps ground to a halt. He turned back to re at Qin Huaiyuan, his beard shaking with anger. ¡°Good, very good hmm! The Marquis of Anping has a fine temper! Perhaps the death of your old father-inw has made you forgotten what attitude you should have when speaking with your current father-inw??¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly. ¡°Surely you jest, Grand Preceptor Cao. I¡¯d thought you¡¯d forgotten that I was your son-inw.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± The grand preceptor jabbed a shaking finger at Qin Huaiyuan. He swept his sleeves aside after a moment. ¡°Just you wait!¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no rush, Grand Preceptor. I¡¯ll be right here waiting for you.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled, a chilly rity in his eyes.

    The grand preceptor somehow felt all of his regained glory after restoration of his positions waspletely stripped away by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s all-seeing eyes. He was a beauty stripped of her clothes, leaving nothing but humiliation behind.

    They¡¯d almost reached the main doors by now, and the grand preceptor saw Qin Yining standing in front of the flower-hung gate.

    He couldn¡¯t be bothered with paying attention to the Qin daughters, but Qin Yining¡¯s charming appearance was so incredibly simr to a young Qin Huaiyuan, not to mention the deep grudge between the girl and the empress. The empress had wanted to consume a beauty to enhance her owns looks. She¡¯d failed at getting her hands on Qin Yining, and two imperial concubines had died instead.

    Grand Preceptor Cao disapproved of the empress¡¯ methods, but that was his daughter. As wrong as the empress might be, the grand preceptor would never admit that things were her fault. He dumped all me onto Qin Yining.

    If it wasn¡¯t for the girl angering the empress, why would thetter have ever done all that?

    ROS 200 celebration! Simply leave ament on IG on what your favorite ROS scene is and be entered in a giveaway to win etvo¡¯s chicken scratches, cute things from Taiwan, cute things from Disney Japan, and cool things like bubble tea designed oil blotting paper! Runs through this weekend and don¡¯t forget to drop a follow~

 Chapter 204: An Enraged and Resentful Old Cao

    <h4>Chapter 204: An Enraged and Resentful Old Cao</h4>

    Grand Preceptor Cao looked at Qin Yining with a smile, his hands behind his back. ¡°So it¡¯s the Qin fourth miss. You almost became my granddaughter-inw.¡±

    The girl had fully caught the contentious conversation between the two men and knew what her attitude should be. She made a perfunctory curtsey.

    ¡°This little girl wouldn¡¯t dare reach beyond her station. The Caos have a free and easy family culture, and Sir Cao has fully inherited the essence of the family teachings. This little girl possesses only shallow knowledge and has no courage or eye for talent. I¡¯m not worthy of Sir Cao¡¯s dashing and unbridled character.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s face was immensely dark. He naturally knew that the empress had wanted the emperor bestow Qin Yining to his grandson, Cao Chengjun. But for some reason, his grandson had taken liberties with the Qin fourth miss in front of the emperor, and apparently tried to molest her as well.

    The matter had irritated the emperor and the grand preceptor had even been summoned into the pce for a lecture. Imperial wrath had used him ofx family governance and failing to raise his grandson properly. Qin Yining bringing up the matter again was a p in his face!

    ¡°Good, good, very good! Like father like daughter alright! You¡¯re just as sharp-tongued as Qin Huaiyuan.¡± Grand Preceptor Cao sniffed derisively.

    Qin Yining shed a smile. ¡°Many thanks for yourpliments, Grand Preceptor. I¡¯m unworthy of them. I¡¯m far inferiorpared to the grand preceptor or the empress.¡±

    The grand preceptor¡¯s hand shook from anger. He felt it¡¯d be too demeaning to argue with a little girl and knew that he couldn¡¯t win a verbal spat with this pair of foxes. He decided to brandish his sleeve and leave.

    There was no point in saying anything. He just wanted them to die!

    ¡°I won¡¯t be sending you off. Farewell, Grand Preceptor!¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed with a smile. Qin Yining also led her servants in curtsies.

    In his fury, Grand Preceptor Cao set a fast pace out of the Qin Manor. If one only looked at his departing figure, he rather looked like he was running away instead.

    Father and daughter sent the official off with their eyes. It wasn¡¯t until their target was far away and the servants had closed the doors that Qin Yining burst out inughter.

    The second elder master wiped off a forehead full of sweat and asked anxiously, ¡°What should we do now? How are you able to stillugh, niece Yi? Didn¡¯t we just offend the grand preceptor to the point of no return?¡±

    Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan looked at each other.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, second uncle.¡± The girl smiled. ¡°Even if we treated the Caos with respect, they would still bully our family. Did I hear correctly just now that he wants to me something about the Ministry of Revenue onto you and my father?¡±

    The second elder master nodded. ¡°The Ministry of Revenue has run a deficit for many years. There¡¯s an old and bad habit at court of borrowing from this department. After so many years, there¡¯s only lending slips and no silver at the ministry. The government needs money to fight the war, and the emperor needs talents and liquidity. The grand preceptor is trying to assign us the me for the shortfall in silver.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that smart of him. If he uses this as an excuse to say that father is ipetent when the government needs money, the emperor is sure to care very much. Things might take very bad if father bes a target at this time.¡± Qin Yining frowned anxiously, her fretful look at odds with the disdainful confidence she¡¯d had in facing the grand preceptor earlier.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head. ¡°This is just an illustration of disaster knocking on our closed doors. I¡¯m already of a mind to retire and spend my days fishing, living out my days with the emperor, but my enemies stille looking for me. Don¡¯t worry, second brother. They won¡¯t show us mercy even if I kneel and beg. I did indeed impulsively say a lot of things today, but I feel so much better for it. Unfortunately, you¡¯re being dragged into things because of it.¡±

    The second elder master waved a hand. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, big brother. We¡¯re a family. Your matters are my matters. Those who wish us harm will find any excuse to do so. This is just one more example of that.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled wryly, devoid of the daring ir he¡¯d possessed when talking to Grand Preceptor Cao. His shoulders drooped wearily,pletely different from the man usually as tall and upstanding as a mountain.

    Father, daughter, and uncle brought the servants through the flower-hung gate to the Garden of Loving Piety.

    ¡°The emperor relies heavily on the grand preceptor.¡± The marquis sighed. ¡°Naturally, he wants to make use of his current power to cause trouble for us. I¡¯ve fallen out of favor and with the emperor¡¯s personality, he won¡¯t hesitate to take my life if the grand preceptor gives him hope that the Tatars mighte to our aid. I really...¡±

    The second elder master almost teared up with distress. His big brother had spared no effort serving the country all of these years. Matters of nation and court had been his wholehearted focus, but look at the straits he was in now. Now only had he been stripped of all his positions and humiliated, he was being kicked when he was down!

    Qin Yining looked at her father and uncle, perturbed. She knew that it was beyond depressing for people who had been loyal to a fault all their lives to face such persecution, and persecution sanctioned by the emperor to boot. They wouldn¡¯t be easily cheered up by a word or two by outsiders. She could only offer a smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father and second uncle. I think that things won¡¯t get out of control here. Grand Preceptor Cao has no evidence and can¡¯t raise anything to the emperor. We still have time to think of a n.¡± The fourth miss¡¯ gentle smile seemed like a sunflower bathing beneath the sun, giving one vibrant hope.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with a smile, wordlessly entering the residence.

    These things had to be figured out on one¡¯s own. It wasn¡¯t as if she would be helping if she said more, so Qin Yining trailed behind her father to visit the old dowager.

    All of the womenfolk were gathered in the old dowager¡¯s residence. Qin-mama hastily passed on a message inside when she saw Qin Huaiyuan return and lifted up the pearl door curtain for the visitors. Jixiang lifted up the gauze inner door curtain. They quickly lowered the curtains after everyone had set foot inside to prevent insects from following them in.

    The old dowager sat up when she saw her son.

    ¡°Meng¡¯er, what did Grand Preceptor Cao want? Is something happening again? I feel that if it wasn¡¯t for you, he would¡¯ve brought his men in to raid our manor.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Everything¡¯s fine.¡± Qin Huaiyuan sat down next to his mother. ¡°Don¡¯t fret, it¡¯s nothing major. The war requires silver and the Ministry of Revenue has absolutely none. He¡¯s using the time I was the prime minister to pin the missing silver on me. But they have no evidence, so we¡¯re safe for now.¡±

    Safe for now? The color drained from the old dowager¡¯s face as she grew livid with anger. She found it hard to breath.

    Qin-mama hastily helped her mistress lie down and coaxed soothingly, feeding the old dowager some water before the matriarch¡¯splexion improved.

    ¡°Do the heavens wish for our family to end? Meng¡¯er is an honest and upright official, how would he ever embezzle? He¡¯s just trumping up a charge so he can condemn us!¡±

    The matriarch¡¯s words brought tears to the eyes of the womenfolk. They were now a scattered bunch after Qin Huaiyuan had been forced out of power. Those who¡¯d close to him no longer visited. The family knew that it¡¯d be incredibly difficult to have anyone speak on their behalf, given what had happened.

    Given Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s renewed position as the foremost official, how would he not make full use of this opportunity to take revenge? Whoever had power at court had the right to speak. The second elder master was an inconsequential official and Qin Huaiyuan was now a nobody, and the Qins didn¡¯t have a single person willing to speak for them!

    The group¡¯s expressions were the height of bleak destion. Just as they all remained silent, with some crying quietly, Qitai¡¯s voice suddenly sounded from outside.

    ¡°Milord, milord!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan rose and peered through the screen window to see Qitai standing beneath the covered hallway. The apprehension on his face was clear to see.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Milord, the crown prince hase to visit and bumped into the grand preceptor in front of the main doors. The two got into an argument and are now cursing at each other! Please go take a look!¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Huaiyuan looked nkly for a moment before turning with a rueful smile. ¡°The crown prince has held his tongue against the grand preceptor for a while as well. He doesn¡¯t dare show his temper normally, but it seems like it¡¯s alle to a head today.¡±

    The third elder master nodded. ¡°I agree. I¡¯ve seen the crown prince interact with grand preceptors, grand tutors, and other personnel assigned to him. He¡¯s the closest to you. So now that the grand preceptor wants to use this time to me the revenue shortfall on big and second brother, the crown prince will naturally step forward to speak on your behalf.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. The crown prince is candid and straightforward, an outstanding man with significant talent in drawing. What a pity that he was born in the wrong times and the fates are against him...¡± Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s smile faded and he sighed. ¡°If it¡¯d been times of peace, he would¡¯ve made a fine crown prince to hold down the fort with a couple loyal subjects by his side. But these troubled times of war and suffering leave him no room to showcase his talents at all.¡±

    The second master piped in. ¡°To say something incredibly disrespectful... the country might have a chance if the emperor passed his seat onto the crown prince, executed the trampress and the Caos, and had big brother help the crown prince.¡±

    ¡°With father¡¯s wits, there¡¯s nothing that a ten thousand strong Valiant Tigers can do against our thirty five thousand strong army. Great Yan might not lose. But the emperor listens to traitors and hopes for faraway help. The seat ofmander-in-chief is still empty even now. How does an army without a head fight the Valiant Tigers?¡± Qin Yining grew angrier the more she spoke. She itched to grab the trash emperor and give him a few dozen ps. Maybe she could beat some rity into him!

 Chapter 205: War

    <h4>Chapter 205: War</h4>

    What would Qin Huaiyuan, an official for multiple decades, think when even a little girl was thus? The trash emperor had disappointed the marquis¡¯ talent and proved unworthy of the lord¡¯s loyalty.

    ¡°Never mind this. The crown prince should have vented enough of his ill will by now. I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Qin Huaiyuan exited the house with a flourish his sleeves.

    ¡°Did Meng¡¯er say all that just now to purposefully dy going out?¡± The old dowager suddenly realized what had been going on.

    The second elder master smiled in affirmation. ¡°Big brother probably felt that the crown prince had suffered too much frustrationtely. If he¡¯d gone out earlier, His Highness would¡¯ve gotten the short end of the stick. He might as well just turn a blind eye. The grand preceptor can¡¯t do anything to the crown prince anyhow.

    ¡°But as unfavored as the crown prince might be, he¡¯s still a royal descendent and the emperor¡¯s son. The grand preceptor is just a subject. He¡¯s much too full of himself and overly arrogant to argue with a prince!¡± The second elder masterughed coldly.

    The family quite agreed, but what else could they do now other than criticize the grand preceptor in private?

    ¡°It still won¡¯t do for things to continue this way.¡± Qin Yining remarked pensively. ¡°Grand Preceptor Cao knocking on our doors today with this usation means that he might visit again another day to raid our house. We need to be extremely careful. I think the grand preceptor wants to make use of when the emperor needs the Tatars to whittle away at us.

    ¡°Now that father¡¯s been forced to take a leave from politics, the only one left at court with a slight sense of justice is the crown prince. The others are too busy protecting themselves. Who would risk offending the grand preceptor to speak up on father¡¯s behalf? If things continue to develop this way, we¡¯ll have to take this pail of dirty water sooner orter.¡±

    The girl paced worriedly, thinking the matter more frightening the more she thought about it.

    Grand Preceptor Cao held the reins of power now, backed by the emperor and trampress. He wasn¡¯tcking in either motive or authority. If the grand preceptor took things a step further and spewed random nonsense at court, her father wouldn¡¯t be able to even defend himself since he was at home!

    ¡°Daughter Yi speaks rightly, what should we do?¡± N¨¦e Sun was growing worried.

    Furious storms were about to descend upon them. The family was gathered together and the men no longer avoided talk of politics around the women. This allowed the womenfolk to fully experience the schemes and plots of court in a way that they¡¯d never had before, and understand how difficult their men had it in the outside world. Although fear gripped their hearts, everyone was trying to think of solutions.

    Qin Huining, quiet up to this point, looked hesitantly at Qin Yining. ¡°Fourth Miss, you¡¯re familiar with the crown prince. Perhaps you should leverage this rtionship on father¡¯s behalf? The crown prince is the crown prince after all. Perhaps he can help some if he speaks up for father.¡±

    The foster girl flushed hotly when she collected everyone¡¯s gazes. She quickly tried to exin. ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m just worried about father. I want to help some too. I don¡¯t mean anything else by it. I¡¯m just saying whatever I¡¯m thinking of.¡±

    Qin Yining too had thought that the foster girl was looking to cause trouble, but she only read fear in the girl¡¯s face this time. There was no sense of hostility or maliciousness.

    The Qin fourth miss was particrly sensitive to looks from others and pointed hostility. It¡¯d been something innately bred into her thanks to her upbringing. Now facing a cid Qin Huining, she only nodded and responded ndly, ¡°I¡¯ll consider it.¡±

    Qin Huining heaved a visible sigh of relief when she heard this. Chaos was about to engulf the world and she had to remain with the Qins to ensure her own safety. Qin Yining¡¯s status was unshakeable now, whether in terms of the family¡¯s hearts or morality. Even if the foster girl still didn¡¯t want to ept things, she wouldn¡¯t be so dumb as to continue smashing an egg against a rock and make life difficult for herself.

    She had to fawn over the fourth miss like she used to do with the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun. Qin Huining offered a tentative smile to the noble girl.

    Qin Yining looked away and continued analyzing the situation.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s fine if I don¡¯t reach out to the crown prince.¡± That was her answer after a while. ¡°The crown prince will surely stand out on father¡¯s behalf, just like he¡¯s giving tit for tat with Grand Preceptor Cao right now. But his abilities are limited and his words don¡¯t carry enough weight. This matter won¡¯t be resolved with asking the emperor for mercy either. We have to pull the rug out from beneath them.¡±

    The second elder master nodded as well. ¡°I agree. The crown prince isn¡¯t someone who¡¯d ignore what¡¯s happening to us, but he¡¯s limited to what he can do at the moment.¡±

    Qin Huining was beet red by now. The color had crept to even her ears. She¡¯d offered this idea because she wanted to acquit herself in front of the family and salvage some of her reputation. But to think that her idea had been the worst of the worst!

    The sixth miss pulled on Qin Huining¡¯s hand and smiled at her infort. The foster girl returned a smile that was even uglier than a teary face.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t notice the small interlude. She was running her fingers over the red bean bracelet on her hand and thinking deeply. This was a habit she¡¯d formed recently, to unconsciously toy with the beans whenever she needed to consider something.

    The second and third elder master were also frowning tightly. ¡°How do we pull out the rug from beneath them?¡±

    ¡°If we want to remove the ultimate source of trouble,¡± Qin Yu joined in, ¡°Then we need to prove that senior uncle¡¯s innocent.¡±

    Qin Yu nodded. ¡°Precisely. Senior uncle¡¯s been an honest official for so many years and really shouldn¡¯t have to shoulder this kind of unwarranted me. The Ministry of Revenuecking silver has nothing to do with us. Can they push responsibility off of themselves with so many pairs of eyes watching them? We¡¯ll be able to get to the bottom of this!¡±

    ¡°That may be the case, but how do we prove that senior uncle¡¯s innocent?¡± Qin Yu¡¯s wife piped up.

    Everyone fell silent once more.

    The old dowager was leaning against arge cushion as she watched her sons and grandchildren brainstorm together. They were a united strand of rope in the face of trouble. She almost cried at the touching sight.

    When she¡¯d been in charge of the inner residence, she sometimes felt that each branch of the family had their own goals and concerns. They were a pile of loose sand, so it was tremendously surprising that they coulde together like this in the face of trouble.

    Now that she thought about it closely, it¡¯d all seemed to start when Qin Huaiyuan had been thrown into the dungeons and Qin Yining taken control of the residence. It seemed like her granddaughter was quite a character! Thank goodness for her during that time. The matriarch looked smilingly at the fourth miss.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, what do you think?¡±

    Qin Yining hadn¡¯t thought that the old dowager would look to her, especially with a benevolent look, as if nothing ugly had ever happened between them. She didn¡¯t mind improving rtions with her grandmother, so she responded honestly, ¡°I think that we can prove that father¡¯s innocent, we¡¯ll just have to go through some additional effort to do so. It won¡¯t be easy to do so either. But I¡¯ve actually been thinking just now what removing the ultimate source of trouble really means.¡±

    Qin Han looked at her. ¡°What does fourth sister think is the final solution?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled and answered softly, ¡°My final solution involves spilling blood, so it¡¯s best not to talk about it.¡±

    Her voice was pleasant to the ear and her smile easy, but the nondescript way she flung out ¡®spilling blood¡¯ sent chills down backs.

    The second elder master adopted a stern look. ¡°Niece Yi, do you mean...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s enough that we understand certain things. There¡¯s no need to say them out loud.¡±

    The only way to keep Qin Huaiyuan safe and forever more was to send everyone who wanted to hurt him to the underworld.

    Qin Han sucked in a deep breath when he thought this through. The sixth, seventh miss, and Qin Huining also understood, their faces draining with color when they did so.

    N¨¦e Sun put her arm around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders and patted her cheeks lightly. ¡°A girl shouldn¡¯t talk about killing and blood. Don¡¯t have such a violent air around you.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had finished sending off the crown prince and was walking along the covered hallway. He happened to hear Qin Yining¡¯s words and raised a hand to stop Ruyi from announcing his presence. He paused to listen further.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I¡¯m just saying. It¡¯ll take a lot of effort to prove father¡¯s innocence. Why don¡¯t we take the same amount of effort to put all of our worries to rest once and for all?¡±

    ¡°That sounds easy, but this is just all talk. Do you know how difficult it¡¯d be to really do that? That¡¯s arge tree that¡¯s unmovable even with many people encircling it! Don¡¯t talk about this in the future, niece Yi!¡± The second elder master lectured solemnly.

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile and didn¡¯t argue, but passionate feelings to take action rose in her again.

    Could they really not kill their enemies? Really?

 Chapter 206: Setting Up a Plot (I)

    <h4>Chapter 206: Setting Up a Plot (I)</h4>

    Over the next couple of days, the Qin Manor waspletely upended by Grand Preceptor Cao.

    He came with men almost everyday, first to mock and insult Qin Huaiyuan, then taking things a step further to personally search the manor for evidence of embezzlement. Even locked and unused residences were rifled through, to say nothing of the old dowager¡¯s Garden of Loving Piety.

    The so-called search was just a pretty name for wrecking the Qin belongings. All manner of bookshelves and cabs were turned inside out, items thrown to the ground to be trampled on. Even the Venerable Study Hall, where the girls were now living in, wasn¡¯t spared. The Cao men dragged out winter clothing sitting in trunks, to say nothing of books and valuables on the decorative shelves. Wreckage prevailed in all of the residences, making it seem that robbers had looted the marquis¡¯ residence.

    A minor mistake that the second elder master made in the Ministry of Personnel and Rites resulted in Grand Preceptor Cao filling an usation with the emperor. The grand preceptor implied that the second Qin elder master was in cahoots with Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s embezzlement. Given the emperor already in a rage, he didn¡¯t even bother asking for proof beforembasting the second elder master.

    Aside from Qin Huaiyuan keeping his position of marquis, there was no other Qin member who could speak up at court. Whatever Grand Preceptor Cao said went; the Qins didn¡¯t have a chance to defend themselves.

    It was normal for Qin Yining to lose her appetite and some weight during the summer time. However, the events of the past few days filled her with so much anger that she was unable to eat for two days. Thankfully, she was young and healthy, but someone like the old dowager grew sick with anger and had to take medicine for a few days before somewhat recovering.

    Qin Huaiyuan had also never suffered such disgrace in his life. As a man, he didn¡¯t have the face to live with the shame of not being able to provide his family a quiet sanctuary at home! Having no other recourse avable to him, an exceptionally furious Qin Huaiyuan kept sending petitions to the emperor.

    And yet, the imperial response was, ¡°Grand Preceptor Cao is investigating the whereabouts of the Ministry of Revenue¡¯s silver and the embezzlement case on Our orders. Our beloved subject should think of the greater picture and cooperate with harmony.¡±

    Cooperate?

    The Qins would be swallowed whole if they cooperated any further!

    The marquis refused to stand for this. The more the grand preceptor harassed the Qins, the more petitions Qin Huaiyuan sent.

    The emperor had sent him a dozen verbal edicts a day when the marquis had overseen the peace talks at Xihua. What prevented him from mimicking those actions in the capital?

    Therefore, Qin Huaiyuan sent two petitions into the pce almost everyday. He would even send three or four if Grand Preceptor Cao was particrly out of line on a given day.

    ......

    Perhaps the marquis¡¯ sincerity moved the emperor, or the imperial majesty finally became fed up with all the disturbances. On this day, the emperor made the rare move of having Grand Supervisor Wang deliver a verbal edict.

    The summer afternoon sun was blistering hot, cooking the stones on the courtyard in front of the Qin Manor, making it slightly painful to kneel on them. Qin Yining and the womenfolk frowned when the heat attacked their skin through insubstantial summer clothes.

    The fourth miss was kneeling in the back, lifting worried eyes to look at Qin Huaiyuan at the very front. An exceedingly familiar scene floated to the front of her mind.

    It¡¯d been at the Duke of Ding Manor when she and Qin Huining, along with their mother, had knelt in the midst of the Sun females. Grand Supervisor Wang then had delivered an imperial edict that called for Sun Yu¡¯s head. That had set into motion Sun Yu¡¯s tragically heroic charge and the beginning of the end for the Suns. The sight of red and white matter sttering into gory flowers was one that would never be wiped from her mind.

    It was Grand Supervisor Wang again today, and the Qins were just like the Suns, helpless and hapless fodder on the chopping block.

    Qin Yining could feel n¨¦e Sun shaking next to her. It was in to see that the fourth miss wasn¡¯t the only one who found the scene horrifyingly familiar. She offered an arm in support and a reassuring squeeze, imparting some reassurance to the senior madame.

    Grand Supervisor Wang brandished his sleeve with a smile. ¡°Marquis of Anping, I¡¯m here to deliver the emperor¡¯s verbal edict. I¡¯m to thoroughly convey His Majesty¡¯s words without missing a single one, so please listen carefully.¡±

    ¡°I will, many thanks to the honorable gonggong.¡± Qin Huaiyuan gestured solemnly.

    The eunuch¡¯s shrill voice rose in a close imitation of the emperor¡¯s tones.

    ¡°In light of your years of hard work, We were not going to admonish you for recent actions. But to think that you exhort others to think of the nation and refuse to set a personal example when ites to a simple investigation? Or is it that you really have embezzled the ministry¡¯s silver and are feeling guilty??

    ¡°...your malpractice is an affront to Our trust in you, and you¡¯ve corrupted Our only crown prince as well!

    ¡°The crown prince of before was one polite, respectful, learned, and genteel, but now he dares shout and holler at Us! Your actions have been an immense disappointment, so how dare youe crying with usations against the elder statesman...¡±

    The Qins were kneeling on the ground in the grand gesture of greeting, their foreheads touching the stone tiles and thoroughly taking in all of the grand overseer¡¯s words. Utter silence reigned. The condemnation were invisible des that sliced their hearts to pieces.

    Qin Yining lifted her head to sneak a look at her father. His tall posture had copsed; he was hunched in on himself, about to crumble any second from the unbearable pressure. After a moment, his dry voice rang out. ¡°Many thanks to Grand Supervisor Wang. Please ry my sentiments to His Majesty that we thank him for his admonishments.¡±

    Grand Supervisor Wang sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t be overly fixated on this, sir. Just take a small step back. Have you forgotten how the Duke of Ding ended up? You¡¯re a marvelously talented person, there¡¯s no need to be caught up in the details of right and wrong at a time like this.¡±

    The eunuch had served the emperor for many years and was highly adept at observing people, if nothing else. He was witnessing first hand how the Caos were instigating conflict between the emperor and Qin Huaiyuan, but there was nothing he could do about it. It was a sign of his conscience and his respect for the marquis that he volunteered this reminder.

    Qin Huaiyuan naturally understood the intricacies within and was grateful for the grand supervisor¡¯s thought. He saw the eunuch out the door himself and gifted a generous red envelope.

    The womenfolk helped each other to their feet. Tears were already streaming down the old dowager¡¯s face. ¡°This is going too far, this is much too far! They¡¯re bullying us we have no one else to rely on! Do the heavens wish to end the Qins?!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was reminded of what¡¯d happened to her own family. Heartache gripped her when she thought of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s defeated posture from moments ago. Tears trickled down her face as well.

    Everyone returned to the Garden of Loving Piety, a pallor of depression and unease cast over all. Some faces were pinched with anxiety while others cried silently. The soft sounds of sobbing quieted down only after Qin Huaiyuan returned to the residence with the second and third elder master.

    The marquis wasn¡¯t like before, wanting to discuss matters with everyone. He calmly greeted the old dowager,forted his mother a bit, and then excused himself for a nap.

    Naturally, the old dowager didn¡¯t voice a single word of protest and dismissed everyone.

    Qin Yining, Bingtang, and Jiyun were leaving the Garden of Loving Piety when the fourth miss suddenly stopped. ¡°Who do you girls think can help my father at this time?¡±

    Jiyun had been itching to charge over and visit terror and violence after seeing how Grand Preceptor Cao was oppressing her mistress¡¯ family. Her eyes lit up when she heard the question and she whispered, ¡°Miss, just give me the word and I¡¯ll do it tonight! I¡¯ll take care of that old fart!¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°An assassination?¡±

    ¡°Yes, an assassination!¡± Jiyun spat out through grit teeth. ¡°The sooner a pestilence like that dies, the more lives we save!¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that.¡± The fourth miss shook her head. ¡°Setting aside how many guards the cautious grand preceptor must surely have, there¡¯s still no guarantee of sess. You might lose your own life. And so what if we seed?¡±

 Chapter 207: Plotting (II)

    <h4>Chapter 207: Plotting (II)</h4>

    Jiyun wasn¡¯t sure where her mistress was going with this and shook her head.

    ¡°Things won¡¯t be over if we kill only him. The trampress will still be there, the trash emperor, the Cao descendants, and probably Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s heir amongst them. What if whoever seeds him is even worse? At least we¡¯re very familiar with the statesman now. We¡¯d have to take time and effort to get to know a new opponent. It¡¯d be better to think of a way to get rid of them in one fell swoop, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    The guard nodded in agreement and followed her mistress automatically before screeching to a halt. ¡°Miss, you talked about erasing the ultimate source of trouble before, and now you¡¯re saying to get rid of them in one fell swoop... are you... are you thinking of destroying the entire Cao n?¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t deny it. And actually, she didn¡¯t want to just get rid of the Caos, but the trampress and trash emperor as well!

    Although her thoughts were high treason given her status as a Great Yan citizen, she had no other recourse given the sheerwlessness of the emperor. The people were suffering, and even her father had been trampled into the ground.

    An involuntary smile crossed Qin Yining¡¯s face. Her thoughts were likely the same as those of her grandmother and Azure Justice by now. But if one looked at her calm demeanor, they¡¯d think that she was just discussing what to eat or embroider today.

    The Caos were influential and had an exceedinglyplexwork at court. Even a great official as Qin Huaiyuan was firmly suppressed now, so what could an unmarried girl like Qin Yining do?

    Jiyun at least, waspletely stumped. But for some reason, even if the guard didn¡¯t know what was to be done, she felt that anything the fourth miss spoke of was doable. ¡°There isn¡¯t anyone good amongst the Caos. They should be utterly destroyed. If only His Highness was here! It would be so easy to just raze them all into the ground.¡±

    Bingtang nodded fervently. ¡°That¡¯s right, how would the Caos dare act like this if the prince was here? He would¡¯ve flung some hefty ps over a long time ago and made them stop! Even that dog emperor is like a mouse meeting a cat when he sees the prince. Can the Caos be any better than the emperor?¡±

    Qin Yining lightly squeezed Jiyun and Bingtang¡¯s hands. ¡°Don¡¯t say stuff like this in the future. Things are very tense now, so we have to be alert all the time.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The two realized that their words just now could¡¯ve brought serious trouble down on their mistress¡¯ head.

    ¡°Although there are instances of one prevailing against many enemies, life still goes on,¡± Qin Yining murmured lowly. ¡°We don¡¯t need to break a jade vase for the sake of killing a rat. It¡¯s just as easy to resolve things with a quick plot sometimes.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re smart enough, miss,¡± Bingtang whispered back. ¡°Do you think everyone can do that?¡±

    Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Have them prepare the carriage. Let¡¯s visit the Prince of Ning Manor.¡±

    ¡°The Ning Manor?¡± Bingtang was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯ve only ever met the prince once, miss. Are you going to ask him to help the marquis?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Although we¡¯ve only met once, it¡¯s still worth a try. I¡¯ve thought about it a lot. The Prince of Ning is the only person with a sufficient sense of justice who¡¯d worry about the future of the nation, and who¡¯s able to speak in front of the emperor. There¡¯s no one else we need to consider.¡±

    ¡°Even so, he¡¯s not a simple character. Will he be convinced with just a few words?¡± Bingtang was quite familiar with the prince.

    The fourth miss shook her head with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m not certain of anything, but I can only ask the Prince of Ning for help now. My father has been suppressed so thoroughly that he doesn¡¯t have the slightest opening. We need to have someone who will speak up for him at court. Even if we can¡¯t convince the emperor to change his mind, we need to make it so that the Caos don¡¯t say anything to mislead the emperor further.

    ¡°The Prince of Ning is a hot-blooded man. Although he has a few quirks, he¡¯s an upright and principled person who knows to repay gratitude. He¡¯s someone we can rely on for this.¡±

    Jiyun thought for a moment. ¡°Miss, why don¡¯t we send a calling card first? And should we discuss this with the marquis first?¡±

    Qin Yining waved a hand. ¡°We likely wouldn¡¯t be able to see the prince if I sent a calling card. He¡¯s a slippery fellow and probably wants to avoid trouble. He¡¯d refuse to see anyone from our family. I might have a chance if I just suddenly show up instead. I won¡¯t discuss this with father yet. If I botch things up, then it has nothing to do with the family. But if father knew about it beforehand, things wouldn¡¯t be so simple then.¡±

    The two girls smiled after hearing this. ¡°We knew that you¡¯re a smart one miss! You think of everything so thoroughly!¡±

    ¡°You two know how to run your mouths!¡± Qin Yining smiled usingly.

    When she left with Bingtang and Jiyun, the fourth miss thought for a moment and decided to swing by Steward Zhong¡¯s first before making for the Ning Manor. The steward was a worldly person with a widework. He¡¯d be another person to bounce ideas off of.

    In the carriage, the four discussed lowly the kinds of reactions that the prince would have. Qin Yining also thought of a few ways she broach the request for help. If worst came to worst, she put on a piteous act or threaten to hurt herself. She had to get his help no matter what!

    The carriage drew closer to the Ning Manor, bringing it within range for the fourth miss to lift the curtains for a look. She could glimpse the rear gardens and side alley. But bizarrely enough, there were two figures congregating around the corner door of the rear gardens.

    It was a young couple. The man was about twenty five, wearing an ordinary long robe of fine cotton. He was thin andnky, but Qin Yining couldn¡¯t make out his features because of the distance. She could only tell from his stooped bearing that he was a bit dispirited.

    The woman next to him was about twenty one years old. She wore the pale-green dress paired with a cherry-red jacket that was the uniform of the Ning Manor maids.

    The woman embraced the man as they spoke, first hugging, then kissing, then exchanging a few low words. She fished out a small cloth bundle from her embrace and hefted it before handing it over.

    The carriage was close enough by now that the couple would be rmed if it came any closer. Qin Yining had the groom stop.

    The man shoved the bundle into his clothes and kissed the woman before frantically taking off. The woman checked carefully to see if anyone was around before entering through the door.

    Qin Yining considered with narrowed eyes. ¡°Steward Zhong, can you investigate what the maid and man were doing and their rtionship?¡±

    The steward nodded. ¡°That¡¯s not hard to do. We have people here. Things will be very clear after some questions.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Then let¡¯s wait for news first. We won¡¯t be going into the manor just yet.¡±

    The carriage was thus parked in the secluded alley behind the Ning Manor while the steward set off to find his people. Thedies remained inside.

    ¡°Miss, why aren¡¯t we going in?¡± Bingtang asked lowly. ¡°The prince should be in. Are you worried that he won¡¯t agree?¡±

    ¡°Yes. If I were the prince, I wouldn¡¯t want to get embroiled in this for no reason at all, to say nothing of anything else. The court is a mess now and the prince has once led troops. The emperor is paranoid and has shown himself willing to do anything. Besides, choosing a side brashly is the greatest taboo.¡±

    Qin Yining looked down, noodling with the strand of red beans on her thin, fair wrist with her right index finger. She mused pensively. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to leave any stone unturned. I¡¯m having Steward Zhong ask around first to see if there are any ins. If there aren¡¯t, I¡¯ll just have to grit my teeth and show up at his door.¡±

    ¡°Miss, you¡¯re doing the right thing.¡± Jiyun was highly impressed. ¡°Only in trying everything will we be able to grasp all possible chances. That¡¯s how His Highness has always done things as well. No wonder he dotes on you so much. You two are so simr.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed hotly and lectured back, ¡°And what¡¯s all this? Why are we talking about him at such a serious moment?¡±

    Jiyun couldn¡¯t help further testing when she saw how red her mistress¡¯ face and ears were. ¡°That¡¯s odd, this servant didn¡¯t say anything silly. I only mentioned the prince. Or did you think of something silly, miss?¡±

    Qin Yining felt an explosion go off in her head. Her face was so red it was about to drip blood. She rolled her eyes savagely at Jiyun and looked elsewhere, refusing to say another word.

    Jiyun and Bingtang looked at each other and burst outughing.

    It would seem that the rtionship between their master and mistress hadn¡¯t been impacted by the conflict between the two nations. It was growing ever better instead.

    And that was only right. The prince cared so much for the miss. He¡¯d even remembered to prepare some beef for her in the precious amount of time they had to spend together. A man willing to cook for a woman was touching enough, not to mention that it wasn¡¯t an easy thing for even nobles in Great Zhou or Great Yan to get their hands on a hunk of beef.

    Cattle werebor. Killing cows was actually breaking thew. But the prince had managed to source a chunk of beef tendon for the miss during a famine. It was easy to see from this how much he cared for her. When even servants such as they were touched by this, how would Qin Yining not be?

 Chapter 208: Plotting (III)

    <h4>Chapter 208: Plotting (III)</h4>

    The two maids were worried that Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t get over her shyness and kept the remainder of their teasing silent.

    The fourth miss leaned against the carriage, contemting a small shoot of grass through the screened window. It was a hot day. Thankfully they were parked beneath a tree with shade offering some relief. But even so, the upants of the carriage started sweating before long and made use of velvet fans.

    Steward Zhong came back sweating heavily after two hours.

    ¡°Miss.¡± The two maids alighted when the steward climbed into the carriage, but not before they handed over water and handkerchiefs. They grabbed the groom to walk off into the distance.

    Qin Yining looked apologetically at the steward¡¯s drenched cor and hair. ¡°My apologies for having you make this trip on such a hot day.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, it wasn¡¯t anything major.¡± The steward waved his hand with a smile. ¡°Thankfully I didn¡¯t disappoint. I really did obtain some information.

    ¡°The young man is Li Wenhan. He passed the schr examinations when he was fourteen. He¡¯s twenty eight now, but his future hasn¡¯t progressed at all because of the friends he¡¯s made. He picked up the bad habit of gambling and frequently indulges in it. He owes a lot of silver. Miss, guess what hisdy gave him just now?¡±

    ¡°Thedy is his lover? Then she naturally gave him something to pay off his debts. As down on their fortunes the Ning Manor may be, slipping away the smallest thing will be more than enough for Li Wenhan to y with outside.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, miss. I found out who thedy is as well. She¡¯s a head maid for the Princess Consort of Ning. She¡¯s called Qiangwei and has known Li Wenhan for four years. They¡¯ve privately promised themselves to each other. She¡¯s the reason why the schr¡¯s been able to always pay off his debts in the nick of time in recent years.

    ¡°Since Qiangwei serves the princess consort, she has plenty of opportunities to touch jewelry that the princess consort doesn¡¯t value as much. I had someone follow the man and found out that he visited a pawn shop afterwards. I bought out the pawnbroker and learned that Li Wenhan¡¯s always pawned off things at this shop.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, her eyes deep in thought.

    The steward didn¡¯t interrupt as opted to drain a cup of chilled tea, then cooling himself down with a cattail leaf fan.

    The fourth miss waved her velvet fan absentmindedly and thought of a question a momentter.

    ¡°Do you know if any of the Ning businesses transact with any Cao businesses?¡±

    A surprised steward asked back, ¡°Why do you want to know, miss? Both parties have many businesses. We¡¯d have to take some time to carefully sort all of them out.¡±

    Qin Yining poked the red beans on her wrist and murmured, ¡°Please look into what kind of business the two families do with each other.¡±

    ¡°Miss, are you... looking for an opportunity to create some trouble with their businesses?¡± The steward asked uncertainly.

    ¡°Mm.¡± The girl nodded.

    ¡°We can¡¯t do that.¡± The steward advised earnestly. ¡°Miss, there¡¯s an unwritten rule with the businesses of the nobles that any conflicts are the results of the servants and employees. The masters don¡¯t get involved. No matter how much of a mess we create, we won¡¯t draw the prince¡¯s attention.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. ¡°That may not be entirely true. There¡¯s two things we need to do at the moment. One, have the Caos be full of themselves and suppress the prince¡¯s businesses harshly. This shouldn¡¯t be hard to aplish. Two, I¡¯ll need you to make private contact with Qiangwei.¡±

    She lowered her voice even more so and whispered a few words next to the steward¡¯s ear.

    The contents made the man go wide-eyed with incredulity. It took him a few moments to recover from his shock. ¡°Miss, is this too much of a risk? Qiangwei¡¯s served the princess consort for a very long time. The consequences would be disastrous if word of this got out!¡±

    ¡°No worries. She may want to be loyal, but she wants herself and Li to live even more so. We have tangible evidence at the pawn shop.¡±

    Well, that did seem to be the case.

    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll do as you say, miss. Just wait for my good news.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled gratefully. ¡°Many thanks for your efforts, Grand Steward.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± The steward hopped off the carriage with some excitement, eager to get started. Qin Yining called back Jiyun and Bingtang and returned to the Qin Manor.

    ......

    Ten dayster, the Ning Manor.

    The Prince of Ning looked at his ashen-faced princess consort on the bed, his brow knit with worry. ¡°My dear, are you feeling better?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, Your Highness. I feel, al... alright...¡± Sweat dotted the princess consort¡¯s forehead as she clutched her stomach, feeling her guts roil and churn once more. Her expression changed drastically. ¡°I can¡¯t, I, I need to use the washroom again!¡±

    She scrambled down the bed and her maids Qiangwei, Baiwei, and Ziwei quickly took their mistress to the washroom in the back.

    The prince was livid and he punched a bowed-legged paulownia tea table. ¡°This is ludicrous! Qiangwei,e here and tell this prince exactly what happened today!¡±

    Out in the washroom, the maid trembled all over at the summons and forced herself to calm down. She dropped to her knees in the bedroom and kowtowed. ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness.¡±

    The prince sat on a round stool and pounded the tea table again. ¡°Well? Speak!¡±

    ¡°Yes. This servant apanied Her Highness into the pce today to greet the empress as usual. The empress mentioned that she had a lovely new batch of almond tea and bestowed a cup to Her Highness. The princess consort didn¡¯t dare refuse and drank it on the spot. Her stomach started acting up on the way back...¡±

    Qiangwei¡¯s hands were mmy and the color drained from her face. Calm, I must be calm. If she failed, not only would she lose her life, but Li Wenhan would as well.

    Thankfully, the prince doubted not a thing and swiped a teapot off the table to smash it viciously on the ground. The shattering of porcin was exceedingly ear-piercing. Everyone in the house knelt fearfully and kowtowed.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness!¡±

    ¡°That empress! The Caos! How dare they think so little of me!¡± The prince exploded furiously and turned in maddened circles. ¡°It¡¯s just some small business conflicts! I haven¡¯t done anything even with that old fart climbing all over me, but that Cao bitch makes moves against my princess consort? Does he take this prince for a dead man?!¡±

    The princess consort emerged at this point, holding onto her maids for support as she walked with an arched waist and shaking legs. When Qiangwei understood that the prince had no intention of venting his anger or shifting his suspicions to her, she got up quickly to help her mistress lie down.

    The princess consort had gotten such severe diarrhea that her face was pale and she was extremely weak. It¡¯d been only four hours since she¡¯d left the pce, but she¡¯d already run to the washroom at least a dozen times. No one could take this toll on their body!

    The princess consort had always led a life of ease andfort. She¡¯d ever been healthy and never suffered sickness or ailments. She naturally found this sudden torment hard to bear. She cried piteously, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Your Highness. Don¡¯t sh with the empress because of me. This degree of suffering isn¡¯t much.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean ¡®isn¡¯t much¡¯? You¡¯re my princess consort! What does the empress think of this prince in treating you this way? What does she think of our Ning Manor?¡± The prince nted his hands on his waist in hot irritation and huffed loudly. ¡°It isn¡¯t the Caos¡¯ first time acting this way. What kind of stunning talent is Qin Meng? His manor has almost be the Caos¡¯ backyard! They barge in whenever they want to and rifle through belongings at the drop of a hat. That muddleheaded fart Cao¡¯s gotten used to having his way there and thinks I¡¯m an easy target as well! That¡¯s his greatest mistake!¡±

    The prince turned to roar at the eunuch standing at the door. ¡°Well? Where¡¯s the imperial physician?! Why isn¡¯t he here yet?!¡±

    The little eunuch trembled all over and pulled a face uglier than crying. ¡°In response to Your Highness, we¡¯ve already sent in our requests. But Grand Preceptor Cao hasn¡¯t been feeling welltely and he¡¯s requested all of the physicians on duty. We¡¯re looking for those not currently serving a shift.¡±

    Rage shot to the prince¡¯s head again when he heard this and he kicked over a chair. ¡°F*ck you Cao, your mother was a whore for donkeys!¡± 1

    The atmosphere inside was so terrifying that servants didn¡¯t even dare breath loudly. They remained kneeling and curled themselves into balls.

    The princess consort¡¯s expression changed again and she shakily tried to rise. ¡°No, no. I need to...¡±

    As he watched his wife being helped to the washroom again, the prince roared in epic tones of fury. ¡°Get a doctor if no imperial physicians are avable! Are all of you blithering idiots?! Do I need to teach you even this? Where is my heir? And the others?! Their mother is sick, don¡¯t they know toe help her?! What kind of manners are these?!?!¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, this servant will go immediately!¡± The maids and eunuchs ran around pdash in the face of their master¡¯s forbidding anger.

    The Prince of Ning had three sons and one daughter. His firstborn with the princess consort had once been given to the emperor, but had been returned after the emperor gained the crown prince. Thus, his firstborn, also Prince of Ning¡¯s heir, upied a very awkward position.

    But the heir¡¯s mother was the princess consort after all, so he too was very worried to hear that his mother was sick. He came with his wife, as well as the Prince of Ning¡¯s second and third son, including an unmarried Commandery Princess 2Jin. They took up positions by their mother¡¯s bed while the Prince of Ning sat in the outside room, glowering.

    A doctor came before long and took the princess consort¡¯s pulse, only to find that he had no idea what was going on with the patient. Terrified, he kowtowed to the prince with a face as white as a sheet. ¡°Uh, the, the princess consort has some sudden disease. This old man has never seen this before and doesn¡¯t dare write a prescription. Please have some skilled imperial physicianse take a look, Your Highness!¡±

    ¡°Sudden disease? Sudden your mother!¡± The prince almost sent the doctor flying with a kick. ¡°The princess consort was poisoned!¡±

    The doctor grew even paler, if that was possible. His beard trembled with his response. ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness. I¡¯ve never seen such a rampant poison...¡±

    I don¡¯t know how to cure this and wouldn¡¯t dare. Find someone else, Your Highness!

 Chapter 209: Allies (I)

    <h4>Chapter 209: Allies (I)</h4>

    Although the prince was a yer and his reputation of violence and enjoyingdies well engraved, he treated his wife respectfully. Her position in the household had never been in danger through all these years. Besides, she was one of his. Anyone who dared bully her meant they were looking down on him as well!

    And today, the empress had dared dose the princess consort with something? This reached the absolute limits of the prince¡¯s explosive temper. To add insult to injury, the physicians he wanted to call upon had all been summoned to the Caos!

    The princess consort made two more trips to the washroom while he berated the doctor. She too was at the end of her tether. The Prince of Ning knew that the situation couldn¡¯t continue like this. ¡°Come, prepare the carriage!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The servants didn¡¯t venture a peep before running off to prepare transportation.

    Only his heir dared offer a question. ¡°Where are you going, Your Highness?¡±

    He was the heir to the Prince of Ning¡¯s position and had once been part of the emperor¡¯s household. Thus, he could only refer to his birth father as Your Highness.

    ¡°To the Qins,¡± the Prince of Ning answered solemnly.

    This surprised his firstborn. ¡°Your Highness, you...¡±

    The prince took a look at his wife. Her pale face was tinged with an unhealthy green; she looked like she would stop breathing any second. ¡°Take care of your mother. I¡¯lle back with a doctor.¡± With that, he sped out of the manor, whipping his horse for greater speed.

    Qin Yining was cuddling Riceball as she read on a reclining seat. The fuzzy Riceball hopped around on the girl¡¯s stomach with its little paws, tickling her despite itsck of weight. The fourth miss split her attentions between reading and caressing Riceball¡¯s round body.

    Bingtang, Sonn, Jiyun, and Qiulu were sitting around the octagonal table, working on embroidery and chatting. All was peaceful and amiable inside.

    A serving girl¡¯s report sounded at this time. ¡°Fourth Miss! Fourth Miss!¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her eyes and looked out the half-opened window. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°The Prince of Ning¡¯s here. He¡¯s waiting outside the main door and is asking to see you and Miss Bingtang!¡±

    He¡¯s here! Qin Yining jumped up, sending the identally forgotten Riceball sliding to the floor, crashing onto its butt.

    The girl quickly picked the bunny up again for an inspection, handing it over to Qiulu only when she was reassured that no harm hade to it. She turned to Bingtang. ¡°Go take a look with me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Jiyun interjected.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The three exited the house to see the other girls and servants in neighboring houses also poking heads out. It was obvious that everyone had heard the serving girl just now and were all curious why the Prince of Ning was here for Qin Yining.

    The news also swiftly travelled to Qin Huaiyuan fishing at the pond.

    Qin Yining arrived at the main doors with Bingtang and Jiyun to see the prince holding a whip with a deep frown as he stood next to a chestnut horse. Many things seemed to be on his mind.

    The Qin fourth miss curtsied. ¡°Greetings to Your Highness. What might you need from this little girl?¡±

    The prince took a look at Bingtang standing to the side. ¡°I¡¯ll be frank. The princess consort isn¡¯t feeling well and I can¡¯t find an imperial physician. I¡¯m here to ask Miss Tang for help!¡±

    Surprise blossomed over Qin Yining¡¯s face and she asked with foreknowledge, ¡°How could you not be able to find an imperial physician? What¡¯s wrong with the princess consort?¡±

    This roused the prince¡¯s ire again. ¡°That piece of whore¡¯s shit Cao Bingzhong says he¡¯s sick. He¡¯s summoned all of the imperial physicians! I say he did that on purpose!¡± The prince looked at Qin Yining and whispered, ¡°The princess consort was fed something when paying her respects in the pce today. I¡¯ve had a doctor look at her and he wasn¡¯t able to do anything. I can¡¯t find any skilled imperial physicians, so... here I am for Miss Tang.¡±

    Incredulity had reced shock on Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°That Grand Preceptor Cao would... right, right. Bingtang, go grab your medicine kit. Jiyun, have servants prepare our horses. Saving a life is as urgent as putting out a fire. There¡¯s no time to arrange for a carriage, we¡¯ll make faster time on horseback.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Jiyun and Bingtang sprinted back into the manor.

    The prince was very satisfied by Qin Yining¡¯s response. Some empathy stirred in his heart when he thought of how the Qins had been harassedtely. He couldn¡¯t help but curse loudly again. ¡°Ignorant fart Cao is simply too cocky! How dare he have someone poison my princess consort and then call away all of the imperial physicians! He¡¯s looking to doom my wife to death!¡±

    ¡°But why?¡± Qin Yining asked, perplexed. ¡°What reason does Grand Preceptor Cao have to start anything with you? You¡¯re an imperial prince!¡±

    ¡°An imperial prince? That ignorant old fart doesn¡¯t think so at all! We¡¯ve had some shes over businesstely, but how dare he respond so viciously and use the empress¡¯ authority to oppress people!¡±

    The more the prince thought about it, the angrier he became. He itched to charge into the Caos with his de unsheathed. Qin Yiningpressed her lips, looking caught between a rock and a hard ce. The prince didn¡¯t expect the girl to say anything either and concentrated on sulking.

    Jiyun and Bingtang came back shortly. The three jumped onto their horses and sped off towards the Ning Manor.

    Qin Yining kept careful control over her silvery-white steed, her hovering heart finally able to settle somewhat back in ce. Her ns would¡¯ve taken a few more days toe to fruition, needing totch onto a Cao-initiated mistake before being put into motion. Then she would¡¯ve used the princess consort¡¯s matter to incite trouble between the prince and the Caos, bring the grand preceptor a dual-pronged blow.

    But to think that Grand Preceptor Cao had fallen ill and summoned all of the on-duty imperial physicians to his manor!

    She¡¯d given orders for the steward to pay close attention any Cao happenings during this period of time and had moved the n up when she heard that the grand preceptor was sick. She had Qiangwei put thexative into the almond tea bestowed by the trampress. And even had the prince been able to find a physician today, thatxative was a Bingtang special. No one would be able to cure it because it needed to bebined with the exclusive Tang acupuncture method. The prince would have toe to them in the end, after all was said and done.

    When this was set in motion, the first cogs of her n would started turning. She didn¡¯t want to beg for help on her knees, but instead have the Prince of Ning choose a side himself. She would use this to drive a wedge between the Caos and the prince so that he would woulde to Bingtang himself.

    Perhaps this was too despicable of her. She did feel some guilt as well. But the circumstances couldn¡¯t be helped and she could only have the princess consort suffer a little for now. Thankfully it was just axative and wouldn¡¯t put the consort¡¯s life in any danger.

    At the Ning Manor, Qin Yining naturally followed behind the prince with Jiyun and Bingtang to the bedrooms. The princess consort had almost fainted from her diarrhea.

    The Qin fourth miss made a curtsey in front of the bed and shifted to the side, taking her ce with the prince¡¯s sons, daughter-inw, and daughter. Bingtang took quick steps forward, put down the medicine kit, and took the princess¡¯ pulse.

    The Prince of Ning¡¯s daughter-inw was a beautiful woman twenty some years old. She was quite curious about the neers and had no idea who her father-inw might¡¯ve brought back, especially as someone who looked to be a teenager was looking after the princess consort.

    The Commandery Princess had once met Qin Yining. She asked curiously upon seeing Bingtang, ¡°Does Miss Qin¡¯s maid know some medicine?¡± Her words enlightened everyone present.

    ¡°Miss Tang inherits her father¡¯s skills and is very talented,¡± the Qin fourth miss responded softly.

    Everyone knew who Bingtang was after hearing ¡®Miss Tang¡¯. All of the aristocracy had heard of how Qin Yining had taken in Imperial Physician Tang¡¯s orphan. They quieted and looked at the Tang daughter expectantly.

    Bingtang carefully took the patient¡¯s pulse and checked the princess consort¡¯splexion and tongue. She brought out her needles and adroitly ced a few in her patient.

    The prince felt free to speak when Bingtang started administering acupuncture. ¡°Niece Meng, can you tell what the princess consort¡¯s been poisoned with?¡±

    Bingtang nodded. ¡°Your Highness, the princess consort hasn¡¯t really been poisoned. It¡¯s just a modified pcexative. Although it doesn¡¯t put anyone¡¯s life in danger, it¡¯s enough to make one feel ufortable for many days. It¡¯s not incurable. I¡¯ll write out a prescription to be taken along with my acupuncture treatment. She¡¯ll be fine in no time.¡±

    The prince heaved a long sigh of relief. The princess consort already felt her stomach stop hurting after the needles, and the urge to run for the washroom wasn¡¯t as great as before. Coloring back into her face, she smiled gratefully at the little girl treating her.

    Some guilt attacked Bingtang since she¡¯d been the one to mix up thexative. She smiled docilely back and left the bed to give orders on what type of prescription should be brewed. But who knew that the manor¡¯s butler woulde striding in at this time with an urgent report?

    ¡°Your Highness, the empress has heard of the princess consort not feeling well and is here to inquire after her health. The phoenix pnquin has already entered the manor!¡±

    ¡°The venomous bitch! How dare shee after hurting my wife!¡± The prince snorted coldly through gnashed teeth.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining reached out for the back of a round chair, the color drained from her face. The sudden appearance of the empress had startled her. Her actions reminded the group that there was a long-standing grudge between the Qin fourth miss and the empress. The fates of two imperial concubines who¡¯d been cooked and eaten had originally been meant for Miss Qin!

    Pity grew in their hearts when they saw such a charming little girl frightened out of her wits. Princess Jin pulled on Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Miss Qin, are you alright?¡±

    Qin Yining shook an ashen face. ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m fine. Maybe I¡¯m getting some heatstroke from the hot day. Should I go inside and rest momentarily?¡±

    She looked questioningly at the prince. If she stayed and let the empress see that she was in contact with the prince, it would only deepen the ill will between the two parties. But although the prince was ascivious jerk, he wasn¡¯t an idiot. He may not be thinking clearly due to his current anger, but once he calmed down, he would quickly realize that she had the chance to avoid the empress today, but had elected to stay instead.

    Therefore, she turned the decision over to the prince.

 Chapter 210: Allies (II)

    <h4>Chapter 210: Allies (II)</h4>

    The prince thought for a moment. ¡°Jin, help Miss Qin to your room for some rest. You two girls can also use this time to catch-up.¡± He was implicitly giving permission for a deeper friendship to form between the two girls.

    ¡°I just so wanted to chat with elder sister Qin.¡± Weichi Jin took Qin Yining¡¯s arm with a smile. ¡°You got heatstroke because you rushed here to save my mother. I don¡¯t know how to ever thank you.¡±

    ¡°The elder princess shouldn¡¯t be so polite.¡± Qin Yining smiled and returned a pleasant courtesy.

    As neither of them knew the other¡¯s age, both orded the other the more respectful title of older sister. The two walked out together, Jiyun bringing up the rear along with the princess¡¯ maids and mama.

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± said the prince¡¯s heir. ¡°We should go out and wee the empress. It wouldn¡¯t do to have her wait long.¡±

    The Prince of Ning knew that his firstborn was right, but in his current enraged state, he itched to slice and dice the trampress. Who wanted to wee that bitch?!

    ¡°She harmed my princess consort and wants me to dance attendance upon her?!¡±

    Commandery Princess Jin had just helped Qin Yining down some steps when they were met headlong with a bewitching figure dressed in red, surrounded by a crowd of attendees. Who was it if not the empress??

    But this development made Qin Yining breath a sigh of relief. This wasn¡¯t a result of her refusing to go, it was the trampress barging in to where she shouldn¡¯t be. If the prince wanted to me someone for this coincidental meeting, it would be the fault of the empress¡¯ arrogance in treating the Ning Manor like her own residence.

    Themandery princess¡¯ expression clouded upon seeing the empress. She surreptitiously let go of the Qin fourth miss¡¯ hand and walked up to curtsey. ¡°Greetings and good health to Your Majesty.¡±

    Qin Yining seemed to have frozen with fright, dropping to her knees a beatter. ¡°This subject greets Your Majesty.¡±

    The crimson red pleats of the empress¡¯ skirt swayed with her sashay, a golden dangle at the end of her peony hairpin moving in time as well. It made her appear noble, elegant, stunning, and opulent.

    She cast a sidelong nce at Qin Yining and Jin on the ground, sayingzily, ¡°Hmm? I didn¡¯t know that Qin misses had friends in so many ces. You¡¯re best friends with Commandery Princess Jin? How did I never know of this close friendship before?¡±

    The princess had her head lowered as her hand balled into a tight fist beneath her embroidered handkerchief. Her mother had been plotted against and this prancing, haughty personage was the culprit! How could she not hate the empress?

    As mature and steady the princess usually was, she couldn¡¯t hold her tongue at this time. She retorted coldly, ¡°Your Majesty is overworked and overburdened with managing the imperial harem. How would you possibly know everything? If you did, you¡¯d be one of the gods!¡±

    And don¡¯t think you¡¯re actually that omnipotent, or you¡¯ll soon depart from this world!

    The empress snorted dismissively. ¡°The princess has gotten quite a sharp tongue after a few days. It looks like birds of a feather flock together. Be careful of being used when you befriend the young fox from an old fox¡¯s den!¡±

    Jin shook her anger while Qin Yining kept her head down. She was wondering whether to speak up when she heard the Prince of Ning¡¯s voice. ¡°This prince thinks both the old fox and young fox are cute things. They¡¯re much better than a thousand-year-old vixen that will be the downfall of the nation!¡±

    The prince had brought his sons out to the covered hallway and made their greetings to the empress. Though they observed all the pleasantries, anyone could tell that the line of ¡®thousand-year-old vixen¡¯ was aimed at the empress!

    Legends spoke of how King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty had brought about his dynasty¡¯s downfall because of hissciviousness. 1 He¡¯d angered the mother goddess Nuwa by making lustfulments about her beauty, who¡¯d in turn sent the thousand-year-old vixen spirit to the mortal world to tempt the king and bring utter disaster to his nation.

    The current situation of Great Yan actually bore several simrities to this myth.

    The emperor had bumped into the traveling empress when travelling to pray to the Doumu goddess at the Celestial Nunnery. He¡¯d been so taken with the stunning empress that he¡¯d immediately added her to the imperial harem, bestowing upon her favor that he showed no one else. They didn¡¯t conceal the fact that they¡¯d cemented their love before the goddess, and it was quite a love story for a time.

    But after that, the emperor grew increasingly tyrannical and ipetent. He did everything the empress wanted and oppressed loyal, wise subjects on her behalf. The empress was ruthless and cruel beyond imagination, making her ovep almostpletely with Daji, the malevolent fox spirit that¡¯d captivated King Zhou.

    Rumors like these were rife in the streets, but very few actually made it into the empress¡¯ ears. The Prince of Ning was exceedingly bold to speak of it before her.

    The empress went white in her anger and responded frostily, ¡°It looks like this seat shouldn¡¯t havee today? I heard that the princess consort suffers ill health in her old age and took sick after merely visiting the pce. I thought that since we¡¯re all a family, I would make some time and look in on her. But is this how the Ning Manor treats this seat?!¡±

    ¡°No need for Your Majesty¡¯s concern.¡± How was this gloriously unting empress here to look after a sick person? She was here to admire her handiwork, and wasn¡¯t she mocking that the Prince of Ning was also old by mentioning his wife¡¯s age?

    He certainly wasn¡¯t the type to take this lying down. ¡°Time treats no one kindly. Who can always remain young? You too are growing old, Your Majesty. You should take care of your body and mental health so that my royal brother will continue to favor you. Don¡¯t stretch your hand out too far, or it might cut off!¡±

    ¡°How dare you!¡± The empress widened her beautiful eyes in anger and red viciously at the imperial prince.

    The prince didn¡¯t back down a single iota. He didn¡¯t invite her to take a seat and his attitude didn¡¯t soften at all.

    Self-pity and frustration welled up in the empress; tears almost fell. When she¡¯d seen Qin Yining through the back door, she¡¯d suspected that the Prince of Ning was in cahoots with the Qins. The prince¡¯s untoward behavior towards her andpleteck of respect further cemented these thoughts.

    But what enraged her the most was thatbel of ¡®thousand-year-old vixen¡¯.

    She¡¯d met the Soothsayer by chance when the nun hadn¡¯t known her identity. The Soothsayer had read her fortunes anyway and said she was a ¡®fairy descended into the mortal world, the treasured pearl of the dragons¡¯. The empress was destined for a life of fortune and wealth, a regal aura of nobility around her, tomand the world with a hand, and magnificence beyond belief.

    The empress had felt some skepticism at first, but to think that all of the predictions hade true!

    But as time went on, jarring notes began to strike at the empress. Why is my life ying out like Daji¡¯s? She still treated the Soothsayer with utmost respect. Perhaps it was just a coincidence. After all, her fortunes had all been good.

    So, it wasn¡¯t just her thinking that she resembled a nation-destroying fox spirit? Even a crude buffoon like the Prince of Ning was throwing it in her face!

    ¡°So this is how the prince treats this seat! Disrespect to me is disrespect to the emperor! Do you want to mutiny?!¡±

    ¡°The empress is the empress alright. Women should just keep to household affairs. How much face do you have to represent my royal brother? Who the hell do you think you are!?¡±

    ¡°You, you crude, base buffoon!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the first day that I¡¯ve been crude or base! I didn¡¯t invite you here to look at me! Your Majestyes to strut and prance around, crowing about how splendid you are. Do you take me, Weichi Jinming, to be just anyone¡¯s punching bag?! Why don¡¯t we bring this up to my royal brother? I¡¯d like to see who he defends, you or his blood brother!¡±

    Angry tears spun in the empress¡¯ eyes, but she didn¡¯t continue her tirade. Because of her years with the emperor, she knew that the imperial majesty had a very good rtionship with the Prince of Ning. She might not actually seed if she brought any tales of woe or abuse to the emperor.

    Plus, her own family was at a critical juncture. It wasn¡¯t the right moment to create more trouble.

    The empress grit her teeth and ultimately left with a flurry of her sleeves. I¡¯ll take care of him one day!

    The prince¡¯s heir asked worriedly after the empress stomped off, ¡°Your Highness, this might not have been the right thing to do. The empress has the emperor¡¯s ear. What if this results in all-out hostility?¡±

    ¡°F*ck this motherf*cking piece of shit! Am I afraid of that bitch?! She¡¯s climbing to the top of my head, am I supposed to just take it?!¡± 2

    The Prince of Ning had his roots in the army, so his voice boomed like a bell when he raised it in admonishment. He didn¡¯t care at all whether the empress could still hear him. He raised a foot and kicked a vase holding kumquats, spilling flowers and dirt everywhere after a loud ng.

    Qin Yining and Jin helped each other up while Jiyun carefully took a position behind Qin Yining.

    The Qin fourth miss thought for a moment. ¡°Your Highness, I think I should take my leave first. Bingtang can stay behind to tend to the princess consort. I wille pay my respects when Her Highness is better.¡±

    The prince nodded. ¡°Many thanks for your troubles today. Servants, show Miss Qin out.¡±

    ¡°Oh I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Qin Yining left with Jiyun after a round of pleasantries.

    As he looked at the departing Qin fourth miss, the prince¡¯s heir whispered, ¡°Your Highness, do you think something may be off about what happened today? The Qins have been at odds with the Caos for quite a while. This was quite a coincidence...¡±

    The prince nced at his son and slightly narrowed his eyes at the girl¡¯s form. ¡°If this really is a plot, I wonder if it¡¯s the old fox¡¯s or the young one¡¯s.¡±

    Qin Yining and Jiyun immediately climbed on their horses and hightailed it home after departing Ning Manor. At the same time, a servant came back in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the Marquis of Anping requests an audience.¡±

    The Prince of Ning raised an eyebrow with interest. ¡°What a coincidence. The fatheres when the daughter has just left. Was this nned? Well? Show him in already!¡±

    I met up with WW trantor Legion yesterday and we took a picture together, wishing everyone a Happy Halloween!

 Chapter 211: Wise Pan An

    <h4>Chapter 211: Wise Pan An</h4>

    The prince waved a hand to his son, indicating a dismissal. The prince walked down the red-painted stairs in front of the house and asked the butler, ¡°How many know he¡¯s here?¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Highness, the marquis disguised himself somewhat and came in the side door. No one saw him. Only you, your eldest son, and I know. If someone saw the marquis, they wouldn¡¯t recognize him. I¡¯ve put him up in your small outer study. He¡¯s taking some tea right now.¡±

    ¡°Well done.¡± The prince and butler disappeared around a corner.

    The Ning heir understood then that this was something he wasn¡¯t to interfere in. He just needed to keep his mouth shut.

    Qin Huaiyuan had never been particrly close to the Prince of Ning; they¡¯d both concentrated on their own careers. It was the first time that the marquis had paid a visit to the prince.

    When the prince arrived at the small study, Qin Huaiyuan was sitting properly in a round chair and half a pot of tea in. He rose to bow upon seeing the prince. ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°As you were.¡± The prince swept his gaze around and noted an borate gift box on the table as well as a pot of resplendent coral the height of a child on the ground. He casually opened the box; it was a book from the hand of Yan Zhenqing! 1

    Works from the master himself were priceless, so how could Qin Huaiyuan be willing to let it go??

    A ball of anger rose in the prince¡¯s heart and he looked sideways at Qin Huaiyuan with derision. The imperial prince took the head seat and remarked coolly, ¡°The Marquis of Anping¡¯s items are much too precious.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan knew that he was being looked down on, but wasn¡¯t irritated by it. He smiled gently in response. ¡°How does the rare book look to you? Is the coral dazzling enough?¡±

    Derision deepened in the prince¡¯s heart. The marquis is here with such a valuable present to smooth things over for his daughter! He doesn¡¯t want anything to do with me and wants to offend the empress even less!

    Is he a man at all??

    The Caos are almost stripping the pants off him, but this cowardly turd doesn¡¯t dare resist!

    In an official capacity, the Caos were a blight on the nation. In a personal capacity, Grand Preceptor Cao was persecuting the Qins and the trampress had even wanted to eat their daughter.

    But the Marquis of Anping could endure this great grudge and had evene cap in hand to draw the lines between him and the prince!

    The fire in the prince¡¯s heart ignited with a fury, as if hot oil had been poured onto it. He mmed a a hand on the table and shot to his feet, yelling, ¡°The Marquis of Anping is a pir of the court. This prince had always thought you were a heroic character! But to think you¡¯re this cowardly, to fawn over power in a bid for survival! The Caos are no good and they have you underfoot! But you still want try and coexist peacefully with them!? What, are you worried that I¡¯ll drag you down? Just having your daughter¡¯s maid treat my wife is enough to scare you witless? Qin Meng, are you a man!? You¡¯re a lily-livered nothing!¡±

    The prince had nursed a day of bad temper. It finally boiled over when he saw two such precious gifts and Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s smiling, genteel demeanor despite the insults. The Prince of Ning thoroughlyid into the marquis, stabbing a finger at the other man¡¯s nose for a good round of denouncement. He made aplete series of greetings to the Qin female rtions and Qin ancestors. He just about ordered servants to throw the marquis out.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan remained elegantly seated on the round chair, watching the prince rant and rampage like a volcano from hell. The marquis seemed be observing an impulsive child instead. He even handed over a cup of tea when the prince paused for a water break.

    The Prince of Ning wanted to smash the teacup onto the ground.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled cidly.

    The prince felt that he¡¯d punched cotton. Why the hell did I run into this damnable fellow!

    The marquis spoke gently. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, Your Highness. Take a break and listen to me too. These two gifts aren¡¯t for you.¡±

    This time, the teacup really almost did flying thanks to a sudden tremor through the prince¡¯s hand. He blushed furiously and asked awkwardly, ¡°Not for me? Aren¡¯t you here to smooth things over for your daughter?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood, Your Highness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan flipped the pages of the precious book. ¡°Do you know what Grand Preceptor Cao likes?¡±

    ¡°The old fellow likes calligraphy. His penmanship isn¡¯t bad either,¡± the prince murmured.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The marquis smiled. ¡°These two presents are right up his alley. I¡¯ve brought them so you can go apologize to the grand preceptor.¡±

    These words made irritation re anew in the prince. But he¡¯d learned his lesson and didn¡¯t explode into another diatribe. ¡°What does the Marquis of Anping intend?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness also knows that our 350,000 strong army consisting of the Three Circuits, Division of the Five Armies, Division of the Three Thousand, Firearms Division, and the Metropolitan are without a leader. Themander-in-chief seal rests on the table. Pang Zhixi¡¯s 100,000 Valiant Tigers upy Xihua and have their sights set on the capital. All of these troops naturally need someone to direct them in defending the capital. But the emperor continues to drag his feet on who should wield the seal.¡±

    A princely snort sounded. ¡°My royal brother hopes to get help from the Tatars.¡±

    ¡°The issue is that we can¡¯t look to the Tatars for help. ording to what I know, the Tatar princess supports her younger brother as the new khan. She and her consort are joint regents for now. The old Tatar officials refuse to ept this, and supporters of the new khan refuse to ept her rule as well. Their country is a chaotic mess at the moment. It¡¯s impossible for them to send any troops. Besides, they¡¯re very far away. What use are their troops? The emperor will understand this sooner orter.¡±

    The prince nodded when he saw that Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s Tatar intelligence matched his.

    The marquis continued. ¡°The emperor is slow to decide a newmander-in-chief because he¡¯s in a difficult position. Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s position has been restored, and although he¡¯s failing with the Tatars, there¡¯s no need to rebuke him for that. The grand preceptor has be involved with many affairs of state again after his reinstatement, so the emperor would never give himmand over the military on top of that.¡±

    ¡°And the emperor doesn¡¯t trust you now either,¡± the prince added.

    ¡°Indeed, so he won¡¯t give the seal to me. The emperor has to choose someone he can control, but with enough authority to lead 350,000 men. But we also need to keep in mind that while the grand preceptor himself isn¡¯t a candidate, he has veto power. If he thoroughly opposes whoever the emperor chooses, the emperor will have no choice but to concede...¡±

    The prince understood the remainder without needing things to be spelled out.

    ¡°So you want me to curry favor with the grand preceptor?¡±

    ¡°Not precisely. Stratagems can be devious. You¡¯re a hero of the battlefields, Your Highness, so you don¡¯t need me to say much. A real man can adapt to the circumstances. This is just giving him a present, making an apology, indicating some goodwill so that the grand preceptor rxes his guard against you. This will make him feel that you¡¯re someone who can be controlled. When that happens, the seal of themander-in-chief wille into your hands.¡±

    The marquis rose and made a grand bow to the prince, continuing solemnly. ¡°Your Highness, how can one speak of home when the nation is in peril? You¡¯re the only one in our entire nation who can lead our troops in effectivebat against Pang Zhixi. If the seal falls into the hands of those idiots around Grand Preceptor Cao, then that really will be our doomsday. Thus, out of both personal and public consideration, I ask that Your Highness take action.¡±

    The prince¡¯s earlier misconceptions of the marquis vanished when he saw Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s sincere expression. How was this a cowardly turd? This was a real man! His wless n made him worthy of the moniker Wise Pan An alright!

    When he thought of how he¡¯d pointed angrily at the marquis¡¯ nose earlier and verbally yed all of the Qin n, the prince¡¯s face burned ever hotter. He coughed delicately, rising to return the bow. ¡°This prince was brash and impulsive earlier. Please don¡¯t take it to heart, Marquis of Anping.¡±

    ¡°I can understand your anger, Your Highness. I would be the same.¡± Qin Huaiyuan offered a gentle smile.

    The prince was reassured to see that Qin Huaiyuan really hadn¡¯t minded the verbal abuse. He carefully put away the book and nodded. ¡°Alright, I see what you mean. Except, I still have a question for you.¡±

    ¡°Please go ahead, Your Highness.¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised a quizzical eyebrow.

    ¡°Are the matters of today a result of a plot by you and your daughter?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan burst outughing and waved a hand. ¡°You think too much, Your Highness. I had the spontaneous thought to visit with these things when I heard that you¡¯d requested Miss Tang¡¯s presence and that the princess consort had been plotted against.¡±

    The prince nodded, not inquiring further. Whether everything today had been a plot or not no longer mattered. There was hope shining in front of him. He didn¡¯t need to remain idle anymore if he controlled the army. He¡¯d be able to do more, to do something for his country.

    *bursts outughing* All of these chapters have been so fun to trante. Which was your favorite insult so far? Hollerrrr in thements if you like ROS!

 Chapter 212: Bloodshed (I)

    <h4>Chapter 212: Bloodshed (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know that her father had paid a visit to Ning Manor, and neither did Qin Huaiyuan inquire what his daughter had done outside. Bingtang remained at Ning Manor to look after the princess consort, leaving Qin Yining to pass the days peacefully with Jiyun, Sonn, and Qiulu.

    Things looked calm on the surface, but the fourth miss felt that this was the calm before the storm. Her heart was stuck in her throat, not knowing what would happen to the Caos, if they would continue persecution of the Qins, and if the conflict between the Prince of Ning and the Caos was enough to have the prince extend a helping hand.

    She¡¯d done all that she could. The rest was up to fate.

    But that night, when she heard Steward Zhong¡¯s men report that the prince had gone to apologize and offer gifts to the Caos, her heart chilled.

    It looked like the prince was another one afraid of imperial authority and the Caos. True, it wasn¡¯t good timing to sh with the Caos. The imperial prince was actually showing that he could bend and extend with the times.

    But what about her family?

    Qin Yining was so worried that night that she couldn¡¯t sleep. Sheid awake inside mosquitoting and waved her velvet fan listlessly. Perhaps due to her anxiety, or maybe the muggy summer nights, but she felt like a t cake being flipped over and over again in a pan. It wasn¡¯t until the hour of the rat that she finally felt a bit sleepy.

    Just as she was drifting off, the ng of gongs suddenly sounded outside. Her eyes popped open.

    ¡°Fire! Fire!¡±

    The fourth miss¡¯ heart skipped a beat and she quickly put her shoes on, heading for the balcony outside the loft. All of the girls and servants inside the Venerable Study Hall were awake as well, clustering on balconies and around windows.

    A sea of fire had engulfed the houses in the direction of the Garden of Tranquility.

    ¡°Fourth sister, what¡¯s, what¡¯s going on? No one lives in those residences anymore, so how could they have caught on fire?¡± The eighth miss pulled incredulously on Qin Yining¡¯s hand.

    She too found it odd. In these tense times, she¡¯d arranged night patrols in the empty residences to prevent something like this. It was veryte, so perhaps the granny servant on watch had dozed off?

    Qin Yining returned to her room to dress properly. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going with you.¡± Jiyun dressed as well. The fourth miss nodded and gave orders for Qiulu and Sonn to look after the residence.

    The other girls weren¡¯t in charge of the household, so they were just curious about the fire and didn¡¯t pay much heed to it. They smiled to see Qin Yininge downstairs and reminded her to be careful.

    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal, everyone go back and rest. Be careful of bugs and mosquitoes outside.¡± She smiled in response.

    The eldest third miss had married and the fourth eldest was normally in charge of inner residence matters. All of the younger girls respected her immensely and went back to their rooms to rest.

    But when Qin Yining and Jiyun reached the yard, a shriek abruptly broke through the air.

    ¡°Ah¡ª-¡°

    ¡°Jiyun, did you hear that?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s hand grew mmy.

    ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡± Jiyun¡¯s expression was serious. ¡°Miss, why don¡¯t we...¡±

    Another shriek sounded before she finished speaking. It sounded much closer this time and was swiftly followed by the ng of weaponry.

    Qin Yining grabbed the guard¡¯s hand. ¡°It¡¯s probably enemies!¡±

    The girls in their rooms also heard themotion and came downstairs with jackets on. Some of the bolder mamas stood at the yard¡¯s entrance, guarding the door with wooden clubs.

    ¡°Robbers have entered the manor, close your doors and windows!¡± came a shout from outside.

    ¡°Who are you! How dare you barge into the Qin Manor!¡± was another yell.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already notified the authorities, men from the Warden¡¯s Offices of the Five Wards will be here soon!¡±

    Only the Qin guards were roaring and shouting; the enemy didn¡¯t make a peep. Sounds of metal shing and their guards¡¯ voices filled the air, asionally punctuated by the cry of a serving girl or granny servant. The mor was just outside doors to Venerable Study Hall.

    ¡°Miss, what should we do??¡± Sonn and Qiulu¡¯s faces were ashen with fright.

    The other misses were equally terrified and huddled together for safety. Qin Yining was a bit too stunned to react.

    Who was attacking their manor?

    The Caos? Or other enemies of her father?

    The fires set in the inner residence must be the handiwork of these robbers. They¡¯d just picked some random targets to burn down. Judging from the sounds outside, were they here to wipe them all out??

    Amidst the chaotic mess of fire glow, ghastly screams, and sounds of fighting, someone crashed into the doors of the residence, startling a collective gasp from the females inside.

    ¡°Mommy!¡± The eighth miss wailed.

    The sixth miss pped a hand over her sister¡¯s mouth. ¡°Shush!¡±

    A rough voice sounded crudely from the other side. ¡°The wenches are all in here!¡±

    Loud collisions sounded against the door, scaring the two granny servants with clubs so much that they backed up.

    ¡°Everyone stay quiet,¡± Qin Yining hissed, ¡°and run!¡±

    The doors crashed to the ground right after she spoke. Masked attackers wielding des charged in. They slew the two granny servants closest to the door with one thrust each, spraying blood everywhere.

    Qin Yining¡¯s pupils contracted violently and she sprinted away, dragging the closest eighth miss away with her. They really are here to wipe us out!

    Jiyun, Qiulu, and Sonn followed close behind. The sixth and seventh miss bolted frantically with Qin Huining.

    But there were too many robbers. Even with some guards hastily rushing in to protect the Qins, a few of the attackers still broke through.

    The servings girls and maids were better off. They had a decent amount of daily exercise and their feet weren¡¯t bound. But that wasn¡¯t the case for the Qin misses!

    Loyal maids protected their mistresses by keeping to the rear. They ate a sh whenever a robber caught up. Several serving girls and granny servants fell in quick session.

    Seeing this, Jiyun unfurled the soft sword wrapped around her waist and grabbed Qin Yining. She ignored everyone else and sprinted for the back of Venerable Study Hall.

    ¡°Jiyun!¡±

    ¡°Miss, I can¡¯t fight that many!¡± There were too many! She only had two hands and orders from the prince to protect the Qin fourth miss. She had to harden her heart and leave everyone else.

    Qin Yining ran a little faster with Jiyun dragging her along. She turned back as she ran, her other hand was still holding onto the eighth miss.

    She saw the seventh miss, trailing at the rear, take a de to her stomach. Cold brilliance reflected fiery sparks into the girl¡¯s eyes when the sword was pulled back out.

    She saw Qin Huining, about to be overtaken, push out the sister running in front of her ¡ª the sixth miss.

    The sword¡¯s edge arced across the sixth miss¡¯ neck, sending up a spray of blood several feet tall.

    Tears blinded Qin Yining. She thought she¡¯d shrieked loudly in horror, but only a soft grunt came out of her mouth. Everything was happening too quickly, making her feel like she was moving in a nightmare.

    zing light filled the skies while corpses littered the ground. The yard had turned into Shura¡¯s hell. Perhaps ughtering a group of women and children was too easy? The robbers started guffawing as they chased and killed.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t one of you the Qin fourth miss? Has the Great Yan capital been destroyed yet? Why is your home ruined first?¡±

    ¡°Hand over the fourth miss and I¡¯ll give you all a quick death!¡±

    Qin Yining widened her eyes. They were here for her? Anyone who was here because of that rumor would be someone from Great Zhou!

    Qin Huining was about to be run down again and frantically pointed at the fourth miss when she heard this. ¡°That¡¯s the fourth miss!¡±

    Her words had the desired effect. The assassins skipped past Qin Huining and Qiulu, making a beeline straight for Qin Yining.

    Jiyun grit her teeth and shoved the miss behind her, brandishing her soft sword to stop the people charging at her. ¡°Go, miss!¡±

    With the guard holding off the attackers, Qin Yining backed up, hating her own ipetency with every step she took. She had no other choice but to run!

    There were too many assassins. One of them circled past Jiyun in the blink of an eye and brought his sword down on the Qin fourth miss.

    Qin Yining gasped and turned sideways, but she was too slow. Heat seared her right shoulder and blood spurted out as she pitched forward.

    Next to her, the eighth miss and Sonn cried out in horror. The maid grit her teeth and pounced forward, holding tightly onto Qin Yining and protecting her mistress with her own body.

    The assassin followed up with another stroke and the de bit deeply into Sonn¡¯s back.

    ¡°Sonn!¡± Qin Yining finally sobbed when she felt the weight on her body and the warmth of fresh blood.

    The assassin yanked his weapon out, ignoring the blood that sprayed onto his face and kicked Sonn aside, raising his sword for another strike.

    Jiyun has rushed over by this point, but she was a beat too slow. She could only scream with panicked dread, ¡°Miss!¡±

    A dirk shot into the assassin¡¯s arm in the nick of time, making him drop the sword. Qin Yining took advantage of this to roll to the side and rose to see five silver-masked figures dressed in ck descend from the sky, stoutly standing in front of the survivors.

    It¡¯s the Silver Masks!

    The five were obviously highly skilled and blocked off the oing eight robbers. One of the Silver Masks called out, ¡°Men from the Warden¡¯s Office will be here shortly! Protect the miss!¡±

    One of them came forward and hauled up Qin Yining, who was still clutching Sonn. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Jiyun brought up the rear, fighting off more assants as they left. The remaining eighth miss, Qin Huining, and Qiulu were hot on their heels.

    Did you catch the character sketches of Pang Xiao on my IG?

 Chapter 213: Bloodshed (II)

    <h4>Chapter 213: Bloodshed (II)</h4>

    The Silver Masks were highly trained and immensely proficient. Four of them held off the assassins while the remaining one covered Qin Yining andpany¡¯s retreat throughout he back door. They took the small path of the rear garden to where fewer people were.

    Qin Yining¡¯s right shoulder was on fire and blood trickled down with every movement, dying half a sleeve a bright crimson red. ck spots appeared in her vision. She undid the handkerchief around her waist as they ran, wrapping it firmly around her shoulder as Jiyun fumbled it into a tight knot.

    They met other Silver Masks escorting the old dowager and other family members before long.

    Qin Huaiyuan and the third elder master were nking a disheveled old dowager, Qin-mama stumbling closely behind them.

    N¨¦e Sun was right behind them, fifth master Qin Xian in one hand and Jin-mama in the other.

    Qin Han was holding six-year-old tenth master Qin Rong and gripping his wife n¨¦e Meng with his other hand.

    Senior master Qin Yu was carrying a bloody eleventh master Qin Zong while the second elder master supported the second madame, equally covered in blood. Several concubines, serving girls, maids, and granny servants followed. Guards and Silver Masks brought up the rear.

    But where was the third madame? And cousin Qin Yu¡¯s wife? And ninth master Qin Xuan, only eleven years old?!

    Qin Yining¡¯s mind buzzed loudly and the scene went dark before her eyes. If it weren¡¯t for Jiyun holding her up strongly, she would¡¯ve tipped over onto the ground.

    ¡°Miss!¡±

    ¡°Darling Yi, are you alright?¡± Qin Huaiyuan rushed up and grabbed his daughter, keeping her on her feet. Color drained from the marquis¡¯ face when he saw the girl half drenched in blood. ¡°Where are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Qin Yining buried her face weakly into her father¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°Where are my sixth and seventh granddaughter!¡± The old dowager shrilled urgently.

    Frantically circling the crowd, the eighth miss wasn¡¯t able to find the third madame or her birth mother either. She bawled, ¡°Where¡¯s my mother? And my auntie?¡± 1

    Eleventh master Qin Zong and the eighth miss were both born of Concubine Ge. The boy burst out in loud sobs, ¡°Auntie!¡± The six year old boy would never forget the sight of his birth mother meeting a de head-on in order to shield him.

    The third elder master also broke down at the grisly memory of his wife holding their son, both pierced through with the same sword.

    The scene was beyond chaotic. It was at times like these that everyone realized how horrifyingly close death was to them. The merest blink of the eye had been enough to part family members forever.

    The assassins still continued their fierce offensive. Under the protection of the Silver Masks, the remaining Qins kept retreating. Men from the Warden¡¯s Offices of the Five Wards should be here soon since they¡¯d received word.

    However, a Silver Mask hacked his way through to report to Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°The outskirts of the pce are on fire and they¡¯ve been attacked by assassins as well. Our leader and the Warden¡¯s Office are guarding the imperial harem and can¡¯te. Our leader wants milord to take shelter!¡±

    The others might not know who the Silver Masks¡¯ leader was, but Qin Yining did. No wonder she hadn¡¯t seen Cao Yuqing in the crowd! Something had happened at the pce as well. The fourth miss¡¯ heart had settled down not long ago, but it leapt back to her throat upon hearing this.

    The Warden¡¯s Office had no men to spare for the Qins, but there were still three dozen highly skilled assassins left. Only ten Silver Masks and a few surviving guards were on their side; they wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand the assassins in a prolonged battle.

    Their people constantly fought losing skirmishes to just barely protect the enormous Qin family. Many residences were on fire, blocking off paths they would¡¯ve taken. With pursuers to their rear and zing mes staring them down, the harried family soon had nowhere to go.

    The old dowager wailed with despair. ¡°The heavens want to end us Qins, they want to end us!¡±

    The second madame leaned on the second elder master, also shedding tears of hopelessness. At this moment, someone asked quietly in the crowd, ¡°Didn¡¯t the assassins want us to hand over someone just now?¡±

    A singr cast stone could cause countless ripples. Another voice sounded amidst the miasma of traumatizing distress. ¡°I heard it too! They wanted the fourth miss!¡±

    Everyone¡¯s gaze instantly converged on Qin Yining, barely holding onto consciousness in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s arms. The old dowager looked at her son¡¯s back, her lips quivering without a sound. A variety of thoughts arose in this delicate instant.

    ¡°They want you! Why didn¡¯t you die instead of your sisters!?¡± The trembling, raspy voice belonged to Concubine Lin of the second branch. She was the sixth and seventh miss¡¯ birth mother and had almost lost her mind earlier when she hadn¡¯t seen her twins. This revtion gave an outlet for all of her fury. ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough that you¡¯ve brought all this down on us?! Do you want the be the death of the entire family??¡±

    ¡°Shut up, n¨¦e Lin!¡± The second elder mastermanded.

    ¡°Why must I shut up!? It¡¯s all because of Qin Yining! It¡¯s all the main branch¡¯s fault! All of you caused the death of so many and killed my Shuang¡¯er and An¡¯er!¡± Concubine Lin seemed to have gone insane and dashed forward to push Qin Yining, but was halted by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s upraised arm.

    The second elder master yanked his concubine roughly away. ¡°What happened tonight isn¡¯t anyone¡¯s fault!¡± He admonished angrily. ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this, n¨¦e Lin!?¡±

    The roaring fire was to her back and bloodthirsty assassins almost to her front. Both of her daughters were gone.

    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª¡° Concubine Lin shrieked wretchedly and charged head first into a nearby wall.

    A loud impact resounded as red and white matter sshed all over the ground.

    ¡°Sister!¡± The second madame choked out.

    Another one.

    I caused another person to die.

    As this tragic thought echoed in Qin Yining¡¯s mind, she finally sagged weakly to the ground, unconscious.

    ¡°My dearest daughter, how are you feeling?!¡± Qin Huaiyuanpletely panicked and he held onto his beloved daughter tightly, moving with her to sit on the ground. ¡°Don¡¯t scare me!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun flew over and yanked Qin Yining out of his hands. ¡°My child, my child!¡±

    ¡°Madame, the miss has lost too much blood. She¡¯s going to be in a lot of danger if we don¡¯t treat her now!¡± Jiyun applied pressure to Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder and yanked harshly on the handkerchief around it. But this was treating only the symptoms.

    Liberal amounts of blood made Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hands sticky. That was Qin Yining¡¯s blood.

    His only daughter¡¯s life hung by a thread and his family was being hunted down like animals, with wounded and dead all around him. Was this to be his end after being a loyal subject all his life?

    Had he done something wrong? If this was karma, why couldn¡¯t ite for him alone?

 Chapter 214: After The Fact

    <h4>Chapter 214: After The Fact</h4>

    Although Jiyun didn¡¯t know who Mu Jinghu¡¯s master was, she¡¯d just seen how he¡¯d taken out all the assassins in a mere blink of an eye. She¡¯d also seen the man by the prince¡¯s side before, so she was even more certain that he could be trusted.

    ¡°Many thanks to you, sir. Please wait at the door for a moment, I need to tell the marquis of what happened here.¡±

    Mu Jinghu might be a bit wooden and inexperienced with the ways of the world, but he wasn¡¯t an idiot. He knew that there should be a distance kept between man and woman. It was only right that he waited at the door.

    He picked up an assassin in each hand and dragged them to the yard like blocks of wood. Coming back for the remaining one, he plonked them all in a row before standing in front of the study door with his hands behind his back.

    Jiyun smiled gratefully when she saw this and went to find Qin Huaiyuan with the little packet of medicine.

    The marquis had just sent off those from the Warden¡¯s Office when he was greeted with the sight of Jiyun covered in wounds. She was fine just a while ago! Color drained from his face and he came out to meet her. ¡°What is it? Didn¡¯t I tell you to look after the miss?¡±

    Jiyun curtsied and brought Qin Huaiyuan to a quiet corner.

    ¡°Three assassins came just now,¡± she murmured. ¡°They were much more skilled than the group of attackers from earlier. I couldn¡¯t hold them all off and suffered some injuries. Thankfully, the swordsman that the little prince sent arrived here just in time to take them all down. This is the medicine that he brought with him. Will you have the doctor check it, milord?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan tightened a fist around the little packet, his sharp mind clearly sorting through all the connotations of what had just happened.

    Actions from the attackers had been premeditated. They¡¯d first sent arge group to try to exterminate as much of the family as possible, then feinted an attack on the pce so that the Warden¡¯s Office couldn¡¯t rush to Qin Manor in time. And if all that failed, they had people lying in wait to urately focus on the target and try again when security was rxed.

    These people must be from the Great Zhou emperor. Those in high positions of power had a certain degree of belief in fate and fortune, just like how the emperor of Great Yan hadn¡¯t dared risk bad luck and refrained from doing anything to Qin Yining, whether or not she really could guarantee the security of the nation. The Great Zhou emperor must¡¯ve wanted to eliminate the Great Yan talisman first, regardless of whether there was any truth to the reputation.

    Qin Huaiyuan tightened his jaw and turned back to shout for an imperial physician, passing over the packet for inspection.

    The physician looked through the packet with wonder. ¡°My lord, this medicine is very fine. I don¡¯t know the prescription, but I can tell that it¡¯s very sophisticated.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded, imparted his thanks and asked the physician to patch Jiyun up. He himself rushed to the outer study.

    Jiyun wan¡¯t at ease about her mistress either. The guard said she was fine after dabbing some medicine on herself and followed the marquis. Dawn was breaking over the horizon and the sun shining down on the three assassins still frozen in the yard.

    A tall, skinny man dressed in faded-gray, patched robes was standing under the covered hallway. A tightly closed door and window with a hole in it were behind him.

    When Qin Huaiyuan and Jiyun entered the study, the marquis first sized up Mu Jinghu.

    The man in turn gazed back with a calm and unconcerned expression. He seemed to think of something a beatter and walked down the steps, offering a cupped fist salute. ¡°Greetings, uncle.¡±

    This took Qin Huaiyuan aback. This gentleman doesn¡¯t seem to know the ways of the world. Using ¡®uncle¡¯ in the first line of a greeting gave off notes of purposefully trying to curry favor or pretend familiarity.

    However, he maintained a steadfast expression and bowed. ¡°This old man has nothing to repay this kind gentleman with. Thank you for saving my daughter. If there¡¯s anything I can help with in the future, I will do all that I can to repay this deep gratitude!¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be so polite, uncle. My surname is Mu. Most people call me Blockhead. If you don¡¯t mind, call me Blockhead too.¡± Mu Jinghu scrambled to raise Qin Huaiyuan back to an upright position and flicked a nce at the three lying on the ground. ¡°We should tie these three up. Do you need me to interrogate them? I can make them wish for death but not leave a single mark on them.¡± He spoke quite proudly and shook at a finger at thest im.

    Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t repulsed by the young man iming familiarity. On the contrary, given the marquis¡¯ experience in reading people, someone with eyes as pure as Mu Jinghu would certainly be an honest and kind soul. Though the gentleman¡¯s clothes were tattered, he was very clean throughout and had a pair of steady, clear eyes. He must be the disciple of a secluded expert to be so unfamiliar with society.

    ¡°Many thanks to Sir Mu.¡± Qin Huaiyuan turned back to Jiyun. ¡°Let¡¯s go find a rope and tie these people up. My apologies for making you run this errand. We¡¯re a bit short on staff given the enormous chaos at home.¡±

    The attention startled Jiyun. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, milord. This servant would never dare.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. I need to thank you for saving darling Yi.¡± Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t mention Pang Xiao¡¯s name because of the three on the ground. ¡°Would you like to go settle in, Sir Mu?¡±

    ¡°Hmm... sure. I¡¯ll look around for a ce to stay. I must do well what I¡¯ve been asked to do. Since I promised to take care of the fourth miss, I will do my best.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good. Please make yourself at home. We¡¯ve been struck by catastrophe and everything is a mess. Please excuse us for anything that may be foundcking,¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded politely.

    Mu Jinghu waved his hands with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, uncle. We¡¯re all friends here.¡±

    The marquis was worried about his daughter and didn¡¯t want to spend more time on pleasantries with this down-to-earth person. He excused himself and went to look in on Qin Yining.

    Though the inside of the house was a fearful mess, Qin Yining was under heavy guard. A handkerchief on her forehead was cooked through because of fever.

    Qin Huaiyuan dipped his own handkerchief in cool water before cing it on his daughter¡¯s forehead, heaving a mncholy sigh as he did so.

    Jiyun had finished tying up the assassins by now. ¡°Milord, let this servant wait on the miss.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll find some more servants to send to youter today.¡± He did indeed have a lot of things to do. He had to impose order on the chaotic mess that the family had fallen into. He had to hold thest rites for those who¡¯d departed. He had to soothe the feelings of the living and liaise with the officials.

    Friends would be arriving soon to express their condolences. All of this was falling on his shoulders. Though he really wanted to stay and take care of Qin Yining, he simply couldn¡¯t. Qin Huaiyuan caressed his daughter¡¯s head once more before leaving with yet another sigh.

    ......

    News of the pce catching fire and the Qins almost being exterminated was the hottest talk of town that night. Bingtang was half-dead with fright when she heard the news at the Ning Manor. She couldn¡¯t wait for the Prince of Ning to set out and charged back at first light.

    When her horse rounded the corner to see the Qin Manor doors wide open, traces of blood on the ground, and burnt houses just visible beyond the door, she almost fainted with horror. She jumped off her horse and rushed in, medicine kit in hand. In her enormous haste, she crashed right into Steward Zhong who was also running into the manor.

    ¡°Grand Steward?¡±

    ¡°Miss Bingtang! Is everything alright with the miss?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just came back from the Ning Manor.¡±

    ¡°Aiya! What to do?¡±

    The two stampeded randomly in the manor before finally bumping into a pageboy with a white mourning band around his waist.

    ¡°The memorial service is set up in the great hall.¡±

    Bingtang grabbed the boy¡¯s hand frantically when she heard ¡®memorial service¡¯. ¡°Who died?¡±

    This prompted tears from the boy. ¡°So many people! My older brother died too! The third madame, madame, first wife, ninth master, several misses, and so many older sisters and mamas are all dead!¡±

    ¡°What about the fourth miss?!¡± The steward roared angrily.

    ¡°She was struck by a sword,¡± the pageboy choked out. ¡°We don¡¯t know if she¡¯ll make it. She¡¯s in the inner residence.¡±

    Bingtang and the steward rushed for the flower-hung gate when they heard this.

 Chapter 215: Revenge (I)

    <h4>Chapter 215: Revenge (I)</h4>

    A very long and heavy nightmare gued Qin Yining that night. Shouts and cries of violence shrilled constantly, apanied by a scent of blood that invaded and lingered in nostrils.

    There were always people chasing after her, calling for her head. She was at first confident that she could get away, but realized with horror after she started running that she was just a child with short legs.

    The pursuers quickly caught up to her and she shrieked fearfully when the de stabbed into her shoulder. Violent tremors wracked her body and her eyes popped open.

    It hurt, her shoulder really hurt!

    Looking at the familiar, elegant magnolia embroidery on baby-blue sheets, she couldn¡¯t immediately discern if she was awake or in another dream. Herst memory had been her family caught in a dead-end, fire in front and assassins to their rear. She was leaning on her father¡¯s arm, having just watched Concubine Linmit suicide out of despair over her twins¡¯ deaths.

    Why was she back in her own room? Was everyone alright?

    ¡°Miss, you¡¯re awake!¡± Bingtang eximed joyfully from her position next to the bed. ¡°How do you feel?¡±

    Qin Yining opened her mouth. Her throat was so dry and hurt so much that she couldn¡¯t actually say anything.

    Bingtang quickly fetched a white porcin bowl and spooned half of it to the fourth miss.

    A sweet and salty liquid entered Qin Yining¡¯s mouth, but it did quench some of the fire in her throat. ¡°How long was I asleep for?¡± she rasped out. ¡°What day is it? What time is it?¡±

    ¡°In response to the miss, you¡¯ve been asleep for a day and a night. The hour of the pig just passed. I came back this morning because I heard of what¡¯d happened. You were burning with fever then. But thankfully your body is strong, so you¡¯re much better now.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Who else is alive?¡±

    Bingtang hesitated before responding cautiously, ¡°Don¡¯t ask so much, miss. The old dowager, marquis, and madame are fine. Jiyun says that rescuers arrived after you faintedst night, so everyone was fine after that. Even the injured eleventh master woke up a little while ago. He said he was hungry! Jiyun has a few shallow wounds but it¡¯s nothing major. I gave her some medicine and had her go to bed.¡±

    ¡°I remember that Jiyun wasn¡¯t injuredst night.¡± Qin Yining turned weakly to Bingtang. Jiyun must¡¯ve done a lot in the fighting that followed after.

    Bingtang¡¯s heart still pounded with fright when she thought of what Jiyun had told her. The maid helped Qin Yining sit up and ced arge, soft cushion behind the fourth miss¡¯ back before offering more water from a bowl.

    ¡°Apparently three more experts showed up after thatrge group left. The marquis had put you up in the outer study, leaving only Jiyun on guard. Those three were too highly skilled and Jiyun had a very difficult time. Thankfully, the little prince¡¯s helper arrived just in time to take the assassins out. Otherwise¡­ I don¡¯t even dare think about it!¡±

    ¡°Pang Zhixi arranged some of his own men?¡±

    ¡°Yes. A young hero showed up with amazing martial arts skills. His medical skills should be higher than mine. The medicine he put together for you is really effective, and he captured all three assassins alive.¡±

    ¡°Where are they now?¡±

    ¡°Handed over to the lord. I don¡¯t know how he¡¯s going to deal with them.¡± Bingtang put down the bowl and felt Qin Yining¡¯s forehead. ¡°Your blood vessels were nicked in your injury and you lost a lot of blood. It¡¯s harmed the foundations of your health, so you need to rest well to get back on your feet, miss. Don¡¯t think about anything else. The lord, second elder master, and third elder master are discussing what to do. I¡¯m sure that with the marquis¡¯ intelligence, he¡¯ll handle things well.¡±

    Qin Yining closed her eyes tiredly and shook her head lightly. ¡°We can¡¯t let the matter blow over like this.¡±

    ¡°Even if we can¡¯t, you can¡¯t put your body through more stress. Will you have energy for anything if you don¡¯t fully recover?¡±

    Qin Yining tamped down her desire to immediately get to work on the matter and whispered, ¡°Where¡¯s my medicine? Let me take some.¡±

    Bingtang almost cried. Qin Yining was the strongest girl she¡¯d ever seen. Any other girl who¡¯d experienced the same things would¡¯ve probably gone mad. The fourth miss had personally witnessed the deaths of her family, assassins had said that they would spare her family if she was handed over, Concubine Lin carried hatred to her death because of the death of the twins¡­

    Fury from her family being ughtered, terror of being hunted, resentment from her family, and watching people die right in front of her¡­ And I heard that Sonn died because she took a blow for the miss.

    Even if one wasn¡¯t driven by all this, they would sink into self-pity and depression, wanting to rely on others for everything.

    But Qin Yining remained rational and strong. There was no hint of self-victimization. She knew what she wanted to do. This degree of maturity would be a given in an experienced mistress of the household. But the fourth miss was only fifteen!

    Bingtang was the same age as Qin Yining. She¡¯d been sent away half a year ago when the Tangs had met their downfall. She¡¯d only heard of what had happened and hadn¡¯t seen anything with her own eyes.

    But even so, sleep was a long timeing whenever she thought about it. Passionate hate and paralyzing terror afflicted Bingtang in equal parts; her emotions rampaged wildly out of control. If she were to go through what Qin Yining had just suffered, the grass on her tombstone would likely be three feet tall.

    Sniffling, Bingtang rose to bring back a bowl of finely stewed brown sugar millet stew. ¡°Miss, eat something first. This is nutritious and easy to digest. It¡¯ll be good for you. We can take some medicine after eating it.¡±

    The fourth miss nodded and raised listless hands to hold the bowl. Her arms shook as she ate the warm stew. She downed the medicine in one gulp after, then rinsed her mouth.

    There were painkillers and rxants in the medicine, so sleep came looking for Qin Yining when sheid back down. She imparted some more instructions before she fell asleep, ¡°Tell my father and mother that I¡¯m fine. Take a good look at their bodies as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood, don¡¯t worry, miss. Steward Zhong has sent many people to help us after hearing what¡¯s happened. He hasn¡¯t gone back either and has been helping the lord. Just rest and recover. You can do things only after you¡¯ve healed.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyelids grew heavier and heavier. She allowed herself to drift peacefully off to sleep after listening to Bingtang¡¯s response.

    It was still night when she woke up again. She felt a bit more energetic this time and refused to go back to sleep after having more brown sugar millet stew, overcooked vegetables, and more medicine. She had Bingtang and Qiulu help her down from the bed and headed to the great hall.

 Chapter 216: Revenge (II)

    <h4>Chapter 216: Revenge (II)</h4>

    Everyone was filled with hate given how badly the family had been oppressed. They aimed bright looks of anticipation at Qin Yining when they heard her words.

    ¡°Tell us what you¡¯ve thought of,¡± Qin Huaiyuan rumbled.

    ¡°There are four critical things we need to handle as soon as possible. First, have everyone know how malicious the Great Zhou emperor is. He tried to exterminate the Qins because of the Soothsayer¡¯s fortunes and jealousy of father¡¯s talents. Spread the news of how devastating the attack was so that everyone can see how badly we¡¯ve been persecuted.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°I was nning to do that as well.¡±

    The third elder master nodded after momentary thought. ¡°It¡¯ll be good to have everything out in the open. The emperor might want to just smooth everything over if we keep our mouths shut. We¡¯ll really have suffered all this for nothing then.¡±

    ¡°Third uncle¡¯s right. That¡¯s what I¡¯m thinking as well.¡± Qin Yining mused quietly. ¡°Whatever the emperor feels most guilty about is what he wants to hear the least discussion of. So once this matter spreads, he¡¯ll have to consider his reputation before taking any action, not to mention that with father¡¯s reputation, what happened to us will absolutely arouse public anger. That might even trante to a positive effect on the war.¡±

    The second elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu all nodded.

    ¡°Second is to let the public know when we hold the burial, we¡¯ll be dismembering the three assassins in front of our family¡¯s tombs.¡±

    ¡°Dismember!¡± The second elder master was bbergasted and paced fretfully. ¡°This probably isn¡¯t very appropriate. The three haven¡¯t been give a trial. We¡¯re already opening ourselves to criticism with our interrogation. If we take it another step further and put them to death, not only do we run afoul of thew, but it¡¯ll give the Caos another excuse to persecute your father, not to mention what gossip it¡¯ll cause again.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Qin Han agreed. ¡°What happened with the Ministry of Revenue hasn¡¯t been settled yet. This will only give the Caos more fuel.¡±

    ¡°Although second uncle and second brother make sense, thew doesn¡¯t care about people¡¯s feelings. With what¡¯s happened to our family, the people will only apud us if we cooked and ate the assassins, much less just pull their limbs off.

    ¡°Are we easy targets to be kicked and thrown around however others want to? Our attackers have charged through our door, are we too scared to take revenge even after capturing them? We¡¯ll be theughingstock of the entire world! Great Yan and Great Zhou are at war. There¡¯s no ce left for ying nice in hopes of preventing conflict. This is when we should be disying our attitudes. The emperor is too much of a coward to do so, so someone at court should step forward strongly.¡±

    These words struck Qin Han like a bolt of enlightenment. The second elder master nodded as well.

    ¡°Although this is risky,¡± Qin Huaiyuan picked up the conversation, ¡°it¡¯s not a bad n. Once the news spread, theirpatriots will try to rescue them. We¡¯ll just need toy a trap to capture them all. And if they don¡¯te, killing the three we have will be somefort to those who have passed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Yining nodded, her eyes bright. ¡°The Great Zhou emperor gave them a mission toe kill me. He¡¯ll fault them if they don¡¯tplete the mission. I¡¯ll give them an opening when we bury our family. I highly doubt that they¡¯ll be able to refrain from taking action then.¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s too dangerous.¡± Qin Yu frowned. ¡°Fourth sister, I know that you want to take revenge for the family and nip trouble in the bud, but you¡¯re injured and our family¡¯s finally found momentary peace. We can¡¯t lose anyone else. What if something happens to you after we lure the assassins here?¡±

    He really wanted to exact revenge for his wife, but he wanted even more for all of his family to remain safe and sound.

    Qin Yining smiled gratefully at her older cousin and sighed. ¡°How will we aplish anything major without some degree of risk? It¡¯s not that dangerous, really.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had already thought of all this when his daughter proposed her n. ¡°I¡¯ll go discuss this with that person. I¡¯ll try to borrow their experts.¡±

    The fourth miss looked at her father and nodded with a smile. Others might not know who the marquis was talking about, but she did. He was nning on borrowing some Silver Masks from Cao Yuqing. This had been part of Qin Yining¡¯s n as well.

    ¡°Alright, thank you then, father. I¡¯ll go ask Sir Mu myself, as well as approach Azure Justice.¡±

    ¡°Azure Justice?¡± Qin Han widened his eyes with surprise.

    The girl smiled. ¡°I know some people in the alliance. If things go well, they can help us as well.¡±

    ¡°But they¡¯re rebels!¡± Qin Han murmured.

    ¡°Rebels?¡± Qin Yiningughed despite herself. ¡°The heavens themselves are unfair. Who cares about this at a time like this? If it wasn¡¯t for these so-called rebelsing in time to scare the assassins off, we¡¯d all be dead!¡±

    It was then that Qin Han and Qin Yu learned that the crowd of people who¡¯d rushed in to help the Qins were from Azure Justice. The second and third elder master already had their suspicions, so they weren¡¯t too surprised.

    Qin Yining carefully went over the particrs of her n with her father. The group offered a multitude of suggestions before the marquis picked the best way to proceed.

    Seeing his daughter¡¯s pale face, Qin Huaiyuan dismissed the meeting. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, why don¡¯t we all head back and rest? We can make our next moves when daughter Yi is feeling better.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The room dimmed before her eyes when Qin Yining rose. She had to close her eyes andpose herself before feeling better.

    Back at the Venerable Study Hall, she fell fast asleep right after taking her medicine. Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan invited Cao Yuqing to the rear garden for a quiet discussion. Their conversation went on for a full hour.

    In the military camp outside Xihua, Pang Xiao was finally greeted with the arrival of his Elite Tigers after several days of worrying. These were his confidantes. All of them were highly skilled and very loyal. The Yan capital was under heavy guard these days with the advent of war. Getting any information out of the city was difficult for even these elites, much less typical scouts.

    Recently, Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t been in the mood to train his troops at all. He brought this confidantes to a quiet, spacious opening and made sure that there was no one else around. ¡°Hurry and tell me, how are things in the capital? Did the emperor¡¯s men make it in?¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Highness, the emperor arranged for a hundred deathsworn to enter the capital as merchants. They raided the Marquis of Anping¡¯s manor a few days ago. We looked in on them and saw that many were indeed dead. A majority of the servants, head maids and mamas, as well as the third madame, first wife, sixth and seventh miss...¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to know about them. Just tell me about the fourth miss.¡± Pang Xiao stood with hands balled into tight fists behind his back. Though his expression was the same as usual, a frosty aura emanated, imparting a frightening sensation of an unsheathed de hungry for blood.

    It was the first time that the Elite Tigers had seen the prince so angry. They cut their report short. ¡°The fourth miss took a hit and lost a lot of blood. It might harm the foundations of her health. She was apparently still in a feverish sleep when we left.¡±

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s tone remained even, but the threat within was taking almost material form. His suppressed response made the Elite Tiger drop to one knee.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao forced a few deep breaths, telling himself to be calm. But he itched with anger when he thought of how his emperor had reached a decision to kill Qin Yining, using the excuse of her being the talisman of Great Yan.

    The emperor had actually sent an eunuch to Pang Xiao with orders to assassinate the official daughter of the Marquis of Anping. When Pang Xiao refused, the eunuch started lecturing him, also under imperial orders. The eunuch berated him for not understanding priorities and showing disrespect in defying an imperial order.

    This was the second time the prince had defied an imperial order at Xihua. He was someone who could bend and extend with the times. If it¡¯d been before, he wouldn¡¯t have gone overboard with his response, no matter how irritating or hoity-toity the eunuch was acting. There would be a certain degree of mutual respect since they were all just doing their jobs.

    But the eunuch¡¯s every word had been to take Qin Yining¡¯s life!

    He couldn¡¯t bear to even touch such a treasure. How would he tolerate others wanting to hurt her?

    And so the prince ended up in a loud argument with the eunuch, beating up the pce servant in the end.

    The servant had left in tears, undoubtedly filling the emperor¡¯s ears withints and usations when he returned.

    But this had to do with Qin Yining, an urrence that always evaporated all of Pang Xiao¡¯s rationality, leaving behind only instinct.

    When the eunuch had rushed off, he¡¯d also sent a messenger pigeon to Mu Jinghu, urging his friend to enter the capital with all haste to protect Qin Yining. If he could, Pang Xiao really wanted to go himself. But he¡¯d already left the military camp once a few days ago. If he left again when the battlefield was so tense, he¡¯d be running afoul of an enormous military taboo.

    He could only grit his teeth and tamp down the unease in his heart, pray for the safety of the Qins, and pray that Mu Jinghu would get there in time.

    But she¡¯d still been injured!

    Pang Xiao closed his eyes, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles were white.

    This was a sight that the Elite Tigers had never seen before. Their master was usually a mysterious and reserved one. He was most wary of other people seeing through him, but all that was apparently going out of the window!

    ¡°This prince understand.¡± Pang Xiao emitted a long sigh after a moment, his tone still the same as usual. ¡°Take some men and secretly protect Qin Si.¡±

    Iprehension nketed the Elite Tigers. They were highly trained people. They.. were being sent to protect an unmarried girl?

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Pang Xiao arched a brow.

    ¡°No, not at all. This subordinate understands and will go immediately.¡± The guard bowed and scurried off.

    Pang Xiao remained standing in the clearing, his arms crossed as he lifted his head to look at the crescent of the new moon. He slowly spat out through grit teeth after a while, ¡°Well now, aren¡¯t you something!¡±

 Chapter 217: Revenge (III)

    <h4>Chapter 217: Revenge (III)</h4>

    When Qin Yining rose the next morning, she had Mu Jinghu invited to the Venerable Study Hall for a chat.

    The man was now dressed in pale-blue, long robes of fine cotton. His hair was done in a neat topknot, making him look like any other schr.

    The clothes had been a gift from the fourth miss and she¡¯d sent Jiyun to make sure he put them on. But even so, Mu Jinghu couldn¡¯t bear to throw away his patched robes and stored them at the bottom of a trunk.

    ¡°Please take a seat, Sir Mu.¡± Qin Yining met him in the study on the first floor.

    Mu Jinghu sat down on a round chair and cocked his head curiously, sizing up Qin Yining.

    This gentleman really is like how Jiyun said, a little... socially awkward. When does a man just stare at a girl like this?

    However, the man¡¯s gaze was also clear. Qin Yining could tell that he was just purely curious and meant nothing else by his attention. This made it impossible to dislike him.

    ¡°Did Prince Pang send you?¡± Qin Yining asked with a smile.

    The question made Mu Jinghu slightly unhappy. ¡°That sly fox doesn¡¯t have the right to make me do anything.¡±

    That sly fox...

    Why did that sound a bit resentful?

    Thinking of Pang Xiao¡¯s slippery and varied personality, then of the somewhat silly and naive gentleman in front of her, Qin Yining felt that she¡¯d touched upon the truth. Perhaps Pang Zhixi yed a trick on this gentleman before and made out like a bandit.

    ¡°Eh, please forgive the offense. Did Pang Zhixi request your presence?¡±

    Mu Jinghu nodded. ¡°I lost a bet and owed him a favor. He¡¯s never called it in all these years. I thought he¡¯d forgotten. But he suddenly came for me a few days ago and asked me to protect his future wife.¡±

    He took another look at Qin Yining. ¡°And what¡¯s with you? Why would you agree to marry that fox?¡±

    Qin Yining: ...

    Could she say that she was just as much at a loss for words? She had no idea how things had developed like this with Pang Xiao. She¡¯d unwittingly fallen into a trap at some point in time and couldn¡¯t bear to leave now even if she wanted to.

    Qin Yining coughed delicately. ¡°I am deeply grateful to have such a mighty hero as Sir Mu protect me.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t seen me in action since you were out cold that day. How would you know that my skills are good?¡±

    Qin Yining was getting used to Mu Jinghu¡¯s personality and knew that this wasn¡¯t sarcasm, nor was there anything else to it. He was asking questions purely because of his straightforward nature.

    ¡°Because Jiyun saw you in action.¡± She smiled. ¡°I might not understand martial arts, but Jiyun said that you took them out in just a few moves.¡±

    Mu Jinghu nodded and responded seriously, ¡°My skills are indeed very good. That fox wants me to protect you until he captures your capital. When he conquers Great Yan, my debt will be paid. So I¡¯m telling you in advance not to expect me to protect you for the rest of your life.¡±

    What normal person would speak so highly of themselves? And who would voice words like ¡®conquer Great Yan¡¯? It would seem that this gentleman was socially awkward to a high degree. He was likely used to living alone and didn¡¯t have to interact with people much; someone straightforward and honest to a fault.

    Qin Yining rather liked interacting with people like these. She didn¡¯t need to consider any hidden barbs or guess at other connotations. She just needed to think of what his words meant on the surface and respond ordingly.

    She answered seriously, ¡°Yes, I understand everything you¡¯re saying. But could I possibly ask you to also protect my family during this time?¡± She added after a beat, ¡°I don¡¯t have much family left after this disaster...¡±

    Mu Jinghu studied Qin Yining¡¯s pale face. The Qins will be the fox¡¯s inws in the future. He nodded. ¡°Alright, that fox is my friend after all. I¡¯ll cover your family as well. But I remind you, I¡¯m not staying for long. I¡¯m going back as soon as your city gates are kicked in. I have a lot of things to do in the mountain.¡±

    Off to the side, Jiyun frowned despite herself. If anyone talked about Great Zhou like that in front of her, she would¡¯ve flown into a rage after the first word. She wouldn¡¯t be so even-tempered like her mistress.

    Qin Yining however, wasn¡¯t angry at all. She nodded instead. ¡°Alright, the gentleman is a straightforward and honest person. Your words are worth their weight in gold. I¡¯ll have to trouble you in the future then. Although you¡¯re here because of a favor, I still solemnly offer my appreciation.¡± She rose as she spoke, curtseying to the man.

    The fox¡¯s wife is much more polite than him. He returned the gesture with a smile.

    Although Qin Yining was very weak from loss of blood, she insisted on going to the mourning hall everyday to pay her respects and light incense. Anguished tears were in order whenever she paid a visit. She was much more wan after a few days, with dark circles appearing beneath her eyes.

    As their n progressed, more and more people knew that the Qins had almost been exterminated by assassins sent by the Great Zhou emperor. There was an endless stream of people to express their condolences. Some were friends of the Qins, others fellow officials at court, and yet more who weren¡¯t close with Qin Huaiyuan but admired his great sense of justice.

    Another two days passed before news spread that the Qins would dismember the assassins when burying their kin. Purposefully exaggerated rumors flew thickly like kes of snow.

    This finally rmed the emperor and Grand Preceptor Cao, notable for their silence during this period of time.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject feels that Qin Meng is being too brash. He¡¯s lost his usual dependability! Dismembering the assassins will likely make Great Zhou want to take revenge. Xihua is already upied by the Valiant Tigers. Once Pang is outraged, their attacks will redouble.¡± Grand Preceptor Cao bowed with a frown.

    The emperor turned in several circles with his hands behind his back. An angry flourish of the sleeve brought him to a halt. ¡°Qin Meng¡¯s going senile. To think he would throw caution to the winds! Yes, it¡¯s sad and terrible that so many of his family died, but he can¡¯t just ignore our current situation! We¡¯re in a hurry to contact the Tatars. Not only is he not employing dying tactics, but he¡¯s doing things that will anger the Zhous! He cares nothing for the fortunes of the country. To think that I thought he was a loyal subject before!¡±

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty,¡± the grand preceptor fretted. ¡°Our only n now is for you to convince Qin Meng to dispense with this notion.¡±

    The emperor nodded, but hesitated on giving the order. He didn¡¯t really want to go to the Qin Manor. Who knew if there weren¡¯t still assassins lingering there? It wouldn¡¯t do if he hastily rushed there and was injured!

    ¡°Summon Qin Huaiyuan into the pce,¡± was the emperor¡¯s final decision after thoughtful consideration.

    It took only a second for the grand preceptor to understand the imperial concern. ¡°This subject is willing to go. I can also talk some sense into Qin Meng on the way here.¡±

    ¡°That would be ideal.¡± The emperor nodded. ¡°You may go immediately.¡±

    ¡°I hear and obey.¡± The grand preceptor left after a bow.

    When there was no one else in the imperial study, the emperor called to the back, ¡°Beloved subject Gu.¡±

    ¡°Your subject is here.¡± An elder with white hair strode out from the inner room to make his bow.

    He was Gu Shixiong, an experienced politician and personal advisor to the emperor. Before he joined court, he¡¯d once been the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent. The Caos had upied that position only after Gu Shixiong had retired from it.

    Because of this, the emperor trusted this advisor deeply. The Gus might not have frolicked in thep of luxury all these years, but they were still one of the eight most prosperous families in the capital.

    ¡°Beloved subject Gu, how goes your search for the adept craftsmen?¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, they¡¯ve been found and started on their jobs. Except... Your Majesty, I feel that with the chaotic status of the war, that would make the best use of the wealth that Your Majesty has recently umted.¡± Gu Shixiong¡¯s wizened body shook as he spoke.

    The emperor frowned. ¡°We earned that wealth through proper means. It¡¯s a token of the people and merchants¡¯ appreciation of Us. Besides, We¡¯ve already decided how to handle this fortune. Just do as you¡¯re told, unless you mean to defy Us as well?¡±

    He had imposed several new taxestely and shaved off a nice bit from the merchants, then fleeced the peasants good and proper for a few rounds. He presently held arge sum that not many knew about. He¡¯d given it only to his confidantes to take care of.

    Gu Shixiong bowed wisely when he saw how set the emperor was. ¡°This subject wouldn¡¯t dare. I was thinking randomly just now. As the ruler of the nation, Your Majesty most definitely has the right to decide where the silver goes. No one else can question you.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡± The emperor stroked his whiskers with satisfaction and spoke with the advisor for a while longer before sending him off with a confidante.

    Qin Huaiyuan also entered the pce with Grand Preceptor Cao at this time.

 Chapter 218: Revenge (IV)

    <h4>Chapter 218: Revenge (IV)</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan was well versed in knowing when to advance or retreat. Otherwise, his outstanding talents alone wouldn¡¯t have been enough for the emperor to trust him for so long. So with the summons today, the emperor was quite confident that the marquis would fall in line after a round of conversation with Grand Preceptor Cao and his own imperial majesty.

    But who knew that Qin Huaiyuan would fall to his knees after entering the imperial study, wailing in between kowtows and decrying the tragedy that had befallen the Qins?

    ¡°¡­this humble subject doesn¡¯t dare defy anything the emperor orders, but the assassins were simply too brazen! The capital is the doors to the son of heaven, right beneath your imperial majesty¡¯s eyes! How dare the Great Zhou assassins be so insolent to not only sendrge numbers of attackers, but raid my home as well! They¡¯repletely ignoring your authority, Your Majesty!

    ¡°The emperor¡¯s fortunes are unparalleled and your might shakes the world. Now that Great Zhou and Great Yan are at war, wouldn¡¯t we be indicating to everyone that you¡¯re afraid of Great Zhou if we let the captives off lightly? Therefore, out of consideration for your imperial dignity, we must put these three to death! Please decide with rity, Your Majesty!¡±

    The emperor wavered when he heard this.

    Though he was deathly afraid of triggering fiercer attacks after angering Great Zhou, he still had the matter of his own face to consider. News of the Qins nning to dismember the assassins had already spread; if he openly opposed this, the popce would definitely talk about him behind his back.

    But still, he was genuinely afraid of actually letting the Qins rip those three apart. Apromise struck the emperor when his thoughts travelled here. He lifted the marquis up with a smile.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin, We know of what¡¯s happened to your family and Our thoughts are with you. However, dismemberment is much too gory. You can hold the three and whip them in front of the tombs when you bury your family as a warning. But let¡¯s forget about pulling limbs off.¡±

    The remaining spark of passion in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart vanished with this.

    This was the liege that he¡¯d served all his life.

    Ipetent, decrepit, cowardly, selfish, and inability to see his subjects as human. How extraordinarily lucky Qin Huaiyuan was to advise such an emperor! He¡¯d wasted half his life on such a piece of trash!

    Sorrow threatened to overwhelm the marquis. Though he felt that men shouldn¡¯t easily shed tears, his eyes reddened and he lowered his head, difited.

    Some guilt and heartache struck the emperor when he glimpsed the marquis¡¯ expression. But if Qin Huaiyuan doesn¡¯t do as I say and angers Great Zhou, what happens to my n if Great Zhou elerates their attack?

    The emperor hardened his heart and threw guilt out the window. ¡°Well? Qin Meng, do you want to defy an imperial order?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan brought his emotions back under control. ¡°This subject would never dare. I hear and obey.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± The emperor¡¯s expression softened slightly. ¡°Since we¡¯re decided, you may go back home. The burial is tomorrow, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Huaiyuan lowered his head.

    ¡°Mm. My condolences. Take care of yourself, We look to you to serve the country in the future.¡± The emperorughed heartily and pped Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s shoulder. The marquis jumped from the startling ttery. This reaction pleased the emperor greatly and he offered a few more words offort before dismissing the marquis.

    When Qin Huaiyuan returned home, Qin Yining, the second and third elder master had camped out in the study for a while.

    ¡°So the emperor really did react as we thought?¡± the fourth miss asked when she saw her father¡¯s expression.

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded.

    Qin Yining closed her eyes for a silent moment as she leaned against the armrest of the round-bottomed chair.

    The third elder master snorted derisively. ¡°Just as we thought. Then we don¡¯t need to have any reservations in what we do next.¡± He wasn¡¯t an official, so his thoughts about the emperor were vastly different from his two brothers.

    Only the second elder master truly understood Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s feelings at the moment. He patted his elder brother¡¯s arm. ¡°Thankfully there¡¯s a follow-up part to niece Yi¡¯s n. It doesn¡¯t matter if we don¡¯t actually end up dismembering them since the news has already spread everywhere.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled wryly as he ran a hand over his face. ¡°I just feel¡­ well, maybe I¡¯m not that loyal a subject after all.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t force yourself to be a saint, father,¡± Qin Yining consoled. ¡°We¡¯re just mortals and we should just do what we can do.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, big brother,¡± the third elder master joined in. ¡°It¡¯s enough if we have a clear conscience.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and squeezed out a smile. As he looked at his ashen-faced daughter still struggling to stay upright, his already resolute mind grew even firmer.

    Daughter Yi is right. Why should I expect to be a saint? It¡¯s enough to be a good, upright mortal.

    The Qins¡¯ vast funeral procession was an affair for the entire city. It would be difficult not to be a high profile event given the tragic affair that had befallen the Qins.

    Given the old dowager¡¯s age and how there were further ns at y here, all of the women and children remained home.

    Qin Huaiyuan, the second and third elder master, Qin Yu, Qin Han, fifth master Qin Xian, and Qin Yining headed the convoy of three dozen caskets. The immense procession headed for Mt. Jadecloud located on the outskirts of the city.

    The Qins¡¯ ancestral tombs weren¡¯t actually there, but the vast army surrounding the capital made travel impossible. Given the circumstances, they could only settle for a random mountain on the city outskirts to bury everyone together with and hope to move themter on.

    Jolts and bumps from the road made Qin Yining severely sick. Thankfully Jiyun had brought some tart, dried crabapples. Eating one of those helped greatly to keep down an urge to vomit.

    Qin Huaiyuan was worried for his daughter and took the same carriage as her. He sighed when he saw her state. ¡°Your health has been severely set back because of all this. We¡¯re lucky that you¡¯re young. It would causesting damage if you were older. You have to listen to Miss Tang¡¯s instructions when this is all over and rest well.¡±

    A dried crabapple adorably puffed out Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks when she smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry father. I¡¯m here today because of someone else¡¯s sacrifice. I wouldn¡¯t be able to live up to their actions if I didn¡¯t treasure it.¡±

    ¡°Ai!¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed as he ruffled his daughter¡¯s hair. He knew that this matter was a great impact on her. How many girls her age could remain unmoved when witnessing such horrors? Even the third miss, who¡¯d been absent that day, shivered all ever from just hearing a recounting. It was very admirable that Qin Yining could remain calm and think of revenge.

    ¡°Milord.¡± Qitai steered his horse close to the carriage. ¡°A messenger just brought news that the emperor has made the Prince of Ning themander-in-chief of the armies. He holds the seal of authority and token for deployment. He may do as he sees fit with the military without imperial approval.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Huaiyuan was quite at ease, but Qin Yining was extremely surprised.

    The emperor was willing to give the prince so much power? But if I think about it carefully¡­ we have a greater chance of winning if the prince is themander-in-chief. At least he¡¯s very skilled in leading men into battles.

    But she didn¡¯t quite understand why the emperor had made this decision. Did it have something to do with the prince disying goodwill to the Caos?

    If that was the case, there was nothing to be mad or calcting about. The prince would be able to do more with military power in hand, and it was much better than Grand Preceptor Cao at the head.

    The journey continued in silence as the convoy quickly reached Mt. Jadecloud. They slowly rolled to a halt as the path ahead wasn¡¯t suitable for carriages. Strong men began lifting the caskets up the mountain. Guards and other personnel bound the assassins and dragged them uphill as well.

    Within the mountain greenery, a ck-d, masked man tracked the group¡¯s movements and also noted Qin Yining sitting on a litter in the procession. He went back to report in as he didn¡¯t want to rm the targets.

    ¡°Boss, I saw them. They¡¯re here and with that wench!¡±

    The man hailed as ¡®boss¡¯ was quenching his thirst and hunger with rations. He snorted. ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll let them strut a bit longer and also wait for news from Ole Five.¡±

    ¡°Damn this shitty luck! We should¡¯ve kept charging that day, but we got scared off by a mob! I still feel like this when I think about it!¡±

    Those around the speaker all wore righteous expressions. They were scared off by the din of the crowd, and it wasn¡¯t until they ran off that they realized there weren¡¯t that many skilled in martial arts in that crowd. It would¡¯ve been a piece of cake to kill the Qins, but they let that golden opportunity slip right through their hands!¡±

    They¡¯d numbered a hundred strong when sent out for the mission. Split into two, the group attacking the pce had already been wiped out. There was only thirty left of their group, and they wouldn¡¯t be able to conclude their operation if they failed.

    ¡°Those three are seriously idiots. They¡¯re supposed to be experts, but they still failed at taking out Qin Si.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, who would¡¯ve thought they¡¯d be captured and now dragged up a mountain to get their limbs hacked off?¡±

 Chapter 219: Clearing the Riffraff Around the Emperor

    <h4>Chapter 219: Clearing the Riffraff Around the Emperor</h4>

    Sent out as a scout into the capital, Ole Five rushed back with a murmured report. ¡°There¡¯s some troop movement in the city, but they¡¯re far away from here. We¡¯ve got at least an hour and a half to make our move. By the way, the Qin guards and servants add up to around twenty.¡±

    ¡°Hah! There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of with twenty people! With our skills, we kill them all in thirty minutes!¡±

    The boss wiped his mouth with the back of his hand after putting a water bottle down. ¡°Our goal is to kill today is to first kill the wench, second to rescue those three idiots. We¡¯ll hide in the city when that¡¯s done and wait for Great Zhou¡¯s army to win.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t easy for them to leave since the capital was surrounded. They had to wait for their side to win so they could collect their reward from the emperor.

    Morale was high after this speech. Masks affixed and des unsheathed as everyone rushed for the burial site.

    The caskets were ced by holes in the ground. Qin Huaiyuan led the family in burning paper money while the servants and guards sobbed loudly. Jiyun knelt behind Qin Yining and Mu Jinghu crouched indifferently next to the fourth miss, his attention on the surroundings.

    After burning paper money, the marquis gave a speech and had servants bring out the three assassins. des for their execution were sharpened.

    ¡°Today, we use the flesh and blood of these three to mourn those who are gone!¡±

    Another tremendous round of wailing sounded at this promation.

    An executioner tied each of the assassins onto stumps of wood on the ground, forcing them to adopt a spread-eagle position. Little knives to pick out bones were readied on the side.

    The three assassins were covered in wounds after vast amounts of torture andpletely out of beans to spill. But still they were to be treated like animals for the ughter and have their limbs pulled off after all that?? Out of their minds with fright, one of them even begged for mercy with trembling lips.

    Cries for lenience struck a particrly ironic tone in Qin Yining¡¯s ears. She rose and looked at them coldly. ¡°Mercy? So now you know to fear death? Why didn¡¯t you think whether my family was afraid when you were killing them? You didn¡¯t spare even my eleven-year-old cousin or two younger sisters! You lost your humanity long ago and don¡¯t deserve to live! You want me to let you go? Never! Do it!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The executioners brought des down onto the assassins.

    ......

    The peak of the mountain was a t clearing. A ways down would bring one to forest and a winding path. The Qins and their people had circled the execution ground and was wholly focused on things within.

    The three dozen assassins waiting toplete their mission grew anxious when they heard the ghastly shrieks from theirrades. Having spent all this time building up their strength, they charged out like tigers when the boss barked an order, hacking and shing indiscriminately.

    Qin Yining took shelter with her father, uncles, and brothers. Guards huddled and formed an outer ring of protection around them.

    The assassin boss snorted coldly. ¡°Qin Si, step forward to die! If you¡¯d done so, fewer of your family would¡¯ve died that day. Well? Are you still afraid of death? Aren¡¯t you worried that the vengeful spirits of your dead kin will pop out from the ground to grab you?!¡±

    She wasn¡¯t the least bit affected. ¡°Who knows who will live and die today!¡±

    When her voice sounded, lids on the caskets were suddenly flung open and three dozen Silver Masks leapt out from within.

    Though their leader wasn¡¯t tall, her ck outfit couldn¡¯t conceal her voluptuous figure. With a wave of her sharp sword, her men surged forward in practiced moves. Though they didn¡¯t make a sound, their aura was awe-inspiring nheless and killing intent permeated the air.

    zing fires erupted at the same time, surrounding the clearing at the mountain peak. ck smoke billowed to the sky, trapping everyone in a circle of mes.

    The assassins panicked with the turn of events. They were evenly matched with the Silver Masks in terms of numbers and skill, and there might be even more enemies waiting in the shadows! They could only fight for retreat, but their backs halted in front of the sea of mes before long.

    Qin Yining smirked jeeringly from her safety within the crowd. ¡°Well? How does it feel to have pursuers nipping at your heels and fire ahead of you?¡±

    These circumstances mirrored what the Qins had faced that day.

    ¡°You slut! I¡¯ll send you to hell first before I die!¡± The assassin boss waved his sword furiously, but was struck in the temple by a pebble before he could do anything. A mouthful of spat bloodter, his eyes rolled up in his head and he crashed to the ground.

    This development stunned everyone present, especially Cao Yuqing standing next to Qin Huaiyuan. Qin Yining also looked at Mu Jinghu with surprise.

    The gentleman dusted off his hands and exined diffidently, ¡°It¡¯s not good that he cussed at you.¡±

    He was very put out that someone had yelled at his friend¡¯s wife. That guy would probably die a worse death if that fox was here, which was why he¡¯d taken action without hesitation.

    Her senses returning to her, Qin Yining smiled gratefully at Mu Jinghu.

    The swift reaction cowed the assassins, and the would-be attackers were slowly defeated and captured alive from the Silver Masks¡¯ fierce onught.

    Coincidentally, the fires weakened at the same time. This was when the assassins realized that firebreaks had been dug around the peak. The zing mes had just been to hem them in and wouldn¡¯t have caused a forest fire. Sadly, they¡¯d failed to notice something was amiss in their rush to get to their target.

    The Silver Masks dislocated all of the assassins¡¯ jaws before turning them over to Qin Huaiyuan. The marquis had the new captives bound with the original three for dismemberment.

    Havingpleted her part, Cao Yuqing raised a silent cupped fist salute to Qin Huaiyuan in the distance. The marquis smiled gratefully at her and raised his hands in return.

    The concubine blushed and ducked her head, avoiding his smile. She turned to form a line with her men.

    The third elder master suddenly broke out in tears andughter when he saw all of the assassins trussed up like chickens. ¡°Good! Damn this is good!¡±

    Throwing an arm around the third elder master forfort, Qin Huaiyuan whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, third brother. They don¡¯t have long to live.¡±

    ¡°Yes brother, I believe you.¡± The third elder master wiped his face with a hand. Though he itched to y these vermin where they stood, he still had to consider the greater picture and not ruin the n.

    The procession descended the mountain with great fanfare, assassins in tow.

    ¡°Have our people get ready. We¡¯ll parade the captives on the street in a short while,¡± Qin Huaiyuan murmured to Qitai.

    ¡°Understood!¡± Qitai nodded and whipped his horse for greater speed.

    The people had been frothing with rage all this while, particrly the refugees at Ning Park. This fury boiled over when thetter learned of how the Qins, loyal servants to the people, had almost been exterminated and the culprits captured.

    They¡¯d had been terrorized by the specter of their nation falling for far too long. When the Great Zhou emperor had unterally ripped up the sessful peace ords, hatred of him reached new highs. It was easy enough to imagine the fate of the butcherers of peace when paraded out on the streets.

    So the emperor forbade the Qins to dismember the assassins? Alright, they wouldn¡¯t then.

    But surely it wasn¡¯t the fault of the Qins when the assassins were the victims of an angry mob.

    ......

    Qin Yining lifted her window curtains to see the assassins being prodded along like animals at the rear. Satisfaction hummed in her veins. The boulder pressing down on her heart in thest few days was finally rolled away.

    So was the rest of the family. The two elder masters upied the same carriage, carrying on a hushed conversation on how to handle the actual burial.

    Qin Yu was remembering his wife and cried all the way back, his hands drooping helplessly in front of him. Qin Han silently offered whatfort he could.

    Just as the procession reached the city gates, they noticed a disturbance in front of the walls. A chaotic mess of civilians and soldiers milled around, obstructing passagepletely. This struck the marquis as odd and he sent servants on to inquire. The news he received however, was utterly shocking.

    ¡°What did you say?! The Prince of Ning entered the city with ten thousand men?!¡±

    ¡°In response to milord, yes! The prince summoned one thousand from the Firearms Division, the Division of Three Thousand, and six thousand from the Division of the Five Armies as soon as he received themand token! He¡¯s surrounded the pce and charged in with some of his men. His war cry is that the trampress is causing the destruction of the nation and that the riffraff needs to be cleared from around the emperor!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan blinked, not sure what his next step should be. The marquis never would¡¯ve thought that mutiny would be the prince¡¯s first move once he took control of the armies!

    Cao Yuqing and the Silver Masks abandoned their current mission when they heard this and headed for the pce. Meanwhile, the assassins bound in a line attracted the people¡¯s attentions.

    Hem hem, y¡¯all see why the teaser was title withheld? XD

 Chapter 220: A Message

    <h4>Chapter 220: A Message</h4>

    Qin Yining gave some instructions in a low voice.

    Jiyun picked up a rock and threw it randomly, crying out, ¡°These are Great Zhou assassins! Get them!¡±

    The crowd¡¯s anger red and hands grabbed rocks, wood, rotten vegetables, and any other items that could be thrown.

    Qin Yining, her father, uncles, and cousins backed away with their men, silently appreciating the assassins slowly clobbered to death by all manner of projectiles.

    ¡°The emperor can¡¯t me us now,¡± remarked the fourth miss.

    ¡°Damn straight he can¡¯t!¡± Qin Han couldn¡¯t bear to remain on the sidelines any longer and charged forward, rolling up his sleeves to imitate the civilians. He grabbed a wooden club and iled around wildly. Qin Yu also rushed forward with reddened eyes.

    Qin Huaiyuan on the other hand, had a tightly furrowed brow, his mind obviously with the Prince of Ning.

    ¡°Father¡¯s worried about things at the pce?¡± Qin Yining spoke portentously, ¡°If I were father, I would be taken out ofmission because of overwhelming emotions, then have men secretly hunt down the Caos.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan, the second and third elder master whipped their heads around to look at the girl.

    ¡°The Prince of Ning is cleaning house and taking care of the trampress.¡± Qin Yining chuckled darkly. ¡°Isn¡¯t it quite understandable that the Cao Manor would be razed by a mob of furious citizens at the same time?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and suddenly copsed on the second elder master with his eyes closed. ¡°Alright, I fainted. Hurry and take me home.¡±

    His two brothers looked at each other. A beatter, distressed wails sounded and arge furor was raised to take the Marquis of Anping back to his residence.

    Meanwhile, Mu Jinghu remained ck jawed with shock. I think I just saw a female fox... Those two belong together alright!

    With the enormous mess in the city, those who didn¡¯t fear trouble came out to watch a good show; even more shut themselves up tight to avoid being dragged in, gathering their family together and nervously praying against more chaos developing.

    With Mu Jinghu and Jiyun protecting her, Qin Yining turned a cold eye to the assassins being beaten to death by the crowd. When they fell to the ground, covered in blood, merciless feet further stomped the life out of them.

    Qin Yu and Qin Han put everything they had into their blows. Endless strength surged in their limbs when they thought of their dead family, refusing to stop even when their robes were drenched with sweat. They itched to pound all of the assassins into meat paste.

    There was nothing further to be worried about here. ¡°Our business here is concluded,¡± Qin Yining said. ¡°Come, we should make a trip to Steward Zhong¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Jiyun had no questions and helped her mistress into the carriage. While she took a seat inside, Mu Jinghu perched on the shaft. He craned his neck around curiously when the groom drove through the streets. Something like the royal family cleaning house wasn¡¯t an urrence that everyone had the fortune to witness in their lifetimes.

    The groom picked a secluded, more circuitous route to the Zhong¡¯s. The steward was quite surprised to see Qin Yining arrive in person.

    ¡°Miss, didn¡¯t you head up the mountain today?¡± He weed Qin Yining in and bade tea be served. ¡°You don¡¯t look too well, are you feeling better?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, I just need some rest. Some things happened today, but thankfully they¡¯ve all been taken care of. Have you seen the madness in the city?¡±

    Steward Zhong seemed to still be caught up with fright. ¡°I¡¯ll say! I thought something was going to go down when the prince charged in. I had all of our stores close up shop for the day. I just arrived home myself.¡±

    The steward personally served tea when it was delivered, dismissing the servants and forbidding departure from the residence. Qin Yining epted the tea with thanks, sipping some to wet her throat.

    Her brief overview of what¡¯d happened on Mt. Jadecloud today stunned the grand steward. He murmured, ¡°You caught all of the assassins, miss?¡±

    ¡°We got them all. When we entered the city just now, the citizens angrily surrounded the captives when they understood it was Great Zhou assassins. I¡¯m afraid the assassins have probably been beaten to death. My father is under orders not to kill them, but he couldn¡¯t do much against the infuriated crowds. Plus, anxiety and anger attacked him when he heard that the Prince of Ning had surrounded the pce. My second and third uncle took my father home after he fainted, which is why I have time toe visit you.¡±

    Though this was how she presented things, how would someone as sharp as the grand steward not understand the connotations within? If something really had happened to Qin Huaiyuan, how would Qin Yining be in the mood to visit and chat?

    Affability wreathed the steward¡¯s expression as he internally threw a thumbs up for the Qin father and daughter schemes. He rolled a big, fat, hairy eyeball at the heartless emperor but mouthed words that smacked of righteousness.

    ¡°No wonder the marquis fainted from his worries. Even regr citizens such as me were scared out of our wits when the prince charged in with his men! The prince has always acted ording to his own whims. If the emperor... ai! What to do about all of this!¡± He shook his head with worry.

    Qin Yining dimpled. Steward Zhong is such a wonderful person.

    ¡°It¡¯s not our ce to worry about what happens with the emperor. Though I wish I could help him, I don¡¯t have the ability to. I can only pray that his fortunes and benefaction run deep.¡± Qin Yining sped her hands together and made a gesture of worship towards the skies.

    Steward Zhong imitated her with a smile.

    The scene of pious loyalty was ruined when the two looked at each other and burst out inughter.

    This was the one of the best days that Qin Yining had had recently. She whispered to the grand steward after a bit of thought, ¡°There¡¯s one more thing we need to take care of. With the Prince of Ning cleaning house, the Caos won¡¯t get off lightly either. They might try to flee. My maternal grandmother and rtives surely aren¡¯t in the city these days and may not know what¡¯s going on. Try to get word to them if possible.¡± She lowered her voice even more. ¡°Tell them that a chance has been created atst, and that they should grasp it tightly.¡±

    The steward had long since known that the alliance head of Azure Justice was the Duchess of Ding. But it was a rebel organization at the heart of things. It would put Qin Yining at a grave disadvantage if this became public knowledge; she might even be killed for it. Thus, he¡¯d never dared speak about it.

    It had indeed been the duchess¡¯ arrangement for the alliance toe to the Qins¡¯ aid when they were attacked by Zhou assassins. Because of what had happened, the duchess was still loitering around the outskirts of the capital. The steward also knew where they were.

    ¡°Alright, this brooks no dy. I¡¯ll deliver the message personally.¡± He had an urge to rub his hands. It felt like the times were changing.

    ¡°Be careful. The prince¡¯s operation isn¡¯t a small matter. It¡¯s too chaotic inside the city now, make sure you have your house locked up tight. There might be some who waiting to take advantage of the mess to get rich quick. We have to stay on our guard in times like these.¡±

    The fourth miss¡¯ words drew the steward back down to earth. He nodded rapidly, ¡°Thank you for the reminder, miss. I forgot about my own family in my excitement. I¡¯ll take care of this shortly.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful. Tell my maternal grandmother to keep on eye on the various exits the Caos may have in the area. A family like theirs will certainly have some secret passageways in case they ever need them. They¡¯lle out in unsuspecting locations, but the exits won¡¯t be too far away from the capital. But with how smart my grandmother is, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll think about this without me reminding her. Additionally, please tell her to leave quickly after she takes revenge. Don¡¯t rx her guard just because she¡¯s achieved a long-term goal.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry miss, I¡¯ll bring all these words to them.¡±

    Qin Yining gave a few more instructions before feeling assured that she¡¯d covered everything. After leaving the Zhongs, Mu Jinghu asked, ¡°Are we going to watch the show?¡±

    ¡°Watch the show?¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°My identity is a bit too special. I¡¯d love to, but I have to avoid situations like these.¡±

    Mu Jinghu frowned with great regret. ¡°What a pity, royal conflict like this is a rare sight, one that I haven¡¯t seen before!¡±

    His childish words teased a smile out of the fourth miss. It was very difficult to imagine that someone like Pang Xiao would have a friend as pure and somewhat simple as the gentleman.

    Because he had to keep watch over Qin Yining, that ruled out Mu Jinghu having a grand time on the streets. He escorted her back to the manor.

    In the pce, the empress¡¯ trembling body was curled up in the emperor¡¯s arms, her tears having soaked through the shoulder of his robes.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll stay, you go! The Prince of Ning obviously wants your throne. I¡¯ll stay behind to handle him. You should think of a n and hide!¡±

    ¡°What kind of words are these? How could I leave you behind?¡± The emperor cuddled the empress, pressing their cheeks to each other.

    Sounds of fighting outside the hall grew ever louder. The prince¡¯s rough voice roared out, ¡°Royal brother, hand over that slut! I must give an ounting to the people. I won¡¯ty a single finger on you!¡±

 Chapter 221: Forsook

    <h4>Chapter 221: Forsook</h4>

    How could the emperor have fathomed that the normally submissive Prince of Ning would suddenly erupt in all-out rebellion, right after gaining control of the armies? He really wanted to wring the prince¡¯s neck!

    Sadly, there were limited numbers of royal guards and imperial bodyguards around. Most of them were various noble descendants to boot, serving just for the title. They were no match for properly trained troops. The prince may not be terribly aplished at anything else, but he was a dab hand at fighting wars.

    That he would one day be in such bedraggled straits had never urred to the imperial majesty. He shot angrily to his feet and pressed the empress back down onto the round chair.

    ¡°You just sit right here today,¡± hemanded sternly. ¡°I will protect you. I am the son of heaven, can I not protect a little girl like you? I¡¯d like to see who dares harm you while I¡¯m here!¡±

    The empress¡¯ makeup was in streaks down her face. Her hands were shaking from terror. She too knew that the emperor was the only person she could rely on now. If the Prince of Ning still had any respect for his imperial brother, she might have a chance to live. Otherwise, given her history of conflict with the prince, there was no reason whatsoever for him to let her off the hook.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m not afraid. As long as you still want me, I¡¯m willing to stay forever by your side.¡± She looked piteous at the emperor, her tear-filled eyes and gentle tone bestirring in him a protective urge that he¡¯d never felt before.

    The doors to the hall were flung open at this time.

    The prince entered slowly, treasured sword in hand. Soldiers from the army outside the capital followed behind. Each of them bore vicious looks and were stained with blood. Every single one of them looked like they wanted to rip the empress apart where she stood.

    A regal look spread across the emperor¡¯s face. He stretched his arms out and stood protectively in front of the empress. ¡°Prince of Ning, what do you want?!¡±

    ¡°Royal brother.¡± The prince made a cupped fist salute with sword in hand. Fresh blood dripped down the tip of his sword, leaving brown spots on the crimson red carpet beneath.

    The emperor had enjoyed thep of luxury for quite a few years, when had he ever been faced with a situation like this? Blood and violence wafted off of the prince and soldiers behind him. Every single one of them looked savage enough to eat people. When he met the prince¡¯s stern look, the emperor¡¯s heart skipped a beat and he almost wet his pants!

    ¡°Royal brother used to be diligent and earnest. You loved the people like your own and the entire world remembers your might of yesteryear. I looked to you as a most respected ruler. You used to keep wise subjects close at heart and kept a distance from petty social-climbers. You could¡¯ve founded an era of peace and prosperity, but you changed after meeting that slut!¡±

    ¡°Is it me who¡¯s changed or that you want to sit on this throne?!¡± Though the emperor was frightened, he was angrier even more. How could his authority be trampled on like this?! ¡°I say your ambitions have grown increasingly greater over the years!¡±

    The prince arched an eyebrow, hurt shing through his eyes.

    ¡°I handed over military control when you grew wary of my power. I¡¯m a good-for-nothing imperial prince because you don¡¯t like me participating in politics. The earth and heavens can bear witness to my loyalty! Royal brother, you know full well the depths of my allegiance to you. How else would you have tolerated me to this day otherwise?¡±

    ¡°What I regret most of all right now is precisely that I¡¯ve tolerated you to this day!¡± The emperor angrily upended a square table and dashed all of the cups and tes on it to the ground.

    ¡°Forget it!¡± The prince heaved a long sigh and gave up on talking reason into the emperor. His gaze turned resolute and he pronounced coldly, ¡°I have no other choice since you insist on thinking of me this way! I bear no regrets for my actions. To tell you the truth, royal brother, do you know how the guards and your bodyguards reacted after I surrounded the pce and made my way in? When I told them I¡¯m here to kill that slut?¡±

    The prince slowly approached the empress. She scampered behind the emperor and the couple backed up continuously.

    The Prince of Ning sneered derisively. ¡°They apuded and cheered! Most of them let me through easily. How else could I have gotten here so quickly? Hahaha!¡±

    Heartyughter from the prince made the empress shake all over. She shrilled, ¡°You viinous traitor! A painful death waits for you!¡±

    ¡°So be it.¡± The princeughed uproariously. ¡°From the day I was born into an imperial family, I knew that I wouldn¡¯t enjoy a long life ending with a peaceful death. It doesn¡¯t matter whether I die from attempting a coup or schemes from others. But you, bitch, won¡¯t have an easy death because I won¡¯t allow you to!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty! Look at him! He wants to take your throne!¡± The empress had her arms around the emperor¡¯s waist and her face in his chest. She trembled from tears, but it was unknown whether she was crying out of anger or fear.

    The prince was wholly indifferent. He smiled. ¡°Royal brother, the throne or this woman, make your choice!¡±

    Askance, the empress stared at the prince. Was he really here to kill just her?

    The emperor was equally surprised. The imperial couple had been married for a long time, so they shared the same thoughts. When he¡¯d seen how ferociously the prince had charged in just now, he¡¯d lost hope for the future. Though he¡¯d presented a tough front, he was calcting furiously on how to keep his life.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that he would have to decide between his throne and the empress?

    He lowered his head, looking soulfully at the empress. She shook even harder and wrapped her am firmly around the emperor¡¯s waist. ¡°Your Majesty, I don¡¯t want to leave you! I don¡¯t want to leave you!¡±

    The prince chuckled mockingly to see the empress try her wiles at such a time. ¡°It¡¯s not up to you anymore. What do you say, royal brother?¡±

    The emperor swallowed hard. ¡°And what if I don¡¯t choose?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t choose? It looks like you still don¡¯t understand the situation, royal brother.¡± The prince paced in front of the couple. ¡°Let me put it another way. Either hand over that wench and continue being the emperor, or I can send both of you to the afterlife together. I would be very willing to send such star-crossed lovers off on a journey together.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± The emperor pointed a shaking finger at the prince. ¡°Don¡¯t you try to scare me! You¡¯ll let me stay as the emperor? Aren¡¯t you afraid that I¡¯ll take you to task for all of this?¡±

    The prince arched a provocative and confident eyebrow. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to give her up, you¡¯ll naturally have the chance to decree punishment for me. Well? Do you want that chance, royal brother?¡±

    The empress shook her head rapidly, sending tears flying off into the air. ¡°Your Majesty, I don¡¯t, I don¡¯t want to die! I want to stay by your side! My family has achieved great things for the government, Your Majesty! You can¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°Yurou.¡± The emperor stroked her head lovingly, but his other arm forced away the woman¡¯s arms around his waist. ¡°Yurou, I know you love me truly. Because of that, you don¡¯t want to see the nation fall into chaos and someone else upy our country, right?¡±

    bbergasted, a chill stole through the empress¡¯ heart. Tears streaked soundlessly down her face. ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t you want me anymore?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll remember you fondly.¡± Reddened eyes spoke of the emperor¡¯s pained heart. ¡°But as a ruler, I must protect the nation even though I love you. I have to do this.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no! Your Majesty, you love me dearly! You say I¡¯m your goddess, you show me favor that you don¡¯t show anyone else! You can fight for me! Why don¡¯t you?¡±

    The emperor flicked a nce at the prince. He¡¯s clearly watching a good show. He smiled wryly. ¡°Yurou, that¡¯s enough.¡±

 Chapter 222: A Human Candle

    <h4>Chapter 222: A Human Candle</h4>

    A loud hum filled the empress¡¯ mind when she heard this. In utter despair, she fell to a seated position on the ground. She stared straight ahead, forgetting to even cry in her distress.

    ¡°Liar! Liar! You said I¡¯m to have a life of unparalleled fortune! What kind of prediction was that?! Liar!¡± The empress roared furiously and burst into loud sobs. She suddenly shot to her feet and charged a nearby pir.

    However, having anticipated this, the Prince of Ning stopped the woman with a quick forward grasp. He adroitly dislocated her jaw, then broke all of her limbs with a few sharp twists and loud cracks. He tossed her carelessly to the men behind him.

    Shrieking and howling with pain, the empress¡¯ face was a mess of tears and snot. Because she couldn¡¯t close her mouth, drool puddled on her cor.

    The prince smiled at the emperor. ¡°Royal brother, it¡¯s gettingte. Would you like to go outside with me and see what the people are doing?¡±

    The emperor didn¡¯t dare meet his brother¡¯s eyes. He was both frightened and livid, having no idea what the prince would do with the empress. Imperial tears streaked down his face.

    When the prince failed to receive an answer, he pretended that his royal brother wasn¡¯t present. He turned to address the soldiers.

    ¡°Take her away. Stuff oil rags into all of the openings in her body, wind two denseyers of hemp rope around her, then stick her in a vat of oil. Tell the whole city that this prince will put on a show for them today. I¡¯ll show them a human candle at the hour of the dog in front of the meridian gate! It¡¯s going to be a good one! Hahaha!¡±

    He burst into rowdyughter at the end and continued, ¡°Go tell the families that suffered the most from this slut that I¡¯m turning her into a human candle today. I¡¯ll save them front-row seats, soe early! We wait for no one!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The soldiers nursed a bone deep hatred of the trampress for ruining their country. Not only did they not think this punishment was cruel and unusual, but they were greatly looking forward to it.

    As for the trampress, she¡¯d already fainted from terror when she heard the words ¡®human candle¡¯.

    The emperor yanked at his brother. ¡°Prince of Ning! Killing someone is easy. If you still treasure the bonds of brotherhood between us, give her a quick death! She¡¯s just a weak woman!¡±

    ¡°A weak woman? Where was that weakness when she was busy cooking people and frying them? I¡¯ve never seen her show a shred ofpassion either. Royal brother, in my opinion, you should focus on how you¡¯re going to punish me after this and get revenge for your empress.¡± The prince saluted casually with cupped fists and left with a flourish of his sleeves.

    Intense pain assaulted the emperor¡¯s heart. He pointed usingly at the prince¡¯s departing figure for a long while, shaking from from anger. An excess of emotion finally sent him crashing to the ground in a dead faint.

    When the prince exited the pce, the empress was duly immersed in a vat of oil as per his orders. Three thousand men were left to guard the meridian gate as he charged to the Cao Manor with the remaining seven thousand.

    Chaos was reigning supreme when he arrived. Servants were running for their lives, some clutching packages and others holding vases or other valuables. Anarchy was the theme of the day.

    The prince didn¡¯t stop to question anyone when he rushed in. He just killed everyone he saw, whether a servant or Cao family member, plunging the manor into a sea of blood.

    Some protested that they hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, that they were just a servant. The prince answered all of those with a cold thrust of the de.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing good in Cao Bingzhong¡¯s family! Have any of you shied away from lording it over others normally? I¡¯m exacting justice on behalf on the heavens today to take care of all you scum!¡± He turned back to yell at his troops. ¡°Kill them all! Don¡¯t let a single one live!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The soldiers were gripped by frenzied bloodlust. Some of them tucked valuables away, to which the prince pretended he didn¡¯t see anything. This further spurred the soldiers onto greater efforts.

    And so the Cao Manor was raided and looted.

    Six hundred Cao family members and servants were ughtered.

    ......

    The prince checked all of the bodies carefully, stabbing them a few more times when he saw anyone surnamed Cao. His only regret was that Grand Preceptor Cao wasn¡¯t home!

    When the soldiers searched the premises, they discovered a hidden door behind a bookcase in an inner residence study. The prince and his men charged in with torches, emerging in the firewood shed of a residence on the outskirts of the capital.

    The prince and his men looked around and searched the residence carefully.

    ¡°Your Highness, there was a fight here four hours ago. There¡¯s footprints and traces of blood on the ground, but no one to be found.¡±

    The prince snorted coldly and spat through grit teeth, ¡°That old fart probably ran away with part of the family fortune when he received word of what was happening. He threw away even his own family! How ludicrous.¡±

    The soldiers found these actions equally reprehensible. After a short discussion, their leader asked, ¡°Your Highness, what do we do now?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back. It¡¯s about time. If we grab some horses, we¡¯ll make it in time for the show.¡±

    The soldiers assented loudly at this.

    ......

    The hour of the dog.

    Dusk had fallen; thest patch of sunset was about to vanish behind distant mountain peaks.

    A tall stage had been set up outside the meridian gate, a wooden cross at the top of it.

    Beneath the stage, someone fished out a woman from arge vat. Her mouth was gagged, messy slicks of hair scattered wildly, and soaked hemp ropes wrapped around her.

    The Prince of Ning ced his hand on his trusty sword at his waist and stood atop the stage. His voice carried on the wind as he faced the dense crowd. ¡°Today, I, Weiching Jinming, captured the scourge of our nation and exterminated the trampress¡¯ family. From today onwards, there will be no one bedeviling the emperor!¡±

    ¡°Good! Good! Good!¡± Soldiers beneath the stage called out in unison, apanied by cheers from the citizens.

    The oil-soaked empress was forced upside down and tied to the wooden cross. The prince epted a torch and strode slowly to the woman.

    The empress wanted to faint from the stench from the oil around her. Her head to the ground, she watched despairingly as the prince approached with measured pace. Sobbing sounds emitted behind the gag as she begged for mercy.

    ¡°The trampress is a blight on our nation and has harmed loyal officials,¡± the prince denounced coldly. ¡°Not only did she influence the emperor with temptations in bed, but she wiped out Imperial Physician Tang¡¯s family, convinced the emperor to destroy the Duke of Ding¡¯s household, and eliminated opponents by frying and eating Consort Shu and Honored Concubine Xiang. Her crimes are too numerous to record. Today, we see how one like her ends up!¡±

    He didn¡¯t skip a single beat and brought the torch close to the well-lubricated ropes at her feet. They ignited with a whoosh!

    It rather did look like lighting a candle from the distance.

    The empress screamed with pain and twisted desperately. However, her struggles were futile given the ropes wrapped around her. Enduring the pain and despair spreading from her feet was the only thing she could do.

    She quickly fainted from the torment.

    The Prince of Ning kindly woke her up with a pail of water.

    He also personally relit the human candle whenever the fires went out.

    After repeated suffering, the trampress finally fell still when the fires reached her calves. Sheer pain had been the death of her.

    However, the prince didn¡¯t stop. He ordered his troops, ¡°Burn it, keep it burning! Turn her into ashes for those she killed. I don¡¯t want even residue to remain!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    The human candle flickered with varying degrees of intensity and brightened the meridian gate. Fear first struck the crowd, but apuse soon reigned.

    Within the crowd, Mu Jinghu awoke the fainted Grand Preceptor Cao for the seventh time. Horror had caused him to faint continuously. Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were nking the Duchess of Ding.

    The group squeezed out of the crowd only when the trampress had been half burned, making their way to a close manor nearby. This was Qin Yining¡¯s new property. The original family had moved away long ago, leaving behind a manor two houses deep.

    Her aunts, cousins-inw, and other female rtions were all present within as well as four strange men. Slightly nervous at the sight, n¨¦e Sun was assuaged by her daughter patting her hand. The Qin fourth miss left Jiyun with her mother and helped her grandmother to the center seat in the yard.

    Having tapped the grand preceptor¡¯s acupoints to render him immobile, Mu Jinghu threw the human block of wood onto the ground.

 Chapter 223: Another Big Present

    <h4>Chapter 223: Another Big Present</h4>

    The duchess smiled at Qin Yining. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, we owe a great deal to you this time. If it hadn¡¯t been for your timely notification, we never would¡¯ve have caught this old fool.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, grandmother.¡± Qin Yining smiled diffidently. ¡°I was useless before and couldn¡¯t help you. When such a good chance to get revenge presented itself, how could I possibly pass it up?¡±

    Moved, the duchess nodded and sighed. ¡°I was wrong to force you to be alliance head that day.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. I understand what you were thinking. You didn¡¯t really hurt me either. It¡¯s all water under the bridge, we don¡¯t need to mention it again.¡±

    Though the girl said this, the duchess still felt that she¡¯d failed as a grandmother when she recalled what she¡¯d done and how Qin Yining had herself a hostage at a crucial moment to help the duchess escape.

    Qin Yining¡¯s fifth cousin-inw and senior aunt were already kicking and punching the grand preceptor. Her second aunt had sunk vengeful teeth into the man, refusing to let go even when she started choking on a mouthful of blood.

    Revenge was finally at hand for the innocent Sun males!

    Though Grand Preceptor Cao was in pain, he couldn¡¯t move as his acupoints had been sealed. He could only yell gutturally and suffer the abuse.

    The duchess rose, immediately followed by the four men by her side. Thetter red hatefully at the grand preceptor. ¡°Alliance Head, what should we do to this ass of a fool?¡±

    Smiling faintly, the duchess stepped firmly on the grand preceptor¡¯s face and ground her foot in. She looked at Qin Yining. ¡°Granddaughter Yi, what do you think I should do?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss looked at the man on the ground. ¡°Grandmother, it was due to his and the trampress¡¯ words that the emperor had the idea of moving against my senior cousin. That further led to the disaster that descended on the Suns. He¡¯s our greatest enemy! It¡¯s naturally up to you what should be done now that he¡¯s been caught. I support whatever you decide.¡±

    With her quick mind, Qin Yining knew that her maternal grandmother wanted to probe what the current Qin attitude was. She didn¡¯t want the others to misunderstand her father, nor did she want his quiet efforts in the shadows to really fade into the background.

    ¡°Who knows how much effort all of us have put in for this day? Justice is finally served and we have our vengeance! My father says that we can continue on peacefully only when we have our revenge. This applies for both the Qins and the Suns. Thankfully the heavens are just and viins receive their share of karma in the end!¡±

    Grand Preceptor Cao red viciously at Qin Yining when he heard this. The violent light in his eyes would¡¯ve materialized as a dagger and gotten a few stabs in if it could¡¯ve.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid in the least. She actually smiled, as ifforting the old man. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, gramps, your family is all dead and your line ended. You won¡¯t be lonely in the underworld.¡±

    Deste agony crossed the grand preceptor¡¯s face and blood trickled from the corners of his mouth.

    Qin Yining stooped in front of the old man. ¡°Didn¡¯t you flee through a secret passageway when you heard that the Prince of Ning had entered the city? Hadn¡¯t the thought of your entire family being doomed to death already urred to you then? Tsk tsk, you¡¯re a true man alright! Job well done! It seems that those who aplish great things do indeed have to be ruthless!

    ¡°Honestly, if you¡¯d shared a quick word with your family and encouraged everyone to escape together, a few of you really might¡¯ve made it out in the chaos. At the very least, your family line wouldn¡¯t have ended.¡±

    The girl picked up a handful of dirt and showered it onto the grand preceptor¡¯s eyes, ones that bulging out at her with anger. He instantly closed them in pain.

    ¡°But what a pity that you were too selfish to. And so, the Caos have beenpletely uprooted. Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t have an easier death than Cao Yurou. It¡¯s only fitting that you share your daughter¡¯s end, no? Oh right, I have one more thing to tell you.¡± She leaned down, her smiling tones piercing through the man¡¯s eardrums.

    ¡°Do you know what your greatest mistake was?

    ¡°You probably don¡¯t know that the rare book and coral the prince gave you is actually ours.¡±

    Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s eyes widened at this. Ignoring the pain of sand and dirt in them, he red at the girl through a film of tears, the wounded roars of a wild animal ripping from his throat.

    Qin Yiningughed gaily. ¡°Oh please, someone with brains like yours should never try to outwit my father! Do you think you had us against the wall with the missing silver from the Ministry of Revenue? I thought so too at first, but when I couldn¡¯t find father¡¯s beloved Yan Zhenqing book in his study, then thought of how much you like calligraphy, I suddenly understood why the prince had gone to bow submissively to you. I knew this day woulde. Cao Bingzhong, you¡¯ll die a well deserved death!¡±

    ¡°Huff! Huff!¡± The grand preceptor couldn¡¯t speak through his sealed acupoints. The only thing he could do was scream gutturally from his throat.

    He finally understood, he understood everything now! He¡¯d been overly confident and thus underestimated Wise Pan An. He¡¯d forgotten that this title wasn¡¯t just for show!

    It was toote, everything was toote!

    Though the others didn¡¯t know what had happened, they could tell from the Qin fourth miss¡¯ words that Grand Preceptor Cao¡¯s current predicament were a result of a Qin Huaiyuan scheme. Thus, no one bore any lingering suspicions against the marquis. They only felt gratitude instead!

    ¡°Get him, get him!¡±

    The womenfolk could resist no longer and surged forward, kicking and punching the petrified grand preceptor on the ground. Some tore harshly at his flesh with their teeth, refusing to let go even sprayed with fresh blood.

    Qin Yining¡¯s senior aunt opted for grabbing the grand preceptor¡¯s hair and smashing his face repeatedly into the ground. ¡°You filthy bastard, burn in hell, burn in hell!! Give me back my husband! Give me back my Ming¡¯er! Give me back my rtives-inw!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun had gotten a piece of wood from somewhere; it was used for bolting doors shut. She smashed it murderously onto Cao Bingzhong¡¯s legs and body. Even now she couldn¡¯t forget the day her family¡¯s manor had been raided, the farewell her father and brothers had bid to the rest of them.

    The destruction of her family had been the start of all her bad luck. Her father and brothers dying had bereft her of support and was the source of countless nightmares that terrified her awake in tears.

    She¡¯d once thought that she would have no ce to vent her bitter hate, but one had presented itself today!

    The women encircled the grand preceptor as they vented their emotions, blows still raining down even when their victim was dead. Judging from their momentum, they wanted to pound the old man into meat paste.

    The duchess remained on the sidelines all this while, a slight smile gracing her face while her hands formed tight fists within her sleeves. She didn¡¯t feel anything even when her nails drew blood after piercing through her skin.

    As she watched a pool of blood slowly spread over the ground, the tight knot of rage and hate in her slowly loosened, giving way to a loss of purpose.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, you probably don¡¯t know that the pursuit of revenge was the only thing that kept us alive during this time.¡± The duchess turned and walked towards the back, holding the girl¡¯s hand. The four men were hot on their heels. Mu Jinghu quickly took a ce next to Qin Yining.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve served justice with our own hands, I suddenly feel empty. The driving force behind clenched teeth that kept us going during this time has stilled, but what¡¯s to be our purpose in our remaining days?¡±

    ¡°Why, find a quiet ce and live happily with my aunts and cousins-inw, of course. Live out your lives peacefully and asionally think of grandfather, my uncles, and cousins. See the world that they didn¡¯t have a chance to see. That would still be a fulfilling life.¡±

    The duchess stopped and grasped Qin Yining¡¯s hands firmly. ¡°You¡¯re right. Our revenge has been exacted and I shouldn¡¯t continue to nurse this grudge. Those who are gone have passed on. It¡¯s fruitless to keep holding onto what can¡¯t be changed. What we can do now is live on.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly.

    The duchess smiled into the girl¡¯s clear eyes. ¡°Then, darling Yi, how about I give you Azure Justice?¡±

    Qin Yining nked.

    The four men behind the duchess also froze. She looked back at them with a smile. ¡°I originally formed the alliance because one, the title of the Duke of Ding could recruit many like-minded people. Second, I had my own goal of using the power of many for revenge. Many of those in the organization wish to topple tyranny.¡±

    ¡°Alliance Head...¡± The leader of the four was a tall, buff man just over thirty. ¡°We understand your intentions, but Miss Qin is still the daughter of the Marquis of Anping! Her father is an official and we¡¯re rebels...¡±

    ¡°My granddaughter is smart and resourceful. She has the brains to lead everyone onto the right path. Our original intent was to bring peace and prosperity to the people. Everyone knows what kind of person the marquis is, and our goals don¡¯t actually conflict with the Qin operandi modus.¡±

    Celebrating three years of trantion! Check out how to trigger a bonus chapter here!

 Chapter 224: Alliance Head

    <h4>Chapter 224: Alliance Head</h4>

    When it came to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s character, the four were quite epting of that judgment. ¡°The Marquis of Anping is indeed a praiseworthy person. A lot of people forget who they once were when they gain power, but he¡¯s never changed in the face of favor or disgrace. He¡¯s been upright and moral all of these years. He loves the people like his own and he is indeed smarter than normal.¡±

    If their alliance head had a father with connections at court, Azure Justice would have a better grasp of the shifts in political winds. That would be quite a very good thing.

    Qin Yining was naturally happy to hear her fatherplimented, but that didn¡¯t mean she felt the same about her maternal grandmother passing on something so important to her!

    ¡°Grandmother, although I know how to y a few tricks, I¡¯ve never really seen much of grand asions. It¡¯d be too hard for me to lead Azure Justice. I struggle enough with the different personalities aplenty in the families of officials. Consolidating the enormous number of members in the organization would be far beyond my abilities as a little girl. I don¡¯t have the ability to run Azure Justice at all. Please don¡¯t make things difficult for your granddaughter.¡±

    ¡°I know what you¡¯re worried about. I actually have a few things to bring up with all of you as well.¡± The duchess quite understood her granddaughter¡¯s concerns and turned to the four men. ¡°Our alliance shouldn¡¯t continue growing stronger. We should stop taking in more people.¡±

    Her decision surprised the four subordinates.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to make sure we¡¯re all of one heart when we grow in numbers. Our initial goal was just to collect a group of like-minded people. We could take action if the royal family didn¡¯t make a move against people like Grand Preceptor Cao and the trampress. We¡¯d be regr citizens if peace reigned beneath the heavens, or summon help with a wave of a hand in the face of injustice.

    ¡°But when we have too many, it¡¯s inevitable that other elements will slip into our organization. It¡¯s difficult to prevent the rise of greater ambitions rising depart from our original objective of championing the causes of the people.¡±

    ¡°Though you make sense, Alliance Head, it¡¯s not the best time to decrease our numbers when the Great Zhou army is at our doorstep.¡± The quartet were gravely worried about the future.

    But the duchess smiled instead. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who calls the shots in our world, as long as the people can enjoy days of peace. I once felt that Great Yan belonged to the house of Weichi, but look at what this august family has done to the nation! So in my view, it doesn¡¯t matter who rules as long as they¡¯re a virtuous character who can bringsting harmony. It doesn¡¯t matter if the government changes hands.¡±

    Her words were high treason, but no one present was blindly loyal. They all understood after thinking about it carefully.

    The leader of the four chuckled. ¡°You think the most clearly, Alliance Head. We understand. The trampress has been turned into a candle and the Caos have been stamped out like the gue they are. With the Prince of Ning as themander-in-chief, that fool of an emperor won¡¯t be able to do much even if he wants to.¡±

    ¡°Precisely,¡± another man added. ¡°I understand what you mean, Alliance Head. Our call to arms was for the happiness of the people. Now that stability seems at hand, we¡¯ll be the second force disturbing general order if we allow ourselves to grow stronger. We should put our own affairs in order and let go of some people.¡±

    The duchess smiled along with them. ¡°You¡¯re all smart people and understand things with a single hint. I¡¯ve actually heard that the news from Xihua a while ago was fake. Pang Zhixi¡¯s men didn¡¯t kill and loot at all. The ones put to death were corrupt Great Yan officials and local merchants known as scalpers or demon kings.

    ¡°Much of the wealth they took ended up in the army¡¯s coffers, but the hundred thousand Valiant Tigers are camped outside of the city to avoid disturbing the people. Not only did they not raid the citizens, but their soldiers head into town with silver and transact honestly when they need something. This has actually brought a lot of business to the local shops.¡±

    ¡°So it turns out that Pang¡¯s men aren¡¯t that hateful,¡± one of the men interjected.

    Qin Yining thought for a moment and added her thoughts as well. ¡°I heard father say that long before the peace talks, Pang Zhixi was censured and stripped of his position as Supreme Commander of Southern Pacification because he refused to follow an imperialmand to raze the city. He didn¡¯t want to ughter the innocents, which is why the Great Zhou emperor failed with using the Xihua poption to threaten our emperor.¡±

    Understanding struck the duchess. ¡°Then... the Zhou emperor ughtered the war captives because of this?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not biased towards little Prince Pang just because I know him. He really did defy an imperial order to not kill innocent people.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Seems like Pang¡¯s not that bad after all.¡± The four men discussed enthusiastically andughed when their eyes met each others¡¯.

    ¡°This is why rumors can¡¯t be fully trusted. Pang Zhixi is Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s son, and even though his father was the Protector of the Nation for Northern Ji, that doesn¡¯t mean he was an evil person. Just like us brothers have an awful reputation in the jianghu, how people say that we¡¯re bandits who areplete cannibals, that we¡¯re scum who rob even beggars, we know best what we do.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! The trash emperor says Azure Justice is a bunch of rebels, but everything we do is for everything that¡¯s good and right!¡±

    The fourughed uproariously as they looked at each other. Infected by the heroic air, Qin Yining chuckled as well.

    Her grandmother took her hand again. ¡°I¡¯ve said all this because I wanted to tell you that after the alliance is in your hands, just choose a good path for them. They all have their own livelihoods and don¡¯t depend on stipends from the organization. We didn¡¯t gather together for profit, but for the hot-blooded thrum of serving our nation coursing through our veins. We lead our own lives when nothing¡¯s going on, and all cany our lives on the line when trouble strikes. So my darling Yi, don¡¯t disappointment their pure enthusiasm.¡±

    Qin Yining felt a bit resigned. She¡¯d have to be the alliance had at this rate. But in these trouble times, it might be very handy to have thiswork in hand.

    The duchess had already turned to introduce the four. ¡°Granddaughter Yi,e and make the acquaintances of the four lieutenants of Azure Justice. This is Gant Liao. All of the jianghu knows that the de work of the Liao family is unparalleled.¡±

    The thirty-some year old leader of the quartet had an honest demeanor about him. He raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°I¡¯m Liao Zhibing.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss quickly returned the courtesy. ¡°Greeting to Gant Liao.¡±

    ¡°These two are the Zhao brothers. They were heroes on Mt. Redtop before and descended the mountain to join us when they heard about our cruel emperor.¡±

    ¡°Miss Qin.¡± The Zhao brothers also raised cupped fist salutes. ¡°I¡¯m Zhao Promise and my brother¡¯s Zhao Unbreakable.¡± 1

    Qin Yining quickly returned the gesture as well.

    Thest of them was also the most delicately featured of them all. He looked young, roughly twenty five years old.

    ¡°This is Sir Qiao Shangfei, secondary name Yongming. He¡¯s mature and dependable, always able to brainstorm numerous ns. He ranked overall sixth in the Metropolitan Graduate with Honors in the second year of our current calendar cycle. 2 Sir Qiao a talented character person with ambition, but refused to be an official due to some family affairs and disdain for the trash emperor. You can ask him when there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, not at all.¡± Qiao Shangfei rushed to cup his fists, very respectful and epting of the duchess¡¯ leadership.

    Qin Yining crusted to Qiao Shangfei as well, rounding out her understanding of the crouching tigers and hidden dragons within Azure Justice.

    Of the four lieutenants, one was a renowned jianghu hero that even Mu Jinghu looked at respectfully, two were brawny men who gave off the aura of bandits, and one was a Metropolitan Graduate! There were very few graduates who were this young.

    Having conducted a round of introductions, the duchess turned to curtsey to the quartet.

    ¡°Thank you all for your steadfast support during this time and allowing an old woman like me to order you around. Since we got along so readily with each other to form Azure Justice, we must live up to the organization¡¯s name.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Alliance Head.¡±

    ¡°The alliance head is right. We¡¯ve always conducted ourselves honorably, so we mustn¡¯t do anything that goes against our consciousness.¡±

    ¡°Then I look to all of you for the care of my granddaughter.¡± The duchess curtsied again.

    The four men looked at each other, no further protestations on their lips. They offered cupped fist salutes to Qin Yining in unison.

    Celebrating three years of trantion! Check out how to trigger a bonus chapter here!

    1. Alright, I took some heavy liberties with the Zhao brothers¡¯ names because together, their given names put together form a Chinese idiom that¡¯s literally ¡°a promise is worth ten thousand gold¡±, or a promise given is a promise kept aka promises won¡¯t be broken. I really wanted to keep the connotations of this, but kept their surnames in pinyin so we can easily identify that they¡¯re brothers. Let me know if this feels awkward.

    2. A designation for the best graduates of the national civil service recruitment examinations

 Chapter 225: Showing of Oneâ€™s Hand

    <h4>Chapter 225: Showing of One¡¯s Hand</h4>

    Zhao Unbreakableughed heartily. ¡°Little sister Qin, meeting here today means we share a destiny! Since you¡¯re the alliance head now, we¡¯re now brothers and sister who share each other¡¯s joy and troubles. I¡¯m a crude man and don¡¯t know how to say all those slippery, nice sounding words. I just know that we¡¯re doing all this for the people. Just gimme a yell if you need me in the future!¡±

    Zhao Promise smiled as well. ¡°Don¡¯t mind us, Alliance Head Qin. Us brothers are sons of bandits. That¡¯s the only thing we¡¯ve known how to do since being born. We don¡¯t know many words and we¡¯re not as cultured as Qiao Yongming. We talk crassly, don¡¯t mind us!¡±

    ¡°Not at all! My elder brothers are forthright and frank people. You¡¯re shining examples of good people! Too bad there¡¯s no wine today ¡ª we should really drink heartily on an asion like this! I may be a Qin daughter, but I didn¡¯t grow up in a gildedplex. And please don¡¯t treat me as some haughty noble¡¯s daughter. I¡¯m an ordinary girl like all of you. I just have some notions of responsibility and idealism about what we should do for the people.¡±

    ¡°Well said!¡± Liao Zhibingughed. ¡°Then we¡¯re settled. The four of us will go back and discuss what we¡¯ve agreed on today. We¡¯ll dismiss any that have questionable morals or want to leave. Just like the old alliance head said, we should go for quality over quantity.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to trouble Brother Liao.¡± Qin Yining smiled faintly.

    ¡°Oh pshaw! Compared to what Alliance Head Qin¡¯s done ¡ª selling off your property to keep refugees alive ¡ª this is nothing!¡±

    The group returned to the front yard when all was agreed upon.

    The bloody pulp that was Grand Preceptor Cao was discarded in a gory heap on the ground, no one caring about him at all. The women were holding each other as they sobbed in anguish.

    Qin Yining had servants clean up the yard and roll the grand preceptor¡¯s body up in a grass mat to throw into the mass, unmarked graves. She returned home with Jiyun and Mu Jinghu afterwards.

    The group entered the doors to find Qitai waiting for them.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, Fourth Miss. The lord is waiting for you in the study.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll be right over.¡±

    The fire had burned down half of the houses in theplex and not a single one remainedpletely unscathed. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s study in the outer residence had also suffered damage, but themonly used main house and side room where the library was located were untouched. The broken wooden grid covering the window in the main house had been fixed as well.

    When the fourth miss entered the study, Qin Huaiyuan was leaning sideways on the luohan bed next to the window, fanning himself as he paged idly through a book. That rxed demeanor was the same as ever, giving Qin Yining the sudden illusion that nothing had happened at all.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Ah, you¡¯re back. Have a seat.¡± Qin Huaiyuan ced his book on the square table near him and perused her face carefully. ¡°You were busy running back and forth all day today and didn¡¯t have a single moment to rest. Are you doing alright?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯splexion was frankly awful, but she was in excellent spirits and her eyes shone brightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, especially after I take some medicine and rest after this. Don¡¯t worry, father. I¡¯m still young. I¡¯ll be fine after resting for a while.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and rubbed her forehead lovingly. He suddenly changed the topic. ¡°Did Azure Justice catch Cao Bingzhong?¡±

    Qin Yining blinked and shed a diffident smile. ¡°I really can¡¯t get anything past you, father. They got him. My maternal grandmother, aunts, and cousins-inw were all there. They got their revenge. Even mother rolled up her sleeves and got a few blows in. She¡¯s still catching up with her family outside.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded and stayed momentarily quiet, then sighed softly. ¡°Cao Bingzhong deserved his death, but your maternal grandfather¡¯s family still suffered for it.¡±

    Depression took brief hold of Qin Yining when she saw her father thus. Her father really had viewed the Suns as his own family. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have overseen the burial service for Sun Yu despite suffered all of the external pressure on him. He wouldn¡¯t have silently supported her efforts to collect bodies of her grandfather and the others either.

    When she hadn¡¯t been this close with her father, she¡¯d once guessed that someone who¡¯d spent half of his life in politics must be utterly cold-blooded and had a rock for a heart. But after prolonged contact, she¡¯d realized that he was flesh and blood and had a very soft heart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad.¡± She purposefully changed the topic with a mischievous grin. ¡°You¡¯ve helped your inws get their revenge and and put down the burdens in your heart. You should probably spend some time thinking about how to treat Auntie Cao. She loves you very much.¡±

    Her father blushed and shook his head with a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t help my inws at all. I was being beaten into the ground by Grand Preceptor Cao.¡± He didn¡¯t mention Cao Yuqing at all.

    ¡°Don¡¯t pretend with me, father. I know that you¡¯re the smartest in the world. The situation was so tense at home when we were used of embezzlement, but you were able to remain calm and coolly analyze the situation.

    ¡°It looked like you didn¡¯t do anything, but everything was under your control. When the embezzlement case broke out, we were unable to fight back against the attacks. The Caos became bloated with self-satisfaction over this and rxed their guard. I drove a wedge between the Prince of Ning and the Caos, and father followed up with it after learning of my scheme.

    ¡°Even without what happened between the prince and the Caos, the prince is still the best choice formander-in-chief. Father was just going along with the flow and public opinion. So not only did you turn that into doing a favor for the prince, but you also used the prince¡¯s explosive, righteous temper to deal a devastating blow to the Caos. Now that the trampress and Grand Preceptor Cao are deader than dead and the Cao line is ended, there naturally won¡¯t be any further usations of embezzlement.¡±

    Qin Yining grew more admiring the more she thought aloud. ¡°You hadplete grasp of all of these details, father. I wracked my brains on the way back just now and struggled to put everything in ce. But you did it all so easily by simply observing the situation.

    Her almond-shaped eyes shone brightly with worship. ¡°Father, when can I be as omnipotent as you?¡±

    ¡°Oh you.¡± Qin Huaiyuan stopped pretending otherwise since his daughter had guessed everything. ¡°I wasn¡¯t near as smart as you when I was your age. So when you¡¯re my age, you¡¯ll be even smarter than me.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Qin Yining was full of yearning for the future, but shook her head when another thought struck her. ¡°I¡¯m actually not looking forward to it at all. I¡¯m just going to rely on you in the future, father, and not think about anything at all.¡±

    The marquis didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry with his daughter being deliberatelyzy. ¡°Us two are meant for a life of strain and work. It¡¯s not something you can shy away from just because you want to.¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s right, we¡¯re really in for a life of hard work.¡± Qin Yining sighed again when she thought of what¡¯d happened today and went over the new developments with Azure Justice.

    The marquis arched a brow and nodded after a beat. ¡°It¡¯s good to have such a force in the shadows for you to use.¡±

    ¡°Are you not surprised at all, father?¡±

    ¡°It was within expectations. Your maternal grandmother was wholly focused on revenge. Now that she¡¯s had it, there¡¯s nothing she really cares about anymore.¡±

    Qin Yining sighed again when she thought of how the Sun females had taken revenge today. ¡°That¡¯s right, so what if we¡¯ve gotten revenge? The dead won¡¯te back to life. Will our family¡¯s burial take ce tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yep. I¡¯ve already discussed it with your second and third uncle. Tomorrow will be the official burial. When the assassins attacked before and made it clear they were here for you, I was worried this would be asting source of trouble for the family. Our branch emergedpletely fine, but your second and third uncle¡¯s households suffered the blows. I was originally worried that they¡¯d hate you for it. But you quickly took revenge for the family, so no one bears any ill will for you now.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, her expression dimming when she thought of the horrific scenes of that day. ¡°This matter did arise because of the rumors I created before to save my life. I wouldn¡¯t say anything if they assign all the me to me.¡±

    Father and daughter fell silent.

    ¡°Oh right, father,¡± Qin Yining continued after a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything to do with Qin Huining in the future. I know you still think of your fatherly bond with her, so I won¡¯t demand that she be put to death, but I won¡¯t be treating her kindly in the future.¡±

    ¡°Why is that?¡±

    The girl snorted derisively. ¡°Although it¡¯s understandable that humans, selfish by nature, seek to save themselves in the face of life and death, she doomed her own sister to death.¡±

    She stared at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Father, do you know how sixth sister died? She didn¡¯t have to die that day. It was because of Qin Huining. Seeing that she was about to be overtaken, she pushed sixth sister out to take the blow for her. Blood sprayed up so, so high when the swordnded on sixth sister¡¯s neck.¡±

    The scene appeared before her eyes again, filling Qin Yining¡¯s voice with pain.

    ¡°Sixth sister was the closest to Qin Huining and always stood up for her when Qin Huining got into trouble. But this is how Qin Huining treated her! And then when the assassins dered they were here for me, Qin Huining was the first to point me out. I couldn¡¯t dodge because I was copsed on the ground. That was when Sonn threw herself over me and took the blow instead...¡±

 Chapter 226: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (I)

    <h4>Chapter 226: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (I)</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan remained silent for a long while. ¡°It¡¯s the fault of the parents if a child is only given food and clothing but not education. It¡¯s my fault that she hasn¡¯t been taught properly.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind-hearted, father. She was born like that. It has nothing to do with how you raised her.¡± Qin Yining rose. ¡°Father, I¡¯m feeling dizzy. I¡¯ll go take my medicine and get some rest. There¡¯s plenty more to do for the burial tomorrow.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded with quick agreement and helped his daughter to the covered hallway, calling for Jiyun to take her mistress back to the Venerable Study Hall. He then turned to Mu Jinghu. ¡°Thank you for all of your help, Sir Mu.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, uncle. We¡¯re not strangers here.¡± Mu Jinghu raised a cupped fist salute and followed the two girls through the inner doors.

    The situation in the Qin Manor these days was far removed from the norm. There was no longer the concern of whether or not foreign males could enter the inner residence. The entire family knew that Mu Jinghu was a highly skilled guard sent by Pang Xiao. They all felt safer with him around, so they didn¡¯t mind him going in and out of the previous women-only areas.

    The next day, a slight drizzle answered the capital¡¯s calls for long-awaited rain. Deceased Qin family members and servants were buried with pomp and circumstance on Mt. Jadecloud.

    On the same day, the emperor abdicated in favor of his crown prince Weichi Yan, citing declining health in old age and insufficient endurance for the pressures of court. The calendar would be renamed to the years of Yuan Kang and the crowning ceremony take ce in ten days. The Ministry of Rites was ordered to hasten their preparations.

    A bloody curtain was finally drawn on the emperor emeritus¡¯ ludicrous reign of extravagance and debauchery. The nation broke out in jubnce when the imperial decree was delivered!

    Smiles adorned faces in streets and alleyways. To the people, the future was filled with hope again. They¡¯d lined the streets in cheering celebration when the Prince of Ning charged in with ten thousand troops. And now even the steady drizzle tasted sweet to them.

    Some said that the heavens were looking upon the abdication with favor, sending misty rain to break the drought.

    The next day, all fifth rank officials and higher congregated at the Gate of Supreme Harmony to attend the new emperor¡¯s first session of morning court. Though Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t have a position any more, Weichi Yan¡¯s trusted eunuch Lu-gongong had personally escorted the marquis here early in the morning. The marquis was ced at the head of the civil subject officials.

    Although the emperor had yet to arrive, all of the officials could tell from Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s cement that the Caos were no more. With the emperor¡¯s shockingly direct abdication, the former crown prince was naturally going to utilize the Qins once more as Qin Huaiyuan had always been in his camp. The marquis¡¯ peers greeted him much more warmly than before.

    ¡°Announcing His Imperial Majesty!¡± A eunuch¡¯s thin, shrill tones echoed in the vast clearing, followed by a figure in bright gold slowly pacing forward and taking a seat on the dragon throne.

    It was topped by a young and handsome face, quite a sight for sore eyes. The officials closer to the throne could glimpse their new ruler¡¯s visage. All were quietly overjoyed by this change.

    ¡°The emperor has arrived! All subjects are tomence the grand gesture of greeting!¡±

    The officials knelt in unison with the eunuch¡¯s words. They knelt three times, each motion apanied by three kowtows. The greeting was concluded with three cheers of wishing the emperor life as long as ten thousand years. The heartfelt shouts even shook the royal city a bit.

    Weichi Yan maintained perfect posture with a ramrod straight back. He lifted a hand, ¡°Our beloved subjects are exempt from further courtesies.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty!¡±

    The new emperor rose when his subjects returned to standing positions. He stood upon the dial with hands behind his back and called out, ¡°This is Our first time holding court and so We have a few announcements to make. The first is that Cao Bingzhong exceeded heaven¡¯s tolerance of evil and caused the people to rise up against him. His home was trampled by refugees. Out of consideration for his years of service to the throne, We will not pursue the rest of his n for his crimes.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is wise and noble!¡± The officials bowed.

    As he gazed down at the rows of genuflecting subjects on the spacious parade ground and took in their shouts, Weichi Yan felt a certain emotion bestir within him for the first time in his life. He¡¯d never felt so self-assured before.

    He was now Great Yan¡¯s most noble personage. Those harsh days of being suppressed by his birth father and schemed against by his stepmother were all over!

    With power firmly in hand, he could live life how he wanted and have everything he wanted. Pride glinted in his eyes. ¡°Secondly, Marquis of Anping Qin Huaiyuan has ever been steadfastly loyal, fulfilling his duties uiningly, and aplished much for nation and country. We have looked into the various matters of before and conclude that Cao Bingzhong framed Qin Huaiyuan out of jealousy. And so the marquis is hereby restored to his previous positions as Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent and Prime Minister.¡±

    The emperor looked at the official closest to him with a smile. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan strode out confidently, bowing with ir. ¡°This subject gratefully thanks Your Majesty¡¯s favor.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is wise and noble! Long live the emperor, may he live tens of thousands of years!¡± The officials kowtowed again.

    Someone called out from the crowd of officials at this time. ¡°The emperor is newly ascended to the throne and so our nation¡¯s foundations must be set, as does the imperial harem need to be consolidated. Designating a crown prince will set people¡¯s minds at ease, while solidifying the imperial harem will put the world at ease.¡±

    ¡°This subject concurs! We must change due process ordingly when faced with tense and unusual situations. We request that the emperor fill the imperial harem and secure descendants for the imperial line!¡±

    The officials were worried that something might suddenly happen to the emperor. If there was no heir apparent, that would result in cataclysmic upheaval for the nation. This was why their first order of business was to rmend that Weichi Yan add to his imperial harem.

    He did have some concubines and bedwarmers from when he was still crown prince, but none of them had borne any children.

    This had to do with the foundations of a nation. Weichi Yan did indeed have some ideas and had made the relevant preparations. He nodded when he heard the proposal.

    ¡°Our beloved subjects share Our thoughts. As We have no son, We have decided to adopt a son from the imperial n. We see that the Prince of Ning¡¯s firstborn, Weichi Jie, is exceedingly intelligent and find great favor with him. We n to adopt him as our eldest son. What say you all?¡±

    The Weichi n didn¡¯t have an abundance of children. The emperor emeritus had once adopted the Prince of Ning¡¯s official firstborn because he didn¡¯t have a son either. This adopted son hadter been returned when the former emperor sired his own son.

    Weichi Yan was close with the Ning household, so it wasn¡¯t surprising that this once imperial prince would be well, a prince once more.

    The officials all bowed and loudly praised the emperor¡¯s wisdom.

    Now that the issue of crown prince was settled, that left the issue of the imperial harem.

    Sweat made Weichi Yan¡¯s palms slippery. There was even a faint sheen on his forehead. He subconsciously looked at Qin Huaiyuan standing at the front, but Qin Yining¡¯s stunning beauty was what rose to mind instead.

    ¡°As for candidates for empress...¡± The emperor¡¯s voice trembled slightly from emotion. ¡°We hear that beloved subject Qin¡¯s firstborn daughter has received a fortune from the Soothsayer, dering of an exceedingly noble and auspicious birth chart? That her presence can protect the nation?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart skipped a beat, but nothing reflected on his face. He only bowed fearfully. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the Soothsayer did indeed express this.¡±

    Joy filled Weichi Yan¡¯s heart and he opened his mouth to pronounce Qin Yining the empress. But what the marquis said afterwards stopped him in his tracks.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject feels that the imperial harem does indeed need to be filled after your new ascension. Why not take advantage of the ceremony schedule to hold a selection and consider all of the well-bred, well-learneddies of suitable age from the aristocracy? We can use the ten days before the ceremony topare them all. This way, we¡¯ll decrease the chances of overlooking someone worthy and also add to Your Majesty¡¯s imperial harem. What do you think?¡±

    Though Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words were tactful, they were in fact a warning. Don¡¯t think you can covet any woman you want just because you¡¯re the emperor. Wouldn¡¯t that make you the same as the former emperor? Mind yourself!

    However, as caught up in his joy as he was, Weichi Yan heard none of the undertones. Qin Huaiyuan probably can¡¯t bear to let his daughter go and wants some more pomp and circumstance to raise her status.

    ¡°Alright, then things shall be as beloved subject Qin says. The selection will take ce over ten days, with the empress and imperial concubine ceremony to take ce after the crowning ceremony.¡±

 Chapter 227: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (II)

    <h4>Chapter 227: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (II)</h4>

    To the subjects standing below the dial, they felt that the new emperor was a refined, genteel individual, modest enough to take counsel from anyone. Even more hope and anticipation for their new liege grew in their hearts.

    This was only to be expected.

    With a previous example of an ipetent, decrepit, opinionated, and obstinate emperor emeritus, Weichi Yan would be miles better than his father even if he just sat there and didn¡¯t do anything.

    Qin Huaiyuan on the other hand, was heaving a silent sigh of relief. Thankfully he was facing the new, and not old emperor. If this wasn¡¯t the case, his daughter would be cemented into the slot of empress and wouldn¡¯t have any choice at all.

    The reinstated prime minister was summoned to the imperial study after court was dismissed. Subject and liege chatted for a long time, with Weichi Yan repeatedly probing Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s thoughts regarding his daughter bing empress and asking about things between Qin Yining and Pang Xiao.

    With the marquis¡¯ wits, he didn¡¯t reveal anything tangible during the conversation. Even so, he was able to make Weichi Yan beam delightedly, brim with confidence, and put his liege in an exceedingly good mood.

    When Qin Huaiyuan left the pce, he shook his head greatly after climbing into the carriage. Weichi Yan did indeed have a good character, but his talents weren¡¯t worthy of his position. He would eat a tremendous loss sooner orter.

    If he¡¯d been the Qin Huaiyuan of old, full of loyalty and patriotism, the emperor¡¯s words represented a holy decree. He wouldn¡¯t have breathed a hint of protest even if the emperor demanded his daughter¡¯s life.

    But after repeated suppression and torment; after personally witnessing the imperial family¡¯s attitude after his family was raided, his mentality had long since changed. He wasn¡¯t a saint.

    He just wanted to have a clear conscience when it came to the people of Great Yan.

    He wouldn¡¯t betray the original hopes and dreams he¡¯d cherished when bing an official, but he also wanted his daughter to find happiness. So what if she became the most noble of women beneath the heavens? Deep within the pce, how many women had ever found happy endings?

    Setting aside the great turmoil facing Great Yan, it wasn¡¯t a good thing at all to be a target of public scorn, one that the empress could easily turn into.

    With his daughter¡¯s personality, she would be wholeheartedly devoted to Weichi Yan if she really did be empress. With the emperor¡¯sck of strategic insight, she¡¯d have to toil on behalf of the Weichi empire. If she put one step wrong, not only would her strenuous efforts be unappreciated, she would also be pped with the severebel of a women meddling where she didn¡¯t belong, much like a hen trying to take over a rooster¡¯s duties.

    It was one thing for the emperor to be ipetent, but it was a certain taboo for the imperial harem to interfere in politics. Weichi Yan might find it fresh and amusing at first, or tolerate things because Qin Yining was highly useful, but after that?

    If Great Yan didn¡¯t fall, an empress that interfered in politics would be detested and scorned sooner orter. If the nation did fall, his daughter would be dragged down with it.

    After therge rises and falls of his career, he had a heartfelt perception now that all titles and positions were ephemeral. With a single word, the imperial family could erase his hard won efforts of a lifetime. He only had a single daughter. He wouldn¡¯t let her lifelong happiness be sacrificed like this.

    As for Pang Zhixi, the prince had his ws, but he was a man with courage and intelligence. He was a dependable sort who could be relied on. In these troubled times, he had wit enough to protect Qin Yining. With his chauvinistic tendencies, he would never let his woman suffer. He would hoist up the skies for his own even if he had to do so through grit teeth. Just this point along put him heads and shoulders above the new emperor.

    His only w was the antagonism between their two countries.

    When Qin Huaiyuan thought of the war between the two nations and then of his daughter¡¯s wedding, he felt the future bleaker than ever.

    I¡¯ll just keep her by my side all our lives if worstes to worst! His daughter was the apple of his eye and he couldn¡¯t dote on her enough. How would he let her endure misery in another household? The mere thought was enough to send him into a depressive funk.

    He contemted the matter the entire way, his brow furrowed tightly in thought.

    When he returned home, he sped for the inner residence after a few instructions to Qitai. The thought that more than Qin Yining lived at the Venerable Study Hall finally urred to him when he stood at the doors to the residence. It wouldn¡¯t be very polite to just barge on in when the eighth miss and Qin Huining were also present. Thus, he grabbed a serving girl at the door. ¡°Have the fourth misse here.¡±

    The little girl was just eight years old and hadn¡¯t even learned all of the rules after just one day at the manor. She was so unnerved by the sight of a stern Qin Huaiyuan dressed in formal court robes that she could barely breath. Whirling around, she darted in with the message.

    Qin Yining descended the stairs before long, helped by Bingtang and Jiyun.

    Deep in the throes of a stifling summer, Qin Huaiyuan was covered in sweat from his brisk walk. However, Qin Yining was wearing a pale-blue vest with another brocade, cotton-padded jacket flung around her shoulders. A coppery-green sheen shone off of the oft-worn garment. Her face was drained of color and her lips equally as pale, but an unnatural hue flushed her cheeks. It was obvious with a nce that she was sick.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with daughter Yi?¡± The already-present frown on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s forehead furrowed even deeper.

    Bingtang had her own answering frown. ¡°The miss¡¯ injury is infected and she¡¯s running a fever because of it. She kept saying she was cold earlier, and is only feeling better after some medicine.¡± Since she was supporting the miss, the maid could naturally feel the stark contrast in temperature between her patient¡¯s body and chilled hands.

    Though the fourth miss was sick, her eyes shone bright. She smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. This is how people get when they¡¯re injured. It¡¯s summer now, so injuries will naturally behave differentlypared to winter. I¡¯ll just rest some more, it¡¯s no big deal.¡±

    Qin Yining walked up to her father with a deepened smile. ¡°Did you juste back from court, father? Why don¡¯t we go to that pavilion for a bit of tea?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan followed the direction of her gaze and understood that she was referencing the white stone pavilion next to the lotus pond. It was a quiet, out-of-the way spot good for talking. He nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Everyone knew that Qin Huaiyuan raised Qin Yining like he did a son. When he¡¯d kept to home a while back, reading and fishing his days away, it¡¯d mostly been Qin Yining who kept himpany. Therefore, the two of them strolling along in conversation wasn¡¯t a strange sight.

    The two settled in at the pavilion while Jiyun went off in search of tea and a soft cushion for Qin Yining. She retreated outside with Bingtang when everything was set up properly.

    ¡°Father, did anything happen at court?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan gulped down two cups of warm green tea before the fire in his throat stopped burning so fiercely. ¡°I¡¯ve already had Qitai prepare the sedan carriage, some rations, and medicine for the trip ahead. Take Bingtang and Jiyun with you in a moment, ask Sir Mu to escort you, and be on your way.¡±

    The sedan was used only for longer journeys as it was much more spacious and stablepared to the usual horse carriage.

    Father wants me to leave? Qin Yining was immensely rmed. ¡°Why are you saying this, father? Has something happened to the family? Or is the new emperor decreeing punishment for you?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head. ¡°I haven¡¯t been punished. Instead, all of my positions have been restored.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it?¡± The girl¡¯s brain whirred furiously and a sudden, ludicrous thought descended. ¡°Does... the new emperor want me to join the imperial harem?¡±

    Her father sighed. ¡°Smart.¡±

    Flustered panic and anger welled up in the girl. She clearly settled things with Weichi Yan a long time ago, so why was he still being like this?

    Whether it¡¯s Pang Zhixi or Weichi Yan, they¡¯re both used to issuingmands from ces of high authority. In our society, men are more important than women. With their positions, they can take whatever girl they¡¯re interested in. How would these men at the very top care about the opinions of a little girl?

 Chapter 228: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (III)

    <h4>Chapter 228: Empress Candidates for the New Emperor (III)</h4>

    With Weichi Yan¡¯s previous position as crown prince, though Qin Yining could express her own viewpoints, she had no right to argue or debate anything with him. And now that he was the emperor, what he said wasw.

    She had feelings for Pang Xiao now; even his domineering actions of yesteryear had turned into sweet memories for her. She¡¯d never had any feelings for Weichi Yan, so his dominance was just a burden to her, triggering her dislike.

    Qin Huaiyuan carefully went over the matters of the day with his daughter.

    ¡°The emperor wants me to be empress?¡± Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders slumped weakly. Her shoulder wound felt even more painful. It was so ufortable that she couldn¡¯t stop frowning.

    ¡°Go. With your wits, it won¡¯t be hard to find a good opportunity to leave the city. Follow the coast of the southern sea if you want to head south, or go north to find him if you want.¡±

    Qin Yining jerked her head up violently. ¡°Father...¡±

    She¡¯d never thought that her father would risk defying an imperial decree and lying to his liege for the sake of her happiness. What court official wouldn¡¯t want to be an imperial father-inw? And yet, her father didn¡¯t n on pawning her in marriage for the sake of further benefits.

    ¡°Father, I can¡¯t do that.¡± Her voice shook slightly, but a smile blossomed on her face. ¡°It¡¯s easy for me to leave, but what about you? What of the family?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. The emperor¡¯s new to his throne and our situation is exceedingly tense. He needs me greatly, so he won¡¯t do anything to me or the family. Just hurry and leave. I¡¯ll think of a way to clean the mess up.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head withpressed lips. ¡°I can¡¯t leave.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t leave, you¡¯ll have to enter the selection. With your looks, background, and the emperor¡¯s feelings for you, you¡¯ll be selected without a doubt! Then won¡¯t you and little Prince Pang...¡± It was awkward for Qin Huaiyuan to finish the thought, so he changed the subject with a cough. ¡°I know you don¡¯t crave wealth and prosperity and don¡¯t care about being an empress. Our family doesn¡¯t need you to be the empress to bring glory to our name either. Just live out your days well and happily. I can take care of the rest.¡±

    Qin Yining was moved to tears, but this only further solidified her resolution not to leave.

    ¡°Father, you¡¯ve never given anyone a reason to criticize you throughout your entire career. I won¡¯t mar that record. Defying an imperial decree and lying to the emperor are high crimes. The Weichi n are utterly heartless when they turn on people. The new emperor might need you now, but he¡¯ll bring out old grudges at ater date. What will happen to you and the family then?

    ¡°It might be a small thing for me to run off today, but do I run for the rest of my life because I don¡¯t want to marry the emperor? I haven¡¯t broken anyws and I¡¯m not a fugitive, so why should I run for something that someone else did? He may have the pretty dream of making me his empress, but he should first see if I¡¯m willing!¡±

    ¡°Daughter Yi.¡± Qin Huaiyuan was rmed by a sudden thought. He warned sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think of agreeing to the selection first and then getting out of being selected by disfiguring yourself! Your bodyes from your parents, so you¡¯d be an unfilial child if you hurt yourself!¡±

    ¡°What? Father!¡± Qin Yining found this both touching and amusing. ¡°It¡¯d be another high crime if I disfigured myself, and won¡¯t the emperor punish us even more harshly then? That doesn¡¯t jibe with my original intent.¡±

    The marquis agreed after some thought and shook his head at himself. ¡°I got off on the wrong track.¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s intelligence has no match. You¡¯re just panicking because you care. Don¡¯t express your feelings about this to others. Don¡¯t support or oppose it, and just leave the rest to me.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll leave this for you to flounder through. But don¡¯t worry, whether you want to be the empress or not, I¡¯ll be able to hold things together for you. Just do whatever you want.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll make sure I don¡¯t poke a hole in the skies though, because even with father¡¯s skills, I don¡¯t want you to be too tired.¡±

    The duo looked at each other and chuckled.

    ¡°If you have any ways to, father, then send news to Xiahua of the emperor wanting to make me empress.¡±

    An arched brow greeted this request. ¡°You trust Pang Zhixi that much?¡±

    ¡°Both parties have to be willing in a rtionship. If he really does have feelings for me, he¡¯ll think of something. I trust he has the ability to, and I¡¯ll act ordingly to whatever develops.¡± Qin Yining rose. Though her face was still pale, a bright light shone fiercely from her eyes. ¡°We can lead a cow to water, but can we force it to drink? No one will be able to force me to do anything if I¡¯m not willing to!¡±

    The sight of such a confident and smart daughter brought a smile to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face. His highly taut nerves also rxed greatly. With the conversation over, he urged Qin Yining to go rest. But a rushed patter of footsteps sounded at this time.

    ¡°Milord, Milord!¡± Qitai rushed up and bowed. ¡°Grand Supervisor Lu¡¯s here. He said he¡¯s here to escort the fourth miss into the pce!¡±

    Qin Yining raised a brow. ¡°The pce servants are certainly diligent. The imperial harem ceremony is being held ten days from now, so they have to escort all possible selection candidates into the pce for training.¡±

    ¡°Silly girl, this is the perfect time for the emperor to win his subjects over through any means possible. Anyone who¡¯s brought directly to the pce won¡¯t fail the selection, not because of looks or virtue, but because of her background. Titles will be handed out ording to what the emperor needs from her family.¡±

    Comprehension dawned on Qin Yining. The nation was a mess and the new emperor¡¯s foundations shaky. Apart from Qin Huaiyuan and the Prince of Ning, the imperial majesty would also want to rope in the other officials. The fastest way to do so was through marriage.

    This made it apparent that the imperial harem was a microcosm of court. Whoever the emperor favored was a reflection of the political situation at that point in time.

    She¡¯d once thought that marriage was something to be determined by her parents, that it didn¡¯t matter who she married. But that notion had gotten weaker by the day after meeting Pang Xiao, to the point where she now felt that if she were to enter a loveless marriage, she¡¯d rather not at all.

    Qin Yining knew that this was letting emotions sway her decisions, but she couldpromise in all else but this. Ergo, she was even more opposed to joining the imperial harem now.

    So what if she was the empress? She¡¯d spend the rest of her life with a man she had no feelings for and have to suffer a plethora of women caught between them. She¡¯d also be inevitably caught up in politics, and all sorts of concerns, obligation, and resignation would follow then. She¡¯d rather die an early death and enter the cycle of reincarnation instead ¡ª save herself some heartache.

    As these thoughts whirled through her mind, she arrived at the front yard with her father.

    Eunuch Lu, the emperor¡¯s body servant, was waiting with a mama and numerous pce servants. Qin Yining was quite familiar with the mama ¡ª it was Zhan-mama, the one who¡¯d taught her manners when she¡¯d first return home.

    The Qin fourth miss greeted her acquaintance with a smile and a nod; the greeting was returned in kind.

    Wreathed in smiles, Lu-gonggong approached the father-daughter duo, first bowing to Qin Huaiyuan and then Qin Yining.

    ¡°Greetings to Lu-gonggong.¡± Qin Yining bent her knee to return the gesture.

    ¡°Aiyo! Miss Qin is being far too polite to this servant! This servant would never dare, never dare!¡± This one was to be the empress in ten days! Eunuch Lu would never dare throw his weight around in front of his future mistress!

    ¡°What brings Grand Supervisor Lu here today?¡± Qin Huaiyuan asked knowingly.

 Chapter 229: An Atypical Selection (I)

    <h4>Chapter 229: An Atypical Selection (I)</h4>

    Grand Supervisor Lu knew quite well that he couldn¡¯t afford offend any of the Qins. Grand Preceptor Qin was the emperor¡¯s most valued official and Miss Qin the emperor¡¯s beloved girl. The pce servant put away his usual temper and bent even lower at the waist. He smiled fawningly. ¡°In response to my lord, we¡¯re here to escort Miss Qin into the pce for the selection.¡±

    ¡°This early?¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised a quizzical brow, his voice as gentle as ever but somehow exerting a heavy atmosphere.

    Eunuch Lu smiled most apologetically. ¡°It¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s wish. Apart from your noble daughter, Miss Li from the Duke of An¡¯s household and Miss Sun from Master Gu¡¯s household will also be entering the pce today.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean the imperial strategist Master Gu?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    What was happening here was immediately apparent to Qin Huaiyuan. The Duke of An, Li Mian, was a general. Together with thete Duke of Ding, they¡¯d been hailed as the ¡®Double Heroes¡¯ of Great Yan. Apart from the Prince of Ning, the representative general still serving at court could only be the Duke of An.

    Imperial strategist Gu Shixiong was deeply trusted by the previous emperor. The Gus themselves were a family with foundations of a hundred years old. Many of its descendants served at court as well. Now that the Caos had been wiped from the map and the cards of officials reshuffled, the Gus had one of thergestworks at court.

    Though Qin Huaiyuan was at another peak of his career, his family¡¯s foundations were shallow and the n¡¯s descendants few. And even though he was a leader of the officials for civil subjects, he wasn¡¯t their representative.

    The emperor must¡¯ve chosen one civil and one martial family to bnce each other out. As for Qin Yining, she was already a must-have in his heart, so he didn¡¯t factor her in the bnce at all.

    That had given rise to a blind spot. The Duke of An was a general, but Qin Huaiyuan and Gu Shixiong were in the civil subjects camp.

    In times of war, the emperor should be promotingrge numbers of generals to raise troop morale, and not take the age-old path of valuing civil over martial.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with resignation. He would offer his advice in any other matter, but since this matter had to do with the Qins, any other opinions would result in imperial paranoia.

    ¡°You know as well, Lu-gonggong, that we just weathered a tremendous disaster a few days ago. Just look at the houses behind us.¡± The marquis pointed behind him with a smile and a sigh. ¡°To be honest, my daughter was wounded by the assassins as well. She¡¯s burning with fever even now and I can¡¯t bear to let her leave home.¡±

    From the eunuch¡¯s perspective, he could indeed see the many burnt and ruined buildings in theplex. It was also no secret that a good number of Qin n members had died. Besides, off to the side, the fourth miss looked sickly and was only standing upright thanks to her maids supporting her.

    It really was a bit over-the-top to have her move into the pce right now.

    But when he¡¯d left, the empire had reminded him again and again that just anyone could be sent to wee the other two girls; the eunuch had to personally go to the Qins and have Qin Yining brought into the pce immediately.

    A conflicted expression filled the eunuch¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re very right, Grand Preceptor. It¡¯s just that I daren¡¯t disobey an imperial decree. But don¡¯t worry, the emperor¡¯s told me in confidence that the selection is just a formality. The other two girls are just a show of imperial favor for two veteran officials. They¡¯ll be given some concubine title. Only the miss of your house is his true love.¡±

    Lu-gonggong looked up with a fawning smile at this point, but was greeted with two utterly nd expressions from the Qin father and daughter. Their genteel, elegant demeanors stopped his next ingratiating words in their tracks. These two have identical reactions when ites to both favor and humiliation. The old fox has raised a young fox alright!

    He was even more careful with what he said. ¡°The emperor won¡¯t mistreat Miss Qin, and I know that Zhan-mama and the young miss are already acquainted with each other. The pce will assign fine people to take care of the miss.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned with unwillingness when he saw the unnatural flush of his daughter¡¯s cheeks and her bloodless lips. He wanted to continue fighting for some more time at home for her, but Qin Yining walked up to tug on her father¡¯s sleeve.

    In the emperor¡¯s eyes, any further protestation wouldn¡¯t be doting on a daughter, but growing arrogance from a showing of imperial favor.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father. I¡¯m sure that Lu-gonggong has arranged for everything properly. There are imperial physicians in the pce who can also look after me as well.¡± She turned to the eunuch and smiled politely. ¡°Please excuse us, gonggong. I¡¯m my father¡¯s only child and you also know that it hasn¡¯t been long since I¡¯ve returned home. Now that I¡¯m injured, my father is even more concerned about me.¡±

    ¡°Aiyo, of course this servant understands. It¡¯s deeply touching that milord cares so much for his family.¡± Eunuch Lu nodded repeatedly. As expected of someone who the emperor thinks can be empress. Her looks are excellent, her wits sharp, and her style mature.

    Qin Huaiyuan could tell that things were set in stone and that no further wiggle room was possible. ¡°Alright then, please wait a moment. My daughter will bid farewell to the family and pack her belongings.¡±

    Awkwardness crossed the eunuch¡¯s face again. This actually wasn¡¯t an unreasonable request. The marquis¡¯ sole daughter was leaving the family and naturally had to bid farewell to her female rtions. It was alsomonce that she bring some of her necessities.

    It was just, the emperor had given him repeated reminders when he left that, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if the others want to do all that, but everything should be as simple as possible for Miss Qin. Everything can be settledter as long as she enters the pce first!¡±

    It was obvious that the emperor was deathly afraid of any further unexpected changes.

    The eunuch could only speak on with dogged persistence. ¡°The emperor has spoken. Only Miss Qin needs to enter the pce. After all, everything is ready in the pce and your family can visit anytime, no?¡±

    mes of anger licked at Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart. The emperor was being too crassly impatient. Had he forgotten all of his manners after being made emperor? This was an uncouth, lowly disy!

    Qin Yining was worried that the scene would be awkward if her father erupted. She offered a smile. ¡°The emperor speaks truly. Then I¡¯ll have to be a bother and follow the gonggong into the pce. I do have two bodyservants...¡±

    ¡°His Majesty means that although the maids in the manor are good, they don¡¯t understand the rules of the pce. He will naturally arrange the best of servants for the miss in the pce.¡± You can¡¯t bring any of your servants with you.

    Now it was Jiyun and Bingtang¡¯s turn to be panicky with anger. And what the hell is this?

    The miss couldn¡¯t bid farewell to her grandmother and mother, she wasn¡¯t allowed any luggage, and couldn¡¯t even bring her trusted maids! Could she not even change her clothing?! She was going into the pce all alone like this!

    Just what do they think our miss is?!

    A slow fury was also burning in Qin Yining and her smile faded. ¡°Are these the emperor¡¯s orders? My maids dock knowledge of pce rules, so I suppose I could do without them, but I¡¯m injured. You should at least let me bring my medicine.¡±

    Sweat beaded Lu-gonggong¡¯s forehead. This was the future empress! Sir Qin was the future imperial father-inw!

    Forget it, forget it. The details don¡¯t matter as long as I can bring her back. He was just a eunuch; he wanted to keep his head! ¡°Of course, but please keep an eye on the time.¡±

    Warmth returned to Qin Yining¡¯s expression and she turned to Jiyun and Bingtang. ¡°Go fetch my medicines and daily necessities. Ah yes, pack my books as well. Bring Riceball with you too. I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be boring in the pce.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Then your clothes, miss?¡±

    ¡°We probably don¡¯t have time for that. You can send them into the pceter.¡± The girl turned to Lu-gonggong with a smile. ¡°Please allow the deliveries to go on through then.¡±

    The eunuch sweated profusely. ¡°Yes, yes of course!¡±

 Chapter 230: An Atypical Selection (II)

    <h4>Chapter 230: An Atypical Selection (II)</h4>

    Lu-gonggong understood that if he expressed a single iota more of unwillingness, he¡¯d be thoroughly offending the future empress. And truly, if the emperor hadn¡¯t made such specific demands, the eunuch wouldn¡¯t have wanted to make the situation so sticky.

    Therefore, he was the epitome of patience when waiting for the two maids to return. He didn¡¯t dare express any impatience at all.

    Not long after, Jiyun and Bingtang returned with the old dowager, n¨¦e Sun, and the second madame. Qin Huaiyuan had gone to his daughter as soon as he returned, so the rest of the family didn¡¯t know what was going on outside theplex.

    Apart from packing a few things, the maids had taken advantage of this timing to pass word onto the old dowager.

    The new emperor had ascended the throne and one of their girls was entering the pce! Such wonderful news elicited happy tears from the old dowager. The Qins had suffered so muchtely and had aplete death of good news.

    Now that Qin Huaiyuan had been restored to his positions and Qin Yining was headed for the pce with great imperial favor, the family could finally heave a sigh of relief.

    ¡°My daughter, are you going to the selection now?¡± N¨¦e Sun frowned. ¡°This seems much too rushed.¡±

    Her daughter would most likely be chosen if she entered the pce. It¡¯d be hard to visit home in the future.

    ¡°We just need to follow the emperor¡¯s decree.¡± Qin Yining looked smilingly at Lu-gonggong and made her curtsey to the old dowager, second madame, and n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Old Dowager, mother, second aunt, things are happening quickly with no time for exnation. The emperor wants Lu-gonggong to return quickly. I can¡¯t drag my heels and miss the auspicious time. That will make things difficult for the gonggong.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss being so considerate made the eunuch¡¯s face burn hotly.

    N¨¦e Sun walked up to offer arge red envelope. ¡°Thank you for making the trip on such a hot day. This is for your refreshment and just a small token of our respect. Please do ept it.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, madame. You¡¯re being much too polite.¡± The eunuch preened at the words but didn¡¯t dare indulge in self-congrattion for too long. He quickly bowed. These were the family of the future empress! He couldn¡¯t afford to give short shrift to them at all.

    Qin Yining cradled Riceball with her uninjured arm, offering a smile after Bingtang ced her items on the carriage ¡°Lu-gonggong, shall we be on our way?¡±

    The eunuch nodded, immensely relieved. ¡°Let¡¯s!¡±

    The fourth miss merrily took her leave of her female rtions and boarded the carriage under the caring eyes of her family. Lu-gonggong followed behind with Zhan-mama, the other pce maids and eunuchs. The carriage exited the main doors and trundled on its way.

    The old dowager grasped Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand, still unable to process. ¡°Meng¡¯er, am I dreaming? Has granddaughter Yi gone to be an honoreddy in the pce?¡±

    The second madame piped in before Qin Huaiyuan had a chance to respond. ¡°This is wonderful!¡±

    Though it was a good thing, the family¡¯s joy wasn¡¯t as strong as it might have been in times gone by.

    True, it was good for the family if one of their own was a beloved imperial concubine, and the most obvious connection was that this would benefit the unmarried girls at home. But there was only the concubine-born eighth miss of the third branch and an unrted Qin Huining at home now.

    So although this was a pleasant surprise, the mood turned morose once more when thoughts settled down.

    The second madame felt even more regretful that this was how things had turned out. Though the sixth and seventh miss were concubine-born, the two girls called her mother as well. Two charming, pretty girls were gone, just like that. They truly hadn¡¯t enjoyed good fortune. Otherwise, their futures would be unlimited now with an imperial rtion.

    Various thoughts churned in everyone¡¯s minds. Only Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun were genuinely concerned about Qin Yining¡¯s safety.

    ¡°My lord, the pce is an exceedinglyplicated ce. Even I¡¯m all turned around when I make a trip, to say nothing of a little girl like daughter Yi. It¡¯s a ce where you¡¯re plunged into the abyss with the slightest misstep. Daughter Yi is still young, and she¡¯s injured. Herplexion looked very out of sorts when she left just now. This is honestly very worrying.¡±

    And how would Qin Huaiyuan be any less anxious? But some things were better off kept between the two of them. There was no point in voicing them and having the entire family brood over this as well.

    He voiced a few words offort to his wife and escorted the old dowager and others back to the Garden of Loving Piety. The manor was still in tatters. All of the unmarried girls still remained in the Venerable Study Hall, while everyone else resided in the Garden of Loving Piety.

    After soothing the old dowager, Qin Huaiyuan asked servants to bring Mu Jinghu over.

    The man had been hesitating all during this time whether he should enter the pce as well to ensure Qin Yining¡¯s safety. But that eunuch earlier hadn¡¯t allowed her to bring even her maids. How would a whole man like him make it in? He received Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s summons just when caught in the throes of indecision.

    ¡°Uncle.¡± Mu Jinghu greeted the marquis with the same friendly, yet polite attitude as ever. He wasn¡¯t more respectful because Qin Huaiyuan had regained his positions, and made the bow of a junior greeting a family senior.

    After this period of observation, the marquis understood that Mu Jinghu wasn¡¯t someone withplex twists and turns to his mind. He¡¯d first treated Mu Jinghu¡¯s presumptuous closeness with suspicion, but now understood that the gentleman was simply honest to a fault.

    Mu Jinghu was more like a naive child with little understanding of the ways of the world. It must be because of a close friendship with Pang Xiao that Mu Jinghu respected Qin Huaiyuan as Pang Xiao¡¯s father-inw.

    So when Qin Huaiyuan spoke with Mu Jinghu, he put aside his usual demure style and cut straight to the chase. ¡°Sir Mu, let me be frank. The emperor likes daughter Yi. He wants to make her the empress. As subjects, we can¡¯t defy an imperial decree. Men from the pce came just now and I could only let them take my daughter. You know as well that her injuries are not yet healed. She¡¯s lost so much blood and is still extremely weak...¡±

    ¡°If Miss Qin bes the empress, then that fox loses his wife!¡± Mu Jinghu¡¯s eyes went wide with frantess.

    The marquis blinked, taken aback by the style of the response. ¡°I can¡¯t do anything now. It¡¯s easy to leave the capital, but not so easy toe back in. My identity is also quite sensitive, and I¡¯m sure there are many pairs of eyes staring at me now that I¡¯ve been restored to my former positions. I don¡¯t dare send anyone to Xihua, so I¡¯d like to ask if you have a way to contact the little prince and let him know what¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s very easy for me to get a message to Xihua with no one being the wiser, but uncle, don¡¯t you want Miss Qin to be the empress? She¡¯ll be so much more noble as the empress than a princess consort.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan blinked again, then smiled. ¡°We can¡¯t just look at things that way. Just look at the trampress who was just sentenced to death. She was very noble as well. However, her days weren¡¯t peaceful or filled with contentment because of that.¡±

    Mu Jinghu thought for a moment and sighed. ¡°I understand. Forget that then. Don¡¯t worry, uncle. I¡¯ll figure out a way to get word out.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to you.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± The gentleman grinned. ¡°I might need to ask you for the food I¡¯ll need for the trip though, uncle.¡±

    ¡°Of course, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make sure all of that¡¯s prepared.¡± Qin Huaiyuan had also be familiar with Mu Jinghu¡¯s thrifty ways. He grinned despite himself. It¡¯s rather nice to deal with someone so real.

    Qin Yining had no idea that her father was sending word to Pang Xiao via the Mu Jinghu express. She¡¯d already arrived in the pce, the carriage having taken her to the doors of the Jade Pce.

    Zhan-mama helped her down from the carriage. They lifted their heads to see two other carriages with opulent, ruby brocade coverings slowly roll to a stop. Both had various mamas and pce servants lift the carriage curtains and help two magnificently dressed young girls down.

 Chapter 231: An Atypical Selection (III)

    <h4>Chapter 231: An Atypical Selection (III)</h4>

    The girl in front boasted of a sylphlike figure and elegant features. She was wearing a baby-pink padded jacket with an intersecting cor, which was paired with downy-yellow pleated panel skirt.

    Like this outfit

    Her long locks were swept up high, held in ce with a gold hairpin embedded with an intricately carved piece of jade. Pure gold tassels trailed at her sides, swaying with each gentle step she took and throwing bedazzling light that further heightened her demureposure.

    Qin Yining had met the girl once before, when the trampress had made an outing to Mount Eternal Spring. The girl was Li Yanyan, daughter of the Duke of An.

    She was followed by a petite little girl who looked like she¡¯d be blown away in the wind. Tender skin and rosy cheeks provided the backdrop for a default look of shyness. She invited adoration like a kitten would. Simple makeupbined with the in, cherry-red robes heightened her slender, pale neck. Her ck, lustrous locks gleamed so brightly that even the white jade essories in her hair were outdone.

    Qin Yining had never met the second girl before and she couldn¡¯t help but sigh with admiration. Now this is a treasure that I¡¯d describe as a jade-like beauty! Compared to her, the Qin fourth miss felt that she was a crude brute!

    Naturally she didn¡¯t know about the various thoughts that ran through Li Yanyan and Gu Chang¡¯s minds when they noted that Qin Yining¡¯s in clothes and hairstyle didn¡¯t prevent her beauty from shining through.

    Li Yanyan curtsied first. ¡°Long time no see, younger sister Qin.¡±

    ¡°Elder sister Li.¡± Qin Yining returned the gesture.

    ¡°I heard about what¡¯s happened with your family,¡± Li Yanyan sighed. ¡°My condolences.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sister.¡± The Qin fourth miss responded to the pleasantry with a slight smile.

    ¡°This is the eldest miss of the Gu family,¡± Li Yanyan introduced. ¡°The ¡®Chang¡¯ character forms her name. Her grandfather is the imperial advisor Master Gu.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s Miss Gu. My apologies for not greeting you earlier.¡± Qin Yining curtsied politely.

    Gu Chang was startled by the attention. ¡°Chang¡¯er feels uneasy with how polite elder sister is being.¡± Her eyesnded on the palm-sized Riceball in Qin Yining¡¯s arms. ¡°Elder sister possesses innate grace and beauty. Even without dressing up, your face could set sail a thousand ships. After seeing you with an adorable bunny in hand, Chang¡¯er feels unworthy of the ¡®Chang¡¯ character.¡± 1

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t care for the exchange. ¡°Yourpliments are too much, Miss Gu. A name carries with it the well-wishes and hopes of our family elders. You are as beautiful as an immortal. How are you unworthy of the ¡®Chang¡¯ character?¡±

    Li Yanyan smiled at this. She¡¯d met Gu Chang a few times but the two weren¡¯t close. Though Gu Chang presented a fragile exterior that inspired pity, she was an exceedingly haughty person. Li Yanyan disliked befriending this kind of person and was quite enjoying that Qin Yining had delivered a swift riposte.

    As the three spoke, three mamas and a group of pce servants poured out of the Jade Hall.

    The head mama was over forty and her body shape indicated the loftiness of her station. A smile beamed merrily out of a face that was like a white mantou. The other two behind her wore clothes of lower rank.

    Zhan-mama murmured when she turned Qin Yining, ¡°The one at the front is the emperor¡¯s wet nurse, Jiao-mama. The other two are teaching mamas who cover pce rules and manners.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded surreptitiously and brightened her expression when the pce servants drew near. ¡°This little girl greets the various mamas.¡±

    Li Yanyan and Gu Chang also made their curtsies, but the rotund Jiao-mama prevented Qin Yining from dipping her knees.

    ¡°This humble one wouldn¡¯t dare ept the miss¡¯ greeting.¡± Jiao-mama knelt in the grand gesture of greeting instead. ¡°This humble one is n¨¦e Jiao, here on imperial orders to serve the miss.¡±

    The imperial wet nurse¡¯s courtesy stunned everyone present. Those assembled here were all highly shrewd and observant folks. Who wouldn¡¯t know what this represented?

    The emperor had sent his own wet nurse to serve a girl that was to participate in the selection! Even with the irregrities in the nation¡¯s current operations and the severely curtailed selection process, a selection for the imperial harem was still an important affair. The emperor¡¯s actions were announcing his intentions to the entire world.

    Li Yanyan¡¯s gaze grewplex and Gu Chang lowered her eyes to bite her lip.

    The other two mamas made their curtsies to the other two girls and took them to their assigned quarters in the Jade Hall.

    Zhan-mama was only the escort. Her job done, she too curtsied and took her leave.

    Who knew what the emperor was thinking in all of this? He¡¯d actually given orders for Qin Yining to be put up in the main hall of the Jade Hall, while the other two were sent to the side hall.

    Within the pce, Jiao-mama led two maids and eunuchs in solemn greetings to the Qin fourth miss.

    ¡°Us servants greet the miss.¡±

    Qin Yining was cuddling her bunny as she sat in the head seat, receiving their deep bows. She went to personally help the mama up.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be so polite, mama.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t do that, miss. When we came here, the emperor told us that we must serve you well. He hasn¡¯t personally arranged the servants or shown as much affection for anyone else, not even to histe mother. We can tell that His Majesty thinks only of you. The other two are here to just go through the motions and be assigned some position. But you, you¡¯re the future empress.¡±

    Jiao-mama swept a merry curtsey. ¡°This servant congrattes the miss.¡±

    She was followed by the other four servants. ¡°Congrattions to the miss, felicitations to the miss.¡±

    ¡°I possess no virtue or talent to deserve this honor. Please don¡¯t say that, mama.¡± Qin Yining asked them all to rise.

    The imperial wet nurse pointed at the two maids. ¡°This is Xingyu and Bixue. They used to be in charge of serving refreshments in the Hall of Moral Cultivation, the emperor¡¯s quarters. His Majesty has purposefully sent them here to serve the miss.¡±

    The two young girls quickly kowtowed. Jiao-mama then pointed at the two eunuchs who looked roughly thirteen years old. ¡°This is Little Yang and Little Ning. They¡¯re Lu-gonggong¡¯s disciples. The emperor specially sent them to serve the miss as well.¡±

    ¡°These humble ones greet the miss.¡± Xingyu, Bixue, Little Yang, and Little Ning bowed in unison once more.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, you may all rise.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s headache worsened with each sentence she heard. She didn¡¯t know whether it was because of her irritation and distaste for the situation, or her worsening fever. All she knew was that she was extremely exasperated, but there was no point in making life difficult for servants. She could only settle for, ¡°I¡¯m tired and would like to rest.¡±

    ¡°Understood. The bedchamber has been made up and Lu-gonggong has gone to fetch an imperial physician. The physician can take a look at you soon, miss.¡± Xingyu and Bixue nked Qin Yining as she entered the room. Jia-mama stayed behind to hand out tasks to the two young eunuchs.

    Xingyu wanted to help Qin Yining out of her clothes, but upon further reflection, the Qin fourth miss felt that it would be a sign of impoliteness to be so casually dressed in the pce. She wasn¡¯t at home; unnned social calls were a very real possibility here.

    Declining the offer to help her change, Qin Yiningid down on the reclining couch next to the window. She put the docile Riceball on her stomach and lightly caressed its head with her uninjured hand.

    Bixue brought over a light nket for her mistress. Whether out of weakness or true fatigue, Qin Yining¡¯s caresses began to slow and she drifted off into bleary-eyed sleep.

    An unknown amount of time had passed when she suddenly felt the gaze of a wild animal fixated on her!

    Instincts honed thanks to many years in the mountains weren¡¯t discarded that easily. Her eyes snapped open, bringing into view arge face looming over her.

    rmed, Qin Yining forgot her injury and shoved the neer aside with her right hand. A man was thrust onto the ground and her wound split open. She gasped as pain chased away her drowsiness; blood seeped through the pale blue fabric of her shoulder.

    Lu-gonggong helped up a fallen emperor as the guards behind the imperial majesty roared, ¡°How dare you!¡±

    Weichi Yan was slightly bedraggled, but the color drained from his face in fright when he saw the blood on Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder. He whipped his head back to yell, ¡°How dare you!¡±

    1. The Chang character is also the name of a mythical goddess living on the moon with many adorable bunnies around her. She is said to hold the secret of immortality.

 Chapter 232: The Emperorâ€™s Sentiments

    <h4>Chapter 232: The Emperor¡¯s Sentiments</h4>

    ¡°Are you alright, Yi¡¯er?¡± Weichi Yan took a seat next to Qin Yining and looked at her pale face worriedly. ¡°It¡¯s all Our fault, We scared you.¡±

    Distaste bubbled up from every inch of the girl¡¯s pores. She frowned at the ground and avoided the man, kneeling to kowtow to her liege. ¡°This subject greets Your Majesty.¡±

    The beauty was pale as a ghost with blood blossoming on her shoulder. Her previously moderately plump, egg-shaped face was now a sharp oval shape. She was thin to begin with, and being sick added further hints of fragility to her. Weichi Yan¡¯s heart melted at the mere sight of her. How could he possibly bear to let her kneel?

    ¡°Do get up. There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony with Us. You¡¯re injured.¡± The emperor bent down from his seated position to lift Qin Yining up.

    The girl adroitly scooted back on her knees and grit her teeth against the pain, kowtowing, ¡°Etiquette must not be ignored. Ten thousand years of health and fortune to Your Majesty!¡±

    The reclining couch wasn¡¯t that high, but Weichi Yan was unable to reach her even after bending down. He rose to raise her up, responding with pure tenderness, ¡°I already said you don¡¯t need to be so polite. Go and lie down.¡± He steered her towards the formal bed ensconced in a wooden frame. 1

    Qin Yining knit her forehead together tightly and ducked away from his hands. She paused. ¡°Riceball,e here.¡±

    The snowy ball crouched next to the couch pushed off its stumpy legs and twitched its butt over to Qin Yining¡¯s feet. The bunny actually struck a sitting posture, catching the hem of the girl¡¯s skirt with two forepaws.

    ¡°Is this your pet?¡± Weichi Yan bent down to pick up the palm-sized rabbit and brought it up to his eyes. Its fur was snow-white apart from a ck circle around its left eye. Its ears drooped, framing chubby cheeks that was perfectly suited to an equally chubby body. A red square of knots hung around its neck, presenting an adorable sight.

    ¡°Like owner, like pet. You¡¯re so exquisite, and so is your little bunny.¡± He held Riceball in one hand and took Qin Yining¡¯s left hand with the other. ¡°Come now, lie down.¡±

    The girl yanked her hand away once again and sat down on the side of the bed, taking Riceball from the emperor and cing it on the jade-green brocade coverings.

    However, Weichi Yan wasn¡¯t angered in the slightest. He stood smilingly off to the side, admiring a long cherished piece of art that he¡¯d finally obtained.

    Jiao-mama, Xingyu, Bixue, and the young eunuchs hastily retreated to the outer hall. Their master¡¯s ardent fervor couldn¡¯t be contained, but Miss Qin remained perfectly indifferent. The servants couldn¡¯t bear the sight they¡¯d just witnessed.

    Hadn¡¯t the beloved human candle of their prior emperor received the same treatment? Would the son follow in his father¡¯s footsteps? Was Great Yan about to wee another sharp and formidable empress?

    Weichi Yan couldn¡¯t care less what other people thought. He¡¯d carried a torch for Qin Yining for the longest time. When she¡¯d been sent to participate in the peace talks, he¡¯d charged over with great anxiety to express his feelings. But she¡¯d thrust his hand aside and hectored him for not understanding the rules and for behaving inappropriately. He¡¯d been quite saddened then and gone back to have a right royal fight with the Prince of Ning. Butter on, he understood why Qin Yining had rejected him.

    She hadn¡¯t had a choice given her identity then. His royal father would¡¯ve grown suspicious if she¡¯d dared express any closeness with him. At that time, he¡¯d hoped to one day stand at the peak of authority and not have to take anything else into consideration.

    And now he¡¯d finally done it! Thousands of girls in the world were willing to give themselves to him, but he only wanted the one in front of him.

    Weichi Yan grew even more proud of himself and enthusiastic; he turned that energy into further tenderness towards Qin Yining.

    ¡°Yi¡¯er, hurry and lie down. The imperial physicians will be here soon. I¡¯ve already given orders to Jiao-mama to must nurse you back to health during this time and return what¡¯s been lost from your body.¡±

    The room was spinning in front of Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. She forced herself to alertness, but a buzz filled her ears when she heard Weichi Yan¡¯s words. Get out if you want me to rest!

    She wanted to throw the man out, but sadly he was the emperor. She¡¯d give others something to criticize her with if she went overboard with her actions.

    ¡°Your Majesty should go about your business. Don¡¯t dy them because of spending time here.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s always more work to do. You¡¯re my business at the moment.¡± Weichi Yan took a seat next to the prone girl and ran an index finger lightly across cheeks that were flushed with fever. ¡°Look at you, don¡¯t be shy. The road ahead for us is long.¡±

    Her face must be red from shyness.

    An explosion boomed in Qin Yining¡¯s mind and she almost fainted from anger. She finally flung the emperor¡¯s hand away, having reached the limits of her tolerance. ¡°Your Majesty, please show some respect!¡±

    Weichi Yan started, a look of bafflement meeting the girl¡¯s almond-shaped, limpid eyes ¡ª even more watery than usual from the fever. He asked, aggrieved, ¡°Yi¡¯er, you¡¯ll be my empress soon, why are you still...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an educated man, Your Majesty, not some bandit carrying a woman off the road and making her his wife. I have no feelings for you whatsoever and feel only admiration for your knowledge. Why are you forcing something on me against my will?¡±

    Weichi Yan froze.

    Qin Yining rose and knelt in front of the bed, speaking solemnly, ¡°Your Majesty, this subject respects your position and admires your depth of learning, but this subject bears no feelings for you.¡±

    The four imperial physicians that¡¯d rushed back with Lu-gonggong were scared witless when they heard this outside the hall. Screeching to a halt, they looked at each other, color draining from their faces. As a unified whole, they retreated wisely.

    Please. The imperial majesty himself rejected by a little girl? If such a scene was witnessed by people who shouldn¡¯t know about it such as they, they¡¯d all lose their heads!

    Weichi Yan lowered his head to look at Qin Yining, emotion roiling in his eyes. Shock gave way to understanding, then to fury. He bent down to grasp the girl¡¯s chin, forcing her to look up at him and roared at her, ¡°You don¡¯t like me?! Then tell me, who do you like? Hmm? Pang?!¡±

    The two were so close to each other that Qin Yining could smell the ambergris wafting from the man and see his orbs burning with anger. She knew that she couldn¡¯t speak of rtionships with an emperor. But if she didn¡¯t y on this fact now, she would have even less of a right to reject him. If she didn¡¯t make a big deal over emotions, then her refusal would be defiance an imperial decree.

    ¡°Your Majesty, no matter who I like, I have no feelings for you.¡±

    Weichi Yan clenched his hand even more tightly. Her skin was smooth and tender beneath his fingertips; he wanted to devour her where they stood!

    Whether out of anger or desire, a fire had been lit in Weichi Yan. He wanted to teach this ungrateful girl a good lesson!

    All thoughts flew out of his mind and he stared at Qin Yining¡¯s bloodless lips. His eyes darkening, he bent down to kiss her roughly.

    Scared witless, the girl hastily shifted her head to avoid the kiss. Weichi Yan didn¡¯t let up even when she fell down. He pounced on top of her and though his kiss didn¡¯tnd on her lips, they grazed her cheeks to connect with the nape of her neck.

    The faint jasmine scent of the girl¡¯s body intermixed with the slight tang of blood sent his blood boiling. He felt that her body fragrance was a tantalizing poison, one in which he wholeheartedly submitted to.

 Chapter 233: Regicide

    <h4>Chapter 233: Regicide</h4>

    The mes of need set Weichi Yan afire. He wasn¡¯t an inexperienced boy, neither did he spend his days wallowing in lust. But unprecedented excitement moved him today. He wanted to make Qin Yining his and make her surrender before him. From this day forth, she would only see and think of him.

    Weichi Yan held her tightly and pressed up against her soft, pliable body. Wet, feverish kisses rained down on the side of her lips, cheeks, and neck. Breathing harshly, he murmured, ¡°Yi¡¯er, you¡¯re mine, you can only be mine. Pang is just a crude brute, what¡¯s so good about him? It¡¯s treason if you think of him! Do you know what the punishment for treason is? Yi¡¯er, I won¡¯t pursue this further if you turn back now, and I¡¯ll...¡±

    Weichi Yan suddenly felt a coolness by his neck before he finished talking.

    Stupefied, he braced his arms and pushed up from the floor. Her soft, lustrous ck locks were scattered all over the floor. The silver hairpin that¡¯d been used to secure her hair was now tightly gripped in her hand, the cold, sharp edge pressed against his throat.

    Weichi Yan¡¯s lust was instantly doused, quickly followed by uncontroble rage. He spat out through grit teeth, ¡°And what are you trying to do?! Regicide??¡±

    Since her left arm was crushed beneath the emperor, Qin Yining had only been able to use her injured right arm to yank out her hairpin. The exertion split open her wound even more severely and fresh blood quickly drenched her clothing. But even still, the apanying pain didn¡¯t make her hand shake.

    She huffed painfully, enunciating carefully, ¡°If you force yourself on me any further, I¡¯ll kill you and then kill myself!¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Weichi Yan dered coldly.

    ¡°My life is cheap. Would I still want keep living after being insulted to such a degree?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of implicating your family?!¡±

    Fury in the look that Qin Yining was levying at the emperor turned to despair, then morphed to mockery.

    ¡°It looks like I¡¯ve thought too highly of Your Majesty.¡± The room grew dark in front of her eyes again as a theater troupe roared to life in her brain. They banged and nged and tried to drill a hole in reality with their drumming. Hairpin in hand, it drooped as her hand lost its strength.

    Eyes that¡¯d been shooting out the light of fury and hate slowly dimmed and lost their focus. Longshes fluttered as eyelids slowly shut, scaring Weichi Yan out of his mind and soul!

    Paying no heed to the messy, chaotic scene inside, the emperor raised a trembling hand to the girl¡¯s nose. He instantly sped her tightly when he confirmed that she was still alive and called out anxiously, ¡°Wake up, Yi¡¯er, wake up! Servants! Imperial physicians! Imperial physicians!!¡±

    The servants on duty outside charged in when they heard their liege¡¯s panicked voice. They were greatly shook by the sight of an ashen-faced Weichi Yan hugging a disheveled Qin Yining and crying out her name.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please put down the patient so we can make our diagnosis.¡± Four imperial physicians stepped forward to make their bows.

    Jiao-mama, Xingyu, and Baoxue came up to help as Weichi Yanid Qin Yining out on the bed. Seeing so many people surrounding the bed, there was nothing else the emperor could do but pace back and forth worriedly.

    An imperial physician presented himself before long.

    ¡°Well?! Speak up!¡± The emperor didn¡¯t wait for the doctor to finish his bow. ¡°What¡¯s happened to her? Why did she faint??¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, Miss Qin¡¯s wound is very deep and affects the blood vessels. Her body was already out of sorts from losing so much blood and it¡¯s been a very hot and humid summer. Her wound is infected, slowing recovery. Miss Qin was feverish before and didn¡¯t pay attention to her wound, causing it to split open again. I¡¯ll first have to scrape away the putrid flesh before sewing the wound back together. Miss Qin is also weak and fragile to begin with. Add to that a high fever and loss of blood... all of itpounded to make her faint.¡±

    The seasoned physician left out that the biggest contributing factor was a sudden excess of emotion ¡ª she¡¯d been angry to the point of fainting. But he would never say that no matter how many lives he had.

    Weichi Yan bit his lip, his heart aching. Why would her wound have red up if he hadn¡¯t acted so rashly? Why else would she have lost blood again?

    He¡¯d taken her earlier pink cheeks as a sign of shyness, but now that he thought about it more, what else did unnaturally flushed cheeks and bloodless lips indicate, if not fever?

    But he hadn¡¯t noticed at all! And he¡¯d even almost forced himself on her!

    Weichi Yan wanted to p himself firmly.

    ¡°You must heal her or it¡¯ll be your head on the chopping block! Report to Little Lu for whatever you need. Whether it¡¯s cinnamon or ginseng 1, use it all generously if they¡¯re needed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The physicians bowed fearfully.

    Off to the side, Eunuch Lu, also called Little Lu by the emperor, spoke up carefully, ¡°Your Majesty, there are still matters you must attend to. Let¡¯s leave this for the imperial physicians.¡±

    The emperor scratched his head irritably and turned with a flourish of his sleeves. ¡°Return to the Hall of Moral Cultivation!¡±

    ¡°Understood. His Majesty departs!¡± Lu-gonggong supported his master out of the Jade Hall.

    Assigned to the east and west wings, Li Yanyan and Gu Chang only had time to dip their curtsies to the emperor. Because of his preupation, Weichi Yan didn¡¯t spare them a single nce and gestured randomly before striding off.

    Li Yanyan rose without a flicker in her expression, heading back to the east wing.

    Gu Chang snorted derisively and muttered, ¡°Who knows what Qin¡¯s done to bespell the emperor to this degree! Doesn¡¯t she have a close rtionship with Great Zhou¡¯s Faithful Prince of the First Rank? How does she have the face to put on airs like this now? What a disgusting disy!¡±

    Li Yanyan cast an indifferent look at the other girl and smiled. ¡°Miss Gu seems to know much. It¡¯s just that, youe from a schrly family, so it¡¯s best to speak more kindly and avoid impacting the Gu reputation.¡±

    Gu Chang smiled superficially. ¡°Is that so?¡± She¡¯d thought she could pull an ally to her side for a united front against Qin Yining. It¡¯d be soon enough for the two of them to face off against each other when n¨¦e Qin was pulled off of her position. Who would¡¯ve thought that Li won¡¯t cooperate at all?

    She sniffed and returned to the west wing.

    In a dark and cloudy night, buckets of rain poured into a quiet military camp, giving the ck armor of the Valiant Tigers on duty a good washing.

    When Pang Xiao heard that Mu Jinghu hade to pay a visit, he immediately came out to personally wee his friend. After having Mu Jinghu brought into themander-in-chief tent, he kept only Huzi by his side. The remaining Elite Tigers were sent to guard the premises and allow no one to approach or eavesdrop.

    ¡°Blockhead, what brings you here? Has something happened in the capital?¡±

    Mu Jinghu cut to the chase. ¡°Your wife¡¯s been taken away.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Your wife is going to be the empress.¡± Mu Jinghu repeated solemnly.

    Pang Xiao face was calm as rain water trickled down his gleaming armor, forming multiple small puddles on the ground.

    ¡°Come again, slowly. What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Your wife is in poor health because of losing too much blood and she¡¯s spent this period thinking about how to get revenge. This already consumes a lot of energy and thought, and you know how their country is. The trash former emperor abdicated, the new emperor takes the throne. He adopted the Prince of Ning¡¯s son and ardently wants your wife. He sent men to the Qins today and took your wife away, ignoring the protestations of Uncle Qin. Uncle Qin sent me here with a message. Fox, what do you think? Do you still want this wife?¡±

    1. Valuable medicines in ancient China

 Chapter 234: A Self-Conscious Someone

    <h4>Chapter 234: A Self-Conscious Someone</h4>

    ¡°Heh, say that again? Weichi Yan wants my darling for his empress?¡± The prince narrowed his phoenix eyes.

    Huzu adroitly backed up a few steps, not wanting to be caught up in the mess. Mu Jinghu however, nodded emphatically without fear of death.

    ¡°That¡¯s right. I can¡¯t follow her into somece like the pce. I¡¯d be easily discovered. But I still wanted to protect her. Do you know that when the new emperor sent servants to bring her in, he wouldn¡¯t even let her bring her most trusted maids? He didn¡¯t even want to let her bring a change of clothes at first, and definitely didn¡¯t let her bring any medicine even though she¡¯s hurt. What do you think the new emperor wants to do? Get your wife all alone and then cook the rice, making things a done deal?¡±

    Huzi backed up further. Sir Mu! I¡¯m begging you! Can you not add fuel to the mes??

    Pang Xiao barked a frostyugh and spat out between grit teeth, ¡°The Weichi n has deep foundations alright! The son is going to inherit the father¡¯s legacy!¡±

    Mu Jinghu found himself a stool and poured a cup of water while Pang Xiao gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles went white. Only then did his anger seem slightly abated.

    She¡¯s a weak girl and injured. How can she resist imperial might? If something really happens to her in the pce...

    But he was themander-in-chief of the army and old codger Ning knew a thing or two about fighting. Their battles were hotly contested, so it was even more impossible that he leave the military camp on his own. Pang Xiao was stymied by his inability to leap into action. He couldn¡¯t even protect the girl he liked!

    ¡°Take a deep breath, master. What we need to do first is to think of a n.¡± Huzi tried to talk the prince down.

    ¡°Think of a n?¡± Mu Jinghu set the ceramic cup down and considered things seriously. ¡°I actually think your wife has enough qualifications to be empress.¡±

    Pang Xiao red coldly at Mu Jinghu, who didn¡¯t seem to think there was anything wrong with what he¡¯d said. The oblivious man counted off his hands in continuing solemn analysis.

    ¡°See, her family background is good and she¡¯s pretty. Her talents aren¡¯t bad either and she¡¯s very smart. Her father¡¯s a good man. Whoever¡¯s his son-inw will benefit greatly from that rtionship.

    ¡°And, she¡¯d be the mother of the nation if she¡¯s the empress. She¡¯ll only be a princess consort with you. No one would dare bully her if she¡¯s the empress, but if she follows you to Great Zhou, she¡¯ll have to suffer with you.

    ¡°Your position right now is also really awkward. Who knows how many people are plotting against you? She¡¯ll be dragged into all that. From her perspective, there¡¯s nothing bad about being empress.¡±

    Huzi covered his face with his hands and silently retreated to a corner of the tent.

    He¡¯d just found a good spot when Pang Xiao shattered the square table in the middle with a single palm strike. The teapot andrge, ceramic cups on it tumbled to the ground, sshing Mu Jinghu¡¯s shoes with liquid.

    ¡°What are you doing?! Look at what you¡¯ve done to that fine table, and this teapot and bowls are probably worth two strings of copper coins! You really waste too much money.¡± Mu Jinghu sadly picked up two halves of a teacup and tried to piece it back together.

    Those on patrol rushed over to ascertain the situation when they heard themotion. Huzi quickly met them outside with a smile. ¡°No worries, friends. His Highness is sparring with his brother.¡±

    ¡°We see!¡± The Valiant Tigers wereprised of northern men, all of them hearty, loyal, and straightforward. They knew that their leader liked to go several rounds with the boys, so they didn¡¯t think much of what they¡¯d heard.

    Back in the tent, Pang Xiao hauled Mu Jinghu up by the cor. ¡°Rotten Blockhead! What do you mean by that?!¡±

    Mu Jinghu shrugged off the hand and responded honestly. ¡°I¡¯m just telling you the truth. You think so too, right? Why else are you feeling guilty? Fox, you¡¯re so selfish. You like her and you¡¯re doing everything you can to get her, but you don¡¯t know if she¡¯s willing or not.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s expression grew even uglier when his friend hit on the heart of the matter. He shook his hand free of Mu Jinghu¡¯s cor and mmed it down on a nearby round stool ¡ª which naturally shattered with the sound of impact.

    Mu Jinghu¡¯s heart went out to the furniture and he stooped on the ground next to it. ¡°Really, what are you doing?! This is all money!¡±

    Anger burned in Pang Xiao, what did he care about furniture for?

    Mu Jinghu had indeed struck straight at the core of the issue.

    Because the prince liked Qin Yining, he tried every method possible to obtain her and win her heart. He didn¡¯t even ask if she was willing before he stamped his own mark on her. What if she wants to be the empress?

    The prince gnashed his teeth and spoke after a moment, ¡°Huzi.¡±

    ¡°Master.¡± The guard stepped forward with a bow.

    ¡°Go with Sir Mu and find a way to get a clear answer back to me.¡±

    ¡°What kind of answer do you want, master?¡± Huzi was rather baffled.

    ¡°The Marquis of Anping sent Blockhead here to sound me out. But what I think isn¡¯t important here. What¡¯s important is what dearest Yi thinks. How can I interfere if she wants to be empress and not my princess consort? Find a way to get in touch with Steward Zhong. Their Institute¡¯swork is vast and they must have a way of getting word in and out of the pce. Just ask dearest Yi if she¡¯s willing to be with me.¡±

    ¡°Master, don¡¯t doubt the fourth miss. I think she likes you too.¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed ruefully. ¡°I¡¯m not doubting her, I¡¯m afraid of impeding her.¡±

    He knew the straits he was in. In the eyes of outsiders, he was a prince ofmon blood that was the sworn brother of the Great Zhou emperor. He heldmand of the Valiant Tigers and the future ahead looked glorious; the sky was the limit.

    But in reality, it was difficult for him to take even a single step in the Great Zhou court.

    When they¡¯d destroyed Northern Ji, he¡¯d been the vanguard and the Valiant Tigers had done all of the killing and raiding. Even now, the surrendered Northern Ji officials still hated him. He¡¯d also widowed and orphaned many when taking revenge for his father, which only further intensified the hate from former Northern Ji citizens.

    The old emperor of Northern Ji had been decrepit and useless, long since draining the national coffers. So when the nation was destroyed, there hadn¡¯t been much in the way of war spoils. When the Great Zhou emperor had hoisted the banner of rebellion high and led the men in conquest, he¡¯d madevish promises of rewards and titles for all. Two years after the founding of Great Zhou, there were titles to be had aplenty, but the promised silver was still forting.

    Many soldiers who¡¯d been part of the initial conquest grumbled privately, but there was a new strain of gossip now that whoever had been the vanguard had taken all of the loot for themselves.

    Wasn¡¯t that pointing fingers at Pang Xiao?

    And even setting all that aside, his Valiant Tigers were so exemry that they put the other troops to shame. This naturally elicited jealousy from other generals and officers.

    But the emperor needed to bring peace throughout thends and so military officials were of utmost importance. This rankled the officials of the civil subjects. Pang Xiao was the representative of the military officials, which only painted arger target on his back.

    Thinking about it closely, Pang Xiao felt himself just a crude brute with a whole slew of people eyeing his back covetously. There really was nothing he could bring out to be proud of...

    In conclusion, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank suffered from low self esteem after Mu Jinghu¡¯s words.

    Huzi sighed. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go and ask. What do you n on doing next, master?¡±

    A brilliant light sparkled in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes as he toyed with the hilt of his sword. He arched a brow with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to give them a thorough beating no matter what, and take that arrogant Prince of Ning down a peg or two. Their morale¡¯s grown greatly after their trash emperor abdicated. I think they¡¯ve forgotten what their names are! I¡¯ll help them remember that they¡¯re still the trash they were before!¡±

 Chapter 235: The Prince in a Rage (I)

    <h4>Chapter 235: The Prince in a Rage (I)</h4>

    ¡°Master...¡± Huzi looked anxiously at Pang Xiao. In all these years, it was the first time he¡¯d seen his master like this. The guard couldn¡¯t exactly say what was wrong, but he could tell that Pang Xiao¡¯s mood was very off.

    ¡°Master, it¡¯s easy for me to contact the steward and get a message in to the fourth miss. But what about her safety in the pce? The new emperor refused to let her bring close servants, so Jiyun certainly didn¡¯t make it in. What if the new emperor is just like his trash father and wants to do something to the fourth miss?¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s forehead knit together tightly. He responded lowly, ¡°Blockhead, you said that she¡¯s heavily injured?¡±

    Mu Jinghu nodded.

    Pang Xiao sighed. ¡°She¡¯s a smart girl and will use her injuries to avoid any intimacy with the new emperor. The new emperor is a schrly sort and genuinely likes her. He wants to spend the rest of his life with her and won¡¯t do anything to a patient. With her ying sick, that¡¯ll give me enough time to do what I need to do.¡±

    He sat down rather dejectedly on the only unbroken round stool remaining in the tent and heaved another sigh. ¡°Honestly, Blockhead¡¯s right. I¡¯m selfish.¡±

    Mu Jinghu was still stooped on the ground. He raised his head to look at his friend, holding the two halves of the teapot this time.

    Huzi started to say something, but stopped.

    ¡°I still want her for myself even if she wants to be empress, so I can¡¯t let her be the empress no matter what. The Qins can¡¯t defy an imperial decree, so I can only make the new emperor give it up himself.¡±

    Huzi nodded. He knew that Pang Xiao was a deeply thoughtful man with an eye for the future. It wasn¡¯t unusual for the prince to be able to swiftly analyze a situation ande up with a countermeasure even when in a towering rampage.

    Mu Jinghu on the other hand, snorted. ¡°What a fox indeed. Actually, you two match well. You didn¡¯t see how she looked when she was plotting against those assassins ¡ª that was so scary! I thought she was possessed by a fox! You two foxes belong together. I¡¯m waiting to see how you plot against each other after you get married, hmph!¡±

    Pang Xiao knew how quick-witted and innovative Qin Yining was. When he heard Mu Jinghu¡¯s words, he could almost see the mischievous light shining out of her wise eyes as she plotted. He inwardly rxed whenever he thought of her.

    Huzi heaved a long-awaited sigh of relief when he saw his master return to normal. ¡°Master, are you nning on teaching the Prince of Ning a good lesson?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but we need to act like we¡¯re very tired as well. When his troops are scared witless after tasting the might of our Valiant Tigers, that¡¯ll be half of my nplete.¡±

    ¡°And the other half?¡±

    Pang Xiao called the guard to his side and murmured, ¡°Stay in the city after you get an answer from my girl. When news of difficult times due to the fierce shes between the Valiant Tigers and Great Yan army spread, this is what you¡¯ll do...¡±

    Pang Xiao dropped his voice even further.

    The guard¡¯s eyes grew brighter the more he heard of the n. He nodded rapidly. ¡°This is fantastic! Alright, I¡¯ll be on my way!¡±

    Mu Jinghu rose when he saw that everything had been discussed. Pang Xiao personally saw the two out of camp before summoning some generals to discuss some important issues.

    The next day, Huzi disguised himself and hid in a hookah bar, choosing to nap on the couch in a single room.

    Since Mu Jinghu was a new face, he wouldn¡¯t attract any suspicion when delivering a message. He was given the task of bringing Steward Zhong to the hookah bar for a meeting.

    When the steward heard that Pang Xiao¡¯s men was waiting for him, he immediately set aside what he¡¯d been working on to meet with the prince¡¯s representative.

    Worried that someone would eavesdrop on their conversation, Mu Jinghu kept watch outside and left the room for the two to talk.

    Steward Zhong ced his hands behind his back and snorted when he saw that Huzi didn¡¯t seem to be in a great hurry. ¡°So now you think of us? Where were you earlier?¡±

    Having just woken up, Huzi was still very groggy and nonplussed by the steward¡¯s angry lecture in lieu of a greeting. However, his answer was still very loyal to Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, noble steward. You know how hard it is for those of us outside to get any news. My master sent me into town the moment he learned of what¡¯d happened.¡±

    The steward snorted again and sat down with an expansive motion. ¡°And what¡¯re you doing here now? Anxious because our miss is going to be the empress? I didn¡¯t see your master anywhere when her family suffered all those disasters. But now? Now you¡¯re here huh?¡±

    The steward red at Huzi, counting off of his fingers. ¡°The owner has beauty and brains, an excellent background, quick-witted and good with strategy, and virtuous and filial! In this old man¡¯s eyes, there¡¯s no better girl in the world! With her status, she¡¯s more than suited to be empress! Our new emperor is young and aplished, and loves her wholeheartedly. I say it¡¯s wonderful if she bes the empress! Is your master jealous after hearing her new position and wants to mess things up? Let me tell you something, the miss is even-tempered, but I¡¯m not!¡±

    Huzi could tell by now that the steward was actually sulking.

    When the Qins had suffered such a cmity, the prince had been miles away and stuck in the military camp. He hadn¡¯t helped at all, and the person he¡¯d sent had arrivedte, resulting in the loss of so many lives.

    An outsider such as the steward was incredibly indignant whenever he thought of this, to say nothing of Qin Yining, who was actually caught up in things. Huzi inwardly wiped away a forehead of sweat for his master.

    Though his master was an arrogant, domineering sort in front of others, Pang Xiao morphed from a tiger to a cat whenever facing Qin Yining. None of his usual sharpness was to be found. With the prince¡¯s personality, he was certainly already feeling guilty that he hadn¡¯t been able to protect the Qins. Add to that his identity as an enemy general and all manner of awfulness from Great Zhou, it was rather understandable if Pang Xiao was feeling self-conscious.

    Huzi didn¡¯t dare add fuel to the mes. He plied apologetic smiles onto the steward. ¡°Grand Steward, it¡¯s one thing to be angry, but never act on it to separate a pair of lovers! You know how my master is wholeheartedly devoted to your miss. He treats no one else like how he treats her! If he wasn¡¯t true to her, why would someone like my master try to be a pjack, jumping into the Great Yan mes after being fried in Great Zhou? He¡¯s crispy on the outside and tender inside, just like fried fish!¡±

    The steward burst outughing at the metaphor. ¡°pjacks and fish, huh? You must be hungry, kid!¡±

    Huzi smiled diffidently, rxing. ¡°My master told me toe, even at the risk of my life, to ask the steward for a favor. This has to do with both our masters¡¯ happiness, so please do help me.¡±

    Steward Zhong was soothed by the guard¡¯s words. Though he was still indignant on Qin Yining¡¯s behalf, he couldn¡¯t throw a wrench into the greater picture because of that. ¡°Go on.¡±

    Huzi and the grand steward discussed for a long while in hushed tones. After the two were decided, Steward Zhong rushed off to put various things into y.

    On the afternoon of that day, a group of pce maids changed out the decorations and nts of the Jade Hall ording to imperial orders.

    Qin Yining had just taken her medicine and was lounging on the reclining couch with Riceball. She looked up to see a merry Jiyun walk in with a bunch of lilies. The guard curtsied to Xingyu and Bixue.

    ¡°Elder sisters, where should I put these flowers?¡±

 Chapter 236: The Prince in a Rage (II)

    <h4>Chapter 236: The Prince in a Rage (II)</h4>

    Being tall and limber, Jiyun was a beauty that easily caught the eye. However, she¡¯d taken pains to disguise herself today, turning herplexion sallow and creating moles next to the bridge of her nose and sideburns. She was also keeping her eyes downcast, avoiding attention from Xingyu and Bixue.

    Xingyu had just reached out for the vase when Qin Yining expressed interest, ¡°Are those lilies? Let me take a look.¡±

    The two maids assigned to the Qin fourth miss jockeyed to take the vase. This was the perfect chance to earn some credit with the future empress!

    But Jiyun was a step faster than them and offered up the vase with two hands held high.

    Riceball knew Jiyun; it perked up on its owner¡¯s stomach and fixed round, watery eyes on the approaching guard. Using her left hand, Qin Yining touched the flower petals with a smile. ¡°Lilies are my favorite. All of you have gone to great effort.¡±

    ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare take credit. His Majesty knows the miss likes lilies and specially ordered them prepared. Even the vase was chosen by His Majesty. He says that the miss doesn¡¯t like things that are too ornate orplicated and so chose this simple, white porcin one.¡± Jiyun snuck a swift look at Qin Yining.

    The girl¡¯s spirits seemed to be uplifted by her favorite flowers and she shook off some of her earlier dejection. She nodded cheerily. ¡°I see, well done. You may put the flowers here.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Jiyun put the vase on the square table next to the reclining couch and left with a bow.

    Xingyu and Bixue had already forgotten about thatpletely ordinary pce servant. They were wracking their brains for ttery rted to their mistress¡¯ favorite flowers. However, they didn¡¯t think of any before they were sent away.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired, you are dismissed.¡±

    That single line brought them up short. They weren¡¯t the miss¡¯ confidantes, so it was too much to expect that Qin Yining would immediately treat them warmly, even if they fawned over her. There was nothing to do but curtsey and take their leave.

    Qin Yining remained leaning on the couch and poked at the flowers, seemingly wanting to rearrange them in the most pleasing order possible. When everyone had cleared the room, she quickly assessed her surroundings and outside the windows. When she saw that no one was watching her, she ced Riceball on the floor and scrutinized the vase closely.

    Jiyun wouldn¡¯t have brashly entered the pce like this. With her in disguise, she must be carrying a message. She¡¯d also given a hint to the fourth miss earlier, so Qin Yining rummaged inside the vase first. Coming up with no secretpartments, she inspected the bottom of the ceramic and discovered a small hole in it.

    Poking a pinky in, there was indeed a note inside.

    Her heart racing, Qin Yining hastily fished it out and hid it in her handkerchief, rearranging the flowers back to how they were before.

    She rested a moment longer on the couch, only taking the note back out when she was certain that no one was keeping an eye on her. There were just five simple words on it. ¡°Yao will cut supplies soon.¡±

    She swiftly crumpled it into a ball, nning on burning it whenmps were litter that night. After that, she carefully noodled over the message.

    Yao must mean Pang Xiao. He¡¯d gone by his mother¡¯s surname when they first met. What did he mean by cutting supplies soon?

    When they¡¯d first met, he¡¯d styled himself as a merchant. If Sir Yao was a merchant, supplies being cut meant that there was no business to be conducted. But Pang Xiao was actually amander leading armies...

    Enlightenment struck Qin Yining!

    He¡¯d stop fighting soon!

    But why?

    Jiyun was one of Pang Xiao¡¯s and had gone to the trouble of slipping into the pce to deliver this message. What did it all mean?

    She¡¯d suggested to her father that after she entered the pce, he should send word to Pang Xiao that Weichi Yan wanted to make her empress. She wanted Pang Xiao to think of a way to help her, so... pausing the war was his n? But what did that have to do with the emperor wedding her?

    She wracked her brains but couldn¡¯t puzzle out the logic. Despite that, receiving such a fast responseforted her greatly.

    She didn¡¯t dare express helplessness and fear in front of her father. She¡¯d been alone since young, having a very deep understanding that she had to fight for anything she wanted, that she had to work hard for anything she sought to do. She¡¯d try her best even if no one helped her.

    But now, Pang Xiao had sent word and let her know that she wasn¡¯t alone in this fight. He let her know that he too was trying hard to help her escape Weichi Yan¡¯s control.

    This answer reassured her that her staunch convictions weren¡¯t in vain. Qin Yining smiled faintly, her mind at peace. She hadn¡¯t been able to sleep even though she was very tired, but now drifted easily into a deep sleep after resolving this great burden weighing on her mind.

    Weichi Yan came by after the noon hour. He couldn¡¯t bear to wake her up when he saw that she was sleeping soundly. He stood silently next to the reclining couch with his hands behind his back, gazing upon her for half an hour before caressing her cheek and reluctantly taking his leave.

    The emperor¡¯s deeply besotted look stunned Jiao-mama and Xingyu. They respected the miss even more after witnessing the visit and served her even more carefully.

    The next day at breakfast, Qin Yining asked her usual question of whether anything major had urred outside.

    Jiao-mama was quick with her answer and quite worried as well. ¡°The Prince of Ning suffered a defeat yesterday. Those Great Zhou brutes are too ferocious when they fight. We have three hundred and fifty thousand guarding the city, but were tricked by a scheme and lost a few thousand men. The prince was also injured.¡±

    Qin Yining frowned at this. ¡°The prince is such a brave person, but even he¡¯s been injured? Great Zhou¡¯s never won a victory like this off of us before.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Xingyu and Bixue were also feeling nervous. ¡°The prince has always been valiant. He¡¯ll be able to defend the city.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded as well. Her thoughts turned back to the five words of yesterday. The war would be put on a pause in about three days, but Pang Xiao had severely injured the Prince of Ning yesterday? What is he trying to do?

    Her lips tightlypressed, Qin Yining took another bite of porridge. Inspiration suddenly struck. She understood!

    He wants to use the war to force Weichi Yan to let this issue go!

    Her hand tightened around the ivory chopsticks. Qin Yining used an enormous amount of effort to maintain her expression, but she was already lighthearted with anticipation. When she thought of Pang Xiao¡¯s handsome face, she longed to see him like she¡¯d never felt before.

    It¡¯d been a long time apart from each other.

    News of the Prince of Ning being injured and the defending army eating an enormous loss spread like wildfire. However, there was also another version that said with the prince¡¯s unparalleled skills, he¡¯d heavily injured the Valiant Tigers as well despiteing off worse in the exchange.

    Thetest news from Xihua traveled to the capital at the same time. The Valiant Tigers announced they were taking a break from fighting, that they would resume only after Emperor Yuan Kang took his throne!

    As the Qin miss was ordained to be a holy girl by the Soothsayer herself, it was too tiring to fight Great Yan while the nation was under her protection. She stood guard over the country¡¯s fortunes, after all.

    Therefore, the Valiant Tigers would wait to resume fighting only after this talisman was rendered impotent with marriage. They would see twice the effectiveness at half the effort then!

    And so the notion of marriage neutralizing Miss Qin¡¯s ability to ensure the nation¡¯s peace was forcefully instilled into the people¡¯s minds, shing with the long-time rumor of their emperor wanting thedy to be his empress.

    ¡°Aiyo! What can we do about this all? If the emperor really does make Miss Qin empress, then she won¡¯t be able to keep the country safe!¡±

    ¡°Miss Qin is a holy girl. Holy girls lose their abilities after they get married.¡±

    ¡°For the sake of the nation, the emperor can¡¯t wed Miss Qin!¡±

    Such conversations flourished in every street and alleyway in the nation and weren¡¯t limited to the citizens. Various officials raised their concerns during court the next day, anxiously expressing that the emperor should reconsider his candidate for empress.

 Chapter 237: Resignation (I)

    <h4>Chapter 237: Resignation (I)</h4>

    In his lofty seat above the assembled officials, Weichi Yan¡¯s face was a looming thundercloud. He watched his subjectse forth one by one, asking him to reconsider his empress with the self-righteous banners of ¡°for the good of the nation¡± and ¡°to soothe the people¡±.

    But he knew full well that these people were just hoodwinked by another.

    He¡¯d once felt that an emperor should naturally love the people like his own children, and that officials should be wholeheartedly devoted to the nation. But now that he was perched in the grand seat, he finally realized that things weren¡¯t as simple as he thought.

    He did indeed love his people, but his people only thought of their own safety when push came to shove. They cared not a whit for their ruler¡¯s own wishes at all! How can they strip me of happiness for a lifetime because of a single rumor?!

    And if he didn¡¯t listen to them, he would be pped with abel of trash emperor! Perhaps there would even be denunciations that he was just like his father, that he only knew to enjoy women and not how to better the people¡¯s lives.

    And his officials! Oh his officials. Each had their own ulterior motive and cared only about personal gain. They were even trying to use morals force his hand!

    Sanctimonious concerns of national stability and citizen morale abounded. What, would their country go down in mes if he made Qin Yining his empress??

    Weichi Yan burned with the desire to spit viciously on these holier-than-thou faces!

    But the vestiges of his rationality yelled loudly that he couldn¡¯t do so. He¡¯d only just taken his throne and his grip on the nation was yet shaky. If he offended his officials now, life would be very difficult in the future.

    The emperor closed his eyes, feeling them start to burn from angry tears.

    Dead silence reigned in the halls. Everyone looked carefully at their liege¡¯s expression, trying to garner some clues.

    After a long moment, Weichi Yan opened his eyes and looked at Qin Huaiyuan standing at the head of the civil officials. ¡°Beloved subject Qin, how do you think this should be handled?¡±

    The Qin patriarch only needed to nce at the emperor¡¯s face to know what the younger man was thinking. He shook his head inwardly.

    The emperor was a dashing schr at heart after all. He wasn¡¯t much concerned with politics, nor did he have a knack for it. He employed emotion instead of logic when running into any problems. How would the nation¡¯s future hold up in light of this?

    ¡°This subject dares not conjecture about this matter. I¡¯m sure Your Majesty will have a wise solution.¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised cupped hands in salute.

    The other officials were all rolling their eyes internally. The emperor shouldn¡¯t have asked Qin Huaiyuan if he had any smarts at all. We¡¯re discussing whether or not Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter should be empress. Just how was the marquis supposed to respond?

    When Weichi Yan heard the response, he too realized he¡¯d asked an idiotic question. The awkwardness washing over him only further worsened his mood. If he nodded now, Qin Yining would no longer be his.

    He could only try to make one final appeal.

    ¡°The Soothsayer¡¯s fortunes prescribed for Miss Qin haven¡¯t been verified yet. If a little girl can protect the nation, then what do we need us men for? What do we need the soldiers on the front lines for? This is all sheer nonsense!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, what we should be discussing now isn¡¯t whether or not the fortune is true, but that the citizens already deeply believe it is!¡± An old official stepped forward with a kowtow.

    ¡°The foolish people are ignorant, but are all of you ignorant as well? How can you parrot what others say?¡±

    Someone in the Clearists¡¯ camp spoke up. ¡°Your Majesty, the people may be ignorant, but they can overturn a ship. Your subjects aren¡¯t repeating hearsay, but are aware that we currently need someone like her to put the people at ease.¡±

    ¡°This subject agrees! Your Majesty has just taken the throne and if you move against public opinion now, you might lose the people¡¯s heart!¡±

    His hands balled into fists, Weichi Yan asked tightly, ¡°What, Us marrying a girl will lose the people¡¯s heart?¡±

    ¡°The key point is that these are the rumors outside. No matter if they¡¯re true or not, the people think they are!¡±

    Weichi Yan angrily shot to his feet. ¡°Pang only says that he¡¯s pausing the battles but didn¡¯t say that they wouldn¡¯t continue fighting if We don¡¯t marry Miss Qin !¡±

    ¡°But the people think that they¡¯ll be safe as long as Your Majesty doesn¡¯t marry her!¡±

    A vein throbbed painfully in Weichi Yan¡¯s forehead, traces of remaining rationality once again preventing him from cursing. Such were his subjects! Foolish, selfish, and ludicrous!

    So it turned out that sitting on this throne didn¡¯t bring about freedom either! A short phrase of ¡®the people¡¯s will¡¯ was enough to materialize chains that thoroughly held him down!

    ¡°We need to ponder further on this matter. Court is dismissed!¡± Having run out of patience, Weichi Yan flung down these words and left with a flourish of his sleeves.

    The officials looked at each other, at a loss of what to do. Head shakes and sighs were exchanged before they too were on their way.

    Qin Huaiyuan heaved a long sigh as he watched the emperor stalk off. Compared to Pang Xiao, Weichi Yan was far inferior when it came to plots and ns. The prince could quickly think of a countermove and execute on it, while the emperor only knew to be angry. This wasn¡¯t an even ying field at all.

    Helplessness descended when the marquis reflected on the two generations of rulers he¡¯d served in his life. Whatever, forget it all. Let it go.

    After court was adjourned, a stone-faced Weichi Yan made quick time to the Jade Hall. Lu-gonggong and a group of pce servants and guards trailed far behind, deathly afraid of being caught up in the emperor¡¯s temper.

    Pure Consort Lin, Weichi Yan¡¯s concubine from when he was still the crown prince, was currently lecturing the three girls in the Jade Hall. Though the girls were technically here for the selection, everyone knew that the three were guaranteed a spot in the imperial harem and that Qin Yining would be the empress.

    Consort Lin had loved and served Weichi Yan for many years. She¡¯d given it her all, and it would be a fat lie to say that she expected nothing in return. She¡¯d long since heard that the emperor was infatuated with Qin Yining. The Qin fourth miss was also a notable character amongst the noble daughters in the capital, so the consort had long since wanted to take her measure of the girl.

    There were even rumors that the emperor had paid a visit the day that n¨¦e Qin entered the pce. He¡¯dpletely ignored n¨¦e Li and n¨¦e Gu, paying attention only to n¨¦e Qin.

    Consort Lin bided her time for two days, but couldn¡¯t restrain herself in the end. She¡¯d happened to ¡®pass by¡¯ the Jade Hall today and came in for a look.

    N¨¦e Li and n¨¦e Gu were taking a stroll in the garden and chatting. They immediately came forward to make their greetings, but the one rumored to be empress remained arrogantly lying in bed. The consort waited a long while before she saw the girl.

    ¡°This seat knows that the Qins have beautiful descendants. Younger sister Qin is stunning alright, no wonder the emperor admires you wholeheartedly.¡±

    Consort Lin was just in her twenties. She had a voluptuous body and a coy tone when she spoke. She wore a silver and red arrowed sleeve cotton jacket, the kind where the sleeves could be cinched to keep them out of the way. A rose-red ruffled hem skirt was finished off with a downy-yellow chiffon wrap around the shoulders. The consort waved her round fan and reached out with slender fingers protected by three inch long nail guards.

    Qin Yining frowned with difort when the consort gripped her chin, but she didn¡¯t evade the touch. She knelt primly, ¡°Your Highness is as beautiful as a flower. How would this subject dare beplimented by you?¡±

    ¡°Indeed, you wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Consort Lin waved her fan with a chuckle. ¡°You don¡¯t dare eptpliments, but you dare lie in bed and make me wait for your greeting.¡±

    Qin Yining kowtowed. ¡°Please forgive me, Consort Lin. This subject is ill and awoke this morning with a fever. I stayed in bed a bit longer due to not feeling well and immediately rose when we heard of your visit. I didn¡¯t dare offend you with a disheveled appearance and so cleaned up a little, which caused my tardiness. Please forgive me for myteness.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Younger sister¡¯s voice is so pleasing. Speak some more. You sound like a bird chirping.¡± Consort Lin concealed her smile behind her fan.

    Qin Yining sighed. Such was her treatment before she¡¯d officially entered the pce. How could anyone bear to stay in such a ce?

    ¡°Please forgive me, Your Highness.¡± She could only continue to admit her fault.

    Win a cameo in ROS Christmas greetings! More information here~

 Chapter 238: Resignation (II)

    <h4>Chapter 238: Resignation (II)</h4>

    Consort Lin looked down at the girl kneeling in front of her, barely able to conceal the jealousy in her eyes.

    She¡¯s seduced the emperor so much that he only thinks of her! This is why the emperor¡¯s ignoring all the years I¡¯ve served him and making her empress instead!

    The consort knew that her background was inferior, but so what?! That wasn¡¯t a reason for her to back down! When it came to depth of feeling and understanding of the emperor, who could boast of those more than her?

    ¡°What fault does younger sister Qin have? Oh don¡¯t speak of such things, like I¡¯m being mean to you.¡± Consort Lin paced back and forth, waving her fan slightly instead of letting the girl rise. ¡°I hear that you grew up in the mountains? Have you ever read a book?¡±

    Qin Yining opened her mouth, but elected to remain silent. The consort didn¡¯t really want to hear her answer anyways. She just wanted to insult the girl.

    Indeed, Consort Lin continued without a pause. ¡°Our emperor is widely learned and well read. He started writing poems when he was seven and had beautiful calligraphy at eight. If you don¡¯t have some thoughts rattling around in your brain, it might be difficult to serve the emperor properly.¡±

    Standing off to the side with her hands and head down, a cold smirk blossomed on Gu Chang¡¯s lips.

    Li Yanyan however, frowned. ¡°Consort Lin speaks very truly, but a woman is virtuous when she does not unt her skills. Serving the emperor isn¡¯t taking the schr examinations. Nothing else matters as long as the emperor likes younger sister Qin.¡±

    ¡°Younger sister Li has quite a silver tongue.¡± Consort Lin sniffed disdainfully. ¡°It looks like the Duke of Anguo has a strong friendship with Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    Li Yanyan smiled faintly in return. ¡°In response to Your Highness, it¡¯s true that I am good friends with younger sister Qin.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s rare to see such a deep bond of sisterhood. But younger sister Li speaks truly. A wild brat from the woods can¡¯t even read that many words, to say nothing of manners and rules. I suppose it¡¯s enough that she¡¯s passably pretty and won¡¯t mar the beauty of the pce.¡±

    Li Yanyan seethed with these words and she frowned ferociously down at the ground. However, Qin Yining interjected before the other girl founds the words to respond with.

    ¡°The honorable Pure Consort speaks truly. This subject is crude and indeed unworthy of serving the emperor. But His Majesty is highly knowledgeable ¡ª how would he be so shallow as to only judge a woman by her looks? Please be careful of your words, Your Highness, and refrain from conjectures about the emperor¡¯s thoughts.¡±

    Making wild conjectures about the emperor was a highly punishablebel that offended Consort Lin more than anything Li Yanyan had said.

    A knot of irritation in her throat, the consort sniffed disdainfully. ¡°The daughter of Wise Pan An is umon alright. Your glib tongue isn¡¯t something that just anyone can possess. Is this how you bespelled the emperor?¡±

    ¡°The emperor is wise and noble, how would he be bespelled with just a few words? Or is His Majesty someone that muddleheaded in Your Highness¡¯ eyes?¡±

    ¡°How! How dare you! Servants, p her!¡± Consort Lin was beet red with anger and called loudly for her eunuchs to punish the girl.

    Jiao-mama hastily ran in front of Qin Yining when she saw the situation take a turn for the worse. She smiled catingly. ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness. No matter how angry you might be, it isn¡¯t the thing to do to punish the selection girls in the Jade Hall, no? The emperor is sure to be angry if he finds out. What will Your Highness do then?¡±

    ¡°Please stay out of my business when I¡¯m teaching the selection girls a lesson, Jiao-mama.¡± Consort Lin rxed her tone slightly, not daring to really offend the emperor¡¯s wet nurse, but not softening her attitude one iota either. She red viciously at her confidante.

    The eunuch stepped forward and drew his hand back for a resounding p.

    How would Qin Yining possibly allow herself to suffer like this? Ideas and consequences whirred through her mind as she grabbed the eunuch¡¯s wrist, forcing him to stop right by her cheek.

    The eunuch cried out with surprise and pain. Qin Yining had her fingers locked tightly around his pulse and was steadily applying even more pressure. He¡¯d never met someone who would return his blows when being punished. Afflicted by twin sensations, he looked back piteously at Consort Lin.

    It would¡¯ve been better had he not turned back. When he did, he thumped down to both knees in fright.

    ¡°Your, Your Majesty...¡±

    Everyone had been gathered around Qin Yining with their backs to the doors of the hall. They hadn¡¯t noticed when the emperor had arrived at all, and didn¡¯t know how long he¡¯d been standing there watching. Qin Yining¡¯s line of sight had been blocked by the crowd, so she hadn¡¯t an inkling either.

    Consort Lin¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she saw Weichi Yan¡¯s ck expression, his hands behind back. She¡¯d heard that the emperor liked n¨¦e Qin very much so, but I¡¯ve served by his side for so many years. I won¡¯t lose out to a neer no matter what!

    Having reassured herself, Consort Lin prettily lowered herself to the ground. ¡°This consort greets Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°These subjects greet Your Majesty.¡± Li Yanyan and Gu Chang curtsied as well.

    A ripple of bowing and curtsying pce servants fanned outwards. All of them hunkered in on themselves, immensely worried that they¡¯d be caught up in the wake of imperial anger.

    The furrows between Weichi Yan¡¯s brows grew even deeper, lending a few imposing touches to his refined, genteel appearance.

    He strode up and took Qin Yining¡¯s uninjured left arm, helping her rise. Then, in front of everyone¡¯s disbelieving eyes, he bent down to dust off the hem of her skirt.

    The Qin fourth misspressed her lips and took a step backwards, but Weichi Yan refused to let her get away and followed her closely, still holding onto her arm. He turned back to Consort Lin.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Having yet to receive the imperialmand to rise, the consort didn¡¯t dare move and responded to the ground with a smile. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, I was out for a walk today and happened to pass by Jade Hall. I decided to pay a visit to the younger sisters soon to join us.¡±

    ¡°What has she done wrong that you would have the servants hit her?¡±

    The consort hastily responded, ¡°She has no grasp of manners and was slow to greet this subject. I just wanted to teach her the rules.¡±

    ¡°Teach her the rules? By insulting her as well as her father, one of Our beloved subjects and Our teacher? Who gave you the courage to do so?!¡±

    Color drained from the consort¡¯s face and she kowtowed in abject fear. ¡°Please forgive me, Your Majesty, I was just...¡±

    ¡°You. p yourself thirty times and confine yourself to your residence for reflection afterwards. You are not to set a single foot outside without Our decree. Do you understand?¡±

    Stunned, Consort Lin raised her head and looked dumbly at Weichi Yan. ¡°Your Majesty!¡± This would cause her to have absolutely no standing in the pce from now on!

    She looked pleadingly at Li Yanyan and Gu Chang beside her, but the two were so terrified by imperial anger that they didn¡¯t dare make a peep.

    ¡°Remain kneeling here when you p yourself. Go on then!¡± Weichi Yan added.

    Ashen-faced, the consort looked to Qin Yining for help in the end. We¡¯re all going to be neighbors in the future and need to coexist together. The girl would help her save some face so life could go on, right?

    But the Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t say anything, just looked at the consort calmly.

    Consort Lin took off her pure gold nail guards and biting her lips, tears brimming in her eyes, she gave herself a self-pitying, dainty little p.

    ¡°That was too light.¡± Weichi Yan remarked coldly.

    Consort Lin set aside all thoughts of finding a way out of this. She closed her eyes, grit her teeth, and put her weight into ps from both hands. The blows rang out clearly and her cheeks very quickly reddened.

    Thirty ps passed by quickly. At the end of them, Consort Lin was disheveled, her hairpins falling out and tears streaking her face. She touched her forehead to the ground in a grand gesture of obeisance and walked backwards with her back hunched. It would be more urate to say that she fled Jade Hall, as if having no more dignity to face anyone with.

    Weichi Yan pulled on Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Come with Us. We have questions to ask of you.¡±

 Chapter 239: Resignation (III)

    <h4>Chapter 239: Resignation (III)</h4>

    Weichi Yan set a fast pace and used a great deal of force on Qin Yining. Her wrist was chafed and reddened by the pressure, but the girl didn¡¯t frown at the difort. She followed the emperor closely into the main hall.

    Li Yanyan and Gu Chang heaved sighs of relief as their servants helped them up. Both castplicated looks at Weichi Yan and Qin Yining¡¯s departing figures.

    With how much the emperor doted on n¨¦e Qin, would there be any ce for them when they entered the pce?

    Eunuch Lu followed his master inside, taking up position in the outer hall. Jiao-mama quickly had Little Ning and Little Yang close the doors and retreat to a position far away.

    Li Yanyan and Gu Chang also returned to their side wings, not daring to eavesdrop on imperial conversation.

    Back in the main hall, Weichi Yan thrust his arm forward fiercely after entering the inner chamber, throwing Qin Yining onto the bed.

    ¡°Why do you treat me like this?!¡±

    Someone else filled this girl¡¯s heart, not him!

    He didn¡¯t believe that that demon Pang Xiao would so coincidentally volunteer a break in fighting, and believed even less that those rumors in the capital would develop at this precise time.

    Weichi Yan knew that Qin Yining was a highly intelligent girl, and that her maternal grandmother was the alliance head of Azure Justice.

    Though the rebel organization had announced its disbandment, it was surely doable for Qin Yining to find anyone she needed in order to disseminate rumors. She must be colluding with Pang Zhixi and leveraging the people¡¯s voice to make him let her go!

    He¡¯d fumed so badly on the way here that he wanted to choke her to death!

    And yet when he actually saw her being bullied, his gut reaction was to stick up for her. Even Weichi Yan started despising himself.

    ¡°Why do you treat me like this?!¡± The emperor dropped all royal pronouns and screamed furiously. ¡°Can you feel not a sliver of my feelings for you?!¡±

    Judging from this disy, Qin Yining understood that Pang Xiao had seeded. She clutched her injured shoulder, aching from the exertions, and slowly knelt down primly.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°How can I quell my anger when you¡¯ve done something like this?!¡± Eyes shot through with red, Weichi Yan hauled her up by her left arm again. He caged her in, grinding his teeth as he red into her eyes. ¡°Do you hate me that much? Is Pang that good? How is he better than me? Tell me!¡±

    The two were nearly nose-tip to nose-tip. The musk of an unfamiliar man threw Qin Yining greatly off-kilter. She twisted to get out of his grasp, but Weichi Yan refused to let go.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject has never toyed with your affections. This subject feels no love for you at all.¡±

    ¡°So you colluded with an enemymander toy out this trap for me!¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t?! I¡¯ll have the heads of your entire n for this!¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, Your Majesty, you can investigate everything possible. I didn¡¯t even bring my maids into the pce. There¡¯s nothing I could¡¯ve done even if I¡¯d wanted to. Evidence must beid out if Your Majesty wishes to pronounce me guilty, or will you imitate the emperor emeritus in turning white to ck?¡±

    ¡°How dare you! This insolence!¡±

    ¡°This subject would never dare.¡± Qin Yining looked down.

    Weichi Yan felt his eyes burn as he stared hotly at the figure in his arms. Her delicate fragrance wafted into his nostrils with every breath he took. He tightened his arms, unsure if he wanted to crush her to death in his embrace or snap her slender waist in half!

    Undeterred, Qin Yining continued, ¡°Your Majesty, how is the situation outside? You must think of stabilizing the nation after taking your throne.¡±

    The coolly delivered line was the straw that broke the camel¡¯s back. Weichi Yan suddenly broke down.

    ¡°What kind of emperor am I?! Held hostage by the people¡¯s will, threatened by my subjects, and I can¡¯t even get the girl I love! What point is there to being an emperor like this?!¡± Frustrated tears burst forth and he forcefully thrust Qin Yining aside. He yanked his hair and screamed with anguish, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be emperor! I don¡¯t want to be!¡±

    The girl stumbled from the motion and tripped over the foot of the bed, crashing into the dresser behind her. The white porcin spittoon, patterns traced in gold on it, shattered when it hit the floor. Qin Yining¡¯s hand happened tond on some of the pieces, prompting a frown of pain.

    She sighed, looking at Weichi Yan with some pity and guilt. But it was either cruelty to this man or unfaithfulness to love.

    ¡°Your Majesty, who isn¡¯t bound by fetters in this world? How many can truly live carefree lives of freedom? As is life for an ordinary peasant, so is it for the Son of Heaven.

    ¡°Everyone has their own ce in life, just like the yers on stage have their own duties. Even if we¡¯re unwilling, we must follow the script and act out our roles, or the world would fall into chaos and the show unable to go on. Life would grind to a halt then. Your Majesty was destined to this life when born into the imperial family.¡±

    Weichi Yan had yanked his hair out wildly and tears yet clung to his cheeks. He suddenly smiled jeeringly after momentary nkness.

    ¡°Indeed, everyone has their own ce.

    ¡°We are the emperor, and you are a subject. If we are to be shackled, so must you.

    ¡°Alright then, We will respect the people¡¯s wishes.

    ¡°Since you are the holy girl who can protect the nation¡¯s fortunes and will lose this ability once married, We will help you in your mission. You are hereby titled Spiritual Master Xuan Su and bestowed a royal residence to be renamed as Xuan Su Temple. A hundred nuns will be given to you as disciples. You may answer the people¡¯s wishes starting from today and pray for the country¡¯s fortunes!¡±

    Qin Yining blinked, then immediately knelt calmly.

    ¡°Xuan Su thanks Your Majesty for the honor.¡±

    ¡°Ha, haha, hahaha!¡± Weichi Yan roared with madughter. ¡°If We can¡¯t have you, no one else will! Little Lu! Escort Master Xuan Su to the residence to begin her practice!¡±

    Outside the main hall, Eunuch Lu had clearly heard the entire dispute, all the while trembling with fear and sweating profusely. When he heard the imperial summons, he wiped off a forehead of sweat and lowered himself humbly, walking in to make a careful bow.

    ¡°This servant hears and obeys. Master Xuan Su, this way please.¡±

    Qin Yining curtsied and rose to leave with the eunuch.

    As Weichi Yan watched them depart, he couldn¡¯t help but call out, ¡°Have the imperial physicians treat Xuan Su¡¯s hands first. They¡¯re injured.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s footsteps paused, her heart quavering. Though she closed her eyes, she didn¡¯t turn back.

    Empathy welled up in the eunuch¡¯s heart and he quickly responded, ¡°Yes, this servant will do so immediately.¡±

    How was this decree a sign of imperial disfavor? The emperor obviously loved Miss Qin like no other and had been forced to send her to monastic life because of the circumstances!

    His nose twinging, the eunuch almost shed tears. He wiped at his face as he led the girl away from the main hall, deeply frightening Jiao-mama, Xingyu, and Bixue.

    As Weichi Yan watched his beloved girl leave, tears welled up yet again. He tilted his head in an effort to put them back, but they still trailed down the corner of his eyes into his sideburns. Ticklish and cold, they were an urate reflection of his heart towards her.

    ......

    ¡°What?! Granddaughter Yi¡¯s been forced to be a nun?!¡± The old dowager show to her feet as the teacup in hand fell to the ground.

    N¨¦e Sun widened her eyes in disbelief. ¡°How could this have happened?!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face was dark and he said not a word.

    The second master¡¯s head drooped with his response. ¡°The emperor wanted to make niece Yi the empress, but with those rumors outside, he couldn¡¯t go against the people¡¯s will. Being unable to get his beloved girl and not wanting others to have her either, he made niece Yi ¡®Spiritual Master Xuan Su¡¯ and renamed a royal residence as Xuan Su Temple. Along with a hundred nuns, he ordered her to practice with uncut hair and pray for the nation¡¯s fortunes.¡±

 Chapter 240: Fatherly Love

    <h4>Chapter 240: Fatherly Love</h4>

    The second master¡¯s words plunged the entire family into silence.

    It took a long while for n¨¦e Sun to recover from the sheer shock and progress to panic. ¡°How can this be? How can the emperor be so cruel? Daughter Yi is a young girl and though he can¡¯t marry her because of the people¡¯s will, he can¡¯t ruin the rest of her life like this!¡±

    Color had likewise drained from the old dowager¡¯s face. After that enormous disaster and the thinning of family descendants, she valued the remaining ones even more so. Qin Yining was her beloved firstborn¡¯s only official daughter, and she¡¯d looked to the girl to bring the Qins to new heights after entering the pce. Why had something like this happened instead??

    ¡°Those Great Zhou thieves are simply too despicable! What did they do this for?? Harming others without benefitting themselves and making it so that my granddaughter Yi can¡¯t be the empress! Heavens, why is my life so hard? Why is it so hard??¡± The old dowager wailed and beat her chest.

    Second Madame also wiped away tears. ¡°Great Zhou is ignoble and the people fools to believe those rumors. Our poor niece to be caught up in all this! She¡¯s juste of age, will she have to be a nun for the rest of her life?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun frantically grabbed Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand. ¡°My lord, think of something! What will our daughter do? Our poor daughter!¡±

    Everyone looked expectantly at the marquis. His position as the head of the household had been even more solidified after a few upheavals and the family trusted him even more.

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned solemnly. ¡°There¡¯s no need to panic just yet. The emperor may have decreed daughter Yi to enter monastic life without having to cut off her hair, but she¡¯s not in the official records. She also lives in a royal residence that¡¯s only temporarily received a new name. Daughter Yi¡¯s identity is just ayman Taoist.¡±

    This analysis calmed the family down and made minds function again.

    Every school of thought and temple had their own legacies. Those subscribing to any particr school were divided into monastic Taoists andymen Taoists.

    Monastic Taoists needed to live at the religious institution, abstain from meat and wine, and refrain from marrying. This was the path that Priestess Liu walked.

    Laymen Taoists enjoyed much more freedom. They could live in the nunnery or monastery, or live elsewhere. They could enjoy meat and wine, and marry if they wished. Those that followed this path ced a high importance on the son taking over the family business and the family legacy.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s cool-headed analysis thoroughly restored rationality to everyone.

    ¡°It looks like the emperor still has his sights set on niece Yi.¡± The third elder master, having been quiet all this time, frowned. ¡°If he truly didn¡¯t want her to marry, he could¡¯ve forced her to be a monastic Taoist. But he¡¯s only decreed her to be ayman, leaving him some room to maneuver with.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± The old dowager rxed, her sadness turning to joy. ¡°So this means that the emperor had the royal residence change its name to Xuan Su Temple to make things convenient for him? So he still favors my granddaughter, but is only forced to do all this because of the will of the people?¡±

    However, the marquis wasn¡¯t as delighted as the old dowager. ¡°This isn¡¯t anything good. What does daughter Yi be if the emperor really does get his way? She¡¯d be ayman Taoist on the surface and the emperor¡¯s mistress in private? My daughter will not suffer this kind of treatment!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun gnashed her teeth, her eyes bloodshot. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the emperor fear that his subjects will lose all faith and confidence in him if he does this? This is a clear sign that his lecherous hopes haven¡¯t died yet!¡±

    ¡°Watch your words, eldest daughter-inw!¡± The old dowager rebuked n¨¦e Sun harshly. ¡°The emperor isn¡¯t one to be discussed about like this!¡±

    But n¨¦e Sun wouldn¡¯t back down. ¡°My own daughter is being forced to be a mistress. Can I not be outraged about this?¡±

    ¡°Oh you silly!¡± The old dowager took n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand and patted it. ¡°Think about it, that¡¯s the emperor! Him being forced to give this imperial order is a grave injustice for granddaughter Yi. He¡¯ll feel guilty towards our family and will want to make up for it! Our family has suffered so many disasters and Meng¡¯er¡¯s weathered great rises and falls. He finally has a chance to turn things around ande out on top of everything! This is a wonderful thing!¡±

    The second madame lowered her eyes, remaining nomittal. Her thoughts were simr to the old dowager¡¯s, but to put it bluntly, they were tacitly agreeing to a Qin daughter bing a royal mistress in order to gain favor with the emperor and seek guiltden reparations. Parents would be ashamed of making such demands from their daughters, not to mention mere rtions. Likely only the old dowager could put things this way.

    The third elder master had never been the old dowager¡¯s favorite and was already grieving over the loss of his wife and child. Choice criticism of the Weichi n had brewed within him for a while, and he immediately retorted with dissatisfaction when he heard the old dowager¡¯s words.

    ¡°Mother, your words are inappropriate. Our niece Yi is an official Qin daughter and big brother¡¯s only child. How can we let her be so debased as to be the emperor¡¯s mistress? Besides, brother¡¯s swam the seas of court for many years. He¡¯s already attained his positions ¡ª does he need to sell his daughter to maintain them?¡±

    The second elder master nodded as well. He would never agree to something like this for even a concubine-born daughter of his.

    Ashen-faced with anger, the matriarch debated furiously, ¡°As a Qin daughter, the family feeds her and clothes her, and has suffered disaster because of her. Now that she can do something for the family, shouldn¡¯t she do so?¡±

    Those assembled looked at the old dowager, then at Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun.

    N¨¦e Sun was one step away from erupting in fury when her husband stopped her with an upraised hand. His expression was dark as he addressed the family matriarch.

    ¡°I finally understand mother¡¯s words. Are you ming my daughter, mother? You should know that in these troubled times and with my positions, meeting with assassination and overt attacks from our nation¡¯s enemies was going to happen sooner orter. Daughter Yi was just the scapegoat for all of this. It was Great Zhou today, and it might be the Tatars tomorrow. Perhaps Goryeo and Yamato will also join in 1 Are we going to me whoever the assassins call out each time theye?¡±

    ¡°Meng¡¯er, you¡­¡±

    ¡°At the end of the day, it¡¯s I who¡¯ve dragged the entire family down. We could share in the fortunes together, but resentment grows when we share troubles.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, big brother!¡± The third elder master hastily objected. ¡°This matter isn¡¯t anyone¡¯s fault. It¡¯s the Great Zhou emperor¡¯s, if we must me someone for it!¡±

    The old dowager flushed hotly, she¡¯d never thought her son would say any of this!

    ¡°I¡¯ll think of a way to handle Daughter Yi¡¯s matter. If mother still wants to have my daughter ignobly serve the emperor like this, then you must still be ming me for bringing disaster down on everyone¡¯s heads. If that¡¯s the case, then I no longer dare drag the family down with me. I can only move out with my wife and daughter.¡±

    The household doesn¡¯t split up while the parents are still alive. This was why apletely fed-up Qin Huaiyuan had only said that he would move out, and hadn¡¯t taken it a step further and said to split the family properties up as well.

    What he was proposing wasn¡¯t an affront to manners or filial piety, but really it was no different to actually splitting the family in two.

    ¡°Big brother!¡± The second and third elder master both panicked.

    The second madame and Qin-mama were also quite taken aback. They hadn¡¯t thought that Qin Huaiyuan would say such things for Qin Yining.

    The old dowager was both irate and furious. She mmed her hand on the table. ¡°Fine, fine! You¡¯re throwing all caution to the winds for your daughter! I wash my hands of this matter. I don¡¯t care about what happens to any of you!¡±

    Though it was a tatrum, it also represented an easing of attitude.

    This step back eased Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s expression. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I won¡¯t have my daughter serve any man in such a demeaning fashion, nor will I let her suffer any disgrace.¡± He turned to n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Tell those who serve our daughter at the Venerable Study Hall to pack her necessities and items. They will apany me to the royal residence in a moment.¡±

    ¡°Can we visit without an imperial decree?¡± The consequences rather worried n¨¦e Sun.

    Qin Huaiyuan responded solemnly, ¡°The emperor said that our daughter is to practice Taoism, but didn¡¯t say that we can¡¯t send her anything.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Joy warmed the madame¡¯s heart. ¡°My lord, I would like to go with you.¡±

    ¡°Mm, then let¡¯s go together.¡±

    1. ancient China names for Korea and Japan respectively. It¡¯s actually the character ¡®wa¡¯ for Japan, but Yamato is also used. I opted for Yamato to make it more apparent at first nce that it¡¯s Japanese.

 Chapter 241: The Royal Residence

    <h4>Chapter 241: The Royal Residence</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun sped off for Venerable Study Hall after leaving the Garden of Loving Piety.

    When the old dowager thought of how furious Qin Huaiyuan had been just now and even said that he would move out for Qin Yining, an inexplicable feeling of being wronged rose up in her. She grabbed the second madame¡¯s hand and sobbed heartily for a while.

    Previously, the matriarch had liked the sweet-talking, quick-witted third daughter-inw the most. Now that that beloved daughter-inw was gone, good listener second madame became the old dowager¡¯s confidante.

    In other words, the matriarch still looked down on n¨¦e Sun the most.

    When the second and third elder master saw that their mother was having a good ole venting session, they looked at each other and left for other shelter.

    Within the girls¡¯ residence, n¨¦e Sun sniffled as she led the maids in packing Qin Yining¡¯s things. She summarized what had happened in between snatches of conversation, pulling Bingtang and Qiulu to the fuming mad camp as well.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan was giving Jiyun a thorough overview in the courtyard. ¡°Daughter Yi is living in a royal residence. Though she has a hundred nuns as her disciples, they¡¯re all strangers at the end of the day. Also, the emperor¡¯s intentions couldn¡¯t be clearer. Her quarters are away from everyone else, so I¡¯m quite concerned about her safety.¡±

    Jiyun immediately grasped the crux of the issue. ¡°Is milord worried that the emperor will visit at random times?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded.

    It would be difficult to specte what would happen with the emperor¡¯s visit.

    Jiyun flushed beet red with indignation. She really wanted to tell the prince what was going on so that the prince could just go and behead this dog of an emperor!

    ¡°And, imperial intentions are even more obvious with daughter Yi in a separate residence.¡± Qin Huaiyuan continued, ¡°If someone wants to assassinate her, her safety would be at grave risk. I¡¯ll request more guards from the emperor when I can, but I¡¯ll have to rely on you and Sir Mu for her personal safety.¡±

    Started by the polite attention, Jiyun curtsied. ¡°Please don¡¯t be so polite, milord. You tter me. I¡¯m just carrying out my duties when I protect the miss, plus I¡¯m very happy to do so.¡±

    The guard greatly respected Qin Huaiyuan and whispered further, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the miss¡¯ safety, milord. Please allow me speak out of turn today so I can give you a full report. The prince was frightened out of his wits after what happened in the manor. He med himself terribly and specially sent four Elite Tigers here. The four remained close by when the miss was still living with us.

    ¡°The Elite Tigers are the prince¡¯s bodyguards, the best of the Valiant Tigers. Each one of them can face off against ten enemies. They¡¯ll think of a way to disguise themselves and join the staff of the royal residence. As for Sir Mu, he¡¯s from the jianghu and an unfamiliar face. He won¡¯t attract attention if he¡¯s spotted around the miss, which is why he can show himself openly.

    ¡°Sir Mu¡¯s martial arts skills are much higher than the Elite Tigers. Let me put it this way, even with how masterful our prince is, he would only barely pull off a draw with Sir Mu ¡ª and that¡¯s when the gentleman isn¡¯t really trying. Sir Mu is also an upstanding person, hence why the prince is at ease requesting his help.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. Though he¡¯d anticipated all this, it was different hearing it from the guard¡¯s mouth. ¡°So little Prince Pang has already put in great effort. I must thank him for all of this.¡±

    ¡°The prince¡¯s feelings for the miss are true, how would he not put in effort?¡± Jiyun smiled.

    ¡°Since this is the case, I can be at ease while daughter Yi lives in the royal residence.¡± Qin Huaiyuan fell silent for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ll request an audience from the emperor today and send a few guards over for my daughter. Have the Elite Tigers conceal themselves amidst the guards. That will give them a legitimate reason for their presence and make things easier for them. As for their identities, say that they¡¯re fighting masters from the jianghu that I hired for a pretty sum. Tell them not to exin too much if anyone¡¯s curious and send all questions to me.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Milord is thorough and thoughtful. This would be for the best.¡± Jiyun greatly admired Qin Huaiyuan¡¯spetency. Her miss¡¯ excellence was inherited from such a smart, decisive, and highly knowledge father, wasn¡¯t it?

    N¨¦e Sun finished packing as the two spoke. Bingtang and Qiulu loaded all of the daily necessities into the cart. Qin Huaiyuan called for servants to prepare a carriage, and the group set out to deliver the baggage and Qin Yining¡¯s maids to the royal residence.

    The residence wasn¡¯t too far from the pce, having been built to the northwest of the pce, next to ake. It was an extremely resplendent park.

    The first to greet the eyes was the jade-green waters of theke, a white marble bridge flying over theke, and two verdant mountains to the far distance of the water.

    A pavilion stood in front of the mountains and faced the water. The covered hallway leading to it was decorated with opulent carvings and engravings. Theke was bordered on all sides with exceedingly magnificent gardens. White marble paths meandered between the flora. When the breeze picked up, the willow trees swayed on the banks as birds circled overhead. It was a refreshing sight that invigorated the mind.

    N¨¦e Sun murmured sadly as she took in the scenery, ¡°This is a royal residence alright. Though the view is good, it¡¯s just a gilded cage for daughter Yi.¡±

    ¡°We can only see how daughter Yi responds to the changing situation now that things are thus. She¡¯s a smart girl, she¡¯ll be able to handle things well,¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded.

    ¡°I hope so. She does things like you ¡ª and thank goodness for that. That¡¯s the only reason why I can rx.¡± N¨¦e Sun shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m a useless mother. I didn¡¯t give my daughter a good life and didn¡¯t even treat her well previously. I took out my anger on her and misunderstood her. My mother and sisters-inw told me a few things before they left. If it wasn¡¯t for them, I wouldn¡¯t even know that daughter Yi did so much for me behind my back. I really, really owe it to this child.¡±

    Tears trickled down as she spoke and she quickly reached for a handkerchief to wipe them away.

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed andforted his wife. ¡°The days are long ahead. This disaster will be over one day. We just need to look to the future. There will be plenty of time to be good to her then, no?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun sniffled a few more times before she stopped crying.

    It wasn¡¯t until they reached the foot of the luxurious pavilion that they realized how grand its scale was. Three hundred nuns could fit inside, much less one hundred!

    There were some walking around already, and some pce servants swapping out the decorations to make the pavilion look like a nunnery. The ce teemed with activity.

    Qin Huaiyuan had a word with the eunuch in charge and circled past the front hall. They entered the second gate, the Door of Ritual, and took the mountain paths to arrive at the rear yard on the mountain.

    Due to the high terrain, the view was open and stunning. Guards were arranged at the doors to prevent random passersby from entering. Even Qin Huaiyuan spent a good deal of effort before the guards agreed to let them in.

    They were greeted by the vast expanse of a white marble tform after going through the flower-hung gate. Lush strands of purple wisteria trailed down from the flower racks, adding an extravagant tough to the already luxurious two-story hall in the back.

    Qin Yining was wearing white from head to toe and a honey colored padded-jacket on her shoulders. Riceball was plonked in herp as she swayed in a rocking chair. She was leaning against a fence railing and admiring the view down the mountain. Two pce maids and two eunuchs nked her sides.

    ¡°Daughter Yi.¡± Qin Huaiyuan finally rxed when he saw how at ease his daughter was, then found it rather funny. ¡°How¡¯s the view here?¡±

    Qin Yining turned her head to see her parents here with her servants. She shot to her feet in joy, the delight brimming in her eyes about to overflow. However, she still gravely made a gesture of greeting first.

    ¡°A view at the heights really isn¡¯t quite something one sees everyday. This will be Xuan Su Temple in the future. Mother, you cane often to pray.¡±

 Chapter 242: Tax Grain

    <h4>Chapter 242: Tax Grain</h4>

    When n¨¦e Sun saw that Qin Yining didn¡¯t immediatelye up to her, she nced at the pce servants behind her daughter and understood that now wasn¡¯t a good time. She could only squeeze out a smile. ¡°The emperor personally gave orders arranging for Xuan Su Temple to be put into order, so it must be good a ce for worship.¡±

    It wouldn¡¯t be long before the entire world knew of the emperor respecting the people¡¯s will. The citizens would be immenselyforted then and speak even more highly of the emperor, and hold greater faith for the divinity of Xuan Su Temple.

    But when n¨¦e Sun recalled Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s analysis at home ¡ª how the emperor was not only using this matter to greatly bolster his reputation, but also confining Qin Yining to a gilded cage close by for easy ess anytime, she felt again that her daughter was just suffering too much.

    Qin Yining gave orders to Xingyu and Bixue at this time. ¡°My maids are here with my things. They can stay and serve me in the future. All of you can go back to the pce now.¡±

    Xingyu, Bixue, Little Ning, and Little Yang looked incredulously back at the girl. They¡¯d never heard of anyone dismissing servants that the emperor had assigned himself!

    ¡°In response to Master Xuan Su, the emperor means for us to serve you.¡±

    A cold smile blossomed on Qin Yining¡¯s lips. ¡°The emperor wishes for me to be ayman Taoist, but how will it look like if I have pce servants at my beck and call? My family has sent people to keep mepany, so I no longer require your services. I need to meditate and seek enlightenment, so I really don¡¯t need that many serving me. If you¡¯re afraid of the emperor finding fault with you, you can tell him that it was my idea.¡±

    She was already forced to be here; it would be too much of a hardship if she had to use outsiders instead of her own people.

    The four pce servants had firsthand knowledge of how much the emperor loved Qin Yining, and had also seen how exceptional her methods were. She¡¯d caused the emperor to publicly punish Consort Lin, someone who¡¯d served him for many years! And despite the imperial majesty being literally hopping mad, he still couldn¡¯t bear to touch a single hair on her head.

    This wasn¡¯t someone they could afford to offend. Once they thought all this through, the four took their leave of Qin Huaiyuan, n¨¦e Sun, and Qin Yining.

    The Qin fourth miss handed Riceball to Qiulu with a smile. ¡°I feel much more at ease now that all of you are here. See to the luggage first, I¡¯d like to talk to my father and mother.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qiulu, Jiyun, and Bingtang entered the house with various bundles.

    Qin Yining had her parents sit down for some tea in the main hall of the first floor.

    When n¨¦e Sun saw that there was finally no one else present, tears flowed unceasingly she grasped her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°You¡¯ve suffered so, so much.¡±

    After a few days of torment in the pce, not only had Qin Yining been robbed of recovery time, but her health had in fact worsened. Needing to deal with the emperor and those in the pce at the same time meant that she waspletely exhausted. The events of the past few days washed over her when she heard her mother¡¯s words and she almost cried too.

    She blinked forcefully, stering a smile onto her face in the ce of tears. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad for me, mother. There wasn¡¯t much suffering. These are the circumstances that we¡¯re in. It¡¯s already the best possible oue that the emperor hasn¡¯t ordered my death in a fit of anger. We can make our ns slowly since I¡¯m still alive.¡±

    Seeing that Qin Yining¡¯s expression was as calm andposed as Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s, n¨¦e Sun nodded emotionally.

    The Qin fourth miss looked around and gave orders to Jiyun and the others, newlye downstairs after sorting out the luggage. ¡°Go stand guard outside and keep a careful eye on the surroundings.¡±

    Jiyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu understood that their mistress had important matters to raise with her parents. They nodded and left.

    When she was certain that no one was listening in on them, Qin Yining whispered, ¡°Father, I heard a few things in the pce these days that I¡¯m not sure if you know of yet.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Upon careful reflection, nothing sprang to the marquis¡¯ mind.

    ¡°I heard it from the emperor¡¯s wet nurse, Jiao-mama. Apparently the emperor emeritus sold off this year¡¯s tax grain before it even reached the capital. It was resold during the journey and none of it arrived here. Is this true?¡±

    Due to the nation¡¯s founding emperor promoting use of treasury bills instead of gold and silver, treasury bills had been the currency of choice all these years. This also served to decrease the natural loss of gold and silver that urred in transactions.

    But because treasury bills were affected by intion, and the condition of the bills themselves affected their value ¡ª the government collected taxes in the form of grain.

    For a rich dynasty like Great Yan that was located in the fertilends of the south, cargo ships full of grain crammed the ports and carriages clogged up the roads every tax season.

    It wasn¡¯t tax season yet, nor was it quite harvest time for many areas, but the emperor emeritus had increased taxes before resigning from his position. Not only had he taken arge sum from themoners and merchants from the capital, but all of the nation¡¯s citizens had had a round of levied on them as well.

    With the onerous taxes, it was easy to imagine that the tax grain this year would be much more than before. Add to that the natural disasters and war, it all made for great hardship for the people.

    Qin Yining had heard Jiao-mama talk about this privately with Xingyu and the others, that the emperor emeritus had sold off the additional tax grain he¡¯d collected!

    Qin Huaiyuan waspletely bbergasted by the news ¡ª both stunned and horrified.

    ¡°My daughter, is your news true?¡±

    ¡°Most likely. I heard it from the emperor¡¯s wet nurse. The conversations in the pce all have to do with what¡¯s happening around them. Apparently the emperor got in an argument with his father the other day, and someone else heard that this year¡¯s tax grain has yet to arrive.¡±

    ¡°But the Ministry of Revenue says that the tax grain will arrive in half a month.¡± Qin Huaiyuan frowned. ¡°When I first learned of this, I tried to persuade the emperor emeritus otherwise. How could he stand to prey on wealth earned by the people¡¯s blood, sweat, and tears?

    ¡°But then I thought about it another way, how the Valiant Tigers would besiege the capital in thetter half of the war. This batch of tax grain might be put to great effect then. With the additional taxes, if all of the tax grain is stored in the capital, we¡¯d have enough to feed the army and people for three years in the event of a siege!¡±

    ¡°Three years?!¡± Qin Yining eximed. ¡°That much? The capital can definitely hold out with that much grain! Though the hundred thousand strong Valiant Tigers are fierce, their supply lines have too much distance to cover. Great Zhou is newly founded as well. They took over the mess that Northern Ji left behind, so their national treasury is empty after many years of war. If we have three years worth of rations to depend on, we won¡¯t have to worry about Great Zhou keeping the fight going then.¡±

    ¡°Precisely. But if what you say is true, then things are dire indeed.¡± Qin Huaiyuan knocked a forefinger on the tabletop. ¡°I know now. When I go back to request that the emperor send more guards to protect you, I¡¯ll get to the bottom of this as well.¡±

    Qin Yining was quite worried. ¡°With the emperor emeritus¡¯ personality, I thought it strange when he so easily agreed to hand over the position. When he fleeced the people of their hard-won gains, I felt that this sort of action was terribly unbing of an emperor. So now it seems that he¡¯s sold off all of the tax grain for money, likely to leave a back up n for himself!¡±

 Chapter 243: To Flee

    <h4>Chapter 243: To Flee</h4>

    Both of them were highly intelligent people. There was no need to spell things out for everything to be clear. They understood what a backup n would be for the former emperor.

    N¨¦e Sun might not understand what was going on, but she didn¡¯t care much for the matters of court to begin with and so kept thempany quietly off to the side.

    Qin Huaiyuan chatted with his daughter for a while longer. ¡°I still need to enter the pce for an audience with the emperor. I¡¯ll be on my way now. Be careful and be well here.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun frowned with reluctance. ¡°My daughter, your wounds haven¡¯t healed yet so you must take care of yourself well. Don¡¯t let any illnesses take root in your youth. Send someone to tell me if youck anything. Don¡¯t let yourself suffer, you hear?¡±

    ¡°I know, mother.¡± Deeply touched, Qin Yining hugged n¨¦e Sun and rubbed her cheek against the madame¡¯s shoulder.

    It¡¯d been a hard fought battle for her mother¡¯s love, so the girl cherished it even more so. She whispered next to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s ear, ¡°Mother, take care of yourself at home. Just indulge the old dowager more often. She¡¯s probably going to be depressed for a long while with what¡¯s happened to me, so don¡¯t go toe-to-toe with her.¡±

    My daughter is a sharp one alright! N¨¦e Sun refrained from letting her daughter know that she¡¯d already fought with the old dowager beforeing here. She didn¡¯t want to add to the girl¡¯s burdens and only stroked Qin Yining¡¯s long hair. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, with how things are now, everyone¡¯s just focused on getting through the days peacefully.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qin Yining thought for a moment and murmured, ¡°Don¡¯t sh with Auntie Cao either. She has aplex background. Be careful in everything you do when I¡¯m not at home. Talk things over with Jin-mama or surreptitiously ask Qin-mama as well. She¡¯s the best when ites to guessing the old dowager¡¯s thoughts, so you can ask her more often than not.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will.¡± N¨¦e Sun¡¯s ached with affection and guilt. Just how immature had she been before that her daughter would worry about her like this when away from home?

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s gaze turned extraordinarily gentle when he saw his wife and daughter hugging and whispering secrets to each other. Though he didn¡¯t know what his daughter was saying, he could hazard a fair guess with how moved n¨¦e Sun¡¯s expression was.

    They were his source of motivation and driving force in the future! Although he was disappointed with politics and the royal n, he wouldn¡¯t lose purpose in life with them by his side.

    Qin Yining sent her parents off by the flower-hung gate.

    ¡°I hired these ten martial masters,¡± introduced Qin Huaiyuan with a smile. ¡°They¡¯re here to watch over your safety. I¡¯ll leave them here for your orders in the future.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, father.¡± Qin Yining nodded with a smile.

    The imperial guards at the inner door found themselves in a pickle at this. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, we daren¡¯t allow this without the emperor¡¯s approval.¡±

    A faint smile remained on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face, but his tone changed to that of someone ustomed to wielding high power. ¡°I know this puts you in an awkward position. I will be personally discussing this with the emperor and won¡¯t have you caught in between different parties. I¡¯ll be depending on you for my daughter¡¯s safety from now on.¡±

    ¡°This humble servant wouldn¡¯t dare. Please be at ease, my lord. These humble servants will do our very best to ensure Master Xuan Su¡¯s safety.¡± The guards bowed in unison.

    The title of ¡®Master Xuan Su¡¯ irritated Qin Huaiyuan to no end, but not a trace flickered through his expression. He thanked the guards with another smile and brought a tearful n¨¦e Sun down the mountain with him.

    Qin Yining stood motionless in front of the flower-hung gate for a very long time, seeing her parents off.

    The guards didn¡¯t dare move a muscle. They were all close imperial confidantes. Every single one of them had a thorough understanding of how much the emperor treasured this girl.

    Bingtang flung a lotus-pink wrap around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders, bringing the fourth miss back to her senses. She looked back at the maid, an involuntary smile gracing her face.

    Bingtang smiled as well. ¡°You haven¡¯t fully recovered yet, miss. Let¡¯s go inside and rest for a while. I can take a look at your injuries as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Though she was temporarily confined to this residence, she had her trusted confidantes with her. This was so much better than istion in the pce. It¡¯s just a short trip away from home, there¡¯s nothing to be dissatisfied about.

    With Bingtang at Qin Yining¡¯s side, the girl¡¯s health effectively took a turn for the better.

    Meanwhile, news of the former emperor selling off the tax grain quickly spread throughout court. The most infuriating of it was that the emperor emeritus refused to hand over the silver from selling off the grain!

    The emperor asked his father many times to no avail, with the emperor emeritus even hitting his son due to feeling harassed.

    The silver from the tax grain seemingly gone, Weichi Yan set his sights on the national coffers and personal royal treasury. He ordered an inventory count during the next court session, but the results were stunning.

    The personal royal treasury and national coffers had essentially been emptied! With no idea where the money had gone to!

    The emperor immediately flew into a rage. The coronation ceremony was brusquely ran through and n¨¦e Li of the Duke of An randomly selected as empress. All pomp and circumstance were stripped down as attention was wholly focused on where the silver in the royal treasury and national coffers had gone to.

    The day after the coronation ceremony, the emperor emeritus had servants ready a ship and invited a few favored veteran officials and concubines to sail the seas with him.

    Qin Huaiyuan happened to be speaking with Weichi Yan in the imperial study when news of this reached them. Urgency promptly red in the marquis.

    ¡°No, Your Majesty, you can¡¯t let the emperor emeritus leave! If he does, we¡¯ll never be able to chase down the tax grain, royal treasury, and national coffers! The war effort is tense and the Prince of Ning was injured yesterday ¡ª silver is needed in everything from paying the soldiers to feeding the horses. Without money, what will you use to fight? What will you use to defend thends? Your Majesty, the emperor emeritus is nning on throwing an unsalvageable situation to you and running away with arge fortune!¡±

    The notion had circled in Weichi Yan¡¯s mind for a long time, but not in such a clear and thorough fashion. With the marquis¡¯ clear pointers, the emperor finally understood what was at stake here.

    Livid, he had the servants ready horses and brought along Qin Huaiyuan, guards, and pce servants. The group whipped their steeds to make the fastest time possible to the harbor, making it just in time before the emperor emeritus boarded the ship.

    ¡°Royal father!¡± Weichi Yan jumped down from his horse and panted his way over. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    A head full of whitening hair had aged the emperor emeritus greatly. Resentment tinged his cloudy eyes when he saw his son rush over.

    ¡°Do even you have the right to dictate where We go now? Your wings have hardened and you think you can stick your nose in Our business, hmm?¡±

    Weichi Yan shook from anger, but he was a highly educated man, so he was unable to bring himself to cuss at his father.

    ¡°Royal father, since you¡¯ve given up your position, you should be whiling the days away in easyfort. If you don¡¯t stay in the pce and your son is busy with the affairs of the nation, how will I be able to demonstrate the depths of my filial piety? Please return to the pce with me.¡±

    The emperor emeritus knew what his son was really aiming for after hearing this. He snorted disdainfully. ¡°Since We have resigned Our position, you are in charge of everything at court. It doesn¡¯t make a difference to you whether We stay or not. We are old and your royal mother is gone. Our heart is bleak and heavy and We only desire to travel thends from now on. You needn¡¯t strive to keep Us.¡±

 Chapter 244: Another Dynasty

    <h4>Chapter 244: Another Dynasty</h4>

    Weichi Yan burned with hate and fury!

    His father was likewise ring back with abhorrence. He wanted to eat Weichi Yan alive!

    The Prince of Ning cleaning house had forced the emperor emeritus to sacrifice the empress and give up the throne. He¡¯d lost his most precious woman and position in the span of a night. How would he not be filled with hate with these dual losses?

    Weichi Yan wasn¡¯t feeling any better at the moment. How could he have such an inept and selfish father??

    ¡°Father, what do you want with so much silver? The frontlines are tense and every movement, every second requires money. Our soldiers and generals are risking their lives and shedding their blood in the battlefield ¡ª how will they continue to follow me if I have no rations or wages to pay them with?¡±

    ¡°Pah! They were ingrates to me first! Why should I concern myself with their life or deaths? The best ending for a soldier is to die valiantly in the battlefields. Have they not supped at my Great Yan¡¯s coffers while they lived?¡±

    ¡°How can you say that?!¡± Weichi Yan looked incredulous. His father was holding a grudge against the ten thousand who¡¯d cleaned house!

    The emperor once again tamped down his disappointment and tried for reason. ¡°Even if you care nothing for them, you still care about your reputation, no? All of the officials now know of the personal treasury and national coffers being emptied. If you continue down this path, you really will rouse the ire of the masses.

    ¡°Father, there¡¯s still time for you to turn back. Even if you don¡¯t do so for the war effort, at least do so for your legacy. Besides, without this sum of money, what will the people do if the Valiant Tigers besiege the capital?¡±

    Weichi Yan was almost crying at this point. ¡°Royal father, how could you have sold off all of the tax grain? That alone would have fed the capital for three years!¡±

    The emperor emeritus remained silent throughout, looking at his son with a cold smirk. After a beat, he suddenly spat on Weichi Yan¡¯s face.

    ¡°How dare a petty little usurper talk to me about principles and logic! Do you have any self dignity? Those idiot peasants deserve what¡¯sing to them! They¡¯re a bunch of fools who were easily riled up by a few words and say that I¡¯m a trash emperor. What did I ever do to them?!

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve filled out your wings, you mouth off pretty words for the greater good and know how to put a bureaucratic spin on things. Using reputation and the will of the people to pressure me? Well aren¡¯t you a great emperor! I¡¯d like to see how the annals of history will record your deeds ¡ª those of an unfilial usurper!¡±

    Weichi Yan flushed hot and cold from the censure. His lips trembled and he actually couldn¡¯t find a single word in response. So he only had this identity left in his royal father¡¯s eyes from now on. And here he was hoping that their tenuous rtionship might have salvaged things somewhat.

    gs and pennants cracked and rippled in the gale. A potent silence reigned over the scene.

    Weichi Yan took a few deep breaths in, spending quite some effort to barely keep his sadness under wraps. You¡¯re the emperor. You have your duties. Since he doesn¡¯t see you as a son, what else is there to hesitate about¡­

    Even so, his voice trembled when he spoke next.

    ¡°Royal father, you passed me the throne, so how can you say that your son is a usurper? I cannot bear the title of a treasonous thief! Father, have you forgotten how you preyed on the people when you were entranced by the trampress? She even ate human flesh and killed innocent citizens! Not only did you fail to keep her under control, but you aided and abetted! Have you forgotten that the same knife cuts bread and fingers?¡±

    ¡°How ludicrous!¡± The former emperor roared back with reddened eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you imitate those people and nder me! As much as I might¡¯ve failed as an emperor, I¡¯m still heads and shoulders above you ¡ª a shortsighted andpletely worthless waste of air!¡±

    Weichi Yan balled his hands tightly into fists, the look in his eyes turning cold. ¡°Since this is the case, please forgive your son for not allowing you to set off on your journey.¡±

    He waved behind him, signaling the Imperial Insignia Guard [1] and the pce guardsmen. The men flooded out from their hiding ces and surrounded the dock.

    Livid, the emperor emeritus shouted furiously, ¡°What do you mean by this?!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, royal father. I¡¯m only trying to keep you safe. With the chaotic mess of war outside, it really isn¡¯t a good time to go on a trip. What if Great Zhou takes you for a hostage? In your eyes, should your son be concerned with you or the war effort then?¡±

    The former emperor clenched his teeth and red at Weichi Yan. His son¡¯s tone had sounded remarkably like Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s just now.

    The marquis was a teacher to the heir that the former emperor had appointed himself. Though he¡¯dter chosen to trust that the Caos could get in contact with the Tatars, he¡¯d still bestowed the Silver Masks to Qin Huaiyuan to even the scales of power. It was apparent from this how the then-emperor had treated Qin Huaiyuan differently.

    But it looked like the Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent had taken his job too seriously. He¡¯d actually made something out of Weichi Yan and given the boy a backbone to make a move against the former emperor!

    ¡°Was this your idea?¡± The emperor emeritus demanded hotly of Qin Huaiyuan.

    The marquis hastily bowed. ¡°Your subject wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dare?¡± The old manughed coldly. ¡°All of you are banding together to hit a person who¡¯s down! Fine, I¡¯ll stay, but you¡¯ll never find the silver!¡±

    A tendon throbbed in Weichi Yan¡¯s forehead as he clenched his teeth tightly. ¡°Escort the emperor emeritus back to his quarters. He is elderly and needs his rest. If there is nothing of great importance, no one is to disturb his peace and quiet in the future!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Rows of guards surrounded the former emperor, who was red in the face.

    ¡°How dare you! all of you!¡±

    ¡°The guards are doing this for your own safety. Please quell your anger, Your Former Majesty.¡± Weichi Yan tilted to the side to open the way. ¡°Escort the emperor emeritus back to his residence!¡±

    The guards hesitated no longer and nked the former emperor back onto the carriage, returning it to the pce.

    When the old officials apanying the emperor emeritus saw how the new emperor had discarded his usual cid demeanor and taken swift, severe action, they all shook in their boots. It was in to see that Weichi Yan was taking action without care of what others thought of him.

    ¡°All of you may go back.¡± Weichi Yan dismissed them.

    Collective sighs of relief were heaved and they bowed. ¡°Many thanks, Your Majesty!¡± They departed the dock with their family.

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned and murmured, ¡°Your Majesty, some of them may know where the silver is.¡±

    Weichi Yan looked back with confusion. ¡°What makes you say that, Grand Preceptor Qin?¡±

    Deep resignation and helplessness welled up within Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Your Majesty, what do you think the former emperor wished to do afterying his hands on such arge sum of money, wanting to take a pleasure cruise, and taking with him the experienced officials of all departments and their families?¡±

    Weichi Yan shook his head nkly. ¡°We don¡¯t know.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan remained silent. A subject couldn¡¯t outline things too clearly for his liege. If he pointed things out too tantly, that might make the emperor feel that he was unting his own intelligence. And if anything undesired happened in the future, the emperor coulde back and use Qin Huaiyuan of misleading him.

    What the marquis had to do was to nudge the emperor down the correct path.

    Weichi Yan wracked his brains and thought for forty-five minutes. He suddenly shot a horrified look at Qin Huaiyuan and rasped out, ¡°Did my father want to wash his hands of everything and build another Great Yan dynasty elsewhere?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed with relief. Thank goodness the emperor isn¡¯t too stupid. He nodded seriously. ¡°That should be right, Your Majesty.¡±

    1. A distinguished unit of the imperial bodyguards

 Chapter 245: Heavily Injured

    <h4>Chapter 245: Heavily Injured</h4>

    ¡°But how can this be! My father is nning on fracturing the nation?!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head.

    Beads of sweat trickled down from Weichi Yan¡¯s forehead; he grew more disappointed and terrified the more he thought about it. He charged forward and grabbed for his teacher¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Can it be that royal father gave up hope on Great Yan a long time ago, which is why he gave the throne to me? He would have me be the emperor of a dying nation while he bleeds the treasury dry. By taking the veteran officials of the various departments, he could then move the capital down south and start the nation anew?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan finally nodded and whispered, ¡°Please keep your voice down, Your Majesty.¡±

    Color had long since drained from the faces of the pce servants who¡¯d heard all this and they ducked their heads, trying to minimize their existence as much as possible.

    But Weichi Yan paid no heed to the reminder. He remained frozen where he was, stunned.

    ¡°Laughable, howughable this all is!¡± Choked chuckles sounded after a long while. ¡°Did We take the throne to be the ruler of a dying nation?¡±

    ¡°Please calm yourself, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Huaiyuan could understand it if Weichi Yan lost momentary control of his emotions due to shock. But it was inappropriate to be so impacted. ¡°You don¡¯t need to think about all this now, Your Majesty. You¡¯ve stopped the emperor emeritus from leaving, and our most important task now is to find out where the silver is. Otherwise, we¡¯ll be locked in a bitter stalemate with the Valiant Tigers. Setting aside thepleteck of benefits to us in a drawn-out conflict, life will be very difficult for the refugees created by war.¡±

    Weichi Yan was still ovee by sorrow. He wasn¡¯t listening to the marquis at all as he shuffled distractedly back to the pce.

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned, sighed, then chased after the emperor. ¡°Your Majesty, consider investigating those who were going to leave with the former emperor. Maybe some of them know where the money is.¡±

    News of the emperor emeritus almost leaving the capital with his confidantes soon made their way into Qin Yining¡¯s ears. She looked downwards at the eight-sided table as she yed with the lid of a white porcin teacup. She put the lid down with a crisp ding after a moment.

    ¡°The old fart¡¯s never done anything good in his life. He¡¯s too brainless and too selfish. Even if he doesn¡¯t know to be on the same team with the new emperor at this point in time, he should at least know that he shouldn¡¯t drag everyone down. But isn¡¯t he something! All he thinks about is being emperor in a new ce, but can¡¯t seem to understand that if the country perishes, no one can enjoy freedom and independence.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. You often say that the new emperor doesn¡¯t have enough political acumen, miss.¡± Jiyun refilled her mistress¡¯ cup. ¡°But I say that not only does the former emperorck political smarts, he¡¯spletelycking in morals as well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let the miss fret over this. Not only do you guys not know to talk her down, but you encourage her in getting worked up!¡± Bingtang walked in with a frown and ready-brewed medicine. ¡°You haven¡¯t fully recovered yet, and here you are distressed about all this. Do you think losing all that blood is no big deal? There will definitely be a scar left on your shoulder. I don¡¯t know if my medicine will be able to smooth it all away. Now that you have the chance to meditate and reflect, you should take advantage of this to rest up. Don¡¯t dwell so much on outside matters.¡±

    ¡°Yes yes yes. I¡¯ll do everything you say, Doctor Tang.¡± Qin Yining had developed a healthy fear of Bingtang¡¯s bitter medicines over the past couple of days.

    Even though the Qin fourth miss wasn¡¯t a picky eater and didn¡¯t mind bitter things, several days of routine medicine, acupuncture, Bingtang¡¯s stern face and constant nagging had enlightened Qin Yining on how unwise it was for a patient to offend a doctor.

    When they saw their mistress¡¯ fearful and resigned demeanor, Jiyun and Qiulu burst outughing. Even Bingtang was teased into smiling.

    The group was chatting away when a patter of rushed footsteps sounded outside.

    ¡°Honored master! Is the master inside?¡± A low, man¡¯s voice called out.

    Qin Yining wasn¡¯t yet used to her new title and responded btedly, her eyes blinking rapidly, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°In response to Master Xuan Su, chaos reigns in the city. Please close the doors and shutter the windows tightly. Stay inside and don¡¯t go out no matter what.¡± The imperial guards had their orders to protect Qin Yining. They naturally didn¡¯t want anything to happen to her and wanted to earn some credit with her as well.

    ¡°What chaos? What¡¯s going on?¡± The news greatly took her aback.

    ¡°In response to Master Xuan Su, apparently the Prince of Ning¡¯s fallen into little Prince Pang¡¯s trap. Most of his troops of ten thousand were either killed or captured. Our prince is also heavily injured and has been brought back into town for treatment. The citizens grew rmed and took to the streets when they heard about this because they¡¯re still grateful to the prince for clearing away the old emperor.

    ¡°But somehow, news of the old emperor selling off the tax grain spread. This caused even more trouble and many are queuing up at any shops selling food. They¡¯re worried that we¡¯ll run out of food soon!¡±

    Qin Yining looked down and thought for a moment. ¡°Thank you for your efforts, you¡¯ve done well.¡± She cast a nce at Bingtang.

    The maid understood immediately and exited the residence to give the guard a hefty pouch.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to trouble you to keep my mistress safe in the future.¡±

    ¡°The honored master is too kind. Then I¡¯ll be taking my leave.¡± The guard jaunted off cheerily. He¡¯d shown himself in front of Qin Yining, beenplimented, and received a decent payout for his efforts.

    But it was a different picture within the residence. Who would be left in Great Yan to lead the troops if anything happened to the Prince of Ning? It would be the fall of a mountain if he was out ofmission!

    News of the former emperor embezzling all of the national treasury, and even selling off the tax grain, would be a further catalyst for panic during these precarious times. The people would make a grain run on all of the stores, which in turn would encourage the merchants to raise their prices.

    Those who concerned about living would pay no heed to the prices and seek to stockpile grain at all costs. As that happened, stores of grain in the city would be slowly depleted.

    The current situation of the capital was that of being eyed by the Valiant Tigers, water to the rear and potential gaps to the south for people to easily escape through. But purchasing more food would be very difficult. And having take in one round of tax grain, the next round of rations woulde at a high mary cost.

    The national treasury was empty to begin with. What could it bring out to feed three hundred thousand troops?

    Qin Yining closed her eyes with a sigh. ¡°The situation does look pretty bad. Bingtang, you have some history with the Prince of Ning. Why don¡¯t you go look in on him and see what you can do?¡±

    Bingtang had been hesitating earlier, wondering if her mistress would allow her to go visit the prince. The miss was Pang Xiao¡¯s fianc¨¦ after all, and the prince had met with his injuries at Pang Xiao¡¯s hands. The two were enemies.

    But now, the maid felt that she¡¯d been too narrow-minded.

    ¡°Understood, thank you, miss.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re a family, what are you thanking me for? Take two guards with you and be on your way. Tell the prince that I¡¯m under imperial orders to stay in the residence and can¡¯t pay him a visit. Please tell him to take care of himself.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡± Bingtang left with her medicine kit and exined the purpose of her trip to the guards at the door. She rushed off with two guards in tow, plummeting Qin Yining¡¯s mood with her departure.

    The Qin fourth miss was deathly afraid of something happening to the prince. But sometimes, what one fears the most is the matter toe visiting.

    The next day, Bingtang came back with eyes puffy from crying.

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯m afraid this is it for the Prince of Ning! He was in a feverish stupor when I left. His many de and arrow wounds are infected and his fever won¡¯t break. When I got there yesterday, he boasted proudly to me on how he gave little Prince Pang as good as he got. Bute nightfall, he fell delirious and we can¡¯t get any water or rice into him today. Miss, I¡¯m, I¡¯m really afraid!¡±

    Qin Yining understood that Bingtang had a rtionship with the Prince of Ning. It¡¯d been the prince who¡¯d stretched out a helping hand to the girl after the Tangs fell. He¡¯d shouldered awful criticism and misunderstanding to keep Bingtang safely by his side.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for the Prince of Ning, Bingtang would¡¯ve never escaped pursuit from the Caos. The Caos were used to doing absolutely anything and everything they wanted. The trampress had once steamed and eaten human flesh; it was entirely possible that they would¡¯ve skinned Bingtang alive and pulled out all of her tendons if they¡¯d gotten their hands on her.

    Though the Prince of Ning was an unbridled and domineering sort, and ratherscivious, he still had a keen sense of what was right or wrong. He was only probably the only one who could lead the troops into battle against Great Zhou, so chaos was going to grip the armies if anything happened to him!

    In this new year, please consider rating and reviewing ROS on NU! More traffic is a trantor¡¯s greatest motivation!

 Chapter 246: Petitioning the Heavens (I)

    <h4>Chapter 246: Petitioning the Heavens (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining was rather terrified by the prospect. Life was starting to feel like an avnche in the face of a furiously rampaging storm. Destiny would grind the entire world into dust given enough time. Such a future inflicted the girl with utter helplessness. She was perched atop a leaf, bncing on the surface of a frothing ocean and about to capsize at any time.

    ¡°Bingtang, do you think there¡¯s much hope for the Prince of Ning?¡±

    Both Jiyun and Qiulu frowned when they heard the question.

    Bingtang sniffled loudly and shook her head sadly. ¡°His injuries are too severe and he¡¯s lost too much blood. He¡¯s not a young buck anymore, and his wounds are badly infected. It¡¯s a tough situation for anyone to pull through. The emperor was there himself when I came back. All of the imperial physicians were there, brainstorming ideas, but the situation didn¡¯t seem to be improving.¡±

    Some things weren¡¯t within mankind¡¯s purview.

    Qin Yining lowered her head sorrowfully and took Bingtang¡¯s hand after a long moment, having the maid sit down next to her.

    ¡°Everyone has their own fate. What will be, will be. Just like all of us will be ill and grow old, so will all of us depart this world one day. The prince is a good man and puts his heart into everything he does. He¡¯s lived his life ording to how he would ¡ª cleaning house, defying invaders. Even if something does happen to him, it¡¯s still a glorious ending for a general. Everything he¡¯s done is an illustration of his moral integrity as a royal. He¡¯s a hero, not a coward.¡±

    Tears dripped down as Bingtang nodded. ¡°I know. To be honest, having grown up in a family of medicine and learning the craft since young, I thought I had a better understanding of life than most. I¡¯ve seen much of old age and sickness, and I¡¯m not that sad whenever Ie face to face with them. But this time, I couldn¡¯t harden my heart when I watched the prince teeter between life and death. Though not everything he did was right, he¡¯s still an upright, hot-blooded man at the end of the day. He¡¯s worthy of being called that!¡±

    Qin Yining nodded sadly, with Qiulu and Jiyun also joining in with their grief.

    ¡°I still can¡¯t leave the premises, so go spend some more time with the prince. He treated you well before ¡ª we can¡¯t forget our debts of gratitude. Besides, isn¡¯t he well enough for now? Try your best, we may see a miracle yet.¡± Qin Yining rallied to encourage Bingtang. ¡°You have immense talent and enough time left to try. If you still can¡¯t save him after all that, at least you won¡¯t have any regrets.¡±

    Bingtang nodded heavily and wiped away tears to reveal a much more resolute look in her eyes.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll look over you first, miss. If you¡¯re recovering well, I¡¯ll head to the prince¡¯s manor after writing another prescription for you. You¡¯re still weak and losing all that blood has harmed your deeply. It won¡¯t be a quick recovery, so you need to take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Bingtang made a careful examination of Qin Yining¡¯s pulse, the wound on her shoulder, refreshed the dressing of her injury, and double checked everything was alright before making a second trip to the Ning Manor.

    Dusk fell as Qin Yining rested on the seat in front of a cupboard ensconced by turquoise veil. She was reclining on arge, soft, baby-blue body pillow and staring off into space while cuddling Riceball. Jiyun approached her mistress hesitantly.

    ¡°Miss.¡±

    Qin Yining turned to see Jiyun standing outside a thinyer of gauze. She smiled. ¡°Come inside, there are mosquitoes outside.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Jiyun nodded and carefully rearranged the veils aftering inside, taking a ce next to Qin Yining.

    ¡°What is it? You seem to have had something on your mind all day.¡±

    Jiyun hesitated. ¡°I do have some questions. I hope you¡¯re not angry with me if I ask them, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled when she saw her guard thus. ¡°Do you want to ask me about Pang Zhixi?¡±

    Surprised, Jiyun nodded after a pause. ¡°Yes, you¡¯re so good at guessing, miss!¡±

    ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s more like your thoughts are written all over your face.¡± Qin Yining sat up straight. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯ve been thinking about him over the past two days. Previously I felt lost and caught in the middle. I didn¡¯t know what was the right thing to do. Take the Prince of Ning¡¯s injury for example. If I¡¯m on Pang Zhixi¡¯s side, should I prevent Bingtang from treating the prince? Will Pang Zhixi be mad if he learns that I let Bingtang treat his enemy?¡±

    Jiyun nodded with every word her mistress said. ¡°Miss, I didn¡¯t mean anything else by my questions. I just feel that you¡¯re in a difficult position.¡±

    ¡°I thought so too, but I¡¯m keeping an open mind about it all now.¡± Qin Yining stroked Riceball¡¯s soft fur. ¡°He¡¯s a smart man and knew we were on different sides from the very first day he approached me. Even so, he still approached me. This means he¡¯s thought of everything and has a n in mind. He¡¯s also told me before that he¡¯ll take care of everything, that I only need to focus on being the Qin fourth miss. And so, I trust him.¡±

    I trust that he won¡¯t be mad and trust that we¡¯re on the same page.

    ¡°Miss, I don¡¯t understand.¡± Jiyun frowned.

    ¡°I just need to do the things that a Qin daughter would do. My surname is Qin and my father is of Great Yan. I am a Great Yan citizen before I am a Qin daughter. I won¡¯t harm a fellow countryman for Pang Zhixi. Everything is up to ourselves in times of war.¡±

    ¡°But miss, what if my master wins? Won¡¯t the Great Yan people will curse your name for being with him? Or what if my master loses? Will he me your father, or you?¡±

    ¡°All of that can happen, but so what?¡± Qin Yiningughed softly. ¡°I¡¯m still me, and he¡¯s still Pang Zhixi. We knew this day woulde from the very first day we met. Since we were mentally prepared beforehand, what¡¯s there to worry about? The nation¡¯s affairs are the nation¡¯s, and matters of the heart remain with the heart. I am well aware of the difference. I¡®m sure Pang Zhixi is as well.¡±

    Jiyun turned over the miss¡¯ words in her mouth. Understanding dawned a momentter and she nodded. ¡°You¡¯re so open-minded, miss. I¡¯m much less than you in this regard. I admire your personality very much so.¡±

    ¡°How am I being open-minded? I¡¯m just going with the flow.¡± A resigned smile spread across Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°What¡¯s done is done and we have no ability to change anything. The only thing we can do is to follow heaven¡¯s will and do our best. Do you not see it still? Such is life, and it¡¯s over very quickly. If there¡¯s something you can grab onto right now, hang on tight and don¡¯t let go.

    ¡°Even though Pang Zhixi and I have gotten to this stage, I won¡¯t resent him because of the hostilities between our countries. Neither will I set a trap for him. If I really had these thoughts, then I wouldn¡¯t have struck up a rtionship with him in the first ce. As for differences in position, well, we are enemies right now. We might have to meet each other face-to-face one day, but even so I¡¯ll only fight him in a fair and square way.¡±

    There was some heat on Jiyun¡¯s cheeks. She had been slightly worried that Qin Yining would leverage her identity to entrap Pang Xiao. After all, the prince wasn¡¯t on his guard against the girl. If she was loyal to her country to the bitter end and wanted to set something up for Pang Xiao, it would be difficult for the prince to escape a trap.

    She hadn¡¯t voiced her question inly, but Qin Yining had astutely answered it anyways.

    The miss smiled faintly when she saw her guard thus. ¡°I¡¯ve always felt that we can y with power, y with schemes and plots, but we can¡¯t y with emotions ¡ª particrly someone who is genuine to me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so very right, miss. It¡¯s my fault for thinking otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. You¡¯re very loyal and it only makes sense that you would ask these questions.¡±

    This teased a smile out of Jiyun and she changed the subject. ¡°Now that your one hundred disciples are settled in and the front hall has been cleaned up, the emperor says that we can receive visitors starting tomorrow. With the rumors in the outside world, there will be many worshippers here to pray for good fortune.¡±

    ¡°Thank goodness for those one hundred oh-so-wonderful disciples outside! I can¡¯t be bothered to deal with the crowds. I¡¯m no holy girl or a priestess. The gig will be up as soon as I open my mouth.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so smart miss, that the people will believe you as long as you¡¯re not sprouting nonsense.¡±

    Footsteps sounded as soon as Jiyun finished speaking. Mistress and guard looked at each other, then both looked downstairs through the window screen.

    The guard on duty at the flower-hung gate was downstairs and raised a cupped fist salute to thedies. ¡°Reporting to the honored master,rge masses ofmoners have gathered outside the temple and are raising a fuss to see you. The guards don¡¯t dare let them in because of howte it is, but they¡¯re also refusing to leave. More and more people are gathering and they¡¯re blocking off the entire entrance.¡±

    ¡°What are people doing here sote at night?¡± Qin Yining was immensely surprised. ¡°The emperor gave orders for the temple to be open only starting tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°This humble guard went to ask them and learned that there were great difficulties when purchasing grain in the city today. The merchants have increased prices to ten taels of silver per half kilogram!¡±

    ¡°Ten taels?!¡± Qin Yining clucked her tongue in amazement. Everything was clear to her! She¡¯d underestimated just how ckhearted the merchants could be. She¡¯d thought they¡¯d only raise the prices slightly, but it seemed that they nned on hoarding grain as a raremodity!

 Chapter 247: Petitioning the Heavens (II)

    <h4>Chapter 247: Petitioning the Heavens (II)</h4>

    ¡°Ten taels of silver is enough to buy an acre of rich fields! Are the merchants crazy?! This is daylight robbery!¡±

    The guard was likewise huffy. ¡°Those knavish merchants are definitely ckhearted! Who can afford to eat rice at ten taels of silver per half kilogram? Rumors are everywhere that the former emperor sold off the stored and tax grain, robbed the nation¡¯s coffers dry, and stashed all the money in an unknown location.

    ¡°Both the army and the people are panicking. They think that we¡¯ll run out of food soon and no one can afford the merchants¡¯ prices. This is why they thought of you, honored master. You¡¯re the holy girl ordained by the Soothsayer herself, the one who can protect the country, the one personally anointed by the emperor. You can talk to the gods, so the people want you to ask the gods if we¡¯ll make it through this crisis.¡±

    The more Qin Yining heard, the deeper the furrows on her forehead became. She could feel a future migraine throbbing already.

    She wasn¡¯t some sort of ¡®holy girl¡¯ at all! She¡¯d turned herself into a talisman back in the day because she¡¯d been out of ideas to save herself. Who knew things would turn out this way? Not only had she been forced to be a nun, but she been upgraded to the ridiculous title of ¡®holy girl¡¯, and she couldn¡¯t deny or resist any of this!

    Ask the gods?

    If she could, would she need to stay in this gilded cage?

    Expecting her to suddenly sprout a gilded tongue andmune with the gods was expecting a donkey to dance!

    ¡°Miss, what are you going to do?¡± Jiyun was rather worried. ¡°This is very tricky. The emperor himself bestowed your title. If you don¡¯t make an appearance, you¡¯ll end up deeply offending the emperor. But if you don¡¯t do a good job after meeting the people, it¡¯ll be bad for your own reputation.¡±

    Of course the miss knew all that, but what could she do at the moment? She was caught between a rock and a hard ce. She¡¯d never thought that a ploy to prevent herself from being eaten would cause this sort of disaster for herter.

    ¡°Don¡¯t announce my presence. I¡¯m going to sneak a peek and then decide.¡±

    The guard outside the window immediately assented.

    Qin Yining rose, still holding Riceball, and went downstairs with Jiyun and Qiulu.

    The white marble tform offered a view of the foot of the mountain. All of the lights in the main hall at the bottom of the mountain were lit and reflected in theke¡¯s waters. Even when one was physically located at the peak of the mountain, it was easy enough to imagine just how luminous and magnificent the main hall must be. Surely it was as beautiful as a pce of the immortals.

    As her gaze travelled across theke and to the outside, only the restless shifting of a dense mass of heads could be glimpsed. They were too far away for her to make out words, but the faint buzz of conversation was audible all the same.

    ¡°It¡¯s past curfew, but the people refuse to leave. This is more than a ready sign of how chaotic things are within the city. Men from the Warden¡¯s Office are all congregated at the doors.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very right, honored master. The Warden¡¯s Office has indeed sent men to guard the doors, but no one¡¯s listening to them. They can¡¯t really make a move against the people either. That would cause an even bigger disturbance. They don¡¯t know what to do at the moment.¡± The guard was also worried by the situation outside.

    ¡°Miss, what will you do with so many people?¡± Qiulu asked.

    What should she do? Receive them? Don¡¯t receive them?

    The people wouldn¡¯t leave even if she ignored them. And even if it hadn¡¯t been her original intentions, she was now a holy girl to them.

    But if she did receive them, what kind of answer could she give them? She couldn¡¯t make any decisions, so what could she do?

    ¡°Let me think about this.¡± Qin Yining pursed her lips and sank into deep thought.

    Jiyun and Qiulu didn¡¯t dare interrupt her train of thought. They stood meekly to the side, asionally shooing away an errant mosquito with a wave of the velvet fan.

    At the same time in the Marquis of An Manor, Qin Huaiyuan shot to his feet when he heard Qitai¡¯s report. He circled several times in ce like headless fly. ¡°Bad, this is bad!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, milord. Xuan Su Temple has been surrounded by tens of thousands of people. If the situation isn¡¯t handled properly, they might just charge in! As skilled as the imperial guards posted there might be, how many will they be able to restrain by themselves? Thousands of people will be able to stampede right over them!¡±

    ¡°Is there any movement from the Ning Manor? Is the emperor still there?¡±

    ¡°The emperor has already returned to the pce and the Prince of Ning is still unconscious.¡±

    A tight furrow crossed Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s forehead. Behind his back, his hands balled into fists.

    If this matter wasn¡¯t handled appropriately, it really could turn into a public grievance and result in Qin Yining¡¯s death. And even if the crowd¡¯s mood didn¡¯t turn ugly, a ruined reputation for Qin Yining might turn into something that Great Zhou and the Tatars could make use of or otherplications.

    ¡°Ready the carriage, let¡¯s go to the royal residence. We can¡¯t just sit here at home. Let¡¯s go check out the situation.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qitai quickly ran off to prepare the carriage.

    The marquis hastily changed clothes and bumped into his brothers when leaving. They¡¯d all heard of themoners surrounding the royal residence and were worried that something might happen to their niece.

    All three set off together.

    In the carriage, the three men discussed in low tones what measures should be taken. Qin Huaiyuan had a n in mind, but he hadn¡¯t been able to coordinate with Qin Yining beforehand, so their hands were tied. The men broke out in a cold sweat from anxiety.

    The closer they drew to the residence, the thicker the crowd was. In the end, the three men had to proceed on foot.

    They followed the flow of the crowd, surrounded on all sides with panicked trepidation. Some were discussing in low tones, others cursing loudly. There were also the sounds of women crying softly. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s emotions grew even more agitated when experiencing this.

    Clouds of war had loomed over the capital for more than a day or two. Continued years of conscription as well as the former trash emperor¡¯s various tyrannical policies and predatory practices had meted out endless days of hopelessness to the people in the capital. Citizens living elsewhere could only be worse off.

    A hero who¡¯d cleaned house had finally appeared, turning the trampress into a human candle and forcing the trash emperor to abdicate. The new emperor seemed so very congenial and willing to listen to the people. He¡¯d set aside his beloved girl for the people and even assigned a royal residence as her quarters.

    The people had just started to feel that rays of hope were dawning in their lives when news spread of the Prince of Ning being injured. The national coffers and royal treasury were empty, and the former emperor had sold off the tax grain!

    The merchants were now setting half a kilogram of grain at a price ten taels, further confirming the reality that there was no grain to be had in the country¡¯s warehouses.

    Who on earth could afford to spent ten taels of silver for a few mouthfuls of rice?

    A drought, war, and soon to descend starvation ¡ª enormous fear shrouded the capital, driving away the citizens¡¯ wariness of the Wardens¡¯ Office. Everyone was going to die in the end anyways, so who cared about a curfew?

    Qin Huaiyuan pursed his lips. He knew that the people were cing all of their hopes on the ¡®holy girl¡¯ who could safeguard Great Yan¡¯s fortunes.

    When people lost faith and hope in everyday life, they would turn to religion instead for sor. This was why Taoism was so popr and why Buddhism flourished.

    In the face of oppression from war, the people¡¯s faith naturallyy with the ¡®holy girl¡¯ who could secure the nation¡¯s safety. They were reassured and the emperor have a tremendous load taken off his shoulders.

    But all that pressure wouldnd squarely on his daughter! And if mishandled, the holy girl would be the great conman of their age. She might even end up in worse straits than the trampress!

    Cold fright gripped the marquis. He sweated all over and his limbs were mmy despite it being a hot summer¡¯s day. He¡¯d never thought that this would be how things would end up.

    He detested his own helplessness like nothing he had ever before. He fervently wished that he could sprout wings and fly to his daughter¡¯s side so that they could discuss what to do.

    Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers were here early, as evidenced by the countless people crowding behind them. They¡¯d reached the door of the main hall by now. Someone was calling out an announcement.

    ¡°Master Xuan Su has heard of everyone gathering here with questions to ask. She will be making a special appearance and has already arrived in the great hall.

    ¡°I must remind everyone to not push or shove when the doors are opened in a moment. Please enter in an orderly fashion. There¡¯s limited space within the temple and we¡¯re unable to host too many. Thus, whatever the honored master says today will be passed on to those outside. Please don¡¯t worry or be in a rush. You¡¯ll be able to hear the master¡¯s words whether inside or outside the door.¡±

    Another man repeated the speaker¡¯s words as soon as the announcement was over. Yet more people distilled the announcement down into easy catchphrases.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push! Avoid stepping on others!¡±

    ¡°Master Xuan Su is a holy girl! Don¡¯t barge into the holy girl!¡±

    ¡°Please enter the temple in an orderly fashion!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers exchanged nces, slightly more at ease about the situation and headed inside with the crowd.

 Chapter 248: Petitioning the Heavens (III)

    <h4>Chapter 248: Petitioning the Heavens (III)</h4>

    Xuan Su Temple was a royal residence previously and thus off-limits tomoners. The only thing they could glimpse when passing by were the magnificent, tall walls and the opulent great hall halfway up the mountain.

    As they filtered through the main doors, they were greeted by the sight of a brightly lit residence. White marblemp posts were set at regr intervals along theke. Flickering candlelight within sketched out a wondrous reflection on the surface, making the great hall even more resplendent in the night sky.

    Like the tides, the people surged down the path through the white marble, arched bridge and circled around the waters to reach the main hall.

    Orderly tiles paved the spacious square. Elegant and simple potted nts graced the outskirts while flowers bloomed in the flowerbeds. The refreshing fragrance of flora and incensed wafted into noses with each inhale.

    There were a hundred nuns already sitting cross-legged, meditating in the square. In front of the great hall, imperial guards stood at the ready on a raised tform, one that jutted out from beneath the roof. Each of them were at solemn attention, their gazes sharp and alert.

    Beneath thenterns swinging from high rafters, two beautiful maids dressed in turquoise nked a girl d in white. Thetter stood with her back facing the crowd. She was wearingyered views of white veil and a cotton padded skirt. Her long locks poured down behind her shoulders, like a bolt of satin in thentern-light. Night wind tugging at her hair and skirt imparted an ethereal aura to her.

    The people rushing at the front stumbled to a halt, staring dumbly at the figure that looked like a fairy. Others turned to maintain order and make sure that no pushing or shoving was happening.

    The square, bridge, and path around theke were soon full of people. There were many more who couldn¡¯te closer and climbed up the artificial mountain or even the walls for a look.

    Though there was a dense mass of humanity, a bizarre silence spread from the square in front of the hall. No one dared talk loudly, for fear of startling the one on the tform.

    Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers were standing on the steps leading to the square. They were still unable to see clearly, so they mbered onto the railings and used tree trunks for bnce.

    The glimmerings of an idea formed in the marquis¡¯ mind when he saw his daughter¡¯s outfit and he was put more at ease.

    ¡°Holy girl,¡± An unknown voice cried out from the crowd, prompting waves of people falling to their knees.

    ¡°Holy girl, please show us the way forward!¡±

    Some were weeping and sniffling, but no one was shrieking or wailing. Everyone cast hopefully expectant looks upon the figure brighter than snow.

    Qin Yining turned around and with the help of her maids, made her way below the lights.

    Those closer to her were bbergasted by her beauty. Who¡¯d ever seen such aely person??

    Those further away could only see her pristine clothes. But wait, she seemed to be holding something fuzzy in her arms. A closer look confirmed it to be a snow-white bunny!

    With the Soothsayer¡¯s fortune already putting them in the proper frame of mind and now overwhelmed by the holy girl in the flesh, the people¡¯s faith in her grew even deeper. The strikingly extravagant great hall only served to further enhance a presence of holiness and mysteriousness.

    ¡°This little girl is unworthy andcking. It is the fortune of three lifetimes to receive imperial trust and be granted the opportunity to pray for the nation. I am just doing whatever little I can do here. But it is indeed a great honor to meet so many fellow countrymen today. What might be on everyone¡¯s mind today?¡±

    Mountains were to the residence¡¯s rear and a body of water to its fore. During construction, some forethought had gone into the possibility that ceremonies or public speeches might be held here in the future. Therefore, painstaking care had been devoted to crafting the acoustics of the ce. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t straining her voice in the slightest, but all those in the square could easily hear her.

    This enhanced the sanctity of the situation.

    A woman mustered up the courage to ask, ¡°Your Holiness, do you think we¡¯ll make it through all of this alive?¡±

    ¡°The heavenlyw cycles ever onwards and everyone has their own destiny. But the heavens treasure life and always leaves behind a wisp of hope. Hope will surely dawn as long everyone continues to stay the course.¡±

    Moved expressions crossed faces when the crowd heard this and optimism began to spring forth in hearts. Some whispers flourished, but the atmosphere as a whole had lightened greatly.

    ¡°Your Holiness, will the capital remain standing?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is a wise ruler. The soldiers and generals are all hot-blooded men who think only of our country. Everyone should remain of one heart and refrain from giving in to fear or panic. Don¡¯t add to our men¡¯s burdens by doing anything to harm Great Yan either. I believe that as long as we try our best, the end result will be good even if the journey is difficult and bumpy. We will surely continue to live on.¡±

    Smiles finally broke out on faces when the people heard this. They were most afraid of losing their homes along with a crumbling of their nation.

    To be blunt, everyone was afraid of dying.

    But their holy girl had reassured that they could make it through this crisis as long as everyone worked hard; peace finally settled down over them.

    Meanwhile, the second and third elder master were open mouthed with surprise from their position in the crowd. They¡¯d never thought that their niece knew how to mune¡¯ with the gods and handle such arge scene!

    Qin Huaiyuan however, could finally rx. He¡¯d been worried that Qin Yining would be apprehensive at seeing so many people. That would take her ethereal demeanor down a notch, and her words would seem less usible.

    Just now, she¡¯d actually delivered some regr pleasantries used in social settings. What sounded impressive and sophisticated left her plenty of room to maneuver with. No matter what the end result was, the fault wouldn¡¯t be hers.

    But with the people¡¯s faith that she was a holy girl who could protect the nation, Qin Yining appeared saintly no matter what she did. Add to that her purposeful crafting of an immortal pce setting, her outfit, and the general atmosphere ¡ª all of it was an enormous impact to people who hadn¡¯t seen much of the world.

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. It seemed that his daughter had grasped the heart of the situation. Since she¡¯d been pped with thebel of a ¡®holy girl¡¯, she had to y her role to the hilt. It would be an ugly death for her if she was pulled off her pedestal.

    ¡°Your Holiness.¡± An elder asked tremulously. ¡°They say that the former emperor sold off all the grain collected for tax and in the warehouses. There¡¯s nothing left in storage! Usmoners don¡¯t have much at home, but the evil merchants have raised prices to ten taels of silver per half kilogram! Can you punish the vile merchants and make them hand over the grain?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s right, Your Holiness! The traders are too awful!¡± The people mored loudly with insults. Though they hated what the emperor emeritus had done, no one was bold enough to openly curse his name.

    This was currently the greatest dilemma facing Qin Yining. The situation was far tooplex and she couldn¡¯t say to them that cooperation from the emperor was needed to resolve this problem. She settled for a smile.

    ¡°I understand your concerns. Tomorrow, at the hour of the snake, I will set up an altar to petition the heavens. I¡¯m sure they will give us some sort of answer.¡±

    The people erupted with amazement. Their holy girl was going to ask the gods what to do about their food? She was the real deal if she could talk to the gods. She was absolutely a holy girl who could ensure Great Yan¡¯s security!

    Surprise and joy intermingling, the crowd hastily kowtowed and cried out their thanks. Qin Yining heaved a silent sigh of relief when this was the reaction that ensued. Still holding Riceball, she walked into the great hall with Jiyun and Qiulu.

    Imperial guards stepped forward to organize the crowd¡¯s departure. ¡°Don¡¯t push, don¡¯t shove! Walk slowly!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers likewise breathed sighs of relief from their position in the corner. The thousands of people were retreating docilely like the receding tide.

    ¡°My niece is something else alright! She could keep it together in front of so many people. I would be paralyzed with indecision if it was me!¡± The second elder master patted his chest.

    Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand with a wry smile. ¡°She was just forced into doing something she doesn¡¯t do. Brothers, let¡¯s go see daughter Yi and discuss our next steps.¡±

 Chapter 249: A Strategic Decision (I)

    <h4>Chapter 249: A Strategic Decision (I)</h4>

    Back in the rear hall, an ashen-faced Qin Yining finally rxedpletely. Running her hand across her forehead, it came back full of sweat. Her heart was still pounding as well.

    Qiulu quickly wrung out a handkerchief to wipe her mistress¡¯ face. She too palpitated with fear. ¡°That was really too scary! There were so many people there, it was a sea of ck! If they¡¯d all charged in, they could drown us all with a mouthful of spit each! Thank goodness you¡¯re so smart, miss! Your answers were perfect. If we¡¯d angered the crowd instead, we¡¯d be trampled to death already!¡±

    Qin Yining chugged down the honey water that Jiyun offered before feeling alive again.

    ¡°Me? Smart? My nerves were killing me.¡± Qin Yining patted her chest after putting down a white porcin teacup with patterns traced on it in gold. ¡°It¡¯s a hideous task to pretend to be able to speak with the gods. I was thinking about every single word I was saying and didn¡¯t dare say anything wrong. I also had to pretend to be a real ¡®holy girl¡¯, but youdies know better than anyone what kind of person I am. I¡¯m the farthest away from projecting an otherworldly aura. My mind was racing with what I needed to say and what posture I needed to pose with. Thankfully I¡¯d already guessed some of what they were going to ask, or I really wouldn¡¯t have known what to answer with.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right! I was supporting the miss, so I could feel how she was shaking and trembling. I started shaking too because I was so nervous.¡± Jiyun smiled ruefully. ¡°How did you know they were going to ask these questions, miss?¡±

    ¡°That was the easier part. I could easily guess what the people might be most concerned about at times like these.¡± Qin Yining was about to continue onwards when a guard reported in.

    ¡°Reporting to the honored master, visitors from the Marquis of An Manor are here.¡±

    Joy crossed the girl¡¯s face. ¡°Quick, have theme in.¡± She rushed downstairs with Jiyun and Qiulu.

    She grinned happily when she saw her father and uncles. When she noted their sweat-soaked clothes and how wrinkled they also were, Qin Yining knew that the three men must¡¯ve been crammed into the crowd earlier. They must¡¯ve rushed here as soon as receiving the word.

    Moved, the Qin fourth miss dropped a curtsey. ¡°Father, second uncle, third uncle. My apologies for having you make a trip when it¡¯s sote at night.¡± She shooed off her maids. ¡°Hurry, go fetch something to drink.¡±

    Qiulu and Jiyun returned with a tray after Qin Yining helped the men take their seats.

    ¡°This is chilled sour prune drink. It¡¯s both refreshing and drives the heat away. Please enjoy, milords.¡±

    Arge bowl was served to each of the men while Qin Yining held a pitcher at the side, ready for refills. Between the three men, they drained half the pitcher before finally setting the bowls down.

    ¡°We rushed here as soon as we heard. There were too many people though, so we had to give up the carriage and follow the crowd. I saw your entire performance just now. Well done.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly.

    Qin Yining blushed. ¡°You saw all that? I was just pretending.¡±

    The second elder master smiled. ¡°It was a very good act. Really convincing, in fact! And you had a little rabbit? You looked just like Chang¡¯e beneath thentern light. Themoners have never seen a sight like this, so they were awed just by the setup at first nce.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. You did very well. No one would¡¯ve believed you if you just spoke inly.¡± The third elder master chimed in.

    ¡°I was afraid that whatever I said wouldn¡¯t be listened to, which is why I thought of this less-than-ideal n. Thankfully the danger is over for now.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to do for the altar and petitioning the heavens tomorrow?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°What do I know about altars and petitioning the gods? I can only ask a real Taoist toe teach me. I think I¡¯ll be able to save myself from embarrassment if I follow their steps. As for what kind of exnation to give to the people, that¡¯s up to the emperor.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow at this. ¡°So you¡¯ve already thought of how to solve the food issue?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯ll be that easy to resolve. I wanted to discuss my thoughts with father, but you read my mind and here you are!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan grinned widely at this.

    Qin Yining was about to borate on her n when a slightly shrill voice called in from outside, ¡°Announcing His Majesty the emperor!¡±

    A frown creased the girl¡¯s brow when she heard this. It really was veryte. Even though a great matter had urred, the emperor only needed to send a trusted aide toe make inquiries. What was he making a personal trip for?

    Thankfully her father and uncles were here today. If they weren¡¯t, what kind of rumors would develop if the emperor was left alone with her?

    It was obvious that Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers hade to the same conclusion. Their expressions weren¡¯t exactly a picture of wee.

    All rose to greet the emperor. ¡°Long life to Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Greetings to Your Majesty!¡±

    Weichi Yan was wearing a head scarf and dressed inly, but indoor, soft-soled slippers protected his feet. His face was flushed red due to his haste and the furrows between his brows quite deep. It was obvious that he¡¯d made due haste after receiving the word.

    Upon charging through the door, there was no one else in his eyes other than Qin Yining d in white chiffon and a padded skirt. He hastily reached out with both hands to help her up. ¡°Are you alright, Xuan Su?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brow was tightly knit. She quickly shrugged off Weichi Yan¡¯s warm hands and responded to the floor, ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s concern. All is well with this subject.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers were all knowledgeable man. Everyone was in the know when they noted how the emperor looked at Qin Yining with unconcealed adoration. Though the girl had been forced to be a nun, the emperor hadn¡¯t given up at all! Things would¡¯ve been a done deal a long time ago had she the slightest intention of going from rags to riches.

    ¡°This subject (this lowly one) greets Your Majesty.¡± Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers all made the grand gesture of greeting.

    This finally alerted Weichi Yan that there were others present as well. He coughed a bit awkwardly. ¡°You may rise.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, Your Majesty.¡±

    Weichi Yan took the head seat within the residence. ¡°We had just returned to the pce when We heard that the people were gathered here. We immediately rushed here. Are you alright? Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, your subject is well.¡± Qin Yining responded respectfully.

    Weichi Yan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s good. You¡¯ve done very well this time. I asked the guards earlier and your responses were very appropriate. You soothed the crowds and prevented a disturbance. If the people rioted, then we would¡¯ve fallen apart even before the Great Zhou army charges in.¡±

    ¡°Your subject only thought of this subpar n because of how urgent the situation was.¡±

    As he looked down on Qin Yining¡¯s meek demeanor and her outfit of white, though Weichi Yan hadn¡¯t personally witnessed her charm earlier, it was easy enough to imagine how unearthly she¡¯d been. The affection in his eyes almost materialized tangibly, and his tone was as gentle as could be.

    ¡°The guards said that you¡¯re nning on setting up an altar and petitioning the gods tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining purposefully ignored the tender tones.

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who the Soothsayer said can protect the nation and ensure our prosperity. Surely you can talk to the gods too, no?¡±

    Qin Yining raised her head and met Weichi Yan¡¯s interested gaze. How on earth should she answer that question? It was important that he didn¡¯t feel she was growing arrogant because of the situation, but also vital that she reached her goal.

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, to be frank, all talk of an altar and asking the gods are just a dying tactic.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± The emperor¡¯s smile deepened.

    Surprise flitted across the second and third elder master¡¯s face.

    ¡°Though your subject has received the Soothsayer¡¯s fortune, that was just something I requested on a whim. I am but an ordinary girl, how could I have such incredible skills? I may have a good life chart, but the Soothsayer exaggerated it greatly. And I¡¯d be the first to dismiss that I¡¯m any sort of holy girl.¡±

    ¡°But you do have an excellent life chart and you¡¯re someone who can protect the nation¡¯s fortunes. If you say you¡¯re not, then isn¡¯t there no meaning to Us bestowing upon you the title of Master Xuan Su?¡±

    ¡°The point of your subject being in residence here is to steady the people¡¯s hearts. Do you believe the rumors too, Your Majesty, that I can speak with the gods? If I really had that ability, I might as well just ask them toe help Great Yan.¡±

    Her whollyck of affectation and candor greatly amused Weichi Yan. The stifling negativity he¡¯d felt over the past couple of days finally eased, and heughed cheerfully. ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s one thing to talk like this in front of Us, but don¡¯t say this outside.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining bowed and murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t know how the rumors have developed, but they¡¯vepletely blown me out of proportion and turned me into some sort of mythical creature. I had no choice and had to try for this nonsense. With how many people that¡¯de today, mishandling things would¡¯ve cause a shift in morale. I had the mindset of having nothing to lose when I tried.¡±

    ¡°Mm. You¡¯re very smart and quick on your feet,¡± Weichi Yan praised wholeheartedly. ¡°But how will you respond to the people after you pray on the altar tomorrow?¡±

    Qin Yining responded without a flicker in her expression. ¡°I¡¯m just finding a way to drag things out further. Isn¡¯t it Your Majesty who should be the one settling the issue?¡±

    Weichi Yan found himself speechless with Qin Yining¡¯s response. True, this was his problem to resolve. Awkwardness settled over his expression.

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but what kind of answer will you be giving them tomorrow?¡±

 Chapter 250: A Strategic Decision (II)

    <h4>Chapter 250: A Strategic Decision (II)</h4>

    ¡°Simple.¡± Qin Yining smiled purely. ¡°I¡¯ll just tell them that I¡¯ve already told Your Majesty the n and that you will make your own decision. That way, no matter what Your Majesty does will be the will of the heavens. The people won¡¯t object to anything you do.¡±

    Weichi Yan was at a loss for words once again. The problem had been thrown right back into hisp!

    But he couldn¡¯t find it within himself to be angry at her. ¡°Then it turns out We should thank you instead?¡±

    ¡°This is what your subject should be doing, there¡¯s no need to be so polite, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining lowered her head.

    Weichi Yan stared silently at her. She¡¯s the daughter of Grand Preceptor Qin alright! Their tempers and personalities are exactly alike.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin, your daughter refuses to help Us, so the burden willnd on your shoulders.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan assented lowly. ¡°Your subject will naturally do his best. But I¡¯m sure Your Majesty must already have an idea in mind.¡±

    When the second and third elder master noted that the emperor wanted to discuss business with Qin Huaiyuan, they didn¡¯t dare eavesdrop and quietly took their leave. Qin Yining wanted to as well, but Weichi Yan objected, ¡°Xuan Su stays.¡±

    Goosebumps popped into existence from the sharine tones. However, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t defy an imperial order. She took a few steps to stand behind her father.

    ¡°Now that the national treasury is empty, we must have silver if we wish to restock the warehouses,¡± the emperor continued. ¡°Thankfully, our nation¡¯s founder put the practice of treasury notes into ce. We were thinking of having the te Engraving Service print another batch of bills. We have the power to and can just create more money. That will be enough to purchase some more grain and resolve the current crisis at hand.¡±

    Weichi Yan brimmed with confidence and was very pleased with himself.

    He¡¯d had his father grounded and spent many hours a day trying to convince the emperor emeritus to spit out where the enormous sum of wealth was. But his father¡¯s lips were as tight as a m¡¯s. Nothing was forting, and he only greeted his son with two expression: closed eye repose or jeering smiles.

    Weichi Yan was well acquainted with his father¡¯s personality. Suchpleteck of cooperation meant that his father was firmly decided on retaining that treasure for private use. Therefore, Weichi Yan split his days between trying to y the emotional card and frantically brainstorming another n.

    The only thing that¡¯d struck him after days of furious brain wracking was to print more money!

    Though he knew this wasn¡¯t a long term solution, and that it could very well devalue Great Yan¡¯s currency so much that it became worthless, that didn¡¯t really matter as long as it resolved the current crisis at hand. It was unlikely that wiser people would have any better ideas.

    But on the contrary, the anticipated wonder and admiration didn¡¯t dawn on Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining¡¯s face after he offered his proposal.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin? Do you think Our idea is feasible?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was silent for a moment. ¡°Your Majesty is wise. This can be a solution.¡±

    Her eyes looking downwards, Qin Yining was silently surprised by her father¡¯s reaction. However, understanding was quick to dawn.

    Her father was well versed in the art of being a subject. The foremost of priorities was to be agreeable andplimentary when talking to the emperor. Seeding suggestions would be sessful only when the emperor was in a good mood.

    There was no need to immediately rebut with a better idea and keenly demonstrate the difference in their intelligence. It was never a good thing to make the emperor feel inferior.

    Qin Huaiyuan had to slowly guide the emperor onto the correct path, and not force his own opinions onto his liege.

    There really is a never-ending amount of things I can learn from father!

    Weichi Yan could make out the tactful intentions behind the marquis¡¯ words and ducked his head rather dejectedly. ¡°We tried our best to think of a n. The nation¡¯s matters are simply too much of a mess these days. The Prince of Ning is also heavily injured, so Our thoughts are all jumbled. Our beloved subject is wise and has many stratagems. You must have a good idea in mind?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly and, before the emperor lifted his head, flung a quick look at Qin Yining. He then lowered his eyes and frowned slightly, as if in deep thought.

    The emperor only saw his grand preceptor wracking his brains out for an idea.

    Qin Yining blinked before understanding what her father wanted. Father wants me to suggest something.

    Father and daughter might not have had the chance to discuss beforehand, but with her father¡¯s wits, he would surely think of whatever she could as well. They were father and daughter, after all! They had to mind their speaking order in front of the emperor, so that one of them didn¡¯t offer a good n only to identally stop the other in their tracks.

    Father was raising her like a son! He would back her up no matter what she said.

    Deeply moved, Qin Yining put on a very thoughtful expression and suddenly smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject has thought of something, but I don¡¯t know if I should speak of it.¡±

    Weichi Yan¡¯s heart melted at the sound of the girl¡¯s soft voice. He quickly pivoted to her, eyes creasing in a smile, and leaned forward. ¡°What marvelous n has Xuan Su thought of?¡±

    It was a marvelous n before she¡¯d said anything.

    Qin Yining clenched her teeth against the irritation and responded with a lowered head, ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this subject feels that printing more treasury bills is indeed a quick way to solve the problem, but for the long term stability of the country, why don¡¯t we think of a way to have the merchants offer up the grain themselves?¡±

    A sharp light shed through Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s lowered eyes and an approving smile blossomed at the corner of his lips.

    The suggestion elicited Weichi Yan¡¯s interest. ¡°Oh? Do tell, how should we have the merchants offer up grain themselves?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss smiled. ¡°Your Majesty, the hierarchy goes from nobles and officials, to farmers, artisans, and to merchants. The merchants may have silver, but their status is lower than even impoverished farmers. They resent it even more when the poor schr is ced ahead of a wealthy merchant family. This seems like something we can make use of.¡±

    She was imitating her father¡¯s gradual approach, in which she didn¡¯t immediately offer up the idea to avoid sticking her neck out. Instead, she led Weichi Yan to the correct answer instead.

    When Qin Huaiyuan saw how smart his daughter was, the hint of a smile on his lips deepened much further.

    The emperor however, frowned and murmured to himself, ¡°Use the merchants¡¯ social standing? They naturally want to enhance their position. Who wants to humble themselves and be lower status when they have great amounts of silver in hand... You say that they¡¯ll give up the grain themselves if they can increase their social standing?¡±

    The girl had to redouble her efforts when she saw that enlightenment hadn¡¯t struck. ¡°Yes, think about it, Your Majesty. What if you decree that they have a chance to enhance their stature ¡ª won¡¯t they fight each other for the chance?¡±

    Weichi Yan nodded. ¡°Naturally.¡±

    ¡°Therefore, I think that Your Majesty can list some ceremonial positions for auction and ept only grain for the bids. With this, not only will our local merchants participate enthusiastically, so will merchants in other cities. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them! We wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the chaos thates with printing additional bills, and just need to keep the ceremonial officials in check afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Marvelous, marvelous!¡± Weichi Yan apuded loudly with fervor. ¡°This is a wonderful n! We wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the troubles that creating more currency creates. We just need to keep the newly promoted officials in line!¡± He turned to the marquis. ¡°Beloved subject Qin, what do you say?¡±

    ¡°This subject thinks it is an excellent idea and would like to add something further. As opposed to making several positions avable for auction, Your Majesty might as well price positions differently ording to their rank. The merchants can vie with each other, with each position going to the highest bidder. We¡¯ll all get what we need this way: the merchants will happily donate and the national warehouses will receive more replenishment.¡±

    Weichi Yan nodded repeatedly. ¡°Fantastic, absolutely wonderful! You¡¯re called ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯ alright!¡±

    Qin Yining looked at her father with sparkling eyes of worship. Father is the best! He thought of a n a long time ago!

    The marquis smiled at his daughter and added on, ¡°There¡¯s another benefit to our n.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Weichi Yan was already excitedly on his feet.

    ¡°When the merchants were ordinary citizens, they were most concerned with their own profit and loss. They only worried about whether they would be robbed of their fortunes. The prosperity of the nation was never much on their minds. To be frank, it didn¡¯t matter to them who sat on the throne. But once they be officials, they¡¯re no longer just ordinary citizens. The stability of the government has a direct tie to whether or not they can continue to enjoy their positions. Thus, this n will also bind many very wealth people on the same side as court.¡±

    Weichi Yan was stunned by this revtion and thought for a long moment. ¡°Then, then they¡¯ll be concerned about whether the capital and country can withstand our enemies, right? If weck silver at any time of the war, they¡¯ll donate of their own ord, right? I no longer have to prevail upon their sense of duty?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan bowed with a smile. ¡°Your Majesty is wise.¡±

 Chapter 251: Jealousy

    <h4>Chapter 251: Jealousy</h4>

    Weichi Yan spun in several circles with delight and pped Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s shoulders roughly. ¡°Beloved subject, We thank you greatly! We thank you on behalf of the people of Great Yan!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan hastily knelt on the ground. ¡°This subject would never dare. As a subject of Great Yan, we naturally need to think of the country. I am just offering what little strength I have, how would I dare let Your Majesty thank me in this way? As the ruler of the nation, Your Majesty holds the world in the palm of your hand. Besides, Your Majesty is kept busy from dusk to dawn with the affairs of the nation. To be able to share one of your burdens is a great honor for your subject.¡±

    Qin Yining was on her knees as well,mitting her father¡¯s pretty remarks to heart.

    The emperor only felt extremelyforted that someone was finally acknowledging and recognizing his hard work and efforts. This was truly a sublime urrence! When he next looked at the marquis, he felt not only the respect of a student for a wise teacher, but the gratitude of having someone truly understand him.

    ¡°Please rise, beloved subject Qin.¡± Weichi Yan then looked approvingly at Qin Yining. ¡°Xuan Su has benefited greatly from the marquis¡¯ personal tutge. You are the smartest woman in the dynasty.¡±

    Qin Yining hastily made a responding curtsey. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t dare. I haven¡¯t seen much of the world and only know how to y with some minor details. I am unworthy of Your Majesty¡¯spliments.¡±

    The emperor had toughingly shake his head at that. He knew that he didn¡¯t have much aptitude for politics, and that sometimes the Qin fourth miss saw things more clearly than him. If she only knew how to y with some minor details, then wasn¡¯t he someone who couldn¡¯t handle even that?

    But Weichi Yan wasn¡¯t the sort to blow something out of proportion and quickly put it out of his mind. Much more lighthearted aftering up with a n, he spent a few moments discussing the altar to be set up tomorrow.

    When everything was decided upon, he left along with Qin Huaiyuan.

    Qin Yining sent them off to the door. When they reached the flower-hung gate, Weichi Yan turned back to urge, ¡°Go ahead and head on back, there¡¯s no need to send Us off further. There are many trees and flowers here, so there must be many bugs and pests as well. Be careful of being bit. We will have servants create an enormous and wrap up the entire tower with it.¡±

    Lu-gonggong and the other apanying pce servants all looked at Qin Yining with vastly different gazes and much more respect than before.

    The Qin men however, were immensely put out. Was the emperor still trying to make a Qin daughter into his mistress?

    When Weichi Yan finally left, Qin Yining, Jiyun, and Qiulu wordlessly turned in for the night.

    At the same time in the Regal Phoenix Pce, Empress Li Yanyan was sitting cross-legged on the luohan bed next to the window, gazing off into space in her crimson-red pajamas.

    Li-mama, a servant who¡¯d been at Li Yanyan¡¯s side before the marriage, tried tofort in low tones. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, Your Majesty. The emperor must be worried about the sheer number ofmoners at Xuan Su Temple. He rushed there in case any trouble broke out. No matter how beautiful that Qin wench is, she¡¯s just a nun now. The emperor made her that himself, so what trouble could she possibly stir up? No matter what, you¡¯re empress now.¡±

    Li Yanyan trailed her undecorated hand down the long locks hanging in front of her chest, intive bleakness in her eyes.

    ¡°Though that¡¯s the case, His Majesty¡¯s heart is still with that girl. Starting with the selection, I¡¯ve seen how differently the emperor treats n¨¦e Qin. I¡¯d thought that I only had the life to be an imperial consort and couldn¡¯t vie with n¨¦e Qin. But the heavens pitied me and I am the emperor¡¯s only official wife. Since the heavens have gifted me such an illustrious husband, why do they not bring his heart back after the wedding¡­¡±

    Warmth and heartache suffused her heart when Li Yanyan thought of the emperor¡¯s delicate features, genteel bearing, and warm smile.

    The royal couple was about to turn in for the night and were exchanging sweet nothings when a eunuch suddenly reported that something had happened at Xuan Su Temple. The emperor had left her without another word¡­

    Li Yanyan¡¯s burning heart had been plunged into an icy cavern.

    She knew that her husband wasn¡¯t hers alone. But it was one thing for the imperial consorts and concubines to vie with her, and something else entirely when a nun did so as well!

    She picked up a mirror and assessed her soft features beneath the candlelight. When she thought of Qin Yining¡¯s face, one so stunning that even fellow women envied her, ruefulness and jealousy surged in the empress¡¯ heart. What friendliness she¡¯d felt for the Qin fourth miss before were no longer.

    ¡°It looks like I must let her know what her true position is.¡±

    Li-mama smiled with lowered eyes. ¡°You are the mother of the nation, Your Majesty. Most certainly you can teach a small nun a lesson. Besides, the Prince of Ning¡¯s life hangs in the bnce. The only one who can bemander-in-chief and take on Great Zhou is your father. The emperor has much to rely on the duke for. And you are the duke¡¯s beloved daughter, so the emperor will naturally treat you differently.

    Li Yanyan¡¯s only response was a smile tinged with resignation and pride for backing from a strong family.

    At this time, a young eunuch reported from outside, ¡°Your Majesty, the emperor has returned to the pce.¡±

    Li Yanyan rose quickly. ¡°Hurry, get ready to receive His Majesty.¡±

    The eunuch hastily blurted out the rest of his message when he saw how excited the empress was. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the emperor has gone back to the Hall of Moral Cultivation. He says that you don¡¯t have to wait for him.¡±

    The empress¡¯ smile froze. It took a tremendous amount of effort to keep her disappointment under wraps and wave a demure hand instead. ¡°I see. You are dismissed.¡±

    Does he not even want to see me after visiting n¨¦e Qin¡­

    mes of jealousy threatened to set Li Yanyan on fire.

    News of the holy girl setting up an altar to petition the heavens was soon public knowledge.

    Grand Steward Zhong, a disguised Huzi, and Mu Jinghu in blue robes set off before the sun rose, making their way to the royal residence.

    They¡¯d thought that they¡¯d set off early, but a crowd was already gathered at the main doors when they arrived. It was apparent that these people hade even earlier.

    Just waiting around was quite boring, but they¡¯d lose their spots if they walked off. They could only converse lowly to pass the time and wait for the ceremony to begin.

    A slight drizzle started just past the hour of the dragon. It didn¡¯t grow heavier, but neither did it stop. It just continued on in irritating fashion.

    There was no ce to stay out of the rain, but everyone refused to leave. Thankfully it was the dead of summer, so a slight drizzle wasn¡¯t too unbearable.

    Time passed slowly until the main doors were open and someone called out, ¡°Everyone, don¡¯t push or shove. The same rules apply. Someone will repeat the holy girl¡¯s words, so it¡¯s all the same whether you¡¯re in the temple or not. Don¡¯t step on each other and don¡¯t barge into the holy girl¡­¡±

    Everyone was here to see how their holy girl would petition the heavens, so those at front set a frantic pace in. The ones at the back wanted a good spot as well. Steward Zhong, Huzi, and Mu Jinghu were jostled this way and that. Someone bumped their hats off and another tugged on their clothes. Huzi even came close to losing his fake mustache.

    The three spent a good deal of effort before securing a ce on the bridge. They could glimpse a hundred nuns sitting in a circle on the square in the distance. An altar and sacrifices were already set up.

 Chapter 252: Coincidence

    <h4>Chapter 252: Coincidence</h4>

    Taken aback at the scene, Huzi whispered, ¡°What a set up!¡±

    Steward Zhong felt an inexplicable sense of pride. ¡°Naturally.¡±

    The miss was someone who normally didn¡¯t make a fuss, but she stunned and amazed when she did decide do something. Now that she was a holy girl, she would be the best of holy girls.

    ¡°The hour has arrived!¡± Someone sang out, prompting ceremonial music to start.

    As the rain drizzled on, a Qin Yining d in snow-white chiffon slowly strode out from the inner hall, surrounded by eight nuns wearing gray. She was followed by the young emperor wearing golden robes with dragons soaring on them.

    The people knelt at the sight and called out loudly, ¡°Greetings to the emperor! May the emperor live ten thousand years! Long live the emperor!¡±

    Heroism blossomed in Weichi Yan¡¯s heart and he had the urge to pen an intrepid, dauntless poem for the nation. He raised a hand and looked down at Qin Yining.

    The girl was already standing in front of the brazier. She lit three sticks of incense and ced them within the brazier, making mystical finger gestures that she¡¯d just learned from a Taoist. Her slender, white fingers flew adroitly through them, deepening the sense of spirituality.

    What was most remarkable was that the sticks of incense burned at a speed visible to the naked eye. They were consumed in a quick moment.

    ¡°Disciple n¨¦e Qin greets the gods above and respectfully requests that the gods point out the true way!¡±

    Low chants of scripture from a hundred nuns started in unison after these words, rippling out in waves and imbuing further piousness to the asion.

    Huzi, Steward Zhong, and Mu Jinghu saw a white-d Qin Yining step forward and dance in mesmerizing unison with the eight nuns behind her. They brandished wide sleeves and shifted through oundish moves, raising their arms in the same arcs, turning and stepping in time. Qin Yining¡¯s skirts flew in the wind. She actually seemed like she might go flying away on the breeze.

    They honored the heavens and then the earth. The scene was so very strange, but also reverently beautiful.

    Huzi silently clucked his tongue. The future princess consort knows how to dance for the gods?

    And naturally, the people¡¯s high regard of their holy girl deepened even further. After seeing the quick burning of the incense and a beatific dance honoring the heavens, those in the crowd put their palms together and prayed.

    Afflicted by nerves, Qin Yining almost made the wrong steps a few times. Thankfully, she had a photographic memory, so she retained all of the moves, even though she¡¯d just learned the dance. Though stiff and unpracticed, none of the people knew any better, so her dance was still passable.

    She finally stumbled to the ending beats and the nine women touched their foreheads to the ground at the same time, kowtowing to the altar.

    Another nun off to the side lit a piece of paper with symbols scribbled on it, chanting an incantation as he did so.

    In the small drizzle, the paper burned more hotly than usual. Halfway through, a gust of wind swirled the rest upwards to finish reducing into ashes in the air. The scene seemed to indicate that the gods had indeed felt the people¡¯s sincerity.

    With a murmured reminder from a nun, Qin Yining rose and bowed. ¡°Many thanks for the heavenly pointers. This disciple is ovee with gratitude.¡±

    Sighs of relief filtered through the crowd. The people turned hopeful eyes to the altar.

    Having observed the entire process, images of Qin Yining¡¯s slender waist and dancing skirts still filled Weichi Yan¡¯s eyes. His heart was afire with passion.

    When Qin Yining rose, the hundred nuns parted to the sides, opening a walkway for the emperor. Weichi Yan strode down the red carpet, his eyes only on the girl.

    The people only saw the elegant poise of their young emperor in hushed conversation with the holy girl. The son of heaven was wreathed in smiles and the holy girl responding respectfully with lowered eyes. It was such a wondrous sight for sore eyes.

    Whispered conversations red up. ¡°The emperor is so handsome. He and the holy girl form such a perfect couple.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for us and the safety of the nation, the emperor would¡¯ve married the holy girl already.¡±

    ¡°And isn¡¯t that right. The holy girl was supposed to be the empress and can only spend the rest of her days in a temple because of us.¡± Opinions flew every which way. Everyone was immensely grateful to the emperor and holy girl and felt that they made a perfect couple.

    Steward Zhong basked in shared glory. His boss had more than enough talent to be the empress! Good on them for recognizing true value when they see it!

    Huzi however, was almost apoplectic with indignation.

    How can that moronpare with my master? And only Qin Yining is worthy of my master¡¯s knowledge and martial skill. He¡¯s a hero of the ages! Are these people blind or dumb?? They must be saying this because they¡¯ve never seen my master before!

    A cowardly, stupid emperor was enough to overawe them. If they saw Pang Xiao, wouldn¡¯t they fall to their knees to worship a god??

    Weichi Yan and Qin Yining were actually just chit-chatting.

    ¡°You dance very prettily. We didn¡¯t know you even knew how to dance.¡± Weichi Yan¡¯s volume was as loud as a mosquito¡¯s.

    Qin Yining breathed back, ¡°In response to Your Majesty, that wasn¡¯t a dance. I don¡¯t know how to dance and was forced to do this by the circumstances.¡±

    ¡°Why did the incense burn so quickly?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s special incense we bought from jianghu conmen. It¡¯s supposed to burn that quickly and is perfect for special asions like these.¡±

    Just as the two spoke, the drizzle that¡¯d precipitated for an hour slowly halted. The sky cleared up as breezy winds shifted the thunderclouds away, and even a rainbow arched through the firmament.

    Qin Yining and Weichi Yan raised their heads to look nkly at the rainbow.

    Qin Yining: This rainbow has some really good timing!

    Weichi Yan: It looks like Qin Yining really can protect the nation¡¯s fortunes. Everything she takes cares of is handled smoothly. The rainbow in the sky is a sign that the heavens show her favor.

    Everyone in the crowd was beaming happily. What was a most natural phenomenon after the rain glowed and glittered in the people¡¯s eyes.

    Qin Yining took a few steps back and stood next to the nuns. This was Weichi Yan¡¯s cue to start his part of the show.

    He called out, ¡°My people. Master Xuan Su has already told Us of what the heavens have said. We will take action ording to the heavenly words and will resolve the issue of food for everyone!¡±

    Joy seized the crowd and some even cried with emotion. Foreheads touched the ground. ¡°Long live the emperor!¡±

    Weichi Yan returned to the hall as the imperial guards and bodyguards directed traffic out of the temple.

    Having found new hope, the people left happily. A coincidental rainbow after the rain pushed the altar ceremony to new heights of sanctity.

    As soon as they exited the temple, Mu Jinghu announced, ¡°I won¡¯t be going back with you. I¡¯m going to keep my promise. That emperor is still very infatuated with the fox¡¯s wife, so be careful.¡±

    Huzi raised a cupped fist salute to Mu Jinghu. ¡°Many thanks to Sir Mu.¡±

    Mu Jinghu responded in kind and vanished into the crowd.

    Steward Zhong and Huzi left together, and the bustling square slowly returned to a peaceful quiet.

    Meanwhile, Li Yanyan, an observer of the entire situation, stopped with a deep frown and balled up fists. She didn¡¯t even noticed when her nails dug into her hand.

 Chapter 253: Arrival of the Empress (I)

    <h4>Chapter 253: Arrival of the Empress (I)</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan and the Duke of An, Li Mian, had been waiting for a while in the main hall. Both walked up to make their greetings to the emperor when Weichi Yan and Qin Yining entered the room.

    Weichi Yan was still immersed in the excitement of a mass of docilemoners and auspicious phenomenon from the skies. The recent dejection that¡¯d hung over him due to the missing silver had been swept away. He waved an easy hand andmanded lightheartedly, ¡°You may rise.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty.¡± Both men rose and took a few steps back.

    Weichi Yan turned back to look at Qin Yining and thanked gently, ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to you that the heavens imparted positive phenomenon today.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry.

    A rainbow after the rain was the most natural thing ever. How did it turn into some good sign for the emperor? He was really being too superstitious.

    The girl sank to her knees. ¡°This subject would never dare. The heavens sent an auspicious sign because the son of heaven is in Great Yan. I am just a girl and Your Majesty knows as well that I know nothing of the mystic arts. Everything I did today was pure show. How would I be able tomand the heavens to send good fortune?¡±

    Describing everything she¡¯d done today as pure show sent Weichi Yan into heartyughter. His affection for the girl reached new heights.

    Even if she felt nothing for him, she was loyal to her liege. She didn¡¯t leverage the status of a ¡®holy girl¡¯, one that the people had bestowed onto her, to trick anything out of him. Instead, she¡¯d told him the truth early on. She¡¯d told him what was real and what was purely to keep the people calm.

    For a newly ascended emperor like Weichi Yan, Qin Yining¡¯s honesty, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s unparalleled stratagems, the Prince of Ning¡¯s willingness to sacrifice himself for his country, and the Duke of An¡¯s genuine sincerity were his greatest backing.

    With those in hand, it was the first time since taking the throne that Weichi Yan felt that he wasn¡¯t alone, that he could vie with Great Zhou and put up a good fight.

    ¡°No matter what, you¡¯ve aplished a great deed today. You¡¯ve helped Us calm the people and thought of a way to resolve the food shortage crisis. Tell Us, what should you be rewarded with, hmm?¡± Weichi Yan helped the girl up with both hands, his tone warm and light. He drew out the ending note of his response, infusing it with a few degrees of pampering.

    The Duke of An lowered his head, his ears twitching.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked down with a frown and no reaction.

    Qin Yining took two steps back and made the bow of a Taoist nun. ¡°Your Majesty bestowing Xuan Su Temple onto me is already favor enough. I wouldn¡¯t dare ask for more.¡±

    It¡¯s favor enough that you didn¡¯t force me into a marriage and let me live quietly in this residence!

    Weichi Yan didn¡¯t hear the double meaning to her words at all. He smiled. ¡°We must carefully ponder what to grant you. Mundane gifts of gold and silver are simply too crass.¡±

    Qin Yining lowered her head, itching to burst out with: I¡¯m an ordinary person. If you really must give me something, give me crass gold then!

    Obviously that couldn¡¯t be said. She could only continuously retreat and minimize her existence.

    Weichi Yan¡¯s admiring gaze lingered for a moment longer before turning back to the men. ¡°Elder Statesman, beloved subject Qin, let¡¯s return to the pce to discuss important matters.¡±

    ¡°We hear and obey.¡±

    The emperor cast another fond look at the Qin fourth miss before leaving with everyone.

    Qin Yining sent them off with a respectful bow. Still maintaining the bearing of a Taoist master, she left the grand hall with Jiyun and Qiulu. She responded with a polite incline of the head to each nun that greeted her along the way.

    Only after the trio climbed the long staircase, passed the flower-hung gate, and set foot into the rear hall halfway up the mountain did Qin Yining heave a long sigh. Taut back muscles could finally rx and she murmured, ¡°It¡¯s finally over.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. We made it through in the end.¡± Jiyun and Qiulu were also covered in nervous sweat.

    The three were about to change their clothes when a guard from outside piped in. ¡°Reporting to the honored master, a noble guest has arrived.¡±

    Qin Yining stopped from disrobing. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°In response to the honored master, the noble guest isn¡¯t allowing this servant to raise a fuss and requests that the master step out in wee.¡±

    A ¡®noble guest¡¯ who could make an imperial guard tremble and hold his tongue...

    Qin Yining had several guesses of her own and quickly went downstairs, kneeling in the middle of the square. She called out crisply, ¡°This subject respectfully wees Your Majesty!¡±

    Li Yanyan had been waiting around the corner with Li-mama, head maids Yuegui and Yueji, head eunuch Liu Bao, and a dozen other pce servants. She¡¯d refused toe in until Qin Yining personally came out to wee her in.

    ording to Li-mama and Liu Bao¡¯s notions, the wench would feel immensely guilty given her shameful rtions with the emperor. The guard hadn¡¯t been allowed to divulge their identities so they could have a good show of how guilty the Qin wench¡¯s expression would be when she saw the empress.

    But who knew this person would be so smart as to kneel far away from them?

    Did the guard tell her? Li Yanyan red severely at the guard.

    Qin Yining however, quickly rescued him. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this subject guessed your identity first and wanted to wee your august self from here.¡±

    The guard cast a grateful look before backing away.

    Li Yanyan smiled, but a sharp light glinted in her eyes. The Qin fourth miss¡¯ empathy was actually a way to buy hearts. She looked quite like a fairy in her otherworldly garb of white. Whenever the empress thought of the harmonious pair of Qin Yining and the emperor in the square, and how the people described them as a match made in heaven, Li Yanyan felt that she was on a spit being turned over a fire.

    She and the emperor were the loving, married couple! If Qin Yining and the emperor were a match made in heaven, what did that make Li Yanyan?

    ¡°You may rise.¡± Her tone was icily cold as the empress controlled her temper with a great deal of effort, so that she didn¡¯t descend into shrieking and crying in front of the Qin fourth miss.

    As for Qin Yining, she was on pins and needles given the re that the empress was levying. Every muscle in her body was tightly tensed. The empress was exuding hostility that was even stronger than that from the wild beasts in the mountains.

    Though the two hadn¡¯t been close before, they didn¡¯t exactly hate each other either. Who knew Li Yanyan woulde bearing so much enmity the next time the two met?

    Given how sensitive Qin Yining was, she immediately guessed the reason why. If she¡¯d married Pang Xiao, but he had someone else on his mind all the time, she¡¯d probably want to kill someone herself. With that in mind, it was a disy of a wondrous upbringing that Li Yanyan could maintain such a gracious demeanor.

    All the same, Qin Yining felt quite aggrieved that she¡¯d be the temptress in someone else¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining rose and respectfully moved to the side, showing humility and obedience. ¡°The day is very hot, will you move indoors for a cup of tea, Your Majesty?¡±

    Li Yanyan was actually only further angered by such an attitude. Look at that! It¡¯s obvious she¡¯s feeling guilty with how polite she¡¯s being.

    When one was prejudiced against another, there was nothing that thetter could do right.

    Li Yanyan entered the hall with a frosty expression, nked by Li-mama and Head Enuch Liu Bao. The two pce servants cast contemptuous side nces when they passed the Qin fourth miss, as if they¡¯d glimpsed some disgusting trash.

    This shook the girl. I don¡¯t think things will go well today.

 Chapter 254: Arrival of the Empress (II)

    <h4>Chapter 254: Arrival of the Empress (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining trailed behind the empress, shooting a surreptitious look to Qiulu when she reached the tform in front of the hall¡¯s doors.

    The maid nked, then slowed understandingly and backed away quietly. When the party had entered the building, she made quick time to the flower-hung gate in search of the four guards that Qin Huaiyuan had left.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining was personally serving the empress tea. She smiled amiably. ¡°We only have some Dragon Well tea leaves from before the rains. They naturally can¡¯t hold a candle to the ones plucked from the first shoots. I hope you don¡¯t mind, Your Majesty.¡±

    Li Yanyan epted the simple, white teacup and ced it carelessly on the eight-sided table next to her. d with protective gold fingernails, she picked up the teacup lid with her right hand and toyed idly with it, sizing up Qin Yining with hostile intent.

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re having a good time here. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be praying on behalf of the nation? Why aren¡¯t you wholeheartedly devoted to your practice, and instead have effort to spare for thinking of whether this tea is from the first shoots or before the rains?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s smile faded and she responded gently. ¡°One still has to live even if one follows the dao. If drinking tea impacted one¡¯s path, our forebears would¡¯ve long since forbidden the practice of tea. Or does Your Majesty feel that nuns and monks shouldn¡¯t drink tea?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a glib tongue.¡± The lid slid from the empress¡¯ grasp and fell crisply onto the teacup, sshing a few drops of liquid onto the back of the empress¡¯ hand. ¡°This tea is too hot. This seat doesn¡¯t have the divine body that Master Xuan Su has. I can¡¯t protect the nation¡¯s fortunes and therefore, have no way to protect myself. I can¡¯t enjoy such hot tea like you can.¡±

    The look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes turned cold. That cup of tea had been at a perfect temperature. It looks like the empress really does hate my guts.

    A smile still hung on the Qin fourth miss¡¯ face, but she retracted her exceedingly polite attitude. She could tell that even if she gave way, that would have no effect on the empress¡¯ impression of her at all. Therefore, there was no need to show any more signs of weakness. She wasn¡¯t an easy target to be kicked around at someone¡¯s whims. She was a Qin daughter and wouldn¡¯t stand for this!

    ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s admonishments are so very true.¡± Qin Yining spoke slowly, her words suffused with mockery. ¡°This subject doesn¡¯t understand tea dao and didn¡¯t think that my tea would be found wanting. It looks like we should stick with what¡¯s appropriate for our station. Tea brewing should remain with the maids.¡± She turned back to Jiyun. ¡°Go and serve a fresh pot of tea for Her Majesty.¡±

    Jiyun assented with a smile and busied herself with serving a new pot of tea to a livid Li Yanyan.

    What does she mean by that?! Is she cursing that I was blind to her kind intentions or mocking that my character is unfit for the throne? The empress¡¯ expression had frozen over. And where does she get such arrogance from? From being spoiled by the emperor, of course!

    ¡°So you¡¯re afraid to serve this seat just because I said that the tea is too hot? It looks like you neither know the art of tea, but you¡¯ve even forgotten your manners.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty speaks rightly. In this servant¡¯s eyes, Master Xuan Su really doesn¡¯t know the proper rules and manners. It hasn¡¯t been long since she¡¯s returned home.¡± Head Eunuch Liu Bao smirked. ¡°After all, there used to be rumors about Master Xuan Su and Great Zhou¡¯s little Prince Pang being a couple! Prince Pang addressed the honorable master¡¯s mother as his mother-inw ¡ª in broad public! And gifted an enormously valuable park to Master Xuan Su. If a woman really did understand rules and manners, would she ept such an expensive present?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. She¡¯s just a pretty face.¡± Li-mama snorted. ¡°She¡¯s not a proper noble daughter who grew up by her parents¡¯ side. What kind of good rearing can we expect from her?¡±

    Li Yanyan burst outughing at all this and asked curiously, ¡°Are you still in contact with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank?¡±

    A question with such an obvious answer was just further jeering. No matter how close the rumored couple had been before, any contact now would be treasonous. Not to mention, Qin Yining had been forced to be a nun. Thoughymen nuns could marry, it still wasn¡¯t a good thing for a woman to contact a man.

    Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°It looks like Your Majesty is of a mind to stroll around the great hall today. However, I am quite exhausted after praying to the heavens andmuning with the gods. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t keep Your Majestypany, so please do as you see fit.¡±

    She curtsied with that and headed upstairs. Jiyun also put down her serving tter and followed closely behind.

    Finally unable to hold her temper in any longer, Li Yanyan mmed her hand on the table and shot to her feet. ¡°Qin Yining! Stop right there!¡±

    Qin Yining halted but didn¡¯t look back. ¡°Does Your Majesty have further instructions to give?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so presumptuous only because you have the emperor¡¯s backing! Aren¡¯t you afraid of being smited by the heavens by trying to seduce His Majesty while you practice here?!¡±

    The Qin fourth miss finally looked back calmly at the empress. Li Yanyan was halted in her tracks by the frigid stare.

    ¡°Your Majesty is a well-raised noble daughter at the end of the day. You know full well what¡¯s going on. Why do you degrade your noble self with such a fuss over things?¡±

    Such a nomittally delivered line was a mountain of pressure for Li Yanyan. She did know full well that it was unrequited love on the emperor¡¯s side. If Qin Yining had wanted to be empress, there would¡¯ve been nothing Li Yanyan could¡¯ve done.

    But how could she just look on while her husband yearned after another? She couldn¡¯t mouth a word of rebuke when the emperor favored Gu Chang. Gu Chang was an imperial consort after all, one of the emperor¡¯s concubines.

    But what was Qin Yining, huh? Just a mistress at most!

    As the proper, official wife, Li Yanyan could suffer her husband sleeping with a concubine, but she would never ept her husband keeping a mistress outside!

    ¡°So you say I shouldn¡¯t degrade my identity as the empress?¡± Li Yanyan muttered through grit teeth. ¡°Servants, n¨¦e Qin has offended me with a disy of insubordination. Take her.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Some of the young eunuchs the empress had brought knew a bit of martial arts. They dashed forward to arrest the Qin fourth miss.

    Jiyun immediately hopped out in front, pushing the eunuchs away with a few moves and exhortations. ¡°This is a ce for quiet meditation and practice that the emperor himself has bestowed. Please reconsider whatever you¡¯d like to do, Your Majesty.¡±

    Burning with the mes of anger, thest thing Li Yanyan wanted to hear was someone pulling rank on her by mentioning the emperor. Not only was she not afraid of what Jiyun said, but her fury red even brighter instead.

    ¡°Well, well! You dare have your maids openly lecture me. Servants, arrest them all!¡±

    The guards that she¡¯d left outside wanted to rush in, but the reinforcements that Qiulu had summoned and the imperial guards on duty blocked them all.

    The two sides had swords unsheathed, violence ready to explode at any time.

    Within the hall, Jiyun was still standing in front of her mistress, refusing to give way to the empress.

    ¡°To think that this is how the royal family bullies the weak!¡± Qin Yining denounced coldly. ¡°Does Your Majesty p these crimes on me today for a personal grudge, or does House Li have the desire to turn traitor?¡±

    ¡°How dare you nder my family!¡± This riposte panicked the empress. Her family couldn¡¯t afford such an usation!

    ¡°If your family doesn¡¯t have treasonous intentions, why does Your Majesty look like you want to rip me apart? Have you forgotten why I¡¯m here? Do you not care about the nation¡¯s fortunes at all in your desire to hurt me?¡±

    Li Yanyan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Feverish with anger, her mind finally calmed down.

    Seeing the empress remain dumbly where she was, Qin Yining sneered. ¡°Your Majesty, a brain is a wonderful thing. Remember to bring it with you next time you leave home.¡± She turned and went upstairs without another nce back.

 Chapter 255: Returning Home (I)

    <h4>Chapter 255: Returning Home (I)</h4>

    Li Yanyan almost broke a tooth in how hard she was gnashing her teeth. She red viciously at Qin Yining¡¯s back, wishing ardently that she could have someone drag the Qin fourth miss out and caned to death!

    But she couldn¡¯t afford the title of ¡°Li traitors¡±, so she didn¡¯t dare do anything. Setting a toe wrong would make her the viin that threw the nation¡¯s fortunes to the winds.

    ¡°So you making an enemy out of me today is also the Qins throwing down the gauntlet with the Lis?¡± Li Yanyan trotted forward, looking up at the girl on the staircase and tried to dish out simr treatment.

    Qin Yining responded with slowing down or turning her head. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it Your Majesty visiting me today to make trouble?¡± She¡¯d reached the second floor and casually closed the door to the staircase.

    Li Yanyan went beet red, but it was unknown whether that was from anger or embarrassment.

    The exchange infuriated Li-mama and she made to charge upstairs, cursing loudly as she dashed forward. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a shameless hussy! She seduces the emperor while she walks the path of dao and shows such spoiled disregard to the empress! It would be a blow to good aristocratic upraising if this wench is allowed to live!¡±

    A vein throbbed in Jiyun¡¯s forehead when she heard the insults. She blocked the way to the stairs and pushed the charging granny servant back.

    ¡°Keep a civil tongue, mama! Since when did my miss be someone else¡¯s mistress? The honorable master is born of a lofty family and is a proper noble daughter. She resides here on imperial orders. Are you doubting the Soothsayer¡¯s fortune or His Majesty¡¯s judgment with this nder?¡±

    ¡°Listen to these slippery words. Like mistress, like servant! The dogs she keeps are different from other vermin alright!¡± Li-mama spat at Jiyun¡¯s face.

    But Jiyun knew martial arts, how would she ever let this old woman spit on her? She dodged adroitly and responded heatedly, ¡°My mistress just set up an altar to pray to the gods and summoned an auspicious sign from the heavens. She did so for Great Yan and the imperial family. So the empress is throwing someone away after using them andes calling to bully us to boot! Is this Your Majesty¡¯s intentions or the emperor¡¯s??¡±

    ¡°Who the hell are you to question this seat?!¡± Li Yanyan flung a p. So she couldn¡¯t punish the mistress, but she could damn well punish the maid!

    Jiyun could have dodged it easily, but a sudden thought urred to her and she turned to lean into the p. However, she evaded the empress¡¯ two pure gold nail guards so that her face wouldn¡¯t be marred.

    A solid p rang out crisply, echoing in the empty residence.

    The door to the staircase was pushed aside and Qin Yining frantically stumbled downstairs. She pulled Jiyun behind her and met Li Yanyan¡¯s eyes. ¡°Your Majesty, it looks like you¡¯re here today solely to make trouble and raid my house!¡±

    The empress actually couldn¡¯t find it within herself to meet Qin Yining¡¯s intimidating look. Only the dignity of an empress and a belly full of hate and envy kept her standing. She doubled down. ¡°As the mother of the nation, this seat naturally needs to be an example for all women in thends. Your loose and licentious behavior is an affront to women everywhere!¡±

    ¡°Is that so.¡± Qin Yining intoned. ¡°Since I am such a picture of disgrace in Your Majesty¡¯s eyes, I am unworthy of continuing my practice here. Servants, run a quick report into the pce and ask the emperor for immediate permission to return to the Qin Manor.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± A guard outside responded and took off. It was the one that the Qin fourth miss had helped earlier.

    This development nted seeds of panic in Li Yanyan¡¯s heart. She knew that her husband liked the girl. If he put in an appearance, he would certainly be on Qin Yining¡¯s side. But now that things were this way, wouldn¡¯t it be aplete loss of face if she retreated? It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve done anything wrong!

    Qin Yining pulled Jiyun away to apply some medicine to the maid¡¯s cheek, leaving the brightly lit hall to the empress¡¯ entourage. When they were a short distance away, Li-mama murmured worriedly next to the empress¡¯ ear, ¡°Your Majesty, if this blows up, the emperor might be angry when he learns of it. Why don¡¯t we go back first?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything wrong, why must I leave?¡± The tears swimming in Li Yanyan¡¯s eyes finally spilled over.

    Pained, the granny servant dabbed at the tears with a handkerchief. ¡°But Your Majesty, that wench is good with words. She might paint right into wrong and push all the me onto us. You¡¯ve only just concluded your wedding with the emperor. Making him unhappy would only affect your rtionship. That¡¯ll just benefit the shameless trollop.¡±

    Li Yanyan sniffled. She felt much better after crying and was much calmer.

    ¡°I understand what you¡¯re saying. Don¡¯t worry, she¡¯ll be in for it if she dares say anything against me!¡±

    Upon discerning that her mistress wanted to wait for an imperial decree, the granny servant hastily interjected, ¡°Why don¡¯t we avoid the edge of the de, Your Majesty? She¡¯s right here. There will be plenty of chances to teach her a lesson in the future.¡±

    Hesitation had indeed crept in for the empress. She was rethinking her decision to venture into the tiger¡¯sir today. As the empress, visiting a subject to exchange verbal barbs both cheapened herself and gave others something to criticize her with.

    There were plenty of other methods at her disposal if she wanted to kill Qin Yining. She could use poison, send assassins, or any manner of underhanded ways. Why had shee in broad daylight to announce to everyone that she didn¡¯t like Qin Yining?

    No wonder her mother had warned her again and again before the wedding to never act on her impulses, to always meet any situation with calm maturity. Just look at the enormous opening she¡¯d given with her actions!

    The more Li Yanyan thought about this, the more flustered she grew. The uncontroble fury from earlier was gone and she nodded slowly. ¡°Evading the edge of the de to take resolute actionter is a good strategy as well.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Li-mama raised her voice. ¡°Your Majesty, since you¡¯re feeling unwell, why not let this servant help you back to the pce first?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Li Yanyan took the granny servant¡¯s arm and departed with her entourage. However, she crossed paths with someone unexpected.

    ¡°Your¡ªYour Majesty?¡± She stood dumbly where she was, looking at the freshly returned Weichi Yan and had absolutely no idea what to say.

    Li-mama¡¯s tug on her hand reminded the empress to kneel in greeting. ¡°This subject greets Your Majesty.¡±

    Weichi Yan stood with his hands behind his back and didn¡¯t tell his wife to rise. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Pain twisted Li Yanyan¡¯s heart when she heard this, but she smoothed a gentle and docile expression over her face. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, I heard there were great happenings today at the residence and came here specifically to see how younger sister Qin would pray to the heavens.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Then what have you seen?¡± Weichi Yan looked down coldly at her.

    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m slow and dense. I only came to visit younger sister Qin.¡±

    ¡°Your supposed visit is to blockade someone at their door, question her ability, and doubt Our judgement? It looks like the Duke of An hasn¡¯t spent enough effort educating his daughter.¡±

    Li Yanyan plunged into an icy abyss. She raised her head to look incredulously at Weichi Yan. This kind of censure was even more humiliating than being pped!

    By the side room, Qin Yining and Jiyun had been kneeling for a long time. Weichi Yan looked over with a frown and reached out to help her up, but Qin Yining scooted backwards on the ground. ¡°Your Majesty, please allow this subject to live!¡±

 Chapter 256: Returning Home (I)

    <h4>Chapter 256: Returning Home (I)</h4>

    Weichi Yan¡¯s outstretched hand froze in mid air. He was stooped over, looking down at the top of the girl¡¯s head in front of him. His heart was especially heavy as he gazed at her inky ck locks. It was even heavier than when he¡¯d learned of his father hiding the tax grain and national silver.

    He¡¯d finally thought of a solution that neatly resolved everything and ced her where he could easily see her. Were all his efforts to be rendered useless in the end?

    When he¡¯d left with Qin Huaiyuan and the Duke of An, visions of hermuning with the gods had repeated endlessly in his mind. He couldn¡¯t wait for some alone time with her, so he sent the two men away with a random excuse halfway through and swung back around.

    Who knew that he¡¯d run into one of the imperial guards carrying a message before he made it back to the residence?

    His heart sank after understanding the ins and outs of the situation. However, his primary concern wasn¡¯t how to punish the interfering empress; it was a frantic brainstorm how to calm Qin Yining down and convince her to stay.

    But her reaction like a bird startled by the merest twang of a bow truly did send him into disarray.

    ¡°What are you doing, Yi¡¯er? Who¡¯s not letting you live? You...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Qin Yining backed up once again and kowtowed. ¡°If Your Majesty refuses to allow me to live, then please bestow a bolt of white silk for me to hang myself with.¡±

    ¡°What kind of talk is this? Do get up first.¡± Weichi Yan stubbornly wanted to help Qin Yining up.

    The girl scooted backwards again and remained nted into the ground. ¡°Your Majesty, I am very grateful to receive Xuan Su Temple. I am also exceedingly happy to be able to do something for my country. However, long term residence here will only give rise to certain spections.¡±

    ¡°Who does specte about you? Who dares pass around wild rumors? We will have their head! Don¡¯t be like this. Stand up first, alright?¡± Weichi Yan stooped down to the girl¡¯s level when he saw that he was unable to convince her to stand.

    But the Qin fourth miss still refused to look at him and kept to her kneeling position. ¡°Your Majesty, please allow this subject to return home to further walk the path of dao. Your subject was once a candidate for empress. There will certainly be those who think that we have an unspeakable rtionship. This was once a royal residence, after all. It¡¯s very close to the pce.

    ¡°Though we arepletely innocent with nothing between us, there will be those who say that Your Majesty has done all this to make it easier to reach me. If Your Majesty¡¯s character is gossiped about, then even my death ten thousand times over wouldn¡¯t be enough to wash clean of that crime!¡±

    Anguished, Weichi Yan¡¯s gaze flitted past Qin Yining and alighted on Jiyun, who was kneeling behind her mistress. The maid was sniffling and her cheek red and swollen. The sight stoked the fires of anger again.

    ording to the guard, the empress and Qin Yining had shed with each other just now. If it hadn¡¯t been for the maid loyally protecting her mistress, wouldn¡¯t it be Qin Yining who¡¯d been pped?

    The emperor red resentfully at Li Yanyan.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining was still speaking. ¡°I was struck with disaster when young and have just reunited with my family. But since I¡¯vee home, we¡¯ve been hit with trouble after trouble. I spend more time apart from my parents than with them. Being unable to perform my filial duties by their side is my greatest distress and difficulty. Your Majesty, you know best just how much actual ability this subject has. I¡¯ve never hidden anything from you, so please show mercy and allow me to return home to practice.¡±

    Absolute pain gripped Weichi Yan¡¯s heart when he thought of Qin Yining¡¯s circumstances, but he really couldn¡¯t bear to let her go. Once she went home, it would be easier for him to touch the skies than for the two to meet again, and it would be absolutely impossible for the two to meet privately like this.

    But when he looked at the swollen cheek of the maid next to her, thought of her high birth and dignity, and what¡¯d happened in her childhood, Weichi Yan really didn¡¯t have the heart to subject her to such wild rumors on top of everything.

    As someone by his side, even the empress suspected that Qin Yining was his illicit mistress. What about those who didn¡¯t know him at all? Would they think that rtions between the two of them were even more sordid?

    Weichi Yan felt knives stab his heart. ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Please approve my request, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining kowtowed.

    Weichi Yan pursed his lips and closed his eyes. He thought through much in that split second. He thought of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s stratagems, Qin Yining¡¯s intelligence, the aplishments that the Qins had made for the government, and how resolute Qin Yining¡¯s rejection had been that day in the pce.

    In terms of open and aboveboard avenues, there was no hope for anything to develop between the two of them. His heart had then turned to cherishing a dream that she¡¯d change her mind and give him a chance to pursue her.

    But now it looked like even this simple wish would nevere true, and it was his new empress that¡¯d made things this way.

    ¡°Forget it, forget it.¡± Weichi Yan sat down dejectedly. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. We permit you to return home. Be ayman Taoist at home. Xuan Su Temple will remain yours ¡ª the fires of worship here will burn ever brighter. If you want, you cane back for a stay anytime. We... we will no longerpel you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart could finally settle back down.

    She hadn¡¯t wanted to do all this, but Li Yanyan hade with ill intentions that were impossible to reconcile. When faced with someone hostile to her, the Qin fourth miss felt no guilt at all in making a mountain out of a molehill.

    When she¡¯d seen the empress increasingly lose her temper, Qin Yining had furthered things along with provocative words. This way, Weichi Yan would finally let her go amidst a mixture of guilt and anger.

    As for how the emperor would punish his new wife, well, he wouldn¡¯t do anything to her if he had the slightest bit of a brain left. With the Prince of Ning heavily injured, the only one who could lead the armies against Great Zhou was Li Yanyan¡¯s father, the Duke of An.

    It wasn¡¯t the thing to do to ask the duke fight the war, but punish his daughter.

    Seeing that the emperor had finally softened his stance and voiced the ambiguous ¡°will no longerpel you¡±, Qin Yining gave a proper kowtow. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty¡¯s kindness.¡±

    Weichi Yan felt his heart bleed. He could be kind and allow Qin Yining¡¯s request, but who could show him the same kindness?

    He whipped his head back furiously to re at the culprit of this situation. He really wanted to choke Li Yanyan to death!

    With Eunuch Lu helping him up, Weichi Yan was about to speak when someone hurriedly ran in from outside. Thumping to their knees, the servant kowtowed with tears streaming down his face. ¡°Your Majesty! The Prince of Ning! He¡¯s... he¡¯s... no more!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± The room dimmed before Weichi Yan¡¯s eyes as he stumbled backwards. It was thanks to Lu-gonggong¡¯s quick reaction prevented his master from crashing to the ground.

    Deep grief settled in after iprehensible shock, given Weichi Yan¡¯s deep rtionship with the prince. Tears streamed down his face.

    ¡°Royal uncle, royal uncle, it¡¯s all my fault!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, please be mindful of your health!¡± Lu-gonggong spoke through his tears.

    The adverse tidings had drained the color from Qin Yining¡¯s face. When she thought of the hot-blooded man that was the Prince of Ning, grief welled up and she too started crying.

    ¡°Ready the horses, We go to Ning Manor immediately!¡± Weichi Yan paid no attention to Li Yanyan as he stumbled his way outside.

    The empress was hot on his heels with Li-mama and Liu Bao¡¯s support.

    Qin Yining wiped at her eyes with her sleeves.

    ¡°Miss, do you want to Ning Manor as well?¡± Jiyun asked.

    The Qin fourth miss pursed her lips and shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate for me to go at this time. Those gathered at the manor are family and royal rtives. I need to follow father¡¯s arrangements if I want to express my condolences.¡±

    Jiyun nodded. Though she was from Great Zhou, she quite respected valiant heroes with moral integrity. As she watched her mistress wipe away tears, she thought of the fact that the prince had been harmed by Pang Xiao. The guard grew uneasy again, wanting to say something, but not sure what she could say.

    Qin Yining sighed to see the guard thus. ¡°War is war. There will be casualties as soon as it begins. Pang Zhixi and the Prince of Ning were on opposing sides, so I knew this day woulde sooner orter. If it wasn¡¯t the prince, it¡¯d be Pang Zhixi. It was Pang Zhixi who came off better in the exchange this time. If he had...¡±

    She tilted her head back in sucked in a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m still selfish after all.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think so much, miss.¡± Qiuluforted gently off to the side. ¡°You¡¯re just a girl at the end of the day. There was nothing you could¡¯ve done here. Let men take care of their business.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°What else can I do other than that?¡±

 Chapter 257: Meeting

    <h4>Chapter 257: Meeting</h4>

    Mistress and servants packed their scant belongings and left the royal residence. The Elite Tigers that Pang Xiao had sent were already waiting outside with Mu Jinghu. After they bid farewell to the imperial guards, the group departed via a side door and took a shortcut to the Qin Manor.

    After an absence of a fortnight, not much looked different with the manor ¡ª other than some craftsman working on the charred remains of parts of the inner residence.

    When Qin Yining¡¯s carriage arrived at the main door, a runner quick on his feet sped into the inner residence to pass on the word.

    On the way back, Jiyun had quietly advised Qin Yining that the four additional guards were actually Elite Tigers that Pang Xiao had sent specifically to protect her. The knowledge delighted the fourth miss, but she quickly berated herself when she thought of how their nations were at war and the Prince of Ning had just died.

    However, life went on, and she had to consider her own happiness as well.

    She¡¯d adjusted her mood when she alighted from the carriage and turned back to smile at the Elite Tigers. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, why don¡¯t you return home with me and I¡¯ll see to living quarters for you all?¡±

    The leader of the four offered a cupped fist salute and murmured, ¡°In response to the miss, we probably shouldn¡¯t enter the manor with you. We¡¯ll have more freedom outside and find it easier to go about our business.¡±

    ¡°I understand. You can go to the Cloudsoar Inn. I¡¯ll tell Grand Steward Zhong to look after your room and board, as well as all other expenses during this period.¡±

    The beautiful future princess consort¡¯s ways greatly appealed to the four and they grew even more respectful towards Qin Yining.

    ¡°We thank the princess consort.¡±

    A blush exploded onto Qin Yining¡¯s face when she heard this, but she pretended to keep her calm. ¡°You are dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The four bowed and left with their horses.

    Mu Jinghu was confused when he saw Qin Yining¡¯s reddened face and neck. ¡°That¡¯s weird, they didn¡¯t use the wrong title, so what are you blushing about?¡±

    The man¡¯s straightforward and socially awkward nature had long since been known, but Qin Yining still felt shy when she heard this. She ignored him and entered the manor.

    Blinking confusedly, Mu Jinghu headed inside as well, for his room in the outer residence.

    N¨¦e Sun was already standing outside in wee along with Jin-mama, the eighth miss, and Qin Huining.

    ¡°My daughter!¡± N¨¦e Sun beamed delightedly when she saw Qin Yining. She rushed up to envelope the girl in her arms. ¡°You¡¯re finally back! Are you able to stay at home for good this time?¡±

    ¡°Mother.¡± Qin Yining rested her cheek on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s shoulder and nuzzled the older woman¡¯s neck. ¡°The emperor¡¯s allowed me to return to practice at home. The days must¡¯ve been hard for you?¡±

    There had been plenty of fights and arguments between n¨¦e Sun and the old dowager during this period of time. Though it seemed that the Qins were much more unified after a great disaster, the old dowager had reverted to her usual self after time washed away grief and peace filled the days again. N¨¦e Sun was once again irritation itself.

    Add to that her support of Qin Yining being the emperor¡¯s mistress, n¨¦e Sun had lost further hope in her mother-inw¡¯s character. The two bared teeth and exchanged verbal barbs whenever they met. The Qin matriarch was growing ever oppressive, punishing n¨¦e Sun for this and that everyday.

    With her daughter absent from home, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s forbearance grew by leaps and bounds. The thought of not wanting others to look down on her kept her going through the days. But now that her daughter had returned, n¨¦e Sun teared up when hearing such sweet words.

    ¡°Not at all, not at all. It¡¯s a great fortune that our entire family is together and well. What hardships can there be?¡±

    It was easy enough for Qin Yining to imagine how her mother had suffered through the days. She snuggled cutely into the woman¡¯s embrace.

    Off to the side, the eighth miss looked at them with a slight smile. Though she dearly missed the departed official wife of her family branch and her own mother, and quite envied that Qin Yining still had a mother that she could hold, she wished both of them well from the bottom of her heart.

    Qin Huining however, had a wooden expression on her face.

    That embrace had once been hers, and that mother had been hers too. But now she had nothing, and Qin Yining had everything.

    Qin Yining hadn¡¯t even nced at her after walking through the doors.

    The fourth miss was now renowned through thends. She was in apletely different world from Qin Huining. The foster girl didn¡¯t even have the right to be Qin Yining¡¯s opponent, because opponents had to at least be on equal footing.

    Was it possible for her to ever be on the same level as Qin Yining again?

    She was treading on thin ice in the family because of what¡¯d happened with the sixth miss. Yes, she¡¯d pushed the sixth miss to take the de in that moment of life and death, but there was no way that Qin Huining believed she was the only person who¡¯d ever do something like that.

    If the others had been in her position and surroundings, surely they too would¡¯ve tried to do something for themselves!

    Who knew how much they celebrated or gloated over living through that catastrophe? And here they were, faulting her!

    As these thoughts swirled through the foster girl¡¯s mind, the others were already headed for the Garden of Loving Piety. Qin Yining was holding n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm and chatting with the eighth miss on her other side.

    Having been ignored and left behind, Qin Huining could only bite her lower lip and catch up to the group.

    ¡°This granddaughter greets Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining knelt docilely when she saw the matriarch.

    The old dowager looked back merrily at her. ¡°Hurry and rise. It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back.¡±

    ¡°The days have been harder at home given my absence. Thank you to Old Dowager and second aunt.¡± Qin Yining rose and greeted the second madame.

    The second madame had always liked Qin Yining¡¯s steadiness and understanding of the greater picture. The girl was the most promising of the Qin daughters, thus the older woman took the girl¡¯s hand and inquired carefully about her recent days.

    The family rxed a bit at the Garden of Loving Piety before the old dowager gave orders for lunch to be prepared.

    When the third elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu returned for the noon meal, they were thrilled to see Qin Yining. They were highly curious why the emperor had suddenly allowed her toe home, but she didn¡¯t mention the sh between her and the empress, out of concern that she¡¯d made the womenfolk worry. She only mentioned that it was the emperor¡¯s orders.

    ¡­¡­

    The Prince of Ning¡¯s funeral was a portentous event that swept the capital. Qin Yining went to express her condolences with the rest of the Qin womenfolk and spent some timeforting the princess consort.

    The death of person was akin to the extinguishment of amp. Even the fiercest leave the world one day. The departure of a hero was one that filled everyone with deep sadness.

    Once the Prince of Ning was buried, the matters of auctioning off various positions for grain started up in earnest.

    As cartloads of grain shipped to the capital, prices in the stores showed signs of weakness until they finally decreased into a somewhat expensive range that the people could ept. The shroud of grief that¡¯d surrounded the capital after the prince¡¯s death slowly began to lighten again.

    After all, whether or not they would go to bed hungry was the primary concern of the people. What else could ordinary people affect and care about?

    With a month¡¯s rest, Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder wound finally healed. Bingtang wrote prescriptions that further bolstered her robustness and created a healthier tinge in the fourth miss¡¯ face. She was no longer white as a sheet and prone to dizzy spells.

    On this evening, Bingtang was on night duty. The two were slowly waving fans and chatting in the bedroom when the window in the washroom creaked open.

    ¡°The wind is strong tonight and it¡¯s probably blown the toilet window open again,¡± remarked Bingtang. ¡°I¡¯ll go secure it.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I was about to go myself.¡± Qin Yining put on her shoes with a smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t you make the beds? It¡¯s gettingte ¡ª we should be heading to bed.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Bingtang put her nkets on the luohan bed in the outer room while her mistress headed for the washroom, a thinly padded jacket around her shoulders andcentern in hand.

    But when she lifted the curtains to the washroom, a ck shadow rushed out at her.

    Shock jolted her heart and she almost screamed, but the shadow enveloped her in its arms and covered her mouth with arge hand. A strange yet familiar scent dominated her senses. There was the smell of grass, of gunpowder, and of blood.

    Qin Yining trembled despite herself. It¡¯s him!

    A burning kissnded on the nape of her neck as Pang Xiao¡¯s low voice sounded by her ear. ¡°My dearest Yi, I¡¯vee to see you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart pounded, thentern almost slipping out of her hands. With his quick reflexes, Pang Xiao caught thentern and blew the candle out.

    If it was brightly lit, it would be easy to see multiple silhouettes through the window.

    ¡°Are you crazy?! How dare youe when things are so tense right now? Aren¡¯t you afraid of being captured?!¡± Qin Yining breathed in anxious rm.

    Pang Xiaoughed softly and answered in the same inaudible tones next to her ears, ¡°I would¡¯ve gone crazy from missing you if I didn¡¯te. Let me see if your wound is any better.¡±

    He made to inspect her shoulder, making a bright blush suffuse her cheeks. She closed her hands around her cor. ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s healed. Don¡¯t be like this.¡±

    Bingtang¡¯s curiosity was aroused when she heard the disturbance. ¡°Miss, are you alright?¡±

    She lifted herntern high and headed inside.

 Chapter 258: Heartache

    <h4>Chapter 258: Heartache</h4>

    Qin Yining hastily responded, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    She looked back uncertainly at Pang Xiao, not sure what he had in mind.

    The prince chuckled and walked out holding the girl¡¯s hand. He rumbled, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Surprise erged Bingtang¡¯s eyes. ¡°Your ¡ª your Highness? What are you doing here?¡±

    Thanks to the maid¡¯s still litntern, Qin Yining took her first proper nce of Pang Xiao.

    He was much thinner and his facial features much more defined. A pair phoenix eyes glistened with bright radiance. The tenderness in them when he looked at Qin Yining could drown someone, and his upturned lips indicated his good mood.

    Her heart pounding, Qin Yining averted her nce. He was wearing patched robes and, upon closer inspection, there seemed to be a dark patch of blood around his stomach.

    She thought of the faint hint of gore that¡¯d filled her nostrils when he hugged her just now. Caressing his stomach gently, her fingers came away warm and sticky.

    ¡°You¡¯re hurt!¡± eximed the Qin fourth miss softly.

    Pang Xiao looked down at his abdomen with some vexation. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a small wound. It¡¯s bleeding probably because I moved around a bit more just now.¡±

    Qin Yining hastily pushed him to take a seat on a nearby rounded, intricately carved stool. She called out to Bingtang, ¡°Come take a look at him.¡±

    Though the maid was sorrowed by the Prince of Ning¡¯s death, she knew that all was business in times of war. des and spears flew blindly in the battlefield, so she nodded without hesitation and retrieved her medicine kit.

    The fourth miss looked around and lowered her eyes. ¡°This isn¡¯t the best ce for this. Come with me.¡±

    They needed light to inspect a wound, but lighting thenterns here would clearly show those outside that there was someone else inside the house.

    Qin Yining tugged Pang Xiao¡¯s hand and led him into the inner room. She lifted the curtains around the formal bed and had him sit on the edge of it. Her bed was made of purple sandalwood with flower reliefs on it, and was actually divided into an inner and outer space.

    The inner space held a bedrge enough that two could roll around several times on it, and the outer space housed some end tables, drawers, and the step for the bed. A gauze curtain that blocked light divided the two areas, creating another small room within the inner room. As long as they pulled shut the curtains of the outer area, no silhouettes would be glimpsed even if they litnterns inside.

    Pang Xiao sat down with an expansive motion and looked around curiously. He noted the baby-blue pear blossom embroidery on the curtains, the pale-green and pale-pink sheets. The gentle fragrance unique to a girl seemed to waft into his nostrils whenever he took a breath, touching the most tenderest of his heart.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten a lot skinnier.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled at this. ¡°So have you.¡±

    She ced amp with a decorative box exterior on one of the small end tables. When she bent over with the fire starter, her loose cor revealed delicate corbones. The angle she was inclined at further emphasized her palm-sized face, and her long, soft locks fell forward over her shoulders with the motion.

    The warm glow of thentern illuminated the space around Qin Yining. When he looked at the girl, Pang Xiao felt the anxiety and weariness from recent dayspletely fall away.

    Qin Yining fetched another twomps to provide the best illumination possible and pulled the curtains tight around the bed.

    ¡°Hurry and let Bingtang look at your wound.¡±

    Pang Xiao had spent all this time staring dumbly at her and didn¡¯t immediately react. He smiled. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be taking my shirt off now.¡±

    He fixed his stare at her, not wanting to miss a single change in her expression as he slowly started undoing his top. His movements were a wordless seduction, making Qin Yining flush bright red. She muttered, ¡°Be serious! Doesn¡¯t your wound hurt?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. I don¡¯t feel any pain after seeing you.¡± He was still staring intently at her.

    Qin Yining finally waved the white g and turned away from him. If she hadn¡¯t wanted to see how his wound was, she would¡¯ve taken cover outside a long time ago.

    The prince knew well the importance of moderation. He stopped teasing her and threw aside his top, revealing highly toned arms and a bandage wrapped stomach. He was tall and limber, and though skinny, Pang Xiao was a typical example of having muscles on his frame when he took his clothes off.

    However, Qin Yining had no mind to spare for admiring the fluid lines of his shoulders and arms. Her eyes rested on the bloodstained bandages around his stomach, pain twisting her heart and her limbs turning mmy.

    ¡°How did you get that wound?¡± Her voice shook. Bingtang was already taking the wrappings off.

    Pang Xiao let the maid do as she would and smiledfortingly at Qin Yining. ¡°No worries. The Prince of Ning got me once, but it¡¯s no big deal. I¡¯m all better now. How about you? I hear that you were injured very heavily. No wonder you lost so much weight, especially with everything that¡¯s been happening at home. I really wanted toe see you, but our nations are at war and I can¡¯t easily leave my post. I was also worried that I¡¯d bring you more trouble if I was discovered when I visited you.¡±

    He sighed and refrained from mentioning how Weichi Yan had wanted to make her the empress. He shed a grin instead. ¡°Thankfully your emperor happens to be selling positions for graintely, and the newmander-in-chief Li Mian is too cowardly to take to the field. I slipped into the city by pretending to be one of theborers moving grain.¡±

    Pang Xiao glossing over recent difficulties only made Qin Yining even more distressed. ¡°I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re the one who¡¯s important. des and spears fly around blindly on the battlefield, you must be careful.¡±

    ¡°I know, don¡¯t worry. The one who can kill me hasn¡¯t even been born yet.¡± Pang Xiao smiled gently at her.

    ¡°How is his wound?¡± Qin Yining asked Bingtang.

    Bingtang was retrieving a small knife from her medicine kit. She frowned at the question and snorted. ¡°If Your Highness doesn¡¯t take care of yourself, next time I¡¯ll just let your wound turn into a rotting hole in your stomach! It¡¯s infected, you¡¯re feverish, and you still run around like this, making it open up again and again. Don¡¯t drag my miss down with you if you want to die! Go do that yourself!¡±

    Patients who didn¡¯t take care of themselves were always the source of greatest irritation to doctors.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s symptoms were the same as the recently departed Prince of Ning. A de wound, loss of blood, and infection. The difference was that the Prince of Ning had been slightly more injured and he was older. Pang Xiao only had this one injury, and was young and strong. Bingtang was more depressed than usual upon seeing the injury and thus fired back with no holds barred.

    Pang Xiao felt a bit sheepish after the lecture. ¡°I¡¯m here because I want to see your miss, no? If I didn¡¯te, I¡¯d be lovesick again.¡±

    Another snort answered him. ¡°You should listen to me if you don¡¯t want to die in the early years of your life and make my miss a young widow. Take care of yourself. My miss turned down being the empress ¡ª fortune and glory for a lifetime! Did she do that just to be sad in the future?¡±

    The prince rubbed his nose and looked apologetically at Qin Yining. ¡°You were in a tough spot these days, weren¡¯t you? I¡¯m so useless as to have you caught in the middle.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with tears in her eyes. ¡°Not at all. You never hid anything from me. I knew this woulde the day I agreed to be with you. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±

    She watched as Bingtang adroitly dress Pang Xiao¡¯s wounds; first scraping away the putrid flesh, using fierce alcohol to disinfect the area,ying down stitches, spreading medicine over the wound, and wrapping it up again.

    The process made her twinge sympathetically and her limbs grow cold, but nary a furrow crossed Pang Xiao¡¯s brow. He still looked at her with the most tender of gazes, as if cherishing any and all time he had to spend with her.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart ached at this, but there was nothing else she could do for him except cry helplessly.

    This in turn made Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ache. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my dearest. Don¡¯t cry. I¡¯m fine, the wound isn¡¯t fatal. Ask Bingtang if you don¡¯t believe me.¡±

    Throw a quick follow andment on etvo¡¯s CNY giveaway if you want goodies like adorable pins (like Riceball), goodies from Shanghai, dragon bookmarks from Taiwan, and more! First link was Insta, this one¡¯s Twitter!

 Chapter 259: Coincidence

    <h4>Chapter 259: Coincidence</h4>

    Bingtang was also berating herself for being so rash that she¡¯d made Qin Yining sad. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. This wound will be fine if taken care of properly. I spoke so harshly just now because I wanted His Highness to take it more seriously.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Qin Yining wiped her eyes with her sleeves and forced a smile on her face. ¡°Hurry and treat him. I¡¯ll have Jiyun prepare somete night snacks.¡±

    She made to leave, but ¡ª

    ¡°Don¡¯t go, I¡¯m not hungry.¡±

    It¡¯d been such a risk to enter the capital so he could see her. How could he bear to have her leave his sight?

    ¡°Nonsense. Since you slipped into the city and had to avoid the spies around the manor, you definitely haven¡¯t had the chance to have a good meal. Bingtang says you¡¯re feverish. You have to take care of your body.¡± An inexplicable blush crossed Qin Yining¡¯s face at this point. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    She left the outer area of the bed through the curtains.

    Pang Xiao grinned foolishly for a while as he mind turned over a teary yet embarrassed Qin Yining.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say this in front of your miss in the future, she¡¯ll be sad.¡±

    Bingtang snorted. ¡°My miss is very smart. Do you think she doesn¡¯t understand anything just because she doesn¡¯t talk much? She¡¯s just being quiet. If you really want to be good to my mistress, then take care of yourself. Since you¡¯ve captured the miss¡¯ heart even despite being from another nation, don¡¯t ever make her sad again. She¡¯s not the healthiest either.¡±

    Pang Xiao knew all this, of course, but sometimes things were beyond his control given what he¡¯d been born into.

    ¡°How is her injury?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s lost too much blood and harmed her foundations. She needs to rest and recover for a long while. Being who she is, my miss has a never-ending stream of troubles and worries. What constantly down person can live a long life?¡±

    Pang Xiao frowned, perturbed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even have to go too far back. When we ran short on food in the capitalst month, the people somehow learned that the previous emperor stole all of the nation¡¯s silver. All of them rushed to Xuan Su Temple to ask her how the troubles will be resolved. It¡¯s frightening to simply think of the scene!

    ¡°The miss isn¡¯t an official at court, her titles are all for show. Because he couldn¡¯t take her as a wife, the emperor ordered her to be a nun in a fit of anger. This gave the people a good reason to make life difficult for the miss.

    ¡°If she¡¯d said a single word wrongly that day, she would¡¯ve faced the spit and violence of ten thousand people. She came up with an idea for the emperor in the end, but the empress decided to make life difficult for her instead. And the thing is, it¡¯s not like this was an exception. The miss would feel soul weary even if she¡¯s a female Zhuge Liang.¡±

    Bingtang rolled an eye at Pang Xiao at this point and made sure his wounds were carefully wrapped up tight. ¡°Our miss wasn¡¯t born into an easy life, and you aren¡¯t making things any better.¡±

    Since the maid was on her mistress¡¯ side, sheid it on a bit thick, but her words weren¡¯t too far from the truth.

    Pang Xiao naturally knew how difficult things were for his beloved. He listened to everything with a tight frown furrowing his brow.

    Bingtang put her medicine kit back in order and handed over a prescription. She dropped, ¡°I will go brew the medicine now,¡± and dismissed herself.

    After this heavy blow to the heart, she hoped that Pang Xiao would think more on Qin Yining¡¯s behalf whenever he did anything in the future.

    The Qin fourth miss returned at this point with Jiyun, bearing a freshly stewed brown sugar congee, steamed dumplings, and a few side dishes. Jiyun hauled some small tables next to the bed to hold all the dishes and left with a curtsey. After pulling the twoyers of veil and curtains together, she stood guard outside.

    Qin Yining handed over a pair of chopsticks and sat next to Pang Xiao with a velvet hand. She flung one of her pale-green, padded jackets around his shoulders and waved the fan gently, watching him wolf down the food.

    ¡°I already asked Bingtang, make sure you rest well after going back. Don¡¯t fight unless you have to. It¡¯s the troubles of a lifetime if there¡¯s anysting effects on your health. Who will you cry to in your old age, hmm?¡±

    ¡°Naturally you, of course.¡± The prince gulped down steamed dumplings one after another, his movements quick and elegant.

    Qin Yining shook her head with an involuntary smile. ¡°I can listen to yourints, but I can¡¯t suffer for you, so you must take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Are you promising the rest of your life to me?¡± Pang Xiao stopped eating and looked at her with burning eyes.

    The girl thought back on their conversation and ran through things before she realized what she¡¯d said. Blushing, she smacked him with the velvet fan. ¡°Hurry up and eat, then take your medicine. Thankfully I haven¡¯t recovered yet and need to take medicines all day, so no one will think it¡¯s weird if we¡¯re brewing medicines now. Rest here after you take your medicine.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled and protested insincerely, ¡°I can leave after seeing you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so dangerous outside and you¡¯re injured. How could I possibly let you leave?¡± Qin Yining rolled her eyes at him. ¡°Taking a mile after I give an inch, hmm? You just wanted to hear me say that! It¡¯s not like you would¡¯ve turned down staying the night.¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Pang Xiao grinned. ¡°I just wanted to hear you talk more.¡±

    ¡°How cunning.¡± Qin Yining dimpled as well. Once the prince was full, she fetched a pot of strong tea to rinse his mouth and a wet handkerchief to wipe his face.

    Pang Xiao remained seated on the bed, watching her busy ministrations as if she was his wife. Longing and contentment flooded his heart.

    ¡°Take a break, my darling. Let¡¯s chat.¡± Pang Xiao took her hand and had her sit in hisp.

    Qin Yining squirmed ufortably, but his arms had firmly secured her waist and she couldn¡¯t struggle free. She gave up in the end andined, ¡°What¡¯s this for? The bed is so big, there¡¯s plenty of space for me. Let go of me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± Pang Xiao kept himself tightly tensed, tamping down his agitated emotions despite the beauty in his arms. ¡°I just missed you. Even if I stay the night, I need to find an opportunity to leave the city tomorrow. We spend more time apart than together, so don¡¯t hide from me.¡±

    Reluctance sprang forth when she heard that he needed to leave on the morrow. Qin Yining stopped protesting andid her head quietly on his shoulder.

    Pang Xiao encircled her with one arm and rested his head on her inky locks. He raised the other to softly carrels her cheek.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll end this war as soon as possible. The faster it¡¯s over, the less suffering we both endure, and the faster the people can lead lives of peace.¡±

    Since she lived in the capital, Qin Yining didn¡¯t want for food or clothing. She didn¡¯t know what the outside world had turned into, and Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t bear to tell her. But when war erupted, idents and mistakes involving civilians always happened, regardless of how strictly trained the army was.

    The girl knew that she couldn¡¯t ask him about the military. They were on opposite sides, after all. If he said too much and something happened in rtion to it, it would give rise to unnecessary misunderstanding and conflict between the two of them. ¡°Just leave everything up to heaven. Do whatever you want to do as long as you¡¯re safe.¡±

    Moved, Pang Xiao kissed the top of her head. ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Miss, the medicine is ready.¡± Jiyun¡¯s voice traveled in from outside the bed, prompting a blush to Qin Yining¡¯s face. She hastily threw off his arm and rose to take the medicine.

    But at this time, n¨¦e Sun sounded from the outer room. ¡°Bingtang brewed medicine? How is daughter Yi doing?¡±

    Qin Yining started with fright and almost dropped the bowl. She turned and hissed, ¡°Hide!¡±

 Chapter 260: Hide and Seek

    <h4>Chapter 260: Hide and Seek</h4>

    Qin Yining put the medicine down and yanked Pang Xiao¡¯s hand, turning round and round like ants in a hot pan, looking for a hiding ce.

    The prince was utterly amused by her antics. He¡¯d always felt tender affection for her mature, crafty, and serene demeanor, but she was even cuter when she panicked!

    That reaction earned him a re. ¡°Stop grinning! Go hide in the cab. ¡­wait, you¡¯re so tall that you won¡¯t fit. You should hide in the washroom!¡± She pushed and stuffed him in with the toilet and whispered a reminder, ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound whatever you do. If my mother learns of this and throws a fit, we¡¯ll both be in for it!¡±

    Pang Xiao allowed himself to be shoved forward and chuckled lowly at her nervousness. ¡°Don¡¯t you think we look like a pair of illicit lovers caught in the act?¡±

    ¡°What the heck?? You look like a proper gentleman, but your words are anything but proper.¡± She finally crammed him into the washroom. ¡°I¡¯m telling you to hide for your own good.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know everything.¡± The prince brought Qin Yining close and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

    Her face med red again. She wanted to push him, but was afraid his wound would open up again. She had to settle for pinching him. ¡°Cut that out! I can hear my mothering up the stairs!¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t hurt at all.¡± Pang Xiaoughed heartily and stole another kiss from her forehead before releasing her with satisfaction.

    Qin Yining rolled her eyeballs fiercely and patted her burning cheeks, adjusting her emotions as she checked her clothes and headed outside. She couldn¡¯t let her mother discover Pang Xiao, no matter what.

    It didn¡¯t just have to do with her reputation, but it had to do with matters between the two nations.

    She could look at war and her emotions separately, but others might not be able to. If the enemymander-in-chief fell into their hands, it would be an event worthy of much jubtion for Great Yan. She couldn¡¯t be certain that her family wouldn¡¯t hand him over for that.

    He¡¯d already taken a big enough risk ining to see her, she couldn¡¯t let him fall to any harm on her behalf.

    She¡¯d regained her calm by the time she reached the door. N¨¦e Sun was making her way upstairs with support from Jin-mama and Bingtang.

    ¡°Mother, what brings you by now?¡± Qin Yining took n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm with a smile as the two took a seat in the outer room.

    ¡°I was bored, so decided toe by for a chat.¡± The madame sized up her daughter¡¯splexion. ¡°Are you not recovered yet? I see that Bingtang is brewing more medicine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, that¡¯s just a nutritional supplement.¡± Qin Yining smiled at her maid.

    Bingtang joined in obligingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry madame, the miss just needs to rest and eat well. She¡¯ll be up and about in no time at all.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded, reassured. ¡°Since the medicine is ready, go ahead and take it.¡± She thoughtfully lifted the bowl that¡¯d been meant for Pang Xiao.

    In the washroom, the prince frowned anxiously.

    Jiyun and Bingtang looked at each other.

    Jiyun shared the same concerns as her master, worried because she didn¡¯t know if Qin Yining could take this without harm.

    Bingtang had looked at her colleague out of amusement. Though their mistress usually took her medicine straightforwardly with nary a frown, she was quite afraid of anything bitter. In fact, she¡¯d even asked Bingtang before if it was possible to add some of the licorice nt into the herbs.

    Both maids stared at Qin Yining, wondering how she would respond.

    The subject of their attentions calmly ced the bowl back on the table. ¡°I¡¯ll take itter, it¡¯s too hot right now. Plus, I just took some other medicines. Bingtang says that these two can¡¯t be taken so close together.¡±

    Jiyun heaved a silent sigh of relief andmended Qin Yining¡¯s fast thinking. Bingtang ducked her head and choked downughter.

    Qin Yining pretended not to see her maids¡¯ antics and turned to her mother with a smile. ¡°You¡¯ve usually turned in for the night by now, mother. Are you worried for father?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± N¨¦e Sun nodded with some dejection.

    After the Duke of An, Li Mian, had eptedmand of the armies, he¡¯d refused to meet the enemy in the field at all. Compared to thete Prince of Ning, the duke was farcking when it came to courage and resolve.

    Meanwhile, the Valiant Tigers were unmatched in valor and Pang Xiao adept at setting up battle formations. The duke had lost countless battles in the past month, with the Valiant Tigers whittling away 30 thousand of a 350 thousand strong army.

    As ill-suited to games of power and strategy that Weichi Yan might be, even he could tell that this wouldn¡¯t do. Thus, an imperial decree hade yesterday that delegated Qin Huaiyuan as the army strategist. He was to head for the army camp and fight alongside the duke.

    After the marquis had set off on his way, Cao Yuqing had packed a bag and followed his footsteps without another word.

    When the Qins had been attacked, Silver Masks hade to protect the family. When the household had been vindicated during the new emperor¡¯s reign, Cao Yuqing had also marshaled her people to help. Even though outsiders might be in the dark, all of the Qins knew that this beautiful woman was the leader of the Silver Masks, a group of secret service under the emperor emeritus¡¯mand.

    N¨¦e Sun was very happy that such an expert was at Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side to protect him.

    But when she thought of how young and beautiful Cao Yuqing was, how skilled in martial arts and how true her feelings ran for Qin Huaiyuan, sadness and resignation assailed the madame.

    It was difficult to say if feelings wouldn¡¯t develop in a battlefield of shared hardships. This had cause the senior madame to be unable to sleep. But she would never speak of such embarrassing things with her daughter.

    However, Qin Yining had guessed a lot of what was on her mother¡¯s mind given her constant flickering expressions. But as a junior, she had absolutely no right toment on the rtionship between her parents.

    Her father wasn¡¯t someone who wouldn¡¯t take a concubine. The Caos were destroyed and the emperor emeritus grounded because of the embezzled funds. Cao Yuqing had been cast adrift. Though she controlled the Silver Masks, she now wholeheartedly worked for Qin Huaiyuan and neither did the former emperor seem keen on taking back his secret agents.

    Qin Huaiyuan was in the prime of life: brave, intelligent, and handsome. Cao Yuqing had carried a torch for the marquis for many years, and it was quite easy to see the sincerity of her feelings. The former emperor had once been a factor of consideration, but now that restraint was a non-issue.

    Even water could drip a hole through stone given enough time, so nothing was impossible or uneptable. But as logical and appropriate as this matter might be, it was still a blow to the official wife.

    Qin Yining wanted tofort her mother, but she couldn¡¯t say anything if n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t bring it up herself. The girl would just be making her sad in that event. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. I¡¯ve heard that the duke is avoiding battletely, so father won¡¯t be in any danger. Even if there¡¯s fighting, father won¡¯t have to be on the frontlines. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded and forced a smile on her face to chat a bit longer with her daughter. However, her interest quickly gged and she departed with Jin-mama.

    Qin Yining was a bit downcast after sending her mother downstairs. It wasn¡¯t until she reached the door that she recalled Pang Xiao was still in the room. She turned to her maids. ¡°You can go rest. I won¡¯t need you on night duty tonight.¡±

    Bingtang arched an eyebrow and shed a teasing smile at her mistress, making Qin Yining blush furiously.

    Jiyun bit back a giggle and still acted very much the loyal servant. She curtsied and tugged Bingtang away.

    Qin Yining actually found herself a bit nervous when she pushed the door open. But this is my room! What am I being nervous for?

 Chapter 261: Only You

    <h4>Chapter 261: Only You</h4>

    Qin Yining prepared herself mentally and pushed the door open with a clenched jaw. She hadn¡¯t even made it inside the room before arge hand grabbed her into a tight embrace.

    The door creaked shut behind her before the room spun. Her back was up against the cold wall as a burning presence dominated her front. She didn¡¯t have time to speak before her lips were caught in an urgent kiss.

    There was the faint scent of bitter herbs in Pang Xiao¡¯s mouth, but even more present was a fire that threatened to consume her whole. Qin Yining felt like she¡¯d been set on fire as she sank bonelessly into the embrace. If it hadn¡¯t been for the prince¡¯s arms holding her up, she would¡¯ve melted to the ground.

    The room was pitch ck, the lights having been extinguished long ago. Only the sound of heavy breathing in between kisses could be heard. Pang Xiao had one hand around the back of her head to prevent her from shrinking back, while the other caressed her slender waist.

    The two only parted when they felt they almost couldn¡¯t breath anymore.

    Qin Yining had her arms around the prince¡¯s neck, panting as she looked at the handsome face so close to her. She murmured, ¡°Pang Zhixi.¡±

    It was the first time she¡¯d voiced his secondary name in such tones.

    Twin mes erupted in the prince¡¯s eyes. He answered with a low rumble next to her ear.

    Qin Yining buried her face in his neck, whispering, ¡°How nice would it be if you didn¡¯t have to go back.¡±

    Something squeezed Pang Xiao¡¯s heart tightly, dispelling the romantic atmosphere from seconds ago. He only felt protective and guilty towards her. He hugged her tightly and dropped a pious kiss onto her forehead.

    ¡°It¡¯ll all get better. There will be a day when we can grow old together.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, but was still downcast when she thought of Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun, Weichi Yan and Li Yanyan. However, she was an exceedingly rational person and would never easily speak of her desires.

    Yet, Pang Xiao was highly attuned to the dip in her mood. He thought for a moment. ¡°Are you worried about your father?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, going with the flow.

    ¡°The battlefield is indeed dangerous when things are a mess. When I go back, I¡¯ll send four Elite Tigers to protect father-inw. Don¡¯t worry, nothing will happen to him in any situation that I can control.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded docilely.

    Pang Xiao squinted thoughtfully when he noted that she was still depressed. She was fine before n¨¦e Sun came, but she¡¯s like this after talking with her mother.

    The prince was an exceedingly sharp person and had a deep understanding of the people important to him. When he thought of Qin Huaiyuan being away in the military camp and how there was a very beautiful woman by his side, he guessed some of what was going on.

    He probed again. ¡°If you marry me, I promise not to take concubines, not to bed the servants, and not to attend drinking events with females dancing attendance. I¡¯ll have only you. How does that sound?¡±

    Startled by his sudden promise, Qin Yining tilted her head up at him with surprise. ¡°You¡­ are so weird. Why are you suddenly talking about that?¡±

    I guessed right. The silly girl was sad about matters between Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun. He pinched her pale cheeks with amusement. ¡°So you wouldn¡¯t like that?¡±

    Qin Yining red at him with a red face, but couldn¡¯t hide the happiness in her limpid eyes. She countered insincerely, ¡°You say that, but it¡¯s quite normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Some never even make it home. It¡¯s quite amon sight for this to happen when ites to socializing or even joining in on the fun.¡±

    Pang Xiao grinned. ¡°So you¡¯re already thinking about our future, eh?¡±

    Qin Yining realized what she¡¯d said and walked off with a ming face.

    Pang Xiao ran after her with a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m very happy that you¡¯re thinking this way. You¡¯ve suffered so much for me, I¡¯d be less than human if I didn¡¯t treat you well! Besides, you¡¯re my one and only. I couldn¡¯t ever fall in love with another.¡±

    He followed the girl and took a seat on the bed.

    ¡°You sure have a pretty way with words.¡±

    ¡°But I mean them,¡± Pang Xiao responded seriously. ¡°A man¡¯s word can¡¯t be taken back once it¡¯s given.¡±

    His seriousness made Qin Yining feel slightly awkward. She took out a pillow and thin nket from the drawers. ¡°Hurry and rest. You sleep in here, I¡¯ll sleep outside.¡±

    Pang Xiao grinned to see her change the topic with a red face. He didn¡¯t continue to protest his exnations, but ced the pillow on the bed. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you believe me or not right now, and you don¡¯t have to remember what I¡¯ve said either. Just watch what I do in the future.¡±

    He pressed the girl onto the bed. ¡°You sleep here and I¡¯ll sleep on the footrest. We can keep talking that way.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still feverish. How could I let you sleep on the footrest?¡±

    ¡°Do you think life is soft and easy in the army? I¡¯ve slept in huts and stables, so a footrest is actually a luxury.¡± Pang Xiao ced the nket on the footrest with a chuckle and the pillow on one end. Heid down stiffly and sighed withfort. ¡°Lying down feels the best after a long day.¡±

    Qin Yining sat at the edge of the bed, looking down at the man lying stiffly with his legs curled beneath him. Pain squeezed her heart when she saw that he didn¡¯t dare shift at all.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t youe onto the bed?¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes widened at this and he slowly sat up to look at her.

    The girl kept a straight face though her cheeks burned. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. The bed is so big that two of us and a table between us will fit. You can sleep on the outside ¡ª it¡¯ll be easier for you to hide if anyonees. Even though it¡¯s summer right now, there¡¯s still a draft on the floor. You¡¯re injured and feverish. Do you want to sleep on the ground and get worse?¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Then I hear and obey.¡±

    That earned him a re as Qin Yining took off her shoes and moved her pillow and nkets further in, cing a small table in between the two of them.

    Pang Xiao plopped his pillow on the outermost part of the bed and ced his nkets near the foot as well. He carefully rearranged the curtains and veils of the formal bed and put the two pairs of shoes next to each other. Sweetness welled up in his heart when he looked down to see her exquisite, soft-soled embroidered shoes ced next to his ck boots.

    He blew out themps andid down slowly. The delicate fragrance that emanated off the nkets was unique to Qin Yining. There even seemed to be the jasmine scent of her hair on the pillow. Pang Xiao turned slowly and buried his face in the nket for a deep breath. An involuntary grin crossed his face.

    ¡°They all say that girls are made of water, but my darling is made of flowers. Just lying next to you fills my nose with perfume.¡±

    Qin Yining was lying on her side with her back to him. Though there was a small table between the two of them, his voice seemed to echo right by her ears. She screwed her eyes shut, not entirely sure how to respond.

    Not that the prince was waiting for a response from her either. ¡°I must remember today well. It¡¯s our first time sleeping together.¡±

    Okay, seriously? That¡¯s too much.

    Arge handnded on her head and Pang Xiao light scratched her head, sending numbing tingles throughout her entire body. He lightly twisted her earlobes lovingly before whispering, ¡°Sweet dreams, my dear.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes fluttered shut. Though her heart was pounding, she was also incredibly buoyant.

    She¡¯d thought that sleep would be impossible tonight, but she had a night of unprecedented, peaceful rest. Even the nightmares that had gued her for a long time didn¡¯t disturb her.

    When she woke up, the ce next to her was empty.

    The realization jolted her to full alertness.

    Has he left already?

    She sat up and called for her servants.

 Chapter 262: Pang Xiaoâ€™s Circumstances (I)

    <h4>Chapter 262: Pang Xiao¡¯s Circumstances (I)</h4>

    ¡°Miss.¡± Bingtang put a tray down on the eight-sided table in the outer room and came inside to pull the bed curtains back, tying them to silver crabapple blossom hooks.

    ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°Miss, it¡¯s already the start of the hour of the snake.¡±

    ¡°I slept that long?¡±

    ¡°You did. You haven¡¯t slept that deeply for a while. The prince wouldn¡¯t let me wake you up because he wanted you to sleep until you woke up.¡± Bingtang merrily helped her mistress into a padded jacket and swept Qin Yining¡¯s locks forward. ¡°Miss, did the prince...st night...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re awful.¡± A blushing Qin Yining levied a re at her maid.

    Bingtang giggled even more happily.

    Jiyun and Qiulu came in to help Qin Yining awash up when they heard the disturbance. Though they didn¡¯t ask as tantly as Bingtang, teasing expressions flitted across their faces.

    The fourth miss pretended not to see any of it as she picked up a pair of pearl lcs from her jewelry box. She murmured, ¡°Where is His Highness?¡±

    Bingtang responded in a simr way. ¡°He rose before dawn. After eating breakfast and taking medicine, I changed his dressing. He didn¡¯t wake you on ount of how deeply you were sleeping and jumped out the window, saying that he was going to arrange for the four Elite Tigers.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, Pang Xiao had gone off to arrange for her father¡¯s protection detail. The prince was from Great Zhou; arranging for his own bodyguards to protect an enemy strategist was sure to result in bacsh from his own men. Despite that, she trusted that Pang Xiao would be able to handle it well.

    She followed her usual routine of making morning greetings to the old dowager, along with the eighth miss and Qin Huining. That was followed by a chat with n¨¦e Sun before returning to Venerable Study Hall.

    Qin Yining specifically stayed in all day, but didn¡¯t catch even Pang Xiao¡¯s shadow. When night fell, it came with Mu Jinghu.

    ¡°The fox wasing back when something urgent happened at the front lines. He left in a hurry with Huzi and wanted me to apologize to you. He¡¯lle see you when he¡¯s free next time.¡± Mu Jinghu openly assessed Qin Yining¡¯s expression, spilling out his exnation as he was afraid the girl would be angry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t me him, he couldn¡¯t help it. His emperor bullies him into the ground and it was hard enough toe see you even this time. With yesterday¡¯s trip, he not only risked Great Yan finding out, but also Great Zhou¡¯s spies catching wind of his movements. The danger this time seemed to be someone on the Great Zhou side finding out he¡¯d left his post and was using him of conspiring with the enemy.¡±

    Worry crept into his tone at this point. ¡°I say Great Zhou¡¯s not any better. They scheme and attack each other without caring about the country¡¯s safety. All of their efforts are focused on framing and dragging someone else down.¡±

    How would Qin Yining not know the difficult situation Pang Xiao was in? She was already immensely touched that he¡¯d gone to the risk of visiting her ¡ª how would she ever me him?

    After hearing Mu Jinghu¡¯s words however, she fretted even more at learning how delicate the prince¡¯s situation was in Great Zhou.

    ¡°Sir Mu, can you tell me how things are like for him in Great Zhou?¡±

    Mu Jinghu had been deathly afraid that his friend¡¯s departure without goodbye would set off Qin Yining, and dy the fox taking a wife. When he heard the Qin fourth miss¡¯ interest, he was naturally willing to put in a good word or three for his friend.

    He spilled the beans on everything he knew.

    ¡°Being in Great Yan, all you see is him charging here and there with men at his beck and call. He has elite troops under hismand and a ton of prestige in the army. He has a mighty reputation and an illustrious future. But what you don¡¯t see is that he¡¯s actually suppressed by his emperor. You know that the emperor Li Qitian, Marquis of Northern Stability Ji Zeyu, and the fox are sworn brothers, right?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Everyone in the world knows this.¡±

    ¡°But you definitely don¡¯t know that my martial-uncle once read their fortunes. In times of chaos, the temptress would descend to throw the previous dynasty into disarray and exhaust its fortunes. The three violent stars of Seven Kills, Destruction, and Greedy Wolf would aid the Purple Star in ascending to the top and createsting peace throughout thends.

    ¡°The Greedy Wolfnded in the northern ins, whereas Seven Kills, Destruction, and the Purple Star are Li Qitian, Ji Zeyu, and the fox.¡±

    ¡°You... you said your martial-uncle read their fortunes? Your master¡¯s senior brother is the Soothsayer?¡± Qin Yining was quite taken aback.

    Mu Jinghu pped his hand to his mouth, ck jawed with horror. He actually looked like he¡¯d swallowed a raw egg. He¡¯d let the truth slip!

    He¡¯d spoken one of the greatest of all secrets to help the fox get his wife...

    Qin Yining immediately piped up understandingly when she saw the other¡¯s reaction. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sir Mu. Since you treat me with honesty, I will never let your identity slip. Only you and I will know of what we talk about today.¡±

    Mu Jinghu nodded slowly after peering into Qin Yining¡¯s sincere eyes. ¡°Alright, I believe you then. It¡¯s not like you know that my martial-uncle is actually...¡± He cut off mid word.

    And punched himself in the head.

    He¡¯d almost said that his martial-uncle is his master!

    He awkwardly changed the subject. ¡°My martial-uncle had thought this was the beginning of fame and fortune after the reading, but hastily fled after Li Qitian took the throne. Guess why?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s mind whirred furiously. Her expression stiffened and she murmured, ¡°Can it be that Pang Zhixi is the Purple Star?¡±

    ¡°How did you think of that?? How are you so smart?!¡±

    She¡¯s just as crafty as the fox!

    Faced with a dumbstruck Mu Jinghu, Qin Yining knew that she had to be straight as a rod with the gentleman. Her usual style of leaving things half unsaid wouldn¡¯t work here, plus the other had already spoken of his rtionship with the Soothsayer. It really wouldn¡¯t do to keep things to herself.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of what Sir Mu just said. You said that Pang Zhixi¡¯s life is very difficult in Great Zhou, then spoke of the Soothsayer¡¯s fortune. This means that¡¯s the reason behind the Great Zhou emperor giving Pang Zhixi a hard time. The answer is also apparent with the order of the Seven Kills, Destruction, and the Purple Star that you gave.

    ¡°I¡¯ve often heard that Li Qitian is a careful, paranoid, steady, and thoughtful man. Why is a ruler paranoid? There¡¯s only one reason: he feels guilty.¡± Qin Yining narrowed her eyes. ¡°He didn¡¯te about his position honestly, so naturally he worries day and night that someone will take it from him. Everyone must look like they¡¯re plotting against him.¡±

    Mu Jinghu raised his thumb in admiration. ¡°Like is attracted to like alright! You and the fox are equally smart. That¡¯s right, my martial-uncle ran away when the Purple, also known as the Emperor Star, wasn¡¯t the one on the throne. You might have known all this before, or not, but what you should know is that the Star of Destruction is naturally afraid of bacsh from the Purple Star after stealing the throne.

    ¡°Commoners mightfort themselves in saying that fortunes might not necessarily be urate, but Li Qitian believes it unfailingly. But Sly Fox Pang isn¡¯t a pushover either! His prestige in the army is terrifyingly high. If he wanted to deploy the Army of Southern Pacification or even Ji Zeyu¡¯s Army of Northern Stability, he just needs to raise finger, much less his Valiant Tigers! He¡¯s a walkingmand talisman!¡± Mu Jinghu¡¯s blood was boiling and he pped the table in appreciation.

 Chapter 263: Pang Xiaoâ€™s Circumstances (II)

    <h4>Chapter 263: Pang Xiao¡¯s Circumstances (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining basked in shared glory to hear Pang Xiao soplimented, but worry quickly drowned out her joy.

    ¡°I¡¯d guessed before that though he seems to have it all, life wasn¡¯t easy for him.¡± Qin Yining rose to pace anxiously. ¡°He was the vanguard that broke Northern Ji and visited terrible revenge on some of Northern Ji¡¯s officials. There must be some surrendered officials in Great Zhou¡¯s court, and they¡¯re certainly on opposite sides to Pang Zhixi. Add to that his prestige in the army... the Great Zhou emperor must be on high alert against him. Just these two alone is enough for catastrophic consequences. Add that to what you said... the Great Zhou emperor won¡¯t permit Pang Zhixi to remain on this earth.¡±

    Qin Yining paced with a slight frown, her hand clutching the armrests of the round chair and slowing turning her knuckles white.

    The color had also drained from Mu Jinghu¡¯s face after her analysis. He also now felt that Pang Xiao was in a very dangerous situation. ¡°Does this mean he¡¯s in a lot of danger after his return?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss shook her head. ¡°These attacks on him only add fuel to the me, but the Great Zhou emperor won¡¯t do anything to him for now. He needs the prince to conquer Great Yan, and the Valiant Tigers are the main force for the army. It¡¯s a huge taboo to swap out themander-in-chief on the eve of battle, so he¡¯ll be fine for the time being.¡±

    The gentleman heaved a long sigh of relief. ¡°Thank goodness.¡±

    Wait a second. He¡¯d only wanted to let Qin Yining know of how difficult things were for Pang Xiao outside, but she had a better grasp on the situation than even him! He¡¯d gotten entirely caught up in her analysis.

    Mu Jinghu scratched his head. ¡°I¡¯ll be going then, since you know everything.¡±

    ¡°I must thank you though.¡±

    ¡°Uh, for what?¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your efforts on Pang Zhixi¡¯s behalf. It¡¯s his fortune for having such a good friend.¡±

    Mu Jinghu flushed bright crimson with thepliment. It was so straightforward that he didn¡¯t know how to respond. He settled for a stately cough. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m going then.¡±

    To someone unskilled with pleasantries and so very honest, Qin Yining responded with a smile and politely saw him out the door. She turned with a frown and headed upstairs after seeing him walk off swiftly into the distance.

    Pang Xiao had kept herpany justst night. Though there had been a small table between them, they¡¯d slept on the same bed. They¡¯d been able to hear each other breathing, and she¡¯d been able to strongly feel his presence even after falling asleep.

    s, their reunion had been so short. Not only had he left, but he¡¯d gone back to face an unknown usation of conspiring with the enemy. Even though she understood that the Great Zhou emperor couldn¡¯t do anything to him in the short term, Qin Yining still brooded over the prince.

    Her mind full of worries, she couldn¡¯t catch a bit of sleep that night. She barely managed to fall asleep when the sky began to brighten. Only an hour of sleep was avable to her before she had to rise for the morning greeting.

    Even the old dowager¡¯s blurring eyesight could see how wan Qin Yining was, much less n¨¦e Sun. Worried that her granddaughter¡¯s injury would re up again, the matriarch quickly dismissed her to rest.

    As the Qin fourth miss caught up on sleep, Pang Xiao and Huzi had already returned to Xihua.

    Faced with a frowning, scowling white bun of a head eunuch, Zhao Yueshui, Pang Xiao arched a brow. ¡°Zhao-gonggong¡¯s greeting gift is certainly unique. What bigbels you¡¯re pping onto me! Conspiring with the enemy? Treason? Zhao-gonggong, are these the crimes you¡¯ve slotted me into?¡±

    Zhao Yueshui was here on imperial orders to monitor the army, with special focus on Pang Xiao¡¯s movements on the front line. He had the right to make direct reports to the emperor.

    Not only did the eunuch enjoy immense imperial favor, but he was also from the same hometown as the approval eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Li Guanwen. The Directorate of Ceremonial was one of twelve eunuch agencies within the pce, and also the most powerful. Li Guanwen held the power to preliminary approve all decisions within the agency, and happened to be godfather to Eunuch Zhao.

    Before Zhao Yueshi had set out with the army, his godfather had given him many reminders in private. Add to that the rumors the eunuch had heard himself, it gave him a slightly dismissive attitude towards Pang Xiao.

    Besides, no matter what the eunuch did, his godfather would have his back. And would a smart person be less than polite to the army monitor?

    Zhao Yueshui smirked proudly. ¡°Oh how you like to jest, Your Highness. How would I have the power to convict you of any crimes? But as themander-in-chief, you left your post without any prior approval. This is an affront to His Majesty¡¯s trust in you and his mighty favor!¡± He raised cupped fists towards the north as he spoke, tilting his chin arrogantly at the prince.

    Amused, Pang Xiao moved a cushion to his rear and leaned backfortably on the round chair. He raised his ck-silk d legs and rested them on the table, responding leisurely, ¡°The enemy¡¯s newmander-in-chief avoids battle thirty days out of a month. This prince has been so terribly bored. What, could I not scope out the terrain?

    ¡°The enemy refuses to fight, so this prince is thinking of ways to make them fight. You seem to have a lot of time on your hands ¡ª have you thought about how much food and silver the Valiant Tigers goes through in a day? His Majesty trusts you and gives you silver and rations, but this is how you repay him?¡±

    Zhao Yueshui¡¯s tone remained hard. His dark eyes seemed like two ck beans embedded in a white bun. ¡°I find myself forced to report to His Majesty what Your Highness has been doing.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk.¡± Pang Xiao yed with a whip in hand. ¡°How very interesting. Zhao Yueshui, have you forgotten where we are?¡±

    The prince¡¯s tone was very indolent, so cid that he seemed to be discussing the weather.

    The eunuch however, tensed all over. He adopted a stern expression. ¡°Don¡¯t you forget either, Your Highness, who the world belongs to!¡±

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Huzi had long felt this fat, rotund bun to be an eyesore. With a flying kick, he sent the eunuch stumbling backwards to a sitting position on the ground. ¡°How dare you show such arrogance in front of His Highness!¡±

    ¡°Pang Zhixi, how dare you! How dare you beat me!¡±

    ¡°Beat?¡± Pang Xiao burst outughing and propped his forehead upzily. His phoenix eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°Let¡¯s list out Zhao-gonggong¡¯s crimes: selling himself to the highest bidder, stealing army rations, and colluding with the local gangsters. He¡¯s in cahoots with the enemy and betrayed our nation. This prince¡¯s guards caught him in the act, but he continues to spew nonsense.

    ¡°Report all that to His Majesty. As themander of an army, this prince will not allow such a gue to remain by my side. He shall be executed immediately. Write up another report for me requesting forgiveness from the emperor. Sadly, time was of the essence as we cannot suffer spies to remain in the army.¡± He closed his eyes in repose.

    Huzi assented and, with shining eyes, dragged the eunuch out by the cor.

    Terrified, all color had drained from Zhao Shuiyue¡¯s face. He wet his pants. ¡°You can¡¯t do that! This is nder!¡±

    ¡°nder? Not only did you sell army intelligence for profit, but you med all that shit on His Highness! So after taking the enemy¡¯s silver, it looks like you want to erase a loyal subject from His Majesty¡¯s side as well!¡± Having served Pang Xiao for a long time, Huzi had quite the glib tongue as well. Holding the eunuch up with one hand, he threw Zhao-gonggong onto the parade ground and loudly proimed the eunuch¡¯s crimes.

    The Valiant Tigers was already resentful of a eunuch throwing his weight around in the army camp, and Zhao Yueshui was truly an irritating character. Now that Huzi dered that the bastard eunuch had attempted to frame Pang Xiao, as the prince¡¯s personal troops, all of them flew into a rage and vied for the right to tear the eunuch apart.

    For a while, discussions abounded of Zhao Yueshui betraying the country and furious calls to kill him. The situation had quickly grave. It was likely that the men would revolt if the eunuch didn¡¯t die.

 Chapter 264: Great Happenings

    <h4>Chapter 264: Great Happenings</h4>

    Just as the Valiant Tigers outside were moring to rip the eunuch to pieces, Huzi trotted into the tent and drew close to Pang Xiao. ¡°Your Highness, I¡¯m afraid this matter will be difficult to settle now that it¡¯s such a mess. Are you really nning to kill Zhao Yueshui?¡±

    The prince raised his eyes. ¡°Of course. He ran roughshod over people in Xihua and elicited public anger. I¡¯d only be soothing the troops if I killed him. Besides, I really do have evidence that he sold military intelligence. I¡¯m not framing him.¡±

    ¡°But that eunuch is the emperor¡¯s spy. If you kill him, that¡¯s tant confrontation with His Majesty! It might result in people gossiping about you behind your back, making the emperor even more wary of you.¡±

    A disdainful sniff emitted from Pang Xiao. ¡°Do you think that castrated man came up with this idea on his own? He normally throws his weight around in Xihua with his back straight and his head held high, but he puts all that away when he sees me. Even if he inwardly scorns me, he presents an agreeable face on the surface. So tell me, where did he get the courage to publicly use me today?¡±

    Huzi¡¯s expression shifted as he gasped. ¡°Your Highness, you mean this was the emperor¡¯s idea?¡±

    Pang Xiao shook his head. ¡°His Majesty is wise. He still has use for me, so he won¡¯t shoot himself in the foot like this. It must be Li Guanwen picking up on something and conspiring with Zhao Yueshui.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s also tricky to handle!¡± Huzi was as white as a sheet.

    It wasn¡¯t the first day that the emperor had been careful against Pang Xiao. The fiercer the prince fought his battles, the greater his aplishments. This further added to the emperor¡¯s obsession. Li Guanwen served by the emperor¡¯s side. To sit so firmly in his eminent position meant that he was both smart and shrewd.

    How would such a fellow misread the emperor¡¯s intentions?

    Though they¡¯d long since known that the emperor was this kind of person, Huzi still broke out in a mmy sweat when he thought of all the implications.

    The tent p raised at this moment as Zheng Pei, garbed in a navy blue straight robe, walked in urgently. ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Sir Zheng is here. Have a sweat.¡± Pang Xiao lifted his chin at the old man.

    Huzi brought over a seat and raised a cupped fist salute to Zheng Pei. His polite yet distantly removed attitude was miles apart from the close friendliness before.

    Agonized ruefulness welled up in the old man¡¯s heart. He first bowed to Pang Xiao, but was too worried to wait until he¡¯d fully taken his seat before beginning, ¡°Please think twice, Your Highness. Zhao Yueshui is Li Guanwen¡¯s foster son. If you kill Zhao Yueshui, you¡¯ll offend Li Guanwen to no end! The emperor listens to Li Guanwen ¡ª that eunuch makes a poor piece of candy but a very sour pot of vinegar. You can¡¯t be brash in this!

    ¡°Killing Zhao Yueshui will surely elicit imperial anger. The emperor holds all the reins of power and hates his people begging for forgiveness rather than asking for permission. He sent Zhao Yueshi to your side, so you must think of the master even when beating the dog. Please consider my words carefully out of concern for your standing at court in the future.¡± Zheng Pei rose to make another bow.

    Pang Xiao smiled reassuringly, his gaze quite gentle beneath the candlelight. ¡°Please sit down and speak.¡± He didn¡¯t answer the strategist directly.

    Further resigned wryness flooded Zheng Pei¡¯s heart. He knew that him reporting all of Pang Xiao¡¯s movements to the emperor had thoroughly pushed the young man away. The prince no longer trusted him, but he couldn¡¯t bear to just wash his hands of the entire matter. The young man was Pang Zhongzhen¡¯s son!

    Zheng Pei slowly returned to his stool and looked expectantly at Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Sir Zheng makes sense.¡± The prince responded leisurely, as if they weren¡¯t discussing his future or even life and death! It seemed more like they were discussing the weather. ¡°With Sir Zheng¡¯s intelligence, you should understand that some things are already set in stone, even if I don¡¯t kill the eunuch. Those who are irked by me will still be irritated.¡±

    The strategist caught his breath. He was stumped for an appropriate reply. He knew that the prince was a smart one and wouldn¡¯t be fobbed off with some pleasantries.

    Pang Xiao spoke only the truth. Even if he left the eunuch alive, the emperor¡¯s wariness of him wouldn¡¯t decrease one iota, and neither would the old Northern Ji officials change their minds of him.

    ¡°This prince knows that Sir Zheng is thinking on my behalf, but I¡¯m sure you already know the foregone conclusions of some of the ins-and-outs. Since some things can¡¯t be changed, why must I continue to imitate a doormat and put up with unfair treatment? As a man, do Ick even the courage to speak loudly? That will only invite more bullying until one day, I won¡¯t be able to even lift my head.¡±

    Zheng Pei waspletely won over by these arguments. He couldn¡¯t find anything to refute with and had to nod his head.

    Pang Xiao cast a nce at Huzi. The guard didn¡¯t have near as many concerns as Zheng Pei. He¡¯d been raring to go once his master had made a decision. Having received the go-signal, he charged out enthusiastically to take care of Zhao Yueshui.

    There was only Pang Xiao and Zheng Pei left in the tent.

    The strategist looked at the prince¡¯s sharp gaze in the moonlight, but actually couldn¡¯t meet it. The situation was incredibly awkward.

    He¡¯d once thought that he was Pang Xiao¡¯s most trusted person.

    He¡¯d also thought that it¡¯d been his betrayal that pushed the loyal prince away from him.

    But now it looked like Pang Xiao had never truly trusted him!

    The prince had always kept firmly in mind exactly how the old man had used him. He¡¯d yed deaf and dumb, fixing his sights on his prey like a patient wolf. Pang Xiao never rxed his guard and had revealed his fangs when the timing was right.

    Zheng Pei could no longer do anything to Pang Xiao. He couldn¡¯t counter the prince, much less control the young man. It was no longer impossible for him to be a trusted confidante.

    Or perhaps it¡¯d always been wishful thinking that he could ever be a bosom friend.

    Zheng Pei sighed and took his leave.

    The prince tracked the old man¡¯s movements, withdrawing his gaze after a moment and closing his eyes to rest.

    Huzi obtained some actual intelligence from Zhao Yueshi ¡ª the eunuch was the typical person of being all bark and no bite. After a round of interrogation, he just wanted a quick death, of which Huzi obliged.

    ¡°Your Highness, that castrated man confessed everything.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    ¡°You guessed right, my prince. Li Guanwen had indeed mentioned something to Zhao Yueshui before. When the emperor ¡®invited¡¯ your mother and maternal grandparents for a stay in the pce, he ordered the empress to fish your thoughts out of them.¡±

    ¡°As expected, but my mother isn¡¯t so easily hoodwinked. The emperor will have next steps in mind.¡± Pang Xiao toyed with the whip in his hand. ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, we need to end the fighting here as soon as possible. I¡¯m worried something will happen to my family.¡±

    Huzi nodded firmly in agreement as his master bent his mind to considering war strategy over the next two days.

    It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t win, but that attackers were at a natural disadvantage when besieging a city. Their supply lines were long and Great Zhou far away. The country¡¯s coffers were rather empty after cleaning up Northern Ji¡¯s mess, and the emperor had imposed a stringent budget on him. There was no silver and rice to be had, and their supplies were oftente.

    Meanwhile, the Duke of An evaded battle and hid behind barred gates.

    If he couldn¡¯t keep his troops fed, would he have any right to stop them from resorting to robbery?

    The same went for the Great Yan soldiers outside the city gates. If they went hungry, they¡¯d have to take their food from someone else¡¯s mouths as well.

    Victims of war would be the people in the end if things dragged on. Pang Xiao just wanted to conclude the war as soon as possible.

    But at this time, an absolutely astounding piece of news from Great Yan finally made its way to his ears.

 Chapter 265: Besieging the Capital

    <h4>Chapter 265: Besieging the Capital</h4>

    ¡°Liu Yingshi, Prefect of Bao Chang, in possession of thirty thousand mercenaries, petitioned Emperor Yuankang 1 to move Great Yan¡¯s capital to his city. Upon the emperor turning down the petition, the prefect rebelled and endorsed royal descendent Weichi Xujie as the emperor of Later Yan. Prefect Liu Yingshi has set himself up as the regent and endowed Weichi Xujie with the title of Emperor Kaiyuan, indicating the founder of the dynasty.

    ¡°Many provinces in southern Great Yan have flocked to Emperor Kaiyuan¡¯s banner. Great Yan has lost the majority of its territory and Later Yan controls the waterways. Trade routes have been cut off, and reserve provisions are all being intercepted by Liu Yingshi¡­¡±

    Huzi slowly finished reading out the secret report and clucked his tongue in amazement. ¡°This Liu Yingshi is crazy! He responds to a rejected petition with putting up a new emperor? He makes off with the grain that the capital had previously gathered and surveils the waterways. Won¡¯t this cause a food shortage for the capital and its surrounding cities and towns?¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded thoughtfully. ¡°These kinds of people always rear their heads in chaotic times. Liu Yingshi is a crafty individual, and what he¡¯s done puts us at a great disadvantage.¡±

    ¡°Why does it?¡± Huzi asked, baffled. ¡°Later Yan is cutting off all supplies for the capital. Isn¡¯t that perfect for our siege?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, but I set my gaze on the entirety of Great Yan. Previously, we¡¯d only needed to conquer the capital to subdue the nation. However, Liu Yingshi¡¯s antics have broken Great Yan into two, and we¡¯ll need to deal with Later Yan even after taking the capital.¡±

    The prince rose to pace. ¡°Great Zhou¡¯s coffers are stretched too thin. We could¡¯ve grit our teeth and endured if we¡¯d controlled Weichi Yan after taking the capital. But even if we do so now, we only close our hands around those in the capital city. We¡¯d be destroying only the former Yan Dynasty. This isn¡¯t a good development.¡±

    Things had be clear to Huzi. ¡°Liu¡¯s got some really great timing huh!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s set all that to the side for now. We can worry about things after we take the capital. Even if Later Yan bears Yan in its name, Great Yan must die in Great Zhou¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°Precisely! The capital city now is a lonely ind cut off from supplies. It won¡¯t hold out for long.¡± Huzi brimmed with pride and confidence.

    ¡°We need to do so as soon as possible.¡± Pang Xiao drew close to the map to peruse an appropriate strategy. He had to end the war as quickly as possible, because Qin Yining was located in the capital, a city now suffering from shortage of food.

    He didn¡¯t want her to go hungry.

    ¡­¡­

    Pandemonium reigned in the capital.

    The government had just auctioned offrge numbers of ceremonial titles to improve the merchants¡¯ standings. Grain was being continuously carted into the capital, but the people had a scarce few days of joy before news came that the supply carts were being ambushed and Later Yan had formed with Bao Chang as its capital.

    Bem gripped the people!

    This city was the heart of Great Yan, and their emperor was Emperor Yuankang. What the hell was this Later Yan??

    It was inly a bunch of traitors and thieves up to no good, making up excuses to steal food from those in the capital and the defending army!

    Panic-strickenmoners flooded the yamen and Xuan Su Temple, wanting someone to give themfort and guidance. But no matter which they visited, both ces had their doors firmly shut.

    The people then turned to grain merchants to stock up on food, but all of the stores were closed as well. Meanwhile, the official granaries of the city were under heavy guard.

    Charged emotions sent the people charging into the streets and disappointment drove them back home. After a few days of upheaval, some started leaving the capital with family in tow.

    But three dayster, heavy guard was imposed on the outer gates as well. Entry and exit were strictly regted, and all those attempting to flee with their family were forcefully sent back.

    Someone shed with the soldiers, shouting, ¡°The capital is about to fall and usmoners have nothing to eat or drink! Are we supposed to just sit here and wait to die?? We¡¯re going to Later Yan in the south!¡±

    He was dragged away before he finished, stripped of his pants, and caned forty times. Now hanging to life by a thread, his wife and children wailed and sobbed as they carried the man back home.

    Scenes like these happened at every city gate. Filled with terror and anxiety, the people started resenting the government.

    The government couldn¡¯t protect them and didn¡¯t allow them to run away, no matter some were saying that Great Yan deserved to die¡­

    Weichi Yan was in a sorry state.

    He charged into the emperor emeritus¡¯ residence. ¡°Royal father! Chaos engulfs the streets! Weichi Xujie¡¯s pronounced himself emperor and imed allnd along the coast, south of Bao Chang! He¡¯s set himself up with some Later Yan Dynasty! Royal father, if you still refuse to tell me where that silver is, Great Yan really will fall!¡±

    The former emperor was on his side in bed, leisurely puffing hookah and squinting in enjoyment at clouds of smoke.

    ¡°You¡¯re the emperor of Great Yan. You¡¯ll hold things up whether or not the nation falls. What does that have to do with me?¡±

    Weichi Yan stared incredulously at his father. ¡°Royal father, do you not care at all about this country? You were once its ruler! What use can you possibly have for such arge sum of money? Do you still want to go out and start a country of your own? Or do you want to use it all yourself? How much money can one use in a lifetime? Will your conscience stand for this?? The thing to do now is to bring it forth to safeguard Great Yan!¡±

    ¡°Pah! Even if it falls, it¡¯s not I who was the ruler that brought it death! What am I worried about? Stop bothering me, get out!¡± The former emperor took another puff and waved Weichi Yan off like he was shooing a fly.

    A furious hum filled Weichi Yan¡¯s mind as the room grew dark in front of him. If it wasn¡¯t for Lu-gonggong¡¯s quick reflexes, the emperor would¡¯ve stumbled to the ground out of rage.

    Such was his royal father!

    This was the real reason why he¡¯d handed over the throne!

    Not because of Weichi Yan¡¯s talents or education, and not because the emperor emeritus had truly wanted to. It was because there¡¯d been no one else to be the scapegoat for the fall of a dynasty!

    Unable to hit or curse his father, impossible to win in argument or persuasion, a dispirited Weichi Yan shuffled down the long passageway. He tilted his head to an azure blue sky, his eyes full of miserable despair.

    Did the heavens really want to end Great Yan?

    ¡°Tell me, should We have agreed to moving the capital?¡± He turned to Lu-gonggong at his side.

    The eunuch quickly responded, ¡°Your Majesty, you might¡¯ve been met with an ambush at Bao Chang! There¡¯s nothing good about Liu Yingshi. Perhaps he doesn¡¯t really want to move the capital, and just wanted to lure you there. He wants to be the master of Great Yan!¡±

    Weichi Yan smiled wryly. ¡°I know that, of course. That¡¯s why I turned him down. But had I agreed, the nation might be fine. I might not have to be the ruler of a conquered nation, and the historians wouldn¡¯t write so ill of me.¡±

    Lu-gonggong lowered his head. As a eunuch, there were many subjects that weren¡¯t his ce to touch upon.

    A guard sprinted over at this time. ¡°Your Majesty! The Valiant Tigers havemenced their ultimate attack! The Duke of An is keeping the city gates shut and refuses to meet them in battle, but the Valiant Tigers have imposing momentum and have surrounded us on all sides!¡±

    White as a sheet, Weichi Yan howled at the sky. ¡°The heavens wish to end us! The heavens wish to end us!¡±

    As Qin Huaiyuan helped the Duke of An steady the defenses, Qin Yining had gathered all of the Qins to announce her decision.

    ¡°Move? Daughter Yi, where are we moving to at this point in time?¡±

    1. Weichi Yan¡¯s official title

 Chapter 266: A Fallback Position

    <h4>Chapter 266: A Fallback Position</h4>

    Qin Yining continued with a grim expression. ¡°The situation outside is very tense. Steward Zhong sent word just now that the capital city has been surrounded by the Great Zhou army. It was our army guarding the gates before, not letting people leave. But now our men have been scared back inside, the gates shut up tight. They wouldn¡¯t be able to let anyone out even if they wanted to.¡±

    Color drained from the family¡¯s faces as they heard the dire news. It was an oppressive feeling of thunderclouds looming over the city walls, of towering buildings about to copse.

    ¡°But what should we do? Is our country about to be destroyed?¡± Tears swam in the frightened old dowager¡¯s eyes. Qin-mama quickly offered a handkerchief to wipe away tears.

    The second madame asked, ¡°Niece Yi, if this is the case, we should defend the manor with everything we¡¯ve got. Where would we move to?¡±

    ¡°Second aunt, what we should do now isn¡¯t defend the manor unto death. We need to leave. Think about it. The city gates are sealed off and what rations we have left are earmarked for the troops. Even so, how long do you think the rations willst us given the 320 thousand soldiers we have?

    ¡°The people will be far worse off than the army. They can¡¯t afford to buy food and they can¡¯t escape. The emperor can¡¯t give us a concrete n. I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll have revolts soon! When themoners turn into mobs, where do you think they¡¯ll head for first? The granaries? The offices of government? Or the rich families in the city?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s, that¡¯s too frightening.¡± N¨¦e Sun wrung her handkerchief with shaking hands. ¡°We still have guards¡­¡±

    ¡°A single pair of hands will be hard pressed to defend against two others. Our guards won¡¯t be enough.¡± The fourth miss pursed her lips. ¡°My father is a famous official and I¡¯m a nun with official providence. Our family has too bright a target painted on our backs. When the mobs form, none of us will be able to get away. Besides, there¡¯s another matter at hand.¡±

    She turned her gaze to the old dowager, second madame, and n¨¦e Sun. ¡°We don¡¯t have much food left either. If we stay here, not only will we face the looting and revenge of the mobs, but what do we do after we finish our stores? The capital will soon run short on food.¡±

    ¡°Oh heavens!¡± The old dowager wailed loudly with frightened tears. ¡°Wolves to our fore and tigers to our rear. How will we possibly survive? Damnation take all of them! The old trash emperor hid the silver and refused to buy grain everyone ¡ª wasn¡¯t it my son who thought of how to resolve the situation for everyone? Not only are they not grateful, but they want revenge on us!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun and the second madame also wept out of fear, while tears had long since streamed down the eighth miss and Qin Huining¡¯s faces. The second wife was three months pregnant and started retching from the terrified atmosphere, infusing further concern into the scene.

    Qin Yining quicklyforted them. ¡°This is why I say that we should pack our things and leave before things are really a mess. Bring your valuables and useful items,e with me to Mt. Eternal Spring.¡±

    A few looked at Qin Yining, fear of the unknown written in their eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯ve put up quite a few refugees in the park on the mountain. You remember, right? I¡¯ve been sending them supplies that I bought with silver from the Institute. They¡¯re grateful to me. Come with me, they¡¯ll protect us from the mobs.

    ¡°The most important thing is that once food runs out and can¡¯t be bought, we can still feed ourselves from the mountain. Thankfully it¡¯s not winter. We can hunt in the woods, dig up wild vegetables, fish in the rivers, and catch birds in the trees. We won¡¯t starve, at any rate.¡± The girlughed lightheartedly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry at all, everyone. I lived in the mountains for six years! I¡¯m well versed in hunting, trapping birds, and skills like that. I can keep all of us alive. No one will starve.¡±

    The family sniffled as they looked at the optimistic Qin Yining, deeply pitying her with true sincerity for the first time. They¡¯d always lived under the shelter of the Qin name, being served hand and foot and wanting for nothing. Upon hearing that food wasn¡¯t to be found in the city, they¡¯d panicked and had no idea what to do.

    But Qin Yining had had to face this difficulty since eight years old. She had nothing to eat or drink she was just a little child eking out survival in the mountains. Six years passed in the blink of an eye, almost half of her lifespan¡­

    What was most precious was that she hadn¡¯t been defeated by this hardship. Rather, she¡¯d adamantly lived on and grown into a fine girl of intelligence and resilience.

    N¨¦e Sun enveloped Qin Yining in a tight hug, bawling loudly. ¡°Daughter Yi! My good child, my good child!¡±

    The girl hugged her mother back, not sure whether tough or cry as sheforted the madame. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, mother. To be honest, we have a great chance of survival if we head into the mountains. There¡¯s quite a few of us. We can look out for each other, and we¡¯ll have the support and help from those in Ning Park. There¡¯s strength in numbers. We won¡¯t starve no matter what. We¡¯ll at least have someone to talk to, no?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was even more pain-stricken with thest line. Not only had her darling girl been forced to scrabble in the wilderness, she¡¯d lived by herself for six years and hadn¡¯t had a single person to talk to¡­

    The senior madame howled with fresh sobs as she clung to her daughter, bringing answering twinges to the old dowager and the others. They felt for Qin Yining, and even more for themselves that they had to endures ¡®lives not fit for anyone¡¯.

    Qin Yining soothed her mother and the old dowager to no avail. The second and third elder master, Qin Yu and Qin Han returned at this point.

    When they saw all the womenfolk sping each other in tears, they were rmed that something had happened. Qin Yining¡¯s exnation set them at ease.

    ¡°Niece Yi and big brother are father and ¡®son¡¯ alright,¡± the second elder master dered. ¡°That¡¯s what our brother said as well. He sent us back with instructions to make haste while bem has yet to engulf the city. We need to hurry and pack our things to seek shelter from the refugees that Niece Yi is housing on Mt. Eternal Spring. The people will remember what she¡¯s done for them. No ce else will, and they¡¯ll be able to protect us.¡±

    Hearing that Qin Huaiyuan had proposed the same idea, the old dowager no longer hesitated. ¡°Since we¡¯re to flee, let¡¯s release all of the new servants we¡¯ve bought. We can waive their freedom price. We won¡¯t be able to feed so many anyways.¡±

    But Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°Even if we release them, where will they find new jobs in a time like this? They¡¯ll starve to death if they don¡¯t work. Let¡¯s bring them with us. Even if we eat rice husks and pick at vegetables, that¡¯s still a way forward. There¡¯s no reason that the Qins can coexist peacefully with the refugees on the mountain, but not with the servants that have served us for so long.¡±

    ¡°Niece Yi is right, let¡¯s leave together as a family,¡± the second elder master concurred. ¡°We can¡¯t do something so heartless. How will my brother maintain his footing in the army if word of this spreads? Don¡¯t forget that the soldiers are also people, that they have family in the city too. Who knows if someone¡¯s rtive is in our household? It¡¯s best not to create unnecessary trouble.¡±

    Old Dowager flushed from embarrassment with Qin Yining and the second elder master¡¯s responses. She waved a hand awkwardly. ¡°Alright, alright. Let¡¯s do what both of you say. I¡¯m getting muddleheaded in my age, so don¡¯t pay attention to me.¡±

    It was the first time that the old dowager had yielded with self-deprecating remarks. The Qin fourth miss and second elder master looked at each other, each heaving an inward sigh of relief. They really couldn¡¯t afford to have any further trouble crop up at this time. If the old dowager had refused toe to her senses, they¡¯d have to waste time talking her around. It was only a good thing that the matriarch wasn¡¯t being obstinate anymore.

    They quickly summoned all of the family to give instructions for a journey. Qin Yining specifically reminded everyone, ¡°Carefully lock up all the valuables that can¡¯t be moved and put them into the cers. We won¡¯t be seeing any of the remaining furniture and decorations again. Bring practical clothing with you, and for all seasons, not just summer. If the war continues to the new year, we¡¯ll be spending the winter on the mountain¡­¡±

    The Qins made fretful preparations and dismissed the craftsmen working on repairing the rear residence.

    All of the family branches and residences huddled together for hushed meetings. When it reached half an hour after midnight and thanks to the second elder master buying off the night patrol, the Qins hurriedly left the ruins of the Anping Manor. Carriages carrying the Qins, servants, and belongings made quick time to the outskirts of the city.

    Qin Yining, Jiyun, Qiulu, Bingtang, n¨¦e Sun, and Jin-mama upied onerge carriage. The granny servant softly consoled the crying senior madame. Bingtang and Qiulu were infected by the mood and welled up as well.

    Qin Yining found the situation amusing. ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, mother. Fortune and disastere hand-in-hand in life. One lives to an old age after weathering three great rises and falls. Don¡¯t worry, even if we aren¡¯t in thep of luxury, I can ensure that you won¡¯t go hungry.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m worried about your father, your maternal grandmother and aunts.¡±

    The girl smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t even worry about that! Father¡¯s in the army and won¡¯t be the first to go hungry at all. With his smarts, he won¡¯t get the short end of the stick at all. You need to worry even less about grandmother. She¡¯ll definitely find a way to take the entire family to Bao Chang or down the coastline.¡±

 Chapter 267: Good Deeds and Their Just Rewards

    <h4>Chapter 267: Good Deeds and Their Just Rewards</h4>

    After a bit of thought, N¨¦e Sun felt that her daughter made quite a bit of sense. She took in a few deep breaths. ¡°You¡¯re right. They¡¯ll all be fine. We¡¯ll have the chance to meet again as long as we stay alive.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Just focus on taking care of yourself, mother. I¡¯ll take good care of you.¡± Qin Yining shook her mother¡¯s arm intimately.

    Moved, N¨¦e Sun smiled through her tears and held tightly onto her daughter¡¯s hand.

    Mt. Eternal Spring was located on the capital¡¯s outskirts, about forty miles from the inner city. There was quite a distance between it and the southern city gate. The outskirts were buttressed by the mountain. There was also a spring on the mountain, making it prime location to escape the worries of the world and live one¡¯s days out in peace. Due to it being royal property, there were exceedingly few houses around it. The people usually didn¡¯t daree close, so the Qins ascended the mountain without obstruction.

    Steward Zhong was waiting in front of the park gates with a few leaders within the residence. He¡¯d gotten there bright and early. He hastily brought the rest forward in greetings when he saw Qin Yining help n¨¦e Sun out of the carriage. ¡°You¡¯re here, miss.¡±

    Behind him, there was a tall and stocky middle-aged man, a woman just over twenty who was dressed like a man, and an elder over seventy wearing worn robes. They knelt and kowtowed when they saw Qin Yining.

    ¡°Greetings to our benefactor!¡±

    ¡°Oh please do get up! How many times have I told you to not bow to me? I¡¯m just a little girl, how could I bear such greetings?¡± The Qin fourth miss went to help the elder up first. ¡°Mister Ni, please get up. I don¡¯t need to help Big Brother Lu and Sister Nine up, do I?¡±

    ¡°This is such an undeserved honor. I am unworthy. Of course we need to bow when we see our benefactor.¡± The elder Mister Ni bowed.

    Ni Liping had been ill and beyond hope when first taking up residence in the park. However, Qin Yining hadn¡¯t given up on the aged and the young. He¡¯d made it past that obstacle and had been a de facto ¡®vige head¡¯ during this time due to his logical and rational style. He¡¯d also set up a system in which children who could read taught those younger. The elder had quite a bit of authority on the mountain.

    ¡°Indeed, undeserved honor, we are unworthy.¡± The middle-aged man bowed as well. ¡°We must kowtow. I wouldn¡¯t even be here today if not for our benefactor!¡±

    Lu Dehan was thirty two and had attended school when young, but didn¡¯t have much to show for his efforts after spending all of his family¡¯s silver on education. His mind wasn¡¯t the sharpest, so he toiled in the fields for a living.

    When he fled the war with his family, his wife and daughter had died along the way. He¡¯d carried his sick mother up the mountain on his back. Mother Lu had been incredibly sick, and it¡¯d been Bingtang who¡¯d brought her back to health. Lu Dehan¡¯s gratitude towards Qin Yining couldn¡¯t be described with words.

    But when the surrounding crowd heard Lu Dehan repeat ¡®undeserved honor, we are unworthy¡¯, chuckles and stifledughter rippled through those close by.

    The cross-dressing young woman aimed a kick at Lu Dehan. ¡°You big lug! Look at you getting all fancy like Mister Ni. You were just waiting for our benefactor toe help you up!¡±

    The feisty girl had a few hints of Sun Erniang in her 1 and was named Liu Jiu¡¯er. 2 She was a widow and had the greatest authority among the women. She came from a family of hunters and had inherited the skill, earning the respect of most of the men as well.

    Open guffaws broke out when people saw that Lu Denan had earned another kick from Missus Nine again.

    The rest of the Qins standing behind Qin Yining were stunned by what they saw of the refugees in Ning Park. They¡¯d thought it¡¯d be a bunch of beggars and vagabonds.

    Hungry beggars would certainly be as wild and monstrous as tigers and wolves, protecting theirst chance of survival. They would definitelypete with each other for food, with only winners able to live on. How would they ever ept outsiders in their midst?

    But now now they could see that though the refugees wore well-used clothing, they were all very clean. Smiles graced every face and kindness filled their hearts. Their respect towards Qin Yining was so obvious that the rest of the Qins couldn¡¯t remain nonchnt even if they wanted to.

    Steward Zhong was standing next to the old dowager and murmured, ¡°The miss has kept them alive all this time, giving them jobs, food, doctors, and medicine. The children can continue their schooling, and the miss hasn¡¯t thrown them back out to be refugees in the streets. She hasn¡¯t let them die of hunger or illness in the drought, and hasn¡¯t given up a single elder or child. You have no idea what a great thing the owner¡¯s done.¡±

    The family¡¯s shock could no longer be described with words.

    ¡°Everyone, pleasee inside. We already cleaned out the best house when we heard the benefactor¡¯s family wasing.¡± Missus Nine smiled and weed them in.

    ¡°This won¡¯t do,¡± Qin Yining protested. ¡°We should follow the rules and leave the best house for the elders and children. We¡¯ll just do as everyone else does.¡±

    ¡°Now don¡¯t be so polite with us, Benefactor. Your family will feel morefortable if they¡¯re all together.¡±

    This made sense to Qin Yining. They wouldn¡¯t only be spending a day or two on the mountain. The family could get settled in first before further allocations were made. She went to support the old dowager with a smile and weed the rest of her family in.

    Helping each other through the door, the Qins were greeted with the sight of more waiting residents. They¡¯d heard the news and neatly parted to the sides when they saw their benefactor¡¯s family. Friendly smiles were cast, loud greetings lobbed at Qin Yining, and more murmured softly to each other.

    ¡°This is our benefactor¡¯s family, we must treat them well.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Wise Pan An¡¯s family, then is he here too? Is that tall, old master Wise Pan An?¡± Someone pointed at the second elder master.

    Another with more information responded, ¡°Wise Pan An¡¯s defending the capital right now. He¡¯s a hero!¡±

    ¡°The benefactor¡¯s family are full of good people. We must take very good care of them.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Thanks to the low buzz of discussions, the Qins finally understood what a tremendous thing Qin Yining had done outside the home. The old dowager even felt a blush rise to her face because she¡¯d onceined that her granddaughter was spending silver on people who had nothing to do with them.

    But now it was a case of just rewards flowering from the seeds of good deeds. Because Qin Yining had helped the refugees, they were all quicklying to the family¡¯s aid after disaster had struck the Qins. This was all thanks to the fourth daughter of the house.

    Brimming with emotions, the family entered the residence proper. Ning Park¡¯s tall and sturdy walls housed what appeared to be a small vige inside. Houses had been raised everywhere as the exotic flora within had long since been sold off for funds.

    As they traveled along the small path to the magnificently opulent main building, a veritable immortal¡¯s pce, Missus Nine said, ¡°We¡¯ve cleaned out all of the rooms on the second floor. Please have your family settle in there, Benefactor.¡±

    Qin Yining thought for a moment and decided not to protest. She asked the grand steward to help settle the servants instead. She herself brought her family upstairs.

    ¡°We¡¯re taking shelter from war right now, so it¡¯s wonderful enough that the entire family is together. Later on, we¡¯ll have to learn how to provide for ourselves with the fruits of ourbor, so I hope everyone can make do here.¡±

    Unable to immediately adapt to the situation, the old dowager didn¡¯t say anything. It was the second madame who spoke up.

    ¡°This is very fine enough already. What else can we want for as long as the entire family is together?¡±

    The second elder master smiled at his wife.

    So it was decided that the old dowager, Qin-mama, the third elder master, and Qin Yu would squeeze in one set of rooms. The four from the second branch would take a set. N¨¦e Sun, Jin-mama, Qin Yining, and the three maids would cram in one set. The eighth miss, Qin Huining, and thetter¡¯s head maid would be Qin Yining¡¯s neighbor.

    The family found it very difficult to adjust at first. Insects abounded on the mountain and there were none of the rules found at home. No maids waited to serve them and the chatter of other voices gued them during every waking moment. It was as noisy as a market, quite diforting to a family that had been used to a life of ease andfort.

    With the exception of Qin Yining.

    On this day, she rose, washed up, put on an outfit of rough cloth, and ited her hair into a long braid in front of her. She brought simrly dressed Jiyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu downstairs to help with food preparations.

    The enormous Ning Park had roared to life early in the morning. Many men blushed furiously and ducked their heads when they glimpsed four girls, pretty as could be, go fetch water.

    Qin Yining and Jiyun busied themselves with chopping up firewood and feeding the mes while Qiulu and Bingtang washed and cooked rice.

    As she put the stove in order, the Qin fourth missughed and chatted with Missus Nine and few other women. She even received pickled vegetables and salted dried fish from some of them.

    When a group of children came back with freshly picked wildflowers and berries, a little boy in patched clothing trotted over with a bright red face. He shoved a bouquet of riotously colored wildflowers and arge variety of berries wrapped in a leaf into Qin Yining¡¯s hands before turning to sprint away. The girlughed merrily from the antics.

    Her crisp peal ofughter, like a silver bell¡¯s, drew the attention of all those nearby. Missus Nine burst outughing. ¡°Li Gousheng 3 you brat! You know to give our benefactor flowers, but you don¡¯t give thisydee a single one!¡±

    Seven-year-old Li Gousheng stuck his tongue out at Missus Nine and scampered off.

    From the second floor, the old dowager observed the scene thoughts a window, brooding over her thoughts.

    The second madame smiled at her husband. ¡°Our niece is something else alright! Us adults shouldn¡¯t fall behind either. Milord, let¡¯s change and go find something to do downstairs. We can¡¯t just sit around and wait for someone to dance attendance on us.¡±

    1. A fierce, fictional character in Water Margin, ssic Chinese literature.

    2. Jiu is the character for nine, hence her nickname.

    3. His given name means ¡®Dog Leftovers¡¯

 Chapter 268: Famine

    <h4>Chapter 268: Famine</h4>

    As the Qins slowly limated to their new life, the situation in the capital reached new heights of tenseness.

    The Valiant Tigers had the city gates under heavy guard and patrols monitoring the surroundings. Those inside the capital were hard pressed to get out even if they could fly. They¡¯d lost all contact with the outside world.

    Setting aside the fact that South Yan controlled the waterways and supply lines, even if Liu Yingshi didn¡¯t exist and the emperor emeritus was willing to give up the nation¡¯s fortune, it was veritably impossible for Weichi Yan to buy food.

    What remaining grain in the city turned into exceedingly precious treasure. Weichi Yan led by example and was the first to switch to watery porridge. He decreed that all rations were to be given to the army first. However, the many hands that handled the rations ensured that not much reached the army at all.

    After half a month of this, Weichi Yan and his empress lost more than five kilograms, but many officials could still put rice on the tables. Meanwhile, rations became poorer and poorer for the frontlines.

    An Indian summer was in full swing, but the soldiers only had two meals a day. Each meal consisted of a flinty, ck chunk of mixed grains that was the size of a woman¡¯s fist.

    ¡°F*ck. this. f*cking. shit! Is this for people to eat?!¡± A city defender almost broke his tooth after taking a bite out of the dry t cake. He chewed for a good, long while before finally swallowing.

    ¡°Count your blessings that we still have these t cakes. The people in the city have been digging up wild vegetables and stripping off tree bark. Apparently lots have died from hunger, and some are even eating their children.¡± The speaker took a small nibble, like he was savoring the taste, and carefully washed it down with a mouthful of cold water.

    ¡°Ai, did you guys hear? Minister Liu¡¯s manor was overrun yesterday. The people didn¡¯t even look at the valuables after charging in. They only wanted food. But there wasn¡¯t any left in the minister¡¯s home.¡±

    Those next to the speaker piped in, ¡°Those officials are living morefortably than the emperor! They still have steamed bread at home while the emperor¡¯s had a month of watered down porridge.¡±

    ¡°We may not have good food, but we won¡¯t starve to death. The people¡¯s in for it though. Great Zhou¡¯s got the city surrounded and it¡¯s impossible to break out. They¡¯re going to have us all die in here.¡±

    ¡°I have no idea how we¡¯re going to keep fighting this war. Great Zhou is way too ruthless.¡±

    Out of the originally 350,000 defending troops, thirty thousand had been lost under the Prince of Ning, and now the Duke of An held only three hundred thousand. However, the Valiant Tigers had lost less than a thousand men, and they were besieging a city! It was utterly humiliating.

    Stark differences in battle strength, as well as trepidation from hunger and cut supply lines, made the Great Yan soldiers lose their appetites. They felt that the lord of the underworld and his minions were hovering next to them, cackling.

    The group looked down the walls and saw that the adjacent enemy encampments had also started fires to cook food. There was even the faint smell of stewed meat.

    Though Great Zhou¡¯s supply lines were stretched long, their army hadn¡¯t been encircled. They could still hunt and fish when rations ran low, dig up some wild vegetables or even nt their own. The Valiant Tigers were much morefortably offpared to the trapped Great Yan capital.

    The defending soldiers¡¯ mouths watered upon catching the tantalizingly elusive smell of meat. The tasteless, rock-hard t cakes became even harder to swallow.

    Footsteps sounded on the tform at this time. A greeting rang out, ¡°Your Grace, Grand Preceptor Qin.¡±

    The group quickly rose to their feet to see the Duke of An, d in golden armor and holding a tasseled helmet, arrive with the grand preceptor half a step behind him. Grand Preceptor Qin was wearing pale-green schr robes and had lost a lot of weight. There was an exceedingly beautiful pageboy behind him and a middle-aged follower.

    Everyone on the walls hastily made their bows. The duke waved them off and looked down over the city gates.

    An endless stream of army tents greeted his eyes. Valiant Tiger gs and banners rippled and cracked in the wind, the golden tiger on them baring its teeth. It seemed it would leap down from the poles at any time and pounce on its prey, devouring them whole.

    Just a glimpse of the sight made the Duke of An weak at the knees. Only when he¡¯d really fought Pang Xiao had he experienced the might of the Valiant Tigers, how each one of the enemy could fend off ten Great Yan soldiers. Understanding had also dawned on why Pang Xiao was reputed to be a gifted mastermind when it came to strategy.

    The duke had originally thought that since Wise Pan An was a renowned, resourceful advisor, it was impossible for the strategist to not defeat Pang Xiao. He¡¯d once sessfully schemed against even the prince¡¯s father, after all!

    But in reality, the two were well-matched in the field.

    Though the Valiant Tigers were fewer in numbers, they were much fiercer and more highly trained. But, they were also at the disadvantage of besieging a city.

    Though Great Yan had great numbers, their battle strength was weak andcked order. But, they held the advantage of defending against a siege.

    After multiple skirmishes between Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao, the original 320,000 strong defending army had been whittled down to three hundred thousand.

    After a while of refusing to engage in battle, the Duke of An fell for a ruse and was trapped in the mountains to the west of the capital for a full day and night. If it hadn¡¯t been for Qin Huaiyuan arriving in the nick of time, even the duke would¡¯ve been lost, much less the twenty thousand also in the mountains.

    The duke¡¯s heart still pounded when he recalled the events of that day. From that day forth, he refused to open the city gates to meet the enemy in battle, no matter what manner of insults the Great Zhou army called out. The duke pretended to be deaf to all of them.

    A shudder ran through the Duke of An. He pointed at the Great Zhou encampment not too far from the city gates, where the delicious scent of meat wafted from, and asked darkly, ¡°How do we fight this?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze thoughtful. He knew in his heart of hearts that no matter how Great Yan fought, she was at the end of her tether.

    If there had been bountiful food supplies, he would¡¯ve been confident in fending off a hundred thousand Valiant Tigers with only thirty thousand men. He could¡¯ve dragged things out until the attackers ran out of supplies and were forced to retreat.

    But there were no more reserves left in the capital.

    Soldiers risked their lives in the battlefield simply for a mouthful of food and water. When the armymanders couldn¡¯t even offer that, what else could they offer as sustenance? Grand dreams of wealth and prosperity or thoughts of devotion to the emperor?

    Commoners were dying of starvation everyday. They would turn into angry mobs when the whip of famineshed them. Which of the noble houses now yet remained untouched by the crowds? Some aristocratic families had lost even their lives, while others fled in panic and horror.

    But just making off with scraps was far from enough to feed the people. When wild vegetables ran out, they turned to tree bark. When that was gone, there were grass roots. But the capital was limited in size. What else could they eat when there wasn¡¯t even grass to be found?

    There would only be people left¡­

    This was what desperate civilians would do, so what about the soldiers? They¡¯d likely mutiny before they had to resort to eating people!

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s head trailed down, thinking of the chaos in the capital, an emperor who stumbled from hunger, his family eating wild roots and berries¡­ helplessness once more roiled through him.

    Great Zhou wouldn¡¯t need to expend much effort at all. Extending the siege for another half month would bring the city to its knees without engagement. A nation was truly in ruins when its people ate each other.

    The marquis closed his eyes, feeling his chest tighten and his head spin. He wavered and pitched to the ground.

    ¡°My lord!¡± Cao Yuqing noticed Qin Huaiyuan waver. She quickly supported him and with Qitai¡¯s help, slowlyid the marquis out on the ground.

    The duke was also startled and anxious. ¡°Is Grand Preceptor Qin lightheaded from hunger? Someone get some water and rations.¡±

    The soldiers who¡¯d beenining about the hard-to-swallow t cakes moments ago were struck with a wave of sadness. Even Grand Preceptor Qin had fainted fromck of food. It looked like they really were going to go without.

    Qin Huaiyuan was helped down the city walls by Cao Yuqing and Qitai.

    In the Great Zhou encampment not too far away from the city gates, Pang Xiao put away his ¡®Farseer¡¯, looping it carefully with a silver chain and hanging it on his waist. He frowned worriedly.

    ¡°What did you see, master?¡± Huzi asked curiously.

    ¡°We¡¯ve besieged the capital for 43 days now.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Huzi sat down cross-legged next to Pang Xiao. ¡°It looks like the capital is at the end of it¡¯s rope. It¡¯s such a hot day and all the people are trapped in the same city, starving. There¡¯s no way they don¡¯t go crazy.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s forehead knit together even tighter. ¡°Right. So she¡¯s starving as well.¡± Pang Xiao gradually lowered his head and tugged at his hair with both hands.

    Huzi finally understood what his master was thinking about. And it was true, there were so many in the capital and apleteck of supplies. Everything that could be eaten probably had been, so all there was left to do was for starving people to start dying in droves.

    Under those circumstances, it was an unknown whether a weak girl like Qin Yining, one whose injuries were yet to heal, would make it¡­

    Huzi only dared think about this. He¡¯d never say it in front of his master. He changed the topic instead. ¡°Your Highness, do we continue cooking the meat stew? Why don¡¯t we let the brothers have some first?¡±

    The Valiant Tigers purposefully cooked a pot of meat stew beneath the city walls everyday so that the defenders could smell the deliciousness. This was also a way in which Pang Xiao battered Great Yan¡¯s morale.

    He did so partially to ensure that the enemy couldn¡¯t really put a finger on the Valiant Tigers¡¯ true condition, and partially to undermine the Great Yan people¡¯s heart. It was inestimable mental torture, temptation, and oppression for those starving to see the enemy eating meat everyday.

    But to be honest, the Valiant Tigers were having the same issues with their supplies. They just had the benefit of being free to move around. If the situation really became dire, they could forage further away. They weren¡¯t rapped in a city like Great Yan, waiting to die of hunger.

    Pang Xiao kept his head down, quiet for a very long time. ¡°Keep cooking. This war must be over as soon as possible. The longer we keep this up, the more I¡¯m afraid¡­¡±

 Chapter 269: Surrender (I)

    <h4>Chapter 269: Surrender (I)</h4>

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t continue, but unswerving determination could be found in his sharp gaze. He rose and paced for a bit, then summoned Huzi in a quiet voice, ¡°Find a way to get word to the Marquis of Anping that I would like to meet with him secretly. I leave you in charge of the details.¡±

    Huzi blinked, then nodded solemnly and quickly took his leave.

    Pang Xiao gazed upon the tightly shut city gates with his hands behind his back, his heart so disquieted that it wanted to sprout wings to fly to Qin Yining. His beloved girl was in the throes of suffering right now, and the worst part was that he was the source of her troubles. But because of his identity, he had to continue to fight.

    Such was the resignation of being born in troubled times.

    ......

    The person that Pang Xiao was extremely distressed about was currently stooped in front of a stove with Missus Nine, stirring a pot of ck, wild vegetable soup.

    ¡°Benefactor, can the titled dowager of your household eat this kind of soup?¡± Worry crossed Schr Ni¡¯s face.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing else to be had these days. We only have this.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s face was so skinny now that it was smaller than a grown man¡¯s palm, making her almond-shaped eyes appear evenrger and brighter.

    The old man sighed when he cast a nce at the eighth miss and Qin Huining. The girls were crying silently where they sat, not too far from the others.

    All three of them were Qin daughters, but thetter two couldn¡¯t ensure any hardships at all. With their bound feet, they couldn¡¯t dig for wild vegetables, much less hunt. They werepletely clueless about what to do with their hands and feet if asked to do theundry or cook. They were noble daughters through and through, ones who didn¡¯t help with the household chores at all.

    In this period of time, the servants that the Qins had brought with them were left to fend for themselves. Most of the work fell to the men such as the second and third elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu. Qin Yining and her three loyal maids endured the most amount of hard work.

    There had been food stores in the beginning, and Steward Zhong had made ample preparations. However, even the most abundant reserves couldn¡¯t withstand numerous people exhausting them, especiallybined with chronk of replenishment.

    Even one hundred taels of silver wouldn¡¯t buy half a kilogram of rice now, much less ten taels ¡ª what¡¯d already seemed an exorbitant price before.

    With the increasing numbers of refugees, hunting and digging up wild vegetables became tall orders too. It was better for those in Ning Park since they had the mountain, but those in the city had finished thest of the grass roots and tree bark.

    Initially, some died from food poisoning as they ate the wrong thing, but with ever growing numbers of the dead, they no longer knew just why someone had died.

    It was always the elderly and children who died first whenever it came to famine. Who in the park hadn¡¯te with their family? Who didn¡¯t wish that their aged parents or children could live on?

    It was Qin Yining¡¯s silver that had bought the supplies, so she had absolute authority when it came to distribution. Nefarious intentions grew in some, but most in the park felt utter gratitude to the Qin fourth miss. Those who wanted do ill had to restrain themselves, if they didn¡¯t want to be denounced by all.

    But contrary to everyone¡¯s expectations, she didn¡¯t give all of the food to her family, and neither did she give up on the elderly or children. When supplies ran low, the healthy adults primarily filled their stomachs with wild vegetables and fruits of the hunt.

    Apart from the old dowager, every one of the Qins learned how to pick up a task. They set aside what food they could for the old dowager and pregnant second wife.

    Twenty days ago, Qin Yining was cupping a bowl of porridge so watery that it reflected her image. She looked at Li Gousheng next to her, down to skin and bones. She looked into hisrge, teary, ck eyes and the other children who no longer had the energy to pick wildflowers for her. There was no way she could bring herself to swallow a single mouthful of porridge.

    She stopped eating from the supplies that day forth.

    This made Bingtang frantic with anxiety, leading her to tell Missus Nine, Lu Dehan, and Schr Ni that her mistress had just been injured.

    ¡°As everyone knows, the Qin Manor was engulfed in disaster a while ago and arge number of people died. Our miss was heavily injured and just barely managed to avoid the jaws of death. But she harmed the foundations of her body because she lost so much blood, and came up the mountain before she fully recovered. I can give her medicine, but it¡¯s just as bad if she starves. If she can¡¯t recover her lost vitality, it will only hurt her lifespan.¡±

    Even though Bingtang was young, she had superb medical skills and was a descendant of the Tangs. Most had gone to her at some point, for headaches, heat shes, or any other ailments. Thus, everyone had a deep-seated respect for her.

    They shared her worries after hearing her concerns, and began sharing the first of the hunt or foraged berries with Qin Yining. Schr Ni was 72 this year but always split half of his t cake with Qin Yining. When the girl refused to take it, he further split the half with the other children.

    ......

    Rations had run out for everyone starting today. The mountain had also been stripped most of its produce. Given the drought, the wild vegetables they were cultivating grew slowly. It¡¯d be tree bark next for everyone in the park.

    Qin Yiningdled a bowl for Schr Ni first when she saw the soup was ready. She then served the eighth miss and Qin Huining.

    The eighth miss smiled with gratitude, while Qin Huining looked down expressionlessly. She was likely out of strength to even smile.

    The fourth miss paid it no heed and called over Bingtang, Jiyun, and Qiulu to help. After preparing bowls of soup, they brought it to the second floor.

    In the dry and hot summer, the door to the second floor hallway was usually left open. But today, it¡¯d been closed and even bolted from the inside. After Bingtang knocked on the door, it opened a crack to reveal Qin-mama.

    ¡°Fourth Miss.¡± Some awkwardness yed on the granny servant¡¯s face.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°The vegetable soup¡¯s ready. The hunters haven¡¯te back yet, so line your stomachs with something hot first.¡±

    The servant nodded with a smile, but didn¡¯t have any intention of letting the girl in. She reached out to take the full, ceramic bowls.

    Qin Yining looked skeptically at the mama. Her heart skipped a beat when she glimpsed the lingering traces of blood and white fur in the mama¡¯s fingernails. She shoved open the door, the scent of stewed meat filling her nostrils.

    ¡°Qin-mama, the hunters haven¡¯te back yet. Are you hoarding meat in the rooms?¡±

    The granny servant¡¯s head trailed down mutely.

    Bingtang, Jiyun, and Qiulu all entered as well. Qin-mama hastily shut the door again. Qin Yining made quick time further into the suite, noticing that all of the windows were closed. She smiled sardonically, ¡°What now, aren¡¯t you hot on such a stifling day?¡±

    She shoved open the door to the old dowager¡¯s room, sending it crashing with a bang and startling the old dowager and second wife.

    The two were each happily nibbling away at a small rabbit leg. An earthenware pot was in front of them, the stew inside bubbling audibly.

    Bloodstains yet painted the rim of the night bucket in the corner. Snowy-white rabbit fur had been stripped and thrown onto the ground. The red knot in the shape of a plum blossom, that Pang Xiao had personally affixed onto Riceball¡¯s neck, was dyed crimson.

    A whirring sound filled Qin Yining¡¯s brain. ¡°You, you ate my Riceball?¡±

    The old dowager drank a mouthful of soup and smacked her lips. ¡°Come,e. I was going to share with you too. Look at how skinny you are! Drink some soup and get some nutrition in you.¡±

    The second wife wasn¡¯t showing her pregnancy yet, but was over the stage of morning sickness. She was at a period where food was highly desirable and so didn¡¯t lift her head as she guzzled the soup down.

    Qin-mama spoke awkwardly, ¡°Fourth Miss, Old Dowager and the second wife both need nutrition. Old Dowager¡¯s only had a bowl of soup this morning and really was ovee by hunger. The hunters hadn¡¯te back yet, so, so...¡±

    The rest of the exnation was bottled up when the granny servant met Qin Yining¡¯s furiously widened eyes and angrily nted eyebrows.

    ¡°When have I not given you meat to eat? We leave the best for you when the entire family is drinking vegetable soup! My little bunny isn¡¯t even the size of a woman¡¯s palm. Is there even 50 grams of meat after it¡¯s skinned and deboned? Just how heartless are you to not show mercy to such a small rabbit?? The hunters will be back soon, you couldn¡¯t even wait a few minutes!¡±

    The old dowager ignored the awkwardness in the situation and threw her spoon into the bowl. She sneered coldly, ¡°Is this the filial piety you show to your grandmother? There is a famine upon us, and you¡¯re the only one who keeps a pet that needs to be fed! Is 50 grams of meat not meat? The 50 grams is your second cousin-inw¡¯s nutrition and will help her give your second cousin a son!¡±

    Qin Han¡¯s wife mumbled around a mouthful of soup. ¡°Cousin Yi, I¡¯ll pay you back a hundred rabbits in the future. Don¡¯t be mad. Come, have some soup. The meat soup thates from the big pots don¡¯t even have the taste of meat. Come and try this.¡±

    Tears abruptly streamed down Qin Yining¡¯s face.

    She¡¯d never once thought of killing Riceball even when she went to bed hungry, because it¡¯d been a gift from Pang Xiao. He¡¯d said it was their pledge and a token of the negotiations between Great Zhou and Great Yan. He¡¯d personally undone the red knot from his jade pendant and tied it around Riceball¡¯s neck.

    They had been so close that even now, she seemed to be able to recall his unique scent.

    She understood all the logic and that each fended for their own during war.

    But she¡¯d seen with her own eyes people fall, one by one, dead of hunger in the streets, and the empty eyes of someone who¡¯d had to eat their own children. In her hungriest moments, she remembered that bowl of cold noodles Pang Xiao had made for her. How she wished he would suddenly appear and save them from this suffering!

    She¡¯d never thought of eating Riceball, no matter how hungry she became. She hid Riceball in her room and took care of it conscientiously, cuddling it to sleep every night.

    Somehow, it felt that there would be no proof of their pledge of love if not for the bunny.

    But now Riceball had been eaten...

    Qin Yining could feel the snap of her extremely taut nerves, the pir that had kept her going. Tears spilled forth uncontrobly.

 Chapter 270: Surrender (II)

    <h4>Chapter 270: Surrender (II)</h4>

    Some guilt assailed the the old dowager at the sight of her crying granddaughter, but she exhorted harshly, ¡°It¡¯s just an animal! Why are you acting like this?? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know where that rabbites from! It came back with you after the peace talks at Xihua, and then that devil Pang came strutting to our nation.

    ¡°After all the harm he¡¯d done to the family, I¡¯m only eating the rabbit he gave you. I haven¡¯t even taught you a lesson yet! You¡¯re overly intimate with him, are you thinking of mutiny??¡±

    pping a high crime on her out of guilt?

    Qin Yining waved a hand, not wanting to exchange another word with someone like the old dowager. She picked up the plum blossom-shaped knot from the blood drenched rabbit fur and left.

    ¡°Miss.¡± Bingtang and Qiulu came dashing out, each taking one of their mistress¡¯ arms.

    Meanwhile, Jiyunughed coldly. ¡°I¡¯ve really learned something today! I can¡¯t believe that such an ungrateful, shameless, scheming old bitch like you exists in the world! How can such an open minded and aboveboard person like Grand Preceptor Qin have you for a mother?? Just like ck sheep cane from a good family, so can a good onee from rot! Or did you steal him from another family? How foul and disgusting!¡±

    ¡°You! How dare you, how dare you! Servants, attend to me!¡±

    ¡°Servants? You¡¯re the biggest burden on us all. You need people waiting on you all day. Do you think you¡¯re still at the manor?¡± Jiyun raked the old dowager with a contemptuous re and took off running. She was afraid that something would happen to Qin Yining.

    The guard found Qin Yining, Bingtang, and Qiulu by a small creek outside Ning Park. The Qin fourth miss was crouched by the water as she washed off the bloodstains on the knot. She wasn¡¯t crying anymore.

    Jiyun¡¯s nose twinged at the sight of the thin, fragile girl stooped on the floor, her shoulder des about to poke through her clothes at any moment. The guard almost burst into tears.

    When are youing, Your Highness?! If you don¡¯te soon, the future princess consort will be tortured to death! Not just from hunger, but from emotional anguish as well!

    Jiyun wanted tofort her mistress, but she didn¡¯t know what to say after opening and closing her mouth a few times.

    Footsteps suddenly sounded at this time. A slightly raspy male voice huffed out with suppressed surprise, ¡°Yi¡¯er, is, is that you?¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her head to see Weichi Yan, so skinny that his cheeks had sunken in. He was wearing worn, long robes and had made it up the mountain with the help of a few guards and pce servants.

    What¡¯s he doing here?

    An astonished Qin Yining put the now clean knot carefully away and walked up to make the grand gesture of greeting. ¡°This subject greets Your Majesty.¡±

    The maids also followed suit.

    Drenched in sweat, Weichi Yan leaned against a small tree to catch his breath. He waved off Qin Yining. ¡°Rise, all of you. No need to stand on formality.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss rose and asked respectfully with a bowed head, ¡°What brings Your Majesty here?¡±

    Weichi Yan panted a bit more before regaining some of his breath. ¡°We heard that your family¡¯s manor was overrun by a mob, but no one from your family could be found. This was greatly worrying, so We investigated and learned that you had moved here a while ago with the rest of your n.¡±

    He raised his head to look at the painted walls and ck tiles of Ning Park. The emperor frowned with displeasure when he recalled that this residence had been a gift from Pang Xiao.

    Yet there was nothing he could find fault with Qin Yining for. She was just a weak girl, and if she hadn¡¯t made arrangements for her family early on, the Qins would¡¯ve been harmed by the mob.

    Weichi Yan smiled mockingly at himself. He was the emperor, but all he could do was starve. There was nothing he could give Qin Yining, so what basis did he have to pursue her? Would paintings or calligraphy feed the people?

    ¡°All of you are dismissed, We have words to exchange with Xuan Su.¡± Weichi Yan¡¯s mood was much calmer when he waved off those around them.

    Lu-gonggong and the pce guards backed away after making their bows, leaving Qiulu, Jiyun, and Bingtang no choice but to follow. The premises was vacated for the two of them.

    The emperor held onto the tree trunk, looking closely at the person who upied his thoughts day and night.

    She¡¯d lost a lot of weight. Her face was the size of a palm, but it only made her eyes appearrger and brighter. A delicate nose seemingly carved of jade and beautiful lips enhanced her charm. Though she wore skirts and tops of rough cloth, her hair done simply in one long braid, theck of powder and rouge only further put her looks on disy. It wasn¡¯t something that beauties made of cosmetics couldpare to.

    So I still like her, and my heart still pounds when I see her.

    A resigned smile crossed Weichi Yan¡¯s face. The nation was in peril, but here he was, still of a mind to think about things like this. Life had simply been too miserabletely, and he had no outlet to vent his bottled-up feelings.

    Though the Duke of An wasmander-in-chief of the armies, he refused to take the field. In fact, he¡¯d pushed several times for restarting the peace talks, and there even seemed to be the desire to surrender in his tones.

    How could the dignity of an emperor bear to be trampled upon in such a way? But with how the times were, there was nothing Weichi Yan could do otherwise. He took a weary seat on the ground. ¡°You sit down as well. Save your energy and keep mepany.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s wariness decreased somewhat to see the emperor this way. She perched on a rock three steps away from him.

    Weichi Yan tilted his head to look at the leaves rustling in the wind, leaning back on the tree trunk and closing his eyes. He spoke slowly after a while. ¡°Have you heard? The former emperor disappeared yesterday.¡±

    Qin Yining looked askance at Weichi Yan.

    He continued tiredly, ¡°The eunuch in charge of delivering food to my royal father found that the food hadn¡¯t been touched. He thought that something might¡¯ve happened, but failed to find my father after scouring the entire residence. My father¡¯s just vanished into thin air.¡±

    ¡°Do you really believe that, Your Majesty?¡± Qin Yining frowned.

    ¡°What?¡± Weichi Yan looked at the girl.

    ¡°No one just disappears like that. If there wasn¡¯t someone helping the former emperor escape, that means there¡¯s secret passages in his residence.¡±

    ¡°Secret passages?¡± Weichi Yan sat bolt upright. ¡°What makes you think of that?¡±

    ¡°Because when Grand Preceptor Cao was arrested, they discovered underground tunnels in his residence.¡± The wily hare has three holes to his burrow. Which old fox wouldn¡¯t leave a way out for himself?

    Grand Preceptor Cao and the emperor emeritus had known each other for their entire lives. As decrepit the former emperor had been, he wasn¡¯tcking when it came to plots and schemes. If even the dead grand preceptor had secret tunnels, the emperor emeritus surely had them as well.

    It took a beat for Weichi Yan to fully react, but he quickly grasped the crux of the issue. ¡°You¡¯re right, why didn¡¯t I think of that?¡± He looked back to call for a guard and whispered some instructions. The guard bowed before flying down the mountain.

    The emperor leaned back on the tree and stared nkly into the distance. ¡°It looks like my royal father wants to take the silver to South Yan.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled and didn¡¯t say anything.

    If the emperor emeritus really did take thatrge sum to the south to make Liu Yingshi and South Yan¡¯s new emperor ept him as their liege again, then that would be entirely too naive. Those in the south would take the silver, and the previous emperor would lose his life.

    The rebels had finally managed to upy their lofty positions. Even if South Yan was just a small countryprised of several former Great Yan provinces, it was still asrge as the sum of neighboring Japan and Goryeo. No one would voluntarily give that up.

    During the girl¡¯s silence, Weichi Yan went through much in his mind. In the end, he leaned back with closed eyes and remarked quietly, ¡°It looks like the heavens really aren¡¯t helping me. Everyday, that old fart Li Mian encourages me to parley. I trusted him and made his daughter empress, but he can¡¯t be bothered to lead the troops into battle. He¡¯s azy coward!

    ¡°He¡¯s only met the enemy once in all this time, and that was because he fell for a trap. Not only did he lose twenty thousand men, that old fart would¡¯ve died in the wilderness as well if not for Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s timely assistance. The heavens refuse to assist Great Yan, natural and manmade disasters abound, and we have no talent to support the nation at all!¡±

    Qin Yining finally understood what the emperor was here for. He¡¯d kept all this moroseness and dejection to himself all this time. He was here to find a sympathetic ear.

    At the same time, he was thinking of retreating and wanted to sue for peace. But conducting negotiations now was an absolute daydream. She didn¡¯t mind dumping cold water over Weichi Yan.

    ¡°The peace talks that the Duke of An speaks of aren¡¯t appropriate.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Eyes filled with hope turned to Qin Yining.

    ¡°Peace talks can only be conducted when the two countries are on simr footing. We need to be able to offer terms and conditions that will satisfy both sides. That¡¯s what a negotiation is. Not to speak ill of ourselves and raise the enemy up, but Great Zhou has overwhelming, one-sided advantage at the moment. What right do we have to sue for peace? And even if they agree to talk, what can we offer that will satisfy them?¡±

    Those simple words plunged Weichi Yan into an icy cavern. That little bit of hope he¡¯d nursed was crushed to smithereens.

    That was right, he was a dog without a master. Why would the other side deign to parley at all?

    But if there was no hope to do so, why did the duke continuously encourage him to try for negotiations?

    Unless...

    ¡°That old fart is just pretending he wants me to sue for peace, he¡¯s actually pushing me to surrender! He wants to put me in a disloyal and unfilial position! How will I face the Weichi ancestors?? He wants me to be the ruler of a ruined nation!¡±

    Weichi Yan thought of his father disappearing with arge sum of money and everything he¡¯d said, and the hypocrisy of his officials in perilous times ¡ª it felt like needles jabbing at his heart.

    ¡°What can we do, being born in the wrong times? Please don¡¯t be overly sad, Your Majesty. There¡¯s hope as long as we¡¯re alive.¡± Qin Yining looked down andforted softly.

    Weichi Yan blinked and looked nkly at the girl. ¡°As long as we¡¯re alive? You think so too?¡±

 Chapter 271: Surrender (III)

    <h4>Chapter 271: Surrender (III)</h4>

    Qin Yining could tell from Weichi Yan¡¯s expression that he¡¯d misunderstood. She¡¯d only wanted to encourage him to ease up on his current mentality and not harm himself with splitting hairs in this issue, but his mind seemed to have gone down another path.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject only feels that nothing is as important as your health.¡± The girl had to kneel and exin in a gentle voice. ¡°You are the legitimacy of Great Yan. Only with your existence do the people have the motivation to carry on.¡±

    Weichi Yan stared fixedly at Qin Yining, suspicion in his eyes slowly morphing to tenderness. Heughed wryly. ¡°How am I fit to be the ruler of a nation with how I am now? How am I worthy to be the reason that keeps the people going on? It¡¯s because of me that they¡¯re suffering like this.¡±

    He didn¡¯t dare leave the pce with the emperor¡¯s retinue anymore. Not only because everyone was too hungry to put on the appropriate pomp and circumstance, but even more that he was afraid the vengefulmoners would rip him to pieces if they saw him strolling around in the imperial dragon robes.

    He¡¯d asked himself several times whether it was right or wrong that he fought Great Zhou like this. South Yan now existed to their rear, splitting his empire in two. He was clinging on with clenched teeth simply because he didn¡¯t want the historians to record this shameful act in the books, that he had been at the helm when the nation fell. He wouldn¡¯t be able to face generations of family ancestors after his death.

    But when he saw all of the bark stripped off the city¡¯s trees and children curled into balls by wall corners, dead from hunger, he felt that he was truly the most selfish person in the world. He was plowing in countless lives of innocent citizens out of concern for personal face and dignity.

    ¡°You may rise, I know your family¡¯s loyalty.¡± Weichi Yan shook his head with a rueful smile. ¡°I¡¯m just... really lost right now.¡±

    Qin Yining rose and reimed her seat on the rock, lowering her head without another word. Presumptuous discussion about politics would attract fire to herself ¡ª of that she was aware of.

    The emperor sat there nkly for a very long time with the Qin fourth miss keeping himpany. When he came back to himself, one could catch males voicesing from the direction of Ning Park. He looked inquiringly at Qin Yining.

    ¡°Perhaps those who¡¯ve gone hunting and foraging have returned.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re quite smart to take shelter in the mountains and by the water with so manymoners,¡± smiled Weichi Yan. ¡°You all can take care of each other.¡± He helped himself up with the aid of the tree trunk and dusted himself off. ¡°Little Lu.¡±

    ¡°Here.¡± Despite standing far away, Lu-gonggong quickly presented himself. ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Give them to the fourth miss.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The eunuch immediately summoned the pce guards who¡¯d apanied them earlier. It was then that Qin Yining noticed they were all wearing wicker baskets on their backs.

    Two of them lowered their baskets to reveal a bag of the fist-sized, ck, mixed grain t cake army rations, and another bag of packaged medicinal ingredients.

    Awkwardness set in with Weichi Yan and heughed in a self-deprecating manner. ¡°With the kind of emperor We¡¯ve been... We know that there are many people here and was worried that you¡¯d gone hungry for a while. Sadly, all the gold and silver in the vaults can¡¯t be exchanged for food, so don¡¯t dislike what¡¯s present here. There¡¯s not much in terms of dry foodstuffs, so fill you and your servants¡¯ bellies first, then take the rest back with you.

    ¡°The medicine was specifically prepared to nurture the body and enrich the blood. You¡¯re not fully recovered, after all... and don¡¯t you be so silly as to give everything to others. Fill your stomach for a few meals. Look how skinny you are.¡± Weichi Yan shook his head with a sigh.

    He was the mighty ruler of a nation, but he couldn¡¯t even get a full meal to the girl he liked. It was really something, to be impoverished to this degree.

    However, Qin Yining gratefully knelt in the grand gesture of greeting and kowtowed. ¡°This subject will remember Your Majesty¡¯s friendship of giving aid in times sorely needed. Our deepest gratitude to Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Hurry and rise.¡± It was unbearable for Weichi Yan to see her so fragile that she might be blown away with the wind. Her little face was pale as a sheet and her lips bloodless. ¡°Eat a t cake here first.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at him with some surprise.

    ¡°Your maids are loyal enough ¡ª they haven¡¯t left you even in these times. Call them over so they can get a full meal too. This is an imperial order. We will watch you eat. You may return only after you finish.¡±

    Qin Yining looked down, giving emotional thanks. She called Jiyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu over. The four girls picked up a dry hunk of t cake each and started nibbling.

    Weichi Yan¡¯s nose twinged to see Qin Yining like a little hamster, working at cold, rock-hard t cake like it was an imperial meal. He almost teared up.

    Things can¡¯t go on like this!

    If this continues, everyone in the city will be burial goods for my selfishness!

    ......

    When Qin Huaiyuan opened his eyes, he discovered that he was in an unfamiliar room. Darkness met his eyes when he looked out a window. It must be night.

    He didn¡¯t immediately rise, but calmly thought back to the events of the day.

    Drowsiness had descended after a bowl of watery porridge, and he¡¯d fallen asleep on the table. He was already here when he next opened his eyes.

    It looked like the person who¡¯d brought him here didn¡¯t want to kill him. At least not yet.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±

    As wild thoughts filled the marquis¡¯ mind, the door creaked open and a tall,rge shadow came in with a tray. There was arge bowl on it, and the next person to enter carried a candlestick holder. Since the light source was to the rear of both people, Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t able to make out who they were until the candle was ced on the table.

    He sat up and looked expressionlessly at the steaming bowl of in noodles on the table. He then cast a nce at Pang Xiao, who was dressed in patched clothes of a refugee, and snorted coldly. ¡°So it¡¯s you. What, did you bring this old man here to treat me to a meal?¡±

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t mind Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s cold mocking and made a circumspect bow. ¡°Father-inw, your son-inw has given offense. This was indeed a brash operation, but it might have been inconvenient had you known beforehand, plus I didn¡¯t want to ce you in a disloyal position. Hence I rashly used a sleeping powder. Please forgive me.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyebrows twitched when he heard these words. What was this about a father-inw, and what son-inw? With the current rtions between the two countries, how would their families possibly have such an association and shared destiny?

    ¡°This old man wouldn¡¯t dare. Please pick your words carefully, Your Highness. My daughter is clean as ice and pure as jade. She¡¯s never had any entanglements with anyone. What circumstances are you trying tond my daughter in with your words?¡±

    Pang Xiao wiped off a forehead of sweat. Crap. I¡¯vepletely offended my father-inw now. My darling is cut from the same cloth alright! They¡¯re equally hard to handle when they¡¯re mad.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, father-inw. It¡¯s just that Yining and I have promised ourselves to each other. I will take no other wife than her in this life, and she will marry none other than me.¡±

    ¡°How ludicrous! What gives you the confidence that she will marry no one but you?¡± Qin Huaiyuan surged angrily to his feet and brandished his sleeves. ¡°If it had been before, she might¡¯ve been moved by your gestures. But now that she¡¯s seen people eat their own children and personally experienced hell, how dare you expect that she remains unbothered by it all? My daughter is a human being, not a saint! Where do you get such high self-worth to be so confident that you can do whatever you want? Where is she in all of this?!¡±

 Chapter 272: Surrender (IV)

    <h4>Chapter 272: Surrender (IV)</h4>

    ¡°Please quell your anger, father-inw.¡± Pang Xiao dropped to his knees without another word when he saw that Qin Huaiyuan was well and truly angry. He didn¡¯t mind in the slightest his identity as a prince andmander-in-chief of the Valiant Tigers.

    ¡°You can berate me however you¡¯d like, but please don¡¯t voice such hurtful things. I know Yining is suffering greatly with the war. Not just her, but the people as well. This is why I¡¯ve forcefully invited you here today.

    ¡°Father-inw is highly preceptive and intelligent, able to arrange the most perfect of schemes. So of course you understand that Ick the freedom to dictate my actions. Your heart goes out to the people and Yining, so you can curse at me however you¡¯d like, but please don¡¯t say that I don¡¯t cherish her. I can feel the des churning my heart.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s head drooped, bing more dejected the more he spoke.

    He didn¡¯t me Qin Huaiyuan for being angry with him. A quick description of things in the city had been enough to give rise to unstoppable heartache. Knives stabbed at his heart to think of how Qin Yining was caught within such an environment; her wounds weren¡¯t yet healed and she spent her days hungry.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked down at the prince, unsure of how to respond in the moment.

    From the nation¡¯s perspective, this person was an utter viin, here to trample all over Great Yan.

    From a personal perspective, this was an outstanding young man versed in both martial and civil subjects. He possessed talent, looks, and sincerity in his affections. His schemes and battles not only demonstrated his strategic mindset, but even more so his benevolence. Thetter was especially apparent from when he defied the imperial decree and refused to raze a conquered city.

    Qin Huaiyuan sat down wearily and rubbed his forehead. ¡°How is Xihua now?¡±

    Given Pang Xiao¡¯s smarts, he could tell from the question that his father-inw wasn¡¯t so livid as to reject him entirely. A chance was being given!

    ¡°All is well in Xihua,¡± the prince immediately responded.

    ¡°But I hear nine houses out of ten are empty, and that your Valiant Tigers have ughtered all the citizens. Heads are hung on poles asnterns.¡± Qin Huaiyuan sneered coldly. ¡°Are you trying to pull the wool over my eyes?¡±

    ¡°Father-inw sees clearly. That¡¯s just to throw the enemy into chaos.¡± Well, actually it¡¯s to add to the future wife funds. But Pang Xiao would never say that, even on pain of being beaten to death.

    Huzi, also on his knees next to his master, borated further. ¡°In response to milord, my prince really hasn¡¯t killed innocents. The heads disyed in front of Xihua¡¯s gates belong to people doing bad things to begin with. His Highness made a thorough investigation after taking the city and recorded all the names of those being called scalpers and demons. They were sentenced only after their crimes were verified.¡±

    ¡°So the story now is that you brought justice, hmm?¡± Much of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s anger had dissipated, but he was still ufortable at seeing Pang Xiao. He turned his head away, refusing to look at the prince.

    Pang Xiao heaved a silent sigh of relief with how things had developed. I think my position as future son-inw is safe. He hastily kowtowed. ¡°Father-inw, I would never dare act against my conscience. It¡¯s just that war is war. We stand in opposing camps, so there will be times when we can¡¯t choose our own actions.¡±

    He straightened up, still on his knees, to take a close look at Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face. Pang Xiao continued when he didn¡¯t observe any displeasure. ¡°Take you for example, father-inw. Has the thought of surrendering for the good of the people never crossed your mind? Or has it struck you for a while now?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart trembled. He closed his eyes with a soft sigh.

    On one hand was the issue of whether the Great Yan royals could continue to rule over thend, on the other was sacrificing the people for the authority of one on high. How had the thought never crossed his mind? But he was mired in the muck and couldn¡¯t stick his neck out for this.

    ¡°You should rise. As a prince and themander of an army, it won¡¯t do for you to kneel to me.¡±

    You¡¯d still be angry right now if I didn¡¯t! How would we have had a conversation if I¡¯d put on airs as soon as I saw you!

    Pang Xiaoined internally, but was still relieved. He rose to bring over the bowl of noodles with a smile. ¡°Father-inw¡¯s been out cold for a day and hasn¡¯t had anything to eat. Have a bowl of noodles first, we can talk after.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t have much of an appetite due to prolonged hunger. His stomach seemed to have shrank along with his desire to eat.

    But the bowl that Pang Xiao was holding out glistened with clear broth, thin and almost translucent noodles with even length, and jade-green vegetables and chopped green onions scattered on top. Light fragrance wafted into the nose, and the entire picture was highly appetizing.

    It wouldn¡¯t be proper to have a Great Zhou prince continue to hold a bowl for a marquis, so Qin Huaiyuan took it anddled some soup into his mouth. It was refreshing with just the right amount of seasoning. His appetite awakening, the marquis lifted the bowl to eat more.

    Pang Xiao rxed even further to see his father-inw willing to eat his cooking. Huzi brought over a cup of tea when the food was consumed. ¡°Please have some tea, Lord Qin.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan rinsed his mouth. ¡°The noodles were cooked rather well.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the noodles¡¯ great fortune that father-inw likes them. Darling Yi also likes my noodles.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s smile softened when he thought of Qin Yining.

    ¡°You cooked them?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Your son-inw worked at the family restaurant before joining the army. I like to cook, so learned a trick or two from my maternal grandfather and the cooks.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan looked down, deep in the thought. The prince¡¯s sincerity was highly evident, so it wouldn¡¯t do to continue ying off his own position.

    For one, it wouldn¡¯t help rtions between the countries at all and secondly, it might backfire on his daughter. What if his daughter still liked this kid? He couldn¡¯t mess things up for them.

    The marquis rose and remarked solemnly, ¡°We were speaking of personal affairs just now, let¡¯s turn our minds to official business. For what reason has Your Highness brought this official here today for?¡±

    Pang Xiao privatelyplimented his father-inw¡¯s wits. The simple segue wrapped up everything earlier as a personal grudge, one that didn¡¯t impact the rtions of the two nations at all.

    He was happy toply and brought out a thick envelope from his robes. ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin, I invited you privately today in order to think of a way out for the people. Please take a look at this.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan took the envelope with a perplexed look. His expression immediately changed when he saw the handwriting on the paper. He had the ability to remember everything he saw, so he recognized most of his peers¡¯ writing. The characters on this envelope were from the Duke of An, Li Mian!

    When he thought of the duke¡¯s attitude towards the war, an educated guess formed in his mind. The marquis hastily tore the envelope open and rapidly skimmed through the contents.

    It was a deration of loyalty and willingness to offer proof in blood.

    The gist was that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank needed to only give the word for the duke to open the city gates at an agreed upon time. He would wee the Valiant Tigers into the city and behead Grand Preceptor Qin Huaiyuan as a gift offering. It would also be revenge for the prince and a sign of the sincerity of the duke¡¯s surrender.

    The most important was the long list of names at the end, each written in blood as a token of trustworthiness. Every name¡¯s handwriting was different, and each name apanied by a hand print.

    Ny percent of Great Yan¡¯s generals and half of the civil officers were on the list!

    Qin Huaiyuanughed tragically. How could they continue fighting the war? It was impossible to!

    ¡°I see.¡± He calmly tucked the letter back into the envelope. ¡°I need to have the emperor look over this letter.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grand Preceptor. This prince promises that I won¡¯t kill a single innocent person.¡±

    I won¡¯t kill the people, and I won¡¯t kill you.

    Qin Huaiyuan chuckled. ¡°Naturally, I trust you. Since you can bring me out, then take me back.¡±

 Chapter 273: Decision

    <h4>Chapter 273: Decision</h4>

    Pang Xiao¡¯s men did things in a tight and clean fashion. Qin Huaiyuan was back safe and sound in the city in the wee hours of morning.

    The marquis immediately went to see Weichi Yan and strode through early morning light. He wasn¡¯t the type of person to worry at the details or y the role of a loyal subject to the bitter end, willing to die for his convictions even though the times had left them behind.

    Having survived the emperor emeritus for so long and weathered several rises and falls, Qin Huaiyuan had shifted from someone idealistically simple to one who thought of his family¡¯s future. Since it wasn¡¯t possible to triumph over Great Zhou, he should instead bend his mind to the task of obtaining the most benefits for the emperor.

    Weichi Yan was in a wonderful mood today, perhaps on ount of seeing Qin Yining yesterday. Even now, the image of the girl gently sending him off with a lowered head appeared whenever he shut his eyes.

    Or perhaps some lingering convictions had finally shattered after seeing her. All Weichi Yan knew was that he seemed to have shrugged off immensely heavy shackles, and he felt light as a feather from the bottom of his heart.

    ¡°Your Majesty, Grand Preceptor Qin requests an audience.¡±

    ¡°Show him in, quickly,¡± Weichi Yan responded urgently. He happened to want to speak to Qin Huaiyuan as well.

    The marquis entered the imperial study shortly afterwards. He bowed. ¡°This subject greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°You may rise. Be seated.¡± A faint smile hung on Weichi Yan¡¯s face.

    Qin Huaiyuan thanked the imperial favor and took a seat on the chair that the young eunuchs brought over. This particr chair imitated the design of the hats that officials wore as part of their uniform. The marquis smiled. ¡°Judging from Your Majesty¡¯s expression, a joyous matter seems to have urred today.¡±

    Weichi Yan gave a small smile. ¡°Nothing particrly joyous, just that We¡¯ve thought through a few things and feel all the lighter for it. You have good timing. We were about to summon you.¡±

    Seeing that his liege seemed to be in high spirits, Qin Huaiyuan yed along. ¡°What has Your Majesty thought through?¡±

    Weichi Yan rose and responded solemnly, ¡°We made a ndestine outing yesterday and spent a lot of time walking through the city proper, taking note of the tragic circumstances.¡±

    When Qin Huaiyuan saw the emperor¡¯s tightly furrowed brows and barely concealed anguish, he quickly sank to his knees. ¡°This humble subject is ipetent and unable to share Your Majesty¡¯s burdens.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯ve done very well.¡± Weichi Yan helped the marquis back up. ¡°You¡¯ve done much already for Us and the people of Great Yan. We can only rue that the heavens don¡¯t bless us, that weck proper timing, geographical advantage, and unity within our own ranks. We possess none of the trinity.¡±

    He smiled wryly. ¡°When my royal father handed the throne to me, it wasn¡¯t that he thought highly of my abilities or talents. It was only because he had no other option for a scapegoat. He stashed awayrge sums of wealth and threw an empty shell at me. He hoarded treasure so that he might rise again in the future. He won¡¯t be the shameful ruler of a defeated nation when Great Yan falls in battle. The historians will only record that I was thest emperor of Great Yan.¡±

    Weichi Yan closed his eyes and clenched his fists. ¡°To be honest, I feel deep hate and resentment. I¡¯ve never received one iota of care from my father. As I grew up, my father didn¡¯t look at me with the love of a father for a son, but with deep-rooted wariness.

    ¡°I know that he was afraid I would steal his position. He cared about my royal uncle much more than he cared for me. How I wished sometimes that it was my uncle in this seat. Perhaps then we wouldn¡¯t have ended up in these straits. But it¡¯s all toote now.¡±

    Weichi Yan¡¯s back was to Qin Huaiyuan, not wanting his subject to see him shed tears in a moment of weakness. However, his nasally voice betrayed that this emperor, this man, was weeping.

    Qin Huaiyuan took a kneeling position on the ground again, quietly listening to Weichi Yan pouring his heart out. Bleak pity welled up correspondingly.

    When that useless emperor emeritus had been in charge, he¡¯d been on guard against everyone, not just Weichi Yan. This pain wasn¡¯t limited to only the crying majesty. As a subject, Qin Huaiyuan had offered most of his life and energy to court. But in the end, the former emperor toyed with him as he would, killing or praising at the drop of a hat.

    He could understand Weichi Yan¡¯s agony because he shared it. Perhaps the anguish of having entrusted one¡¯s hopes to the wrong person and inability to fulfill one¡¯s ambitions were simr to not receiving fatherly love?

    ¡°When We went out yesterday, We saw people eating their own children.¡± Weichi Yan¡¯s voice shook. ¡°I saw with my own eyes an old woman, dressed in patched rags, gnaw on a half-roasted child¡¯s arm¡­ I really wanted to kill myself at that!

    ¡°I refused to admit my shorings because I didn¡¯t want to be the sovereign of a failed nation. I hung on with grit teeth for theughable sake of idiotic self-pride. Countless numbers of my people have suffered for it. Grand Preceptor Qin, I was wrong. I was wrong from the beginning.¡¯

    Weichi Yan turned around, tears glistening on his cheeks, but heretofore unseen resolution in his eyes.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have selfishly plunged my people into the depths of hell to begin with. As emperor, not only do I not usher happiness to them, but I treat them as tools with which to construct the foundations of my status. What difference is there then, between me and my father? We¡¯re equally selfish and equally useless.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve done very well already, Your Majesty,¡± Qin Huaiyuanforted. ¡°Great Yan would¡¯ve never fallen had you taken the throne a decade earlier. Some things were irredeemable when you took the reins. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±

    There were exaggerated elements in this response as Weichi Yan¡¯s abilities really were limited. But it was a timely nod of affirmation for when the emperor was at the lowest point of self-doubt. As long as there was one person who understood him, then for the sake of saving the rest of the people, it didn¡¯t seem such a blow to ept being emperor of a failed nation.

    ¡°Thank you, Grand Preceptor Qin.¡± Weichi Yan smiled even as tears streamed down his face. He spoke thickly, ¡°I can¡¯t be selfish anymore. I can¡¯t have everyone buried alongside my throne. I¡¯ve decided to surrender to Great Zhou.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± A lump was stuck in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s throat as well.

    Though he knew this would be the result, once it was made, it was the death knell for the country that Qin Huaiyuan had spent most of his life safeguarding. It marked the end of his efforts and youth, and the many grand dreams that a once daring and energetic young man had made.

    He was incredibly miserable and also quite resigned.

    But he also wasn¡¯t the sort to make decisions based on emotions. If the general drift of affairs had left them behind and there was nothing they could do to wrench things around, then they had to make other ns.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Qin Huaiyuan wiped away his tears and brought out the envelope with shaking hands. ¡°I found this by my pillow when I woke this morning. The contents¡­ Your Majesty, I don¡¯t dare sprout nonsense. Please have a look.¡±

    Weichi Yan blinked and hesitantly epted the envelope. When he unfolded it to take a close look, his already wan face drained of all color.

    Though he¡¯d decided to surrender, it was one thing for it to be a consciously made decision, and another thing entirely to do so after being betrayed.

    ¡°These people ¡ªare really, really! Hah! Our good subjects and Our good father-inw!¡± The emperor howled at the heavens and burst into loud sobs. ¡°The generals have rebelled and half of the civil officials. Even my own father-inw has betrayed me! Mynds are no more, so what do we fight for?! What else can I do other than be docilely taken?!¡±

    Grief struck Qin Huaiyuan and he closed his eyes, tears streaking down his cheeks. Liege and subject wept together.

    Neither of them discovered Empress Li Yanyan silently backing away from the imperial study doors. She cast a meaningful nce at Lu-gonggong and took off.

    The eunuch looked down as if the empress hadn¡¯te around at all.

 Chapter 274: Secret Envoy

    <h4>Chapter 274: Secret Envoy</h4>

    When Li Yanyan left the imperial study, she immediately summoned her most trusted pce servant. The maid had entered the pce as part of her dowry. She hissed, ¡°Take a quick horse and go to my father. Tell him that the emperor already knows about him gathering a hundred officials for a letter of surrender to Great Zhou! Grand Preceptor Qin saw the emperor in the imperial study just now and handed the list over! The emperor is absolutely furious after seeing it. Have my father make preparations. Go!¡±

    Pale with fright, the maid nodded rapidly and sprinted out.

    Li Yanyan dropped bonelessly into a round chair, devoid of all strength. What would the emperor do to the Lis? What would he do to her?

    The thought had just arisen when she took in a deep breath and confidently pushed it back down.

    The nation was destructing and the emperor couldn¡¯t even get a full meal. What strength could he possibly bring to bear against them? Personnel were especially needed in the face of a national crisis. If the emperor punished the Lis, he¡¯d bepletely alone and without support then!

    Her heart settled back down when her thoughts travelled here.

    What the empress didn¡¯t know was that Lu-gonggong described her visit in detail after Qin Huaiyuan left the imperial study.

    Weichi Yan snorted coldly. ¡°They really think I¡¯m an easy target to be bullied however they like! I allow them to remain only because there¡¯s still some use to them!¡±

    ¡°Everything is within Your Majesty¡¯s consideration,¡± responded Lu-gonggong. ¡°This servant would never be able to consider it all.¡±

    Weichi Yan thought for a moment and had the eunuche closer. He whispered a few words that sent the eunuch off to do business after a bow.

    ¡­¡­

    At the same time, Li Yanyan¡¯s maid arrived at top speed with a message about thetest developments.

    The duke froze, poleaxed, when he heard the news. Thoughts scrambled frantically to and fro, and he couldn¡¯t say anything for a long while. His advisors were likewise frowning ferociously, tragedy written all over their faces.

    ¡°Your Grace, what should we do? The emperor¡¯s likely to fly into an imperial rage when he finds out that we all put our names on it!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Grace! Your noble reputation of a lifetime can¡¯t be ruined here. We need to think about a strategy for this!¡±

    But on the contrary, the duke slowly calmed down in the face of his advisors¡¯ incessant chatter. He burst outughing. ¡°What are you all afraid of?¡±

    When he rose, there was no sign of the panic-stricken expression that¡¯d been on his face just moments ago. He sneered coldly. ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of given how things are now? It¡¯s not only my name on that deration of fealty. Punishments can¡¯t be meted out when a majority havemitted the action. Even if the emperor wants to find fault with someone, what, is he going to kill me and all of the generals in the country? Who can he find to lead the armies apart from me? How will he fight without his generals?¡±

    The others felt slightly better after hearing the duke¡¯s words. Upon closer analysis, what right did the emperor have to punish them when he couldn¡¯t even feed his subordinates? There was a whole court of them dying of hunger!

    ¡°Your Grace speaks truly.¡± All rxed.

    The Duke of An stroked his white beard, a pair of extremely sharp eyes narrowed in his square face. ¡°So Qin somehow got his hands on my deration, huh! And he was one step ahead of me ¡ª levying an usation in front of the emperor! It looks like that old fox hasn¡¯t lived his years out in vain. I supposed I¡¯ve rather underestimated him before.¡±

    One of his confidants smirked. ¡°They say that Qin Huaiyuan is loyal, I say it¡¯s all a bunch of hot air. He¡¯s just a shameless snake who likes to build a good name for himself. He rushed to make that usation first so he could have his bread buttered on both sides. He can fish for imperial favor in exposing Your Grace, and can also get in Great Zhou¡¯s good graces.

    ¡°But did that deration sprout wings and fly to him? I wonder just how he managed to get in touch with Great Zhou. We can see from this that though he¡¯s zealous in not giving up, he long since had the desire to surrender.¡±

    The duke nodded in great agreement. He felt that his talents weren¡¯t any less than Qin Huaiyuan, but only Qin¡¯s name was known throughout thends. Everyone in the world knows of Qin Huaiyuan, but how many know of the Duke of An, Li Mian?

    Their principles were also different. Take the matter of city defense: the duke had advocated hoping for victory with slow and steady movements, but privately indicating intent to surrender, while the marquis had staunchly held onto unyielding resistance.

    This meant that Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s convictions ran counter to the Duke of An¡¯s interests.

    And more importantly was the rtions between their two daughters. One was the true, legal empress but received no imperial affections, while the other was the emperor¡¯s true love and yet remained on his mind even after she¡¯d been forced to be a nun.

    All thesebined meant that the duke and Qin Huaiyuan could never coexist in harmony.

    In Great Yan, the duke was always in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s shadow. The Great Zhou secret envoy had once privately conveyed that his emperor promised that, if Great Yan were to surrender, all defecting officials would be treated generously. No talent would be overlooked. In other words, they would still be officials in Great Zhou.

    But with how things were proceeding, the marquis would still loom over the duke in Great Zhou!

    And based on what?? Why should he still be suppressed in Great Zhou when it was already like this in Great Yan?!

    The duke¡¯s gaze turned cold when his thoughts travelled to this point. ¡°We can¡¯t let the Qins make it to Great Zhou alive! Didn¡¯t the envoy tell us to secretly get rid of Pang? Why don¡¯t we make use of this to take out both Pang and Qin!¡±

    His advisors all snapped to attention and the group began brainstorming appropriate strategies.

    ¡­¡­

    Heavy rain in the early morning brought a few hints of coolness to a mountain that an Indian summer had been tyrannizing. Those in Ning Park were busily storing water in containers. Their expressions were eased in anticipation of wild vegetables and fruits growing a bit faster after this bout of nourishment.

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were chatting lowly over their day¡¯s tasks when a messenger came in.

    ¡°Benefactor, an old gentleman¡¯s appeared outside the door. He says he serves your father and hase see you because your father has urgent business to discuss with you.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked. Her father hadn¡¯t made it up the mountain in all this time; they hadn¡¯t talked in a month. She was quite worried about her father¡¯s situation and instantly reacted when she heard he¡¯d sent someone. ¡°Many thanks, I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    She put down the ceramic tub in hand and smiled. ¡°Mother, I¡¯ll go take a look. Maybe father wants to tell me something.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded with a forced smile. ¡°Go on. I won¡¯t go since your father doesn¡¯t have any words for me. It¡¯s probably Qitai, so ask him about your father for me.¡±

    Naturally, the girl knew of her mother¡¯s sadness. Cao Yuqing had been at Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side on guard duty ever since he¡¯d gone off to defend the city. How would her mother not be jealous?

    It wasn¡¯t her position to talk about her father¡¯s private life, so Qin Yining smiled again. ¡°I know, I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    ¡°Go on. I know you two have plenty of secrets.¡± N¨¦e Sun basked in shared glory as it wasn¡¯t everyday that a daughter was treated like a son. She was proud not just because Qin Yining was an only child, but more so because her daughter was intelligent and always kept the greater picture in mind.

 Chapter 275: A Devious Plot (I)

    <h4>Chapter 275: A Devious Plot (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining headed for the gates of Ning Park, Jiyun holding an old wax-paper umbre by her side. They saw Qitai wearing straight robes of fine, vivid blue cotton, also holding a wax-paper umbre.

    The man quickly put the umbre away and bowed when he saw the girl. ¡°Fourth Miss.¡±

    ¡°Please do rise. Uncle An¡¯s served my father for many years, so there¡¯s no need for this. It¡¯s not right that you bow like this to me.¡±

    Qitai was surnamed An, and the man refused to listen. He finished his bow properly before rising with a smile. ¡°Milord sent me here with a message that he has important business to discuss with you. He¡¯s been summoned into the pce at the moment and probably won¡¯t be free until nightfall. He asks for you to wait at the foot of the mountain at the hour of the dog. He¡¯ll be there then.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I understand. Did father say what it was about and why he hasn¡¯t been able to visit? The old dowager and other family members miss him dearly.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s really been too busy. To be honest, even I¡¯ve been so busy serving at his side that the days blur into each other.¡± Qitai looked around and lowered his voice when he saw that no one else was present. ¡°The emperor looks like he wants to surrender. There¡¯s a lot of things involved when ites to something as big as this. Milord¡¯s been discussing this with the emperor all day. He doesn¡¯t have any free time at all.¡±

    The fourth miss nodded understandingly and sighed. ¡°Father really is in a difficult spot. Please take good care of him, Uncle An, and remind him that he needs to rest.¡±

    ¡°Yes, this servant will naturally keep an eye on that.¡±

    ¡°Is my father well? Is Auntie Cao well?¡±

    ¡°Milord goes hungry every other meal in the army, but it¡¯s better than being outside.¡± Qitai smiled. ¡°Concubine Cao has remained in disguise as a man while protecting milord. The two actually seem more like friends. They don¡¯t talk much, but they understand each other well.¡±

    His words were a roundabout way of saying that Qin Huaiyuan and Cao Yuqing still hadn¡¯t consummated their marriage.

    Qitai spent his entire day by her father¡¯s side, so there would be nothingcking with his knowledge.

    Qin Yining heaved an inward sigh of relief for her mother. ¡°I understand. Many thanks, I¡¯ll wait for my father at the foot of the mountain at the hour of the dog.¡±

    ¡°Alright, then this servant takes my leave. I need to return to milord for further duties.¡± Qitai bowed.

    Qin Yining nodded and sent Qitai off with her eyes. When the man was far off in the distance, she turned to Jiyun. ¡°It looks like the emperor really has decided to surrender.¡±

    ¡°Although I shouldn¡¯t say this, I really feel hugely relieved after hearing the emperor wants to surrender.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss understood her maid¡¯s sentiment. ¡°I know. Once the war ends, so does the siege on the city. We¡¯ll have another way out for us then. As for weighty matters of right or wrong for the country, it¡¯s not something up to you or me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. And when the fighting stops, the prince will definitelye looking for you, miss. You¡¯ve suffered so much during this period, His Highness will surely be heartbroken.¡± Jiyun¡¯s imagined scenes of reunion were touching affairs, given how much weight Pang Xiao gave to Qin Yining.

    The Qin fourth miss rubbed her burning ears. Though her expression didn¡¯t change, she was lighthearted.

    Despite it being rather inappropriate to be happy when the country was to be no more, Qin Yining felt that thanks to the former emperor embezzling all of the nation¡¯s funds, the fate of Great Yan had long since been written in stone. Such was the truth even if people would rather not admit to it.

    Now that Weichi Yan wished to surrender, it felt like an enormous weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

    Guard and mistress walked back in to see an expectant n¨¦e Sun waiting eagerly for them. Qin Yining spent some time conveying why Qitai hade, then went into detail regarding the status of Qin Huaiyuan and Cao Yuqing during their assignment to city defense.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s brow smoothed out when she heard the summary and her uneasy heart settled back in its proper ce. The frustration and irritation brought on by constant hunger over the most recent period also dissipated. She beamed merrily. ¡°My darling daughter, you can¡¯t lie to me now.¡±

    ¡°How would I ever? It¡¯s all from Qitai. He¡¯s by father¡¯s side all day and surely knows more than us. Unless he told me white lies, I can promise that there¡¯s absolutely nothing going on between father and Auntie Cao.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun blushed, then felt embarrassed that her daughter had witnessed her disy of envy. She coughed. ¡°Listen to you, silly. Is your mother the jealous sort?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, your daughter was just worrying over nothing.¡± Qin Yining stuck her tongue out, teasing her mother intoughter.

    Everyone in the park was hungry, but long anticipated rains had finallye. Whenbined with n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining¡¯s carefreeughter ¡ª the general mood was greatly uplifted.

    And so persistent impatience and fright subsided on this rainy day.

    Qin Yining went about her day as usual and left with Jiyun, Bingtang at the hour of the dog. As soon as she set foot outside the door, she saw Mu Jinghu, skinny as a stalk of hemp in pale-blue robes, standing with his hands behind his back.

    ¡°Are you headed out?¡± His delicate features had be more angr thanks to hunger, but his eyes remained as clear as ever.

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°My father¡¯s sent for me.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll watch over you from the shadows.¡±

    Some guilt struck the girl. ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest on the mountain if you¡¯re tired, Sir Mu? No one can get a full meal these days, and as highly skilled you are, you still have a mortal¡¯s body. You¡¯re just as hungry without food. Where will you get your strength from without a full meal? I really feel very guilty. I¡¯m just going down the mountain for a word from my father, so you don¡¯t need toe.¡±

    Mu Jinghu frowned in mary thought. ¡°That¡¯s not very good. I promised the fox I would protect you. Don¡¯t worry, I know my limits. Plus, my diet is actually a bit better than yours. You¡¯re a fragile little girl and you¡¯re fine. I¡¯m a cultivator who hones my body inside and out, so how would I be any weaker than you? Or are you worried I¡¯m going to eavesdrop? Then I¡¯ll just hide in the shadows and won¡¯te out if you don¡¯t want me to. Does that work?¡±

    ¡°What? Don¡¯t say that, Sir Mu. How would I be afraid about you eavesdropping? I¡¯m just worried about exhausting you. Oh well, since this is the case, please remain in the shadows, Sir Mu. Listen to my covertmands if anything happens.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Mu Jinghu inclined his head with a smile. ¡°Then you guys go on ahead.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that the gentleman had his ways of keeping up. She followed the winding path down Mt. Eternal Spring, holding Bingtang and Jiyun¡¯s hands while they heldnterns in the other.

    After reaching the foot of the mountain, they glimpsed a carriage parked not too far away. Inextinguishablenterns hung on the carriage swung to and fro in the night wind. The smell of wet grass after the rain permeated the air, instantly providing a jolt of good mood.

    The three girls walked quickly to the carriage, alerting the person in front of it to wee them. When Qin Yining took a close look, she saw that it wasn¡¯t Qin Huaiyuan.

 Chapter 276: A Devious Plot (II)

    <h4>Chapter 276: A Devious Plot (II)</h4>

    ¡°Greetings to the fourth miss.¡± It was Qitai walking out of the darkness,ntern in hand.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Is my father in the carriage? Quick, take me there.¡±

    The servant smiled back. ¡°In response to the miss, milord hadn¡¯t yet left the pce when I departed to carry out orders. Milord wants you to wait in the residence just outside the city gates ¡ª the one that the emperor bestowed. Milord should be just about there when we reach it as well. He¡¯s prepared some dry rations for you ¡ª the mixed grain t cakes that they have in the army. He said for you to bring them back to the old dowager and the others.¡±

    The girl hesitated, but nodded in the end. ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s hurry on our way.¡±

    For one, Qitai had been by her father¡¯s side for more than two decades. He was a trustworthy individual.

    Secondly, she had Jiyun and Bingtang by her side. There was also Mu Jinghu tailing her from the shadows, so she wasn¡¯t afraid of anything cropping up.

    The three girls took their seats in the carriage, with Qitai sitting outside with the groom. The inextinguishablenterns swaying in the night wind, the carriage turned from a dpidated small road to wide and smooth avenues.

    Things were a mess in the city nowadays. The curfew existed in name only as there were no patrols on the streets. Guards were only present at the inner city gates, and they respectfully let the carriage pass when Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s medallion was shown.

    The roads in the outer city were much harder to travel. A lot of refugees had been given temporary lodgings there, resulting in masses of starvingmoners curled up in tents with wooden expressions, mosquitoes and bugs biting them everywhere. They looked vacantly at the carriage traveling past them.

    Heartache assailed Qin Yining as she looked at the view outside her window. She even prayed that the emperor would surrender faster. The more quickly he went about things, the earlier the people¡¯s suffering would end.

    The carriage arrived at a residence after a while. Qin Yining alighted with the help of Jiyun and Bingtang, entering through a ckcquer main door.

    It was a residence that was one row of houses deep. The east and west wings were dark, lights on only in the main house. Footsteps sounded as a skinny, older woman came out to wee them.

    Qitai smiled. ¡°This is Wife Zhang. She¡¯s been in charge of cooking for milord, the duke, and the defenders during this time.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile to express her thanks to the woman.

    Wife Zhang hastily made a grand gesture of greeting, kneeling to the ground. She spoke reservedly after rising, ¡°The noodles you ordered to be prepared are ready.¡±

    ¡°Then bring them up for the fourth miss. Cook some more when milord returns.¡± It was grand to be able to feast on watery porridge these days, so a bowl of noodles was definitely a luxury.

    A faint smile crossed Qin Yining¡¯s face. Father most likely called me out so he could share some of what he has with me, so I can get a full meal.

    Wife Zhang dismissed herself after the group entered the main house. The fourth miss sized up the clean and simple small room, taking a seat on a bench next to a square table. ¡°Is this where my father¡¯s lived these days? Howe he¡¯s not in the army camp?¡±

    Qitai smiled. ¡°He¡¯s at the camp sometimes too, but ever since the Duke of An fell for an enemy plot and lost twenty thousand men, and almost his own life, the duke¡¯s refused to meet the enemy in battle. We used to have troops stationed outside the city gates before, to prevent the enemy from directly attacking the city. However, the duke¡¯s disallowed that and dismantled the military camp. The city gates are closed anyways, so milord doesn¡¯t need to live in the camp.¡±

    ¡°I see. Father¡¯s really suffered a lot.¡± There were so many bugs in the heat of summer and it was quite muggy to boot. It would definitely be ufortable in a tent. Hearing that her father was staying in a house put her much more at ease.

    Wife Zhang came back in with arge, square tray. There were three bowls of steaming noodles on it, chopped onions scattered on top and egg drop floating within. It was the perfect fare for a post-rain, slightly chilly mock-autumn night. Clouds of steam and tempting fragrance wafted from the bowls, but it made Qin Yining¡¯s stomach spasm painfully.

    Long period of hunger and eating various wild vegetables was tough on the stomach. Though the noodles looked very tantalizing, her stomach¡¯s first reaction was to rebel.

    Qitai ced the bowl in front of Qin Yining with a respectful smile. ¡°Please help yourself, miss. Milord gave special orders for you to get some food in you. It wasn¡¯t easy getting ahold of these ingredients.¡± He then turned to Bingtang and Jiyun. ¡°Milord also said that the two of you have done well in serving the fourth miss. Have a bowl each.¡±

    Smiling, the maids expressed their thanks and took their bowls to another table. Naturally they couldn¡¯t share the same one with their mistress.

    Qin Yining picked up bamboo chopsticks and had just picked up a mouthful of noodles when Bingtang suddenly pinched her arm. She looked over, perplexed.

    Bingtang was looking at the bowl of noodles and shaking her head. Her clear gaze fixed on Qitai, who standing off to the side with his hands down. She smiled mockingly. ¡°Is this bowl of noodles really from the marquis, specially for the miss?¡±

    Qitai started, his expression a bit unnatural. ¡°Yes. I wouldn¡¯t have bene able to get my hands on all this if not for milord.¡±

    ¡°Then the cook wasn¡¯t paying attention when they dumped knockout drugs into the food. If our miss takes even one bite of this, she¡¯ll be out cold for three days!¡±

    Jiyun roared furiously, ¡°What are you trying to do?!¡±

    Hidden in one of the side rooms, Mu Jinghu almost burst in in a ze of fury.

    How utterly wasteful! In times of famine, it was already good enough to have a mouthful of t cake. A bowl of steaming noodles was such a rare sight, so how dare someone fritter away heaven¡¯s gift like this?? Knockout drugs?! What a waste of good food, such a waste!

    Qin Yining remained sitting on the bench and waved a hand behind her back in Mu Jinghu¡¯s direction. Don¡¯t make a move yet.

    The gentleman had to grit his teeth and refrain from leaping into action.

    She asked with a solemn expression. ¡°Qitai, was it really my father who sent for me today, or are you acting alone?¡±

    The servant pursed his lips, a sardonic smile suddenly blossoming on his face. ¡°Fourth Miss, I can¡¯t face milord or you in this matter, but for the safety of this country, you¡¯ll have to make some small sacrifices!¡±

    An irate Jiyun burst into a flying kick when she heard this and connected with Qitai¡¯s gut. The man cried out with pain and stumbled to the ground, clutching his stomach and breathing hard from pain.

    Jiyun grabbed Qin Yining and Bingtang¡¯s hand. ¡°We go!¡±

    Qin Yining knew that time was of the essence and charged out with her guard without another thought.

    But when they reached the yard, the main door flew open with a kick, admitting a crowd of masked men. The fourth miss¡¯ steps stilled. She looked at them gravely. ¡°Who are you?!¡±

    Mu Jinghu was now in the shadows between the side room and side wings. She didn¡¯t know his exact position, only kept her hand behind her back and again told him to stand down.

    The leader of the crowd sneered. ¡°Cut the ther. Brother, get that chit!¡± Five men charged after he spoke.

 Chapter 277: A Devious Plot (III)

    <h4>Chapter 277: A Devious Plot (III)</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t understand why an old servant of more than two decades would suddenly turn traitor. His earlier words of ¡°for the stability of this country¡± came back to the fore.

    She really wanted to know what Qitai was cooking up.

    ¡°Hurry miss, let¡¯s go!¡± Jiyun led Qin Yining with one hand and dragged Bingtang out with the other, speeding to the rear yard. The poor maid was stunned with fright.

    The masked men were both surprised and angry to see that Qin Yining¡¯s maid knew martial arts. Fists waved as they came in hot pursuit, spewing malicious threats in their wake.

    If Qin Yining had never experienced such things, she might really be scared senseless. But thanks to the rich experience of her youth and participating in negotiations, being chased by killers, and almost eaten by the empress, she¡¯d trained the ability to be calmer the more danger she was in.

    The men weren¡¯t armed and were all dressed likemoners. Though they were masked, it didn¡¯t hide their southern ents. So it would seem that people from Great Yan wanted to kidnap her this time.

    She was more worried for her father than her own safety. She had an expert by her side for protection, so her life wouldn¡¯t be in danger. As for father¡­ hopefully Cao Yuqing would be able to do what needed to be done.

    A multitude of thoughts flitted through Qin Yining¡¯s brain in the span of a breath. The three girls rounded the corner to see no one guarding the bamboo fence of the rear yard.

    Jiyun kicked the yard door open with a smooth motion, Qin Yining and Bingtang scrambling to follow her. The three ran into a quiet alley off to the side.

    The dozen men were hot on the chase.

    Fortunately, there were many twists and turns in the alley. The many nooks and crannies ended up being convenient hiding spots for the three girls.

    Mu Jinghu caught up to them when there was no one around. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me make a move just now?¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s really off about this, Sir Mu. Just follow us in private. Don¡¯te out if my life¡¯s not in danger.¡±

    Mu Jinghu gazed into Qin Yining¡¯s eyes, exceedingly bright in the night light. He was inadvertently reminded of a wild beast on the hunt, his hairs rising at the association. She¡¯s the same kind of person as Sly Fox Pang alright!

    ¡°Alright, as you say.¡± He turned and vanished into the shadows.

    A thundering cacophony of boots marching in lockstep and horse¡¯s hooves abruptly sounded outside the alley. There was also the jangling of armor intermixed between the sounds.

    Qin Yining¡¯s pulse raced, exchanging an incredulous nce with her maids.

    ¡°It¡¯s the army! Only our army can possibly appear here!¡±

    Bingtang was bbergasted. ¡°Has the world gone mad?! Why does our army want to capture us??¡±

    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re here to capture those bandits¡­?¡± Jiyun pushed Qin Yining and Bingtang behind her, sidling to an intersection to sneak a peek out.

    The sight that greeted her eyes was a jolt to her heart.

    The men who¡¯d been chasing them earlier seemed to be making a report to the officer that¡¯d surrounded the alley. They inly knew each other!

    ¡°Miss, this is bad! They¡¯re in cahoots with each other!¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Bingtang¡¯s voice trembled.

    Qin Yiningpressed her lips and thought furiously. ¡°I have a n, but it¡¯ll put Bingtang through some suffering.¡±

    The maid swallowed hard and nodded with hesitation. ¡°Go ahead miss, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±

    ¡°Jiyun, take my token and find a way to see your master.¡± Qin Yining took off the strand of red beans on her wrist. There was a red rope knot on it now, the one that had been on Riceball¡¯s neck before.

    Jiyun took the bracelet in a rather confused state. ¡°Do you want the prince toe rescue you, miss?¡±

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to say anything like that, just describe the strange events from today. I think things aren¡¯t simple and they¡¯re not just aimed at me. Otherwise, why wouldn¡¯t have these people killed us already? This also has to do with troop movements ¡ª there¡¯s no way my father doesn¡¯t know. He¡¯s probably been held up by something.

    ¡°Instead of trying to bring a message to my father, it¡¯d be easier to see Pang Zhixi. Qitai is my father¡¯s confidante, so he should have a deep understanding of my affairs. He knows better than anyone that apart from my family, Pang Zhixi has the most to do with me! So apart from threatening my father, they either want to also threaten my family or Pang Zhixi by kidnapping me. No matter what, go tell the prince to be prepared first.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time for detailed exnations. Hurry and leave with this. He¡¯ll trust you wholeheartedly. Tell him not to worry about me, I have Sir Mu protecting me in the dark. There¡¯s no danger to my life. I¡¯m here because I want to find out what¡¯s going on. Tell Pang Zhixi to just pay attention to my father and family¡¯s safety.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do as you say, miss.¡± Jiyun knew that Mu Jinghu wasn¡¯t far away. It appeared that Qin Yining had aplete n, so the guard carefully put the bracelet away and sped off in another direction.

    Qin Yining took Bingtang¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you¡¯ll have to suffer through this with me. If I¡¯d known what was going to happen today, I wouldn¡¯t have brought you out with me.¡±

    Bingtang shook her head. Though she was very nervous, she tugged back on her mistress¡¯ hand. ¡°This is nothing.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss led Bingtang into hide and seek with their pursuers.

    There were five hundred Great Yan soldiers scouring the alleyway, gradually decreasing the search radius.

    The two girls spent a full forty-five minutes behind a thatched wall. Just as they craned forward to look outside, a heavy object suddenly hit their necks, bringing darkness along with great pain. Unconsciousness descended.

    ¡­¡­

    Qin Yining seemed to have returned to when she was seven, when her foster mother was gravely ill. Her foster mother¡¯s illness wasn¡¯t taking a turn for the better with the random herbs the little girl picked in the woods. She chopped firewood all day, but the copper coins she earned wasn¡¯t enough to keep two people alive.

    She tried opening a tab at the apothecary, but the shopkeeper wouldn¡¯t let her. A teenage associate picked her up by the cor and threw her out onto the streets. She fell down harshly with her wicker basket, the firewood and wild vegetables within scattered all over the ground.

    After picking them up, she used her remaining copper coins to buy two meat buns.

    The buns smelled so nice!

    She carried them reverently back home, sticking her nose onto the round, white buns to take in a few deep breaths.

    The white flour had a unique savory fragrance intermixed with the smell of spring onions. Her mouth watered copiously. The juices and oil from the fillings soaked through the buns in two areas. She carefully pinched off a bit of skin the size of her pinky nail, cing it on her tongue. It was so good! The smell pierced deep into her brain.

    Her body shook slightly. ¡­where are the buns?

    Qin Yining¡¯s consciousness floated out of a haze and she heard the sound of carriage wheels turning. She fully came back to herself, remembering what had just happened and realizing that she was on a horse carriage.

    She didn¡¯t immediately open her eyes, because she heard two aged, male voices speaking next to her.

 Chapter 278: A Devious Plot (IV)

    <h4>Chapter 278: A Devious Plot (IV)</h4>

    ¡°¡­the duke is very quick-witted. We defuse Qin¡¯s nasty plot this way!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It was my idea first to defect, but who would¡¯ve thought that Qin Meng would beat us to the punch! Not only did he take the deration and tattle to the emperor, but he also wants to achieve a great deed in the eyes of Great Zhou. Look at him trying to please both sides, are all good things supposed to be his?

    ¡°His n was good, but I got wind of it first. The Great Zhou secret envoy mentioned several times to take out that demon Pang Zhixi. It looks like Pang isn¡¯t doing too well in Great Zhou, hmph!¡±

    ¡°Your Grace is wise. Pang is simply too arrogant. He doesn¡¯t know to keep his head down and maintain a low profile when his merits eclipse his master. He¡¯spletely brought this down on himself! But Your Grace really abounds with wit and resourcefulness. We are truly in awe!¡±

    ¡°This was just a parlor trick. We¡¯ll use this wench to lure Pang over, then frame Qin Huaiyuan after offing Pang. This way, Qin Huaiyuan will be guilty of murdering the Faithful Prince of the First Rank if we really surrender. He won¡¯t be able to talk his way out of it even if he has a hundred mouths! We kill two birds with one stone and avoid having to suffer beneath these people when we get to Great Zhou. This also clears away this bitch for the empress!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Qin Yining heard everything clearly behind closed eyes. Shock rocked her world. To think that the Duke of An, Li Mian, would be such a treacherous, petty little viin!

    And, who was the Great Zhou secret envoy that he was talking about? Who wanted to consign Pang Xiao to death?

    Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts flew rapidly as she continued to feign unconsciousness. She carefully opened her eyes to the barest hint of a slit, noting that she was in a very spacious carriage. Just like the fourth miss, Bingtang¡¯s hands were tied. The maid was currently out cold by her feet. The Duke of An and another skinny man were sitting with their backs to her, and there seemed to be another person tied up in the corner in front of them.

    Just as the girl noted the other person, she heard them make urgent, guttural noises. It seemed to be Qitai, and he apparently had words to say.

    The duke chuckled coldly. ¡°Tsk, forgot about that thing. He has something to say, let him.¡±

    An attendant by the duke¡¯s side came up and yanked out the rag stoppering Qitai¡¯s mouth.

    The servant heaved rapidly beforeunching into an interrogation. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were going to use the fourth miss to lure over that demon Pang Zhixi, that killing him would throw the enemy army into chaos, that we wouldn¡¯t have to surrender then?! You lied to me! Duke of An, you¡¯re a royal father-inw! How could you have wanted to surrender long ago?? How can you face the emperor, how are you worthy of being a Great Yan citizen?? You had me trick the fourth miss intoing out here so you can plot my master¡¯s death! You¡¯repletely vile and shameless!¡±

    ¡°Hah! Don¡¯t talk like you¡¯re a model of loyalty,¡± the duke jeered. ¡°Your master has just one daughter. No matter the reason, you betrayed him when you tricked the apple of his eye intoing out here!¡±

    ¡°But I never wanted to hurt milord! I did it for the good of the nation! I did it for Great Yan!¡±

    ¡°What a fool.¡± The duke closed his eyes and waved carelessly. ¡°Who dumped this dirty thing into the carriage? It¡¯s a drag on the horses. Get it out of here and take off its head.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    The carriage rolled to a stop, whereupon guards rushed up to drag Qitai out.

    The servant cursed loudly from horror. ¡°Li, you¡¯ll have a messy end! You¡¯re a dead man walking! Dead man walking!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also cleaning house for your lord. A dog he kept for twenty years biting him? He¡¯s damned useless.¡±

    The curtains were slowly lowered as outside, Qitai abruptly cut off mid-curse. The carriage resumed forward motion.

    Tremors wracked Qin Yining. She¡¯d closed her eyes again and was trying her hardest to calm herself. She couldn¡¯t let her captors discover that she was already awake.

    If the duke discovered she was conscious, he¡¯d certainly wonder just how much of their conversation she¡¯d overheard. She¡¯d be killed to keep their secrets. They just wanted to use her to lure Pang Xiao with. They could poison her or destroy her body, and then kill her when there was no more use to her.

    She was certain that whatever she could think of, a wily old fox like the Duke of An would surely think of the same. She couldn¡¯t take the risk.

    But at least I can be certain that father¡¯s fine for now.

    The Duke of An wouldn¡¯t let a hint of this operation slip before he sessfully killed Pang Xiao. With her father¡¯s reputation as Wise Pan An, he could very well deduce the truth if any tricks were used on him.

    Continuing to feign unconsciousness, Qin Yining was already thinking of counter-ns.

    The carriage stopped once more before long. There seemed to be gs snapping in the wind outside, as well as scattered footsteps and the jingling of armor. She didn¡¯t dare open her eyes, but she could guess that they¡¯d reached a military camp.

    Someone lifted the curtain and respectfully helped the duke down. Another immediately entered to pick her up.

    The sour smell of sweat from an unknown male assaulted her nose. Men in the army camps didn¡¯t have ess to mountain springs like those in Ning Park did. Therefore, taking a bath wasn¡¯t an easy thing to do during a drought.

    The Qin fourth miss held in her difort and continued to pretend unconsciousness.

    ¡°Put this girl in a separate tent,¡± ordered the duke. ¡°There¡¯s still some use to her right now, so none of you are allowed to touch her.¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, do you mean¡­¡± tant excitement crept into the tones of those around her. She could immediately feel numerous unfriendly gazes cast on her. If she hadn¡¯t forced herself to remain limp, the habitual vignce of many years would¡¯ve caused her to tense and flee far away.

    ¡°You bastards, blue balls getting to you?¡± The duke chortled to the answeringughter of some of the men.

    It looks like these are all the duke¡¯s confidantes. He wants to use me and then give me to these people¡­

    ¡°Wake up the little girl and send her to the other side with a message for Pang. Tell Pang that if he doesn¡¯te, I¡¯ll give his beloved to the soldiers. Have someone keep an eye on the little girl. Make sure she doesn¡¯t get up to anything!¡± The duke walked off.

    Someone flung a bucket of water over Bingtang to wake her up.

    Only her hands were tied, so when she took stock of the situation after waking up, she shrieked, ¡°What do you want?! Aren¡¯t you afraid that the marquis will punish you when he finds out?!¡±

    ¡°Punishment willeter. Right now, we¡¯ll kill you first if you don¡¯t behave!¡±

    Someone ryed the duke¡¯s orders, and Qin Yining was in the dark as to how Bingtang responded and her general status. She could feel the person carrying her walk off, bringing her to a tent and carefully putting her down.

    The man¡¯s coarse fingertips remained on her cheek, smelling of sweat and tobo. He swallowed audibly, the sounds of his breathing growing heavier.

 Chapter 279: Resolution in a Dominant Fashion (I)

    <h4>Chapter 279: Resolution in a Dominant Fashion (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining tensed. She could endure any pain but the humiliation of rape!

    The stranger¡¯s callused fingers and stench of his sweat gave her the urge to retch! Her eyes suddenly snapped open and she red viciously at him.

    The man was watching her, entranced. He¡¯d never seen such a beautiful girl in his life and felt that it didn¡¯t matter if he caressed her a few times. Who knew she¡¯d suddenly wake up?

    He jumped and took a few frantic steps backwards, almost tripping over himself.

    Relief crept in when Qin Yining saw his reaction and she grunted, ¡°What do you want? Don¡¯t you know who I am?¡±

    The twenty-some-year-old man coughed awkwardly, his gaze still lingering despite his bright-red ears. He finally fled, helter-skelter, in the end.

    Raucousughter greeted his exit from the tent. Some joked that he¡¯d been disdained by the beauty, while others boasted of their prowess had they been the ones in the tent. Collective jeers sounded again.

    Qin Yining frowned ferociously with anger as she listened to the base mockery and lewd remarks. She took a look around to get her bearings.

    It was a medium-sized military tent. She was sitting on wooden, military-grade bed-ts that faced the tent door. Antern made out of an ink well was ced on the table to her right, and a small jug next to a ceramic bowl off to the side. It looked to be for fetching water. There was a night bucket to the left corner of the bed.

    Though her hands were tied, her feet were unfettered. She rose to blow out the light. Once it was dark enough in the tent, she would be able to clearly see the shadows of those outside.

    There were five men standing guard around her. They were all very tall and broad, looking to be less than two steps away from the tent. Two were ramrod straight at the door while the other three were on her right. Their whispered conversation was punctuated by a round of snickering.

    Her brow remained tightly furrowed. What the duke said earlier probably gave these people hope that they¡¯ll get me when the duke is done with me.

    She smiled coldly. Who would have thestugh, hmm? They could have their fun for now.

    Qin Yiningid back down and decided to rest while she awaited news from Bingtang.

    Scattered footsteps sounded when dawn broke. The Qin fourth miss had been feeling a bit sleepy, but she quickly sat up at the disturbance. The tent door lifted and a man shoved in Bingtang, her hands bound behind her back.

    ¡°Do as you¡¯re told or we¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    Bingtang spat viciously at the man before slowly walking over. Qin Yining rxed to see the maid unharmed.

    The two sat shoulder-to-shoulder on the bed ts. When Bingtang saw that no one was forting, she murmured next to her mistress¡¯ ear. ¡°Miss, I saw the prince.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and breathed back, ¡°Did you go directly to the Great Zhou camp? How is Jiyun?¡±

    ¡°I did. Jiyun got there ahead of me. The prince is fine. He¡¯s recovered and tells you not to be afraid. He can handle this. Don¡¯t worry and stay here for now. He¡¯ll have us released before the day¡¯s out.¡±

    ¡°Good. That¡¯s good.¡± Qin Yining heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°What did you tell the Duke of An? Didn¡¯t he have someone follow you?¡±

    ¡°The prince took him down as soon as I reached the Great Zhou camp. I forced a poison pill down his throat and only I have the antidote. He didn¡¯t expect the prince to suddenly attack him, and naturally listened to all of my orders afterwards.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Thank goodness you¡¯re familiar with poison, or we wouldn¡¯t even have been able to protect ourselves this time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Bingtang had a deep appreciation of her skills as well. If it wasn¡¯t for her knowledge of poison, things wouldn¡¯t have gone so smoothly at all.

    Since Pang Xiao wanted Qin Yining to not worry and just wait, she rxedpletely. With the prince¡¯s stratagems and grasp of the bigger picture, it shouldn¡¯t be difficult for him to handle things.

    ¡°Sleep a little if you¡¯re tired.¡± Qin Yining murmured by her maid¡¯s ear.

    Bingtang was indeed tired andid down on the inner side of the bed ts. ¡°Let¡¯s take turns resting. I¡¯ll wake up and relieve youter.¡±

    ¡°No worries, I rested well enoughst night. Go to sleep.¡±

    Bingtang nodded and quickly fell fast asleep.

    And so Qin Yining and Bingtang took turns resting peacefully in the tent. The poisoned guard came by once, enthusiastically bringing the girls some food. Though it was just military rations of mixed-grain t cake and enormously salty pickled vegetables, it was still an offering that couldn¡¯t be found outside.

    The girls had enough of rest after splitting a t cake between the two of them. They chatted softly as they sat on the bed, actually having an easier time of things than when they were at Ning Park.

    A noisy mor suddenly disturbed the outside of the tent in the afternoon.

    Qin Yining and Bingtang looked at each other and sat up. They seemed to hear three shouts of ¡°long live the emperor¡± when they cocked their ears.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Weichi Yan is here? Is it a good thing or bad that he¡¯s here now?

    She had just scooted to a standing position when the tent p was lifted up, admitting ashen-faced soldiers and the Duke of An showing in Weichi Yan, who was d in imperial robes.

    The sight put the Qin fourth miss at ease.

    Since they were going about things so openly, Weichi Yan would never allow himself to be tarred with the reputation of hurting noble scions. Her safety was assured. I wonder what Pang Zhixi¡¯s done to make Weichi Yan pay a visit himself?

    ¡°Greetings to Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining and Bingtang both knelt.

    Weichi Yan strode in with expansive strides, halting near the door with his hands behind his back to look down at the kneeling girls. He didn¡¯t immediately give them leave to rise.

    This struck Qin Yining oddly. With Weichi Yan¡¯s usual personality, he would¡¯ve allowed her to rise first. Or has something else happened?

    The emperor clenched his teeth and spat out, ¡°All irrelevant personnel is dismissed. No one is allowed within ten yards of the tent.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The duke brought his guards, soldiers, and even Bingtang out of the tent, standing far away.

    Weichi Yanpressed his lips, chuckling darkly after a moment. ¡°What amazing skill you have, such wonderful charm. Should We find you guilty of treason and conspiring with the enemy, hmm?¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her head abruptly, stumbling right into Weichi Yan¡¯s furious, fathomless eyes. His fists popped from the force of clenching. ¡°Answer!¡±

    ¡°This subject has never betrayed the country and so does not know how to respond to Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining lowered her head without being arrogant or overly humble.

    Augh rasped out of Weichi Yan. ¡°How hrious. We had wanted to go along with the n and get rid of murderer Pang before surrendering. That would be worthy enough revenge for Great Yan. But that brute actually has the temerity to threaten Us!¡±

    The emperor furiously yanked out a letter from his sleeve and flung it full-force onto Qin Yining¡¯s face.

 Chapter 280: Resolution in a Dominant Fashion (II)

    <h4>Chapter 280: Resolution in a Dominant Fashion (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t understand why Weichi Yan was so upset and picked up the letter with some hesitation.

    ¡°To the Emperor of the Yan Dynasty¡± was written on the envelope. Every horizontal stroke lifted slightly upwards, the spacing between each perfectly delineated. It was a beautiful effect, and the calligraphy as powerful as a flying dragon, each character vigorous and decisive. The author¡¯s dashing ir and unyielding arrogance was on full disy. It went without saying that it¡¯d been written by Pang Xiao.

    The girl unfolded the paper within and almost burst outughing when she read the contents.

    There were a short line on it. ¡°Return her at dusk or bear the consequence of a city siege!¡±

    A cocksure ¡°Pang¡± was the signature, as well as the seal of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank and Pang Xiao¡¯s personal chop.

    It was supposedly a letter, but the contents so few. The seals had certainly been carefully affixed, however. The red official seal and small personal one almost filled the paper!

    The parting words of ¡°bear the consequence¡± smacked of pure pompousness; they also fully disyed the writer¡¯s contemptuous disdain of Weichi Yan.

    No wonder the emperor was so hopping mad! His face was about to swell up with all the pping it¡¯d received! If Pang Xiao besieged the city, what would Weichi Yan defend with?

    The Duke of An had already led most of the generals and numerous civil officials into authoring a deration of fealty. They would just open the city gates if the prince attacked. Weichi Yan probably wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to surrender then, because with the current circumstances, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t care if he did or not! It didn¡¯t have the slightest bearing on whether the prince could trample Great Yan.

    The girlpressed her lips, put the letter away carefully, and offered it back with both hands.

    Weichi Yan refused to take it. He sneered. ¡°Are you feeling proud of yourself?¡±

    ¡°Proud? This subject¡¯s country will no longer exist in the future. What is there to be proud of? Rather, does Your Majesty know what you¡¯re talking about right now?¡± Qin Yining lowered her highly upraised hands since Weichi Yan refused to take the letter, and ced it on a nearby table. ¡°Did Your Majesty just say that you knew the duke had kidnapped me and was using me to lure the Faithful Prince of the First Rank into a trap?¡±

    Though Weichi Yan raged with fury, a guilty conscience still pricked him when faced with this question. After all, he kept saying he liked her, but he¡¯d also allowed her to be bait.

    The emperor didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Does Your Majesty know the full extent of the duke¡¯s n? He¡¯s luring the prince here so that he can gift me to his bodyguards and soldiers after he kills the prince, then frame my father with Pang Xiao¡¯s death!¡±

    Weichi Yan trembled violently upon hearing this and lowered himself down to eye level with Qin Yining. It was apparent he didn¡¯t understand, so the girl continued.

    ¡°I woke up in the carriage when I was kidnapped, but pretended to still be out. I clearly heard everything that the duke said to his men. He¡¯de in contact with a secret envoy from Great Zhou a long time ago. The envoy promised the duke that as long as he cooperated with the Great Zhou army, the envoy could guarantee that all surrendered Great Yan officials would still be part of the aristocracy once we moved to Great Zhou.

    ¡°The duke said that my father already eclipses him in Great Yan. Once my father murders the prince, the Zhou emperor will certainly punish my father after our surrender. The duke is nning on eliminating two political enemies, in the form of my father and the prince, before everything else happens.

    ¡°Your Majesty, do you know about the duke¡¯s intricate plotting?¡±

    Thest question jabbed right into Weichi Yan¡¯s heart, making him quaver all over just like the threat of ¡°bear the consequence¡±. He fell to a sitting position.

    ¡°Ha, haha!¡± Weichi Yan threw his head back tragically, crying andughing at the same time. ¡°Such are Our subjects! Utterly ipetent in defending the city, but adepts in games of power. They¡¯ve included me as a piece as well! Hrious, absolutely hrious! With so many subjects like these, it¡¯s no wonder that the nation¡¯s fallen. I well deserve to be thest emperor of a ruined nation alright! Hahaha!¡±

    Qin Yining knelt on the floor watching a crying andughing Weichi Yan pound the ground. He didn¡¯t care that his imperial dragon robes were all dusty and dirty.

    The girl was afflicted with heartache. Who wanted things to progress to this stage?

    The tumors and ailments afflicting the nation were chronic affairs. Add to that the emperor emeritus wasting a few decades with ipetence and debauchery... to be honest, even if Weichi Yan was highly skilled at ruling, it would¡¯ve only prolonged Great Yan¡¯s suffering for a while longer.

    The emperor really wasn¡¯t talented in this area. He had the heart butcked the strength. He¡¯d tried his best.

    ¡°Your Majesty...¡± Qin Yining sighed and wanted tofort him, but had no idea how.

    Weichi Yan sat dumbly on the ground for a while longer and suddenly surged to his feet. He was embarrassed, but spoke very politely. ¡°You may rise. We went down the wrong path this time and wanted to y along when We learned of the duke¡¯s n. We kept your father in the pce for somepany.¡±

    He seemed to fear Qin Yining misunderstanding and quickly added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Grand Preceptor Qin is Our teacher. We would never hurt him and would in fact, protect him. Once we get to Great Zhou, We¡¯ll have to trouble you for some good words on Our behalf to the prince.¡±

    Qin Yining stood nkly, not sure how to respond as she looked at Weichi Yan¡¯s slightly appeasing smile. In the end, she had to settle for, ¡°Your Majesty is too polite. This subject won¡¯t forget that I am a Great Yan citizen. I also know that everything Your Majesty is doing is for the people, not yourself.¡±

    Weichi Yan almost teared up. He looked at the girl once more, dusted off his robes, and swiped his hand across his face to restore his earlier expression. He called out, ¡°Come, prepare the cart.¡±

    Someone harried over a mule cart before long. There was nopartment on top of it, making it apparent at a nce who the upants were.

    Weichi Yan gave orders to an untied Bingtang, ¡°Help your miss get to the other side.¡± He then turned to a young eunuch. ¡°You, drive the cart and take Miss Qin to the other side.¡±

    The little eunuch almost burst out crying from fright. He shook and trembled, agreeing to the order.

    Qin Yining cast an astonished look at Weichi Yan. She hadn¡¯t thought that he¡¯d send her directly over to Pang Xiao¡¯s camp!

    The letter had indeed said to return her, but it meant to the Qins, not what he was doing now!

    Some further thought brought understanding. Weichi Yan was currying favor with Pang Xiao.

    This... really... She didn¡¯t know what to say.

    The two girls took their seats in the cart and the eunuch took the whip. He directed the cart out of the city with a pained expression, traveling past a spacious lot to the Great Zhou encampment.

    Weichi Yan watched the city gates open and close again, the cart wandering further and further away. A mixture of emotions assailed him, and vengeful resentment in his eyes was finally reced with resignation.

    When he looked at the duke and others standing with their hands to their sides, he realized that he didn¡¯t know what to do with them. The army had mutinied. If he gave orders now to punish the duke, he¡¯d probably lose his life!

    Forget it, forget it. Let¡¯s just stay alive for now.

    Weichi Yan returned to the pce with his servants.

    Within the Valiant Tigers camp, a messenger flew in. ¡°Your Highness, a mule cart¡¯sing from the other side. Two pretty girls are on it.¡±

    Pang Xiao lit up with delight, threw down his book, and sprinted out of his tent.

 Chapter 281: Heartfelt Outpouring (I)

    <h4>Chapter 281: Heartfelt Outpouring (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining sat up straight and peered ahead into the distance, her eyes flitting between a myriad of tents and soldiers to search for that familiar figure. Individual faces sharpened into rity as the distance closed between the cart and the Great Zhou encampment.

    She first saw a delighted Huzi and Jiyun, then a man in ck war robes charge out of a central military tent, screeching to a halt behind Huzi. She couldn¡¯t help but smile when she saw a foolishly happy expression dawn on the usually domineering and fiercely proud man.

    Pang Xiao forced himself to stand still, to maintain his mature and dependable bearing, but his rampaging emotions made his heart pound like he¡¯d gone berserk in the battlefield all day. No, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t be so agitated even after storming the fields for a day.

    His darling¡¯s smiling face, pretty as a flower, made it feel like someone was scratching at his heart. An answering grin spread over his facel. If it weren¡¯t for the many people around him and the need to maintain his authoritativemander-in-chief bearing, he would¡¯ve sprinted over a long time ago.

    Firmly stomping down the glee and delight overflowing his heart, Pang Xiao walked up to meet the cart in a stoic, reserved manner.

    The Valiant Tigers on either side of him may not have realized that something was off with their leader, but bodyservant Huzi had been chewing the insides of his cheeks for a while, holding backughter.

    Your Highness, you¡¯re walking so very quickly!

    Your Highness, is your fist clenched so tightly from nerves, or do you want to punch someone?

    ......

    When the little eunuch driving the mule cart saw a tall, muscr, intimidating man striding over, he felt this must be demon Pang. He almost wet himself with fright and stiffly made the cart stop a long distance aways, jumping off to kneel to the side. He trembled like a leaf with his forehead on the ground.

    How would Pang Xiao have any thought to spare for others? His eyes saw only Qin Yining right now. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile and alighted from the cart, about to sink to the ground in the grand gesture of greeting. ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao wouldn¡¯t stand for the slightest bit of abuse to her. He pulled her up to his side before her knees had even bent, taking out a red bean bracelet from his clothes. A red, knotted design adorned it and he carefully tied the bracelet in an exquisite bow around her wrist again.

    The girl tilted her head up to look at his intensely concentrating expression, warm mist gathering in her eyes.

    cing her in hand in hisrge, tanned, and rough palms, Pang Xiao admired the sight for a moment before rubbing her head lovingly. ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s chat when we¡¯re inside.¡± He tugged her back to the tents.

    Upon seeing their leadere back openly holding the beautiful girl¡¯s hand, the Valiant Tigers parted ways with unspoken ord. Despite how coarsely and inly she was dressed, the girl looked tender and fragile, her cheeks bursting with a shy blush. Closer looks revealed that she was the one who¡¯de to the peace talks!

    Some of them remembered a half-dressed prince in the middle of the night, nting his hands on his hips and arrogantly dering, ¡°You¡¯ll be mine sooner orter!¡±

    Some of the Elite Tigers recalled when the prince had led them into the Great Yan capital to raid the execution grounds at the Meridian Gate.

    Their prince was a real man, a true man alright! What kind of woman couldn¡¯t he get? Just look at this! The beauty had submitted to him!

    ¡°Whoo! Aw yeah! Your Highness is mighty! Your Highness is glorious!¡± Cheers and whistles started up half a beatter. The soldiers apuded loudly and catcalled, all of them in high spirits.

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t stop them and even smiled generously at some lieutenants close by. ¡°This is your princess consort. Come greet her when it¡¯s our wedding.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Your Highness!¡± The lieutenants smiled and snapped off salutes. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure toe with a hefty red envelope!¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed heartily and pulled Qin Yining into his tent.

    The raucous crowd grew even louder. She could hear Huzi harry them away. ¡°Go on, get! Go do whatever you¡¯re supposed to be doing. Stop causing trouble here. Have you finished everything that the prince has told you to do...¡±

    She was so embarrassed that she wanted to find a hole to burrow into. Who knew what they would think was going on in the tent!

    ¡°What was all that just now! When did I say I was going to marry you!¡± She yanked her hand free and turned around, refusing to look at him. ¡°I¡¯m going to go lift the door curtain.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Pang Xiao embraced her with heartache when he saw her thin frame. His lipsnded on her ear lobes, neck, and cheeks. ¡°Who else are you going to marry if not me? I don¡¯t care, everyone knows you¡¯re mine. Your own emperor sent you to me, so not even anyone from Great Yan can object.¡±

    Qin Yining was held fast in his embrace. His lips were slightly peeling from dryness; the friction on her sensitive ears and neck making her shiver. She twisted her body around. ¡°Stop that, there¡¯s people outside.¡±

    ¡°So this means I can do whatever I want when there¡¯s no one around?¡± Pang Xiao started, then chuckled lowly. He blew hot air on her bright-red ears, making her bury her face in his shoulder.

    ¡°You¡¯re awful.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s face was crimson. ¡°I¡¯m not talking to you.¡±

    ¡°Not talking? Then we¡¯ll do something else. You say I¡¯m awful, so why don¡¯t you check my mouth for me and see if it¡¯s really that bad?¡±

    Pang Xiao clutched her shoulders and lowered his head, seeking her lips. He pressed down urgently, sucking and tasting heatedly, probing for every sensitive spot within her lips.

    It wasn¡¯t their first kiss, but it was one of Pang Xiao¡¯s most passionate.

    Qin Yining was a floating leaf being tossed to and fro on enormous waves. She instinctively twined her slender arms around his strong neck, molding her soft body with his tensed and rigid frame. Pang Xiao ran his hands across her back, then hoisted her up by her bottom.

    To prevent herself from falling, Qin Yining had to mp her legs around his waist. But this position was really too mortifying! Since her lips were tyrannically preupied, she could only beat his shoulders out of chagrin and push him away forcefully.

    Pang Xiao was delighted by the beating and refused to stop kissing her no matter how she hit him. He didn¡¯t let go until her lips were slightly swollen, then pecked her twice more out of lingering desire.

    Qin Yining panted with a reddened face, lowering her eyes and refusing to look at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to let go of me yet?¡± she whispered.

    Her voice was even more soft than usually. The beauty in his arms, and so adorably bashful at that, made Pang Xiao¡¯s heart itch and desire rear his head. He really wanted to do what every fiber of his being wanted to do!

    But he wasn¡¯t that sort of person in the end. Qin Yining was his treasure, and he didn¡¯t hold the condescending view of women that most men of the age did. His actions towards Qin Yining were powered with emotion, but also tempered by courtesy.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll really go too far if I keep holding you.¡± Pang Xiao ced her on his bed, remembering to tease her all the while. He kissed her on the forehead before sitting down next to her.

    Qin Yining wordlessly shifted a bit away from him before responding, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d use that kind of method to rescue me. Aren¡¯t you afraid that the emperor will hate you?¡±

    ¡°So what if he does? Am I scared of him?¡± Pang Xiao chuckled and pulled over her bracelet wearing hand. ¡°This period has been tough on you. Jiyun and Bingtang¡¯s told me everything. It¡¯s all my fault that you¡¯ve gone hungry and suffered like this.¡±

 Chapter 282: Heartfelt Outpouring (II)

    <h4>Chapter 282: Heartfelt Outpouring (II)</h4>

    ¡°Why would you think that?¡± Qin Yining sped Pang Xiao¡¯s hand with return heartache, running her fingers across his calloused fingertips and palm. Sympathy shed across her eyes when she noted the new scars and scabs on the backs of his hands.

    ¡°I know the difficult situation you¡¯re in, why would I me you for this? No matter how lofty your position is, it¡¯s not the highest. Many things are out of your control. Besides, the drought is a natural disaster. You¡¯re just a mortal, so why me yourself for something you can¡¯t do anything about?¡±

    Pang Xiao looked smilingly at Qin Yining, a pool of warm water within his phoenix-eyes. With her smarts and nature, of course she would understand. But to hear suchforting words straight from her mouth still moved him beyond words.

    ¡°My darling.¡± Pang Xiao stretched out his arms and ensconced her in an embrace. He dropped a kiss entirely devoid of lust onto her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re wonderful.¡±

    His voice was low and pleasing to the ear, and a bit raspy because of how touched he was. Warm air huffed into her ears, sending tingles through them, but she didn¡¯t want to dodge the hot sensation. Sheid quietly on his chest, closing her eyes to enjoy this brief moment of peace and quiet.

    The two of them hadn¡¯t spent time together like this for a very long time ¡ª just holding each other without the need to consider anything else. They could put everything down for a little while. He wasn¡¯t Great Zhou¡¯s Faithful Prince of the First Rank, and she wasn¡¯t the daughter of Great Yan¡¯s Grand Preceptor Qin. They were just simply a man and a woman who liked each other.

    Since the emperor had decided to surrender, they would no longer be on opposing sides. There wouldn¡¯t be that many cares and woes of the world fettering them then.

    Perhaps because she was too much at ease, the weariness of not having slept muchst night came crashing over the girl. Qin Yining was exhausted to the bone and wrapped her arms around Pang Xiao¡¯s waist, mumbling, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep for a little while.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had people prepare some ingredients and can whip up a bowl of noodles for you. Sleep after eating, alright?¡± Pang Xiao knew his beloved hadn¡¯t had anything to eat for a while. How could he bear to let her go to sleep hungry?

    She shook her head, murmuring, ¡°That¡¯s alright.¡± Her breathing immediately evened out as she fell asleep right after thest word.

    Pang Xiao looked down at the person in his embrace. She¡¯d fallen asleep sitting up! His heart clenched painfully as he noted the shadows beneath her eyes and her sunken cheeks.

    He carefully gathered her up and ced her on his bed, taking off her embroidered shoes and pulling over the thin nket.

    Her long hair scattered over the blue nket. What¡¯d used to gleam with luster like a bolt of satin, had now dulled. Her pale face appeared even more wan next to the dark pillowcase.

    Pang Xiao looked at her with heartache, standing dumbly by the side of the bed until he was sure she was fast asleep. Only then did he carefully inch his way to the outer side of the bed, propping his head up with one hand to look intently at her.

    An outstretched finger traced the shape of her slender eyebrows at a slight distance away from her face. It gave a phantom flick to her long, ephemeral eyshes, slid past her pert nose, and finally ended at her lips.

    This was their second time ¡®sleeping together¡¯. Pang Xiao kept watch over her in this way until he himself fell asleep at an unknown time.

    ¡­¡­

    The prince was resting with their future princess consort. Who dared disturbed them?

    In fact, anyone who approached within ten yards of the tent was chased away by Huzi and a pack of Elite Tigers. It got to the point where everyone gave a wide berth to themander¡¯s tent.

    When Mu Jinghu saw that he wouldn¡¯t be able to see Pang Xiao, he could only go along with Huzi¡¯s arrangements and rest after taking in a full meal.

    The prince stayed inside the tent all day without summoning anyone. Huzi didn¡¯t dare approach either. He¡¯d thought that the prince would be out shortly, but there was no movement inside all throughout the night.

    It wasn¡¯t until the wee hours of the next morning that the prince stealthily crept his way out.

    Huzi wasn¡¯t on night watch that day. He was rubbing his eyes after just waking up when he saw his master surreptitiously sneak out with exaggerated movements. The prince carefully closed the door curtain p.

    I feel like I see yet another side of my master whenever he¡¯s with Miss Qin.

    But they¡¯d only just finished their business? The prince really wasn¡¯t treating her with any tenderness at all!

    Those might be his thoughts, but there was no way that Huzi would ever dare ask or show any sort of teasing expression on his face. Joke at the prince¡¯s expense? That called for cruel and unusual exercises! He wouldn¡¯t be allowed to stop until he coughed up blood from exhaustion!

    Pang Xiao looked sideways at the oh-so-serious Huzi. He stared until the servant was tense with nerves before turning back around. ¡°Have Jiyun and Bingtang keep their misspany. I¡¯m going to prepare food.¡±

    His Highness is going to cook in the army camp?

    It¡¯s not good if so many people see him do so! That will severely affect his reputation!

    Once again, Huzi didn¡¯t dare say any of this. He could only carry out his orders.

    The two maids also thought that something must¡¯ve happened between Qin Yining and Pang Xiao. Who knew that their mistress had just spent the night sleeping in Pang Xiao¡¯s tent?

    When the Qin fourth miss awoke, the two maids adroitly helped her wash up.

    Pang Xiao came back in with t cakes and four side dishes, followed by Huzi hauling arge jug of congee. The couple ate without speaking ¡ª manners that they¡¯d both been taught. The two ate with very genteel movements.

    Qin Yining had quite a decent appetite today, perhaps a function of seeing Pang Xiao again. She put away half a t cake and a bowl of porridge. The two talked business only after the meal was concluded.

    ¡°I was kidnapped by the Duke of An before I came here. He unintentionally revealed that he¡¯s in contact with a secret envoy from Great Zhou.¡±

    ¡°A secret envoy?¡± Pang Xiao arched a brow in surprise. ¡°How¡¯s that possible? How would I, themander of the Valiant Tigers, here to conquer the south, not know anything about this?¡±

    Qin Yining sniffed coldly. ¡°Do you know what the secret envoy discussed with the duke? The envoy wanted to kill via a borrowed knife. He wanted to murder you through the duke, then me it on my father. Given his motives, of course he wouldn¡¯t let you know. That¡¯d only give you time to prepare.¡±

    Pang Xiao knew that Qin Yining was right. He nodded and rubbed the bridge of his nose with a forefinger. ¡°I actually already know this.¡±

    ¡°Then do you know who¡¯s pulling the strings?¡±

    Pang Xiao rubbed her forehead with a smile. ¡°Silly girl, just think about it. Who would benefit the most if I were to die? Who would gain the most from my stroke of bad luck? It¡¯s easily apparent then who wants my death.¡±

    Qin Yining had engraved into her heart the fact that the Purple Star hadn¡¯t ascended the throne in the end. The Great Zhou emperor must be wary about this fortune!

    If Pang Xiao were to fall in battle, it¡¯d be the new Zhou emperor and surrendered Northern Ji officials who benefitted the most.

    The former wanted to exterminate atent menace, and thetter wanted to clear away a sh of interests. Pang Xiao¡¯s existence was a firm weight upon their heads. If they wanted to make a name for themselves and have a break of fortune at court, eliminating the prince was a top priority.

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t resist sighing quietly with admiration when she saw that Pang Xiao was asposed as always, not a flicker of change in his expression.

    ¡°Your Highness.¡± Huzi called outside the tent at this time. ¡°Sir Mu requests an audience. He says he¡¯s here to take his leave.¡±

 Chapter 283: Farewell

    <h4>Chapter 283: Farewell</h4>

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining looked at each other, immediately rising and exiting the tent.

    Mu Jinghu looked to be in great health. Though he¡¯d lost a lot of weight when keeping Qin Yiningpany on the mountain, he had a deep foundation of cultivation. He brimmed with vigor after two full meals and a night of rest.

    Pang Xiao walked up smilingly and pped his friend¡¯s shoulder intimately. ¡°Did you sleep wellst night?¡±

    Mu Jinghu returned the smile with a nod. ¡°Very well. Things are much better here than in the city. I haven¡¯t had a full meal in a long time. I ate well, so naturally slept well. But you, did you sleep wellst night?¡±

    He was just purely curious and kept sneaking nces at Qin Yining. His gaze was very pure, but given the gentleman¡¯s antics, mortified understanding dawned on the girl.

    Her face exploded with red and she wanted to find a ce to take cover in. She¡¯d gone straight to rest in Pang Xiao¡¯s tent yesterday, who knew what everyone was specting??

    Naturally, this urred to Pang Xiao as well. He turned back to see Qin Yining¡¯s ming red cheeks and coughed dryly. ¡°What the heck, Blockhead. Why are you talking like this?¡±

    Mu Jinghu was a pure individual and also felt that he¡¯d gone overboard with how he¡¯d approached things. He didn¡¯t insist on an answer and changed the topic. ¡°I¡¯m here to bid you farewell. Your war is over, so it doesn¡¯t matter if I¡¯m around or not anymore. I¡¯m going to the Tatars to look for my martial uncle.¡±

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were both startled by this. The Soothsayer is with the Tatars?

    The girl was reminded of the gentleman¡¯s words that the Greedy Wolf Star was with the Tatars. Was there a connection between this and the Soothsayer¡¯s visit?

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Alright, thank you greatly for your help this time. Just let me know if you need my help with anything in the future. I¡¯ll help you without reservation.¡±

    ¡°What kind of talk is that? I lost to you this time, so this is what I should¡¯ve done. This wasn¡¯t any sort of help.¡± Mu Jinghu was an honest man. Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t someone with power or nobility in his eyes, but just an ordinary friend. From his rxed expression, he wasn¡¯t trying to toady up to the prince and receive credit for his achievement.

    The less important he thought this was, the more precious his sincerity was. Pang Xiao pped the man¡¯s shoulder with a smile. ¡°When do you set off?¡±

    ¡°In a moment.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have people prepare dry rations for you. Also, take two good horses with you.¡±

    Mu Jinghu nodded with a smile. ¡°Alright.¡±

    A small smile crossed Qin Yining¡¯s face as she watched the two. It was Pang Zhixi¡¯s good fortune to have such a real friend.

    ¡­¡­

    At this moment, Qin Huaiyuan was frowning slightly as he perched sideways on the grand preceptor chair, keeping the emperorpany. News had reached him of the emperor visiting the empress yesterday after his excursion, and the two having an enormous fight. The emperor had even whipped the empress!

    The marquis wasn¡¯t someone who who easily believed wild rumors, but he was well acquainted with Weichi Yan¡¯s personality.

    That deration of fealty had enraged Weichi Yan beyond belief. Add to that all the external pressure he was under¡­ It wouldn¡¯t be surprising no matter how crazy the emperor became.

    He watched Weichi Yan run the conversation in all directions. The emperor seemed to want to say something, but couldn¡¯t bring himself to voice it. The marquis didn¡¯t rush his liege, but listened quietly with a faint smile.

    Weichi Yan had officially run out of things to discuss when he bbered on about Great Zhou people and culture. He took a sip of tea to cover up the awkwardness.

    After a long afternoon of carrying on about nonsense, the emperor politely sent Qin Huaiyuan out of the pce in the end. ¡°We¡¯ve kept you from many things in requesting your presence over the past two days.¡±

    Weichi Yan was being courteous to the point that it greatly took Qin Huaiyuan aback. The emperor had been always been polite, but such courtesy was a rare sight after he¡¯d gained the status and presence of one who ruled over all.

    The marquis quickly rose to bow. ¡°Your Majesty treats me with too much honor.¡±

    ¡°None of that, Grand Preceptor Qin.¡± Weichi Yan rose as well and continued with some awkwardness. ¡°Um¡­ We actually have another matter to inform you.¡±

    ¡°Please do, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised cupped fists.

    The emperor continued bracingly, ¡°The Duke of An used one of your servants to lure the fourth miss out. He wanted to use her as a hostage to bait and kill the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. After some investigation, We have discovered that they are in contact with Great Zhou.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Out of his servants, only Qitai had sufficient prerogative to sessfully lie to Qin Yining. No wonder he hadn¡¯t seen Qitai over the past two days.

    ¡°I see.¡± The marquis responded without a flicker in expression.

    That¡¯s it?

    Weichi Yan had been thought Qin Huaiyuan would ask more, making it easy for the emperor tounch into an exnation. But the marquis had responded curtly with just that, how was the former supposed to continue from there?

    The emperor coughed dryly to cover his guilty embarrassment. ¡°The fourth miss was already in the army camp when We received word. We specifically paid a visit and discovered that she was well. Because they threatened the prince, the prince wrote a letter to Us¡­¡±

    A hitch appeared in his throat. It was too mortifying to ry the full contents of the letter.

    ¡°We felt that the prince was sincere and had the fourth miss sent to him. We know that they have a good rtionship. After we surrender, those formerly of Great Yan will move to Great Zhou. Things will be smoother then if we have a rtionship with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°Your Majesty is wise.¡±

    From the emperor¡¯s halting attitude and vague summary, the marquis had more or less guessed what had really happened. It was likely that the emperor had been involved from the very beginning. He wouldn¡¯t have kept Qin Huaiyuan in the pce for the past two days otherwise ¡ª supposedly for conversation andpany. The letter that Pang Xiao had written to the emperor had probably scared thetter stiff.

    Rage boiled in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart.

    But the matter had already passed. There was no point in pursuing things further. Though they¡¯d decided to surrender, the process hadn¡¯t started yet and so Weichi Yan was still the emperor. He still grasped the power of life or death in his hands.

    Qin Huaiyuan felt that there was no need to erupt in open hostilities over something that was over and done with. He also trusted Pang Xiao¡¯s feelings for Qin Yining. His daughter would actually have a better time of things at the prince¡¯s side. It beat suffering on the mountain, in any case.

    However, the marquis no longer bore any goodwill for the Weichi n.

    Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t express it, instead maintaining his usual humble and genteel demeanor. He bowed. ¡°Your Majesty is wise. This is a good way of approaching things. The prince is sworn brothers with the Great Zhou emperor. It will do Your Majesty good to be friendly with the prince.¡±

    The marquis¡¯pleteck of displeasure and in fact, being so understanding, make Weichi Yan even more abashed. He spoke warmly with Qin Huaiyuan for another long while before instructing imperial guards to apany the marquis back to Ning Park. He also sent some rations back with the grand preceptor.

    Qin Huaiyuan reunited with his family on the mountain after thanking imperial favor. Everyone in the park was frantic with worry after Qin Yining¡¯s disappearance. N¨¦e Sun had cried buckets upon buckets. When she saw Qin Huaiyuan and Cao Yuqing returned, she flung herself into his embrace. ¡°You¡¯re finally back! Daughter Yi¡¯s gone missing!¡±

 Chapter 284: Death of the Emperor Emeritus

    <h4>Chapter 284: Death of the Emperor Emeritus</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t understand why an old servant of more than two decades would suddenly turn traitor. His earlier words of ¡°for the stability of this country¡± came back to the fore.

    She really wanted to know what Qitai was cooking up.

    ¡°Hurry miss, let¡¯s go!¡± Jiyun led Qin Yining with one hand and dragged Bingtang out with the other, speeding to the rear yard. The poor maid was stunned with fright.

    The masked men were both surprised and angry to see that Qin Yining¡¯s maid knew martial arts. Fists waved as they came in hot pursuit, spewing malicious threats in their wake.

    If Qin Yining had never experienced such things, she might really be scared senseless. But thanks to the rich experience of her youth and participating in negotiations, being chased by killers, and almost eaten by the empress, she¡¯d trained the ability to be calmer the more danger she was in.

    The men weren¡¯t armed and were all dressed likemoners. Though they were masked, it didn¡¯t hide their southern ents. So it would seem that people from Great Yan wanted to kidnap her this time.

    She was more worried for her father than her own safety. She had an expert by her side for protection, so her life wouldn¡¯t be in danger. As for father¡­ hopefully Cao Yuqing would be able to do what needed to be done.

    A multitude of thoughts flitted through Qin Yining¡¯s brain in the span of a breath. The three girls rounded the corner to see no one guarding the bamboo fence of the rear yard.

    Jiyun kicked the yard door open with a smooth motion, Qin Yining and Bingtang scrambling to follow her. The three ran into a quiet alley off to the side.

    The dozen men were hot on the chase.

    Fortunately, there were many twists and turns in the alley. The many nooks and crannies ended up being convenient hiding spots for the three girls.

    Mu Jinghu caught up to them when there was no one around. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me make a move just now?¡±

    ¡°Something¡¯s really off about this, Sir Mu. Just follow us in private. Don¡¯te out if my life¡¯s not in danger.¡±

    Mu Jinghu gazed into Qin Yining¡¯s eyes, exceedingly bright in the night light. He was inadvertently reminded of a wild beast on the hunt, his hairs rising at the association. She¡¯s the same kind of person as Sly Fox Pang alright!

    ¡°Alright, as you say.¡± He turned and vanished into the shadows.

    A thundering cacophony of boots marching in lockstep and horse¡¯s hooves abruptly sounded outside the alley. There was also the jangling of armor intermixed between the sounds.

    Qin Yining¡¯s pulse raced, exchanging an incredulous nce with her maids.

    ¡°It¡¯s the army! Only our army can possibly appear here!¡±

    Bingtang was bbergasted. ¡°Has the world gone mad?! Why does our army want to capture us??¡±

    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re here to capture those bandits¡­?¡± Jiyun pushed Qin Yining and Bingtang behind her, sidling to an intersection to sneak a peek out.

    The sight that greeted her eyes was a jolt to her heart.

    The men who¡¯d been chasing them earlier seemed to be making a report to the officer that¡¯d surrounded the alley. They inly knew each other!

    ¡°Miss, this is bad! They¡¯re in cahoots with each other!¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Bingtang¡¯s voice trembled.

    Qin Yiningpressed her lips and thought furiously. ¡°I have a n, but it¡¯ll put Bingtang through some suffering.¡±

    The maid swallowed hard and nodded with hesitation. ¡°Go ahead miss, I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±

    ¡°Jiyun, take my token and find a way to see your master.¡± Qin Yining took off the strand of red beans on her wrist. There was a red rope knot on it now, the one that had been on Riceball¡¯s neck before.

    Jiyun took the bracelet in a rather confused state. ¡°Do you want the prince toe rescue you, miss?¡±

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to say anything like that, just describe the strange events from today. I think things aren¡¯t simple and they¡¯re not just aimed at me. Otherwise, why wouldn¡¯t have these people killed us already? This also has to do with troop movements ¡ª there¡¯s no way my father doesn¡¯t know. He¡¯s probably been held up by something.

    ¡°Instead of trying to bring a message to my father, it¡¯d be easier to see Pang Zhixi. Qitai is my father¡¯s confidante, so he should have a deep understanding of my affairs. He knows better than anyone that apart from my family, Pang Zhixi has the most to do with me! So apart from threatening my father, they either want to also threaten my family or Pang Zhixi by kidnapping me. No matter what, go tell the prince to be prepared first.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand¡­¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have time for detailed exnations. Hurry and leave with this. He¡¯ll trust you wholeheartedly. Tell him not to worry about me, I have Sir Mu protecting me in the dark. There¡¯s no danger to my life. I¡¯m here because I want to find out what¡¯s going on. Tell Pang Zhixi to just pay attention to my father and family¡¯s safety.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do as you say, miss.¡± Jiyun knew that Mu Jinghu wasn¡¯t far away. It appeared that Qin Yining had aplete n, so the guard carefully put the bracelet away and sped off in another direction.

    Qin Yining took Bingtang¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you¡¯ll have to suffer through this with me. If I¡¯d known what was going to happen today, I wouldn¡¯t have brought you out with me.¡±

    Bingtang shook her head. Though she was very nervous, she tugged back on her mistress¡¯ hand. ¡°This is nothing.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss led Bingtang into hide and seek with their pursuers.

    There were five hundred Great Yan soldiers scouring the alleyway, gradually decreasing the search radius.

    The two girls spent a full forty-five minutes behind a thatched wall. Just as they craned forward to look outside, a heavy object suddenly hit their necks, bringing darkness along with great pain. Unconsciousness descended.

    ¡­¡­

    Qin Yining seemed to have returned to when she was seven, when her foster mother was gravely ill. Her foster mother¡¯s illness wasn¡¯t taking a turn for the better with the random herbs the little girl picked in the woods. She chopped firewood all day, but the copper coins she earned wasn¡¯t enough to keep two people alive.

    She tried opening a tab at the apothecary, but the shopkeeper wouldn¡¯t let her. A teenage associate picked her up by the cor and threw her out onto the streets. She fell down harshly with her wicker basket, the firewood and wild vegetables within scattered all over the ground.

    After picking them up, she used her remaining copper coins to buy two meat buns.

    The buns smelled so nice!

    She carried them reverently back home, sticking her nose onto the round, white buns to take in a few deep breaths.

    The white flour had a unique savory fragrance intermixed with the smell of spring onions. Her mouth watered copiously. The juices and oil from the fillings soaked through the buns in two areas. She carefully pinched off a bit of skin the size of her pinky nail, cing it on her tongue. It was so good! The smell pierced deep into her brain.

    Her body shook slightly. ¡­where are the buns?

    Qin Yining¡¯s consciousness floated out of a haze and she heard the sound of carriage wheels turning. She fully came back to herself, remembering what had just happened and realizing that she was on a horse carriage.

    She didn¡¯t immediately open her eyes, because she heard two aged, male voices speaking next to her.

 Chapter 285: Discarded After Use

    <h4>Chapter 285: Discarded After Use</h4>

    Though Qin Yining was residing in the Valiant Tiger encampment, she didn¡¯t spend much time together with Pang Xiao. The prince had to oversee the process of rebuilding, settle down the refugees, distribute congee, maintain order, clean out and cremate bodies, send in military doctors to work with the ones in the city to avoid the spread of gue, and report to his emperor to send in personnel¡­

    All sorts of duties descended on him, ones that weren¡¯t any less taxing than leading the Valiant Tigers into battle. Pang Xiao was so busy hopping from one task to another that his feet barely had time to touch the ground. Even the meals he spent with Qin Yining were moments that he forcefully squeezed out of his schedule.

    However, because he was kept busy spinning from day to night, order soon returned to the city.

    The Valiant Tigers were stationed outside the city walls, while Pang Xiao took only a small contingent with him into the city during the day. He would discuss the day¡¯s agenda with Weichi Yan, whereupon Weichi Yan would order the respective officials to carry out the prince¡¯s orders. Pang Xiao would then leave at the hour of the dog and return to the army camp with his attendants.

    The prince had a stern and impartial style; he also had quite an awe-inspiring reputation. He generously doled out both favors and threats, quickly winning begrudging acknowledgement from some of the Great Yan officials. They hadn¡¯t wanted to listen to his orders, but for the peace and prosperity of the people, they had to do as they were told.

    While there were officials relieved the emperor had agreed to surrender, there were even more willing to martyr themselves in a show of integrity and moral courageousness.

    Everyday, bodies of those who¡¯did down their lives for the country were lifted out of manors. Some hung themselves, other took poison, some others took a de to their neck¡­ there was all manner of ghastly deaths.

    But none of their actions could budge Weichi Yan¡¯s resolution to submit to Great Zhou.

    Though the capital had been dealt a severe blow in this tribtion, reconstruction efforts went ahead steadily. There were no more refugees present in the city after a month, some of the stores had reopened, and the people had the strength to go about their daily business again.

    Order had been restored, and in fact, there was an even more vigorous atmosphere reigning than before the war.

    It was now the beginning of winter.

    ¡°My darling, why don¡¯t I bring you into the city today? You¡¯ll suffer from the cold if you keep living in the tent.¡± Pang Xiao flung his cotton cape, lined with a sable fur cor, around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders.

    She had indeed felt a bit under the weather these days. Her weakened health hadn¡¯t had the time to recover before she¡¯d suffered through two months of starvation and weariness. When her taut heartstrings had been able to fully rx by Pang Xiao¡¯s side, all the aches and pains she¡¯d staved off came looking for her.

    Rain had fallen a few days ago and the days had gotten colder. Qin Yining had only suffered a bit of a breeze before she came down with a cold. She¡¯d spent the past couple of days in a half-feverish state. Pang Xiao could hear her coughing every time he came back from his day¡¯s duties. He knew that he couldn¡¯t selfishly continue to keep her in the military camp just because he wanted to spend more time with her.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°No worries. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be as happy after going back as I am here with you.¡±

    She wanted to stay by his side. Though he was busy during the day, they could still meet everyday. He¡¯d long since asserted his attitude towards her anyhow. It was an unavoidable fact that she was his, so she decided to discard all thoughts of her reputation and just focus on their rare time together.

    If she returned home, it wouldn¡¯t be so easy for them to meet again.

    How would Pang Xiao not know what Qin Yining was thinking? He rubbed her head lovingly with a smile. ¡°Alright, since you want to stay and keep mepany, I¡¯ll have them prepare more silver charcoal for you. Honestly, I don¡¯t feel right if you go back either. It¡¯s better if you stay right beneath my nose.¡±

    Qin Yining covered her mouth as she coughed again, slowly resting her head on Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder afterwards. Just at this moment, Huzi¡¯s urgent voice carried in from outside. ¡°Your Highness! The emperor¡¯s sent someone!¡±

    Qin Yining looked up at Pang Xiao. To send someone out at this time¡­ did the Zhou emperor have new orders?

    Pang Xiao reacted to the news with narrowed eyes, slowly sorting out some possible developments. A ck whirlpool slowly grew in the depths of his phoenix eyes. However, he was as gentle as ever with Qin Yining. ¡°No worries, I¡¯ll go take a look. Just rest here, I¡¯ll send Jiyun and Bingtang to keep youpany.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The girl nodded docilely, her long hair spilling down to her chest with the movement of her head.

    Pang Xiao rose, put his hand to the back of her neck, and dropped a devoted kiss on her forehead before exiting the tent.

    In the adjutant¡¯s tent, the prince strode in to see a familiar face.

    ¡°And here this prince was wondering who it was! So it¡¯s Sir Lian! Long time no see, you¡¯re looking much better.¡± Pang Xiao smiled superciliously and drifted elegantly into the head seat. He pointed a casual finger at a nearby chair. ¡°Have a seat, Sir Lian.¡±

    Lian Shengjie had had fear beaten into him. His heart spasmed when he saw the prince raise his arm, deathly afraid that he was in for another walloping. But when he thought about what he was here for, and how the emperor was his backer, he found new sources of courage.

    ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank is so very courteous,¡± he responded proudly with his hands behind his back. ¡°But this official is an imperial envoy and is here with the emperor¡¯s verbal decree. Please listen to the decree, Your Highness!¡±

    A serious expression settled over Pang Xiao¡¯s face when he heard this, and he rose to bow.

    Lian Shengjie delivered haughtily, ¡°The emperor¡¯s words are: ¡®The Faithful Prince of the First Rank has done a great deed in pacifying the south. We are quite gratified, and it has been a long while since We have seen Pang Zhixi. We miss him dearly. The ceremony of surrender is a cumbersome and long-winded affair. If it falls on Pang Zhixi¡¯s shoulders, it will consume an inordinate amount of time. How much longer will it be until We can see him? We order Pang Zhixi to quickly return to the capital!¡±

    Another degree of confidence bolstered him after Lian Shengjie finished thoroughly conveying the emperor¡¯s words. A fake smile blossomed on his lips. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s care of Your Highness is on another level alright! He¡¯s afraid that you¡¯ve been overtired from the reconstruction process and has ordered that you not be bothered with the ceremonial affairs. You are to return to the capital immediately.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s expression was the same as usual, with a faint curve upturning his lips. His Majesty really has the best timing!

    Or, perhaps Lian Shenjie had been hiding nearby all this time ¡ª only sauntering out after all the hard work was done. After all, there¡¯d been a secret envoy who¡¯d contacted the Great Yan officials to plot his murder!

    The prince had put in backbreaking effort to conquer Great Yan, then ran to and fro for another month to restore the capital back to order. He¡¯d settled citizenints, kept the gue in check, given clear duties to the Yan emperor and officials, and won everyone¡¯s acknowledgement.

    He¡¯d put forth so much arduous effort, but it wouldn¡¯t be him at the ce of honor for the ceremony of surrender!

    Something as momentous as epting Weichi Yan¡¯s surrender would be recorded in the annals of history. It was an extreme honor for a Great Zhou soldier, and well-deserved after such a long period of hard work.

    But the emperor was urgently summoning him back to the capital and refusing to allow him the honor!

    Though Pang Xiao knew the emperor was wary of him, he hadn¡¯t thought that his liege would be so obvious about it.

    ¡°Well? You best pack your things up, Your Highness, and hurry back.¡±

    Pang Xiao snorted derisively. ¡°Even if this prince is to return, that is out of obedience to the imperial decree and loyalty to His Majesty. It would never be out of fear of a spineless worm like you. You throw your weight around ¡ª have you forgotten what happened before? Are you itching for another beating?¡±

 Chapter 286: Casting the Bow Aside Once All the Birds Are Gone

    <h4>Chapter 286: Casting the Bow Aside Once All the Birds Are Gone</h4>

    If it¡¯d been anyone else delivering such brazen insults and threats, Lian Shengjie would¡¯ve long since exploded into a fit of fury. But when facing Pang Xiao, his temper didn¡¯t dare rear its head at all.

    He could only tamp down a bellyful of dissatisfaction and jealousy to respond stiffly, ¡°As opposed to wasting time arguing with me, Your Highness would make better use of time by packing carefully and preparing to return home. His Majesty means that the Valiant Tigers have strong battle strength, so they should remain temporarily stationed here in case any trouble res anew in the Yan capital. Your Highness has always preferred a minimalist style, so I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t fail His Majesty¡¯s good intentions.¡±

    Lian Shengjie was back to grinning mockingly at this point.

    How much were your deeds of valor worth now, Pang Zhixi? The emperor can decide where you should go with a singlemand, and even take away your life!

    Leaving the Valiant Tigers at the Yan capital meant that Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t head back with his direct subordinates. He would bepletely helpless if the Zhou emperor wanted to make any moves against him.

    With this development, Lian Shengjie felt all of his bottled up anger disperse. Pang Zhixi could only tyrannically throw his weight around outside. He was still meek like a cat when facing His Majesty.

    Though Pang Xiao knew that his emperor was highly wary of him, he hadn¡¯t thought that the emperor would be so tant as to cast aside the bow as soon as all the birds were gone. They¡¯d only just conquered Great Yan!

    It looked like the emperor¡¯s wariness of the prince had reached new heights in which he didn¡¯t care about his own reputation. He just wanted to keep Pang Xiao down.

    It was nauseating to look at Lian Shengjie¡¯s smug face. But this was only to be expected. The emperor himself was showing that he was threatened by Pang Xiao, how was it possible that this attitude wouldn¡¯t be reflected by any of his subjects?

    At the end of the day, this was all thanks to his good brother.

    Pang Xiao rose and flicked the dust off his outer robes.

    The dashing ir of his movements made Lian Shengjie¡¯s heart skip a beat. He frantically took a few steps backwards, his heart pounding, deathly afraid that Pang Xiao would just outright murder him.

    If the prince did, the emperor probably wouldn¡¯t do anything to Pang Xiao for it.

    Pang Xiao snorted derisively to see Lian Shengjie cower with dread. It¡¯d only dirty his hands if he really did kill this milksop, and it¡¯d give rise to future troubles.

    He brushed past the nuisance when his thoughts took this course.

    Lian Shengjie heaved a long sigh of relief after Pang Xiao¡¯s figure vanished from the door. He sat down to continuously wipe away sweat. That demon was finally leaving! He would be scared into a heart attack sooner orter if Pang Xiao remained at the army camp!

    The prince had just lifted the p to his own tent when he heard Qin Yining cough. He frowned anxiously and asked Bingtang, ¡°Why isn¡¯t your miss¡¯ health taking a turn for the better? She¡¯s been taking a lot of medicine. How am I supposed to be at ease about this?¡±

    ¡°If my miss wants to fully recover, she¡¯ll have to spend at least a year and a half resting.¡±

    Pang Xiao sat down next to Qin Yining with furrowed brows.

    The girl took the tea that Jiyun brought over and had a few sips. She asked with a smile, ¡°Does His Majesty have further orders for you? You¡¯re departing, right?¡±

    The prince blinked. ¡°How did you know?¡±

    ¡°I could tell that you¡¯re preparing to leave when you said ¡®how am I supposed to be at ease¡¯.¡±

    Jiyun and Bingtang dismissed themselves when they saw the couple engross themselves in conversation.

    Pang Xiao took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and kissed her fingertips before pulling a long face. ¡°His Majesty has sent urgent orders for me to return to the capital. I¡¯m not allowed to participate in the ceremony of surrender.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded understandingly. ¡°I see. He naturally doesn¡¯t want you to have any of the limelight. Since an imperial order¡¯se, you have to answer it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Pang Xiao agreed glumly. ¡°This sucks. I can¡¯t bear to leave you. Why don¡¯t youe with me? We may not have spent most of our days together during this time, but we still saw each other everyday. I can¡¯t handle having to suddenly leave you.¡±

    Qin Yining was teased intoughter by this rare disy of childishness. ¡°Look at you, saying such irresponsible things at your age. How can I possibly leave at this time? That¡¯d be elopement! Whoever elopes bes a concubine. Do you, Pang Zhixi, want to fob me off with just the identity of a concubine?¡±

    Her tone was light,pletely joking right back at the prince, but Pang Xiao considered it very seriously. He adjusted his posture upright and thought carefully, then responded gravely, ¡°Forget it. You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll send you home in a bit. We can decide the rest when you reach the capital with your family.¡±

    ¡°How can you be so sure that my family will be summoned to the capital?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty means that all surrendered fourth rank and above officials in Great Yan will be treated generously. A renowned subject such as Grand Preceptor Qin will naturally be summoned from the old Great Yan capital. Once the ceremony is over, the first batch of summoned officials will set off with Weichi Yan.¡±

    Qin Yining heaved a long sigh. It was still a very depressing affair that Great Yan had fallen, just like that. It still stabbed at her heart despite knowing that this had been an inevitable oue, given such the trash former emperor.

    Seeing a frown cross her forehead, Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached and he gathered her into his arms, patting her backfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry ande to the capital with your father. I¡¯ll figure out a way to marry you when you¡¯re there.¡±

    Qin Yining closed her eyes and nodded morosely in his embrace.

    ¡­¡­

    Pang Xiao personally sent Qin Yining back to the Qin Manor. When they reached the avenue that the manor was on, he had the carriage halt.

    ¡°My darling, I won¡¯t go any closer. You can go on, I¡¯ll watch you from here.¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t youing inside with me?¡±

    Pang Xiao shook his head with a smile, but didn¡¯t say anything else. Understanding dawned on Qin Yining.

    Qin Huaiyuan was now a surrendered official and Pang Xiao possessed an exceedingly grand position. Her father would have to bow and greet the prince if they met. Pang Xiao inly didn¡¯t want to make things awkward or embarrassing for her father.

    Qin Yining wrapped her arms around Pang Xiao¡¯s neck and kissed his cheek. ¡°I see. Take care of yourself. I¡¯ll see you in the capital. It won¡¯t take too long.¡±

    A wave of heat rose in Pang Xiao¡¯s body at her initiative. His heart racing, he hugged her and spent quite a while whispering sweet nothings before finally resigning himself to her departure.

    Seeing the girl reach the manor¡¯s door with Jiyun and Bingtang¡¯spanionship, Pang Xiao put down the window curtains and headed back to the army camp.

    News of Qin Yining returning home quickly traveled to the Garden of Loving Piety thanks to a fleet-footed runner.

    Those in the manor were the same as the group who¡¯d made it up Mt. Eternal Spring. Thanks to the fourth miss and Steward Zhong making early preparations, life had been difficult on the mountain, but no one had died of starvation.

    In the residence, n¨¦e Sunpletely ignored the old dowager when she heard that her daughter was back and came out in wee with Jin-mama.

    Awkwardness crept over the old dowager¡¯s expression, but she had Qin-mama help her up when she thought of how the future looked. She too came out to wee Qin Yining, along with the second madame, eighth miss, and Qin Huining.

    N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining had already entered the inner residence by the time the group made it to the flower-hung gate.

    The old dowager smiled. ¡°Aiyo, granddaughter Yi¡¯s finally returned. The emperor¡¯s given us orders to travel to the capital. We were wondering if you would being with us or the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at her mother, askance. ¡°Travel to the capital? Then the date for the ceremony and journey have been set already?¡±

 Chapter 287: Prospects Ahead

    <h4>Chapter 287: Prospects Ahead</h4>

    Anxiety crossed n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face. ¡°Your father has been discussing this with the emperor these days. Right now, the date to set off is the day after tomorrow, but I don¡¯t know if there have been any further changes.¡±

    ¡°Is father at home?¡±

    ¡°Your father was urgently summoned into the pce yesterday and hasn¡¯t returned yet. I believe it has something to do with the surrender. Many details need to be discussed. Your father is still thinking wholeheartedly on the emperor¡¯s behalf, so he doesn¡¯t want the emperor toe out worse for the wear.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded understandingly. With her father¡¯s personality, he would be standing firm on thest shift.

    Seeing that Qin Yining was talking only to n¨¦e Sun and not even greeting her, the old dowager felt some affront to her dignity. The smile she¡¯d forced out gradually faded away.

    ¡°Granddaughter Yi, why do you have not even a word for your grandmother? Have your days in the military camp been sofortable that you¡¯ve forgotten all your manners? Our family has never had such a rude daughter.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled at this and looked gently at the old dowager, the girl¡¯s words anything but.

    ¡°If our family has no rude daughters, then might I ask Old Dowager, does our family have the kind of petty thief who takes without asking?¡±

    A dark cloud descended over the old dowager¡¯s face and she responded resentfully, ¡°I only ate a rabbit of yours. Is there a need for you to bear a grudge until now? Your filial piety has all been eaten by the dogs! What kind of times were we in? And you were still keeping a rabbit away from me! Were you going to just sit on by and watch me starve to death?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re ranked second when ites to weak arguments and irrational logic, no one would dare say they¡¯re first.¡± Qin Yining sneered mockingly. ¡°Did I hoard any food for myself and keep it from you? Aren¡¯t you afraid that you¡¯ll chill the hearts of listeners with your words? Did you or second sister-inw ask me beforehand? Taking without permission is stealing! What justification does a thief have?¡±

    ¡°You! Your father is such a filial person, how could he have raised such an unfilial daughter like you!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression chilled. ¡°Whether I¡¯m filial or not isn¡¯t determined by you alone! Everyone saw clearly how I treated you when disaster struck. Not just our family, but the refugees in Ning Park too! And how did you treat me? The old dowager is being so aggressively overbearing ¡ª do you want toy this out before others and have them judge who is right or wrong??¡±

    The matriarch¡¯s expression frozepletely when the idea was floated of having others weigh-in on the matter.

    Qin Yining had spent her days with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. If it came to passing judgement, they¡¯d naturally look to the prince. Though they still had the signboard of ¡®marquis¡¯ over their doors, ¡®Marquis of Anping¡¯ had been bestowed by the emperor of the former dynasty. Who knew what their days would look like once they moved to Great Zhou?

    Their prospects ahead were murky, but this granddaughter of hers was destined to be the prince¡¯s woman. No matter if she was a bedwarmer or a concubine, she was in for a lifetime of fortune and glory.

    She only needed to whisper some quick words when sharing the prince¡¯s bed, if she wanted to cut short their lives.

    When her thoughts travelled here, the old dowager¡¯s unbridled aura faded away. She wanted to say something nice to smooth over the situation, but couldn¡¯t bring herself to do so. She stood there awkwardly, unable to retreat or advance.

    Standing off to the side, Qin-mama had always been most attentive to what her mistress desired. The granny servant immediately sank to her knees when she saw that the old dowager was caught in a difficult spot.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, Fourth Miss. That day¡¯s matters were all this servant¡¯s idea. It was my own selfishness. Please forgive me.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s gaze softened. She had tremendous respect for Qin-mama. Not only was the granny servant staunchly loyal to the old dowager, but Qin-mama always kept the greater picture in mind. Plus, the girl often recalled that the servant had once reached out a helping hand to her.

    Her expression easing, she reached down with both hands to help the granny servant up. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this, Qin-mama. I hadn¡¯t nned on pursuing this any further to begin with.¡± She cast a detached look at her grandmother. ¡°We¡¯ll each walk our own paths in the future and be responsible for our own dignity.¡±

    The old dowager glowered, but it was a relief that Qin Yining was no longer pursuing the matter. Still, it felt like a loss of face all the same.

    The girl refused to pay attention to the old dowager and equally ignored Qin Huining. She nodded only at the eighth miss and wrapped her hands around n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm. They returned to Qin Yining¡¯s room to carefully discuss what had happened in the manor over the past couple of days.

    N¨¦e Sun only said that all was as usual before taking her daughter¡¯s hand and asking in a low voice. ¡°Daughter Yi, you and the prince¡­ ¡­have you made up your mind to follow him in the future?¡±

    The fourth miss¡¯ face was so red that blood could be squeezed out of it. She naturally knew what her mother was asking, and coughed a few times before she felt less awkward.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, mother. Me and him¡­ there¡¯s nothing. But everyone¡¯s long since viewed us as a couple. It doesn¡¯t seem like public opinion will stand for us not being together.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun well understood things. ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything by it. I¡¯m just concerned about your happiness. Our family¡¯s status isn¡¯t like it was before. You two used to be well-matched, of equal standing, but now Great Yan is no more and your father is about to report to Great Zhou. We don¡¯t even know if we¡¯ll be prisoners. I¡¯m just worried that you¡¯ll get the short end of the stick.¡±

    The girl quietlyid her head on the madame¡¯s shoulder with a smile. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about me, mother, but don¡¯t be. The Great Zhou emperor is an exceedingly shrewd person. His current situation at court doesn¡¯t give him leeway to treat any surrendered official harshly. Not only will our family keep our heads, but father may even have greater room to stretch and flex his talents in.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± N¨¦e Sun looked hopefully at her daughter.

    Qin Yining answered with a smile. ¡°Of course. Great Zhou hasn¡¯t been established for too long. Those prolonged years of war in the early days drained Northern Ji¡¯s coffers, giving Great Zhou aplete mess to take over. The Tatars have continuously invaded their north in the past two years, and they¡¯ve waged a war against us in the south. They¡¯ve exhausted a lot of resources, and will need at least twenty years of peace to develop their economy, to rest and recover. They¡¯ll needpetent officials and talent to develop the country.

    ¡°Besides, the Great Zhou emperor isn¡¯t decrepit like our previous trash emperor. He won¡¯t kill a chicken for its eggs. He¡¯ll naturally want to make heavy use of someone skillful like my father. And, he needs the surrendered Great Yan officials to be a faction that bnces the scales of power at court.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun wasn¡¯t a fool. Though she may not think of these things on her own, understanding was quick to dawn when her daughter exined them to her.

    ¡°What do you mean by bncing the scales of power?¡±

    ¡°The art of ruling lies in bnce. Great Zhou¡¯s current politicalyout is made up of the emperor¡¯s personal troops ¡ª the ones who followed him in conquering the world, and the surrendered Northern Ji officials. The emperor urgently needs a third faction to join in. Checks and bnces from three parties will create the most stable situation. My father also happens to be the representative figure of the surrendered Great Yan officials, so don¡¯t worry, mother. Not only will the emperor not maltreat us, but he¡¯ll make heavy use of my father in the short term.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was finally at ease after hearing her daughter analyze things so clearly. She was about to respond when they heard Qin Huaiyuan chuckle from outside the door. ¡°It looks like daughter Yi has made more progress yet again.¡±

    ¡°Father!¡± Qin Yining stood up with delight.

    The door swung open, admitting her smiling father. ¡°To think that a rare visit to see you would catch you having a heart-to-heart with your mother.¡±

    ¡°Please excuse my nonsense, father.¡± Qin Yining curtsied to her father. ¡°Have you seen Lian Shengjie? Did he raise any ludicrous requests?¡±

 Chapter 288: Ji Zeyu

    <h4>Chapter 288: Ji Zeyu</h4>

    Judging from this, Qin Huaiyuan understood with a chuckle that his daughter must¡¯ve glimpsed Lian Shengjie back in the army camp. ¡°He didn¡¯t ask for anything ridiculous this time. But since the emperor is the one surrendering, his position is naturally lower than Great Zhou¡¯s. There¡¯s nothing we can do apart from listening to all of their demands.¡±

    ¡°But with father¡¯s wisdom, you won¡¯t let the emperore off too worse for the wear.¡± Qin Yining smiled.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± An answering smile blossomed on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s lips. ¡°I heard your analysis just now. Perhaps I really will have more opportunities to showcase my talents with our trip to Great Zhou.¡±

    ¡°With father¡¯s talents and sharp wits, none of that will be hard.¡±

    ¡°You have quite some confidence in me.¡±

    ¡°Naturally,¡± Qin Yining pronounced firmly. ¡°Father will aplish tremendous feats in Great Zhou.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun looked at the father-daughter duo chatting. Though she was unable to join in their conversation, she felt a heretofore unexperienced sense of satisfaction. In this moment, she felt quite content with life. There was no need to begrudge or envy Cao Yuqing.

    So what if Cao Yuqing was young and beautiful? N¨¦e Sun was the mother of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter, and she alone his wife. As stunning as Cao Yuqing was, she was only a concubine.

    During this period of time, n¨¦e Sun had felt a tremendous boulder crushing her heart whenever she thought of Cao Yuqing standing guard by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side. She¡¯d found it hard to breathe, but all that was unravelled now that their family was together again.

    ¡­¡­

    Over the next two days, many of the aristocratic houses in the city busied themselves with intense preparations for the uing journey.

    For the Qins, it was naturally the second and third elder master leading Qin Yu and Qin Han in taking care of things. Meanwhile, Qin Yining went to see Steward Zhang in private.

    ¡°¡­don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ve already handled most of the things you¡¯ve set out for me. I took careful stock of thend that we secretly bought. When added to the fertile fields and paddy fields that we have in the capital and the outskirts, we own more than sixty percent of the nearby farnd. Add to that the paddy fields and terrace fields we have elsewhere ¡ª that makes you the greatestndowner in Great Yan.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°None of it is under my name, correct?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the people I used were all trustworthy. None of it will be traced back to you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good. Before we leave, let¡¯s assign the refugees in Ning Park to the various farms we own. Now that the war is over, this is all part of Great Zhou territory. They¡¯ll be able to rebuild their homes one day if they earn their own living.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Steward Zhong agreed with great admiration. ¡°They owe you their lives, and now you¡¯re giving them jobs to relieve the stress of an unknown future. They¡¯ll only feel more gratitude to you for this.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. ¡°I didn¡¯t do all this for people to be grateful to me. That¡¯s just an added bonus. As for you, have you really decided to go to Great Zhou?¡±

    ¡°Naturally. Great Yan has fallen, and the Institute of Luminous Charm is now history. We don¡¯t need to hire convicts forbor anymore. Besides, they¡¯ll probably all be pardoned soon. Our taverns and inns will be just ordinary businesses in the future. I feel that when ites tomerce, greater opportunities naturally lie within the more prosperous cities.¡±

    The fourth miss couldn¡¯t help chucking when she saw the steward¡¯s dashing confidence. ¡°To be honest, I feel more at ease with you along as well. You don¡¯t need to rush to set off with me. There¡¯s going to be several batches of people moving to Great Zhou¡¯s capital. Why don¡¯t you stay here for now and make the relevant arrangements at your leisure? It¡¯s not toote to head for the capital only after everything is taken care of. I¡¯ll be on firm footing then as well. We¡¯ll be able to pick up right where we left off.¡±

    ¡°Everything will be as you say, miss.¡± The steward nodded rapidly.

    The two discussed the details for a while longer, departing only after they¡¯d brainstormed responses to all problems and emergencies that they felt could possibly crop up.

    Pang Xiao had also left with a few guards, and it was the new Minister of Personnel and Rites, Lian Shengjie, who oversaw the ceremony of surrender.

    After a simple service, Weichi Yan offered up his deration of submission. epted by a pompous Lian Shengjie, the minister in turn delivered the Great Zhou emperor¡¯s decree of title conferment.

    ¡°¡­ the heretofore Yan emperor Weichi Yan will be known as the Commandery Prince of Yan, his wife n¨¦e Li to be titled the Commandery Princess Consort of Yan. They are bestowed amandery residence in the capital¡­¡±

    A string of rewards and presents were rattled off, but those were all verbal promises. Giving the rushed journey as the reason, Lian Shengjie had felt it improper to cart valuables across the entirety of Great Zhou territory to Great Yan. Therefore, all gifts were to be honored when themandery prince made it to the Great Zhou capital.

    Weichi Yan epted the imperial decree with utter humiliation. He¡¯d been transformed from the ruler of a nation to a meremandery prince. His rank and grade was even less than Pang Xiao¡¯s!

    Yet such was the wheel of fortune. Things were now set in stone. There was nothing else Weichi Yan could do other than agree to whatever Great Zhou wanted to do to him.

    After the ceremony was over, Lian Shenjie delivered another verbal decree that those who were to move to the Zhou capital would leave in ten days. All families were to ready finish their preparations.

    ¡­¡­

    Having taken only a dozen Elite Tigers and Huzi with him, Pang Xiao had made quick time and already traversed half of Great Zhou, arriving on the outskirts of the capital¡¯s southern gate.

    Huzi led Pang Xiao¡¯s horse with a chuckle. ¡°We¡¯re finally back. Traveling at double speed day and night has just about scattered my bones all over the ground.¡±

    An Elite Tiger next to himughed. ¡°You need to train more. See, His Highness hasn¡¯tined at all. Only yourints were heard on the journey.¡±

    ¡°Like you guys are made of metal!¡± Huzi retorted with a grin and suddenly looked in the direction of the southern gate. ¡°Your Highness, I think I see the Marquis of Northern Stability!¡±

    Pang Xiao looked in the direction of Huzi¡¯s finger to see a tall and muscr young man sitting primly on arge chestnut. He was dressed in snow-white fox fur and met Pang Xiao¡¯s gaze expressionlessly.

    The young man was even more beautiful than a woman. His slender brows rose energetically, limpid eyes held an innate sense of flirtation, and possessed a high nose bridge with thin lips. He seemed to have walked straight out from a painting.

    Ifparing the exquisiteness of features, even Pang Xiao woulde up slightly short. Ifpared with Qin Yining, the girl would just barely manage a draw.

    However, this beautiful man, who could charm and entrance with every gesture and smile, had a frosty and solemn personality. He was entric, and smiles were rarely found on his umonly handsome face.

    He was a cold person of few words, and even more ruthless in decisive ughter. There wasn¡¯t muchmunication between him and Pang Xiao ordinarily, but this was a person who the prince had been willing to swear brotherhood with.

    Pang Xiao remained where he was, his eyebrows lifting slightly in a smile. ¡°What brings you back to the capital as well?¡±

    Ji Zeyu steered his horse over and looked down loftily, responding without a flicker of change in his expression, ¡°Reporting in on official orders. Did you take your revenge?¡±

 Chapter 289: Massacre

    <h4>Chapter 289: Massacre</h4>

    ¡°I took most of it long ago.¡±

    Ji Zeyu jumped down from his horse with a dashingly smooth motion and threw the reins to a random attendant behind him. He proceeded on foot by Pang Xiao¡¯s side.

    ¡°Did you kill Qin?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    The two passed through the city gates and strolled down the bustling streets, neither of them talking for the moment.

    Both were tall and handsome; one ring a dominating aura in a ck, sable fur cloak, the other cold as ice in a white, fox fur cape. The two of them side-by-side drew looks from many Great Zhoumoners.

    Many recognized that the one in ck was themander of the Valiant Tigers, Faithful Prince of the First Rank, Pang Xiao. The one in white was themander of the Dragon Riders, Marquis of Northern Stability, Ji Zeyu.

    But because they were outside and no one knowing if the two military figures had important business to discuss, no one came up to greet them.

    As they walked along, Pang Xiao fretted over Qin Yining¡¯s health. Great Zhou¡¯s capital was in the north, terrain that she¡¯d never ventured to before. She already found the winters of the south to be freezing, so how would she be able to endure the winters here? Not to mention her health was poor to begin with and shecked sufficient qi in her body. She¡¯d even still been coughing when he left.

    Undisguised concern seeped into Pang Xiao¡¯s expression, a detailpletely captured by Ji Zeyu.

    After a long pause, so lengthy that the prince had forgotten what they were talking about, Ji Zeyu suddenly remarked, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    The baffling statement out of nowhere confounded Pang Xiao.

    The marquis had already taken the reins back from his attendant. He flipped onto the back of his horse. ¡°His Majesty has ordered me to set off, so I¡¯ll be on my way.¡±

    ¡°So quickly?¡± eximed a surprised Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Mm. Until next time.¡± A rare upturn graced Ji Zeyu¡¯s lips as he smiled faintly and lifted a cupped fist salute.

    The prince sighed softly. ¡°Alright then, until next time.¡± He too raised a cupped fist salute.

    The smile vanished from the marquis¡¯ face. He cast a frosty look over Pang Xiao¡¯s group before he steered his horse away.

    Huzi shivered. ¡°The Marquis of Northern Stability is as always, alright! He looks at you like he¡¯s feuding with you.¡±

    Pang Xiao shook his head with a smile, and then sighed. ¡°Forget it. since we¡¯vee back, let¡¯s enter the pce to greet His Majesty.¡± Or else thoseckadaisical sloths at court would seize on some imaginary offense and censure him for not respecting the emperor.

    Now that he was back in the capital, he needed to be at constant attention to handle whatever was happening around him.

    Waters were murky in the swamp at court. Though it¡¯d all been for Great Zhou, all the viiny since the founding of the dynasty had beenmitted by Pang Xiao. Add to that torturing to death those who¡¯d harmed his father ¡ª the surrendered Northern Ji officials all viewed him like he¡¯d killed their fathers, to say nothing of his generally horrific reputation outside. It was almost impossible to guard against all of the overt and covert threats lobbed at him. He had to be constantly on his toes, and then some, to deal with it all.

    Furthermore, the one on the dragon throne had always borne an uneasy grudge towards him.

    Things developed exactly the way that Pang Xiao had thought they would.

    ¡­¡­

    Within the august and stately pce.

    A middle-aged man, dressed in golden imperial robes, of average build and benevolent features used both hands to lift up a kneeling Pang Xiao. His voice was filled with delight.

    ¡°Please do rise, sage younger brother. You¡¯ve been out to war for so long. Us brothers haven¡¯t talked in many moons. Your brother has truly missed you!¡±

    Pang Xiao took a few steps back to stand beneath the dais and responded respectfully, ¡°Your subject feels the same. Have you been well, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Well, absolutely well, apart from missing you dearly. You¡¯ve handled Great Yan beautifully. The ceremony of surrender and transition is just far too mundane with so much misceny. We didn¡¯t want you to further tire yourself and decided to have youe home. You don¡¯t me Us, do you?¡±

    ¡°How would I ever, Your Majesty?¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°I can¡¯t be happy enough! You know best that anything that¡¯s a hassle or burdens the brain is an incredible bore to your subject. If I had the effort to spare to do all that, it would be better spent on a few cups of fine wine!¡±

    ¡°Haha! That¡¯s true!¡± Li Qitianughed heartily. ¡°You¡¯ve gone through a lot on this excursion. You¡¯ve also spent more than enough time in the battlefield. Your family misses you dearly, and you should spend more time by their side. Besides, recent times have been far too exhausting for you. We n on temporarily having the Minister of Bureau of Military Personnel, Zuo Jinwei, act as themander of the Valiant Tigers. You can stay in the capital and rest with peace of mind. What say you?¡±

    This was taking back hismand!

    Pang Xiao looked down and respectfully performed a grand gesture of greeting. ¡°Your Majesty¡¯s orders are a perfect match to this subject¡¯s heart. I thank Your Majesty greatly for the imperial favor.¡±

    It appeared that Li Qitian hadn¡¯t expected Pang Xiao would agree so easily. He blinked, then smoothly curved his eyes with the force of a smile. ¡°Good, very good! We will bestow upon you a hundred acres of fertile fields, a hundred taels of gold, and ten beautiful women for concubines. You must rest well during this period. Great Zhou still requires your efforts!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty need only to give the order. Your subject is more than willing to dash my brains out on the ground in service.¡± Pang Xiao respectfully thanked the emperor again.

    He¡¯d still been themander of the Valiant Tigers when he entered the pce.

    But by the time he¡¯d left, he¡¯d been stripped of his authority and had relinquished hismand token. He was an idle prince with just a title and no official position.

    Apart from his personal guards, eunuchs bearing rewards also trailed behind him. The entourage was capped off by ten beauties of varying shapes and sizes.

    Huzi frowned and whispered to his master. ¡°Your Highness, how will the fourth miss react if she finds out that you already have ten imperial concubines before she¡¯s even set foot past the door?¡±

    Way to seriously put his foot in it!

    Pang Xiao was expressionless, but he was as annoyed as could be.

    Once he returned to the manor, he had the servants settle in the ten beauties and went to pay his respects to his mother, maternal grandfather and grandmother.

    As Pang Xiao reunited with his family, he was left unawares that Ji Zeyu had exited the capital from the northern gate. The marquis was supposed to lead his men to the north to battle the Tatars, but made arge circle after leaving the city and headed straight for Great Yan in the south.

    ......

    ¡°Miss, take this hand warmer. Don¡¯t catch a cold again!¡±

    In the spacious carriage, Jiyun shoved a bronze hand warmer into Qin Yining¡¯s embrace.

    The girl quickly cupped her ice cold hands around it before feeling much better. She smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t catch colds that easily! Don¡¯t worry, my health is much better now. I just hadn¡¯t anticipated that Great Zhou¡¯s winters would be so frosty. It¡¯s rather difficult to be traveling in conditions like these.¡±

    Ten days ago, the Commandery Prince of Yan had set off for Great Zhou with his family and the first batch of surrendered officials and their families.

    As the Yan dynasty was to the south, snowfall was rare and usually didn¡¯t stick to the ground. But the closer they drew to the Great Zhou capital, the chillier the days became. When they finally reached the city of Liang and crossed over into Great Zhou territory, a silveryndscape greeted their eyes. Snow sparkled from leaves and branches all around.

    Such frigid weather was hard for southerners to limate to.

    Thankfully Qin Yining had spent some time living near the border when she was young, so she found it easier to adaptpared to other members of her family.

    A disturbance red up at the head of the convoy at this time, making all of the carriages slow down.

    Qin Yining looked forward quizzically. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Let me go take a look.¡± Jiyun hopped off.

    On this trip, Weichi Yan, his women, and the pce servants brought up the rear. The Duke of An was in front of him, then Advisor Gu, and finally the Qins. There were more than a dozen carriages in front of the Qins.

    Jiyun craned her neck around, only to be greeted by a sight that drained the color from her face.

    Arge group of burly men dressed in animal pelts and wearing masks were charging over the glittering, white snow. They crashed fecklessly into the convoy with swords and clubs, hacking at whoever they saw. They especially dragged out all the woman to run them through into the ground!

    ¡°Miss, get off the carriage, hurry! Hurry! It¡¯s bandits!¡± screamed Jiyun.

 Chapter 290: Swept Apart

    <h4>Chapter 290: Swept Apart</h4>

    Qin Yining froze, unable to react!

    She never thought that a convoy of surrendered Yan officials would run into a group of bandits!

    The trip had been very smooth up until now. As they¡¯d surrendered, they had a contingent of Valiant Tiger escorts that was only a hundred men strong.

    Most of the Valiant Tigers had already left to return to the Great Zhou capital ten days ago. Weichi Yan wasn¡¯t allowed any troops with him at all, just a few loyal attendants.

    The Qins were a bit better off. The emperor emeritus¡¯ Silver Masks had lost their former master, but didn¡¯t have a new one due tock of trust from above. They were now beholden to Qin Huaiyuan, but most had been sent out on missions. There were only four following the caravan ¡ª five if they counted Cao Yuqing. How would that number possibly protect the everyone?

    Qin Yining scrambled to put on her soft-soled boots. Another group of bandits came swinging at the front on the backs of horses, murderous light glinting coldly off their des.

    There were old, young, women, and infirmed all traveling together. A din rose of screams, shrieks, and agonized wails. People scattered helter-skelter, while others whipped their horses into a frenzy and steered their carriages elsewhere.

    The entire convoy was swept apart. The three carriages in front of the Qins had panicked and run off in some unknown direction.

    Through the carriage window, the Qin fourth miss happened to glimpse that Cao Yuqing had leapt onto n¨¦e Sun and Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s carriage. A crisp snap of the reins sent the carriage careening off into the northwest.

    As for Jiyun, still standing in front of their own carriage, the guard was adroitly dodging the first arrow that wasing their way. ¡°Miss, be careful!¡±

    The enemies were firing arrows! This was a ughter without discretion. They weren¡¯t here for the goods and neither did they want to leave any survivors!

    Inside the carriage, Qin Yining quickly turned a square table onto its side and grabbed a shrieking Qiulu and Bingtang to take shelter behind it together.

    ¡°Jiyun, you be careful!¡± Qin Yining tried to curl up as much as possible. Continual thuds rang out, as arrows embedded themselves into the carriage ceiling and walls. Her hands also shook a few times when the square table also took several hits.

    Qin Yining¡¯s horrified eyes were as wide as saucers. She screamed anxiously, ¡°Jiyun, hide! don¡¯t mind me!¡±

    Outside the carriage, Jiyun tumbled several times over the snowy ground and made it to the shelter of arge tree with much difficulty. However, a dense rain of arrows forced her to keep her head down.

    Unfortunately, Qin Yining¡¯s groom was shot dead by a random arrow. When he toppled over, his grip loosened on the whip and reins.

    Qin Yining¡¯s silvery-white Ferghana horse, a gift from Pang Xiao, spooked and struggled free of its halter, galloping frantically into the distance from sheer fright. The horses pulling the carriage also spooked and charged haphazardly, overturning the carriage from their maddened efforts.

    The world turned upside down for Qin Yining, Qiulu, and Bingtang and they fell into a heap.

    The bandits seemed to have run out of arrows by now as they¡¯d raised their weapons again, throwing themselves into the fray.

    Qin Yining hastily pushed her maids. ¡°Get out, run!¡±

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯m scared!¡± Qiulu sobbed out.

    ¡°You have to run even if you¡¯re scared! We¡¯ll be sitting ducks if we stay here!¡±

    Qin Yining was the first to scramble out of the wreckage of the carriage and met the eyes of a bandit iling her way. She shrieked, whirled around, and ran. The burly man chased after her in hot pursuit, brandishing his sword.

    Bingtang and Qiulu trembled in the carriage, peeking through a crack to see that Qin Yining had lured a bandit away. They heaved and sobbed from fright, pping hands over their mouths so that they wouldn¡¯t make a sound. They didn¡¯t dare linger any longer and ran out when there was a lull in attention.

    Qin Yining was wearing a solid outfit of thickly padded cotton, as well as a cape with a chinchi cor. Calfskin boots adorned her feet, so she found it easy to run.

    She wasn¡¯t a fragile, delicate noble girl to begin with. She¡¯d spent her youth hunting and picking medicinal herbs in the mountains. Though her injuries had harmed her constitution, untapped reserves of potential exploded in the face of fleeing for her life. She¡¯d hiked her skirt up and sank ankle-deep into the snow with each step, but she still managed to leave the burly man far behind her.

    Whilst during the chase, the man hacked at another two closer targets, which gave Qin Yining an opening to hide. She took quick stock of the terrain and ran to where the snow was a mess from footprints, charing up the mountain.

    Chaos reigned in the clearing.

    By now, the escort of a hundred Valiant Tigers were slowly regaining control of the situation, thanks to their valor and usual exercises with Pang Xiao. Under Lian Shengjie¡¯s urging, theyunched themselves to the front of the convoy, wanting to take the leader of the bandits alive.

    Up on the road ahead, a chestnut battle horse zed proudly against the sky. A beautiful man in snow-white fox fur was mounted on it. He was appraising a silvery-white Ferghana horse that an attendant was bringing over, no flicker of expression on his face save for a slowly tightening frown.

    Whitecloud.

    A horse that Pang Zhixi loved dearly. What was it doing in the Great Yan convoy?

    ¡°Milord! Let¡¯s retreat!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right milord! The Valiant Tigers don''t have a fierce name just for show! We may note off worse for the wear if we fight them, but we¡¯ll easily reveal our identity!¡±

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s gaze darkened, coldly considering the raging Valiant Tigers tearing through their enemies. He truly didn¡¯t want to engage them face-on.

    ¡°Team one, stay. Avoid the Valiant Tigers and search the mountain. Kill any Qins you find. The rest,e with me.¡± Ji Zeyu raised a hand and turned his horse around, taking Whitecloud¡¯s reins and galloping off with it in hand.

    His attendants and lieutenants looked at each other, perplexed.

    So the marquis was here for the Qins? But in the mess of the ¡®bandits¡¯ killing without abandon, they had no idea how many Qins they¡¯d killed.

    Corpsesy scattered all over the ground. Crimson blood dotted thendscape as numerous fresh flowers.

    The Dragon Riders who¡¯d remained behind carefully avoided the main group and tracked footsteps into the mountain.

    Lian Shengjie was beside himself at the tragic sight of dead and moaning injured on the ground. Some lucky enough to escape harm were clutching other bodies and wailing.

    ¡°Hurry! Count and see how many are still alive! Oh my heavens! How am I supposed to exin myself to the emperor? Is themandery prince still alive? And the Qins¡­¡±

    As the Valiant Tigers picked up the wreckage, yet others searched for survivors. Some headed into the mountain, just so happening to pick the direction that Qin Yining had gone in.

    ¡­...

    Not daring to dy, the Qin fourth miss had tucked her hem into her belt and tightly pulled her cape in, sprinting madly into the depths of the mountain.

    If it hadn¡¯t been wintertime, there wouldn¡¯t have been any snow to record her footprints. She was rather confident of her ability to shake off pursuers in the forest.

    But s, snow was everywhere right now. Not only did she leave traces behind, it crunched wherever she set foot. An asional branch hidden beneath the snow would snap crisply as well.

    She seemed to catch two male voices behind her, ¡°Up ahead! There¡¯s sounds of footsteps!¡±

    Breathing almost stopped spontaneously. Throwing weariness to the back of her mind, she made for the most difficult and hidden depths of the mountain.

    By now, she was supremely grateful for her childhood experience. It enabled her not to panic after entering unfamiliar territory, and not to run her energy reserves dry when being chased.

    Based on her experience, she continuously made her way further into the woods. Theyer of snow on the ground diminished until only a few icy shards were left. Finally, even that gave way to damp ground with faint, white smoke rising off of it.

    Qin Yining was delighted. There must be a hot spring beneath the surface!

 Chapter 291: Deep in the Mountains (I)

    <h4>Chapter 291: Deep in the Mountains (I)</h4>

    Truly, the heavens didn¡¯t want to consign her to doom!

    With the hot spring beneath her, she wouldn¡¯t have to worry about covering her footprints anymore!

    Qin Yining ran along the snow-covered ground for a while, purposely leaving a set of tracks going in the other direction. Then, she pushed off a shrub tond in a patch of soil covered in pine needles, taking a few careful steps forward.

    White steam wafted out from the ground, warming even the soles of her feet. Afraid of leaving new footprints and seeing that the way ahead was carpeted with snow again, she shoved her cape into her waist and adroitly climbed up arge, tall pine tree. Picking a denser patch of leaves, she settled herself on a more-or-less sturdy branch.

    The crown of the tree shook slightly when she did so, shaking some snow loose. However, it melted into nothingness as soon as it touched the ground.

    Finally, Qin Yining dared take in a few deep and silent breaths.

    Footsteps sounded as she did so.

    She quickly held her breath and focused, forcing herself as rigid as a block of wood. She didn¡¯t dare move at all and became one with the pine.

    Two masked bandits came into view not too far away. One was wielding a steel de, the other a wooden club as thick as a wine jug. Their heads were lowered as they tracked the footprints on the ground, advancing on the decoy trail that Qin Yining had just left.

    They came back before long, likely because the trail abruptly disappeared. No other prints were to be found after searching the area covering the hot spring. The two were walking around randomly as they looked for clues, so it didn¡¯t take long for the scene to be an utter disarray of their own footprints. The trail was cold.

    The two met each other¡¯s eyes and cursed loudly.

    ¡°How could a wench just shake us off like that!¡± The northern ent marked him as someone from Great Zhou.

    ¡°The marquis told us we had to find and wipe out all the Qins. I have no idea if we¡¯re chasing one!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter if we are or not, we can¡¯t let her easily get away like this.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way she really vanished! Let¡¯s keep looking, maybe she¡¯s hiding in a tree?¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The two started searching all the nearby tree cavities and naturally urring caves and holes.

    To everyone¡¯s surprise, they did find a patch of snow that had fallen in, revealing an enormous water hole below. That looked to be the source of the hot spring. A faint, pungent odor emanated from it, and there was no guessing how deep it was. Only a dense shroud of mist could be seen, the mist turning the snow around the hole into ice.

    The two didn¡¯t dare inch any closer, deathly afraid as they were of the snow beneath their feet suddenly giving way. What if they too fell into this water hole of unknown depth? There was danger lurking around every tree in the mountain. They were already so far in that not even the hunters dared venture into this area.

    They circled around the danger zone and looked closely at the surroundings again.

    Qin Yining was just fine where she was, perched on the tree. She waited two hours before cautiously sliding down the tree, finally assured that the two weren¡¯t returning.

    She didn¡¯t dare remain here either, turning instead to head deep into unexplored forest. She broke of a branch of withered leaves, paying attention to clear away her traces as she ran.

    This circumspect journey continued until nightfall, upon which she really was too tired to run anymore.

    A tree trunk made for a good spot to lean against. She heaved for breath as she looked around. Everywhere looked the same to her. The only bearings she could get were whether she was going up or going down.

    Winters in the north pierced straight through to the bone; body temperature dropped rapidly whenever one stopped moving. Qin Yining shivered whenever the wind blew past her sweat-soaked back.

    She assessed the surroundings, dragging her weary body to the leeward slope of arge tree. The trees roots formed a semi-circle in this spot. A branch jutted out strikingly overhead, forming an overhang, and tworge rocks were on either side of her. They managed to break the wind slightly. The bonus was that there was no snow on the ground.

    Qin Yining gathered firewood, kindling, and pine needles. Her shaking hands fumbled out a fire starter from her clothes, first igniting the kindling and pine needles, then feeding the dry firewood to the mes so that a small campfire was built behind the rocks.

    Her recently recovered body was extremely exhausted; coughs shook her frame as well. But she knew that she could only rest here temporarily. If she did nothing and stayed by a campfire that could burn down at any time, she¡¯d certainly freeze to death.

    She hugged her knees and wrapped the cape tightly around herself, warming up by the fire for a bit. When nimbleness returned to her limbs, she went out searching for more mmables. She also spent a great deal of effort in breaking off many branches from shrubs.

    Qin Yining smiled wryly at herself. She was worse off than her eight-year-old self. At least she¡¯d had some tools then, not just the bare pair of hands that she could wield now.

    Thankfully, experience was on her side.

    Two hourster, she¡¯d woven the branches into curved shelter. It was just enough for her to huddle inside and build a small fire.

    She hauled it to the big rocks again, to the patch of ground that had been slightly warmed by the campfire. Undoing the scarf around her neck and an outeryer of clothing, she wrapped them around snow and ced them over the fire.

    The melting snow moistened the fabric, which was quickly flung over her makeshift shelter. They were justrge enough to cover it.

    Qin Yining immediately fetched more snow and scattered her haul over the still-wet fabric. The snow stuck firmly to the wet fabric and hardened into ice.

    Over the next hour, she alternated between coating the shelter generously with snow and melting it with hot branches from the fire. As water melted and froze, an extremely study ice shelter slowly took form.

    Qin Yining rubbed her reddened, chafed hands together. They were so cold that they¡¯d almost lost all sense of feeling. She covered her mouth as several coughs shook her body. It was alreadyte, and it was impossible to hunt in the mountains with no tools avable. Going hungry for one night won¡¯t kill me.

    Putting the thought of food outside her mind, she fetched more firewood and pine needles, piling thetter onto the campfire outside the shelter and building a small fire inside as well.

    Finally, she shrugged off her cotton jacket and hung it in front of the entrance. The size was perfect.

    Wrapping the cape tightly around herself and her feet inside her cotton skirt, she faced the fire, leaned against the branches, and dozed off with peace of mind.

    Although the asional wind would steal in through the cracks, and the fire inside produced smoke, the smoke could also be vented through the same cracks. It was better to deal with a bit of smoke than freeze to death overnight in the open air.

    So Qin Yining spent the night in light slumber. Warmth slowly returned to her limbs, and though she was hungry, it wasn¡¯t too difficult to bear.

    Danger lurked everywhere in the mountains at night, and the distant howl of wolves could be heard as well. She didn¡¯t dare rx her guard, but didn¡¯t drive herself too hard either. Apart from some aches and pains from sleeping in a sitting position, she felt fine the next morning.

    A night of recovery under her belt, Qin Yining analyzed whether she should descend the mountain now, or keep hiding.

 Chapter 292: Deep in the Mountains (II)

    <h4>Chapter 292: Deep in the Mountains (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining could draw some conclusions from the conversation between her pursuers yesterday.

    One: Their ents gave away that they were from the north, from Great Zhou.

    Two: They were following the orders of a marquis to kill the Qins.

    Three: They¡¯d stayed behind to conduct a thorough search and probably couldn¡¯tplete their mission if they didn¡¯t kill anyone surnamed Qin.

    Four: Their martial arts was on a level that enabled them to go toe-to-toe, but nothing more, with the Valiant Tiger escorts.

    So thereiny the question. Which armymanded these men with rigorous coordination and advance martial arts skills?

    Who was the marquis who¡¯d ordered the death of the Qins?

    Which marquis in Great Zhou had the ability to lead three hundred adept soldiers to ambush them?

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t think for half a second that the Zhou emperor had sent the attackers. He needed the surrendered Yan officials to be a counterweight to the two parties at his court. If he didn¡¯t want the Yan officials, he could¡¯ve refused the surrender to begin with. There was no need to send out men to intercept them halfway.

    Therefore, the ¡®marquis¡¯ behind the operation this time must be someone in high authority, wielding authority over troops, and had done this behind his liege¡¯s back.

    The answer was jumping up and down in Qin Yining¡¯s mind. Could it really be the Marquis of Northern Stability, the sworn brother of Pang Xiao and the Zhou emperor?

    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be stationed on the Tatar border with his Dragon Riders? What was he doing here at this time?

    And if the assassins were targeting only the Qins, why had they killed so many innocents at the front of the caravan?

    If they weren¡¯t targeting the Qins, how would that exin the conversation she¡¯d overheard?

    The myriad of thoughts scattered in her mind wasn¡¯t something that could be sorted through quickly. But of one thing she was certain, and that was she needed to hide carefully over the next few days. She couldn¡¯t descend the mountain no matter what.

    The assassins had their marching orders. Their mission wasn¡¯tplete if they didn¡¯t go back with a head, so they¡¯d show up again sooner ortter. There was only one of her. She couldn¡¯t fight them, so she had to hide.

    Thankfully, she could draw on her experience surviving in the wilderness. Though it was the barren season of winter, she was confident that she¡¯d be able to survive.

    Pleasant joy thrummed through her when she thought of how dejected and anguished Lian Shengjie must be at the moment.

    Lian Shengjie was the imperial representative overseeing the surrender. Since he was heading back to the capital with the Commandery Prince of Yan and arge cohort of surrendered officials, he naturally had to protect them well.

    Now that such a tragedy had urred on the road, imperial wrath would be mighty. Most importantly, it was a tremendous loss of face for that old fart!

    It wasn¡¯t the first day that Lian Shengjie had been at odds with Pang Xiao. He was the secret envoy behind her being kidnapped and used as bait. When that n had failed, he¡¯d brazenly sauntered in to seize Pang Xiao¡¯s opportunity of honor and glory.

    There¡¯d been a hundred Valiant Tigers left behind for him, but he¡¯d managed to fall to bandits halfway along the way and lose so many of Great Zhou¡¯s new subjects.

    He wouldn¡¯t be able to exin himself to the emperor even if he had ten mouths to speak with.

    Since the ¡®marquis¡¯ had taken pains to disguise his men, the Zhou emperor wouldn¡¯t be able to glean any clues. Thus, Lian Shengjie failing to properly escort the new Great Zhou subjects and being powerless in the face of mere bandits ¡ª that was a scandal just waiting to break.

    Running through the current situation again greatly cleared up Qin Yining¡¯s mood and alleviated her gloom. Having thought it all through, she went out in search of food.

    In the absence of tools, she used suitable branches as a substitute and foraged plenty of dried grass to weave traps for small animals. But even still, it was very difficult to hunt in the snowy mountains in the dead of winter.

    Qin Yining spent an entire day trying to figure out how to get food. There were no wild vegetables or fruits during this season, and nos or lure to catch birds. It¡¯d be easier to scale the heavens than to actually catch some small prey with her simplistic traps.

    Hunger gnawing at her, shebed the woods extremely cautiously. She didn¡¯t find any prey, but found four corpses instead.

    They¡¯d already been reduced to skeletons. She could vaguely make out from their clothing that three of them were Great Zhou soldiers, and the fourth just an ordinarymoner. From their positions and poses, as well as broken arms and necks, Qin Yining could tell that this was the tragic story of one fighting three, but all four falling in the end.

    Troubled times had descended for many years, and tragedy like this could be found anywhere. But to think that she¡¯d stumble upon this deep in the isted mountains!

    Emotions rippled through her. But it was also a great stroke of luck that useful weaponsy next to them!

    She picked up a machete, a dirk, two daggers, a bundle of rope, an empty water skin, and a satchel containing unknown medicine pills. Newly equipped, she went off in search of food again.

    Thankfully, she found a source of water before long ¡ª part of a creek yet to freeze over. After much effort, she caught a hibernating frog at dusk and returned to her shelter to roast it.

    No wonder those of this world would use any method to fight for power and wealth. Only with these two would life befortable.

    Although this lifestyle wasn¡¯tfortable, Qin Yining pleasantly endured it as if she was eating sweets. As she took in the fragrance of roasting frog, she reflected optimistically that the weather had been good today. Perhaps I¡¯ll be able to catch a wild rabbit tomorrow. I won¡¯t have to worry about starving to death then.

    As her thoughts ran wild, the snow suddenly crunched nearby.

    Startled out of her wits, she almost threw away the frog in her hands. She hastily picked up the short sword and and looked warily in the direction the sound hade from.

    Just at that moment, a strong gust of wind travelled past, shaking the shrubbery. A furry, roughly one meter tall thing swiftly ran away.

    What animal was that?

    Qin Yining stared intently at where the creature had vanished and heaved a sigh of relief when she noted that there wasn¡¯t anything there.

    Thank goodness it wasn¡¯t a wild fox. I¡¯d be in even more danger then.

    Munching through a bony, tasteless frog, she felt warmth return to her body. Whenying down dry straw in her shelter, she heard a soft rustle nearby. The corner of her eye caught another shadow flitting past.

    Gravity descended on the girl.

    What kind of animal was that? Why was it so fast, like an agile leopard?

    She picked up a weapon without a change in expression and quickly grabbed the torch she¡¯d made from the fire. If it was an animal, it should be afraid of fire.

    She maintained her frozen position for a while, but the creature didn¡¯t appear again.

    It looks like the little thing¡¯s run off.

    Qin Yining went back to carpeting her shelter.

    But this time, she suddenly felt something behind her!

    She whirled around and saw a figure right in front of her.

    It was a child about seven or eight years old with a dirty face and matted hair. It was wearing thick animal pelts and pushing a wild rabbit with half-charred fur next to her campfire.

    Not anticipating that Qin Yining would turn around, the child jumped, wide-eyed with surprise.

    Qin Yining spoke with surprise, ¡°Eh, you¡­¡±

    The child turned and ran off before Qin Yining could finish, as fast as a breath of wind.

    Realization struck the Qin fourth miss. The creature she¡¯d seen earlier was this child!

 Chapter 293: Xiaozhou

    <h4>Chapter 293: Xiaozhou</h4>

    Qin Yining chased after the figure for many steps, but she couldn¡¯t keep up. She had to settle for watching the pelt-wearing child vanish into the bushes.

    This was a patch of mountains so isted that even hunters wouldn¡¯t venture here. There were no signs of human habitation whatsoever. Why would a child of roughly eight years old appear here?

    Is there a vige nearby?

    Deeply mystified, Qin Yining¡¯s attention was quickly caught by the wild rabbit.

    It was a slightly fattened, gray rabbit. Its fur had been roughly handled and it¡¯d been roasted. However, it was apparent that the cook wasn¡¯t very skilled as the rabbit was still a bloody mess. It hadn¡¯t even been cleaned of its organs.

    The Qin fourth miss guessed that this was the handiwork of the child from earlier. I wonder when I was discovered.

    But of one thing she was certain, and that was the child bore her no hostility. Thanks to her perception honed from years of habit, she¡¯d detected no enmity. Besides, if the child really did feel hostility, she wouldn¡¯t have gifted such valuable food to a stranger.

    Qin Yining picked up the rabbit and walked a bit into the distance with a dagger. After carefully removing the innards and cutting off the charred fur, she buried them all into the snow so that the scent of gore wouldn¡¯t attract other wild animals. She then carefully washed her hands and the rabbit with snow, again burying the dirty snow before returning to her shelter.

    The fire had burned down by now, so she fetched some more firewood.

    Now that she had a machete and short sword, it was much easier to chop firewood. She could also shave off the wet bark so that her fire would produce much less smoke.

    Hanging the rabbit up onto branches, she hoisted the meat over the fire and roasted it slowly.

    Though there was no salt, the fragrance of cooking meat made her stomach churn ufortably. She¡¯d had only a skinny, roasted frog over the past two days and was absolutely famished.

    Right at this time, she heard the rustling of small animals moving through snow. Lifting her eyes in the direction of the sound, she saw a small figure crouched behind the bushes.

    Perhaps because they¡¯d seen each other just now, the child didn¡¯t take off running as soon as their eyes met. Remaining close to the ground, it cautiously shuffled forward, craning its neck and wrinkling a nose set in a dirty face to sniff at the smell of roasting rabbit.

    Qin Yining broke into an involuntary smile.

    ¡°Hello there. Did you catch this rabbit?¡± She waved at the child as she turned the rabbit over.

    The sound of her voice seemed to have startled the child. Big, bright eyes blinking nkly were the only answer. This perplexed Qin Yining. The child looked eight years old, so it should be able to understand her, right?

    Or was it part of a tribe that lived deep in the mountains, rejectingmunication with the outside world? Or maybe it didn¡¯t understand hernguage?

    She cut off a piece of cooked meat and reached a hand out to the child. ¡°This is for you.¡± Gestures apanied her words, out of consideration that the child might not understand.

    Meaning was sessfully conveyed in the end. It scampered over like an agile monkey and stooped next to Qin Yining, prudently reaching out with grubby hands to grab the meat from the tip of the dagger.

    Startled by the motion, Qin Yining shrank back to avoid slicing into the child¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Be careful, you might cut yourself.¡± The Qin fourth miss removed the meat to hand it over.

    The child had been heavily disappointed when it saw the stranger withdraw the meat. But when cooked rabbit was proffered by a lily-white arm, it perked up like a happy puppy and gulped down the meat with a happy cry, eyes crinkling with joy.

    The antics teased a chuckle from Qin Yining. ¡°Do you live here?¡±

    Staring steadily at the roasting rabbit, the child nodded.

    Wonderful, it understands me!

    ¡°What¡¯s your name? How old are you?¡±

    The child remained fixated on the rabbit.

    Qin Yining sliced off all the cooked meat on the surface and gave it to the child, who ate it with great gusto. It seemed like it¡¯d been a long while since itst had a meal. Its mouth covered with grease, it shed a big grin.

    Heartache crept in to see a child this way. Qin Yining asked, ¡°Where is your family?¡±

    ¡°Die, died.¡±

    The child responded!

    But even a singr word tipped off the issue at hand. The child¡¯s voice was hoarse and raspy from prolonged disuse, its pronunciation very clunky as well, as if speaking was a very difficult exercise.

    ¡°Do you mean that your family is all dead?¡± Qin Yining fed it another piece of meat.

    The child nodded, pointed in a certain direction, then pointed at the sword by the Qin fourth miss¡¯ hand.

    Thetter blinked, recalling the four corpses.

    Three of them in Great Zhou uniforms, thest in casual clothing. All four were men, and it¡¯d seemed to be a case of one against three. From the rotting of the clothing, they had been dead for at least four years.

    Pity had crept into Qin Yining¡¯s gaze. ¡°Do you have any other family?¡±

    The child shook its head.

    ¡°Then, where do you live? How old are you? What¡¯s your name?¡±

    The child pointed in another direction and replied haltingly, ¡°Live¡­ house. Ni-ine. Name. Lotus.¡±

    ¡°Your name is Lotus ? Of the lotus flower?¡± 1 Qin Yining carefully looked over the child. Because it was so young and covered with grime, she couldn¡¯t tell if it was a boy or a girl.

    Lotus nodded. ¡°Lotus, flower. In, vat. There. Lotus flower. My name.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. It looks like she¡¯s a girl. She didn¡¯t stop her motions and kept slicing off meat for the little girl.

    Though it was unsalted, Lotus ate with immense enjoyment and struggled tomunicate. ¡°Yummy. More, more yummy, than me cooking.¡±

    Heartache had well and truly wrapped its grip around Qin Yining¡¯s heart. ¡°Do you usually cook for yourself?¡±

    Lotus nodded and pointed where Qin Yining had discovered the bodies. ¡°Uncle died.¡±

    The situation was bing clear. The man killed by the Great Zhou soldiers must¡¯ve been the child¡¯s only kin. Without family, she could only gnaw on half-cooked prey to assuage her hunger.

    Thinking back to the half-raw rabbit that Lotus had surreptitiously gifted her earlier, Qin Yining knew the the child must¡¯ve been subsiding on fare like this over the past couple of years.

    She rubbed Lotus'' head with great pity. The little girl was only eight years old, but she¡¯d already survived in these isted woods, by herself, for almost four years!

    It¡¯d be one thing if she hadn¡¯t run into the child. But now that she had, she wouldn¡¯t just walk on without looking back. Her mind made up, Qin Yining addressed the child. ¡°Lotus, can you take me to your house?¡±

    The little girl nodded happily and reached out with a mucky hand. ¡°Come,e.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled and picked randomly at the remaining rabbit, tore off the legs for Lotus, and extinguished the campfire. Burying the traces of her presence, she picked up the weapons and followed Lotus further into the mountains.

    1. The character for ¡®lotus¡¯ is ¡®lian¡¯.

 Chapter 294: Xiaozhou (II)

    <h4>Chapter 294: Xiaozhou (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining had thought that her shelter was out of the way enough already, but Lily¡¯s was even further away.

    The two held hands and proceeded in the dark; moonlight filtering in through the trees their only source of illumination. Lily seemed ustomed to this and slowed down for Qin Yining. When they reached difficult to pass terrain, the child even pulled the girl up.

    After an hour, a wooden house came into sight.

    It was very simple, but also quite exquisite as it used mortise and tenon joints to connect semicircle logs together. From the front, it looked like two enormous wooden panels hade together to form a ÈË character that was firmly nted into the ground, and from the side it looked like a rectangle.

    ¡°House, uncle made.¡± Pride shone out of Lily¡¯s soiled face.

    Qin Yining stroke the child¡¯s greasy, matted hair with a smile. ¡°Your uncle was a very smart, great man.¡±

    To be able to take care of a child and build a log cabin by himself, which, under careful inspection, showed that not a single nail had been used, was more than enough proof of the man¡¯s strength and intelligence.

    Qin Yining pinched Lily¡¯s soft cheeks. This little girl must have an umon background.

    Her caretaker wouldn¡¯t have taken shelter deep in the woods otherwise, and neither would he have fought three enemies to death in a location four hours away from here.

    Emotions assailed the Qin fourth miss.

    Lily had already tramped her way through the snow and raised the animal pelts covering the entrance. She pushed open the door, gesturing with merrily shining eyes to invite Qin Yining inside.

    Coming back to her senses, the Qin fourth miss followed the child through the door.

    It was pitch ck inside. Lily disappeared in the blink of an eye, and the sound of wood rubbing against each other followed shortly thereafter.

    Qin Yining blew on her fire starter to light it and found the child crouched on the ground. Lily was rubbing her hands together furiously, drilling a piece of sharpened wood into the hole of another log. Some fine tinder lined the hole. They immediately glowed with ignition as sparks leapt from the child¡¯s friction.

    Lily carefully used two sticks to transfer the flickering tinder to an earthen cooking stove well-stocked with firewood, immediately brightening the house. The child rose and pointed at fire on the ground. ¡°Warm, warm.¡±

    Her eyes next widened with surprise as she¡¯d glimpsed the fire starter in Qin Yining¡¯s hands. ¡±Fire?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss nodded and capped the fire starter with a smile, handing it over. ¡°This is for you.¡±

    ¡°For me?¡± The child epted it with glee and pulled off the cap. She treated it like an utmost treasure and stowed it conscientiously into her clothes after Qin Yining showed her how to light it. When she next looked at the Qin fourth miss, her eyes sparkled with pleasure.

    Qin Yining could tell that the child genuinely liked her. This kind and unsullied little girl was bringing forth the most purest of hearts, trying her best to connect with an unkind world. Perhaps she¡¯d spent too much time alone in the mountains, and hadn¡¯t been able to resist extending an olive branch when finally meeting her own kind?

    Qin Yining took the child¡¯s hand and sat down together next to the fire. She was thankful that it¡¯d been her that Lily had run into. The child was so innocent that if she¡¯d run into someone with nefarious intentions, it would¡¯ve spelled great danger.

    The hearts of men contained more evil than the hearts of beasts.

    Lily rose and rummaged in a pile of random items, emerging with an armful of dirty nket. She offered it up to Qin Yining like she was presenting a treasure.

    ¡°Big sister, warm.¡±

    As Qin Yining nced at the nket, so dirty that its original colors couldn¡¯t be discerned, then at the child¡¯s bright eyes, she was so gripped by heartache that she almost cried. She nodded with a smile and pulled Lily over to her side, covering them both.

    Lily smiled happily and stretched out a grimy hand for warmth from the fire.

    This was a much morefortable night for Qin Yining thanst night. Because of the log cabin, the fire, a filthy nket, and a child drooling next to her, she slept withplete peace of mind. No longer would she fretfully jerk awake, terrified that wild animals were here to eat her.

    Her own coughing woke her up the next morning. She felt that her cold had gotten worse, but it was still within an eptable range.

    She sat up and discovered that there were no windows in the log cabin, just a door, but it wasn¡¯tpletely dark inside. Her head lifting to follow the source of light, she discovered a skylight the size of a bowl.

    Looking around, she saw no sign of Lily. I wonder where the child¡¯s gone to now. But really, just look at how messy and soiled the cabin was! The dust on the floor had to be at least three inches thick!

    Qin Yining rose for a close inspection. Though there was no furniture, there was signs of a firece being started. It was still half-lined with bricks. It looked like the uncle that Lily spoke of had died beforepleting this task.

    Apart from the unfinished firece, she also found a grimy bundle bundle in the corner. Some articles of men¡¯s clothing fell out when it was unwrapped.

    Stooping down for a closer look, Qin Yining found the outrements of a fourth rank Northern Ji general!

    The Northern Ji military uniform was exceedingly conspicuous one. A big, crimson red cor was paired with narrow sleeves, leather soft armor, and a leather belt the width of a hand.

    The expression on Qin Yining¡¯s face grew grave. It looked like the uncle that Lily spoke of was a fourth rank Northern Ji general ¡ª that meant her background was far from simple!

    The Qin fourth miss rather respected the general that had brought Lily into these mountains.

    She didn¡¯t know when they¡¯de, but judging from his dposing articles of clothing, he¡¯d been dead at least four years. That meant Lily had only been five or six years old when they sought shelter in the mountain.

    What kind of strength did it take for a general to flee into the deep mountains with a five year old girl, build this log cabin, raise her, and protect her from being persecuted?

    Qin Yining repacked the bundle and tidied up the mess in the cabin. She picked up a rag and wrapped it around some snow, using it clean after melting the liquid over the fire.

    After repeated wiping and throwing away several rags, she finally restored the wooden floor to its original color.

    But after cleaning away the dust, an inconspicuous crack in the ground near a corner was revealed. Mystified, she stuck a dagger into the crack and wiggled it, prying up a square piece of floorboard. There was a rectangr wooden box within.

    Baffled, Qin Yining retrieved it. There was a certain heft to it, making her imagination run wild.

    She opened it to see a letter, the words ¡®For the eyes of Jinxuan¡¯ on it. There was also an official seal carved into a block of jade. What set it apart was the coiling dragon carved onto it!

    The seal was the size of a man¡¯s fist, and characters carved in the stylized script of a seal ¡ª ¡°Treasure of Northern Ji¡± ¡ª delivered a bolt of lightning that was hard to recover from.

    This was an imperial jade seal, and one that belonged to the destroyed Northern Ji!

 Chapter 295: Xiaozhou (III)

    <h4>Chapter 295: Xiaozhou (III)</h4>

    The thoughts in Qin Yining¡¯s mind twisted and turned, connecting all the dots that she¡¯d gleaned about Lotus. The answer was on the tip of her tongue!

    She put the jade seal back into the wooden box and opened the letter addressed to Jinxuan. The contents were brief, but very shocking.

    The gist was: Pang Zhixi¡¯s men are at the city walls, We likely don¡¯t have much time left. We havemitted innumerable evils in this life, Our death is not to be mourned. Our only regret is beloved Yongfu. The princess is young and truly innocent. Brother Liu, We implore you toe. If you render aid, We would be most grateful and repay your righteousness in Our next life.

    ¡®Zhou Weixian¡¯ was the signature, and a personal seal stamped next to the name.

    What else would Qin Yining not understand after seeing the name?

    The surname of Northern Ji¡¯s ruling n had been Zhou. The tyrant¡¯s secondary name had been Weixian, a name that had drawn the ridicule of the people. The ¡®wei¡¯ in his name stood for able and virtue, but its bearer was anything butpetent or virtuous.

    From this, she could concluded that Lotus should be Princess Yongfu, her surname Zhou and her secondary name Xiaolian, the characters for Lotus.

    The one who¡¯d died to protect Zhou Xiaolian must be General Liu Jinxuan.

    Her expression grave, Qin Yining ced the letter and seal back into their original positions. She¡¯d thought that Lotus'' background wouldn¡¯t be simple, but she¡¯d never imagined that the child would be the princess of the previous dynasty!

    Them meeting in the mountains was an indicator of their shared destiny; Qin Yining could never abandon this adorable girl to perish in the woods. Danger and wild animals lurked around every bush. She herself had once lived in the mountains and knew full well how difficult this kind of life was.

    This child had fended for herself in the mountains since the age of six and somehow made it to nine years old. She subsided on half-raw food and likely often went hungry. She looked like a little savage, but hadn¡¯t been eaten by wild animals or died of illness. This was already a miracle in and of itself!

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t promise Zhou Xiaolian¡¯s string of luck would continue if she remained on the mountain. I¡¯m taking her with me!

    But the most difficult part of this all was the child¡¯s identity. Her father was the tyrant that had doomed Pang Xiao¡¯s father.

    Pang Xiao had overthrown the tyrant and ended the ludicrous reign of Northern Ji in the name of revenge for his father. He was a hero in the people¡¯s eyes, but an enemy in Zhou Xiaolian¡¯s.

    And in his, Zhou Xiaolian was the daughter of his enemy. Not to mention she possessed the imperial seal of Northern Ji.

    Great Zhou had surely hunted for this seal since the founding of the nation.

    Qin Yining really couldn¡¯t say with surety that Pang Xiao would let Zhou Xiaolian live after he learned of her identity. And even if he did, would the Zhou emperor show mercy? The others?

    No, no!

    Such a young child shouldn¡¯t bear the sins of her father! Since Qin Yining had met the girl, she wouldn¡¯t stand by idly. She would take Zhou Xiaolian with her and protect her. No one would find out about the child¡¯s identity, even Pang Xiao.

    Just as thoughts ran rampant in Qin Yining¡¯s mind, rustling in the woods sounded outside the cabin.

    The door was pushed open to admit Zhou Xiaolian carrying a bloody wild hare and a full of small sparrows still frantically trying to p to safety. Dirt and grime covered her all over as she called out happily, ¡°Big sister, eat!¡±

    The cleanliness of the cabin seem to strike her in the next second. The floors were the cleanest they¡¯d ever been. The child hastily backed up, threw out the bleeding prey, and scuffed at the bloody marks on the floor with her animal pelt boots. She smiled bashfully at Qin Yining.

    Her uncle had taught her before that dirty things shouldn¡¯t enter the house, that their quarters should be kept clean. Even though she¡¯d been very young then, and even though she hadn¡¯t been able to follow the rules once she started living by herself, the sight of the tidied up floors reminded her of what her uncle had once said.

    Qin Yining walked over with a smile and pulled Zhou Xiaolian next to the fire. Patting the matted hair¡ªI wonder how long it¡¯s been since she¡¯s washed her hair¡ªthe Qin fourth miss smiled gently. ¡°You went hunting, Lotus ? You¡¯re so amazing!¡±

    The child grinned with happiness from thepliment. ¡°Big sister, hungry. Eat little birds.¡±

    ¡°Alright, stay here and warm up. I¡¯ll clean them up.¡± Qin Yining rose to handle the prey.

    Zhou Xiaolian couldn¡¯t sit still and followed the older girl out. The two walked further away and dug a hole in the snow first before gutting the wild hare and sparrows. They washed everything with snowmelt and buried everything in the snow before returning to the cabin.

    Qin Yining discovered a moderately sized iron pot in the cabin, as well as a small bag of coarse salt. She washed the pot clean, set it up over the fire, and filled it with snow to brew a pot of rabbit stew. The sparrows were strung up to be roasted.

    Zhou Xiaolian remained crouched by her side all this time, staring at the food with sparkling eyes.

    ¡°Lotus, do you remember what your home was like?¡±

    The child started and narrowed her eyes in thought. She responded slowly, ¡°Many people, at home. Live big house. Little brothers. Little sisters. y with me. Have candy, lotus congee, big yard. Lotus flower in vat. Many vats in yard. All with lotus.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Do you remember your daddy?¡±

    Zhou Xiaolian nodded. ¡°Daddy, tall. Have beard. Beard pokes me. Lets me pull.¡±

    A mix of emotions roiled in Qin Yining¡¯s heart. People all said that the tyrant of Northern Ji was violent and merciless. Who would¡¯ve thought such a heartless, evil tyrant would let his daughter climb all over him and pull his beard?

    ¡°Lotus, big sister¡¯s going to go home after a few days. I¡¯d like to take you with me. You¡¯ll be with me from now on, alright?¡±

    Lotus froze at the words and fat droplets surged out of her eyes, streaking two trails down her dirty cheeks. ¡°Big sister don¡¯t go. Sister, don¡¯t go.¡±

    Qin Yining quickly pulled the child over when she started crying and wiped her tears away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, I¡¯m not leaving you behind. It¡¯s just that I have a family too. I have my daddy, my mommy, and they¡¯ll be sad if I disappear. Come home with me. You can be my little sister in the future and I¡¯ll take care of you, alright?¡±

    Zhou Xiaolian choked out, ¡°Uncle, say, no go out. Bad people outside.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss hugged the sobbing child. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. You¡¯ll be with me in the future, and I¡¯ll protect you! My daddy is very strong too, he¡¯ll protect you. Come with me, change your name, don¡¯t tell anyone about your daddy or home, and definitely not your uncle. No bad people wille find you then.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Zhou Xiaolian wiped her face with her sleeves, smearing a mess of tears and snot and dirt around, but making her eyes seem brighter in the process.

    ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t lie to you.¡± Qin Yining looked at her seriously.

 Chapter 296: Xiaozhou (IV)

    <h4>Chapter 296: Xiaozhou (IV)</h4>

    Zhou Xiaolian bit her lip and studied Qin Yining. She could feel the big sister¡¯s affection and sincerity. The child nodded in the end. ¡°I, I will, listen to big sister.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Then you must promise to always listen to big sister in the future. You¡¯ll remain by my side after we leave. I¡¯ll teach you how to read, how to live in the outside world. You also have to promise that you¡¯ll stay close, okay?¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Xiaolian nodded heavily.

    Qin Yining thought for a moment. ¡°We cannot forget our roots. Your name shall be Lian Xiaozhou in the future, alright?¡±

    ¡°Lian Xiaozhou?¡± Zhou Xiaolian widened her eyes. ¡°Same. Sound. Lotus congee.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°It¡¯s the character for the surname Lian, not lotus. If anyone asks you in the future, say that your surname is Lian. Your father was a hunter in the mountains, but he¡¯s passed away. I ran into you in the mountains and brought you out with me. Your name is Xiaozhou, the Zhou of your original surname. Big sister actually just flipped your name around.¡±

    ¡°Surname Lian, my surname Lian. Daddy, is hunter. I am, Xiaozhou. Like lotus congee. Lotus congee is yummy. I am Lotus Congee.¡±

    Qin Yining felt utterly defeated. Just how much did this child like lotus congee?

    Well, since she liked the name, what harm was there in going along with it? Since Northern Jiy in ruins, Princess Yongfu no longer existed in this world. The little princess that the tyrant so doted on was no more.

    This heavy past would only be chains and shackles for the child. Since they were starting anew, then it¡¯d be best to use a name that had nothing to do with the past. Forgetting those memories might not be such a bad thing for her.

    ¡°Alright then, so you¡¯re Lian Xiaozhou in the future. Lian of the surname Lian, Zhou of well, congee.¡±

    Zhou Xiaolian, or rather Lian Xiaozhou at this point, nodded emphatically, her eyes crinkled in a smile.

    This drew an answering smile from Qin Yining. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s eat first. When we finish lunch, big sister will boil some water for you to take a bath.¡± She¡¯d discovered arge, wooden tub in the rear of the cabin¡ªlikely specially prepared by the ¡®uncle¡¯.

    Lian Xiaozhou munched busily on the perfectly seasoned sparrows, nodding rapidly when she drank rabbit stew.

    Qin Yining had no idea how the child had survived the years. When thetter slipped into the readied bathwater, the water instantly turned ck.

    Just washing the hair took threerge tubs of water, to say nothing of wiping off the body. All Qin Yining knew that she kept piling more firewood into the y stove and repeatedly fetched snow back. When the water grew dirty, she wrapped Xiaozhou in her cape and had the child wait until the new tub of water heated up.

    After an afternoon of exertion, a fresh-faced, pink-cheeked, adorable little girl stood in front of her.

    Due to malnutrition, she looked more like seven or eight years old than nine. Her hair looked a bit sallow, but was very soft and smooth. Her face was pale-skinned and tender, sporting a pair of bright, round, and expressive eyes. Her eyes creased into crescents whenever she smiled, and there was a pair of dimples on her cheeks¡ªjust like Qin Yining¡¯s.

    To those who didn¡¯t know any better, they¡¯d believe it if they were told Lian Xiaozhou was Qin Yining¡¯s biological sister.

    Qin Yining rummaged through the bundle to pull out a few of the uncle¡¯s shirts, turning them into temporary clothing for the child. She put her own doubleyered jacket to ensure Xiaozhou would stay warm, turning the child loose to y in the cabin.

    The Qin fourth miss then washed everyst inch of Xiaozhou¡¯s original clothes, also cleaning herself up in the process.

    Night had fallen by the time this was allplete. The two sat down to dinner with re-warmed rabbit stew, Qin Yining used her hand as ab to brush Xiaozhou¡¯s hair.

    The child¡¯s hair was soft and smooth, making it easy to care for. She tied Xiaozhou¡¯s hair into two braids, undoing two decorative, baby-blue silk ribbons on her skit to tie around the ends of the braids.

    Xiaozhou was utterly obsessed and besotted with her hair. That night when theyid down to sleep, she burrowed into Qin Yining¡¯s arms and wrapped her arms around the older girl, refusing to let go and repeating, ¡°Big sister nice. Like big sister.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss¡¯ heart melted. She reaffirmed to herself that she would hide Xiaozhou¡¯s identity well and never let the slightest hint of danger threaten the child!

    After two more days, Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s clothes had fully dried out. Qin Yining dressed her and topped it off with wrapping clean animals pelts around the child. Bundled up against the cold, the two ventured forth to hunt in the woods.

    When Qin Yining roved with Xiaozhou, she paid close attention to her surroundings and searched to see if anyone had left footprints behind. When she was certain that her pursuers were nowhere nearby, she made several trips touring to bring back the ¡®uncle¡¯ and the other three men, burying them in the woods, downwind of the cabin.

    ¡°Xiaozhou, it¡¯s time for us to leave.¡± On this morning, Qin Yining made a solemn deration to Lian Xiaozhou. ¡°Before we leave, I need to burn everything here, including the secrets of your identity. I can¡¯t leave behind the possibility that someone will be able to find out about your past.¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou nodded as she didn¡¯t have much of an opinion. She¡¯d spent a very happy couple of days with Qin Yining and knew that the big sister was genuinely doing this for her own good.

    As the two girls packed, the Qin fourth miss decided to burn the letter that the tyrant had written to his brother. She used the machete toboriously hack a hole in the frozen ground in the corner of the cabin, burying the imperial seal inside. Finally, she set fire to the entire structure with a torch.

    Lian Xiaozhou pulled urgently on Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Big sister, on fire.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Don¡¯t be afraid. The snow¡¯s falling thickly right now, so the fire won¡¯t burn down the forest. Plus, I note that the wind¡¯s been blowing to the northwesttely. It won¡¯t burn us if we walk into the direction of the wind. Big sister¡¯s been in the mountain for so many days that there must be people looking for me outside. The bad guys who want to catch me should¡¯ve left by now. When my family sees all this smoke, they¡¯ll know I¡¯m here. We just need to wait nearby.¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou only half understood this, but she still nodded docilely.

    The mes spread from the log cabin to the woods where the four bodies were buried, finally setting Qin Yining somewhat at ease.

    Though she felt very guilty toward about the animals in the mountains, destroying everything rted to Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s past had to be done if the child was to remain safe. The general, the soldiers, the uniforms, the letter, and the imperial seal.

    Well, the seal couldn¡¯t be burned, and neither could Qin Yining take it with her. If they didn¡¯t need it in the future, having the seal remain on the mountain might not be a bad thing. And if they did need it, it wouldn¡¯t be too hard to find a patch of burned ground. They¡¯d be able to retrieve the seal if they dug through the cabin.

    Having nned through everything and satisfied herself that there were no loopholes, Qin Yining hid with Lian Xiaozhou.

    At the same time, having searched the meandering mountains for six days, Pang Xiao looked in the direction of the billowing smoke and finally shed a relieved smile.

    ¡°Huzi, sound the whistling arrow. We¡¯ve found her.¡±

    <hr style="margin-top: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; clear: both; user-select: none; break-after: page; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: " open="" sans",="" sans-serif;="" font-size:="" 14px;"="">1. The characters for her new name sound the same as the ones for lotus congee, but they¡¯re different.

 Chapter 297: At All Costs

    <h4>Chapter 297: At All Costs</h4>

    Qin Yining hid behind some shrubbery with Lian Xiaozhou, unspeakable fear and loneliness descending with the popping sounds of burning trees.

    Having lived in the mountains, she felt a connection with each de of grass and tree. She sometimes even felt that they were conscious. Who knew how much wildlife would suffer in this fire? But she had to do this in order to protect Lian Xiaozhou.

    Grasping Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s hot, little hand, she suddenly understood better Pang Xiao¡¯s resignation. She felt guilty enough burning the mountain, he surely felt even worse ughtering untold numbers of people for the sake of eventual peace.

    As her thoughts ruminated, the whistle of an arrow in the distance suddenly broke through the air. She shot to her feet, but a dozen spots around her answered with whistling arrows before she could react.

    This must be the rescue party. Who would¡¯ve thought there¡¯d be so many?

    Having never heard so many whistling arrows before, Lian Xiaozhou was petrified when they rang out in close proximity. Her tiny hands clung tightly to Qin Yining¡¯s sleeves as she fretfully cried out for her big sister.

    Qin Yining stroked her head soothingly with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. The people looking for us is here. They¡¯re here to take me home.¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou didn¡¯t seem to fully understand. ¡°People from, big sister¡¯s home?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, so you don¡¯t need to be afraid.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid.¡± Lian Xiaozhou nodded firmly, but was inly still frightened as her grip remained tight on Qin Yining¡¯s sleeves.

    To be honest, Qin Yining was also slightly nervous. What if her pursuers hadn¡¯t all left yet? She would¡¯ve just attracted their attention with the fire.

    Footsteps slowly approached them not long afterwards. The crisp crunch of snow and withered branches tramped ominously onto their hearts.

    In their position behind the shrubbery, the girls held their breath and stilled their movements. Through chinks between the leaves and branches, the Qin fourth miss could tell that the group¡¯s leader was a small, skinny, and slightly hunchbacked young man. He was wearing the outrements of a Valiant Tigermandant 1. The dozen that followed behind him were also dressed as Valiant Tiger soldiers.

    What??

    The Valiant Tigers had long since returned to the Great Zhou capital, what were they doing in the mountains?

    Had Pang Xiao hurried here after learning of the convoy being attacked?

    As waves of shock roiled in Qin Yining¡¯s heart, the young man in the lead shouted in a raspy voice, ¡°The Valiant Tigers are here on orders from the Faithful Prince of the First Rank to search for Riceball¡­¡±

    After repeating this ten times, the soldier next to him took over for the next ten repeats, and another one after that.

    The announcement travelled down the line of soldiers as the men searched the surroundings.

    Qin Yining¡¯s anxious heart could finally settle back in its rightful ce, ensconced with new degrees of joy and sentimentality. Pang Xiao really had sent the Valiant Tigers to look for her! And he¡¯d given them this code out of concern that she wouldn¡¯t recognize his men!

    She emerged from the shrubbery, Lian Xiaozhou in hand.

    Her movement instantly drew the attention of the rescue party, heads whipping back to her position. The young man in the lead came up with a cupped fist greeting. ¡°Are you Miss Qin?¡±

    His features were quite ordinary, but the look in his eyes exceedingly sharp. He looked at Qin Yining with seven parts assessment and three parts judgment, but gave off no hint of hostility.

    ¡°I am, where is the prince?¡± She kept her arm around Lian Xiaozhou and patted the childfortingly.

    The young man nced at the child before responding respectfully with cupped fists. ¡°Pleasee this way, Miss Qin.¡± He turned to a soldier next to him. ¡°Fire the whistling arrow.¡±

    An audible alert immediately rose into the air, answered shortly by another whistling arrow to the northeast, quite far away from their location.

    ¡°This way please, Miss Qin.¡± The young man finally smiled.

    Though she was perplexed, Qin Yining nodded without a flicker of change in expression.

    With the dozen soldiers guarding them, Qin Yining and Lian Xiaozhou didn¡¯t have to worry about wild animal attacks or enemy ambushes. The trip proceeded quite smoothly.

    At the foot of the mountains, themandant looked into the distance and pointed at smoke from cooking fires rising into the air. ¡°We¡¯re headed that way, Miss Qin. The search parties look like they¡¯ve already set up camp there.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, then asked with befuddlement, ¡°Howe your prince hasn¡¯te for me himself?¡±

    The young man looked around, then responded lowly, ¡°After the prince returned to the capital, the emperor bestowed upon him a hundred acres of fertile farnd, a hundred taels of gold, ten beauties, and a month¡¯s worth of leave. Out of consideration for the prince¡¯s hard work, His Majesty rescinded the Valiant Tigersmand token. Theirmander now is Zuo Jinwei, Minister of the Bureau of Military Affairs.¡±

    Qin Yining halted when she heard this and asked lowly, ¡°His Majesty¡¯s stripped the prince of hismand?¡±

    When the dozen Valiant Tigers saw that the two had matters to discuss, they retreated a dozen steps to give them some space.

    The young man nodded heavily. This was a ssic case of stewing and eating the hounds when all the hares were hunted down.

    Qin Yining pursed her lips, a frown wrinkling her brow. ¡°Then why are the Valiant Tigers here now? I remember they returned to the capital a long time ago. They should¡¯ve already returned, barring any idents. Or was it an imperial order that sent the men here?¡±

    The young man shook his head.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t an imperial order. The prince privately deployed troops to search for you.¡±

    ¡°Heavens! He¡¯s crazy! The emperor is wary of him to begin with. The personal use of troops is a fault that can be used against him, a mistake that he created! Where¡¯s your prince now?¡±

    The young man was looking at the Qin fourth miss a bit differently from moments ago. It would appear that thedy who¡¯d caught his prince¡¯s fancy wasn¡¯t a dunce.

    ¡°Miss Qin is correct. The prince was resting at home when he caught wind that the Marquis of Northern Stability had suddenly attacked the surrendered Yan officials. He was worried out of his mind, but no longer had anyone he could send. So he announced that he was ill and personally paid a visit to the army, then made the long trip himself to search for you and your family.

    ¡°Though themand token is in Minister Zuo¡¯s hands, our brothers in the army listen only to the prince. His word alone is enough to have everyone follow him. There are a hundred thousand Valiant Tigers in total. Twenty thousand came with him. The newmander followed as well as he was afraid he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin himself to His Majesty.

    ¡°When they left the capital, the newmander sent in a report censuring the prince for usurpingmand of the troops and harboring thoughts of rebellion. The prince¡¯s men intercepted this report. A few days ago, Minister Zuo sent in another secret report condemning the prince. We blocked this one as well.

    ¡°However, because His Highness took all this action himself, it¡¯s the same as rebelling if anyone exposes it. That¡¯s why he¡¯s covered his tracks throughout this trip and avoided meeting Zuo Jinwei. He¡¯s also evaded leaving direct evidence of his actions. So when you see Minister Zuo in a moment, please be careful and don¡¯t let word of this slip.

    ¡°The prince travelled day and night to reach this location and have been searching with his men over the past six days. He didn¡¯t find you, but found many of the others separated from the group. When he saw the fire in the mountains, he said that must be you and sent us here. The whistling arrows confirm that we¡¯ve found you, but he¡¯s had to hurry back before seeing you.

    ¡°He¡¯s used his illness during this time as an excuse to refuse all visitors. Although Minister Zuo¡¯s missives have been blocked, who¡¯s to say that His Majesty won¡¯t find out from other sources? If he wants to expose what the prince has done, then being sick won¡¯t be enough of a shield. The prince is very worried that His Majesty will search his manor, so he¡¯s rushed back with all haste.¡±

    The young man now looked at Qin Yining with more than a few hints of resentment. He was all but wagging a finger at her nose and denouncing her for being a femme fatale.

    The Qin fourth miss¡¯ face was also burning¡ªnot out of shame, but because she was incredibly touched.

    She¡¯d always known that Pang Xiao liked her. He was a ball of ming emotion with her, contrary to his usual cool indifference to others. He¡¯d never hidden the fact that he cared for her, but she¡¯d never thought that his feelings ran so deep.

    He cared so much about her that he would defy an imperial order and risk beingbelled a traitor! She really hadn¡¯t thought that he would do so much to find her!

    He was already in difficult circumstances because he¡¯d been stripped of his authority. And now to find her, he¡¯d dug an even deeper hole for himself.

    How can he do all this!?

    Pang Xiao¡¯s affections were so ardent that it felt like setting herself ame was the only way to return his devotions.

    _______________________________________________________________

    1. A very low military title. https://.vrenovels/novel/return-of-the-swallow/ros-chapter-297#footnote-ref-07eb

 Chapter 298: A Sage Wife

    <h4>Chapter 298: A Sage Wife</h4>

    Qin Yiningpressed her lips tightly, taking a few deep breaths before regaining control over her emotions. She continued gravely, ¡°If I may ask, who might this young soldier be to the prince? Judging from your speech, you don¡¯t seem a vice general. The position of a strategist is the only one appropriate for one with such talent.¡±

    The young man started, then smiled. ¡°Miss Qin has quite a sharp eye.¡± But this time, his voice wasn¡¯t that of a young man at all. It was the raspy one of an elder.

    ¡°This old man is Xie Yue, secondary name Hongchang. I am one of the prince¡¯s attendants and have served him for five years. I am skilled at strategizing and disguises, which is why I was selected for this trip. The prince was worried that others wouldn¡¯t be able to properly exin things to you and create misunderstandings instead, and was also concerned that they wouldn¡¯t be able to fully describe Great Zhou to you. He¡¯s given me special orders to stay by your side and clear up any questions you may have.¡±

    Qin Yining looked curiously at the young face and nodded merrily. ¡°So it¡¯s Sir Xie. My apologies for the disrespect.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± The slightly hoarse, young voice returned. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the campground first, miss. Just keep silent when you see Minister Zuo in a moment.¡±

    The girl waved her hand. ¡°No rush. I understand the situation now. We can think of a n first before returning. It won¡¯t be convenient to talk about this once we enter the campground.¡±

    Xie Yue was slightly surprised by the Qin fourth miss¡¯ reaction. ¡°Does Miss Qin have a n?¡±

    ¡°I do have some thoughts, but need the honored strategist¡¯s weigh-in on them.¡±

    ¡°It would be wonderful to hear more.¡± Xie Yue raised a cupped fist salute.

    ¡°Since that Minister Zuo Jinwei¡¯s been promoted to the new general of the Valiant Tigers, he certainly isn¡¯t a fool. He¡¯ll grow suspicious that his secret reports aren¡¯t receiving a response. He¡¯ll try again. This time, don¡¯t block it.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Xie Yue arched a brow. ¡°Whyever not, Miss Qin?¡±

    ¡°The Valiant Tigers are the fruit of the prince¡¯s many years of hard work and efforts. I won¡¯t allow someone to just seize it all for free.¡± With a curve of her lips, a confident light shone out of her almond-shaped eyes. It was piercingly bright.

    Her appearance of having a card up her sleeve somehow reminded Xie Yue of Pang Xiao, already making double time back to the capital. A few more hints of gravity entered his expression.

    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to train one person, let alone an army of a hundred thousand. Not only do the Valiant Tigers have excellent battle capabilities and superior formations, but they possess strict discipline and regimen. Such an army is a defensive shield in the prince¡¯s hands, but a lethal weapon in others. Is that Minister Zuo really have sopetent? I say he¡¯s just earned some imperial favor, so I¡¯m going to make him lose it!¡±

    ¡°What does Miss Qin mean?¡±

    ¡°His Highness returning and continuing to pretend being sick is too risky. Even if he¡¯s lucky enough to seed, His Majesty already knows that the prince has privately sent out troops. He just hasn¡¯t arrested the prince for it, but the seeds of doubt will have been nted. If this is the case, His Majesty will be ever more wary of and plot against the prince.¡±

    ¡°But what¡¯s done is done, do you have another idea? Does it have something to do with letting Zuo Jinwei¡¯s report through that you just mentioned?¡±

    ¡°Mm hmm.¡± Qin Yining smiled craftily and beckoned Xie Yue closer, whispering a few words next to his ear.

    The strategist¡¯s eyes widened the more he heard. At the end, he was looking at Qin Yining with a worshipful expression. ¡°Miss Qin is the daughter of Wise Pan An alright! Such a plot puts this old man to shame.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯ll be relying on your mastery of disguise in this.¡±

    ¡°What I do is just a parlor trick. Thankfully it can be put to good use in helping the prince.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile.

    Xie Yue also smiled when he thought of the fourth miss¡¯ n. The resentment and irritation from earlier had all but disappeared, and he now treated the girl with utmost respect.

    The group entered camp only after Xie Yue disguised Qin Yining¡¯s appearance. She was turned into a young man with ordinary features and also changed into a Valiant Tiger uniform.

    Lian Xiaozhou was astonished by the change. She kept tugging on the unknown young man¡¯s hand.

    Qin Yining smiledfortingly at the child. ¡°Be good, Xiaozhou. Bad guys want to plot against big sister right now, so I have to change into this. When we enter the campgroundter, you have to pretend not to know me or say anything, understood?¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou nodded repeatedly and covered her mouth with her small hands, purposefully looking away from Qin Yining. ¡°I won¡¯t say anything.¡±

    The adorably childish actions teased Qin Yining into chuckles. She patted Xiaozhou¡¯s head. ¡°What a good girl. Come find meter when there¡¯s no strangers around. Follow this uncle for now. Do you know what to say if someone asks who you are?¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou nodded heavily. ¡°Yes.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss then inserted herself into the search party that¡¯d brought her back from the mountains. They¡¯d only found the young daughter of a hunter today. There was no sign of the one that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had obsessed over for so many days.

    ¡­¡­

    Zuo Jinwei had long since seen the fire in the mountains and heard the dozen whistling arrows. He¡¯d been standing at the entrance of the campground, frostily ring at the Valiant Tigers who were busily pretending he was air.

    How dare the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!

    The emperor had stripped the prince of hismand and turned over these troops to him, Zuo Jinwei! How dare Pang Zhixi defy an imperial order and send out troops for his own use? How dare he stick his nose into Zuo Jinwei¡¯s army??

    Zuo Jinwei¡¯s report to the emperor had yet to result in a response, and things felt increasingly off the more themander thought about things. He turned to his confidante. ¡°Send another report that Pang Zhixi has privately deployed the troops. Send it with due haste!¡±

    ¡°Yes, General!¡± His attendant ran off to carry out the orders. 1

    Looking around at the orderly Valiant Tigers within the tent, Zuo Jinwei extended his gaze to the rest of the camp with a cold snort. Pang Zhixi was here somewhere, in one of these tents. If Zuo Jinwei got his hands on the prince, he¡¯d give him what for!

    Delight suffused his heart when his thoughts traveled here.

    When he was enjoying some food and wine that dusk, a vice general suddenly reported in.

    ¡°General! High Highness would like to see you!¡±

    Zuo Jinwei shot to his feet, not even registering that his wine pouch had fallen to the ground.

    ¡°Well isn¡¯t this something! Wasn¡¯t he hiding himself well? Why does he want to see me now?¡±

    ¡°This subordinate doesn¡¯t know either. But I heard just now that the prince seems to be gravely ill. He looks to be in very poor health.¡±

    ¡°Very ill? Does he miss his little lover so much that he¡¯s fallen ill after so many days of not finding her?¡± Zuo Jinwei brayed with mockingughter. ¡°To think that a killing machine like the Faithful Prince of the First Rank would be such a lovestruck fool!¡±

    His self-satisfiedughter could be heard miles away from the tent. He¡¯d been kept down for far too long and could finally vent his feelings with this rare opportunity.

    ¡°Well then! This general shall see what kind of tricks he¡¯s up to now! First he hides from me, now he wants to see me!¡±

    The vice generalughed along when he saw the high spirits that Zuo Jinwei was in. ¡°Perhaps he finds himself powerless in certain matters and wishes your help.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Zuo Jinwei thought about it briefly and made the connection to His Majesty. It looked like the prince knew that his actions would certainly anger the emperor and was deathly afraid of imperial temper. Maybe he wanted Zuo Jinwei to put in a few good words for him?

    The general left the tent with these thoughts and strode over to Pang Xiao¡¯s tent, his vice general in the lead. They were greeted by the bitter smell of medicine as soon as they lifted the door curtain p.

    ¡®Pang Xiao¡¯ was lying on the military-issued bed, his hair bedraggled and hisplexion so very awful. There were three thickyers of nkets wrapped around him, but he still seemed very cold.

    A small, skinny, and slightly hunchbacked youth was waiting off to the side, having ced a handkerchief on Pang Xiao¡¯s forehead.

    Zuo Jinwei retracted his arrogance from moments ago and bowed with cupped fists. ¡°This general greets Your Highness. Having not seen you over the past few days, this general thought you were avoiding me!¡± A jeering upturn curved his lips.

    The Pang Xiao on the bed shook his head weakly. ¡°This prince is here with imperial orders to mobilize the troops for training exercises, but unexpectedly fell sick after arriving here. It looks like the exercises must be foregone. This prince has the will, but not the way. We¡¯ll have to trouble General Zuo to lead the men back to the capital.¡±

    His voice was so hoarse that it barely seemed human. It was quite faint as well, and he started coughing as soon as he finished. Hisplexion turned even more pale and wan.

    Zuo Jinwei sniggered inwardly.It¡¯d be best if he croaks just like this! However, a concerned expression still hung on his face. ¡°Please do take care of yourself, Your Highness. This humble official will take care of leading the troops back.¡±

    ¡°Then, our thanks.¡± Another fit of coughing.

    Zuo Jinwei didn¡¯t want to keep smelling the pungency of medicine and dismissed himself. His vice general exited the tent as well.

    When they returned to their own, Zuo Jinwei guffawed with carefreeughter.

    ¡°Howughable! Pang¡¯s not changing his tune even at a time like this! What imperial order for military exercises? He¡¯s just trying to pull the wool over my eyes! He¡¯s falsifying an imperial decree!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, to think that the prince would be so bold. Defying imperial orders, privately deploying troops, falsifying the emperor¡¯s decree¡­ I say he wants to rebel!¡±

    Zuo Jinwei nodded emphatically. ¡°This won¡¯t do. I can¡¯t rest since I¡¯ve discovered his ruthless ambitions. The emperor must know of this!¡±

    Themander readied paper and brush to draft a quick missive, carefully describing how Pang Xiao had faked imperial orders moments ago. ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank grows prideful in his enjoyment of imperial favor and masks dark intentions. He continues to style himself as themander of the Valiant Tigers and sends the troops out for personal business. A falsified imperial decree is his flimsy excuse and contempt of authority his true intention. Please be on your guard, Your Majesty!¡±

    He put down the brush, sealed the envelope with wax, and had a messenger bring it to the capital.

    ¡°The emperor won¡¯t tolerate him this time!¡± Zuo Jinwei felt quite gratified at having plucked out the thorn in his side. He happily threw back a cup of wine and shed a wide grin.

    _______________________________________________________________

    1. Commander is being used in the more generic sense here, rather than the actual title.

 Chapter 299: Reveal of True Character (I)

    <h4>Chapter 299: Reveal of True Character (I)</h4>

    Back in the tent, ¡®Pang Xiao¡¯ flung off threeyers of nkets to take a look at himself in the reflection of a water basin. He turned back to Xie Yue. ¡°Sir Xie is stunning indeed! Your art of disguise is absolutely magical! You can even change voices with the help of medicine!¡±

    The one who¡¯d received Zuo Jinwei and delivered the nonsense about military exercises was naturally a disguised Qin Yining.

    Xie Yue waved a hand and responded humbly, ¡°You praise me far too highly. This is all just smoke and mirrors. Thank goodness you remained lying down. The gig would¡¯ve been up had you sat upright, as there is no method avable to disguise height.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll im that I¡¯m sick once we start moving. I¡¯ll take a carriage back to the capital. Judging from General Zuo¡¯s expression just now, it looks like he¡¯s already sent out the secret report criticizing the prince for falsifying imperial orders.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Xie Yue wore an answering smile. ¡°I gave specific orders for it not to be stopped. Both reports have gone out, entrapping Zuo Jinwei firmly into your plot.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is a cautious person and won¡¯t do anything without firm proof. Even if he receives word, he¡¯ll be concerned that it¡¯s a trap and won¡¯t easily search the prince¡¯s manor. The second report will confirm that the prince isn¡¯t at home. His Majesty will want both person and evidence, so the time he spends waiting for this absolute certainty is our opening.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Xie Yue agreed with approval. ¡°Miss Qin has a most excellent n. The time in which His Majesty hesitates is enough for His Highness to return home and continue pretending sick. Even if the manor is searched, we will be fully prepared.¡±

    ¡°And if His Majesty doesn¡¯t search the manor and believe Zuo Jinwei¡¯s second report that the prince is in the camp? He¡¯ll wait for the twenty thousand Valiant Tigers to return to the capital and catch him in the act of deploying troops for his personal use!

    ¡°But how would I possibly let them do that? I¡¯ll get rid of the disguise when we return to the capital. They won¡¯t be able to find the prince even if they turn the entire camp inside out. We¡¯ll see who¡¯smitted the crime of deceiving the emperor then!¡± Qin Yiningughed darkly.

    What, would she wait for someone else to protect the one she¡¯d chosen, instead of take action herself? Whoever wants to scheme against Pang Xiao has to get through me first!

    Zuo Jinwei wants some easy pickings in the form of the Valiant Tigers? He¡¯d first have to prove that he had the ability to do so!

    Xie Yue waspletely, utterly, and absolutely won over. He bowed respectfully to Qin Yining. ¡°His Highness was in too much of a hurry to give much thought to any ns. With Miss Qin¡¯s stratagem, we¡¯re in no danger of anything going wrong!¡±

    He was well and truly epting of the Qin fourth miss now. I knew that the prince had a good eye of character! What daughter of an enemy? The Qin miss was obviously the best candidate for a sage wife! With her wits, she¡¯d be able to entrap the prince himself if they weren¡¯t careful!

    At the head of twenty thousand Valiant Tigers, Zuo Jinwei returned to the capital triumphantly with those he¡¯d rescued. Adrenaline coursed through his veins the entire time. He fixated his eyes on Pang Xiao¡¯s carriage, deeply afraid that the slippery fellow would run off halfway.

    But Pang Xiao behaved himself on the trip back. Perhaps due to his severe sickness, he didn¡¯t even leave the carriage. He only kept a youngmandant by his side, and a young girl they rescued in the mountains was the one in charge of his medicine.

    Zuo Jinwei once summoned the little girl for an interrogation, but she turned out to be mute and only knew to stare skittishly at people. The naive air of a simple person from the woods wreathed about her, fully quashing any interest the general had in questioning her.

    ¡­¡­

    At the same time in the capital, the Zhou emperor Li Qitian was barely suppressing his anger after reading the second report from Zuo Jinwei. He flung the report onto the table and picked up the white porcin teacup next to his left hand.

    In his rage, the teacup lid rattled in his hand, almost spilling the tea within. He flung the teacup to the ground with high emotion. ¡°Who made this tea? How are We to drink it when it¡¯s so hot??¡±

    ¡°Please forgive this servant, Your Majesty!¡± A maid off to the side dropped to her knees and kowtowed.

    Everyone knew that it was impossible for that cup of tea to be too hot. In serving the emperor, they had to perfectly handle everyst detail. The tea would¡¯ve been the perfect drinking temperature. The emperor was being this way simply because he¡¯d encountered something that made him unhappy and was taking it out on them.

    Head eunuch Li Guanwen immediately walked up with a bow. ¡°My deepest apologies, Your Majesty, it is this servant¡¯s oversight.¡± He red at the maid. ¡°Get the hell out for your punishment!¡±

    Themand frightened the maid out of her wits and she almost tumbled to a sitting position on the ground. This was a thunderbolt of disaster out of the blue for her, an unforeseen bout of cmity!

    But what other thoughts dare she have? She might not even have the life to undergo punishment if she said any more.

    ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s not a big matter.¡± Li Qitian sighed after calming down. ¡°You¡¯re all dismissed. Li Guanwen, you remain.¡±

    ¡°Understood, thank you for Your Majesty¡¯s favor!¡± The maid sighed with relief and kowtowed thrice, grateful tears streaming down her face, before fearfully backing out.

    The eunuchs and maids serving in the imperial study where all Li Qitian¡¯s confidantes. He used only those he trusted in his private spaces. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t be able to rx even in his own territory. What he was doing now was just another way to buy hearts.

    The eunuch was very used to the emperor using both carrot and stick at the same time. Li Qitian didn¡¯t speak until only the two of them were left.

    ¡°Do you know what was in the report?¡±

    Li Guanwen brought over another cup of tea with a smile. ¡°What a question, Your Majesty. This servant only knows to serve at your side everyday, what would I know about the outside world? If Your Majesty wants me to know, I will naturally know.¡±

    Li Qitian flung the report over. ¡°You sly fox, take a look.¡±

    Li Guanwen held up the paper with both hands and took a close read, his expression changing drastically. ¡°Does the Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡­ want to rebel?!¡±

    ¡°Hmph! There¡¯s never a quiet day with these fellows! They all think We¡¯re an easy target. He¡¯s handed the Valiant Tigersmand token over, but still acts like this!¡±

    Li Guanwen bent low and didn¡¯t dare say a word until he was certain that imperial anger had abated somewhat. ¡°It looks like the prince is true towards the Qin fourth miss. Look at the panic he was thrown in when something happened to the convoy of surrendered Yan officials. All he can think of is charging there with troops. It looks like the old saying of ¡®even the most valiant of heroes will fall to a beauty¡¯ is true.¡±

    An involuntary smile blossomed on Li Qitian¡¯s face when he heard a eunuch analyzing beauties and heroes. ¡°You know quite a bit for a castrated man.¡±

    Li Guanwen smiled diffidently and changed the topic. ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s too dangerous to have the Valiant Tigers camped outside the city. You need to have preparations in ce.¡±

    Li Qitian thought for a moment. An amiable curve upturned the lips of a normally affable face. ¡°Where is Ji Lan now?¡± 1

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the Marquis of Northern Stability is still kneeling outside. He¡¯s been out there for a full day and night.¡±

    Li Qitian sighed. ¡°Though he was brash this time and created quite a spot of trouble, he did this out of utmost loyalty. He even knew toe back and admit his guilt. Have him rise ande see Us.¡±

    ¡°Understood, this servant will go immediately.¡±

    Li Guanwen departed the imperial study with a bow, helping the kneeling Ji Zeyu to his feet. The head eunuch first had a junior massage the marquis¡¯ legs and apply ointment to the bruises on his knee before conveying respectfully, ¡°Your Grace, His Majesty would like to speak with you.¡±

    jay heaved an inward sigh of relief and thanked the eunuch with a frosty expression before entering the imperial study.

    The eunuch made to follow, but the emperor dismissed him as well. No one knew what the two men discussed.

    Meanwhile, having secretly returned to his manor, Pang Xiao had also received word that Ji Zeyu had returned to the capital and requested an audience to admit his guilt.

    The prince¡¯s brow was furrowed. He remained silent for a very long time.

 Chapter 300: Reveal of True Character (II)

    <h4>Chapter 300: Reveal of True Character (II)</h4>

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± began Huzi. ¡°You really did take too much of a risk this time. Even if it was for the fourth miss, you shouldn¡¯t¡­ Though you¡¯ve made it back now, that doesn¡¯t mean His Majesty ispletely in the dark. He definitely knows exactly what¡¯s happened, and he¡¯ll make use of this to cause a lot of trouble for you. What will you do then?¡±

    How would Pang Xiao not know this?

    But when he wanted to do something from the depths of his heart, it didn¡¯t matter what the consequences were. At least now, he could be certain that Qin Yining was still alive. He could finally be relieved from daily nightmares of a corpse lying by the side of the road.

    Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t afraid of anything beneath the heavens, save for Qin Yining suffering or getting hurt. But this time, he really hadn¡¯t fully considered everything. Then again, who would¡¯ve fathomed that Ji Zeyu would be so impulsive as to ignore imperial orders and go attack the surrendered convoy!

    But upon further thought, some wryness swelled in Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. Was Ji Zeyu really just seeking revenge for a good brother?

    With their long-running rtionship, he knew Ji Zeyu to be a highly shrewd, sharp, and deep individual¡ªon par with the emperor. As themander of the Dragon Riders, he dominated the north and had a death grip on the Tatars. How would someone with such bravery and astuteness be the sort to rush into something without thinking of the consequences?

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t need to think too deeply to know that Ji Zeyu was killing two birds with one stone, but he didn¡¯t want to think so ominously of a brother.

    Thus decided, he ignored the rumors swirling outside and matched stories with his mother and maternal grandparents, then ran off to continue ying the patient.

    Having trudged through snow and long distances, the Valiant Tigers had also finally reached the capital.

    When Li Qitian heard that Zuo Jinwei had returned with his men, he immediately had the Five Armies 1, Firearms Division, and the Three Thousand, 2 as well as the ten thousand Dragon Riders that Ji Zeyu had left outside the city walls, block the returning Valiant Tigers outside the city gates.

    When Zuo Jinwei learned that the troops had been intercepted, a surge of indescribable excitement and anticipation barreled through him. The emperor had received his reports, right?

    Pang Zhixi¡¯s deeds threatened to eclipse his master, yet he didn¡¯t know the value of discretion. Anyone with half a brain could see where the greater picture was trending to. And he, Zuo Jinwei, had gotten evidence of such arge crime as soon as he¡¯d taken control of the Valiant Tigers! No matter what the rewards were, his position in the emperor¡¯s internal ranking would advance another step.

    Didn¡¯t those Valiant Tiger bastards refuse his authority? Weren¡¯t they willing to put their lives on the line whenever Pang Zhixi gave the word? He¡¯ll show them just who their realmander is!

    zing with self-righteousness, Zuo Jinwei steered his horse forward and had the men wait in ce.

    The troops sent by the emperor lined up in a great formation outside of the city gates. Their congregation didn¡¯t spook the citizens, since the Valiant Tigers and Dragon Riders had been filtering back to the capital over recent days. Large military encampments outside the city walls were amon sight, and soldiers often entered the city.

    However, the sight of two armies facing off in front of the city gates was a new one. At this time, a disturbance filtered through from the city gates.

    Sitting primly on his hose, Zuo Jinwei craned his neck curiously to see what was going on.

    The newly appointed Minister of the Bureau of Punishments, Qi Rugang, led a stream of department personnel out of the gates. He dered roughly to the guards at the gate, ¡°Watch the gates carefully! Only exit is allowed through the gates today, all entrance is forbidden!¡±

    ¡°Understood!

    The guards on duty had no idea what was going on, but given the highly tense atmosphere, they were worried about incorrectly executing any orders. They quickly passed on the word to all the city gates.

    Zuo Jinwei clenched his fist with tion. There was no way that Pang Zhixi could sneak inside the city now!Let¡¯s see what excuses hees up with when His Majesty interrogates him!

    He also cast a quick look at his vice general, who immediately came forward understandingly. ¡°We¡¯ve had eyes on the carriage all this time. He¡¯s still inside, sick.¡±

    Zuo Jinwei nodded with satisfaction and dismounted, walking forward with a perplexed and irritable expression. ¡°What does Sir Qi mean by all this?¡±

    Qi Rugang flicked a lofty nce at Zuo Jinwei, pausing before moving to dismount.

    Zuo Jinwei busily cursed up an inward storm at how fake the minister was being.

    The surrendered Northern Ji officials had always been estranged from officials like Zuo Jinwei, thetter had fought by the emperor¡¯s side to carve out his dynasty. However, the former hated Pang Zhixi even more so. Today, Qi Rugang would be a de drawn across Pang Zhixi¡¯s neck.

    Zuo Jinwei kept a tight grip on his temper and continued evenly, ¡°Sir Qi has closed the city gates. Is this to keep my Valiant Tigers outside the city? How can you do such a thing??¡±

    Scorn rose in Qi Rugang to see Zuo Jinwei y to the hilt the role of a caringmander. He raised cupped hands in return. ¡°Don¡¯t be in a hurry, Sir Zuo. This official is here today for the matter of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank deploying troops for his own use!¡±

    Deathly silence descended upon the scene. Pang Xiao¡¯s name was simply too renowned in Great Zhou, particrly in the capital!

    The one who¡¯d captured Northern Ji¡¯s capital was Pang Xiao. In the eyes of the enemy, he was a murderous god of violence. In his own people¡¯s eyes, he was an undefeated god of war.

    Thanks to the blocked city doors, more and moremoners were gathering. Everyone watched the scene unfold with curiosity.

    Surrounded by so many people, Zuo Jinwei spent a great deal of effort to keep the schadenfreude from showing in his expression. He asked quizzically, ¡°The prince deploying troops for his own use? But he told this general that he had imperial orders to lead twenty thousand men out for military exercise.¡±

    The vicinity erupted in a hubbub when this was dered.

    If what Minister Qi said was true, then what the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had said about military exercises was clear and tant falsification of imperial orders!

    Many people knew that Pang Zhixi no longer heldmand of the Valiant Tigers. Deploying troops without wielding amand token could be viewed as treason, and he¡¯d even lied to the current Valiant Tigermander to do so!

    This meant that he¡¯dmitted triple crimes of defiance of imperial orders, troop deployment for suspected treason, and forging an imperial decree. Whoever did such a thing would be without a doubt, sentenced to death!

    Citizens discussed hotly amongst themselves as solemn expressions descended on the Valiant Tigers.

    The scene grew restless again as strains of conversation grew ever louder. Things were about to get out of control.

    Zuo Jinwei chortled endlessly to himself, but maintained a grave expression on his face. ¡°Sir Qi must get this right, this is a very important matter. You can¡¯t levy usations without proof and do the prince an injustice.¡±

    As part of the cohort of former Northern Ji officials, Qi Rugang had nothing but disdain for Pang Xiao and Zuo Jinwei. He had absolutely no patience for this act.

    ¡°No proof? General Zuo¡¯s secret report made it clear that the prince had deployed the troops of his own ord and lied that it was on imperial orders for military exercises. You were the one who provided all the evidence. This official is just following the lead and here to arrest a traitor. What kind of games are you ying at here?!¡±

    Those simple wordsid out Zuo Jinwei¡¯s dual agent nature to the Valiant Tigers. He immediately felt countless pairs of eyes fix onto him. If looks were tangible, he would¡¯ve been yed alive and dismembered by all the soldiers.

    It was a bit awkward to be revealed like this, but serious business was at hand, so he didn¡¯t waste energy arguing with Qi Rugang.

    ¡°This general was just conveying the truth. As His Majesty¡¯s subjects, we should remain firmly in our ces. We should never deceive our liege. Since Sir Qi is here, proceed as the Bureau of Punishments would handle the matter. To avoid suspicion, I will not be involved in any part of today or interfere in anything.¡±

    Having delivered his pretty speech, Zuo Jinwei retreated off to the side.

    Qi Rugang cast a sidelong nce at the general and stated to his own men. ¡°Have the Faithful Prince of the First Ranke out.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    Those who¡¯de with the minister were also former Northern Ji officials. They all hated Pang Xiao and would never give him an any easy time in anything. They bounded towards the returning Valiant Tigers as soon as the order was issued,mencing an exhaustive search of the twenty thousand that hade back.

    At the same time, a disguised Great Zhou emperor Li Qitian was hidden within the crowd. He was wearing an inky-green cotton cloak, apanied by head eunuch Li Guanwen, and craning his neck forward with interest.

    His excitement was on par with Zuo Jinwei¡¯s. He¡¯d created such a grand spectacle today so that Pang Xiao¡¯s crimes would be announced to the rest of the world. Even if he killed Pang Zhixi for them, no one would say he was afraid of his subjects and thus getting rid of them after extracting all use! Instead, they would curse Pang Zhixi for not appreciating his good fortunes and attempting treason instead.

    None of them noticed a ferociously frowning Ji Zeyu in another corner, d in a ck cotton cloak and hiding half his face in the cor.

    1. Full name Division of the Five Armies

    2. Together, the three make up the Three Great Training Divisions

 Chapter 301: Being a Scapegoat

    <h4>Chapter 301: Being a Scapegoat</h4>

    Ji Zeyu adjusted his hat and buried his face even deeper into the shadows, not wanting anyone to see that he was here at this time. Pang Xiao¡¯s actions had really ventured out of his expectations this time.

    If he¡¯d known that this sworn brother of his would privately send troops out to investigate the Qin fourth miss¡¯ whereabouts, he wouldn¡¯t have sent his own to intercept and kill the Qins.

    It hadn¡¯t crossed Ji Zeyu¡¯s mind at all that not only would Pang Xiao refrain from pulling up an old enemy by the roots, but that he¡¯d fall for their fourth miss! The marquis had always felt Pang Xiao was a highly principled and rational person. Who would¡¯ve thought that the prince would one day put it all on the line for the girl he likes!

    Ji Zeyu didn¡¯t know how to describe his emotions, but they didn¡¯t feel good.

    He¡¯d been stationed at the Tatar border for almost a year; Pang Xiao had spent the same amount of time fighting the war to the south. Being unable to meet, he didn¡¯t know much about about his brother¡¯s personal affairs. He¡¯d thought that Pang Xiao was the same as before, that he wouldn¡¯t change. But to think that in a short half year, so much of the unanticipated had happened!

    No wonder the marquis had randomly picked up Pang Xiao¡¯s beloved snow-white horse! It was incredulous that he would¡¯ve ever been willing to gift such a valuable Ferghana to a girl. And now, he¡¯dmitted such a grave crime and given this enormous opening to the emperor when rescuing the girl!

    Indeed, Ji Zeyu believed that Pang Xiao really had led the Valiant Tigers out for a search and rescue mission.

    The emperor seemed to be certain beyond a doubt as well, which is why the Dragon Riders had been ordered to hold down the fort. The imperial majesty was nning on thoroughly crippling Pang Xiao this time!

    The marquis and prince were usually both exceedingly cautious. They were on the same footing when it came to eclipsing their master with their aplishments. The marquis understood all of Pang Xiao¡¯s difficulties, and he himself had carefullymitted a mistake that the emperor could seize upon ¡ª so that he would keep himself safe. But the normally coolly collected Pang Xiao had set his personal safety aside for a girl?

    As Ji Zeyu¡¯s thoughts ran their course, his fists slowly tighten inside his cloak. He couldn¡¯t describe what he was feeling. Does Pang Xiao not want to take revenge for his father anymore?

    Has he lost sight of the bigger picture because of a girl?

    Or was the marquis irritated at himself for attacking the surrendered Yan convoy and causing a whole slew of trouble for his brother?

    He could no longer sort through his tangled feelings. All of them mixed together just made him even more cantankerous, so ill-tempered that he wanted to kill someone!

    As the marquis¡¯ thoughts twisted and turned, Qi Rugang finished his close inspection of the Valiant Tigers. He¡¯d even scrutinized the dozen or so rescued Yan officials and their families. At the same time, a group of people surrounded the carriage that Zuo Jinwei had put a heavy guard on.

    ¡°Your Highness, why have you still not alighted to receive your punishment!?¡± Qi Rugang and Zuo Jinwei approached the carriage, one after another.

    The surrounding citizens and Valiant Tigers, as well as the disguised Li Qitian, Li Guanwen, and Ji Zeyu all looked at the carriage.

    The curtains lifted as a grizzled, stooped, seventy-some elder lurched his way down from the carriage. A young maid dressed in a downy-pink doubleyered jacket, her hair swept up in looped pigtails, followed after.

    The elder ced a wooden footstool in front of the carriage, drawing mutedmotion from the crowd. A strapping man like the Faithful Prince of the First Rank needed a footstool to get out of a carriage?

    At this time, the navy blue, cotton curtains were lifted by a pale, jade-like arm.

    What came into view was a young girl with her head lowered, her inky-ck long hair and soft features on disy. The scene quieted down as she stepped down with the help of her young maid.

    It was a beautiful young girl wearing a pale-green skitbination, draped with snow-white fox fur; her hands neatly tucked into white fox fur hand muffs that were embedded with rubies.

    She stood a bit helplessly in the crowd, not sure what to do with her hands and feet. Her lively, almond-shaped eyes were dewy, likely out of fright. Slender fingers adjusted her fur cor as she looked down, hiding half her face in the snowy fur.

    Beneath the winter sun, the cor perfectly offset her clear skin and she seemed to glow in the celestial radiance. The green of new growth in her clothes brought a hint of spring to the gray-white winter, so stunning that it shook one¡¯s heart.

    Within the crowd, Li Qitian narrowed his eyes. Head eunuch Li Guanwen¡¯s mouth had dropped open; he had no idea that he had sucked in a mouthful of cial air.

    Ji Zeyu was expressionless, save for a shrewd light shing through his attractive eyes. There seemed to be a voice pointing out to him that this is the Qin fourth miss.

    Close at hand, Qi Rugang and Zuo Jinwei werepletely bbergasted. The Valiant Tigers next to them were more steady. They¡¯d all seen Qin Yining before and knew that she was the future princess consort.

    Dressed as a seventy-some year old elder, Xie Yue shook as he walked forward, making his greetings to Zuo Jinwei in a raspy voice. ¡°General Zuo, this isn¡¯t what we discussed before. Didn¡¯t you say that you were going to escort my miss into the capital? Why is she barred from entering the city and even asked to alight?¡±

    Zuo Jinwei could only reply in a daze, ¡°Who are you? When has this official ever met you?¡±

    ¡°Now this won¡¯t do, Master Zuo!¡± Xie Yue roused to anger. ¡°Although Great Yan has submitted to Great Zhou, my miss is still the official daughter of the Marquis of Anping! Minister Qin was a renowned official in the former Yan dynasty! What do you mean with this denial?!¡±

    ¡°You, you!¡± Zuo Jinwei couldn¡¯t quite wrap his mind around things. The sense that something was wrong pricked at him. He hastily asked his confidante, ¡°What¡¯s going on here, isn¡¯t that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank in the carriage?! How did you all guard that vehicle?!¡±

    His vice general was likewise addlepated. ¡°Please, please quell your anger, sir! This subordinate kept a close eye on this carriage all this time. Even a sparrow wouldn¡¯t have flown out of it, much less a person. It, it really is the prince in that carriage!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s slender eyebrows drew together slightly, her tone gentle but colored with a few hints of anger. ¡°Where is this evening from? I¡¯ve been in this carriage all along. Aside from me, there¡¯s only an elderly senior and my eight year old maid inside the vehicle. What outside male is there?¡±

    She red hotly at Zuo Jinwei and hectored severely, ¡°Master Zuo, I was grateful to you for the rescue, and you¡¯d even promised to keep looking for my father and missing family members. I agreed to introduce you to my father.

    ¡°But you¡¯re throwing such nder at me in broad daylight! What do you mean by this?? Great Yan has surrendered to Great Zhou and submitted to His Majesty because His Majesty is a wise ruler. But to think that sage emperor would have such a flip-flopping subject! I have truly learned something new today!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s words were logical, usible, and self-assured. There was also entirely too much information in them. A dull roar broke out in the crowd.

    What deployment of troops for personal use?

    What falsification of imperial orders?

    It was all bullshit!

    In reality, Master Zuo Jinwei was cozying up to the surrendered Yan officials! That¡¯s why he¡¯d sent troops out to rescue them¡ªwho else held the Valiant Tigermand token?

 Chapter 302: Who To Believe?

    <h4>Chapter 302: Who To Believe?</h4>

    Within the crowd, Li Qitian¡¯s forehead was knit tightly as he looked suspiciously at Zuo Jinwei.

    Zuo Jinwei was the Minister of Military Affairs and themander of a hundred thousand Valiant Tigers. It was understandable if his ambitions had grown to wanting sole authority after wielding great power. But would he be so bold as to frame Pang Zhixi and deceive his liege, all for his own profit?

    Li Qitian actually didn¡¯t know who he should believe.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining was still effortlessly slinging everything onto Zuo Jinwei.

    ¡°Master Zuo, you said you wanted to be introduced to my father and then to Prince Yan. Looking at what you¡¯ve done today however, let¡¯s forget about all that. My father is an upright and righteous man. He won¡¯t want to run with petty criminals!¡±

    If Zuo Jinwei still didn¡¯t understand that he was being framed, then he¡¯d really be a fool. Literally hopping mad, he stabbed a finger in the vicinity of Qin Yining¡¯s nose.

    ¡°nder! Where did a wild chit like youe from? How dare you pretend to be from Great Yan? How dare you wag your tongue like this?! When have I ever done anything like that? I didn¡¯t rescue you at all!¡±

    A frown crossed Qin Yining¡¯s forehead and she turned back to look at the other rescued Yan citizens. She didn¡¯t say anything, but her unruffledposure told everyone that Zuo Jinwei was lying!

    Having watched the show for quite a while, Qi Rugang fully understood now that Zuo Jinwei had set up a plot that¡¯d made even the emperor a pawn. He stalked forward furiously to inspect the carriage.

    Upon finding no sign of Pang Xiao, he called out loudly, ¡°Have you all made a thorough search? Is the Faithful Prince of the First Rank really not among the men?¡±

    ¡°Sir, no sir!¡±

    Some of the young Valiant Tigers, the ones closer to Pang Xiao and tapped to possibly join the Elite Tigers, hadpletely grasped the situation at this point.

    One of them murmured in a tone pitched perfectly to travel o the crowd outside, ¡°That¡¯s strange. The prince has turned over themand token and I hear he¡¯s sick. Shouldn¡¯t he be resting at home? Why would he be with the troops?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, has Master Zuo gotten confused about something?¡±

    Master Zuo was indeed very confused. He had no idea how a living, breathing person could disappear. He¡¯d entered the carriage as a man, but exited as a dainty little girl!

    All of his hairs were raised on end as cold sweat dripped down his forehead. He was really in a bind. There were two main conclusions to his secret report¡ªthe first that Pang Zhixi had illicitly sent out troops, and the second that the prince had created fake official orders.

    And now there were twenty thousand Valiant Tigers being held off by the Firearms Division, Five Armies, Three Thousand, and another ten thousand Dragon Riders. The Bureau of Punishments had also announced that only exit from the city was allowed. Such an enormous affair could¡¯ve only beenmanded by the emperor.

    And the emperor had done all this because he¡¯d believed Zuo Jinwei¡¯s reports and wanted to publicly arrest Pang Zhixi.

    But reality had somehow progressed in apletely different way! Would the emperor eat him alive if this matter turned out to be a disaster?!

    Within the crowd, Li Qitian¡¯s forehead was knit together even tighter, while Ji Zeyu seriously assessed Qin Yining for the first time.

    A girl of the inner residence, able to fearlessly, logically present her side in public, in front of an audience, and neatly remove Pang Xiao from the situation while dumping the mess onto someone else?

    This isn¡¯t a simple character.

    Various thoughts travelled through everyone¡¯s minds. No change flickered through the Valiant Tigers as the military regtions were strict. They weren¡¯t allowed to talk when standing in formation, but the same hardly applied to the citizens.

    Everyone clustered in threes and fives, the low buzz of conversation everywhere. Everyone was specting if the emperor wanted to get rid of Pang Zhixi. Some with sharper political acumen were even wondering if the emperor wanted to eliminate one of the founding subjects of the nation.

    The remarks filtered into the disguised Li Qitian¡¯s ears, feeling like crisp ps on his face. He wasn¡¯t a decrepit ruler, he was a wise and noble one! He would never do something like discarding an old subject once all the hard work was done, at least not on the surface. He wouldn¡¯t allow the historians to record him in such an awful way.

    But the noise of chatter reverberated through his eardrums as gossip raged ever more wildly, like he really had done something! All of this was because of that bastard Zuo¡¯s secret report!

    As the situation settled into a stalemate, a new strain of conversation traveled from the city gates. A loud announcement sounded shortly afterwards, ¡°Presenting, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!¡±

    Heads looked over in the direction of the city gates to see a carriage rolling out. It had redcquer wheels, a magnificent cloth covering on the roof, and radiant tassels swinging¡ªthe standard outrements of an imperial prince.

    When the carriage travelled closer to the crowd, Huzi leapt down from the shaft and lifted the door curtain to reveal a wan Pang Xiao firmly wrapped in thick furs. The prince mbered down from the vehicle, stifling some coughs as he did so.

    Zuo Jinwei stared at Pang Xiao like he was seeing a ghost. Does this guy know how to teleport?

    The prince¡¯s sickly condition had been on disy for all to see back in the military camp. But he¡¯d disappeared once they¡¯d returned to the capital, ande out from the city instead!

    Qi Rugang approached with a frown to make his bow. ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡±

    The crowd followed suit. ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao waved a hand and coughed twice more. ¡°No need for such formalities. This prince heard that someone¡¯s levied an usation of private troop deployment? And that this prince lied to Master Zuo in order to lead twenty thousand Valiant Tigers to the Great Yan border?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Sweat increasingly beaded on Zuo Jinwei¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°Has this prince demonstrated an overly jovial nature that Master Zuo is deluded into thinking I¡¯m an easy target? I¡¯ve been sick for many days and remained within my manor, how dare you use me of mutiny and treason?! His Majesty has pitied my overwork andmanded me to rest. I don¡¯t even possess themand token anymore, how am I to deploy the Valiant Tigers?!

    ¡°Not to mention, I¡¯ve been resting at home these days, but you say that I¡¯m at the Great Yan border, and mouth some nonsense that I said it was for military exercises? What kind of colossal gibberish is this??¡±

    Pang Xiao pointed at Qi Rugang. ¡°Sir Qi, it would behoove you to investigate thoroughly before taking action! Do you not know where to find my manor? If you suspected me after receiving Master Zuo¡¯s report, why do you not call upon me first? Or are you intent on making a fool out of yourself in riling up so many?¡±

    Qi Rugang was beet red from the exhortations.How am I the one behind any of this? It was all His Majesty!

    But ept he must, his new role as the imperial scapegoat.

    Visible steam was almost rising off of Li Qitian¡¯s head, but what could he do? He truly regretted his decision to bepletely sure of everything. Why hadn¡¯t he searched the prince¡¯s manor? If he¡¯d obtained evidence of Pang Xiao¡¯s absence, would the prince be so cocky now?

    But honestly, was the truth of the matter this time Pang Xiao deploying troops for personal use, or Zuo Jinwei framing Pang Xiao because the minister wanted power in his hands alone?

    Possessing an innate paranoia, Li Qitian had no idea who he could trust at this point.

    Apart from those disguised in the crowd, Pang Xiao¡¯s position was the highest amongst those present. He coughed a few more times before ordering, ¡°Open the gates and allow normal passage. Don¡¯t keep everyone bottled up here. It¡¯ll only impact everyone¡¯s day-to-day. In addition, put up those from Great Yan in the guest inns.¡±

    His phoenix-eyes finally rested on Qin Yining for the first time after reeling off all of the instructions. Dancing twin mes in his orbs made as if they wanted to burn the girl to a crisp on the spot.

 Chapter 303: Taking Away By Force (I)

    <h4>Chapter 303: Taking Away By Force (I)</h4>

    Longing from an extended period of separation and reunion after trial and tribtion quickly gathered tears in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes.

    When she¡¯d been chased by assassins and huddled in a one-person shelter, attempting to find cover from the snow and wind, without any food or water, she¡¯d once prayed in the deepest part of her heart that Pang Xiao would appear.

    When she learned that Pang Xiao had still opted to search for her, even running the risk of insubordination, emotion had broken through the barricades of her heart. Sadly, the young lovers had been caught by circumstance and the prince had had to rush back to the capital before he could see her.

    Sentimentality had slowly morphed into yearning. As she yed the part of Pang Xiao on the way back, she would often stare at herself in the mirror. A bizarre sense of wrongness jarred her with the reflection of the prince¡¯s face, but there was also a bit offort from the sight.

    Now that they¡¯d finally met, her taut heartstrings could finally rx. The tough obstinance she showed outsiders vanished, leaving behind only overflowing grievance¡ªlike a child lost for many days finally finding her way home.

    The ardent look in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes echoed her feelings.

    She took one involuntary step forward, but the prince remained where he was, unmoving, and even stiffly turned his head aside to not look at her.

    She froze in ce, cold water instantly dumped over the raging emotions in her heart.

    There was a split second worth of hurt.

    But her thoughts moved quickly. She was in the capital of Great Zhou now, and Pang Xiao in difficult straits. She was also the daughter of a surrendered official, and caution was indeed required when it came to their words and deeds. Qin Yining ducked her head and didn¡¯t look at the prince anymore.

    At this time, Qi Rugang and the others had finished arranging for military camps outside the city walls, and normal passage had been restored through the gates. The rescued Great Yan officials were weed by officials from the Ministry of Personnel and Rites and whisked off to the guest inns.

    Someone approached Qin Yining. ¡°Miss Qin, please head to the guest inns with us.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss nodded silently and followed the speaker.

    The guest inns were where Great Zhou weed honored visitors. The emperor¡¯s arrangement was highly ceremonious for the families of surrendered officials.

    These folk had starved and thirsted in the Yan Dynasty, spending day-to-day on tenterhooks and then running into extreme danger on the road. Uneasiness still yawned in the bottom of their hearts, even though they were in Great Zhou. Some even felt that it was already good enough they hadn¡¯t been thrown into the dungeons as soon as they¡¯d arrived. They¡¯d never thought that the Zhou emperor would be so generous as to put them up in luxurious inns!

    They were first startled by the ttery, then enveloped by reassurance. With this disy of the emperor¡¯s attitude, that meant their safety were secure.

    Qin Yining moved towards the carriage, Lian Xiaozhou in hand. They climbed adroitly onto the vehicle.

    Xie Yue was highly relieved to see how rational the Qin fourth miss and the prince had been upon meeting each other. He continued ying the role of an elderly Qin servant and followed the girls into the carriage.

    Their carriage set off, following the officials from the Ministry of Rites. Pang Xiao stood by the side of road, expressionlessly watching Qin Yining¡¯s vehicle enter the city. A familiar figure then caught the corner of his eye.

    The prince looked around to confirm that everyone had dispersed, before slowly striding over to the cloaked man in the shadows who was hiding his face.

    ¡°What are you doing here? Enjoying the show?¡± Pang Xiao kept his voice low.

    Ji Zeyu looked back at the prince. ¡°Your beloved has entered the city. Aren¡¯t you going to go after her?¡±

    Pang Xiao stared back expressionlessly.

    Ji Zeyu typically wore a nk expression as well; this time was no exception. The two looked silently at each other for a while.

    ¡°Thank you for the reminder. I do need to go after her.¡±

    Ji Zeyu nodded coldly. ¡°Then go.¡±

    Pang Xiao stared at Ji Zeyu for another long moment, refraining from interrogative questions in the end. He turned back to his carriage and ordered frostily, ¡°Catch up to the Qin carriage.¡±

    Huzi and the apanying Elite Tigers all trembled when they glimpsed their master¡¯s wooden expression. Though the prince wasn¡¯t outwardly expressing his anger, his aura red like he was on the battlefield, about to reap heads. It was an obvious indicator of his rage.

    Huzi snuck a look at Ji Zeyu in the distance, then back at his master climbing into the carriage. He clucked inwardly to himself. The prince would¡¯ve beheaded anyone else, much less talk to the guy! He didn¡¯t lose his temper at the marquis even though he was thoroughly enraged, and didn¡¯t pick a fight or start an argument. They¡¯re sworn brothers alright!

    Their carriage also set off on its way, the Elite Tigers steering it in Qin Yining¡¯s direction.

    Ji Zeyu watched the prince¡¯s vehicle vanish through the city gates, he himself coldly re-entering the city momentster.

    Qin Yining¡¯s carriage trailed the others to arrive at the guest inns, and she was about to follow the officials inside to rest when fast hoof steps sounded from behind them.

    Those who hadn¡¯t gone inside yet looked back to see an opulent carriage careen down the road. The window curtains were cracked open to reveal a half-visage of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. He glowered in Qin Yining¡¯s direction.

    When the vehicle slowly rolled to a stop, he leered and pointed at the Qin fourth miss. ¡°Take her back to this prince¡¯s manor.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Huzi drew a nk. What did his master want? What kind of attitude was this?

    Those equally stunned struggled to make their brains operate again. Was the prince kidnapping someone in broad daylight?

    Qin Yining looked calmly at the flinty Pang Xiao in the carriage, feeling that something was gravely wrong. His current attitude was very hard to bear.

    He¡¯d always been exceedingly gentle and tender with her, so she was certain that he felt something for her. If not, would he have taken the risk to personally go rescue her?

    But now, he was the very image of a darkly dangerous tyrant.

    Her mind spinning rapidly, Qin Yining abruptly grasped his intentions and couldn¡¯t help but sigh admiringly at his thoughtfulness.

    ¡°You, you...¡± Anger seemed to ovee her as she swayed on her feet.

    When Pang Xiao saw her wobble, he sat bolt upright with his hands clenched tightly. But his hands rxed a breathter.

    ¡°What ¡®you¡¯?! Now in my territory, you¡¯re not allowed to even think no!¡± Pang Xiao turned to his attendants. ¡°What, does this prince need to tell you what to do?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Um. Understood!¡± A heavy fog of bafflement still wreathed around Huzi, but he knew how to follow orders and issued his own to take the Qin fourth miss.

    The color drained from Xiaozhou¡¯s face when she saw that so many were here to take her big sister away. She frantically grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s hand and ran off.

    The fourth miss was led away for a few steps, upon which the Elite Tigers caught up and surrounded them. Xiaozhou¡¯s eyes were that of a terrified, puffed-out cat as she maintained a death grip on Qin Yining¡¯s hand.

    Xie Yue wailed ordingly, ¡°What are you all doing?! Kidnapping in broad daylight?! Our miss isn¡¯t someone you can just offend like this! She¡¯s the daughter of the Marquis of Anping! You can¡¯t do this!¡±

 Chapter 304: Taking Away By Force (II)

    <h4>Chapter 304: Taking Away By Force (II)</h4>

    ¡°Can¡¯t?¡± Pang Xiao chuckled disdainfully. ¡°You are just the family members of surrendered officials and defeated soldiers. Even the head of your household would have to bow and scrape to this prince, much less you lot! Do you think this is still Yan territory? Only death awaits those who say no to this prince!¡±

    Xie Yue trembled from head to toe. ¡°How dare you bully us this way!?¡± He took a trembling, protective stance in front of Qin Yining.

    Huzi led the Elite Tigers forward and plucked Xie Yue away to the side, to be trussed up like a chicken. He then stuffed Qin Yining and Lian Xiaozhou back in the carriage they¡¯d juste in.

    The Qin fourth miss remembered to put on a show of struggling before going back in. Granted, the girls¡¯ resistance was quite futile given how strong and ferocious the Elite Tigers were.

    Everyone outside of the guest inns could only watch as the Faithful Prince of the First Rank rode off with the Qin fourth miss.

    The Great Zhou officials didn¡¯t understand the rtionship between Pang Xiao and Qin Yining. They were too far away from Great Yan, and their positions were far too low to read secret reports.

    But the Great Yan citizens did.

    This prince had once pursued the miss in an extremely high profile manner¡ªsticking up for her in public, gifting her manors, and doing everything he could to make her happy. But now that their country had fallen, his attitude had changedpletely to that of a bandit¡¯s.

    Fear and horror exploded in their hearts, threatening to drown thempletely. If someone with such a strong backer like Miss Qin was being treated this way in their new home, whatid in store for the rest of them?

    ¡­¡­

    Qin Yining had her arm around a terrified Lian Xiaozhou and was patting her headfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, the big brother just now isn¡¯t a bad guy. Big sister did all of this on purpose.¡±

    Though the little girl couldn¡¯t speak very well, she was sharp as a whip. She looked at the older girl with bafflement. ¡°Big sister, knows, uncle?¡±

    Uncle?

    It hadn¡¯t crossed her mind for a while, bute to think of it, Pang Xiao¡¯s nominal age was 24 now, wasn¡¯t it?

    Lian Xiaozhou was nine, but she¡¯d grown up in the mountains and so was very different from a typical nine year old. Her mental age was probably still six or seven, which was why she called the prince ¡®uncle¡¯.

    I wonder what Pang Xiao will think of this, heh!

    Laughter snuck out of Qin Yining when she considered her beloved¡¯s possible reactions.

    Possibly infected by the easy mood, Lian Xiaozhou also rxed. Though she didn¡¯t know why big sister wasughing, it didn¡¯t preclude her from chuckling along.

    The Elite Tiger outside escorting the carriage found the situation incredibly bizarre. Had this Miss Qin been scared out of her wits? How could she stillugh when she¡¯d been carted off like this?

    He hadn¡¯t gone to Great Yan with Pang Xiao, so naturally had no idea what had happened there. All he spected was that the prince liked the beauty, or had taken his enemy¡¯s daughter in order to seek revenge for his father.

    He wasn¡¯t the only one to think so; perhaps everyone who didn¡¯t fully understand the situation thought so.

    This was also precisely the effect that Pang Xiao and Qin Yining wanted.

    When the carriage returned to the manor, Pang Xiao had the side door opened so that the upants didn¡¯t need to disembark.

    The manor of this imperial prince was quite magnificent and grand. Winged engravings on building facades were covered by pristine snow. In contrast to the delicate exquisiteness of Great Yan architecture, solemn augustness and stately roughness filled every corner. Though it wasn¡¯t the same as the gentle sophistication of Great Yan¡¯s manors, there was another dimension to beauty to it all.

    Qin Yining peeked out of the carriage windows as they travelled to the guest rooms, awed by the striking size of the manor just from this short glimpse.

    Such an enormousplex couldn¡¯t possibly have been built in one or two years. This must¡¯ve been the home of one of the Northern Ji imperial princes. Had Li Qitian just awarded it to Pang Xiao when Great Zhou was founded?

    The carriage slowed down in the midst of Qin Yining¡¯s wild spections, and she didn¡¯t have time to react before someone burst through the door curtain and enveloped her in a familiar bear-hug.

    This gave Lian Xiaozhou another fright, and she quickly pushed at the baddie who dared to bully her big sister. ¡°Bad man, go away, bad man!¡±

    Pang Xiao was oblivious to it all as he dropped a shower of kisses on Qin Yining¡¯s ear lobes and nape of her neck.

    When Lian Xiaozhou saw that the bad guy wasn¡¯t letting go, and that her efforts weren¡¯t changing anything, she anxiously charged forward to bite Pang Xiao¡¯s arm.

    The attack didn¡¯t hurt at all since it was dulled by winter clothing. Xiaozhou clung doggedly to the prince¡¯s arm and continued iling her fists.

    Pang Xiao finally let go when he almost suffered a blow to the nose. He demanded impatiently, ¡°Where did you get this wild girl? Is her zodiac the dog? Why does she even bite people?¡±

    Qin Yining pushed Pang Xiao aside and pulled Lian Xiaozhou over for someforting pats. She pinched little cheeks reddened from anger. ¡°Don''t be angry, he¡¯s teasing us.¡±

    The little girl pointed furiously at Pang Xiao. ¡°Bad, uncle! Bad man! Big sister, we, go!¡±

    Even if Xiaozhou wasn¡¯t good at speech, her words still set Pang Xiao off. Glowering, he snatched the little girl and threw her out the carriage at Huzi.

    The guard scrambled to catch an unrepentant Xiaozhou, who was still jabbing an usatory finger. ¡°Bad man! Bad uncle!¡±

    Completely fed up, Pang Xiao¡¯s expression was very dark. ¡°She calls you big sister, but I¡¯m a bad uncle!¡±

    ¡°Bad uncle!¡± Xiaozhou¡¯s legs kicked frantically as her hands were pinned by Huzi.

    Well, he really was eight years older than Qin Yining. A thick nket of depression draped over Pang Xiao.

    Having watched the show for a while, Qin Yining finally burst outughing at the scene of one person standing off to the side with a ck expression, and another still thrashing about with, ¡°Bad uncle!¡±

    Herughter stunned the guards and servants who hadn¡¯t seen her before.

    The crisply cheerful sound dispelled Pang Xiao¡¯s irritation, and he chuckled in return as well. The atmosphere became a lot lighter.

    Qin Yining looked around and let down the window curtain. She wasn¡¯t sure if there were eyes and ears from any other factions amongst those present.

    Pang Xiao waved a hand. ¡°All of you are dismissed. Clean up Snowtrace Garden for Miss Qin to stay at. Those who have no business here are dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The group took their leave and departed, leaving only Pang Xiao, Huzi, Xie Yue, and Lian Xiaozhou outside the carriage.

    The little girl seemed to have tired herself out from all the yelling and had settled on ring ferociously.

    ¡®Uncle Pang¡¯ had recovered from the blow to his age and lifted the door curtain to help Qin Yining down.

    The Qin fourth miss made introductions when she was certain that no one else was around. ¡°This is Lian Xiaozhou. I almost froze to death in the mountains this time. She saved me.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s expression finally warmed when he heard that the little girl had saved his beloved. Putting aside the fact that he¡¯d been aged a generation, he turned to Qin Yining. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone help her settle in. Come meet my mother and maternal grandparents.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed nervously.

 Chapter 305: Dafu

    <h4>Chapter 305: Dafu</h4>

    Qin Yining had been running over earlier events at the city gate, analyzing Great Zhou¡¯s political situation, and fretting about her family¡¯s safety. With everything she¡¯d been considering, she¡¯d forgotten to analyze her current situation.

    Having been ¡®kidnapped¡¯ to Pang Xiao¡¯s manor, she was to face not only the prince, but his family as well.

    But she was the daughter of Qin Huaiyuan.

    Even if Pang Xiao¡¯s father had died because of the tyrant of Northern Ji, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s n had been the spark to the fires of destruction. Would Pang Xiao¡¯s mother dislike her? Or even hate her?

    And, from what position should she approach the Pangs with?

    Great Yan had fallen, she was in the Great Zhou capital as the daughter of a surrendered official. She no longer had a status on par with Pang Xiao. Even if he didn¡¯t mind the change, his elders probably wouldn¡¯t assess her from the perspective of equals, would they?

    And the most important thing was, it was her first time meeting the parents, but she didn¡¯t have greeting gifts on hand!

    As nerves and concerns vied for dominance, she failed to notice that Pang Xiao had bent at the waist and had been observing her shifting expressions for quite a while.

    It was the first time he¡¯d seen such a varied disy on her face. He¡¯d only ever known her as an exceedingly rational and sensible girl¡ªso much so that he often forgot her true age. It was only when she blushed nervously that he remembered she was a young girl who¡¯d juste of age.

    Shortening the distance between their nose tips, he drew so close that he could smell her unique fragrance. Qin Yining abruptly took two steps backwards when she came back to her senses.

    ¡°What, what are you doing so close to me?¡± Anyone would be startled when a face suddenly loomed in their field of vision.

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Oh look at you.¡± He took her hand and strolled into the inner residence, not caring that others would see them.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. My grandfather and grandmother are all ordinarymoners. My mother is even more gentle. They don¡¯t have the airs and affections of nobility. You¡¯re such a wonderful girl. They¡¯re sure to like you after they meet you.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded nervously. ¡°But... I came in a hurry. I haven¡¯t prepared anything. It¡¯s really too impolite to do so.¡±

    Pang Xiao burst out chuckling. ¡°What do you need to prepare? Just you being here is enough.¡±

    The girl blushed even more fiercely when she heard this, and she picked roughly at his palm with the hand he was holding, prompting more happy chuckles from the prince.

    They passed through the second door of ceremony, took a turn past an exquisite garden on their left, and arrived at the flower-hung gate.

    A granny servant walked up to them as soon as they stepped through it. ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Send word to the old madame, grand-madame, and grand-lord. This prince hase home with Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The granny servant didn¡¯t dare say anything else and immediately sent a fleet-footed girl to take the message ahead.

    Pang Xiao sauntered into the inner residence, still pulling Qin Yining¡¯s hand. He chuckled and whispered, ¡°My grandmother has a fiery nature and was listed on the jianghu rankings when she was young. She worked as a security escort for a while, so her martial arts are really something. She wanted some peace and quiet afterwards, and was conquered by my grandfather¡¯s cooking.¡±

    Giggles escaped Qin Yining when she heard the description.

    ¡°My grandfather is a very gentle, honest person. He has a kind heart, but is also very sharp. I think my mother¡¯s smartse from him.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss nodded. ¡°I can tell. You¡¯re so smart, so the old madame must be very smart as well.¡±

    The prince scratched the girl¡¯s nose with a smile. ¡°No need to be so reserved. You can call my mother ¡®aunt¡¯. She used to be a maid for the Pangs. Though she doesn¡¯t read very much, she¡¯s seen a bit of the world in a general¡¯s manor. If it wasn¡¯t for my father¡¯s official wife running her out in a fit of jealousy, I might not be alive today either.¡±

    ¡°She must be a very resilient person,¡± Qin Yiningmented seriously.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry a thing. They¡¯re all very easy to get along with.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled in spite of herself, when she saw how warm his smile was. She could feel the genuine, untroubled intimacy when Pang Xiao mentioned his family. From his short introduction, she could tell that it shouldn¡¯t be too hard to get along with them.

    Her nervous sweat from earlier had all dissipated.

    Soft yips from a small dog suddenly sounded from ahead. A snow-white bundle of fur bounced and tumbled through the main door, revealing itself to be a small, snowy Pekingese. A married servant in her early twenties chased the dog out.

    When she saw the prince, she bent her knee in a curtsey and smiled. ¡°No wonder Salt wouldn¡¯t stay in the old madame¡¯s arms just now. He knew Your Highness had returned and came out to wee you.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked down at the small Pekingese with a smile. ¡°This is Salt, I told you about him before.¡±

    Meeting Salt reminded Qin Yining of Riceball. A wave of heartache and sorrow hit her, but she didn¡¯t let it show. She bent down to take a closer look at the dog.

    Salt was covered in white, fluffy fur. He sported a pair of round, ck eyes, and a slightly upturned ck nose and mouth. The protruding pink tongue panted at her, like he was smiling. It was a sight that induced adoration.

    Pang Xiao grinned. ¡°Salt, greeting.¡±

    The dog stood up on his hind legs as soon as the order was given, ced his front paws together, and made bowing motions with his forelegs. That silly look of imitating a cupped fist salute teased a giggle out of Qin Yining.

    Pang Xiao patted Salt¡¯s head. ¡°This little guy loves people and doesn¡¯t bite. He¡¯s very even-tempered. If you like, you cane visit my mother often and y with him.¡±

    The girl nodded with a smile.

    Pang Xiao pulled her into the upper yard, Salt panting and dancing around the two of them. The married servant followed behind them, sizing up Qin Yining curiously.

    In the covered hallway, maids on either side of the door lifted up navy-blue door curtains of fine cotton that were oveid on thin, wooden ts. The warmth that wafted out to one¡¯s entrance was veryfortable.

    Taking off and handing his cloak to a maid, Pang Xiao led Qin Yining to the east side room.

    Theyout of the houses here were simr to the ones in Great Yan¡ªjust that the luohan bed in front of the window had been swapped out for a heated sleeping tform next to the window. The very sight of it looked quitefortable.

    There was a kindly old woman, tall and broad-shouldered, albeit slightly chubby-looking, sitting cross-legged next to a ckcquer table with a brazier beneath it. She looked to be in her early sixties and was looking at the young couple with a smile.

    On the either side of the heated table was an elderly man wearing navy-blue, cotton robes. A six-paneled hat warmed his head as he packed tobo into a brass pipe. A coarse thumb was carefully pressing everyst strand in.

    Another beautiful, middle aged woman was sitting sideways to the heated tform. The rest of the maids and granny servants were standing next to the divider, divided into two rows and their hands at their sides.

    Qin Yining¡¯s previously rxed mood tensed again, and she rushed forward to make her greetings.

    Pang Xiao was one step ahead of her. ¡°Grandfather, grandmother, mother, this is my darling Yi that I¡¯ve mentioned.¡± He turned back and tugged the girl down to kneel next to him, apanying her through the formal greeting to an elder.

    ¡°Won¡¯t you look at that, our Dafu¡¯s learned to protect someone younger. Are you worried grandmother will bully your beloved?¡± Grandmother n¨¦e Ma had the ent of a northerner and straightforward friendliness infused in her tone.

    Qin Yining blinked nkly before reacting. So Pang Xiao¡¯s childhood nickname was Dafu, meaning ¡®great fortune¡¯?

 Chapter 306: Ne Yao

    <h4>Chapter 306: Ne Yao</h4>

    The childhood nickname brimmed with his elders¡¯ hopes for him. It was obvious evidence of his family¡¯s love for Pang Xiao.

    But in Qin Yining¡¯s mind, the prince had ever been the wildly domineering sort. It was truly difficult to reconcile him with as simple and honest as ¡®Dafu¡¯. It was bizarrely hrious.

    However, it wouldn¡¯t do to burst outughing in front of one¡¯s elders. Qin Yining warned herself sternly to remember her manners and bent her knee to curtsey at n¨¦e Ma. ¡°Greetings to the grand-madame.¡±

    ¡°Good, good. Very good. Come and sit by me, it¡¯s warm here.¡± N¨¦e Ma pushed n¨¦e Yao. ¡°You go sit over there.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao moved out of the way with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re showing too much favoritism, mom. Don¡¯t you want your daughter anymore after seeing your granddaughter-inw?¡±

    As thick-skinned as Qin Yining might¡¯ve been, the joking about a granddaughter-inw was too much for her to bear. Her face burning, she found a seat by the heated tform.

    N¨¦e Ma grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s hand with a smile. ¡°Whenever my foolish grandsones home, all he can talk about is how wonderful his darling Yi is, how good you are, and what you¡¯re doing. I¡¯m growing calluses in my ears! Things are perfect now that you¡¯re in the capital, Dafu doesn¡¯t need to pine and waste away from lovesickness.¡± Sheughed heartily at the end of her words.

    Qin Yining wanted to bury her face in her clothes. She¡¯d never met such a forthright elder. Nothing had been settled between her and Pang Xiao yet, and in fact a veritable chasm existed between them. But here n¨¦e Ma was, so certain that it sounded like the wedding was going to be held tomorrow.

    Seeing how mortified the Qin fourth miss was, grandfather Yao Chenggu lit his pipe and took a pull on it. Heid out gently in a measured tone, ¡°Don¡¯t scare the girl. She¡¯s not like us, shees from a sophisticated family.¡±

    This interjection drew Qin Yining¡¯s involuntary nce. This elder was just as Pang Xiao had said; he looked like a harmless sheep and spoke mildly enough, but the meaning behind his words was anything but.

    Did he dislike the Qins? Or was he mocking them? Was he telling her that things wouldn¡¯t be so easily settled between her and Pang Xiao?

    She smiled in response. ¡°The grand-lord is jesting. In terms of status, how would a princely household be a humble family? It¡¯s rather the Yan Dynasty that lies in ruins.¡±

    Yao Chenggu took another pull of the pipe and only smiled mildly in return.

    N¨¦e Ma red at her husband. ¡°You old thing. Why are you interrupting when the women are talking? It¡¯s gettingte. Didn¡¯t you say you were going to stew a fish for Dafu today?¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡± Yao Chenggu strolled outside, one hand behind his back and the other holding his pipe.

    The family matriarch turned back with a smile. ¡°Just ignore him. Us women can chat together.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s mother took an exquisite, white porcin tea cup, patterns traced on it in gold, from a nearby maid and smiled gently. ¡°Why don¡¯t you warm up with some almond tea? It¡¯s rather cold outside, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, aunt.¡± ttered by the attention, Qin Yining hastily epted the covered tea cup with both hands.

    N¨¦e Yao was a tall and limber beauty. She possessed a kind of beauty that had nothing to do with age, but rather an innate sense of tenderness and astuteness. Eyes highly simr to Pang Xiao¡¯s brimmed with good intent when she spoke, so gentle that they seemed warm pools of water. It was a very peaceful andforting sight.

    Warmth travelled from the mouth to the heart with a sip of almond tea, easing Qin Yining¡¯s nerves.

    N¨¦e Yao chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s your first time in the north and you had to travel during wintertime. It must have been a hard journey.¡± Her cid voice was a marked contrast to n¨¦e Ma¡¯s dulcet tones.

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°In respectful response, the journey went well enough. It¡¯s my first time seeing such heavy snowfall though. I lived on Great Yan¡¯s northern border for a bit when I was young and felt that winters there were the coldest. To think there¡¯s a ce even colder than the city of Liang!¡±

    N¨¦e Maughed. ¡°Silly, that was the south. It¡¯s much warmer than the north. I went even further north when I was young¡ªnow that was really cold!¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I always felt that I was much luckier than the typical noble daughter because I¡¯ve had the opportunity to live freely and see the outside world. But I quite admire Grand-Madame. The prince said that you¡¯ve visited many ces? If you¡¯re free one day, might you tell me about where you¡¯ve been? I¡¯d love to learn more about the world.¡±

    The conversation just now had been enough to impart that n¨¦e Ma was a forthright and direct, as well as exceedingly optimistic person. She genuinely liked the Qin fourth miss.

    Seniors tended to like discussing matters of their youth, and it just so happened that Qin Yining liked listening to those stories. It was a most excellent shortcut to growing closer with someone.

    As hoped for, n¨¦e Ma nodded happily. ¡°Alright, if you want to hear them.¡± The Pang matriarch nced at her grandson, who was stuffing his face full of oranges off to the side. ¡°Dafu, why don¡¯t you have thess stay at my ce? I liked her as soon as I set eyes on her.¡±

    Slightly surprised, Pang Xiao worked busily at a mouthful of oranges, but didn¡¯t have the time to respond before his mother pouted jokingly, ¡°Mom, I wanted to get to know her better myself. Don¡¯t steal her away from me!¡±

    Being the sharp person she was, n¨¦e Yao understood that Qin Yining couldn¡¯t live with them. The Qin fourth miss wasn¡¯t a Yao daughter, and even if Yao Chenggu was elderly, they still had to fend against gossip developing.

    N¨¦e Ma was a hearty and open woman of the jianghu. She didn¡¯t care about these details. But n¨¦e Yao had been a maid in a noble household; she had a finer grasp on how things were done.

    It wasn¡¯t until her daughter pointed things out that n¨¦e Ma realized what she¡¯d almost identally done. She coughed awkwardly. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me for being rash,ss. I just liked you as soon as I saw you.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Delighted is all I have time to feel.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s answering smile was very genuine.

    Pang Xiao had swallowed the orange by now and dusted the pith off his hands. ¡°Grandmother, mom, don¡¯t trouble yourselves. I just gave orders for Snowtrace Garden to be cleaned up. Things areplicated at court, it¡¯s better that darling Yi stays here. I have a lot of things that she can help me with as well.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma nodded understandingly. ¡°Although I don¡¯t involve myself in outside affairs, I know a bit of what¡¯s going on. Yining is a good girl, you must treat her well. If the ten in your inner residence aren¡¯t good enough, just send them all to the country manor.¡±

    Pang Xiao wanted to fall to his knees when he heard this! Even though he had nothing to do with those ten, it sure sounded like he did!

    N¨¦e Yao found her son¡¯s expression amusing, but also heaved an inner sigh. It would seem that her son was indeedpletely in love with Qin Yining. She took the girl¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, Yining. The grand-madame is talking about the ten concubines that the emperor bestowed on Dafu a while ago.¡±

    ¡°I do know about this, aunt,¡± Qin Yining answered understandingly. ¡°Since they were an imperial appointment, they can¡¯t be refused, nor can they be mistreated.¡± She turned to n¨¦e Ma. ¡°Grand-Madame, let¡¯s just have them live however they were living before?¡±

    She hadn¡¯t joined the family yet, but n¨¦e Ma was already thinking on her behalf. Qin Yining was very grateful, but also knew that even if she became Pang Xiao¡¯s wife, she wouldn¡¯t be able to say much when it came to concubines.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled with gratification. ¡°You are such a wonderful child.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I¡¯ll take Yining to settle in at Snowtrace Garden.¡± N¨¦e Yao rose. ¡°I¡¯ll bring her back when it¡¯s time to eat.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma understood that her daughter wanted to talk to the Qin girl and nodded. ¡°Go on then, have Dafu stay and keep mepany.¡±

 Chapter 307: A Tactful Clash

    <h4>Chapter 307: A Tactful sh</h4>

    Pang Xiao rose with a bit of worry and caught up to Qin Yining and n¨¦e Yao. He grinned merrily. ¡°How about I keep the two of youpany? It¡¯ll be too boring with just you two.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao turned back to re at her spineless son. ¡°What are you listening in on womenfolk for?¡±

    The Pang matriarch was in an enormously good mood when she saw how lovestruck her usually cool and aloof grandson was. Sheughed heartily. ¡°Dafu,e here. Come chat with grandma. Let your mother chat with thess. Don¡¯t go sticking your nose into things.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma adroitly hopped down from the heated tform and pulled Pang Xiao down to sit with her.

    Resigned, since he couldn¡¯t push his grandmother aside, he cast a grin at the two leaving¡ªthe absolute epitome of a foolish grin.

    Finding it ludicrously funny, n¨¦e Yao red at her son once more and tucked Qin Yining¡¯s hand into her arm, walking into the outer room.

    Maids immediately brought their cloaks forward and offered bronze hand braziers at the perfect temperature. Servants followed them out to the covered hallway, whereupon n¨¦e Yao waved a hand. ¡°You¡¯re all dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Maids and granny servants retreated to the sides after curtseying respectfully.

    N¨¦e Yao and Qin Yining strolled slowly along the covered hallway that connected the flower-hung gate to the rest of the residence. The Yao madame didn¡¯t say a word, and neither did the Qin fourth miss blurt out questions. She remained half a step behind n¨¦e Yao.

    After one full circuit of the hallway, the madame nodded to herself when she saw that the girl was still the picture of solid dependability.

    ¡°Dafu is often out in the battlefield.¡± She started the conversation softly. ¡°When he turned sixteen, the grand-lord and grand-madame wanted to rustle up a wife for him, so that there would be someone at home for him. But he said he wasn¡¯t guaranteed to even live out another day in the battlefield, so he didn¡¯t want to detain a good girl.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wordlessly.

    ¡°Then they fought to conquer all and the war grew tense. I hadn¡¯t been in favor of Dafu hastily marrying someone, but also encouraged him a few timester on so that he might pass on the family name. He wouldn¡¯t listen to me¡ªjust saying that he got along well with his brothers in the military camp, and that a wife would only crimp his style. Listen to that, what kind of words were those?¡±

    An involuntary smile spread across Qin Yining¡¯s face. The image of a young, hot-blooded Pang Xiao came to life in her mind.

    N¨¦e Yao smiled as well and patted the back of Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°The days passed one by one. All of his brothers got married and we urged him to as well. But as he refused again and again, there was nothing we could do about it. The band of brothers that¡¯d fought by his side are all married with children, apart from him and Ji Lan. As a mother, I can only look on enviously at other families¡¯ grandchildren. Don¡¯tugh, but Dafu¡¯s grandmother once said that we¡¯re already lucky he didn¡¯t bring his sword or battle horse back as a wife!¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled as she carefully turned over n¨¦e Yao¡¯s words in her mind.

    ¡°When he learned that you were in danger, he immediately charged out with his men. His grandfather said that the child finally won¡¯t bring a sword or battle horse back home, which delighted his grandmother. I also think that it¡¯s a good thing for someone to have tamed his wild heart and have him spend more time and effort on his own life. We¡¯re all very happy that you¡¯re here in the capital.¡±

    A sinking feeling visited Qin Yining¡¯s stomach. It looked like her future mother-inw didn¡¯t have a good first impression of her.

    N¨¦e Yao was showing courtesy only because Pang Xiao liked her. The prince¡¯s mother had said so much, but thest brimmed with the most meaning.

    N¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu were actually highly dissatisfied that Pang Xiao had charged off without paying heed to anything else when she was in danger. N¨¦e Yao in particr, felt that her son valued Qin Yining too much. It wasn¡¯t necessarily a good thing for him to have such a tie at the moment.

    As elders, they wanted most to see Pang Xiao safe and sound, and to pass on the family name. They didn¡¯t actually care who it was passed on with. After all, they¡¯d just mentioned that the emperor had bestowed ten concubines onto the prince.

    But n¨¦e Yao was a very self-restrained person. She was the sort to tactfully express her opinions, as opposed to openly denounce someone. Someone rough around the edges would probablypletely miss her meaning.

    Qin Yining sighed to herself.

    Back in the Duke of Ding¡¯s manor, she¡¯d once heard her maternal grandmother chat with her two aunts about one of her cousin¡¯s marriage. Her grandmother had been against her cousin marrying a certain schr.

    Her grandmother¡¯s reasoning had been that since the schr was very smart, so must be his mother. The schr was highly filial, and if the household culture wasn¡¯t an upright one, Qin Yining¡¯s cousin would face a highly intelligent mother-inw and a husband who only knew to listen to his mother. The girl wouldn¡¯t have easy days ahead of her with that.

    For some reason, Qin Yining was reminded of her grandmother¡¯s words today. She really didn¡¯t know who Pang Xiao would choose if it came down to her and n¨¦e Yao.

    But she wasn¡¯t some sheltered or coddled noble girl. She¡¯d always known that she had to work hard for what she wanted. Who said that people had to like her as soon as they met her? Even her own mother had hated her at first. It¡¯d taken a long period of living together before they¡¯d grown closer.

    Since she liked Pang Xiao, she would y her part well and not have her beloved caught between her and his mother. There was also no possibility of her backing down.

    All these thoughts flitted through Qin Yining¡¯s mind in the span of a single breath.

    ¡°Many thanks, aunt. The situation outside isplicated, and as a little girl, I don¡¯t understand much. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to impose on the family over the next couple of days. I will leave when my father and family arrives at the capital, and will return with my parents to express our thanks.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao arched a brow. So not only does the girl have unforgettable looks, she has an exceedingly smart mind and a core of inner steel belying her outward gentleness.

    The Qin fourth miss was subtly indicating that she didn¡¯t need to rely on Pang Xiao for survival. She had her own family and her own foundations.

    Though Qin Huaiyuan was a surrendered official, it could be seen from the big picture that the Qins would be entrusted with important positions. Compared to Pang Xiao, a prince in title with no power or authority, the Qins had an unlimited future ahead. In fact, it might be the prince who needed help from a strong father-inw.

    Not only had the girl understood n¨¦e Yao¡¯s maskedints, she had even more quietly offered a rebuttal!

    N¨¦e Yao couldn¡¯t find it within herself to dislike the girl. In fact, she was rather gratified that Pang Xiao liked a girl with this kind of personality. With his state and current situation, it was a good thing for the family if he had an intelligent wife at home helping him.

    N¨¦e Yao smiled. ¡°There¡¯s no need for thanks, you¡¯re not an outsider. I rarely involve myself in outside affairs, so you can just discuss them with Dafu.¡± Meaning that she wouldn¡¯t intervene and all Qin Yining had to focus on was coordinating with Pang Xiao.

    The Qin fourth miss rxed when she noted that the madame¡¯s smile was genuine, without a hint of unpleasantness. She nodded firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, aunt. I will.¡±

    Lunch was served in the upper yard. Yao Chenggu had personally stewed a fish for Pang Xiao and prepared a few signature dishes. There were fewer meal-time rules to observe in this household, but many more hints of familial warmth.

    After eating, Pang Xiao dered, ¡°I invited Sirs Xie and Xu. They should be waiting in the study with the other followers. Darling Yi and I will pay a visit there first.¡±

    Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao started. Pang Xiao had many followers and resident experts. The shrewd Xu Wei and the decisive Xie Yue, adept at disguises, were his right-hand men. To think that Qin Yining would be introduced to them!

    When the prince left with the girl, Yao Chenggu took a pull on his tobo pipe before asking n¨¦e Yao, ¡°What do you think after talking to the Qinss?¡±

 Chapter 308: Heartfelt Emotion

    <h4>Chapter 308: Heartfelt Emotion</h4>

    N¨¦e Yao recollected the details of the conversation earlier and smiled. ¡°Dad, you¡¯ve probably thought too much.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Yao Chenggu put down his pipe with a serious expression. ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°I think Miss Qin is a smart girl. She knows when to advance and retreat, and is well-mannered. She didn¡¯t get angry when I put things in an uglier way, and in fact responded very prettily. She¡¯s respectful to her elders and not an arrogant or petnt person. She also seems to have a good grasp of the current political situation.¡±

    The more she spoke, the more satisfied she was with Qin Yining. Her smile deepened. ¡°I hear that Master Qin has just this only child. Now that I¡¯ve seen her speech and mannerisms, I can tell that Master Qin¡¯s rearing is most excellent. Master Qin must be a smart and refined person as well. If we look at it just from the perspective of character and not politics, the Qins are a good choice for our inws.¡±

    Off to the side, n¨¦e Ma snorted. ¡°You two always think too much and plot too much. In my opinion, our Dafu is a very smart child. Can someone he¡¯s chosen be bad? But you two! The girl¡¯s made such a long journey, but you test and probe her. Aren¡¯t you afraid of wrecking things for Dafu?¡±

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s voice climbed in volume until she was almost pping the table in the end. Yao Chenggu just listened to the berating without a hint of irritation.

    He responded gently when his wife was finished, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry. We need to keep an eye out for Dafu as well. If Yubing had been able to provoke Miss Qin with just a few words, that would only prove the girl isn¡¯t suited for our Dafu.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, mom.¡± N¨¦e Yao nodded as well.

    N¨¦e Ma harrumphed. ¡°If the girl had gotten angry, that would also be because you two went too far. How can you me her? So you can test her, but she can¡¯t get angry?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what we mean, mom.¡± N¨¦e Yao exined gently. ¡°Dafu¡¯s position at court is very tricky these days. Although he¡¯s amon-born prince and looks like his future is unlimited, His Majesty¡¯s wariness, the hatred of the former Northern Ji officials, and the other aristocratic families means that Dafu is in a very tough predicament.

    ¡°His foundations are shallow and his standing awkward. If he doesn¡¯t have a smart and dependable girl supporting him, not only would that harm Dafu and our family, but the Qins as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Yao Chenggu piped in. ¡°We¡¯re not making trouble for the Qinss, but seeing if she¡¯s suited to cross our doorstep at all. If her nature isn¡¯t a good fit, it¡¯ll only be a world of a suffering if she marries into the family. It¡¯d be better to nip it in the bud. Just think about it. If Dafu¡¯s wife doesn¡¯t have the ability to hold down the fort, both families will suffer, not just Dafu.¡±

    ¡°You two always have a world of reasons.¡± N¨¦e Ma was no fool either; she just didn¡¯t think as much as the father-daughter pair. After listening to their analysis, she understood their intentions.

    In the end, she remarked approvingly, ¡°Your hearts are in the right ce and those are good ideas, but the way you did it wasn¡¯t good. Testing her once is fine. But Miss Qines from a respectable family and isn¡¯t some good in the marketce waiting to be priced. You guys can¡¯t pick and prod at her again and again.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, mom.¡± N¨¦e Yao nodded.

    Yao Chenggu smiled as well. ¡°As you wish.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma sniffed. The idea of Pang Xiao having a girl he liked and the near possibility of great-grandchildren put her in an increasingly good mood.

    ......

    At this moment, Qin Yining was slowly traveling down the small path that led to the outer study, her hand in Pang Xiao¡¯s.

    The stone tiles on the path were neatly arrayed fish scales that¡¯d had all the umted snow swept off it. An asional white stripe peeked out from between the tiles. Twinkling bits of precipitation blew off the thick snow on top of the walls when the wind blew, appearing all the more translucent and sparkling in the afternoon sun.

    If they ignored the often bowing and curtseying servants along the way, Qin Yining was quite willing to walk hand-in-hand like this, forever.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you summon Sirs Xie and Xu? Shouldn¡¯t we hurry on over?¡± The Qin fourth miss drew her hand back and looked nonchntly off in another direction, purposefully ignoring the granny servant that¡¯d been sizing her up curiously when curtseying.

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°There¡¯s no rush. They can wait a while.¡± He gently traced her ear with a slightly callused finger. ¡°Look at that, your ear¡¯s red. Are you cold?¡±

    This guy¡¯s asking when he knows what the answer is! How wicked!

    ¡°Look at you being all handsy. People willugh at you!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there tough about? Who doesn¡¯t know I nabbed you back home? People would find it weird if I treated you with all due respect.¡± Pang Xiao reached around and ensconced Qin Yining in his long arms as he spoke, murmuring next to her ear, ¡°The more I am this way, the more realistic it is.¡±

    The girl blinked and whispered back nervously, ¡°Are there a lot of spies in your household?¡±

    The prince smiled. ¡°There are nts from all sides in all sorts of unimportant ces. But don¡¯t worry, I know where they are.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. The Zhou emperor would likely be much more on his guard if the Pang Manor had airtight and watertight security. Allowing some spies to find their footing here meant that the prince could control what information got out.

    Perhaps he could even use them for his own purposes at crucial times.

    Seeing his beloved nod so eptingly and refrain from any questions, and in fact wearing an understanding expression, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help himself from pinching her cheek. ¡°You understanding everything makes me feel like there¡¯s nothing for me to do.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°How is there nothing for you to do? You had to rush back for your ¡®sickness¡¯, pave the way for my father¡¯s future, worry if the elders at home will dislike me, and think of ways to make me happy. You¡¯re going way beyond multi-tasking. How is that the mark of a useless person?¡±

    ¡°You know everything?¡± Though Pang Xiao knew that his darling would be on the same page as him, it still made him happy to hear her actually say all this.

    ¡°How would I not know what you¡¯ve done for me?¡± Qin Yining sighed softly and slowed down.

    The prince also came to a halt and looked down at her, tucking a strand of hair behind an ear and tightening her cor against the elements.

    The girl looked back up with eyes brimming with good humor.

    Whenever this man faced her, he would retract all of the keen edge he showed to others and disy only the most special of sides to her.

    When he¡¯d been notified that she was in danger, he¡¯d flung himself into the pit of the Zhou emperor¡¯s paranoia, despite not knowing if he could find her.

    He¡¯d disregarded his own reputation without a second of hesitation, just to make sure the Qins would have a solid future in Great Zhou. He hadn¡¯t cared about public opinion at all when he put on the show of a highwayman kidnapping someone.

    The Zhou emperor had epted the surrendered officials because he wanted to bnce the scales of power between the former Northern Ji aristocracy and the new, homegrown nobility. Qin Huaiyuan headed up the Yan contingent, so the Qins were sure to be core members at court once they settled in.

    The emperor was already so wary of Pang Xiao, so how would he possibly allow the prince to have such powerful inws?

    If Pang Xiao continued to express the same ardor to her as he had in Great Yan, then Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s future, and the rest of the Qins as well, would be dead on arrival.

    Qin Yining sighed and snuggled into his embrace, resting her cheek on his chest, and wrapping her arms around his lean waist.

    !!

    It was the first time that Qin Yining had voluntarily hugged Pang Xiao in public. He froze, not knowing what to do with his arms, and only reacted after half a beat. He slowly tightened the hug and nuzzled his chin lovingly on her forehead.

    ¡°Are you cold?¡±

    ¡°Mm. It¡¯s really cold here. It¡¯s much colder than Liang. But, I feel very safe right now.¡±

    The greatestpliment a man could receive was that of his beloved dering she felt safe.

    His darling Yi was so incredibly considerate. She¡¯d gone through all these trials and travails: almost being assassinated, almost freezing to death in the mountains, then almost starving to death, and then filling in all the holes created by his impulsive actions after being rescued. But she hadn¡¯t had a single word ofint after seeing him, nor did she disy a single bit of negativity. It was as if these were all her rightful burdens.

    He hadn¡¯t cleared away the obstacles in front of her, nor taken her world on his back, but here she was, repaying his imperfections with a confirmation of safety.

    Pang Xiao closed his eyes and dropped a weighty, precious kiss on her forehead.

    ¡°No matter what, you¡¯re by my side now. As long as I can see you and do something, as opposed to spending the days on tenterhooks, nothing else matters.¡±

    Qin Yining grinned. ¡°That¡¯s right. We can weather anything together. There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of.¡±

    The prince answered with a smile and ran his thumb across her lips. The soft sensation deepened the look in his eyes, but was dodged by a bashful two steps backwards.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the study, it¡¯s not good to keep people waiting.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded with resignation and recaptured Qin Yining¡¯s hand in his own. He warmed up her slightly chilly fingers with his warm palm. ¡°Though the manor is big, I¡¯m usually found in the outer study. I rest in the study as well, so you can juste find me there.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been ¡®kidnapped¡¯ here after all, so we have to keep up the act some.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d want to keep you ¡®tied up¡¯ in the study, but that would be far too disrespectful to you, and the rest of the family would only look down on you if they saw. We¡¯ll have to do things this way for now.¡±

 Chapter 309: Ji Zeyuâ€™s Objectives (I)

    <h4>Chapter 309: Ji Zeyu¡¯s Objectives (I)</h4>

    When the chatting couple arrived at the outer study, they were greeted by a near-frozen statue of Huzi with his hands tucked beneath his armpits.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, Your Highness. Sirs Xu and Xie have drank three cups of tea already.¡± Huzi bounced up and down a few times and then drew closer to bow to Qin Yining. ¡°Greetings to the fourth miss.¡±

    Pang Xiao responded seriously, ¡°We have important matters to discuss. Have people set up a tight perimeter around the study.¡±

    The guard snapped to attention as well. ¡°Understood.¡±

    The study was the same as the upper yard in the inner residence, a heated tform bed by the window. The furnace beneath was going strong, and navy-blue cushions wereid out on top of the tform. A fire also burned in the brazier on the ground, eating away at fine, glittering charcoal as its fuel.

    Qin Yining and Pang Xiao had just taken off their cloaks and sat down when the long-waiting Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi quickly walked in. A dozen more schrs followed behind them.

    ¡°Are all of these your strategists?¡± The Qin fourth miss was quite taken aback.

    ¡°Mm.¡± Pang Xiao nodded with a faint smile. ¡°We¡¯ve only invited the core folks for you to meet today.¡±

    Qin Yining quietly clucked her tongue with amazement. He really had a lot of followers!

    Everyone had lined up by now and bowed in unison. The Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t dare put on airs.

    She was just the daughter of a surrendered official at the moment, and didn¡¯t have an official status with Pang Xiao. These strategists were all the prince¡¯s prized helpers¡ªhighly talented and older than her. She didn¡¯t find it the least bit inappropriate that she returned their gesture with courtesy.

    Seeing how politely the girl responded, the assembled crowd revised their opinions of her slightly to the positive. But when they glimpsed her stunning looks, that revision veered negative again.

    Such innate charm and entrancement weaving around her looks, elegance and grace apanying her every move¡ªit was no wonder that even a hero like the prince had lost his reason. This was why he¡¯d run the risk of shing head-on with the emperor and privately deployed troops to look for her!

    Had old man Qin sent this girl to seduce the prince, due to fear of retribution over Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s death?

    These highly intelligent people had already demonized Qin Yining.

    But so too was the girl a very sensitive person. Though none of the followers had engaged in any misconduct, she could still feel the general ambiance of dislike. It didn¡¯t take much thinking to figure out why.

    She merely smiled and stood off to the side.

    She wasn¡¯t the princess consort after all, and the Qins hadn¡¯t settled in yet. She could interact however she wanted with Pang Xiao in private, but couldn¡¯t overstep herself in front of others.

    Pang Xiao frowned at seeing his beloved act so carefully. His irritation was further fanned when he saw how his men were treating Qin Yining. He was about to berate them when the Qin fourth miss turned around and curtsied.

    ¡°Your Highness, has there been word of my father or family these days?¡± She winked yfully at him, instantly restoring his rationality.

    That¡¯s right. His followers weren¡¯t like the others. He couldn¡¯t use force to make them submit to Qin Yining. This was something that she surely knew as well.

    Goodwill never sprang forth spontaneously. Pang Xiao trusted that his darling had ways to make this group concede willingly.

    He set aside the matter and turned to their leader, a refined and schrly man in his forties. ¡°Sir Xu, has there been word of the Qins?¡±

    This was Xu Weizhi, a highly valued strategist who executed ns wlessly with the decisive Xie Yue. The former¡¯s mind was highly adept at plotting out schemes.

    Xu Weizhi responded with a smile and cupped fists. ¡°In response to Your Highness, there hasn¡¯t been word of the Qins yet. But the Commandery Prince, the Lis, Gus, and other families have been found. They¡¯ll reach the capital soon enough.¡±

    Worry crept in when Qin Yining heard this. Even though she knew that the Silver Masks were protecting her parents, she was unable to fully rx without having seen the two of them with her own eyes.

    But regardless, thank goodness for Cao Yuqing and the Silver Masks.

    Ever since the trash emperor had abdicated, his once treasured secret service had milled about without a leader. The new emperor refused to use such a force from the old government, so the Silver Masks had been without purpose or pay.

    Qin Huaiyuan had utilized his rtionship with Cao Yuqing to make them his own force.

    Qin Yining had only self-reassurance left to her. The Silver Masks were highly skilled, they should be able to find her parents and escort them safely into the capital.

    Tamping down the worry in her heart, the girl continued, ¡°Are we certain that the Marquis of Northern Stability carried out this operation?¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded and indicated for everyone to take their seats. He had Qin Yining sit beside him and turned to Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi. ¡°Go over the situation for Miss Qin.¡±

    When the crowd noted where Qin Yining was sitting and the prince¡¯s attitude towards the girl, various spections formed in their hearts.

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi were the most esteemed out of them, apart from Zheng Pei. Spections were affirmed when the two were tapped to brief Qin Yining. Any suspicions about the girl were temporarily cast aside.

    Xu Weizhi was taken aback by the order and didn¡¯t immediately start his narrative. But Xie Yue had spent a lot of time with Qin Yining on the road, and quite understood the girl¡¯s character and smarts. He started the conversation with utmost respect.

    ¡°Miss Qin, I think you¡¯ll understand why the marquis attacked the Great Yan convoy when you understand theyout of the capital.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m newlye and really don¡¯t know much about the capital. I¡¯ll have to rely on the noble sir to enlighten me.¡± Qin Yining smiled.

    Xie Yue hastily waved off thepliment. ¡°Miss Qin is someone the prince values and not an outsider. I¡¯ll be frank. You know how our prince is sworn brothers with the emperor and the marquis, back when they raised the banner of war?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile.

    ¡°The marquis is a highly shrewd, calm, stand-offish person who minces no words with outsiders. But he¡¯s always had a good rtionship with the prince. The first reason behind the marquis attacking the convoy may be because he wanted to get revenge for the prince.¡±

    Surreptitious looks were cast at Qin Yining when this reason was given.

    She didn¡¯t mind at all. ¡°My father did indeed plot towards General Pang¡¯s death. Even if the northern Ji tyrant had already wanted to get rid of the general, the plot still provided the perfect excuse for him to do so. In other people¡¯s eyes, the prince has an undying blood feud with the Qins and Great Yan.¡±

    ¡°Precisely.¡± Xie Yue smiled to see the Qin fourth miss being so honest as well. ¡°Everyone thought that the prince would ughter all of the Qins for his revenge. But your family was amongst the surrendered convoy. Therefore, that meant his revenge hadn¡¯t seeded.

    ¡°Meanwhile, the prince had to rush back to the capital before epting Great Yan¡¯s official surrender. On the way back, he happened to run into the marquis, also returning to the capital. Everything that happened after was a result of that.¡±

    The girl nodded after hearing all that, but then felt something was off after thinking about it for a moment.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Sir Xie just say that the marquis is a cunning, calm, and indifferent person? But his actions were atplete odds with his personality,¡± she analyzed with furrowed brows. ¡°How would a crafty, level-headed person take the long way around to report in, to kill a surrendered official who¡¯s very important to His Majesty? Even if he wants to take revenge for his brother, his actions are too direct and extreme.¡±

    Qin Yining consolidated some knowledge that only she was privy to with what Xie Yue had just ryed. The more she thought about what¡¯d happened that day, the more she felt that something strange was afoot.

    ¡°When the marquis attacked that day, he had his men dress up as bandits and ordered them to charge in and kill whoever they could find.

    ¡°If his purpose was to kill my family to seek revenge for the prince, his actions were entirely too careless.

    ¡°And if this is all he has to his name, to take brainless action before thoroughly investigating the enemy, that wouldn¡¯t fit the description of him from Sir Xie. He probably wouldn¡¯t have a simr status as the prince today, either.¡±

    Hushed silence reigned within the room as everyone turned her conjectures over.

    It was true. If the marquis was really that impulsive and witless, how would he possibly be able to hold down the north and lead a hundred thousand Dragon Riders? His position had never wavered. Apart from his title being slightly lower than Pang Xiao, his prestige in the military was on par with the prince¡¯s.

 Chapter 310: Ji Zeyuâ€™s Objectives (II)

    <h4>Chapter 310: Ji Zeyu¡¯s Objectives (II)</h4>

    It was the first time everyone had gathered together to discuss Ji Zeyu¡¯s actions, so all the strategists hade prepared with some thoughts.

    What surprised them the most was how perceptive Miss Qin was. She didn¡¯t seem like a typical sheltered, noble daughter at all.

    Feeling everyone¡¯s gazes on her, Qin Yining continued. ¡°I¡¯m not too familiar with the marquis, but I remember how he led the charge that day and just hacked around randomly. There was actually a lot of suspicious points about that operation. With the marquis¡¯ abilities, it¡¯s impossible for him not to even find the Qins if he really wanted to kill us all.

    ¡°Even I know why the emperor is taking in the surrendered officials, how would someone who serves at court not know? Purposefully ughtering a random amount of people, and defying imperial orders to hurt surrendered officials¡ªis he really not afraid of imperial wrath?

    ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m being petty, but I don¡¯t think that the ties of brotherhood are enough to cause the marquis to throw himself wholeheartedly into pursuit of revenge, without even thinking of his own safety. Not to mention, he didn¡¯t even locate the right people to attack beforehand!x He wouldn¡¯t be that impulsive or that idiotic.¡±

    She looked at Pang Xiao at this point. ¡°If the marquis possesses the same level of fame as Your Highness, then he must also worry about eclipsing his liege with his sess?¡±

    Pang Xiao sat silently instead of responding, not a flicker of emotion rippling through his face. The Qin fourth miss¡¯ words demonstrated high rity in thought. She only had a rudimentary understanding of the capital¡¯s political situation, but had been able to deduce many key points. Though the strategists present could likely do the same, it still merited acknowledgment when a little girl could pinpoint the underlying issues with such coherence.

    They no longer looked at her dismissively, as if gazing upon a girl that would be trouble. They seemed to understand now why Pang Xiao viewed her differently. This level of beauty was rare already, but even rarer was her intelligence and able to keep pace with the prince¡¯s ns. It really evoked a brand new assessment of the Qin fourth miss.

    Xu Weizhi rose and personally picked up a teapot to add a bit more to Qin Yining¡¯s untouched teacup. When he put the teapot back down, he was smiling. ¡°Miss Qin¡¯s perspective is unique, and this old man happens to share many of the same opinions.¡±

    His courteous attitude was a far cry from the remote aloofness earlier. Pang Xiao nodded to himself when he saw this, and the change also hit the others with surprise.

    Xu Weizhi then raised cupped fists to Pang Xiao. ¡°Your Highness, I mentioned to you before that the marquis¡¯ actions aren¡¯t what they appear. The newly arrived Miss Qin has also identified the undercurrents within¡ªmeaning that my posttions aren¡¯t without reason. Your Highness treasures rtionships, but you must be on your guard.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded with a solemn expression, prompting a sigh from the old strategist.

    ¡°Your Highness is highly loyal and principled, which are your strengths and why all of us follow you. But human hearts change, as does the situation. That is unavoidable.

    ¡°Though the marquis has a strong brotherhood with Your Highness, he¡¯s in simr straits as well now. Both of you have prodigious achievements that threaten to eclipse our liege. The marquis must also be thinking of all the things he can do to survive. He wouldn¡¯t destroy his future so easily out of emotional impulse.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. That¡¯s what we think as well.¡± The other strategists nodded with sighs and mixed emotions.

    Qin Yining could understand the turmoil in Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. Out of the three sworn brothers, one was already openly acting against him. If the other did so as well, then the oaths of yesteryear would bepletely broken.

    No one would feel good about this oue at all.

    But in these times, one had to ept reality if one wanted to survive.

    Xu Weizhi had wanted to express this to Pang Xiao several times before, but hadn¡¯t found the right opening to given the prince¡¯s rtionship with the marquis. The Qin fourth miss¡¯ speech today was the perfect chance.

    ¡°Everyone, this old man feels that the marquis is killing three birds with one stone. The first of a friendly gesture to His Highness. The second of cozying up to the former Northern Ji officials. And the third of creating a mistake to put into His Majesty¡¯s hands. What do you all think?¡±

    This was how the group of dozen usually discussed things. Since they knew that the prince trusted Qin Yining, they openly debated their viewpoints without concern.

    ¡°It¡¯s easy to pick out why this is a friendly gesture. The prince and marquis have been stationed to the north and south for a very long time. Even if they know what¡¯s going on with each other, distance is sure to set in after prolonged absence. The marquis treasures his friendship with the prince, so making a friendly gesture is a given.¡±

    ¡°But just like Master Xu has said, this isn¡¯t a simple gesture of friendship. Honestly, being friendly is likely just an afterthought. The other two points are his real goal.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. The arrival of the Yan dynasty officials means that the Northern Ji officials will lose some of their power. The marquis¡¯ actions may not win Northern Ji¡¯s gratitude, but it will at least ensure that they won¡¯t stab him in the back when he returns to the north.¡±

    ¡°Precisely. And the marquis really is encroaching on the emperor with his merits. He¡¯s careful and meticulous, and never makes mistakes. The emperor wants to have something to hold over him, but has nowhere to start. This looks fine on the surface, but won¡¯t be good for the marquis in the long run. Rulers are onlyfortable when they can fully grasp the people they use.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Now that the marquis has attacked the Yan convoy and returned to ept punishment, he¡¯s handed a scandal right into the emperor¡¯s hands. His Majesty will feel at ease and think that he has a way to discard this sharp knife when he no longer wants to use it.¡±

    ......

    Off to the side, Qin Yining listened silently to all of the analysis. This kind of discourse was both novel and delightful. Was this what was meant by pooling the wisdom of the masses and everyone fully expressing their view?

    Listening to the intelligent opinions in the room helped her understand more of Great Zhou. Subconsciously, she started analyzing what she was taking in.

    Seeing that the girl was deep in thought, Xie Yue smiled. ¡°Does Miss Qin have any thoughts to share?¡±

    The crowd refocused their attentions on the Qin fourth miss.

    She hadn¡¯t expected to be called on, but didn¡¯t let that phase her. ¡°I do indeed have some thoughts. I was thinking how this gentleman¡¯s idea that the marquis¡¯ friendliness being an afterthought was a bit off the mark.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± The strategist who¡¯d offered that idea arched a brow, rather disgruntled. Even though the prince liked the girl, she was still just a girl, and a young one at that. How would she have the same masterful insights as a strategist?

    ¡°Please share what vaunted insights you may have, Miss Qin,¡± he said stiffly.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t let the tone irritate her. She smiled instead. ¡°I rather think that the marquis¡¯ main goal was to express friendliness, and that the other two goals Sir Xu mentioned were the real afterthoughts. If it wasn¡¯t for the grudge between the prince and my father, the marquis would¡¯ve never chosen to attack the Great Yan convoy to reach his goals.¡±

    This new casual rtionship drew real curiosity.

    ¡°And, I think that the marquis has two other more important goals other than the three already mentioned. Sir Xu is absolutely right when he says that the marquis is skilled at schemes. This is killing five birds with one stone.¡±

    The named strategist quite disliked a girl showing off like this, but he couldn¡¯t say anything with Pang Xiao present. His expression a rigid mask, he asked, ¡°What are the other two goals? We would like to hear the details.¡±

 Chapter 311: General Acceptance

    <h4>Chapter 311: General eptance</h4>

    Contemtion appeared on Qin Yining¡¯s face as she put her words in order. ¡°Apart from wanting to put a mistake in the emperor¡¯s hands, the marquis is also making a friendly overture to His Majesty. He¡¯ll probably do all he can to apologize and indicate weakness after returning to the pce.

    ¡°When someone usually strong and tough suddenly submits and emphasizes his ce as a subject, that will certainly cause the emperor to look at him in a new light. The prince¡¯s personality will also make the marquis¡¯ gesture even more valuable inparison.

    ¡°After this mess, it also gives the emperor the opportunity to say to the prince to ¡®not randomly kill innocents¡¯. After all, he couldn¡¯t very well forbid the prince to take revenge before. This mess actually helps His Majesty keep the surrendered Yan officials that he wants to.

    ¡°But the most important thing is that not only does the marquis cozy up to the former Northern Ji officials with all this, but he can do a great favor for the surrendered Yan officials as well.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Xu Weizhi¡¯s brow was slightly raised, but the light ofprehension exploded in his eyes a momentter. He look at Qin Yining with both surprise and delight, remarking with great sincerity, ¡°Miss Qin is wise indeed.¡±

    Pang Xiao also looked at his beloved, who was speaking with great assurance; admiration danced in his phoenix-shaped eyes.

    Qin Yining dimpled and used a tender, pale-white fingertip to draw circles on the teacup lid. She continued softly, ¡®Ie from Great Yan, so I more or less understand some of what the officials are thinking. There are three batches of subjects to enter the capital. The first are the ten aristocratic houses apanying Commandery Prince Yan. These are the creme of the crop for the Great Yan officials. They¡¯ll be very important after arriving in Great Zhou.

    ¡°But my guess is that the military officials at court must be from His Majesty¡¯s personal party of followers. Apart from putting some of his people in key positions for the civil subjects, the remaining positions are divvied up between the former Northern Ji officials and Great Yan. This makes for limited vacancies.

    ¡°With the numbers of people that the marquis killed off in the first batch, that means there are more opportunities of the second and third batch. These people won¡¯t necessarily have a bad impression of the marquis.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Though it was a matter of life and death, and the people who died were innocent, those who survived may feel lucky and that ¡®thank goodness so-and-so died, so that I have the opportunity to take this-and-that position¡¯.¡± Pang Xiao sighed when he heard this part of her analysis.

    One had to know that the prince rarely joined in his followers¡¯ discussion. It was usually the strategists deliberating a problem, then Xu Weizhi brainstorming a few ns. Everyone would analyze the pros and cons of all of them together, then have the decisive Xie Yue pick the most appropriate one from all of them.

    Pang Xiao would listen from the side during all this and express his opinions at the very end, but he wouldn¡¯t interject halfway through.

    His actions today were quite rare, but to be honest, everyone present wanted to echo his sigh when they thought of just how human nature was. Their impression of Qin Yining had also changed once more.

    The Qin fourth miss smiled at Pang Xiao. ¡°We don¡¯t need to dwell on just how much evil lurks in human nature. Everything I just spoke about should be just an afterthought for the marquis, and this also wasn¡¯t the key point of him extending an olive branch to the Great Yan officials. The key point still has to do with Your Highness¡¯ feud with the Qins and Great Yan.¡±

    Pang Xiao had understood her meaning by now. ¡°It was Grand Preceptor Qin who was devised a plot, but the one who told him to do so was the trash emperor. When I attacked Great Yan, rumors within the capital made me out to be a demon who killed without blinking, and who ate the flesh and drank the blood of my victims. Those from Great Yan must be highly wary of me, deathly afraid that I¡¯ll take my anger out on them. Or that I¡¯ll hold them responsible for my father¡¯s death.¡±

    Her forehead tightly furrowed, Qin Yining concurred. ¡°That¡¯s right. Even though Your Highness has conquered Great Yan, you haven¡¯t actually taken revenge for your father¡¯s death. Therefore, the Greta Yan citizens must be afraid that they¡¯ll be toyed to death, now that they¡¯re in your territory.¡±

    She paused here.

    Everyone present was highly intelligent. They hadn¡¯t thought of all this earlier simply because they were Great Zhou citizens, which meant an inherent bias in the way they considered problems. That didn¡¯t mean she was much better than any of them.

    She didn¡¯t spell everything out, leaving some space for them to draw their own conclusions.

    And indeed, expressions of deep thought appeared on everyone¡¯s faces.

    The strategist who¡¯d been called out by the Qin fourth miss earlier had been wholly won over.

    ¡°It¡¯s just as you¡¯ve said,¡± he sighed. ¡°The marquis didn¡¯t take targeted revenge, but hacked about randomly and built the impression that the prince is someone who will kill even innocents in his quest for revenge. In this way, if His Highness wants to take action in the future, he¡¯ll be faced with overwhelming public criticism. His reputation might even be ruined if it isn¡¯t handled well. Isn¡¯t this a perfect way to resolve the worries of Great Yan citizens?¡±

    He rose and offered a cupped fist salute to Qin Yining. ¡°I am Tao Hanshan. Please forgive my earlier offenses.¡±

    Qin Yining rose with a smile to return the gesture. ¡°Please refrain from such courtesies, Sir Tao. The prince has provided us an environment for conversation so that we can air our thoughts and exchange ideas. What offense have you given? It¡¯s rather I who¡¯ve been throwing my weight around and running my mouth before all the honored experts.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Tao Hanshan refuted. ¡°The miss is wise and sharp with a meticulous mind. I hold high admiration of you.¡±

    The two exchanged another round of humble pleasantries before taking their seats again.

    The atmosphere was now very easy and lighthearted. The hostility the crowd had shown Qin Yining before, the desire to push her away from them, hadpletely evaporated after the previous conversation.

    By now, they all understood why the prince was deeply infatuated with her, why he¡¯d rescued her at all costs and why he would sacrifice his reputation to ensure the Qins¡¯ future.

    Such a woman was to be treasured.

    And the Qins would make for wonderful inws, given their ability to raise such a daughter.

    Seeing his previously pompous followers now adopt respectful, cautious attitudes, Pang Xiao felt like he¡¯d drank a cup of hot tea in the wintertime. Warm contentment spread from the very bottom of his heart.

    It looked like his worries earlier had been unfounded. His darling would never shrink back just because someone had a dismal first impression of her. She would only advance forward in the face of difficulties. She would never be out of sorts orin.

    She was a luminary, never a shrinking violet or a basket ofints with anything she¡¯d met since she was young. She always tried her best, her very utmost.

    Blood boiled within the prince, his affection for Qin Yining reaching unspeakable new heights. He wished ardently to keep her by his side everyday, so that he was the only person she ever saw.

    As the discussion continued, Huzi¡¯s voice suddenly travelled in from outside.

    Pang Xiao knew that his bodyguard must have some urgent business, so he waved a hand for silence before calling out. ¡°Come in.¡±

    Huzi came in with a solemn expression. ¡°This just came in. The Marquis of Northern Stability requested to wed the Grand Princess of Anyang 1. The emperor has already assented.¡± Heart-stricken, he snuck a look at Pang Xiao¡¯s expression.

 Chapter 312: The Grand Princess

    <h4>Chapter 312: The Grand Princess</h4>

    Qin Yining looked at the prince with confusion when she saw Huzi¡¯s strange expression and how the strategists seemed to be biting their tongues.

    Pang Xiao was forthright. ¡°I hadn¡¯t expected that Ji Lan would ask to wed the princess. Their interest in each other wasn¡¯t apparent before.¡±

    But the interest between you and the Grand Princess was apparent! Huzi thought wildly. Are you sure you want to talk of this in front of the fourth miss?

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi knew of the inside information, so their expressions were a bit awkward as well.

    Qin Yining turned over the prince¡¯s words and smiled. ¡°There wasn¡¯t mutual interest between the princess and the marquis, but there was... with you?¡±

    Dead silence reigned inside the study.

    Huzi silently backed up a few steps, like he wanted to escape the eye of a storm.

    The strategists also looked at each other, not sure if they should prudently take their leave.

    ¡°After we overthrew the tyrant of Northern Ji, I was often by His Majesty¡¯s side. After we swore brotherhood, I grew close with the Jis. We often visited each other, and the family elders would often joke about me and the princess.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Yining nodded understandingly. ¡°How old is the grand princess? Since she¡¯s the sister of the emperor, she must be at a more advanced age?¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°The empress dowager weed the grand princess at an advanced age. The princess is a full eighteen years younger than His Majesty. She¡¯s about the same age as the emperor¡¯s children. Therefore, he has only this younger sister. The princess showed high intelligence when young, which naturally drew His Majesty¡¯s affection. I once thought that he wanted to bestow the princess onto me as a way to depend our bonds of brotherhood.

    Here, he paused and dered seriously, ¡°But I feel nothing for her in this regard.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded slightly and turned to Huzi. ¡°You just said that the Marquis of Northern Stability was the one who sought out the emperor. He brought up the topic of marrying the princess?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what everyone¡¯s saying outside.¡± A perplexed expression crossed his face as Huzi didn¡¯t understand what Qin Yining was making a point of.

    Pang Xiao immediately caught her drift. ¡°Do you think that Ji Lan didn¡¯t ask for this marriage of his own, free will?¡±

    ¡°A bit, but was there any hint before that something like this would happen?¡±

    Pang Xiao carefully reflected on their shared history and shook his head. ¡°Not at all. Ji Lan doesn¡¯t like the princess. Anyang 1 kept her distance when young, but maybe Ji Lan suddenly changed his mind and likes her now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s possible, but I¡¯m thinking of another possibility. If the princess often heard family elders joke about the two of you when growing up, the hero worship and admiration from a little girl, and the hints and promises of the elders, would enable umon feelings to develop for you.¡±

    Pang Xiao urgently wanted to exin when he heard this. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything going on with Anyang...¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, I¡¯m not questioning you, I¡¯m just objectively analyzing this matter. Just think about it. Does the princess like you? You¡¯d be the clearest judge of this.¡±

    It was so quiet inside the study that a pin drop could be heard. Pang Xiao sank into deep thought, as opposed to answering straight away.

    ¡°If there were ambiguous feelings between the two of you before, wouldn¡¯t the marquis know? If he knew of it and still asked to marry the princess, then it would be at odds with him making a friendly gesture to you in the Great Yan convoy attack.¡±

    The crowd was silent again.

    Their conclusions earlier had been that Ji Zeyu had primarily done all that to extend an olive branch to Pang Xiao. Everything else had been afterthoughts or byproducts.

    Thus, Ji Zeyu still wanted to be on good terms with Pang Xiao.

    But if he knew of any rtionship between the prince and the princess, and still asked for her hand in marriage, wouldn¡¯t that be throwing their brotherhood away?

    Therefore, Qin Yining¡¯s idea was that despite how things seemed, the emperor had been the one to bestow marriage in this case, and Ji Zeyu had no choice but to follow imperial orders.

    If exined this way, then all would be resolved.

    The emperor had decreed the message, making it so that Ji Zeyu couldn¡¯t decline. The imperial majesty had then told the outside world that it¡¯d been Ji Zeyu making the request, thereby creating some bad blood between Ji Zeyu and Pang Xiao¡ªthe former candidate for a prince consort.

    The most important thing was, the princess probably liked Pang Xiao. If she married the marquis with this kind of feeling, how would that not bother Ji Zeyu? Conflicts andplications would definitely crop up then.

    All of these thoughts ran through Qin Yining¡¯s mind, but nothing flickered through her expression. She didn¡¯t n on saying it out loud either. After all, it dealt with matters of the heart and she respected Pang Xiao¡¯s privacy. She wouldn¡¯t pursue this to the bitter end.

    The strategists weren¡¯t fools. Everyone was turning this over in their minds.

    Pang Xiao thought for a moment and then smiled expansively. He stood with his hands behind his back and self-deprecated. ¡°Isn¡¯t this prince besieged on all sides with my current situation?¡±

    He brandished his sleeves with a dashing flourish and a smile. ¡°Think about it. The former Northern Ji officials hate me. The surrendered Great Yan officials are terrified of me. The brothers in the army are suspicious of me because of what happened with their pay before. The emperor¡¯s stripped me of mymand, and if even Ji Lan turns against me, then I really will be all alone.¡±

    What Pang Xiao listed out was true, but not a hint of emotion apanied it. In fact, he actually sounded like he was in a good mood.

    However, even his strategists could feel the urgent stress of impending danger bearing down on him.

    ......

    Li Qitian looked at the prim and proper girl kneeling in front of him. He rubbed his forehead with resignation and sighed. ¡°Hn, how much longer do you n on kneeling there?¡±

    Grand Princess of Anyang, Li Hn, looked up at the emperor and choked back a sob. ¡°Royal brother, you didn¡¯t keep your word. You told me when I was a little girl that I¡¯d be able to marry Pang Zhixi when I grew up. Now that you¡¯re the most noble and respected man in the whole world, how would you not know what Lan¡¯er wants? But you bestowed Lan¡¯er onto Ji Lan! You know that we don¡¯t get along! How am I supposed to live my life in the future?¡±

    Li Hn¡¯s features were daintily pretty, and she appeared even more pitiful when tears clung to hershes.

    Li Qitian had doted on this younger sister from the very beginning, and Li Hn was a very smart girl who knew when to press her advantage and when to retreat. Brother and sister had always had a good rtionship, so Li Qitian felt pained too when Li Hn cried over this.

    ¡°You should rise. We¡¯ve already made the decision, so it can¡¯t be changed. Besides, what¡¯s bad about Ji Lan? He¡¯s stunningly handsome and knowledge in both civil and martial subjects. Isn¡¯t he perfect to be your prince consort?¡±

    ¡°But Lan¡¯er doesn¡¯t like him. Royal brother, can¡¯t you dote on me this one time and don¡¯t marry me off to Ji Lan?¡±

    Li Qitian rubbed his forehead again when a thought suddenly urred to him. He replied with a heavy and awkward expression. ¡°Hn, We won¡¯t keep this from you anymore. Pang Zhixi has long had someone he likes and the girl is in his manor now. We know that you like Pang Zhixi, but you won¡¯t be able to win over that girl. Pang Zhixi would never agree to it as well. You should just listen to what I¡¯ve arranged for you. Would I ever lie to you?¡±

 Chapter 313: To Probe

    <h4>Chapter 313: To Probe</h4>

    Li Hn might not have been born a princess, but her family had always highly treasured her and doted on her immensely.

    Especially once Li Qitian conquered the world and possessed the economic support of all main Northern Ji aristocracy, as well as the wealth he¡¯d plundered from war, life for Li Hn had been pretty much the same as being a princess.

    Since her youth, to want was to receive. Not to mention that from her point of view, Pang Xiao was hers to begin with!

    Her parents and brother had said a million times that she would marry Pang Xiao when she grew up. Li Hn had long since nurtured an admiration for Pang Xiao. She liked his arrogant dominance and relished his acumen in both strategy and valor.

    Now that she was sixteen years old, she¡¯d been waiting eight years to marry him.

    Starting from her first glimpse of Pang Xiao at age eight, she¡¯d treated as gospel her mother¡¯spliments of the prince, and the notion of being promised to him. Since then, marrying Pang Xiao had be the cherished dream of half a lifetime.

    Why had a reality set in stone suddenly changed?

    Why had her doting brother stopped backing her up once he owned the world and wielded utmost authority?

    He was even suddenly telling her that Pang Xiao loved another. Then what of her many years of hopes and yearning?

    Fat teardrops trickled down Li Hn¡¯s delicate face, collecting on her chin and wetting a patch of her clothing. Her bright pink cotton jacket was dyed a deep burgundy.

    Li Qitian looked at his little sister, who seemed like she¡¯d been struck by lightning. He rose with a sigh and slowly walked up to her, helping her up with both hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Hn. We only have this singr little sister, We would never harm you. Although Ji Lan is an aloof sort, he¡¯s a true gentleman. He¡¯s not any worse than Pang Zhixi. You¡¯ll have a good life with him. Besides, I¡¯ll be here. He wouldn¡¯t dare treat you poorly. Just prepare for your wedding with peace of mind, mm?¡±

    Li Hn sniffled and raised teary eyes to look at Li Qitian.

    ¡°Royal brother, Lan¡¯er doesn¡¯t want to marry Ji Lan. Can Lan¡¯er not marry him?¡±

    The emperor¡¯s expression darkened with impatience. With a frown, he rebuked, ¡°Hn, you must be a good girl. You¡¯re not a country bumpkin, you should know the rules and manners. Women need to follow the three obediences and four virtues. 1 Do you intend on disobeying Us?¡±

    Though Li Qitian hadn¡¯t lost his temper, someone as smart as Li Hn understood his meaning very well.

    The marriage had been finalized.

    Whether it was out of obedience to her brother or the Son of Heaven, she had to marry Ji Lan. There was no way out of it.

    Wait, no, perhaps there was still something to be done.

    What if Pang Zhixi was willing to marry her? If he brought up the subject with her royal brother, things may take a turn yet.

    When her thoughts travelled here, Hn wisely argued no further with Li Qitian.

    She knew her brother very well and understood that he was no longer the same brother of yesteryear. As the ruler of the nation, his words were precious and sacred. No one could argue against them.

    If she wanted to live on happily, her greatest bulwark was her brother¡¯s love and protection. Appearing to agree with him for now would earn his pity. If she kept being stubborn, that would only make him lose patience.

    Li Hn wiped at her eyes and smiled faintly at Li Qitian. She responded hoarsely, ¡°Lan¡¯er will listen to her royal brother.¡±

    She was the aggrieved party, but here she was, smiling through her tears and softly dering that she would listen to him. This poked at the softest parts of Li Qitian¡¯s heart and increased his pity for his docile, considerate little sister.

    He patted her shoulder andforted her for a long while, gifting much gold, silver, and precious jewels before sending her back to rest at the Pce of Serene Piety.

    Li Hn lived at the Pce of Serenity Piety with the empress dowager.

    After leaving the imperial study, the princess hurried along with a nk expression, her head maid Hexiang at her side. The moment they reached the side hall of the Pce of Serenity Piety, Li Hn furiously yanked out a golden hairpin and threw it to the ground, stomping on it a few times for good measure.

    Hexiang quickly dismissed all of the servants and carefully closed the main doors.

    Vicious thuds of pillows marked the grand princess¡¯ charge inside. Her face twisted in a grimace, she shrieked soundlessly. In fact, her expression was so contorted that she looked like a madwoman throwing a fit.

    Her wild exertions didn¡¯t still until she panted with tiredness, tears springing forth once more to answer emotion¡¯s call.

    The head maid strode up with heartache, offering some soft words of constion. ¡°Your Highness should take care of your health. Don¡¯t be like this on yourself.¡±

    Li Hn huped in her crying fit and covered her face with her hands, wailing for a few more minutes. ¡°No. This matter won¡¯t be over like this. I¡¯m going to find Pang Zhixi. I don¡¯t have the ability to make my royal brother change his mind, but Pang Zhixi will!¡±

    ¡°But what if the Faithful Prince of the First Rank is unwilling?¡±

    ¡°Unwilling? Will he be?¡± Li Hn blinked through teary eyes, the look in them slowly sharpening. ¡°Go investigate just who it was the prince carried off that day from the inns. I want to know all the rumors about them, no matter how small!¡±

    ¡°Understood, this servant will go do so immediately.¡± Hexiang took her leave with a solemn expression.

    Meanwhile, an average-looking young eunuch who¡¯d been keeping watch outside the Pce of Serene Piety quietly scuttled off to the imperial study.

    ......

    Qin Yining had passed the previous two days in extreme leisure. Although n¨¦e Yao¡¯s words had been filled with thorns at their initial meeting, the Qin fourth miss felt that, after spending more time with the madame, n¨¦e Yao bore her no hostility. In fact, the madame might even like her a lot.

    N¨¦e Yao was the smart, genteel sort. The tenderness in her words gave one the feeling of bathing in the spring wind¡ªcid and refreshing. There wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of pressure in herpany. She seemed to possess the ability to set one¡¯s body and soulpletely at ease, as if immersed in a warm spring.

    N¨¦e Ma was an absolutely straightforward type. She would have the maids fetch Qin Yining whenever she was bored, and n¨¦e Yao would often join in their conversation.

    Having adventured through the jianghu in her youth, n¨¦e Ma had seen much of the world and regaled Qin Yining with stories of the outside. The girl would volunteer unique insights and pertinent questions, further increasing the Yao matriarch¡¯s affection for her. N¨¦e Ma often chatted with the girl until dinner, and didn¡¯t want her to go back even afterwards.

    ¡°Mom, you¡¯ve forgotten again. Yining needs to go back to Snowtrace Garden or it¡¯ll give rise to unseemly gossip.¡± N¨¦e Yao took the cape from the maid¡¯s hands and fastened it for the girl.

    Qin Yining hastily thanked the madame and lifted her chin appropriately so that n¨¦e Yao could tie the silk ribbons for her.

    ¡°What a bummer,¡± n¨¦e Ma sighed. ¡°Our house is too big now. It¡¯s not like when we all bunked together under the same roof. That made for easy conversation and time with each other. We didn¡¯t have all these rules before either.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao smiled at this. ¡°Our Dafu didn¡¯t have such a lofty position before either. Yining¡¯s in the capital now, are you still afraid there won¡¯t be a time when shees to make her morning and evening greetings?¡±

    The question sent n¨¦e Ma roaring withughter.

    Her cheeks burning, Qin Yining quickly bid her farewell and left.

    Watching the girl flee all helter-skelter, n¨¦e Ma and n¨¦e Yao looked at each other, finding it funny.

    ¡°I like this child the more I spend time with her.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? It¡¯d be Dafu¡¯s fortunes if she can marry into our family.¡±

    ......

    As mother and daughter chatted, Qin Yining called out to Lian Xiaozhou, who was ying in the yard. The two liftednterns together to return to Snowtrace Garden.

    However, they ran into a group of people just as they rounded the corner. In the lead were two young women wearing resplendent clothing.

 Chapter 314: I Specialize in Those Who Are Unwilling to Accept Things

    <h4>Chapter 314: I Specialize in Those Who Are Unwilling to ept Things</h4>

    Of the two women, one was wearing a crimson red cape topped with a white fur cor. She was tall, slender, and tenderly inviting. The other was wearing a leather vest made from silver fox fur, paired with a pale-green cotton skirt. She was holding an exquisite hand warmer the size of an apple, which further highlighted her adorable cuteness.

    Both were about eighteen years old and nked by various servant girls and granny servants. It was quite an entourage.

    Qin Yining paused and looked at the group. She didn¡¯t even need to think to know that these must be the beautiful concubines that the emperor had bestowed onto the prince.

    She didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with them. Even if they might live under the same roof in the future, that was something to considerter. There was no rush to get to know each other now, so she only nodded slightly at the two and steered Xiaozhou around them.

    The tall, slender girl had been ring at Qin Yining all the while. Her eyes narrowed, unbridled hostility shining out of them.

    The Qin fourth miss could tell that they were purposefully here to cause trouble. As she brushed past them, the tall girl spat on Qin Yining.

    ¡°Pah! What a bitch! Shameless hussy trying to seduce the prince!¡±

    Qin Yining looked at the wad of spittle on her skirt and looked askance at the gentle-looking girl.

    The development seemed a surprise to the cute one in pale-green clothing. She quickly spoke up, ¡°Lady Rou, don¡¯t start trouble!¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Lady Rou sneered. ¡°If you¡¯re scared, scurry back with your tail between your legs. No one asked you toe with me.¡±

    A maid off to the side reached out to support the girl d in green. ¡°Miss Xinche, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    Lady Rou cast a sideways nce at the other, contempt in in her gaze.

    Qin Yining pulled on Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s hand so the little girl wouldn¡¯t take impulsive action. She sniffed disdainfully in response. ¡°Lady Rou, is it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me, and what about it?¡±

    ¡°Lick that clean.¡± Qin Yining pointed down at the spit on her skirt.

    Taken-aback, Lady Rou studied the Qin fourth miss for a moment. She smiled scornfully. ¡°If I¡¯d spit on your face, would you have me lick your face clean?¡±

    ¡°If that was the case, do you think you¡¯d still be alive?¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Lady Rou raged furiously. ¡°What the hell are you? You¡¯re just a stray bitch that the prince took in off the streets! He¡¯ll ughter your entire family in the future, including you! You¡¯ll only be able to use your looks to beg the prince not to kill you. How dare you be so arrogant in front of us!¡±

    Xinche hastily pulled on Lady Rou¡¯s arm when she saw thetter was being so loud. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re the prince¡¯s concubines, after all. We shouldn¡¯t lose our temper to such a degree with a girl of unknown identity. You¡¯ll make things awkward for His Highness and insult His Majesty¡¯s favor.¡±

    Xinche¡¯s words sounded sweet-tempered, but every bit of them was emphasizing that they were imperially bestowed concubines to the prince. They were good matches with a noble status. They were naturally different from a low-born girl kidnapped into the manor, and Qin Yining would do well to remember her ce.

    It looks like Miss Xinche¡¯s more than a degree sharper than Lady Rou.

    The situation was ratherughable to Qin Yining. She hadn¡¯t even officially crossed the Pang doorstep, but here the concubines were,pletely exploded in irrational fury. They¡¯din in wait to take her down a peg! It was all thanks to Pang Xiao¡¯s masterful acting outside that this was happening.

    Inspiration shed across Qin Yining¡¯s mind when she thought of this. She immediately hauled up Lady Rou by the cor and thrust the concubine to the ground, shoving the hem with the gob of spit next to Lady Rou¡¯s face.

    ¡°Lick that clean!¡±

    Lady Rou and the others were beauties that Li Qitian had sourced from the general poption and trained for many years. He had high hopes for them to be of great use, so apart from learning how to wait on men, they had spent their days in ease infort. Almost no one had ever dared treat them this way; how would they possibly remain calm with such brutish handling from Qin Yining?

    ¡°Let go of me, you poisonous harlot!¡± Lady Rou shrieked with anger and shock. ¡°Cheap slut! The prince will have your head for this when hees back! You bitch!¡±

    ¡°Have my head? Let¡¯s see how he does that then! My life is like this already, so what am I afraid of? Ie from a high and illustrious noble house, but even someone like you dares bully me now! Do you think I¡¯m actually afraid of you??¡±

    Qin Yining had a firm grasp on Lady Rou¡¯s hair and cursed loudly as she pressed the concubine into the ground. She didn¡¯t care if the concubine¡¯s wildly iling arms might hurt herself.

    Seeing that they¡¯de to blows, Xinche hastily urged the serving girls and granny servants forward to break up the fight.

    Lian Xiaozhou threw all of the manners she¡¯d been taught to the back of her head. She pounced forward like a kitten with puffed up fur, knocking servants over left and right. The iing granny servants ended up as bundles of shocked pain on the ground.

    Even Miss Xinche stumbled two step backwards from a push, the apple-sized brazier falling to the ground and scattering the coals everywhere.

    Lady Rou¡¯s face was still being ground into the dirt. With Qin Yining¡¯s foot ruthlessly keeping her down, the concubine wailed loudly with shrieking sobs.

    Any maids or granny servants that could still rise and approach the two were sent spinning back down with firm Qin ps across the face.

    Qin Yining and Lian Xiaozhou hadpletely terrorized the retinue of the two concubines.

    The cacophony of the din sent n¨¦e Ma and n¨¦e Yao rushing out of nearby Pinecrane Hall, cotton jackets hastily flung on their backs. They screeched to a standstill when they saw Qin Yining stepping on a bedraggled beauty, flinging a maid to the side like a female general with unlimited strength.

    Heavens! Was this the gentle and intelligent noble girl that they knew?

    The chaos of the scene also rmed those by the flower-hung gate.

    Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu quickly strode over. They were also rendered speechless when they saw Qin Yining and Lian Xiaozhou heroically presiding over a crowd of people knocked to the ground.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Yao Chenggu couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    Lady Rou cried out loudly when she heard the voice, ¡°Save us, Your Highness! This crazy wench wants to kill us!¡±

    Qin Yining leaned into her foot even more. ¡°I¡¯ll have your life if you say another word!¡±

    ¡°Ah!¡± The concubine¡¯s voice was hoarse from the pain and she breathed out more air than in, her eyes rolling up to the back of her head.

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s eyes were glittering with excitement and glee. She¡¯d long since been annoyed by those ten simpering fakes. Who would¡¯ve thought that the Yiss would be so domineering and be able to take them all out with a just a few moves! She was someone her darling grandson loved, alright!

    N¨¦e Yao looked thoughtfully at ¡®female bandit¡¯ Qin Yining.

    After recovering from their shock and exchanging nces, the same contemtive expression crossed Yao Chenggu and Pang Xiao¡¯s faces. They all seemed to understand something.

    Pang Xiao suppressed his amusement and coughed before he could force a livid expression onto his face. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± he hectored. ¡°This is the Pang Manor! How dare you act up here?? Let go immediately!¡±

    Incredulous disbelief shuddered through Qin Yining and she looked at Pang Xiao, stubbornly responding with a trembling voice, ¡°She provoked me first and spat on me, and insulted me, I...¡±

    ¡°Enough! They are good matches bestowed by the emperor himself! How would they do anything like that? How dare you make things up?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss seemed stunned by Pang Xiao¡¯s anger. Light danced off her glistening eyes; she appeared quite pitiful in thentern light beneath the night sky.

    Lady Rou instantly scrambled up when she sensed that the foot on her back loosen. She didn¡¯t dare hit back in front of all the others, but she looked at the Qin fourth miss with unconcealed contempt.

    ¡°Are you alright, big sister Rou?¡± Xinche limped over to support Lady Rou, turning back to look gratefully at Pang Xiao, her eyes saying: thank goodness for his arrival! They would¡¯ve been ughtered by this demon if he hadn¡¯te!

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were in perfect tandem. Though they knew what each other was thinking, heartache still wracked Pang Xiao to see his darling like this. He continued doggedly on with great effort, ¡°What are you ring at me for?! Do you dare have any other opinions?¡±

    Like snowfall cascading down from tree branches, Qin Yining¡¯s tears spilled over with this loud shout.

 Chapter 315: A Fierce Grandma

    <h4>Chapter 315: A Fierce Grandma</h4>

    Lian Xiaozhou shrieked loudly with anger and charged Pang Xiao, kicked and punching whatever parts of him she could reach.

    She was tiny, and her hands and feet even shorter whenpared to the prince. Thoughts filled her mind, but she didn¡¯t know how to verbalize them. Fury raged, but she didn¡¯t know how to curse. She could only cry from frustration and garble out, ¡°Bully sister! Bad guy! Bad guy!¡±

    Heartache wracked Qin Yining to see Lian Xiaozhou defend herself like this. She quickly pulled Xiaozhou away from Pang Xiao¡¯s legs and stooped down to hug the little girl, caressing her in apology.

    The little girl¡¯s fists hadn¡¯t hurt at all, but Pang Xiao¡¯s heart squeezed painfully to see the two girls crying pitifully on the ground¡ªeven when he knew that this was all just as act.

    ¡°Cry? How dare you cry after causing such trouble in my manor? Do you think I¡¯ll show you mercy just because of a few tears?!¡±

    Qin Yining hugged Lian Xiaozhou tightly on the ground. She¡¯d buried her face in the little girl¡¯s shoulder, her own shoulders shaking slightly as well.

    Xiaozhou didn¡¯t know how to yell at the prince and knew that she wouldn¡¯t win in a fight. Seeing her beloved big sister like this, she had no recourse other than to burst into loud sobs as well.

    A stunned n¨¦e Ma off to the side finally collected her senses. Just look at how badly my grandson is bullying the girl!

    Though the Yao matriarch was confused at the sudden change of heart, she genuinely liked the Qin fourth miss and sprang into action to mete out justice on the girl¡¯s behalf.

    But n¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu had nked her at some unknown point in time and pulled her back from charging in. Yao Chenggu even surreptitiously pinched her arm.

    There was naturally an understanding between an old couple. N¨¦e Ma turned back to study her husband¡¯s eyes, hesitantly refraining from taking action.

    ¡°Servants, take her back and lock her up in Snowtrace Garden!¡± Pang Xiao growled. ¡°No one is to let her out or visit her without this prince¡¯s express permission!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Female servants assented and helped Qin Yining up. They pulled Lian Xiaozhou up as well and carted the two off, nking the two like they were afraid of a breakaway attempt.

    The prince stood with his hands behind his back, coldly watching Qin Yining being taken away until the girl¡¯s figure disappeared around a corner. He turned back to consider Lady Rou coolly.

    ¡°What are you all doing here?¡±

    Thedy¡¯s hair was a disheveled mess and she¡¯d been weeping up a storm. She was quite the piteous sight, and lifted her eyes fearfully when she heard the question. But when she met Pang Xiao¡¯s slightly narrowed, phoenix-shaped eyes, it felt like an arrow of ice had plunged into her heart. She shuddered and lowered her head again.

    ¡°In, in response to Your Highness, this concubine was just out for a walk.¡±

    ¡°Dusk has fallen. Are you here for the view of night?¡± Pang Xiao arched a brow, responding in a measured, gentle tone. However, servants were already trembling at the threatening notes within his voice.

    Lady Rou was shaking like a leaf. She couldn¡¯t utter a single word.

    Seeing an awkward situation develop, Xinche screwed up her courage to jump in. ¡°In response to Your Highness, indeed. Big sister Lady Rou said she wanted to go out for a walk after dinner. We happened to run into Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°Did this prince ask you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Xinche blinked.

    ¡°Did. this prince. ask you?¡± Pang Xiao flicked a sidelong nce at Xinche, as if reading every single thought in her mind.

    Terrified and embarrassed, Xinche frantically lowered her head.

    ¡°Since you were bestowed by His Majesty, you must carefully consider every word and action to avoid losing face. Don¡¯t think you¡¯re superior to anyone in the manor just because you were an imperial honor. If this prince discovers that you¡¯ve been acting out or ignoring the confines of your station, I can return your corpses to His Majesty. Try me if you don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    ¡°Yes, this concubine wouldn¡¯t, this concubine doesn¡¯t dare!¡± Lady Rou¡¯s voice shook so much that it didn¡¯t even sound human.

    Pang Xiao waved a hand.

    As if pardoned from certain death, Lady Rou and Xinche ran off with their retinue.

    Pang Xiao set off for Pinecrane Hall when tranquility returned to the scene. N¨¦e Ma was about to demand an exnation, but Yao Chenggu pulled her back again.

    The group entered the residence silently.

    After dismissing all the servants and making sure that no one was near, Pang Xiao began, ¡°That was a fright to grandfather, grandmother, and mother, wasn¡¯t it? That¡¯s my fault.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma hissed back anxiously. ¡°What were you doing just now, yelling and ring at thess?? How great of a man are you be to go toe-to-toe with a woman?! Where has your conscience gone after twenty some years of living?? Have you forgotten everything I¡¯ve taught you! With how thess was crying, I¡¯m heartbroken even if you¡¯re not!¡±

    ¡°Mom, don¡¯t get worked up. Dafu did all that on purpose.¡± N¨¦e Yao tugged on n¨¦e Ma¡¯s hand, some resignation rising at the sight of her impulsive mother.

    ¡°Even so, you still madess Yi cry!¡±

    ¡°Yes, grandmother.¡± Contriteness welled up in Pang Xiao when he thought back to how Qin Yining had been earlier. ¡°I put on that full song and dance of kidnapping darling Yi so that I could protect her family¡¯s future. Now that she¡¯s in the manor, if my attitude towards her is different from what I showed that day, that would make a lot of people specte.

    ¡°The ten girls that His Majesty bestowed usually know their ce. They haven¡¯te out a single time in all the days that darling Yi¡¯s been here. But suddenly they want to walk around today? Something else is afoot here, which is why I put on that act with dearest Yi just now. We did that to pull the wool over the eyes in our manor.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma was no fool. She understood everything from that exnation. Frowning, she thought for a moment and then pounded the heated tform a few times. ¡°What a rotten state of affairs! We can¡¯t live freely in our own home!¡±

    It was indeed aggravating, frustrating, and humiliating. Pang Xiao felt the same mix of feelings, but with how things were now, they had to go on with their lives even if they felt that way.

    ¡°Dafu, go peek in on Miss Qinter. Comfort her a bit so that she doesn¡¯t feel ufortable with what¡¯s just happened. It¡¯s not to her fortunes that she is tied to you.¡± Yao Chenggu fished out his tobo bag, rough fingers patting down strands of tobo into his pipe.

    Pang Xiao arched a brow at these words, not quite satisfied. ¡°What do you mean by that, grandfather? Am I not good enough to her?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you be disgruntled! What did I want when I chose your grandfather? I wanted him to y his role well, to be content with his lot, and lead me into a peaceful life. But just look at you, not a single moment of quiet in your days. You¡¯re either out fighting a war or in constant danger at home!

    ¡°Whoever¡¯s your wife will have to worry and fret all the while, and might even be dragged down with you at a moment¡¯s notice! You say you¡¯re good enough to her, but she needs to help you plot and scheme, and put on an act with you as well! Even if none of that¡¯s your fault, it¡¯s still immensely tiring for her!¡±

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s scolding jabbed at Pang Xiao right where things were the most tender. He would¡¯ve had the same thoughts, even if no one had said anything to him.

    His situation was very difficult, and Qin Yining would have to stumble through all the ditches and ridges with him. He could only give her his unwavering heart, but was unable to give her absolute peace.

    What did women want?

    Even a travelingdy-gant like his grandmother had settled down with a cook in the end, all for the sake of stability. Qin Yining had suffered since young¡ªit wasn¡¯t like she liked living such a hard life.

    It was the first time that Pang Xiao faced his inadequacies.

    Though there were thousands of bright sparkles around him, this sole failing was enough for Qin Yining not to be with him.

    Seeing her grandson glower with an expression like he wanted to eat someone, n¨¦e Ma¡¯s temper fired up as well. She red back and prepared to take off her shoe. ¡°What? You¡¯re dissatisfied with what I said? I¡¯ll beat the stuffing out of you!¡±

    ¡°Ai, sigh. Mom!¡± N¨¦e Yao hurriedly pulled the two apart when she saw that her mother was about to take her shoe off.

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s feet had never been bound and the soles of her shoes had been hand-sewn by themselves. They were hard and thick; each p left marks. With how much n¨¦e Yao loved her son, how could she bear for him to suffer like that?

    Yao Chenggu had lit his pipe by now and puffed merrily away,pletely removed from the scene and enjoying the show.

    Pang Xiao docilely suffered through two ps of a shoe before he said with resignation, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, grandmother. I¡¯ll quietly visit dearest Yi after spending some time here with you. Will that do?¡±

    ¡°Hmph. That¡¯s more like it.¡± N¨¦e Ma was quick to anger but also quick to forget. She was deeply gratified at how Pang Xiao listened to her just as ever, despite being grown and a prince. Upon further thought, all of these issues weren¡¯t really his fault. It¡¯s all thanks to that unfaithful, disloyal emperor who abandoned his morals!

    ......

    Li Qitian took in a detailed report from a spy in the Pang Manor. ¡°So in your opinion, the prince really did speak harshly to the Qin girl?¡±

    The spy was dressed in ck with a lithesome figure. A female voice sounded from a face wrapped in ck cloth.

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this subordinate feels that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank does hold some affection for the Qin girl. Her beauty fells nations and she is celestially stunning. Heroes have often been ensnared by beauties. But in the prince¡¯s heart, revenge for his father ranks just a bit higher. That¡¯s why he has a love-hate rtionship with the Qin girl.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Li Qitian paced with his hands behind his back and analyzed everything carefully. He finally chuckled easily. ¡°We knew that someone like him wouldn¡¯t be able to put down the grudge of his father¡¯s death. You¡¯ve done very well.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Highness¡¯spliments. This is only what this subordinate should be doing. One other thing is that the Princess of Anyang hase calling two days in a row. The prince wasn¡¯t home the first time, and came up with an excuse not to see her the second. When the princess was disappointed today, some anger red as well.¡±

    Li Qitian nodded enigmatically. ¡°We see. Go back and continue your duties.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The spy took her leave and vanished into the shadows.

 Chapter 316: Relaxed Leisure

    <h4>Chapter 316: Rxed Leisure</h4>

    Li Qitian gazed at the pot of coral sitting in the corner of the study, momentarily lost in thought. Emotions vied for dominance in his eyes, and it took a full hour for uncertainty to leave his face and give way to resolution.

    ¡°Li Guanwen.¡±

    ¡°This servant is here.¡± The eunuch who¡¯d been waiting in the shadows immediately came forward to make his bow.

    Li Qitian¡¯s voice echoed in the spacious hall. ¡°Go to the Pce of Serene Piety and take some new fabric to Hn. Tell Hexiang to serve her mistress well and not entertain any other thoughts. We will not show her mercy if she does.¡±

    ¡°Understood, this servant will go immediately. Your Majesty, will you be choosing an imperial concubine¡¯s token tonight?¡±

    Li Qitian thought for a moment. ¡°We will visit the empress tonight.¡±

    ......

    The days passed by quite peacefully for Qin Yining. She¡¯d been grounded ever since running into those two concubines and being yelled at by Pang Xiao. Snowtrace Garden had a wonderful view, and those serving her were Pang Xiao¡¯s specially arranged confidantes. She kept only Lian Xiaozhou by her side and taught the child whenever she had time to.

    For example, the Qin fourth miss would continuously ask the girl questions to train her speaking and critical thinking skills. Common sense knowledge and rules of the world were also topics, as well as the art of tea and cooking. Anything that Qin Yining ran into, but Xiaozhou didn¡¯t know, would be very patiently turned into a teaching moment.

    On this day after lunch, Qin Yining was feeling a bit bored when she heard some barking. One dog¡¯s voice was rough and low, the other thin and soft. Thetter was obviously Salt, but the former was an unfamiliar dog.

    Lian Xiaozhou jumped up happily and ran outside when she heard the sounds. ¡°Big sister! Doggy!¡±

    There was a dog hole in the rear wall to Snowtrace Garden. N¨¦e Yao¡¯s Pekingese dog Salt often squirmed through it for visits and fun.

    Qin Yining chased after the little girl to fling a cotton cape around her shoulders. ¡°Slowly, don¡¯t trip!¡±

    Head maid Xianyun smiled. ¡°Miss, you really do treat Miss Lian as your own little sister.¡±

    Xianyun had a graceful, pliable body with delicate features. Just like Jiyun, she was one of Pang Xiao¡¯s trusted servants.

    Jiyun had exemry martial arts skills and made for a perfect bodyguard, which was why Pang Xiao had sent her to Qin Yining.

    Xianyun didn¡¯t know how to fight, but she was prudent and intelligent. She knew the art of tea, how to cook, and was very skilled with needlework. She was an old hand at managing the staff in the residence; Qin Yining didn¡¯t need to say or worry about anything at all. Xianyun could handle everything deftly and was quick-witted and mature. Pang Xiao had given her to Qin Yining now that they were both in the manor.

    ¡°Xiaozhou saved my life.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t run into her in the mountains, I would¡¯ve starved or frozen to death. The child¡¯s father had just died and she had no one else in the mountains. Just look at her, she¡¯s over ten, but still looks like a child. My thoughts were that if I made it out alive, I would take her with me to thank her. Now that I have the chance to, I must take care of her as well as I possibly can.¡±

    She was afraid that Pang Xiao would discover something and reminded Lian Xiaozhou over and over again to add a year to her age.

    ¡°You¡¯re a kind-hearted soul, miss. No wonder the prince only has you in his heart.¡± Xianyun flung a white fox fur cloak over Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder and brought over white rabbit fur hand warmers that were lined with cotton. ¡°You grew up in the south and will take a while to limate to the northern winters. Dress a bit more warmly before you go out. His Highness will be saddened if you catch a cold.

    ¡°Many thanks.¡± Qin Yining stuck her hands into the hand warmers with a smile. They were soft and warm. They must¡¯ve been resting on the heated tform just now, just waiting to toast her cold hands.

    Xianyun lifted the door curtains when she reached the door, admitting a st of winter air.

    The courtyard had been swept very cleanly of snow, with only some asionally drifting off the branches or walls. Dressed in a red cotton jacket, Lian Xiaozhou was stooped on the ground, hugging a snow-white Pekingese and staring at arge, ck dog that was baring its teeth back at her.

    Qin Yining blinked at the scene. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s Pepper. He¡¯s ten years old and was brought over from the grand-lord¡¯s old residence. He¡¯s a really good watchdog and very smart. He can understand our words.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss smiled. ¡°That makes Pepper and Xiaozhou the same age then.¡±

    Xianyun looked at the lean, strong ck dog and then at the little girl in red crouched on the ground. Giggles couldn¡¯t help escaping her.

    Qin Yining walked down the steps, feeling that the ck dog was luckier than her. He¡¯d witnessed a young Pang Xiao! She leaned down with a smile, ¡°Hello Pepper.¡±

    The dog immediately looked over, twitching his ears. His tail wagged hesitantly and he no longer bared its teeth.

    When Xiaozhou heard Qin Yining¡¯s voice, she ran over with the smaller dog in her arms, her eyes sparkling. ¡°Big dog!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s a big dog. Do you like it, Xiaozhou?¡±

    The little girl nodded rapidly. ¡°Like it! Roast!¡±

    Qin Yining almost hit the ground with her face. No wonder the smart Pepper, who understood human speech, was baring its teeth at Lian Xiaozhou! The chit wanted to roast him!

    Having lived in the mountains for so many years, Xiaozhou¡¯s primary cuisine had been roasted food, and she had a particr love of roasted meat. She¡¯d been hunting sparrows to cook just recently as yesterday! And even though she was full now, she still had the urge to turn something over a spit.

    Qin Yining poked the little girl¡¯s forehead. ¡°You can¡¯t do that. You have plenty of food to eat now. Pan-fry, stir-fry, stews, deep-fry. There¡¯s all sorts of goodies, but you still don¡¯t find that enough? Pepper has an owner, you can¡¯t cook him, understood?¡±

    A deep furrow crossed Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s forehead as she nodded sadly. She understood everything and was very smart, but still spoke clumsily as she hadn¡¯t made great strides there yet.

    But her greatest merit was that she was obedient to Qin Yining. If big sister said she couldn¡¯t roast Pepper, then she wouldn¡¯t think of doing so.

    Perhaps because he no longer sensed any hostility after the girl stopped drooling over him, Pepper lifted his head and barked twice, then wagged his tail.

    Qin Yining patted the dog¡¯s head and scratched his chin, prompting more barks out of Pepper. He huffed happily and threatened to take off with how furiously his tail was wagging. In the end, he lifted his paws andid on the ground to expose his belly.

    Qin Yining found this hrious. Who would¡¯ve thought that the legendary watchdog would be so friendly?

    In Xiaozhou¡¯s arms, Salt squirmed around and jumped down to circle around Qin Yining¡¯s legs. The fourth miss handed her hand warmer to Xianyun and scratched the other dog with her now free hand.

    The animals were soft and warm, and their fur quite pleasant to touch. She couldn¡¯t help but pet them a bit longer. The action seemed to be dispersing the negative clouds in her heart.

    ¡°You¡¯re gentler to them than to me, I¡¯m so jealous!¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s good-humored tones suddenly came from above.

    Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see the prince standing in front of her, his hands behind his back.

    Salt and Pepper leapt into action, their butts shaken by furiously wagging tails. They turned in circles around Pang Xiao¡¯s legs, inly wanting to get close and dere their wee.

    Qin Yining rose with a smile and Xianyun immediately handed over a hot handkerchief to wipe off her hands, then put the hand warmer back on.

    ¡°Howe you didn¡¯t go out today?¡±

    ¡°I actually did and just came back. I¡¯ve got two pieces of news for you.¡±

 Chapter 317: Two Pieces of News

    <h4>Chapter 317: Two Pieces of News</h4>

    ¡°What are they?¡± A puzzled Qin Yining walked up to Pang Xiao.

    He reached out to fling an arm around his shoulder and headed inside. ¡°Zuo Jinwei angered His Majesty yesterday. He¡¯s been caned thirty times in front of the rest of the court and divested of all of his titles. He¡¯s now resting at home with nothing to do.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss smiled, having noment.

    She¡¯d long since anticipated that a good ending wasn¡¯t in the cards for Zuo Jinwei. With how paranoid the Zhou emperor was and the inconsistencies with Zuo Jinwei¡¯s reports, it¡¯d resulted in therge spectacle in front of the city gates and blowing wide open a struggle that had been veiled in the shadows.

    The emperor was deeply shrewd and liked to keep his cards close to his chest. He¡¯d been forced to show some clues and hints this time and had lost face. How would he possibly tolerate Zuo Jinwei after all that?

    Even if Zuo Jinwei was an unparalleled talent, the emperor¡¯s suspicion of him spelled the end of his future.

    Pang Xiao was both gratified and delighted to see that his darling wasn¡¯t surprised at all. He rubbed her nose with his index finger and said fondly, ¡°Your calm reaction gives me no satisfaction of achievement at all. When I left the study just now, Sirs Xu and Xie hailed you as a demigod who can predict anything that¡¯s to happen. I was so proud to hear them say that, but I couldn¡¯t very well strut around in front of them. I kept it to myself with great difficulty, but you don¡¯t even give me a chance to preen in front of you!¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s strange. We knew it would happen, so what¡¯s to be happy about with that?¡±

    Pang Xiao waved a hand to dismiss Xianyun and the others. He pressed down on Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders and had her take a seat on the heated tform next to the window. He bent down to peer at her radiant face, happily cing a kiss on her forehead.

    ¡°Anyways, I¡¯m very happy. Not just because of the Valiant Tigers¡ªI¡¯m still theirmander to them, but more because my darling is so wonderful. You don¡¯t know how highly they praise you now. I just knew that my dearest had the ability to conquer them all. You¡¯re so wonderful that even if someone is biased against you, they¡¯ll like you after spending some more time with you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks burned from thepliment and she pushed lightly on his shoulders.

    ¡°Alright, alright. They¡¯llugh at you for being so proud.¡±

    ¡°Laugh? They¡¯ll be too busy being jealous and envious!¡± Pang Xiao sat down next to her.

    ¡°So that¡¯s one piece of news, didn¡¯t you say there was another?¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± the prince responded. ¡°His Majesty has sent men to collect the scattered Great Yan entourage. They¡¯ll be in the city tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°So they¡¯ve found my father and mother!¡± Qin Yining rose with surprised delight.

    However, Pang Xiao wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her down again. Heforted, ¡°This is what I wanted to talk to you about. Everyone in your family has been located, but there¡¯s no sign of your father, mother, or auntie in the group.¡±

    It felt like a bolt of lightning had struck Qin Yining. She stared off nkly, all of the suppressed worries over the past few days rushing through, like waters through a broken dam. The onught made her dizzy and confused.

    ¡°How can that be? How can my parents not be with them? Our family was to the rear of the entourage that day and Auntie Cao knows martial arts. There are also guards and followers with my father, so how could they have not found them?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t panic, my darling, don¡¯t panic.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s hand around her shoulder, he patted her cheek. ¡°You just said so yourself that the Marquis of Anping has guards with him and n¨¦e Cao. He¡¯s safe without a doubt, but held up by something. Be at ease, I¡¯ve already sent people out to search for him. They¡¯ll start from the ambush site and work their way forward. They¡¯ll find your parents.¡±

    Qin Yining closed her eyes, still recovering from the news that all of her family sans her parents had been found.

    Pang Xiao had his arm around her slender waist while she leaned dazedly into his embrace. She rubbed her head against his shoulder, like a kitten showing affection. His heart overflowed with so much pity and sympathy that it wanted to melt.

    ¡°Good girl, don¡¯t worry. Your body has yet to make a full recovery for the longest time. You didn¡¯t fully heal from your previous injury before suffering through a famine. Then you had to go on the run and jump right back into scheming. Even someone made of metal wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand all that. Worrying is thest thing you should do now. Just take care of yourself and leave the rest to me, alright?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Yining nodded docilely, closed her eyes, and leaned back on him with peace of mind.

    ¡°And, I sent out men to investigate in secret. Apparently your old dowager, second and third elder master found the convoy when it was close to the capital. They¡¯d been swept apart from the group and it looked like all of their valuables were robbed.

    ¡°Their clothes were torn and ragged in these harsh winter conditions. It was quite a stroke of good fortune that they ended up together after being separated. My scouts said that there seemed to be something off about them. You should brace yourself and be mentally prepared.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Qin Yining closed her eyes wearily and didn¡¯t want to move at all.

    She just wanted to empty her mind of everything right now. She didn¡¯t want to fret about where her parents were or specte what had happened to the old dowager and others. She even less wanted to think about where to settle the Qins after they arrived in the city proper.

    She just wanted to sleep and throw all these cares away¡ªto think about absolutely nothing at all.

    Pang Xiao patted her back gently, finding that she was sinking further into his arms until her whole weight was on his body. He sighed softly, kissed her temple, and carefully picked her up to ce her on the heated tform. The prince carefully tucked the nkets in around her.

    She must be really worried, isn¡¯t she? So worried that she was using sleep to escape from reality.

    Pang Xiao caressed her face with heartache and took a seat next to her. While admiring her sleeping form, he turned over the current situation at court in his mind.

    At this time, a soft summons came from outside the door.

    ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao immediately rose when he heard and tiptoed outside. Only after closing the room door softly did he whisper, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Xianyun made her greeting and whispered back, ¡°The servants outside say that the Marquis of Northern Stability has sent an invitation. Please go take a look.¡±

    The prince blinked when he heard the words ¡®Marquis of Northern Stability¡¯. He gave orders for Xianyun to look after Qin Yining well and strode outside.

    Ji Zeyu was inviting Pang Xiao to go for a ride tomorrow and have a drink together.

    Subsequent to Ji Zeyu¡¯s return to the capital to admit to his guilt, and ¡®request¡¯ to wed the Princess of Anyang, the emperor had suggested that he stay in the capital for now to hold the wedding. The Tatars were busily caught in internal conflict, and all was calm on the other borders.

    This finally gave Ji Zeyu an opportunity to stay in the city and seek out Pang Xiao like in old times. The unemployed prince coulde out for a night of drinking.

    Pang Xiao sent a messenger to respond that he would absolutely be on time tomorrow.

    After giving the matter some thought, he went back to the outer study and summoned his strategists for a meeting.

    The next morning, Pang Xiao left with Huzi and a few other guards.

    After a night of sound sleep, Qin Yining¡¯s heart had calmed down. She¡¯d thought things through. With how everything was, they¡¯d just handle things as they came up. To worry about things that hadn¡¯t happened yet was to entertain imaginary fears, and to worry what had already happened was a pointless exercise. It was more productive to focus well on the here and now

    She called out for Lian Xiaozhou and smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s take advantage of this quiet period to teach you a few more words.¡±

    At the same time, an opulent carriage slowly rolled to a halt in front of the Pang Manor.

    Several pale-faced, young eunuchs lifted the door curtain to allow head maid Hexiang to carefully escort the princess down.

    Li Hn raised her eyes to the signboard over the door, the words ¡®Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯ gilded in gold. She smiled and ordered, ¡°Knock on the door.¡±

    The young eunuch assented and trotted up to knock.

    The doorman answered shortly afterwards and opened the door to look at the visitors. He quickly came forward to bow politely, ¡°This humble one greets the eldest princess.¡±

    Li Hn lifted her chin slightly and lifted her long and narrow eyes. Still looking at the signboard over the door, she dered softly, ¡°Send word to your prince that this seat is here.¡±

    The doorman bowed again. ¡°In response to Your Highness, our prince isn¡¯t at home.¡±

 Chapter 318: A Keen Edge

    <h4>Chapter 318: A Keen Edge</h4>

    ¡°Not at home?¡± Li Hn¡¯s voice was measured, the emotions within impossible to discern, but her stately bearing impossible to ignore.

    The doorman knelt on the ground with a lowered head. ¡°His Highness has gone to keep an appointment and left early this morning.¡±

    ¡°An appointment? With who?¡± Li Hn nced at the servant.

    ¡°This lowly one wouldn¡¯t know.¡±

    A slight upturn graced Li Hn¡¯s lips. ¡°Then this seat will visit the grand-madame and old madame.¡± She headed straight inside after speaking.

    The doorman didn¡¯t dare bar her way at all. He chased frantically after her,ining silently all the while.

    Xu Weizhi had received word of their visitor by now. After some thought, he decided toe out and greet Li Hn. ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡±

    Seeing that a more senior person was in her way and noting his polite, schrly air, she guessed that this was a butler or someone simr.

    A faint smile blossomed on Li Hn¡¯s pretty face and she responded gently, ¡°You can forgo the pleasantries. Apparently your prince isn¡¯t at home? This seat hase twice but caught no sight of the man of the household. I¡¯ll have to impose on the family elders today then.¡±

    Xu Weizhi cast a surreptitious nce at the princess and swiftly lowered his eyes. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s quite an unfortunate coincidence today that His Highness has a prior engagement with a friend. The grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have been very bored at home these days. They left the manor early this morning. None of the masters or mistresses are at home.¡±

    This princess hade knocking twice ever since word got out about her engagement with Ji Zeyu. When one connected the dots with what had happened before and how she had feelings for Pang Xiao, it wasn¡¯t a tough task to figure out just why she was here.

    Since the prince was avoiding her, there was even less of a reason for her to see the family elders.

    The princess had a lofty status¡ªwere the family elders to kowtow and listen to her admonishments when they saw her? Xu Weizhi wouldn¡¯t dare put the prince¡¯s family in such an awkward position, so it was much better not to have them meet at all.

    The red of anger graced Li Hn¡¯s cheeks when she heard this. ¡°Not at home? All of them? Are they really not here, or are they just avoiding this princess?¡±

    Xu Weizhi beamed politely and bowed. ¡°Please forgive us, Your Highness. We really didn¡¯t know you wereing today. They really aren¡¯t at home.¡±

    Of course he wasn¡¯t implying that the princess didn¡¯t even know how to send a calling card before a visit. Of course he wasn¡¯t hinting that she was being insufferably rude to try to ambush someone like this. Of course not.

    Humiliated and furious, Li Hn almost spun on her heel to leave. She was perfectly willing to send a calling card, but she knew Pang Xiao well. He¡¯d stay even further away from her if she did. Trying to catch him unawares was the only way she could possibly see him!

    Was he concerned about face? Had he chosen to forget about their past now that she was engaged to Ji Zeyu?

    The more she analyzed Pang Xiao¡¯s personality, the more likely Li Hn thought this was possible. But the more he avoided her, the more she wanted to see him! There was no reason that the honorable eldest princess like her should be repeatedly barred outside the front doors!

    And if things really were like how she thought, then the grand-lord and grand-madame might very well be at home. They just didn¡¯t want to see her.

    Li Hn took a deep breath in to get ahold of her anger. Her tone still even and measured, she responded gently, ¡°That¡¯s true, my visit really is unexpected. Since none of the masters are home, I¡¯ll have a look at the servants. I hear the girl that His Highness carried off is still at the manor? Summon her, this princess would like a look.¡±

    She¡¯d already moved slowly to the main hall as she spoke, obviously treating the residence like her own pce.

    Xu Weizhi followed behind her with a lowered head, flicking his eyebrows upwards.

    As the saying went, a thing could be done once or twice, but not a third time. The princess had received the cold shoulder twice, they really couldn¡¯t turn her away this time.

    And besides, she had failed to see the prince, grand-madame, or old-madame today. If she wasn¡¯t allowed to see even Miss Qin, the princess would probably explode on the spot. Who knew what would happen then, and how everything would end? It¡¯d also make for nasty rumors if word of this got out.

    Confidence descended on Xu Weizhi when he thought of the wise and resourceful Miss Qin. With her smarts, she shouldn¡¯te off worse in the exchange.

    Having thought up to this point, the strategist smiled. ¡°Understood. This humble one will immediately request Miss Qin¡¯s presence.¡±

    Li Hn had taken the head seat, but her hand paused when epting a cup of tea from the servants. She¡¯d used ¡®summon¡¯, but this man had used ¡®request¡¯. Did the girl have a high position in the household?

    Since these were Li Hn¡¯s thoughts, that was her question as well.

    Xu Weizhi quickly bowed. ¡°In response to Your Highness, Miss Qin was grounded in Snowtrace Garden a few days ago. She¡¯s not allowed to leave the residence, nor is anyone allowed to visit her. This humble one thinks that the prince has his own thoughts on the matter.¡±

    Li Hn nodded understandingly, heartache welling up within her.

    It looked like what Hexiang had learned was true. This Miss Qin was as beautiful as a fairy and had thoroughly ensnared all of Pang Xiao¡¯s senses. He wanted to bring her into his bedroom, but she was the daughter of his hated enemy. He liked her, but couldn¡¯t get over the hurdle of his father¡¯s killer, and neither could he bear to kill her. It was a love-hate rtionship that was filled with both pampering and torture.

    Aplicated one indeed.

    And the target of such strong andplex feelings wasn¡¯t her.

    Li Hn took a sip of tea and smiled faintly at the cup in her hand, fully poised forbat.

    ......

    When Qin Yining learned that the Princess of Anyang had arrived and that Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t home, and how the princess had pointedly requested her presence, she immediately ordered Xianyun, ¡°Send servants to Pinecrane Hall to tell the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame to hide. Avoiding out at all costs, so things won¡¯t be awkward if they run into the princess.¡±

    ¡°Sir Xu already sent a runner to Pinecrane Hall. The hall¡¯s doors are tightly shut, and even Salt and Pepper have been tied up.¡± Xianyun was quite admiring of Qin Yining¡¯s foresight.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± The Qin fourth miss looked at the magnificent jade hairpin in her hair. ¡°Thank goodness for the wise Sirs Xu and Xie in the manor. There¡¯s still someone to hold down the fort when His Highness isn¡¯t here.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but after you join the family, miss, it¡¯ll be you holding down the fort.¡± Xianyun came over with a brush when she saw that the miss had undone her hair.

    Qin Yining blushed hotly from the teasing. ¡°Have them dig out the worn clothing I came in when I arrived at the capital. Put me up in a simpler hairstyle with no ornaments. I¡¯ll use the cape that I came in as well.¡±

    Xianyun was a sharp one, grasping that Qin Yining was afraid of appearing too shy in front of the princess. She sent the servants on their mission.

    Having redone her hair, Qin Yining put on a in outfit and flung a cotton cape with a white fox-fur cor around her shoulders. Her hair was loosely piled up in a leaning tower on her head, and she was sans any jewelry at all. She left without dabbing powder or rouge on her face.

    Xianyun made to follow her, but the Qin fourth miss objected after some thought. ¡°I think it¡¯d be better if you didn¡¯te, just in case someone recognizes you. Just have two loyal, tall, and strong granny servants follow me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re most thorough, miss. It wouldn¡¯t look like you were kept under lock and key otherwise.¡± Xianyun summoned two stocky women who were over forty years old. The two followed behind Qin Yining, apanying her to the front hall like they were escorting a prisoner.

    Li Hn had drained a bowl of tea by now and was intently watching the door. When she heard the patter of footsteps from outside, she unconsciously drew herself up and sat straight in the chair.

    Someone lifted the cotton door curtains that were reinforced with bamboo ts. A granny servant wearing a reddish-brown jacket entered, turning sideways to continue lifting the heavy door curtains for those behind her.

    A pale-green hem entered the princess¡¯ eyes, followed by a beauty slowly walking in, wrapped in white fox-fur andpletely without any makeup at all.

    Li Hn¡¯s pupils contracted violently.

    She¡¯d always thought herself beautiful, but she¡¯d utterly lost today!

    It was just as Hexiang had said, the base wench was exceedingly stunning. There might be prettier girls than her in themoners, but there were none in the gatherings between nobles that Li Hn often participated in. If they counted even the men in the dynasty, perhaps Ji Zeyu could match the girl in terms of features only.

    One couldn¡¯t help but want to take a few more looks at her; one couldn¡¯t bear to tear their eyes away. Her movements were gracious and elegant, but possessing a natural charm within.

    Li Hn¡¯s heart almost exploded with jealousy. She tightened her fists on the round chair¡¯s armrests, but the smile on her face grew even more gently and friendly. Long eyshes blinked rapidly, carrying three parts inquiry and seven parts amazement to Qin Yining. The princess maintained perfect control over her expression, setting one at ease.

    Qin Yining drew close and kowtowed respectfully. ¡°This humble girl greets the Princess of Anyang. May the princess enjoy great fortune.¡±

    Li Hn hastily walked forward and lifted the girl with both hands. She took Qin Yining¡¯s hands in hers. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite. Miss Qin is an umon beauty alright. Many saw you that day at the city gates and said you were a fairy from the heavens. This seat looked forward to making your acquaintance ever since hearing so. To think we¡¯ve finally met today! Aiyaya, what a beautiful person. This princess is a pig or a dog inparison!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness plies me with undeserved praise.¡± Qin Yining curtsied fearfully and responded timidly, ¡°You are nobility itself, the bright moon up in the celestial heavens. This humble girl is just a weed by the side of the road with a lowly status. How would I dare vie with the moon?¡±

    Seeing that Qin Yining maintained a genteel, fearful demeanor, her head lowered with cowardice and her tone soft, Li Hn could tell that this was a noble girl who came from a home with very strict rules. She was also very likely an extreme pushover.

    This is the kind of personality that Pang Xiao likes?

    Li Hn sneered dismissively, but her expression grew even warmer.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that, isn¡¯t Miss Qin of nobility as well? When your father is an official, my royal brother will be depending on him greatly.¡±

    Qin Yining curtsied cautiously again, ¡°Many thanks to Your Highness, many thanks to His Majesty.¡±

    This Qin fourth miss was frightful to the point of beingpletely useless. What a waste of her good looks!

 Chapter 319: Taking Advantage Of

    <h4>Chapter 319: Taking Advantage Of</h4>

    Li Hn smiled and plucked a flower hairpin with a golden tassel out of her hair. She stuck it sideways in Qin Yining¡¯s tower of hair. ¡°Miss Qin dresses too inly. This is a token of this seat¡¯s appreciation. I hope you don¡¯t find it wanting.¡±

    ¡°How-how would I ever?¡± Qin Yining timidly cradled the tassel with unadorned hands. She curtsied gratefully, ¡°Many thanks for Your Highness¡¯ gift! This humble girl is currently being punished by being grounded and doesn¡¯t dare dress up. I will cherish this golden tassel hairpin well!¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Li Hn asked with concern. ¡°Why would big brother Xiao punish such a gentle, beautiful girl as you?¡± She then smiled with understanding and patted Qin Yining¡¯s shoulderfortingly.

    ¡°It¡¯s that temper of his again, isn¡¯t it? He¡¯s been like this since we were children. He¡¯s never shown a friendly face to outsiders. Don¡¯t you worry, I¡¯ll bring this up with big brother Xiao when I get back to the pce. I¡¯ll have him stop punishing you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s teeth ached when she heard the repeated mentions of ¡®big brother Xiao¡¯ and ¡®ever since we were children¡¯ and ¡®never shown a friendly face to outsiders.¡¯.

    Though the princess was engaged to the Marquis of Northern Stability, it was obvious that her hopes for Pang Xiao remained alive.

    Noble daughters were well-schooled in the rules and adhered to the three obediences and four virtues. This princess must¡¯ve grown up in thep of indulgence and tolerance, so she was used to everything going her way. She didn¡¯t understand the reality of not being able to obtain something she wanted. Now that her marriage wasn¡¯t to her liking, she was certain to try her best to fight for her ¡®true love¡¯.

    All this flitted rapidly through Qin Yining¡¯s mind as she suddenly understood why the emperor had bestowed marriage onto the Princess of Anyang and Ji Zeyu. No matter how strong the ties of brotherhood were between Ji Zeyu and Pang Xiao, no man would allow his wife to be fixated on another!

    Li Qitian really knew no limits in his desire to sow discord between the two that held power in the north and south. He was even sacrificing the lifelong happiness of his younger sister!

    The Qin fourth miss sorted all of this out within the span of a breath. She curtsied again, tears glistening in her eyes.

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Highness,¡± her voice shook. ¡°If Your Highness could speak a few words on my behalf, I would be filled with utmost gratitude. This humble girl thanks Your Highness in advance.¡±

    Li Hn looked at the harmless little animal who¡¯d just gotten a scrap of food, so delightfully surprised and touched that it was about to cry. Her contempt deepened, but so did her wariness fade away.

    Whether this beautiful and weak girl was pampered or tortured in the Pang Manor, all that the gossip and spection would serve to do was to ruin the girl¡¯s reputation.

    For one blessed by the heavens like Li Hn, Qin Yining was no longer a threat to her.

    The princess couldn¡¯t be bothered to spend time on someone who wasn¡¯t a threat. Even saying a few more words to the girl was a waste of time.

    However, Li Hn was no brainless fool. The lofty status of the eldest princess didn¡¯t afford her to overly forget her manners either. Thus, she took Qin Yining¡¯s hands and carefully went over the mundane details of life. She re-emphasized her promise to plead for leniency on Qin Yining¡¯s behalf and also said that the girl coulde to her for anything.

    Such pleasantries were really too fake. Even if Qin Yining was the type of idiot to treat polite remarks as sincere, she probably wouldn¡¯t make it through the pce doors if she really did search out the princess.

    The princess left after a few more moments.

    The Qin fourth miss kowtowed politely in the yard until the princess was no longer to be seen. She finally heaved a sigh of relief, nodded at Xu Weizhi, and hurried back to her ¡®punishment¡¯ at Snowtrace Garden.

    Within the carriage, a jeering smile rose to Li Hn¡¯s lips as she closed her eyes in repose.

    Hexiang was softly massaging her mistress¡¯ legs and trying to gauge the princess¡¯ expression. She spoke up lightly, ¡°That Miss Qin is indeed a great beauty, but it¡¯s a pity that her moral character is too cheap.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Li Hn lifted azy eyelid.

    ¡°She seduced the prince into behaving abnormally as soon as she appeared. He carried her off in broad daylight! Everyone¡¯s talking about it, how the prince has fallen victim to this beauty¡ªthat even a mature, matchless hero is so head over heels that he¡¯s thrown all thought of his reputation to the winds. What a disappointment.¡±

    Hexiang¡¯s voice was exceedingly gentle and she spoke in a measured pace. It was impossible to resent her words. Not to mention, normally confined deep within the pce grounds, Li Hn quite enjoyed listening to thetest gossip.

    It was just that the topics today really irritated her.

    She poked at a handkerchief with her pure-gold nail guards andmented absentmindedly, ¡°She does have a pretty face, but as a woman, it¡¯s also a sin to be too beautiful.¡±

    Hexiang asked curiously, ¡°Does Your Highness not think that n¨¦e Qin purposefully tempted the prince?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like she could control this matter. What can a singr, weak girl do?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Your Highness.¡± Hexiang was quite disgruntled. ¡°In terms of appearance, Your Highness doesn¡¯t lose out on one bit. In terms of birth, Your Highness is the truest of nobility. Just like n¨¦e Qin said, you are the radiant moon in the skies, she¡¯s just a weed by the side of the road. You¡¯re better than her by far, but the prince is still seduced by her. I really find this hard to ept!¡±

    Hexiang¡¯s words sessfully stirred the irritation and jealousy within Li Hn¡¯s heart.

    Everyone wanted to be pretty, and those born that way were more attractive to men. That was an incontrovertible fact, and it was no use being jealous over it since one¡¯s looks were derived from one¡¯s parents.

    But when she thought of how Pang Xiao avoided her at all costs and kept a beauty in a gilded cage at home, Li Hn was extremely aggrieved. He didn¡¯t even care that people were saying he was a shameless lecher! It was quite obvious from this just how deep Pang Xiao¡¯s feelings ran.

    A newly met n¨¦e Qin had defeated her with just the girl¡¯s looks alone. So what did all her years of adoration for Pang Xiao mean then?

    Studying Li Hn¡¯s face, Hexiang piped up with increasing anger, ¡°Your Highness is highly refined, but this servant isn¡¯t! Seeing how nice you were to n¨¦e Qin just now, I wanted to rush up and give her a few good ps! We should tear her face to shreds and see how she tempts the prince then!¡±

    For a split second, Li Hn really did want to order the groom to turn around, so that she could give Qin Yining a few vicious ps.

    But she closed her eyes and thought for a moment, suppressing the roiling jealousy in her heart once more.

    ¡°The heart of this matter isn¡¯t with n¨¦e Qin, but Pang Zhixi. Pang Zhixi is one of the greatest heroes of our time and in terms of looks alone, I am indeed less than n¨¦e Qin. But in everything else, I am more than superior! I trust that in time, Pang Zhixi will realize how much he stands to gain to be my prince consort!¡±

    ¡°But, but your consort is to be the Marquis of Anping!¡± With a single sentence, Hexiang jabbed at where it hurt.

    Li Hn took a few deep breaths in and shook her head. ¡°Even if he¡¯s not my prince consort, he¡¯ll know the merits of following me.¡± The look in her eyes sharpened into resolution. ¡°Hexiang, send a calling card to the Pang Manor when we get back. I will see Pang Zhixi tomorrow! He can¡¯t hide from me forever!¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Hexiang assented respectfully. I can finally rx now.

    ......

    At the same time in a third floor room of the Ascending Sparrow, Ji Zeyu¡¯s pale, slender fingers picked up a white porcin wine jug and reached out to pour Pang Xiao a full cup.

    Pang Xiao grinned and threw the cup of wine back.

    His actions brought an answering smile to Ji Zeyu and he too drained his cup.

    The two polished off the entire jug without a word before putting their cups down to smile at each other, having refound the camaraderie of their youth.

 Chapter 320: Close Friends

    <h4>Chapter 320: Close Friends</h4>

    After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere between the two wasn¡¯t as tense as it¡¯d originally been.

    Pang Xiao rinsed out his mouth. ¡°Did you have anything particr in mind when you sought me out today?¡±

    Ji Zeyu put down his chopsticks and studied the dishes in front of him. He suddenly lifted his head, aplex mix of emotions swimming in his expressive, naturally flirtatious eyes. All distilled to silence in the end.

    ¡°You like the Qin girl?¡±

    Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t expected that his sworn brother would be so direct. He didn¡¯t want to keep anything from Ji Zeyu, so nodded. ¡°Yes, I do like her.¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t forget, she¡¯s the daughter of the man who killed your father!¡± Ji Zeyu¡¯s tone grew a bit urgent.

    Pang Xiao looked down, a thousand thoughts running through his mind as he went over everything that had happened recently. He sighed in the end. ¡°I know.¡±

    It looked like he had to be slightly on his guard. He wouldn¡¯t hurt his brother, but neither could he bepletely open and trusting.

    Seeing the prince¡¯s crestfallen spirits and conflicted expression, Ji Zeyu connected this reaction to Pang Xiao carrying off the Qin girl and interpreted things in a different way. Some sympathy actually flourished in his heart.

    ¡°Forget it. Since you like her, it¡¯s no big deal to keep her by your side in the future. She¡¯s so young, it¡¯s not like she participated in that affair. She bears no fault for it¡ªand wasn¡¯t she stolen away and thrown into the wilderness? If it wasn¡¯t for her good fortune, she wouldn¡¯t have lived until today.

    ¡°Just treat her hardships of yesteryear as penance for the sins attributed to her. You¡¯re a hero, there¡¯s no need for you to nurse a grudge against a little girl. And also, do less of this carrying-people-off business in the future. It might destroy your reputation.¡±

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s voice was low and his tone nomittal, but every word he spoke was out of consideration for Pang Xiao.

    Outsiders only knew him as an ice cube who kept everyone at an arm¡¯s length away. However, Pang Xiao knew that though this fellow normally didn¡¯t talk much, that never was the case when it was just the two of them.

    They were sworn brothers after all. The brotherhood of so many years wouldn¡¯t be wiped out that easily.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Though the prince couldn¡¯t exin the details to his brother, that didn¡¯t impede him from epting Ji Zeyu¡¯s good intentions.

    The marquis smiled slightly at Pang Xiao¡¯s reaction, then sighed. ¡°I was too rash and impulsive that day when I attacked the surrendered Yan convoy. I didn¡¯t know then that you really did like the girl, and that you¡¯d go in search of her. That¡¯s all my mistake. Thank goodness she¡¯s fine and you¡¯re fine, or I¡¯d really die of guilt and regret.¡±

    Gossip of Pang Xiao rescuing the girl had been relegated to a fantastic tale of nonsense. Zuo Jinwei had paid a heavy price for his secret reports and ying the emperor for a fool. The prince had been able topletely extract himself from the mess in the end.

    Pang Xiao grinned brightly at Ji Zeyu. ¡°I have to thank Sir Zuo for that. I didn¡¯t actually do anything.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Ji Zeyu arched a brow.

    However, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t care to continue this topic. Pivoting, he said, ¡°I haven¡¯t congratted you on your uing nuptials yet. Marrying the Princess of Anyang isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. You need to grasp the opportunity well.¡±

    Bing prince consort would mean that the marquis would be Li Qitian¡¯s brother-inw. By then, even if the emperor was wary of the nobility, he¡¯d have to think twice before touching Ji Zeyu. He¡¯d have considerations of face and family ties to consider first.

    Ji Zeyu naturally understood that Pang Xiao was thinking of him. His answering smile was a bit forced. ¡°I have no feelings for Anyang, and I know she likes you. His Majesty issued the decree for the marriage¡ªthe two of us can only obey it.¡±

    ¡°I thought so.¡± Pang Xiao reached out and pped Ji Zeyu¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I know you very well. You¡¯re so used to freedom and never had the time of day for any girl. How would you possibly acquiesce to marrying the princess? Once you¡¯re the prince consort, some parts of your future will be set in stone. You¡¯ll have to make ten times the effort of others to take another step forward.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of any of that.¡± Ji Zeyu smiled faintly and drank from his cup, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing through a high, pure-white cor. ¡°I¡¯m most afraid that us three brothers will end up at each other¡¯s throats.¡±

    The third floor of the Ascending Sparrow had been reserved entirely by them. Close followers were on guard outside, so they spoke with perfectfort and ease.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s lips stretched with mncholy. ¡°They say that holding a position means that one will be concerned with anything to do with it. There¡¯s some truth to that. How would any of us back then have ever thought that one day, we¡¯d want more because of an increase in status?¡±

    ¡°Not out of greed, but for self-protection,¡± Ji Zeyu interjected.

    ¡°Right, for self-protection and to protect those we care about.¡± Pang Xiao nodded.

    The two looked at each other and chuckled wryly.

    They were both in the same position, their deeds so glorious that their liege had be wary of them.

    Pang Xiao knew in his heart of hearts that they were both holding back in today¡¯s conversation, that both were on their guard. But this was inevitable. Their current positions meant that they could no longer be as carefree as before.

    With great ord, the two drank and chitchat idly, setting aside the weighty discussion of business. They talked about what they¡¯d seen and experienced since they¡¯d parted, the sights of the different regions of the world.

    There was quite a bit of difference between Tatar territory in the north and Great Yan to the south. As the two chatted, they seemed to experience the world through the other¡¯s eyes.

    Any outsider would¡¯ve been immensely surprised to see how the two were interacting. Even Li Qitian had never seen such a talkative Ji Zeyu or the true Pang Xiao behind all of his masks, just simply enjoying a gathering with friends.

    Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu shared the same thoughts at the moment.

    No matter how their worlds changed, no matter what path they walked in the future, it would be enough if they could reminisce past events, tease and argue with each other, and set aside all thoughts of identity and conflict when they met in the future.

    Dusk fell when they¡¯d enjoyed themselves to their hearts content. They summoned servants to help them change as both had had a bit too much to drink. Though they weren¡¯t stered on the ground, they were in very high spirits.

    Alcohol had painted Ji Zeyu¡¯s face was a deep red, further emphasizing his unparalleled beauty. ¡°Pang Zhixi, your silver-white Ferghana horse is with me now. I¡¯m not giving it back.¡±

    ¡°Uneptable, I gave it to Yining.¡± Pang Xiao identally let slip Qin Yining¡¯s given name, thanks to alcohol loosening his tongue.

    Ji Zeyu frowned. ¡°Too bad. Finders keepers. What does a girl want with such a good horse?¡±

    ¡°A pet.¡±

    Ji Zeyu snorted withughter. ¡°I don¡¯t care, I¡¯m just informing you. What, are you going toe steal it from me if I don¡¯t give it back?¡±

    ¡°You...¡± Pang Xiao chuckled himself. ¡°Since when did you be so shameless? You¡¯re the one who took my darling¡¯s possession. You¡¯re a man! Isn¡¯t it embarrassing to take a little girl¡¯s horse?¡±

    ¡°Who says I¡¯m just taking a horse? I... cough cough...¡± A dry throat sent the marquis coughing, which then sent him vomiting. His followers quickly helped him rinse out his mouth.

    Watching from the side, Pang Xiao wanted to throw up as well. The marquis waved at him without lifting his head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s drink again some other day,¡± Pang Xiao said. ¡°I¡¯m heading home now.¡±

    Ji Zeyu nodded wordlessly. It wasn¡¯t until his brother¡¯s horse was far from the tavern that Ji Zeyu took a seat on a round chair, massaging his temples with his eyes closed. He sighed softly.

 Chapter 321: To Care About

    <h4>Chapter 321: To Care About</h4>

    Large kes of snow drifted through the air on Pang Xiao¡¯s way back. Since it was growing dark, Pang Xiao and Huzi decided to push their horses into a faster gallop. They made it back to the manor before the hour of the dog.

    The prince strode quickly through the door, whip in hand. ¡°Did anything happen at home today?¡±

    The doorman was standing by the door, looking down. He responded immediately when he heard the question. ¡°The Princess of Anyang came again today.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Pang Xiao paused. ¡°What was she here for?¡±

    ¡°She said she wanted to see you, I responded that you weren¡¯t here. The princess refused to leave, so Sir Xu came out for a bit. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know what happened after that.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Well done.¡± Pang Xiao pped the young doorman¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The days are getting colder. Make sure you bundle up warmly so you don¡¯t catch a cold.¡±

    The young man grinned happily and called out, ¡°Understood! Many thanks to Your Highness!¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded and turned to Huzi. ¡°Have Sirs Xu and Xie wait for me in the study. I¡¯ll pay a visit to Pinecrane Hall first.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Huzi left with a bow, while Pang Xiao quickly dashed through the flower-hung gate and made a beeline for Pinecrane Hall.

    When he reached the doors to the residence, Salt and Pepper came flying out. The dogs thumped their tails madly and circled him with glee. Pang Xiao patted them before entering the yard.

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s stewarddy, Steward Zhao, approached with a smile. ¡°It really is you, Your Highness. Have you eaten yet?¡±

    ¡°I have.¡± He¡¯d ascended the stairs as he responded and waited for the young maids to lift the heavy door curtains and push open the door.

    After entering, Pang Xiao tossed his cloak and whip in head maid Xunhe, then quickly stepped into the side room.

    Yao Chenggu was was piping away on his pipe, cross-legged on the heated tform. N¨¦e Yao and n¨¦e Ma were sitting on the other side of a warmed table, cracking peanuts and chatting.

    Seeing her grandson¡¯s return, n¨¦e Ma smiled. ¡°Dafu, have you had dinner?¡±

    ¡°I have.¡± Pang Xiao bowed to his seniors and cut straight to the chase. ¡°Did the princess give any of you a hard time today?¡±

    Yao Chenggu¡¯s lips curved upwards around his pipe. He took a measured puff. ¡°No.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s words fired speedily in response. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Sir Xu sent servants to have us close the doors and pretend we weren¡¯t home when he heard that the princess was here. Lass Yi¡¯s servants came with another reminder a short whileter. Honestly, that princess doesn¡¯t seem that scary to me. What, will she eat us?¡±

    ¡°Mom, the princess is nobility in itself. Sir Xu and Yining were afraid that we woulde off worse in the exchange if we received her.¡±

    ¡°Worse off in what way? What can the princess do to an old woman like me? People truly change when they gain power. Goodness gracious!¡±

    Yao Chenggu tapped his pipe absentmindedly against the edge of the tform. ¡°The princess is royalty and we¡¯re Dafu¡¯s grandparents and mother. The princess quite likes our Dafu and wants to join the family. But I hear that she¡¯s already engaged to the Marquis of Northern Stability. She¡¯s certainly not in a good mood with her visit. Sir Xu and the Qinss were worried that princess would take her frustration out on us or aggrieve us in some other way.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma understood the subtleties that everyone was referring to. She nodded and turned to Pang Xiao again. ¡°Didn¡¯t the princess learn a lot of manners in the pce? Why would she visit us just to give us a hard time?¡±

    N¨¦e Yao smiled. ¡°Mom, even if she didn¡¯t make things difficult for us and we were polite in kind, that doesn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t have found some fault or another to pick at. She¡¯ll still hold a grudge against us, so it was really for the best that we didn¡¯t see her.¡±

    Pang Xiao sat down sideways on the tform and listened to his family¡¯s conversation. He rxed when he confirmed that his elders really hadn¡¯t suffered from anything.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled at her grandson. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite an eye for people. Sirs Xu and Xie sort things out perfectly for you, but that¡¯s also because that¡¯s their role as strategists. Evenss Yi can see things so clearly. She¡¯s talented and beautiful¡ªmore than a great match for you. Don¡¯t you bully her, now.¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled. ¡°How would I possibly bully her?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve grounded her,¡± n¨¦e Yao interjected. ¡°How is that not bullying?¡±

    ¡°I did that because I had no choice to.¡±

    ¡°You publicly berated a fragile thing like her, then grounded her. It¡¯s already a grave hardship that her reputation¡¯s been ruined¡ªand the princess specifically requested her presence today.¡± N¨¦e Yao exined solemnly to Pang Xiao. ¡°Let me give you a word of advice. Since you like her, think more of her and care for her more. Our family raised no heartbreaker that says one thing but does another.

    ¡°You also need to be more attentive. The princess is a treasured jewel of heaven, she¡¯s certainly used to throwing her weight around. She didn¡¯t see your grandparents or me when she visited, so who knows how she made life difficult for Yining.¡±

    A bolt of enlightenment struck Pang Xiao. Here he was, concerned about his family elders, but he¡¯dpletely forgotten about Qin Yining!

    Guilt crashed over him and he rose. ¡°You¡¯re very right, mom. I¡¯ll go visit darling Yi right now.¡±

    ¡°Hurry and go. Oh, wait.¡± N¨¦e Ma rifled through the drawers next to the tform and fished out arge package. She shoved it at Pang Xiao. ¡°Give this to her as well. Our winters are cold, and her little frame doesn¡¯t look like it can withstand the cold at all. Make sure she doesn¡¯t suffer from the weather.¡±

    Pang Xiao opened the package to find a purple sable cloak along with a purple sable-down hat. Three inches of ck sable fur lined the edges of the hat and cloak. They were lined with thick padding that was both soft and warm.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t mind this color for being a bit too adult, the fur is great quality. I had your mother pick it out. The important thing is that it¡¯s warm, and not how pretty it is. Lass Yi is pretty enough anyways.¡±

    ¡°I thank you for her.¡± Pang Xiao put away the cloak and hat with a smile, readying to head out.

    N¨¦e Ma called after him, ¡°Hey, tell thess that she can send servants to me if she needs anything!¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡± The prince was already out the door.

    Yao Chenggu grabbed a handful of peanuts with a smile and shake of his head. ¡°That brat!¡±

    Pang Xiao took a circuitous route to avoid people, arriving at Snowtrace Garden when the snow had stopped.

    White carpeted the yard, reflecting the warm light peering through the windows. The illumination formed an orange-yellow glow, vaguely tracing out two figures on the window.

    Pang Xiao smiled. Having someone wait for him at home gave him an unprecedented feeling of being grounded in life.

    The granny servants walking around in the yard hastily curtsied when they saw Pang Xiao standing at the entrance with a bundle. Their greetings disturbed those inside the house. Xianyun lifted the door curtains before long. ¡°You¡¯re back, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Pang Xiao walked through the door with the bundle.

    ¡°The miss just gave orders for us prepare hot soup to dispel the effects of alcohol. We heard that you were at a dinner engagement today, so you must¡¯ve drank some wine. But the miss guessed wrong. You don¡¯t look drunk at all, Your Highness.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯sughter filtered through the house. ¡°He must¡¯ve drank some, even if he isn¡¯t drunk. Have some soup still, it¡¯s good for you.¡±

    Pang Xiao walked inside with a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ll have some. It¡¯ll be a waste otherwise since it¡¯s already been prepared. What are you doing?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss was leaning against arge cushion. Threemps had been lit on heavy heated drawers and end tables. They were covered by thin silk fabric, and Qin Yining was working on embroidery with the light cast from them.

    ¡°I¡¯m making a hat for the grand-madame.¡±

    The prince grinned. ¡°You¡¯re thinking of grandma, and so is grandma thinking of you. She was worried that you¡¯d be cold and had my mother buy this for you. Try it on.¡±

    He rested therge bundle on the heated tform and handed the contents to his beloved.

    Qin Yining put down her needle and thread to caress the gleaming, smooth sable fur. She hugged it to herself. ¡°It¡¯s so warm. The grand-madame and old madame have been so thoughtful towards me. You must thank them well for me.¡±

    ¡°What thanks? They really are treating you like my wife.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked at the girl resting her face on the dark furs. Illuminated by themp light, she was as adorable as a kitten. Impulse gripped him and he reached out to fold her into his arms, burying his face in her shoulder.

    ¡°You¡¯re so wonderful, my darling.¡±

    About to enter with the soup, Xianyun quickly retreated when she noted the situation.

    Blushing, Qin Yining hugged Pang Xiao¡¯s neck. ¡°What makes you say that?¡±

    ¡°Today was a hardship for you.¡± Pang Xiao kissed her forehead with a smile.

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°What hardship? The princess didn¡¯t make things difficult for me. All I had to do was to keep my head down and not anger her. I¡¯m an old hat at this now.¡±

    Thinking of this, she sat upright on his leg and continued solemnly. ¡°I think it¡¯s very clear that the emperor is causing friction between you and the Marquis of Northern Stability. You should be careful.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Pang Xiao was a sharp man. After meeting with Ji Zeyu and analyzing Li Hn¡¯s actions, he also had a clear grasp of what the Qin fourth miss was thinking of.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have no feelings for the princess and won¡¯t give anyone an opportunity to attack me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Qin Yining leaned against his shoulder. ¡°Is the emperor still telling you to rest at home?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I think these days will soone to an end. The surrendered Great Yan officials have arrived. It¡¯s time to dole out rewards and honors. He won¡¯t be able to convince the general public if he tells me to rest for much longer.¡±

    The girl nodded. ¡°Just be careful. I feel like things are getting more and moreplicated. You should make some more preparations.¡±

    Pang Xiao rubbed his chin against her forehead. ¡°You¡¯re only worrying about me. The Qins have made it to the inns today, aren¡¯t you going to ask about them?¡±

    ¡°About what? My parents aren¡¯t back, so it¡¯s only the old dowager, my uncles and the others in the inns. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve heard about you carrying me off. If they really cared about me, they¡¯de looking for me. If they don¡¯t, then it¡¯ll be just as nice for us to live separately for a while and not bother each other.¡±

    The prince could tell from her words that she had a bone-deep dislike of the Qin old dowager. She wasn¡¯t a saint, after all. The old dowager didn¡¯t view her as part of the family, so she didn¡¯t want to try to appease the Qin matriarch.

    The matter of Pang Xiao carrying off the Qin fourth miss was a hot topic around town. If the old dowager really did care about her, she would¡¯vee first to demand an exnation from the prince.

    ¡°I¡¯m waiting to see how the old dowager and my uncles react. I want to know what they¡¯re thinking of before I decide how to handle the family real estate.¡±

    ¡°Real estate?¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. My family¡¯s here¡ªthey can¡¯t live forever in the inns, can they? No matter what position His Majesty hands out, we need to make a home in the capital.¡± Qin Yining thought for a moment. ¡°Steward Zhong¡¯s taken care of everything in Great Yan and delegated my businesses and farms to a suitable person. He¡¯ll arrive in the capital after a few days and bring all of my silver. I want to find a suitable residence for the family, so I¡¯m thinking about where to buy.¡±

 Chapter 322: To Back Up

    <h4>Chapter 322: To Back Up</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯re ying on buying a manor for your family?¡± Pang Xiao kicked off his boots and took a seat on the heated tform. He moved Qin Yining in front of him again, hanging onto her like an oversized doll. ¡°But your family might not appreciate the gesture, and the family hasn¡¯t separated yet, right?¡±

    Qin Yining leaned backfortably against Pang Xiao¡¯s chest and stared at the motif of magpies on branches that was carved into the redwood drawers. She respondedzily, ¡°We haven¡¯t split into different branches, no, but there¡¯s only one way to write the Qin character. I¡¯m buying the manor for my father as well. Though his whereabouts are still unknown, I firmly believe that with his intelligence, he¡¯ll be able tond on his feet. He must be caught up in something to have not returned.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Though my men haven¡¯t discovered the locations of father-inw and mother-inw, they haven¡¯t found anything bad either. No news is good news. With father-inw¡¯s smarts, they must be safe and sound.¡± Pang Xiao asserted firmly.

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks burned a fiery red and she twisted herself out of his embrace with a pout. ¡°What father-inw, mother-inw? Who says I¡¯m going to marry you?¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled teasingly and wrapped his arms around her again. ¡°Everyone¡¯s saying now that I¡¯m a hero in difficult circumstances, that you¡¯ve got me wrapped around your finger. Who else will you marry if not me? Besides, my darling is so smart and so filial. You protected the elders at home today and now you¡¯re buying a manor for your parents. Where on earth would I find such a good wife? One¡¯s nevering around again if I miss out on this one.¡±

    ¡°You and your glib tongue,¡± Qin Yining snorted, but the words warmed her heart very much so. She thought for a bit longer. ¡°But I can¡¯t just handle things like this. I can¡¯t have the old dowager know that I was the one who bought the manor, or I¡¯ll just be making trouble for myself. I need to find a dependable person and have their name be on the deed, then have them do the transaction with my father. I¡¯ll remain in the shadows. One shouldn¡¯t reveal one¡¯s wealth, after all.¡±

    ¡°So smart.¡± Pang Xiao kissed her cheek. ¡°You¡¯ve thought through everything before I¡¯ve said a single word. Don¡¯t worry about buying the manor. I¡¯ll have my people keep an eye on things in secret. But real estate is very precious in the capital and your family has no roots here. You won¡¯t be able to buy one asrge as before.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be the same size as the one before. A regr one that¡¯s two houses deep is fine. The most important thing is location. There¡¯s not as many people in my family as before, and we don¡¯t know what the future holds, so we shouldn¡¯t have all of our wealth tied up in real estate. We¡¯d be unable to make use of it when we need it then. And who knows, maybe my father has other ns.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send people to keep an eye out then.¡± Pang Xiao stroked her smooth cheek with a smile. ¡°Though your people haven¡¯t arrived in the city yet, I¡¯m here. Just tell me whatever¡¯s not convenient for you to do. I can help with whatever you want to do.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t stand on ceremony with you.¡±

    Pang Xiao kissed her cheek tenderly again. ¡°I still have to meet with Sirs Xu and Xie, so I have to go now.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± They weren¡¯t married yet, so who knew what wild gossip had developed with the prince¡¯s short visit? Though her reputation was already ruined because she¡¯d been ¡®carried off¡¯, the Pang servants knew the truth of how long their master stayed each time. She still cared about face, so didn¡¯t keep him.

    Qin Yining had Xianyun serve the hot soup and watched Pang Xiao drink it before sending him off in the covered hallway.

    The prince took his leave with great reluctance, turning back to look at Snowtrace Garden for everything three steps he took. He adjusted his emotions when the residence doors were closed and swiftly made his way to the study.

    Once Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue had both made their bows, Xie Yue proffered with both hands a hairpin invitation.

    Smelling the thick fragrance of rouge, Pang Xiao frowned. ¡°Who¡¯s it from?

    ¡°In response to Your Highness, it¡¯s from the pce.¡± Xie Yue¡¯s expression was as usual, but there seemed to be hints of teasing in the wrinkles by his eye.

    Irritation flooded Pang Xiao and he threw it away angrily after a quick scan.

    ¡°How does she have the face to call herself a royal daughter when she acts like this? She had renowned teachers and mamas to guide her. Where did all those rules, manners, and knowledge go to??¡±

    Xu Weizhi picked up the invitation for a look and handed it to Xie Yue. Thetter couldn¡¯t help teasing after he put it back. ¡°It¡¯s because Your Highness simply has too much charisma. Who else can you me but yourself?¡±

    Pang Xiao was both highly irate and amused. ¡°These are the bad habits of being pampered since young! She must have whatever she wants. Her life has been much too easy! My daring Yi is also a noble daughter, but is she this frivolous??¡±

    Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue looked at each other, exchanging involuntary grins.

    ¡°Your Highness is now indifferent to everyone else,¡± remarked Xie Yue. ¡°But Miss Qin is indeed a wonderfuldy and worthy of Your Highness¡¯pliments.¡±

    ¡°But what His Majesty values is precisely the princess¡¯ personality,¡±mented Xu Weizhi. ¡°Since she¡¯s convinced of her ultimate victory to have you, she¡¯ll have the courage to go beyond the bounds. If this drags on, it will irreparably damage your rtionship with the Marquis of Northern Stability.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what darling Yi said just now as well. The only thing I can do is to clearly disy my attitude, letting the marquis know that I have no interest in Anyang.¡±

    ¡°So you won¡¯t be going to tomorrow¡¯s gathering then, Your Highness?¡±

    Li Hn had mentioned in the invitation that she was inviting Pang Xiao to a tavern.

    ¡°Not only am I not going, I need to decline her sternly. Sir Xu, please respond on my behalf, saying that I¡¯m not feeling well and need to rest at home. Please remind the princess to be more careful. The days are frigid now, so it¡¯s best to avoid venturing outside.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Xu Weizhi rose to grind ink to ready a response.

    Pang Xiao then reminded Xie Yue to keep an eye out for a suitable residence, and to let the prince know when one was located.

    .....

    The night passed by peacefully. The next day, a servant brought in a response when Li Hn was enjoying breakfast with the empress dowager.

    The delighted princess put down her ivory chopsticks and opened the letter, wreathed in smiles. Her smile froze when she saw the characters on the paper, and she furiously kicked over an intricately decorated stool when she read it in full.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Lan¡¯er? Who¡¯s bullied you? Tell me, I¡¯ll mete out justice on your behalf.¡±

    The empress dowager pulled her beloved youngest daughter in for a hug andfort when she saw how irate the princess was.

    Li Hn wiped away tears sorrowfully. ¡°Pang Zhixi refuses to attend my gathering and his response is so obviously perfunctory. The most important thing is that he even had someone else write the response! I know his handwriting and this isn¡¯t it! He¡¯s miserly with all of his words to me¡ªhe¡¯s just looking down on me!¡±

    The empress dowager asked about the situation in detail when she heard this, but her expression darkened after listening to Li Hn¡¯s exnation.

    ¡°Lan¡¯er, how could you possibly take the initiative to send an invitation to Pang Zhixi? You¡¯re engaged and your prince consort will be the Marquis of Northern Stability! Even if you¡¯re a vaunted princess, your future life will be tied with the marquis. What are you doing, sending an invitation to Pang? Aren¡¯t you afraid of people misunderstanding you?¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding? There¡¯s nothing to misunderstand! Everyone beneath the heavens knows that I like Pang Zhixi, but so what? Royal brother wants me to marry Ji Lan, but I don¡¯t like Ji Lan¡¯s personality at all! I won¡¯t possibly get along with him! Royal brother doesn¡¯t care about me now that he¡¯s the emperor!¡±

    Li Hn sniffled, greatly aggrieved. She hugged the empress dowager¡¯s arm and wept, her tears crashing onto the back of her mother¡¯s hand.

    The empress dowager doted on her youngest daughter, but she also knew full well that since the emperor had already issued and announced the imperial decree, there was no changing this matter.

    Besides, the emperor hade to chat about Anyang¡¯s marriage to the marquis, she felt that the marquis was a fine man as well.

    And so she glowered as she rebuked, ¡°Shut your mouth. This is all because I¡¯ve spoiled you. You¡¯ve spent so many years learning the rules, how do you not even understand that marriage is settled via the parents¡¯ order and the matchmaker¡¯s word?¡±

    ¡°Royal mother! How can you not think of your daughter at all? If it wasn¡¯t for all of you often saying that I¡¯m a perfect match with Pang Zhixi, and that I would be his wife when I grew up, how would I have all these thoughts about him? You were the ones who gave me all these ideas! I treated them as real and think only of him, that I would marry him when I grew up. But now? You negate the past with just a single word and want to me everything on me! What crime have Imitted??¡±

    Li Hn felt these grievances from the bottom of her heart. She¡¯d been keeping them in for a very long time, and only dared to wail loudly in front of her mother. She was no fool. Though she didn¡¯t quite understand what her brother wanted to do, she knew that her marriage had a lot to do with important politics. There was no way to change it.

    But the more she understood that it was impossible to change things, the more anxious she grew and the more discontent.

    Pang Xiao had refused her invitation and ordered someone else to respond with a seemingly caring letter, but it was actually a reminder for her to stop leaving the house. It really did hurt her feelings and her pride.

    When she thought of the high likelihood that she would have no chance with Pang Xiao in this life, Li Hn threw herself into her mother¡¯s embrace and sobbed loudly.

    ¡°Eh? What¡¯s this?¡± Li Qitian¡¯s voice suddenly travelled in from outside the pce.

    Li Hn¡¯s bawling choked off in mid wail. She even huped because she was too nervous.

    ¡°The emperor is here.¡± The empress dowager red at the sniffling Li Hn and turned to Li Qitian with a smile. ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡±

    Li Qitian walked up to make his greetings with a smile. ¡°We have. It¡¯s a court holiday today, so I wanted to make use of the free time to visit my royal mother.¡± He turned to Li Hn. ¡°Why is Lan¡¯er crying so brokenheartedly? Who¡¯s bullied you?¡±

    Li Hn wanted to respond, ¡°You!!¡±, but she would never be so impudent to Li Qitian. She shook her head silently.

    Li Qitian caught sight of the letter out of the corner of his eye. He frowned. ¡°Who¡¯s writing to you?¡±

    Horrified, Li Hn almost sprang into the air. She hastily tucked the letter away. ¡°No one. Just some fun between girls. Does royal brother want to ask about the contents of even that?¡±

    The emperor swept a probing nce across the envelope and then at the visibly nervous Li Qitian. He chuckled in the end. ¡°As long as there¡¯s nothing going on. You must tell Us if anyone¡¯s bullying you. Remember, you¡¯re my blood sister. I will protect you no matter what, understood?¡±

 Chapter 323: Lying in Wait

    <h4>Chapter 323: Lying in Wait</h4>

    Two more trails of tears trickled out of Li Hn¡¯s eyes when she heard these words. She really wanted to grab Li Qitian¡¯s hand and demand, ¡°Do you mean that? Will you really protect me no matter what? If you actually want to protect me, then betroth me to Pang Zhixi!¡±

    ......

    But she wasn¡¯t a rash ditz in the end. Though she could be more arrogant in front of her mother, she still knew what the limits of propriety were when it came to Li Qitian.

    The bonds between brother and sister could never be as before, once her brother had taken the throne. They were no ordinary brother and sister. He was the emperor, and she the subject-sister. To put it bluntly, her lifelong happiness depended on his favor. A single word from him could determine if she was happy or not, living or dead.

    So as much dissatisfaction as she bore, the only thing she could do now was to grit her teeth and shove all those thoughts deep inside. When faced with Li Qitian, she could only be a docile, sensible younger sister.

    ¡°Royal brother, Lan¡¯er knows. It¡¯s just a small matter¡ªno big deal. With royal brother¡¯s favor, who would dare bully me?¡±

    Li Qitian couldn¡¯t help but pat Li Hn¡¯s head when he heard this.

    She was his only young sister, and he really had used her in this matter. Forget it, it was enough to confirm that Li Hn had reached out to Pang Xiao. He didn¡¯t need to pursue that further. He couldn¡¯t expect a girl like his sister to hold the same political views as him.

    ¡°Your royal sister-inw made a set of hair essories a few days ago. We feel that it looks quite beautiful and had her make a set for you too. Remember to wear it when it¡¯s delivered. You¡¯re the eldest princess, the purest of royalty. Don¡¯t mistreat yourself out of desire to be thrifty. Even if the nation¡¯s coffers aren¡¯t deep at the moment, you still won¡¯t go without.¡± He scratched her nose with tender emphasis.

    Is hepensating me materialistically because he feels guilty?

    Li Hn sighed to herself and curtsied with joy. ¡°Many thanks to my royal brother and royal sister-inw.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all family here, there¡¯s no need for thanks.¡± Li Hn¡¯s smile was infectious, brightening Li Qitian¡¯s mood. He turned to speak with the empress dowager.

    The emperor was the empress dowager¡¯s support, so she basically did everything he said. She would also respond ordingly to his mood. She was a smart woman, just like Li Hn, and fully aware of where her happiness stemmed from. Thus, there was never a conflict with Li Qitian, and mother and son had quite an amicable rtionship.

    The emperor had a very lovely conversation and left in high spirits.

    The empress dowager dismissed all of her servants once he was fully out of the vicinity. She kept only Li Hn with her, and pulled her daughter close to murmur. ¡°Lan¡¯er, you need to be more broad-minded and let some things go. You already have all the happiness a woman can attain. Don¡¯t be greedy. I don¡¯t know why you¡¯ve set your sights on Pang Zhixi, but you must realize that it¡¯s impossible for the two of you.

    ¡°It¡¯s set in stone that you will marry the Marquis of Northern Stability. There¡¯s absolutely nothing that can be done to change it. The marquis is also an unreservedly handsome man with stunning ability. You must be satisfied with what you have, understood?¡±

    Li Hn stared at her mother without saying a word, slowly nodding her head after a long while.

    The empress dowager could tell that her daughter hadn¡¯t taken her words to heart. The older woman sighed with resignation.

    A mother knew her daughter best. The empress dowager was very right. When Li Hn returned to her side hall, she burrowed into the nkets and wept bitterly. After thoroughly venting her feelings, she ordered Hexiang, ¡°Have them prepare the carriage. I¡¯m going to wait in front of the Pang Manor. I don¡¯t believe that Pang Zhixi won¡¯te out!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother persuading me otherwise! He pretends he¡¯s not home when I visit. He fobs me off with an excuse when I send him an invitation. When will I be able to see him if I don¡¯ty in wait for him at his front door?¡±

    ¡°But, you¡¯re the purest of royalty. You...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention that again!¡± Li Hn finally exploded in fury. ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m royalty that my happiness and future can¡¯t be tied to the one I like! If I don¡¯t even have the option to fight for what I want, then I¡¯d rather not be royalty at all!¡±

    Hexiang seemed to have been hollered into submission. She stood there dumbly, unable to react.

    ¡°Well?! Go have the servants prepare the carriage!¡±

    ¡°Under, understood.¡± Color had drained from Hexiang¡¯s face and she quickly took her leave after a curtsey. She breathed out in relief once outside the pce, stopping for a quick word with an unassuming eunuch outside the Pce of Serene Piety, before going on her way.

    .....

    ¡°Your Highness, why don¡¯t you tell Miss Qin first and bring her with you to look at the manor?¡± asked Xie Yue with a smile.

    Pang Xiao shook his head, adjusted his leather coat, and picked up a horse whip with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look first. If even I don¡¯t like it, then there¡¯s no need for her to go look. But with Sir Xie in charge of things, I¡¯m confident that the manor is suitable.¡±

    ¡°It was perfect timing that a family wants to move away from the capital. They haven¡¯t decided if they want to sell yet. We can take a look first, and then talk it over with them then if Your Highness thinks it¡¯s a good fit.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded, had the servants ready the horses, and left on horseback with Huzi and Xie Yue. But they¡¯d just trotted through the doors when a window curtain lifted in a carriage parked on a street corner.

    Li Hn was d in an exquisite white leather coat, her pale face wrapped by a fur cor. It highlighted her red lips and white teeth. Bashfulness and intiveints brimmed in her eyes, while the sentiments between her brows seemed as deep as the fathomless see. One could nigh well drown in them.

    ¡°Your Highness, the days are so cold, aren¡¯t you still recovering? Where are you going on horseback and in the snow?¡±

    Li Hn alighted from the carriage, unable to put up a haughty act in front of Pang Xiao. She spoke gently and with a smile, but the notes ofint deepened in her tone.

    On horseback, Pang Xiao had been prepared to ignore her. But she was the eldest princess after all, with the lofty status to boot. She¡¯d already stepped down, so it¡¯d be inappropriate if he remained sitting in his superior position.

    The prince jumped down gracefully and fully observed all the courtesies with his bow. ¡°So it¡¯s the eldest princess. You know the days are cold as well, so why aren¡¯t you resting in the pce? Why have you braved the snow toe here?¡±

    ¡°Why? How would you possibly not know?! Royal brother has betrothed me to Ji Lan! I¡¯m going to marry Ji Lan! What are you going to do about that?!¡±

    The interrogative tone made it seem like Pang Xiao had abandoned her, discarding her by the side of the road.

    Pang Xiao arched a brow with a smile. ¡°Yes, I do know of this. I naturally need to prepare a hefty gift for such a wonderful asion.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Li Hn had thought that the man she dreamed of night and day would have simr feelings for her, that it was also unbearable for him too. Who would¡¯ve thought that when she threw the problem to him, he¡¯d only say that he would prepare gifts for her!

    Tears flooded out of her eyes; the many days of suffering made her no longer able to control herself. She choked back sobs as she demanded, ¡°Just what do you mean by this, why are you avoiding me?! What about our past together?! How would you possibly not know the feelings I¡¯ve had for you all these years??¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s brow knit together.

    At the same time, in another street corner, Ji Zeyu was fully taking in the sight of Li Hn sobbing in front of his sworn brother. Someone had secretly told him that something very important would happen in front of the Pang Manor today, and he¡¯d rushed here out of worry.

 Chapter 324: An Unavoidable Plot

    <h4>Chapter 324: An Unavoidable Plot</h4>

    Pang Xiao¡¯s senses were on high alert and stretched in all directions. He felt eyes converge on him and Li Hn. It was clear as day that someone was watching their every move and action.

    His mind furiously racing through possible observer identities, he bowed respectfully to Li Hn and asserted solemnly, ¡°Please conduct yourself with dignity, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Conduct myself with dignity?¡± Despair finally descended when Li Hn noted Pang Xiao¡¯s attitude. She tilted her head to look dumbly at him, tears streaming down with her words. ¡°All these years, my only wish was to marry you when I grew up. If you had no feelings for me, why didn¡¯t you refuse when my royal mother and brother joked about us?

    ¡°If you¡¯d refused early on, would I have been shameless and clingy in return? You gave me hope so that all of my fantasies of adulthood were about you, but now you cower and shrink back! Pang Zhixi, are you a man or not?!¡±

    ¡°You yourself say it was a joke, Your Highness. So why take jokes seriously? Besides, this one has never had any interactions with Your Highness. We are not familiar with each other, so please choose your words wisely.¡±

    Pang Xiao took a few steps back with a frown, his left hand tucked behind his back. Huzi surreptitiously traced the word ¡®northern¡¯ onto his master¡¯s palm.

    The person observing them from the shadows was Ji Zeyu!

    It was impossible that he¡¯d passed by coincidentally. Someone must¡¯ve purposefully sent him a message!

    The Princess of Anyang was engaged to Ji Zeyu and their wedding would be held soon. Even if Ji Zeyu had no feelings for Anyang, no man would feel good about his soon-to-be wife entangled with another man. Especially when the other man was his good friend.

    Out of the current crop of Great Zhou generals, Pang Xiao dominated the south while Ji Zeyu held the north.

    If they were close-knit with a tight rtionship, it would be the quick work of a partnership between them to arrange for a coup. How would the emperor tolerate the two of them being brothers? Thus, there was no end of provocation and attempts to destroy their rtionship.

    Pang Xiao could understand why the emperor was doing all this, but he couldn¡¯t ept or forgive such actions.

    He gnashed his teeth so hard they ground on each other. It appeared that the very first of Anyang¡¯s visits had represented him and Ji Zeyu unknowingly setting foot into a trap¡ªa death trap with no way out!

    Ji Zeyu couldn¡¯t possibly defy imperial orders and refuse the marriage. Anyang would be his wife. But what hot-blooded man would permit his wife to have someone else in her heart?

    By this point, Pang Xiao understood that no matter what he did, it would be the wrong move. Anything he did would cause a misunderstanding. Such was the sophistication of the emperor¡¯s plot. Even though both brothers might have a very clear understanding of the matter, they would be forced to misunderstand each other and wear away at their rtionship.

    But was he, Pang Xiao, an easy target to be trampled however others would?

    Though a misunderstanding was sure to develop, he wasn¡¯t going to just take this lying down! If he was going toe out worse for the wear, he would make this a grand spectacle. Everyone would know that he¡¯d gotten the short end of the stick!

    When his thoughts travelled here, Pang Xiao¡¯s tone took on a hard edge.

    ¡°Has the princess caught a cold and is sprouting all this nonsense because of a fever? If Your Highness is sick, you should see an imperial doctor. You shouldn¡¯t be out and about like this.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?! I¡¯m not sick! This isn¡¯t nonsense! Pang Zhixi! Just admit that you¡¯re not man enough to own up, why are you ming everything on me?? I¡¯m sick? Hah! I¡¯m very clear headed right now, the most I¡¯ve ever been!¡±

    ¡°To bepletely clear headed yet also a shrieking shrew in the street means you didn¡¯t learn your manners properly. His Majesty is busy with the nation¡¯s affairs, and Her Majesty preupied with keeping the imperial harem in order. It seems that¡¯s affected Your Highness¡¯ education. As His Majesty¡¯s foster brother, I am half an older brother to you. Your Highness cannot continue to act out like this. It¡¯s an affront to the rules of the home and disgrace to imperial dignity.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s expression darkened and he gave orders to Hexiang and the other pce servants behind Li Hn. ¡°Help the princess back into the carriage. This prince will personally escort the princess to see His Majesty!¡±

    ¡°How, how dare you say I have no manners!¡±

    ¡°And do you actually have any manners?¡± Pang Xiao sneered. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a daughter of the bloodpletely disregard her future husband¡¯s dignity and way someone in the streets to create a scene! You might not care about your self-worth, but His Majesty cares about imperial dignity and third brother has his considerations of face! Your Highness, please get in the carriage. Don¡¯t make me say harsher words!¡±

    Pang Xiao was someone who would behead an enemy leader in the battlefield without even a blink. Now in the deep throes of anger, his bearing was on full disy. A domineering bloodlust made all of Li Hn¡¯s hairs stand on end. No matter how she didn¡¯t like how things had turned out, reverence of a superior and fear of danger made her shrink in on herself.

    Putting on a threatening disy, but really feeling quite terrified, Li Hn snapped back, ¡°You¡¯re the one who needs to learn his manners, Pang Zhixi! You¡¯re just a prince, and an idle one without even a position these days! Where do you get the right to lecture this princess!?¡±

    The prince glowered even more darkly, the ck anger brimming in his phoenix-eyes morphed into a storm ready to erupt.

    Li Hn regretted her words after uttering them. All men cared about face; Pang Xiao had no position right now because her royal brother didn¡¯t want to give him one.

    Actually, was Pang Xiao distant to her because her royal brother didn¡¯t value him?

    Just as Li Hn spected wildly on the possibilities, Hexiang and her other servants approached her. They put down the footstool and forced the princess back into the carriage.

    Their mistress struggled along the way, only stopping when all the maids restrained their mistress together.

    Pang Xiao leapt onto his horse with a dark expression. They wouldn¡¯t go view manors for sale today. He sent Xie Yue back and took only Huzi with him, ¡®escorting¡¯ the princess back to the pce. It was like he¡¯d caught a misbehaving child and was bringing them to see their parents.

    From beginning to end, he didn¡¯t cast a single nce at Ji Zeyu. He pretended that he didn¡¯t know his brother was here.

    Xie Yue also yed his part well. He looked in the direction of Pang Xiao¡¯s departure and retreated with sighs and murmurs to himself. He finally took the steps to enter the Pang Manor again with a lowered head.

    Seeing the trampled snow in front of the prince¡¯s manor, there wasn¡¯t a trace of expression on Ji Zeyu¡¯s face. He was as still as an ice sculpture, with no hint of emotion in his eyes either. He turned to leap back onto his horse.

    His followers trembled to see their master thus. His fianc¨¦ tangled up with his good brother? It¡¯d be such a severe loss of face if this matter spread! Who knew to what degree he¡¯d been cuckolded already!

    No one dared breathe a word or try to deduce what kind of mood was lurking beneath Ji Zeyu¡¯s calm facade. To a man, all of them lowered their heads and trailed behind.

    Regret and confusion slid off his face when Xie Yue set foot inside the manor. He sped to Snowtrace Garden.

    Qin Yining was teaching Lian Xiaozhou how to read. She quickly put down her brush when she heard the doorkeep¡¯s message and had the little girl practice on her own. The Qin fourth miss headed out to wee her visitor.

    ¡°Sir Xie, what¡¯s happened to drive you into such a hurry?¡±

    Xie Yue raised cupped fists to Qin Yining. ¡°Miss Qin, the prince wanted to go look at new manors today, but we bumped into the princess as soon as we stepped through the front doors...¡±

    He recounted what had just happened in front of the doors and ended with, ¡°The marquis was hiding in the corner. He definitely saw everything, but who knows what he thinks of it all? The prince reacted swiftly and took the role of a foster brother. He¡¯s escorting the princess back to the pce to see the emperor.¡±

    Her brows knitted together, Qin Yining thought for a moment before shaking her head with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the prince should be able to safely extract himself from this. The emperor won¡¯t do anything to him.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Xie Yue asked. ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°The prince left you at home today, plus this happened in broad daylight. It¡¯d be too easy to find eyewitnesses. If the princess doesn¡¯t want to sully imperial dignity by developing a reputation of a wanton womancking in virtue... the emperor won¡¯t pursue this further. Even if the prince presses him, he¡¯ll only push everything onto the princess and give a hearty lecture.¡±

    Xie Yue nodded with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re very right. His Majesty is using everything he can to the fullest, in order to ruin the rtionship between the prince and marquis. Then he can¡¯t me our prince for taking advantage of a fault in return! The emperor cares a great deal about face, so he¡¯ll never allow this matter to spread. But who knows how the marquis will take things?¡±

    The strategist shook his head with resignation and a long sigh. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s n was thorough. The point of this was to drive a wedge between the prince and marquis. Perhaps this goal has already been reached.

    ¡°The hearts of emperors are deep and fathomless. When one truly is in that seat, it¡¯s inevitable that some things are lost in pursuit of protecting what one has.¡± Qin Yining strode slowly to the window sill, thinking hard. ¡°Right now, we can only hope that the marquis is a clear headed person.¡±

    ¡°The marquis is extremely intelligent. He¡¯ll certainly know that His Majesty meant for him to see that,¡± Xie Yue responded. ¡°Even so, no man is able to tolerate this kind of matter. This is the most sophisticated part of His Majesty¡¯s n.¡±

    Nodding in agreement, Qin Yining felt that Pang Xiao was really in a very difficult plight. Back in Great Yan, his eminence had seemed so all epassing. But in reality, he was being roasted over a fire, and not just one fire pit at that.

    If she wanted to live out her days peacefully with the prince, she would have to plot and scheme for him, not rxing for a single second.

    ¡°Miss.¡± A maid¡¯s voice travelled in at this time.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Qin Yining lifted the door curtain.

    Xianyun curtsied in the covered hallway. ¡°Miss, there¡¯s a message from the servants in the outer residence that the Qin Old Dowager and second madame havee to visit. They¡¯ve also brought your three maids.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss started and looked back at Xie Yue.

    The strategist was equally surprised. ¡°We knew that your family arrived at the inns a long time ago, but there¡¯s been no word of them since. To think that they woulde calling today!¡±

    Pondering for a moment, Qin Yining responded, ¡°Sir Xie, please receive my grandmother and second aunt for me. Say that I¡¯ve been grounded and am not at liberty to see them. My three maids are Bingtang, Qiulu, and Jiyun. If the names match, please bring them to me.¡±

    ¡°Do you not n on seeing your old dowager?¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°The old dowager is too used to pursuing her own interests. I want to see what she¡¯s up to this time. Besides, I¡¯ve been kidnapped by the prince. How would I be able toe and go as I please?¡±

    Xie Yue nodded understandingly. Additionally, the fourth miss also wanted to see if she would still be viewed as part of the family, now that her tragic circumstances were public knowledge.

 Chapter 325: The Imperial Selection

    <h4>Chapter 325: The Imperial Selection</h4>

    Xie Yue put on the airs of a butler when he reached the front hall. He lifted his chin and assessed the Qin women out of the corner of his eye, a tight expression on his face.

    ¡°You¡¯re the ones looking for the Qin miss?¡±

    The old dowager was wearing a semi-old cotton jacket and had a brown cotton cape flung around her shoulders. She immediately rose when she saw the arrogant Xie Yue dressed in brocade.

    ¡°This must be the senior butler.¡± The old dowager curtsied. ¡°I¡¯ve made this trip specifically to bring my granddaughter back.¡±

    The second madame was supporting the old dowager and curtsied as well.

    Xie Yue dered cockily, ¡°Do you still think this is your Great Yan? This is the Great Zhou capital, the manor of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank! You Qins are the hated enemy of my prince! Your miss is here to pay off a debt! She wants to go back? Not that easy!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s heart skipped a beat. What she was most afraid of had finallye to pass!

    They were now in Great Zhou territory. With Pang Xiao¡¯s status, he could eat them alive. No one would mouth a single word of protest if he exterminated the Qin n in search of revenge, to say nothing of carrying off Qin Yining.

    Terror slowly enveloped the Qin matriarch the more she dwelled on this. She started trembling involuntarily.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s whereabouts were still unknown¡ªthey didn¡¯t know if he was dead or alive! If her eldest son was no more, who knew if the Qin family would prosper again, even if her second and third son was still with them. And now they¡¯d even attracted this demon? Would they know any peace in the future??

    That damn girl is too utterly useless! Didn¡¯t she beguile Pang Zhixi perfectly before? Why is revenge cropping up in his thoughts again??

    Sweating profusely, the old dowager cursed her granddaughter heartily and almost started crying.

    Just as her thoughts and emotions crashed into a jumbled mess, the second madame lightly pinched the back of her hand.

    The slight twinge of pain brought the old dowager back to her senses. When she suddenly remembered what they were here for today, she felt increasingly uncertain. But the words still had to be said, or the entire family was doomed!

    ¡°This, this is inappropriate. Our granddaughter Yi is a proper noble daughter. She can¡¯t be carried off just like this! Even if there is some sort of feud between us, revenge can be levied straight to our faces. You can¡¯t disparage a poor girl like this!¡±

    The old dowager used a sleeve to wipe away the fine sweat beading her forehead. Though her voice was trembling, she forcedposure onto herself. ¡°We must take granddaughter Yi with us today. Even if we don¡¯t say anything, His Majesty won¡¯t agree to any of this.¡±

    Xie Yue had been carefully observing the Qin matriarch¡¯s expression. The old woman barely seemed concerned about her granddaughter at all. When she¡¯d heard that the prince wanted to take revenge, some hints of resentment had actually appeared on her face!

    It was tragic to have a grandmother like this. She seemed quite nervous and afraid for another matter entirely.

    Skepticism reared its head when ¡°His Majesty won¡¯t agree¡± was uttered. Xie Yue faked anger and denounced, ¡°How dare you, just listen to you talk! You¡¯re just surrendered war captives¡ªwho are you to throw your weight around here?! His Majesty won¡¯t agree? His Majesty doesn¡¯t even know who you are! Don¡¯t try to scare me with that kind of frippery!¡±

    The old dowager was shocked by how rampant and unbridled this butler was. She¡¯d never suffered an injustice like this before, and their very lives would be forfeit if they didn¡¯t leave with Qin Yining today!

    Thus, the Qin matriarch retracted her worry and fear to retort furiously, ¡°Don¡¯t you be so overweening! His Majesty will be holding an imperial selection next year¡ªI¡¯ve already signed my granddaughter up for it! Her name¡¯s been submitted! What, does your prince want to fight the emperor himself for the girl?¡±

    What? The imperial selection?

    Xie Yue¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but tidal waves of emotion crashed in his heart. This old dowager didn¡¯t care much about her granddaughter, but she sure wasn¡¯t shy when it came to using the younger generation!

    Here in apaniment, Bingtang, Jiyun, and Qiulu were also stunned.

    The three of them had travelled together, only bumping into the Qins before entering the city gates. The old dowager, second and third elder master had been bedraggled and filthy. Fortune had treated them much more harshly than the three girls. The three maids had been privately wondering what had happened to the Qins.

    And now, not only had they failed to get any useful information, but the old dowager had sold off Qin Yining for her own fortune and glory!

    Having said her piece, the old dowager was at ease.

    The second madame also heaved a sigh of relief and addressed Xie Yue politely. ¡°Niece Yi is to participate in the imperial selection and serve the emperor. It would be inappropriate for her to remain in the manor. I think even the Faithful Prince of the First Rank wouldn¡¯t fight the emperor for a girl, right? We¡¯re all His Majesty¡¯s subjects. Loyalty is of utmost importance. Please have niece Yi brought out so that we can take her with us and teach her well, so that she isn¡¯t all thumbs when she serves His Majesty.¡±

    Xie Yue had a most intense dislike of these two women by now. It could be heard from their tones that they didn¡¯t view Qin Yining as a human being at all, but a mere chip with which to reach their goals.

    The strategist couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with them. His new priority was to investigate just precisely what was going on. He pped his hands like he was shooing away a fly. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. If you want to take part in the imperial selection, send one of your many other girls. Our prince took Miss Qin, that makes her his. Take her away? Keep dreaming!¡±

    ¡°You! Does your prince want to steal even the emperor¡¯s woman?¡± the old dowager demanded hotly.

    Xie Yue snorted. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to p such arge crime on my prince¡¯s head. This Miss Qin hasn¡¯t participated in the selection yet, so she¡¯s not the emperor¡¯s woman at all!¡±

    The Qin matriarch¡¯s words stuck in her throat. Her lips vibrated, but she didn¡¯t know how to respond. This butler was too imprable!

    The second madame helped the old dowager to a round chair. She took a seat as well. ¡°We won¡¯t be leaving unless you send niece Yi out. I¡¯m sure the vaunted Faithful Prince of the First Rank won¡¯t harass two married women, will he?¡±

    ¡°Right! We¡¯re not leaving without granddaughter Yi!¡± The old dowager caught on and started kicking up a fuss as well.

    ¡°Heh. Shamelessly throwing a tantrum when you fail with logic? How are you two fit to be the madames of a noble family? What a dishonor to the Qin men!¡± Xie Yue pped his hands still and snapped irritably, ¡°Wait if you want. These three maids wille with me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Jiyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu curtsied before following Xie Yue.

    ¡°These three girls belong to the Qins.¡± the old dowager objected. ¡°What, your prince wants to steal even the maids after kidnapping one of our misses?¡±

    It was far beneath Xie Yue to argue with women and children. He¡¯d purposefully antagonized the old dowager and second madame into speaking to try and obtain some information from the two. Now that even decent conversation couldn¡¯t be conducted, he really couldn¡¯t be bothered. Pretending not to hear anything, he strode off quickly with the three maids.

    Though the old dowager and second madame didn¡¯t see any servants from their position in the great hall, they could tell there were people at the door and rear corridor. It only then urred to them how impulsive they¡¯d been, once calm returned. They¡¯d argued with the butler of the prince¡¯s manor!!

    The household staff wouldn¡¯t give them a hard time, would they?

    Xie Yue rushed to Snowtrace Garden with Jiyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu. Qin Yining had long been waiting beneath the covered hallway with a cape wrapped around her. She flew down the stairs when she saw the three girls and grabbed them for a hug. ¡°Wonderful, oh wonderful! All of you are alright!¡±

    ¡°Miss! We knew you were still alive!¡±

    ¡°This is so wonderful!¡±

    ¡°I thought I¡¯d never see you again!¡±

    ......

    Wrapped in a group hug, the four girls firstughed, then cried together, stunning Xianyun and Lian Xiaozhou off to the side.

    Finally recovering her calm, Qin Yining wiped away her tears and pulled the three in for a close look. She finally rxed when she saw that they¡¯d just lost some weight and hadn¡¯t suffered any injuries.

    ¡°Were the three of you with the old dowager and the others when we were all swept apart that day?¡±

    Bingtang shook her head. ¡°We can tell you thatter. There¡¯s more important matters right now!¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± agreed Xie Yue. ¡°Miss Qin, your family¡¯s old dowager and second madame havee to bring you home. They say that they¡¯ve already sent in your name for the imperial selection next year. They¡¯vee to take you home to teach you how to properly serve the emperor. I¡¯ve already knocked them down a peg or two, but they¡¯re still set on taking you with them today. The two are drinking tea in the outer residence at the moment. They¡¯re not afraid of even the prince!¡±

    It felt like a bolt of lightning had struck the Qin fourth miss. Her ears buzzed with emotion.

    ¡°You say that my grandmother wants to send me into the pce?¡±

    Xie Yue nodded.

    This really was...

    This really was wholly unexpected, but made perfect sense!

    Since father¡¯s been separated from the family, the old dowager will certainly be nning on how to ensure peace and stability for the family. Sending a daughter into the pce was indeed a way to stabilize the Qins¡¯ future.

    No, the old dowager might not be the one responsible for the idea. It might have been a group consensus!

    What a wonderful n! They were going to juice everyst bit of worth from her flesh and bones before letting things rest!

    Seeing her mistress¡¯ face flicker rapidly between emotions, Bingtang worried, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad yet, miss. Perhaps there¡¯s still some room to maneuver.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, miss,¡± Qiuluforted as well.

    Qin Yining took in a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down from her furious panic just moments ago. ¡°I¡¯ll go meet them.¡±

    ¡°You could wait for the prince toe back first,¡± Xie Yue interjected. Those were the girl¡¯s elders, after all. She mighte off worse in the exchange.

    ¡°Right, we shouldmit ourselves to the show. Since I was carried off, I wouldn¡¯t have too much freedom left to me.¡±

    ¡°So you weren¡¯t carried off, miss?¡± Jiyun grinned.

    Xianyun took Jiyun¡¯s arm with a smile. ¡°His Highness has given both of us to the miss. Do you think he¡¯d mistreat her?¡±

    Jiyun and Xianyun looked at each other, then grinned knowingly.

    Qin Yining blushed furiously, her angerpletely chased away. She turned to take Xiaozhou¡¯s hand and conducted a round of introductions with Bingtang, Qiulu, and Jiyun. After thanking Xie Yue, the group entered the house for a long awaited catch-up session.

    Pang Xiao finally returned after Qin Yining ate and took a post-lunch nap.

    In the study with a new change of clothes, the prince furiously smashed his tea cup when he heard that the old dowager wanted to submit Qin Yining for the imperial selection. He pointed at the main hall, cursing loudly, ¡°st that doddering fool!¡±

 Chapter 326: A Punishment of Face Slaps

    <h4>Chapter 326: A Punishment of Face ps</h4>

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness.¡± Xie Yue was arrested by Pang Xiao¡¯s show of explosive fury.

    As a follower and strategist, he had to know his master¡¯s personality like the back of his hand. He knew Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t as coldly aloof or ruthlessly tyrannical as others thought. On the contrary, the prince kept his cards close to his heart. This showed in his ability to always face people with the most appropriate state of mind.

    Put bluntly, whether it was his domineering or detached side, or even disys of friendly gentleness, it was rarely a disy of true emotion. They were all because the situation or audience called for it.

    It was also obvious that him pointing at the front hall, cursing with deep rage, was a show of real fury.

    Losing control in this situation showed just how important the Qin miss was to someone skilled at biding his time and rarely roused to anger.

    Ruddy-faced, Pang Xiao punctuated his loud yells with jabs of a finger. ¡°I knew a long time ago that that old hag is nothing good! She treated darling Yi like an outsider when they were still in Great Yan, as if dearest Yi wasn¡¯t her granddaughter at all. She¡¯s not giving things a rest even when her nation has fallen. She¡¯s plotting with my darling as a pawn! That blithering old trout! I¡¯m going to kill her and put an end to this!¡±

    He unsheathed the sword hanging on the wall with a seething scrape and about-faced, ready to charge outside.

    ¡°Your Highness, you mustn¡¯t! Your Highness!¡± Xie Yue was scared out of his wits and spread out his arms to block his master¡¯s rush. But given Pang Xiao¡¯s towering stature and unsurpassed battle strength, how would the strategist provide any actual resistance?

    He craned his neck back to the door and yelled, ¡°Help, someone!¡±

    Huzi rushed into the house when he heard the noise and screeched to a halt when he saw Pang Xiao and Xie Yue ying cat-chases-the-mouse. Wielding his sword, Pang Xiao feigned left and right, but the strategist always managed to be an obstacle. It took Huzi a beat before he joined the fray.

    ¡°Your Highness, you really mustn¡¯t! Your own crisis hasn¡¯t been resolved yet. The Qins are His Majesty¡¯s priority recruitment target. If you kill their old dowager before imperial arrangements have been decided on, the consequences will be unthinkable!¡± Panicked sweat dotted Xie Yue¡¯s forehead as he tried his best with his cation.

    Pang Xiao had also slightly recovered his reason at this point. He knew the strategist was right. He was treading on thin ice in his current circumstances. If he really did do anything to the Qins, who knew how Li Qitian would blow the matter up?

    Seeing their master finally stand down, both Xie Yue and Huzi heaved sighs of relief.

    Throwing his sword to the side, Pang Xiao mused with a dark expression. ¡°Things aren¡¯t as simple as they seem here. Our people investigated before and only found bits and pieces of what happened after the Qins were separated. They didn¡¯te back with His Majesty¡¯s search and rescue party, and they basically looked like beggars when they entered the city. Now Grand Preceptor Qin and his wife are missing, and their old dowager suddenly wants to send darling Yi to the imperial selection after going through these hard times...¡±

    A thoughtful light shone in his eyes.

    An answering frown was on Xie Yue¡¯s face. ¡°Though we don¡¯t know the ins and outs of everything, it all seems rather fishy when it¡¯s all connected together.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± agreed Huzi. ¡°That Qin old dowager isn¡¯t the dogged sort who takes a stand for her ideals, but she has the audacity to drag out her visit today¡ªand with her daughter-inw as well. She¡¯s not afraid of facing Your Highness at all. Is someone backing her actions? Where else would she get the courage from to do all this?¡±

    The guard¡¯s words were a reminder to Pang Xiao and Xie Yue. They looked at each other, with the strategist then pping Huzi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°From youngsters spring forth heroes alright! Not bad, what you¡¯re saying is very likely.¡±

    Huzi scratched his head and smiled honestly. ¡°I was just guessing. I may not be right.¡±

    ¡°Your guess is highly logical.¡± Pang Xiao thought for a moment more. ¡°How about this. I¡¯ll take darling Yi with me for a look-see. We can probe as to what¡¯s really going on.¡±

    ¡°That works. Miss Qin is highly intelligent, and they¡¯re grandmother and granddaughter. They¡¯ll talk a bit more freely with each other, and the miss might be able to gather some useful information.¡±

    The prince sent servants to call for Qin Yining. He waited at the flower-hung gate when he¡¯d adjusted his outfit properly.

    Not long thereafter, Qin Yining slowly arrived with Jiyun¡¯s apaniment. She was wearing a semi-old fine cotton jacket, a beige cotton cape around her shoulders. Her long hair was loose around her shoulders and she wasn¡¯t wearing any jewelry or powder. On a whole, her outfit was exceedingly in.

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Wherever did you find this old jacket?¡±

    ¡°I had Xianyun dig it out for me. My grandmother is so very materialistic. If I wore anything slightly better, she¡¯d think I mean something to you. Looking this in will be a greater blow to her.¡±

    The prince nodded smilingly. ¡°In a bit, ask them carefully why they suddenly want you to participate in the imperial selection.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss nodded slightly, then smiled ruefully. ¡°Actually, I know the answer to that without asking. Since my father¡¯s gone missing, there¡¯s no pir of the family. She wants to trade me for the Qin future. It¡¯s just that I don¡¯t know where they get the confidence from, thinking I¡¯ll certainly be chosen after participating.

    ¡°My looks are in and my talents ordinary. I might not receive any favor after entering the pce, and won¡¯t be able to do much for the family n. They¡¯d rather offend you by forcing me into the pce, but have no idea how much they might gain in return. I feel like their n isn¡¯t very reliable, and it doesn¡¯t fit the old dowager¡¯s usual style.¡±

    Pang Xiao shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re much too humble.¡±

    What ¡®looks are in and ordinary talents¡¯?

    As a man, he knew best the makeup of another man¡¯s mind. If Qin Yining entered the pce, the emperor would make her a favored concubine given his love of beautiful things, even if he didn¡¯t really have feelings for her. And with her brains, if she seriously approached life within the pce, it was likely no one would be able to do anything to her. A meteoric rise would only be a matter of time.

    For a moment, even Pang Xiao felt that only the most noble position in the world was worthy of her.

    But she had to be his, and could only be his!

    Amidst soft conversation, the two arrived at the front hall. Pang Xiao squeezed her hand hidden beneath the cape as a chill invaded his expression. He set one foot onto the stairs.

    Qin Yining and Jiyun took two steps back, fearfully following the prince into the main hall.

    Backs sore and waists aching, the old dowager and second madame had quaffed arge amount of tea, borrowed thetrine, eaten some snacks for lunch¡ªbut had still grown very impatient.

    As the two mutteredints to each other, the doors opened and Pang Xiao strode in.

    Compared to his outfits in Great Yan, his opulent clothes and contemptuous expression now prompted much more dread than before.

    The two women rose and stood sideways in greeting.

    His gaze fixed straight ahead, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t even be bothered with looking at the two. He made a beeline for the head seat and dered coldly, ¡°You two have quite some nerve to cause trouble in my manor. Apparently you¡¯re not leaving without the girl, and you¡¯ll even have His Majesty judge the matter?¡±

    Color drained from her face as the old dowager shook her head rapidly. ¡°Not at all! How would we dare cause trouble in Your Highness¡¯ manor? Perhaps there¡¯s been a misunderstanding.¡±

    ¡°A misunderstanding?¡± Pang Xiao sneered. ¡°Then it¡¯s also a misunderstanding that you want to send this prince¡¯s maid to the imperial selection?¡±

    ¡°Maid??¡± The old dowager was highly taken aback.

    Pang Xiao sniffed. ¡°The daughter of my enemy is to be a maid in my household to pay back your family¡¯s blood debt. What, is this a great injustice to her? Or do you think she¡¯s still nobility and should be the princess consort?¡±

    The two women reddened painfully from thest question. They had indeed nursed a few fantasies that if Qin Yining could beguile Pang Xiao to the same degree like in Great Yan, then his affections would transfer to showing the family some care as well.

    And even if the girl was sent into the pce, the prince wouldn¡¯t give them a hard time then, right?

    But those delusions had been smashed to pieces. The Qins had no family or foundations to speak of in the Great Zhou capital. If they couldn¡¯t depend on Pang Xiao being their backer, then the days ahead would be arduous indeed.

    The old dowager turned back to re at her granddaughter. ¡°You chit, is the prince angry because you haven¡¯t served him properly?¡±

    This question brought frowns to the faces of everyone present. Even the second madame found it highly inappropriate.

    Was the Qin matriarchbelling Qin Yining as Pang Xiao¡¯s bedwarmer?

    The Qin fourth miss glowered. Ever since disaster and famine had struck, she no longer had any hopes for the old dowager¡¯s moral character. She quite hated the old woman now and only saw thetter as an outsider.

    ¡°You certainly like to pretend you¡¯re something, Old Dowager.¡± All gloves were off.

    ¡°You damn girl! How dare you talk back in front of the prince?¡±

    Qin Yining fixed a cold and sharp look at the old woman. ¡°The old dowager seems to be getting more and more muddleheaded in her old age. Whether I am the prince¡¯s maid or enter the pce through the imperial selection, your end goal is for me to do a thing or two for the family, isn¡¯t it? Then is it really a good idea to offend me now?¡±

    The response awoke the old dowager to the reality of the situation. Her expression turned ugly as well. She hadbeen ying off her status to step on Qin Yining so that she could get some face back.

    The second madame privately cursed at her mother-inw for being a fool. ¡°Does this mean that niece Yi has agreed to enter the imperial selection? Then take your leave of the prince now. The selection is next year. We have a lot of preparations to make.¡±

    Her eyes drifted in Pang Xiao¡¯s direction as she spoke. She rxed slightly when she saw that the prince was focused on his tea and ignoring thempletely.

    ¡°Fine. If you want me to enter the imperial selection, I will if you tell me whose idea this is. How were you separated from my father when the family was rushed apart that day? Where are my parents now?¡±

    The two Qin women looked at each other.

    ¡°Niece Yi, let¡¯s talk about this after you go back with us,¡± replied the second madame. ¡°This isn¡¯t a good ce to talk.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be leaving with you if you don¡¯t exin yourselves properly. Besides, it¡¯s not up to me whether I go or stay.¡±

    ¡°Stay?!¡± The old dowager¡¯s voice turned shrill again. ¡°Would you rather stay to debase yourself and serve a man?!¡±

    Qin Yining stared coldly at the old dowager. If she wasn¡¯t father¡¯s mother, I would kick her out right now!

    Pang Xiao had already leapt into action. In the next instant, a teacup lid smashed to smithereens beneath the old dowager¡¯s feet.

    ¡°Serving this prince is debasing herself?? Are you insulting this prince?! Servants, drag this brainless hag away and p her! p her until she learns to talk with some manners!¡±

 Chapter 327: Can Only Be Mine

    <h4>Chapter 327: Can Only Be Mine</h4>

    The old dowager had never fathomed that Pang Xiao would actually hit her! At her age, she wouldn¡¯t have any face left to see anyone if she really was punished in the Pang Manor!

    ¡°You can¡¯t p me!¡± The Qin matriarch stared at the servants streaming into the hall and yelled threateningly. ¡°I¡¯m the titled old dowager of the Marquis of Anping! Which one of you dares hit me?!¡±

    Though her voice was strident, her frantic retreating proimed her panic and fear.

    Her nerves extremely taut, the second madame spread out her hands to protect her mother-inw and looked pleadingly at her niece.

    Qin Yining frowned, but didn¡¯t say anything.

    Xu Weizhi had received a summary of the old dowager¡¯s personality from Xie Yue earlier. He very much disliked such self-serving people. He jeered, ¡°The Marquis of Anping? Never heard of him. Which court does this officiale from?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± The retort almost robbed the old dowager of her breath, and the fear deep inside of her intensified.

    That was right. Great Yan was no more, and the status of her most aplished son unknown. She could no longer strut her title in front of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    She slightly regretted her earlier actions. She shouldn¡¯t have been so rude to Qin Yining just for momentary satisfaction. The situation now wouldn¡¯t be so unpleasant otherwise.

    ¡°What are you all waiting for?? Drag her away.¡± Pang Xiao waved an impatient hand.

    It was rather Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue who hesitated.

    With their master¡¯s identity and current situation, he really shouldn¡¯t go head to head with the old dowager. However, given how furious the prince currently was, he¡¯d be aughingstock if the two strategists tried to calm him down. It would appear like he was afraid of the old woman.

    As the two dithered with hesitation, servants nked the old dowager and dragged her out.

    ¡°You, you can¡¯t!¡± The old dowager was terrified of not only the pain, but most importantly the loss of face. She¡¯d always been the ones pping others, when had anyone else ever done the same to her? At her age, being dragged out for a face-pping because of offending nobility was the shame of a lifetime.

    Qin Yining sighed softly with resignation when she saw how frightened the old dowager was.

    Though she hated the Qin matriarch, from Pang Xiao¡¯s perspective, it wasn¡¯t a smart move to punish the old dowager at this time.

    Li Qitian quite obviously wanted to recruit the services of the surrendered Yan officials. If Pang Xiao punished the Qin old dowager on her behalf, the old dowager would absolutely make a mountain out of a molehill when she was free to do so. It would just end up putting the prince in a difficult position.

    The Qin fourth miss appreciated Pang Xiao¡¯s consideration, but wouldn¡¯t allow him to offend the emperor again for her.

    When her thoughts travelled here, Qin Yining looked meaningfully at Pang Xiao. Their eyes met, followed by the girl dropping a graceful curtsey. ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness.¡±

    The old and second madame sighed with relief when they saw the girl intercede on their behalf.

    Off to the other side, Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue looked sharply at Qin Yining. They understood her intentions and silently showered her with praises. Thank goodness for the miss being a clear headed person. If the prince really did p one of the women in his rage, he¡¯d only be creating an enormous amount of trouble for himselfter on.

    When even outsiders could tell Qin Yining¡¯s intentions, how could Pang Xiao not?

    But as a man, not being able to stick up for his girl when she was being bullied felt beyond awful. Neither was he the sort to hide behind a woman. For someone used to being in control of the entire situation, it was revolting to be confined like this by reality.

    Glowering, there was nothing he wanted to do more than gather Qin Yining in his arms andfort her. But in front of the others, they had to stick to the script.

    Thus he kept his expression dark and responded with irritable disdain, ¡°Who do you think you are now? You can¡¯t even save yourself. What right do you have to beg for mercy for others?¡±

    Qin Yining lowered her head without a word. Her pitiably thin form and absolutely-not-luxurious clothes on her back once again reminded the Qin women that the girl no longer enjoyed the prince¡¯s favor. Pang Xiao would never dote on her as he had before.

    But she¡¯d been willing to speak up for the old dowager and had been rebuked in the same unforgiving manner. This made the Qin women feel much better; they resented her less.

    Pang Xiao called over Xu Weizhi and whispered a few words by his ear. The strategist nked for a moment, then nodded. He turned to Huzi to murmur a few things. The guard¡¯s eyes shone when he heard and he quickly excused himself.

    The prince ordered again, ¡°What are you lot just standing around for? Are you all deaf? Drag out this dithering old hag and p her across the face!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Xu Weizhi urged the servants onwards and grabbed the two women, pushing them out of the hall.

    The old dowager really was terrified out of her mind this time. Her pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears, and seeing no response, she turned back to her old tricks and insulted Pang Xiao loudly. She abused the Pang ancestors several times and specifically inquired about the Pang female elders.

    The female servants tugging them along found the crudenguage hard to bear and surreptitiously pinched the old dowager a few times.

    Walking behind them, Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue fumed increasingly the more they heard. How could someone as smart, knowledgeable, and wonderful as Qin Yining have such a shrieking harlot for her grandmother? Was this what they meant by bad bamboo stalks producing good shoots?

    Just look at how gnarly this old dowager is! I wonder how the prince¡¯s future father-inw will be like.

    The old dowager¡¯s curses littered the way from the front hall to outside the manor doors.

    She didn¡¯t quite understand what was happening when Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue instructed the servants to throw the two Qin women outside the main doors. Did Pang Xiao mean to p them in front of his residence?

    Just as the notion struck her, the two strategists turned and re-entered the manor.

    Extreme self-satisfaction flooded the old dowager. She spat viciously, ¡°You mewling baby! I knew you were just bluster! Touch a single hair on my head if you really dare! When my son returns, I¡¯ll censure you in court like you¡¯ve never known before!¡±

    ¡°Old Dowager, Old Dowager...¡± The second madame put her weight on her mother-inw¡¯s arm, trying to drag her away.

    The old dowager¡¯s attitude was a very big reason why things had turned out this way. They¡¯d been swept out the door before they could even tell Qin Yining what they¡¯de to say! Thankfully the prince had just wanted to scare the old dowager and hadn¡¯t gone too far. Where was the bearing befitting their status in making a scene like this outside the Pang Manor?

    Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, they heard a series of low barking.

    A ck shadow darted out from a crack in the manor¡¯s corner gate. They looked over to see arge, ck dog with fur gleaming from health staring fixedly at them. It barked incessantly, drooling from its half open mouth like it¡¯d been starving for the past couple of days.

    The two women stiffened from fright, but it didn¡¯t care about their terror at all. Howling, it charged them.

    ¡°Ah! Help!¡± The old dowager paid attention to nothing else and spun around, running for her life.

    The second madame fled madly as well, taking the old dowager¡¯s hand as the two womenbored to reach the carriage on their bound feet. Scrambling into the vehicle, they urged the groom to drive off before even settling down in their seats.

    Barking followed them for an entire street before the ck dog turned away, seemingly tired.

    Huzi was crouched in front of the manor doors, quickly offering some jerky when he saw the dog return.

    ¡°Well done, Pepper!¡± the guard praised. ¡°That old fool was cocky as hell. She was just asking for a beating!¡±

    After the dog happily devoured the jerky, Huzi patted it on the head with a smile. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go back.¡±

    Pepper barked a few times before following Huzi to the front hall.

    Qin Yining was holding Salt, a worried expression on her face as she stroked the small, white dog. Seeming to detect the girl¡¯s low spirits, Salt remained docilely curled up in the girl¡¯s arms, its little tail thumping asionally.

    Pang Xiao was standing with his hands behind his back at the window, his face dark. He finally managed to suppress his explosive fury after a long while.

    ¡°Go back? How the heck can you go back? Go live in the inns with a group that¡¯s lost their humanity?? Just ignore them. I¡¯d like to see what kind of fuss they can kick up! The imperial selection?? There are so many girls in the family, why not any of them? Are you the only Qin daughter? They¡¯re shameless to the extreme, not wanting to let things rest without wringing everyst drop of value out of you!¡±

    ¡°How can I ignore them? I could stay here with peace of mind before because everyone knew that you kidnapped me. I had no other choice. But now that the old dowager¡¯s told me about the imperial selection, I¡¯d only be hurting you if I remained.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be afraid, I can protect you!¡± Pang Xiao whipped around, the mes dancing in his eyes threatening to set one ame.

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°I know you can, but just think about how many people are waiting to pounce on you. The emperor¡¯s wariness remains unchanged. You destroyed Great Yan for him, but he hasn¡¯t given you any tangible rewards. Instead, he keeps sowing discord between you and the marquis. You yourself are treading on thin ice. How can I create more trouble for you?

    ¡°Besides, setting everything else aside, you already know that I¡¯m the Qin representative to the imperial selection. If you still refuse to let me go, that¡¯s tant disrespect to the emperor. If someone really wanted to make a big deal out of this, how will you defend yourself if they make an imperial report about you?¡±

    Pang Xiao understood everything she said. But it was precisely because of this and not having a concrete n to resolve things that made him so infuriated.

    ¡°Are... are you actually nning on participating in the imperial selection?¡± Pang Xiao strode quickly up to the girl and grabbed her thin shoulders. ¡°Qin Yining, I forbid it. You can only be mine, do you hear me!?¡±

    It was the first time he¡¯d say her name so solemnly, or even wrathfully. The fire burning in his eyes felt that it would reduce both of them to ashes.

    Qin Yining patted his handfortingly and nodded. ¡°I was yours a long time ago. How would I serve anyone else?¡±

    Her tender gentleness doused his fury.

    The prince really was feeling unsure. He himself was caught in chaos and trouble; he really wasn¡¯t able to immediately give Qin Yining days of peace and fortune. He could only guarantee that his heart was true.

    Any woman who was the slightest bit profit-seeking would never consider a husband like him¡ªone that the emperor constantly guarded against. With her abilities, she¡¯d soar to new heights if she served the emperor.

    But she¡¯d chosen him.

    Pang Xiao looked intently into her limpid eyes, kissing her fiercely when suddenly ovee by emotion.

 Chapter 328: Joining the Grand Secretariat

    <h4>Chapter 328: Joining the Grand Secretariat</h4>

    Qin Yining tilted her head back, epting a fierce storm of kisses. The prince¡¯s rigid arm felt like it would snap her waist in half. She could hear his muffled growls and huffs, like those of a trapped animal. The only response was for her to reach up and encircle his neck to massage his scalp reassuringly.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s kisses gradually slowed and became more gentle, as if apologizing for their violence earlier. He traced her reddened, swollen lips with his tongue and sped her lovingly when their lips parted.

    ¡°My darling, you¡¯re so wonderful that I long presumed you¡¯re mine. If someone suddenly told me one day that you can¡¯t be part of my future, I¡¯m afraid I would go off the deep end.¡±

    Qin Yining leaned against his shoulder and nuzzled into him like a cute kitten. ¡°That won¡¯te true. Believe me, I can take care of this. Just let me think of a good n first.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I know you¡¯re smart and will definitely find a way. Tell me whatever you want me to do. I¡¯ll do anything you say.¡±

    His exceptional caution both touched and distressed Qin Yining. His straits were difficult enough. She had to handle her matters well so that he wouldn¡¯t worry about them.

    ¡°Your Highness, Your Highness!¡± Huzi¡¯s voice suddenly travelled in from outside. ¡°His Majesty has arrived! Hurry and prepare to receive the emperor!¡±

    Qin Yining started, quickly extracting herself from Pang Xiao¡¯s embrace to search for a ce to hide.

    He pointed at a room divider in a side room. Understanding, she immediately ran for the ckcquered, redwood divider.

    She¡¯d just slipped behind it when a round of heartyughter travelled inside the front hall.

    Pang Xiao pushed open the doors and had servants lift the door curtains. He quickly knelt to make a gesture of greeting. ¡°Your Majesty! Your Majesty¡¯s glorious arrival brings honor to this humble abode. Why didn¡¯t you send word ahead so that proper preparations should¡¯ve been made?¡±

    Mouthing respect and deference, Pang Xiao brimmed with confusion. He¡¯d just handed Li Hn over to the emperor. Though he hadn¡¯t said anything harsh, His Majesty was certainly the type of person to still think of it as a great loss of face. But what was he doing here after such a short period of time?

    Did resentment drive him, or guilt? Dissatisfaction, or were other plots afoot?

    ¡°Pease do rise, sage younger brother.¡± Li Qitian lifted Pang Xiao with both hands and walked hand in hand to the front hall together. He took the head seat with a smile. ¡°We had thought you would be with your elders or in the study. But We asked the servants only to find you here! It¡¯s quite drafty in this front hall, be careful of catching a cold.¡±

    The line of conversation seemed ordinary, but it was full of hidden meanings and probing intent.

    Pang Xiao snapped to mental attention. It would seem that everything that had happened earlier had fallen into Li Qitian¡¯s ears. The emperor might not know the particrs, but he knew that the old dowager hade to visit, left cursing and screaming, and been chased a block away by a big, ck dog.

    ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s concern.¡± Pang Xiao stood by the side with his head lowered. ¡°There were guests just now and they left not long ago. This subject was originally going to keep grandmother and the otherspany.¡±

    ¡°So We see.¡± Li Qitian nodded.

    Li Guanwen respectfully offered tea.

    The emperor took it and dismissed the eunuch, along with his other followers. When no one was left in the hall, he smiled. ¡°Take a seat while we chat. We¡¯re all brothers here, why be so restrained?¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty.¡± Pang Xiao bowed with cupped fists and took a seat on a nearby round chair.

    ¡°It¡¯s the annual grand court meeting tomorrow. [1] We¡¯ve made this visit to discuss something with younger brother.¡±

    Behind the divider, Qin Yining held her breath in concentration and didn¡¯t dare make the slightest sound. Her brows were knit tightly out of puzzlement.

    Li Qitian took a sip of tea and continued with a pleasant expression. ¡°We are immensely gratified and thankful that sage younger brother pacified the southern disorder. Out of consideration for younger brother¡¯s health, We had you rest for a while and didn¡¯t bestow rewards or titles on you. You don¡¯t me Us, do you?¡±

    ¡°Now what kind of words are these, Your Majesty?¡± Pang Xiao responded blithely. ¡°You know this subject¡¯s character the best. I¡¯m used to being idle and hate all that troublesome nonsense. I followed Your Majesty in fighting our way across the world so that one day, I would be able to live it up without having to worry about anything else! My life now is exactly what I wanted, and all this is because of Your Majesty.

    ¡°I can¡¯t thank Your Majesty enough, why would I me you? Besides, if it wasn¡¯t for Your Majesty, where would all my glory and fortune be now? Your Majesty is a man of your word and you¡¯ve made good on all of your promises. Your subject could cry tears of gratitude!¡±

    The words moved Li Qitian some. ¡°Ai! It¡¯s all in the past, but my heart still quails when I think about it now...¡±

    When Qin Yining heard Li Qitian start to wax nostalgic and grow sentimental, she couldn¡¯t help butpliment Pang Xiao¡¯s response.

    It was her first time seeing Pang Xiao interact with Li Qitian. She finally understood why, though Li Qitian was so wary of Pang Xiao, he hadn¡¯t erupted in open hostilities with the prince.

    On one hand, the emperor probably didn¡¯t have the confidence to be at Pang Xiao¡¯s throat. On the other were the results of the prince¡¯s continual disys of meek subservience. He indicated weakness whenever possible and brought up the hot-blooded memories of yesteryear when appropriate. Not only would this rx Li Qitian¡¯s guard, but it also instilled some reservation from taking action thanks to their historical closeness.

    But most of all, Qin Yining felt heartache for Pang Xiao. She really didn¡¯t want her man to be bullied, but they had no other choice since they were on someone else¡¯s chopping block.

    After a round of reminiscing the past and honoring fallen brothers, Li Qitian rose and pped Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°How would We not know your temperament? But you¡¯re a man of great talent and We can¡¯t bear to bury your skills. We¡¯ve made a close observation of things during this time and after careful thought, have decided to have you join the Grand Secretariat. Be a Grand Secretary and Our right hand man.¡±

    Having absorbed the lessons of Northern Ji¡¯s system of a chancellor grasping sole authority, Great Zhou had abolished that structure and changed to one of the Grand Secretariat.

    This organization was the most distinguished and influential body in central government. Staffed with one Senior Grand Secretary, one Secondary Secretary, and rounded out by Grand Secretaries, it was made of three to seven people jointly sharing power. All matters wereid out for general discussion, with final decisions determined by voting. The Senior Grand Secretary had two votes, while the others had one vote each.

    Li Qitian said portentously, ¡°Younger brother, you fought through the world by Our side, nothing private has ever been kept from you. Even though We sit on the dragon throne, who knows how many truly ept Our rule? The officials form factions and cliques, each pursuing their own agenda. They appear deferential on the surface, but everyone has their own motives.

    ¡°Take the current Grand Secretariat, for example. Right now, the Senior Grand Secretary is one of the old adherents of Northern Ji. He¡¯s a highly respected person with immense moral integrity, and enjoys great prestige at court. If We want to form good rtions with the old Northern Ji officials and have them obey imperialmands, special attention must be paid on this front. The Secondary Secretary is alright. Zhou Min is Our father-inw and one of us.

    ¡°But things are taking a turn now. The Senior Grand Secretary has set foot beyond seventy years of age and petitioned his desire to retire. We permitted it, leaving the seat empty. Naturally the Secondary Secretary is the one for it, which still leaves an opening in the Grand Secretariat. You are Our confidante and will have one vote within the organization. With Our Father-inw having two votes, that makes three votes for our camp. You¡¯ll be able to suppress the other two Northern Ji holdouts. It¡¯ll be whatever us brothers say when ites to any affairs of state!¡±

 Chapter 329: Female Zhuge Liang (I)

    <h4>Chapter 329: Female Zhuge Liang (I)</h4>

    One had to say, Li Qitian¡¯s words were very rousing. A man¡¯s ambitions should be found in all four corners of the world!

    Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t some phndering milquetoast. When he¡¯d hoisted high the banner with Li Qitian, he must¡¯ve imagined the great feats he¡¯d aplish one day, when the world had changed and he upied lofty heights from which to resist the brutal former system.

    Li Qitian¡¯s speech tickled the depths of his heart.

    Hidden behind the divider, Qin Yining¡¯s mind raced. When she connected this conversation to what had happened recently, it felt that all wasn¡¯t how it appeared.

    She held her breath with nervous concentration to hear Pang Xiao respond with a voice slightly charged with surprise. ¡°Do you mean that, Your Majesty?¡±

    ¡°Naturally!¡± Li Qitian was also highly agitated. ¡°What did we rise up for, all those years ago? So that we would be able to crush the heads of those corrupt and greedy officials beneath our feet! But who would¡¯ve thought that after we won the world, we still can¡¯t do as we wish in matters of court?¡±

    Pang Xiao agreed, ¡°That¡¯s right, but there¡¯s nothing we could¡¯ve done about that. When Your Majesty sounded the call of justice, food and money had to be borrowed from right and left. If it wasn¡¯t for the support of severalrge aristocratic families, our own silver wouldn¡¯t have been enough. Given that, Your Majesty has no choice but to respect their terms and conditions.

    ¡°The weakest of them has foundations stretching back to Northern Ji for at least a hundred years. Not only do they have ample financial strength, deep reserves, and a widework, more than likely they have deep ties with the officials at court as well.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very right,¡± agreed Li Qitian. ¡°Only a brother like you, one who¡¯s been there with Us every step of the way, understands Our difficulties. Oftentimes, there are whispers behind Our backs that say We fear those surrendered Northern Ji officials, that they hold the true power at court. But who knows of Our predicament?¡±

    The emperor waved a hand when his thoughts travelled here. ¡°All that is in the past now. You¡¯ll be inducted as a Grand Secretary tomorrow. Though you won¡¯t be the Secondary or Senior in the short run, that makes three of our own in the council. That¡¯ll be enough to vie with those Northern Ji relics! We won¡¯t have to look to their faces when ites to deciding policy anymore.¡±

    Pang Xiao appeared gripped by passion, but some worry still crossed his face. ¡°Your Majesty speaks very truly, but this subject has little talent and even less learning. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯m unsuited for the position.¡±

    Li Qitian waved a hand. ¡°Don¡¯t unduly belittle yourself. If We say you are suitable, then you are suitable! No more protests now, we¡¯ll proceed tomorrow as we¡¯ve discussed.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded zealously and proimed with high spirits, ¡°Understood! Thank you, Your Majesty!¡±

    ......

    The increasingly heated conversation filtered into Qin Yining¡¯s ears, as well as some ns for future policy. Li Qitian finally left after a while longer, the prince seeing him out.

    Quiet descended onto the front hall. There was no one else present. Qin Yining remained behind the divider, not daring toe out.

    Roughly fifteen minutester, the door creaked open to announce Pang Xiao¡¯s return.

    ¡°Darling Yi?¡± Pang Xiao called out when he didn¡¯t see the girl.

    The Qin fourth miss walked out from behind the divider. The prince broke into a grin to see that she¡¯d been hiding there all this time. He walked up for a hug. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? Why didn¡¯t youe out and sit for a bit?¡±

    ¡°I was worried there¡¯d still be people in the hall. I can¡¯t see clearly through the joints of the divider. What if I bumped into some of the emperor¡¯s men after you two walked out? It¡¯s better to be more careful.¡±

    ¡°Oh you.¡± Pang Xiao lovingly scratched Qin Yining¡¯s nose with the pad of a fingertip.

    The girl responded seriously, ¡°What do you n to do with what His Majesty was talking about just now?¡±

    ¡°I wasing to bring you to the study so we can discuss this. I¡¯ve already sent Huzi to notify Sirs Xu and Xie.¡±

    But the girl shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m just a woman. It¡¯s not good for me to be involved in your matters, is it?¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be a good thing for any other woman to carelessly mingle with matters outside. But you¡¯re no ordinary woman.¡±

    Pang Xiao took her hand and walked to the door, carefully adjusting her cape. ¡°Sirs Xie and Xu quite admire your wisdom and they¡¯ve already epted you. I was worried that they wouldn¡¯t ept you joining our conversations, but it now seems my worries were unfounded. You have your own ways of winning them over.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°What ways? I¡¯m just genuine in my affections for you. They¡¯re loyal to a fault and I treat you truly. Of course they¡¯d ept me.¡±

    Warmth suffused his heart. Ovee by emotion, he pulled her into his embrace and left a loud smack on her forehead.

    Qin Yining also wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled after a moment. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t keep them waiting. Let¡¯s hurry over.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    The two walked out hand-in-hand, but switched to one following after another when they reached the yard.

    Once they reached the outer study, Pang Xiao ordered Huzi to keep a close eye on the premises and entered with the Qin fourth miss. He carefully recounted Li Qitian¡¯s words to Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi. ¡°There are no outsiders here. The floor is yours, gentlemen.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The two raised cupped fists and sank into deep thought.

    Qin Yining had actually formed some opinions from earlier. She bit her lip, swallowing back what she was about to say.

    The prince smiled at the sight. ¡°What thoughts do you have, my darling?¡±

    Taken aback that he would ask her first, Qin Yining started and looked hesitantly at the strategists off to the side.

    Xie Yue smiled at her reaction. ¡°Miss Qin is remarkably intelligent and heard everything clearly just now. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve given it great thought. Why not tell us your take first?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. There¡¯s no need to be so cautious, Miss Qin. Since we¡¯re discussing business, speaking freely is the rule of the day. We¡¯re all exchanging opinions, so please go ahead andy out whatever¡¯s on your mind.¡±

    The girl rose to dip a polite curtsey at the two men. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be showing off in front of the masters.¡±

    The two strategists raised cupped fists in return.

    She took a moment to gather her thoughts when she found her seat again. ¡°I feel that the emperor¡¯s actions today were very suspicious. He doesn¡¯t seem to genuinely want to install His Highness onto the council. Instead, it seems like he¡¯s purposefully ying on emotions to numb the prince. Not only does he want to avoid giving His Highness a title, but he also wants to give the prince a bad name and leave empty-handed.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Xu Weizhi arched a brow but quickly understood.

    ¡°We¡¯re all aware of the prince¡¯s circumstances,¡± continued Qin Yining. ¡°He made the most effort in taking down Northern Ji, and his name was the worst for it. Everyone in the Northern Ji camp treats him as the enemy, thereby diverting away a lot of hatred for the emperor.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why I find this very suspicious. From the emperor¡¯s earlier conversation with His Highness, there are many deep-rooted aristocratic families in the Northern Ji faction. Many of these families once gave the emperor¡¯s armies a lot of financial aid, which is how you guys were able to take down the old dynasty.

    ¡°With how the Grand Secretariat is now, the addition of His Highness will change itsyout. The Northern Ji faction will lose their majority voice. The aristocracy won¡¯t allow that, much less the surrendered officials. Their men at court will surely band together to oppose the prince, to say nothing of anyone else.¡±

 Chapter 330: Female Zhuge Liang (II)

    <h4>Chapter 330: Female Zhuge Liang (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but stand to give herself room for pacing. The more she thought about this, the thornier the problem became.

    ¡°The emperor¡¯s actions are simply too sinister. He told the prince just now to not turn the position down. But what if the Northern Ji officials and aristocrats ally together and publicly oppose the prince in tomorrow¡¯s grand court session?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty is skewed towards the old Northern Ji officials to begin with. If they speak with one voice, His Majesty will have to let the idea go.¡± Xu Weizhi shook his head. ¡°What will outsiders say then? They¡¯llugh at His Highness for overestimating his worth in wanting to join the council. The prince¡¯s illustrious reputation is known wide and far. He won¡¯t withstand such a loss of face. A bad reputation will also be nothing good for His Highness¡¯ future.¡±

    ¡°The most important thing is that the emperor is bestowing this asmendation for His Highness conquering Great Yan. This will turn into His Majesty giving out a reward, but His Highness¡¯ fault for not being able to digest it.¡± Xie Yue¡¯s brows were tightly furrowed when he considered the point. Cold sweat dotted his forehead. ¡°This old man thinks the emperor wants to use this opportunity to plunge His Highness into the abyss and be aughingstock. He¡¯ll be rid of His Highness once and for all.¡±

    The three analysis tied into each other, every word pleasantly elegant, despite their meaning hardly so. Though Pang Xiao¡¯s fervor had been somewhat stirred by Li Qitian, he realized how inappropriate the situation was once he had some time to calm down.

    Silence reigned in the study.

    Xie Yue broke it after a long while. ¡°Ole Xu, hurry and think of something. We can¡¯t have His Highness refuse the position tomorrow. That¡¯s defying an imperial decree.¡±

    Xu Weizhi stroked his chin. ¡°Defying an imperial decree is out of question, of course. Joining the Grand Secretariat is a good thing, but the prince¡¯s future career is the most important. We need to look at this in the long run.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°I can¡¯t just follow His Majesty¡¯s wishes in this. We also can¡¯t wait until tomorrow¡¯s court session, when everyone can have a go at denouncing me when the order is announced.¡±

    ¡°At the end of the day, this isn¡¯t only a dispute between the prince and emperor, but also a struggle of power between the emperor and the old Northern Ji officials.¡± Qin Yining had taken her seat again with shining eyes. She¡¯d patently thought of something already.

    Xu Weizhi was skilled at scheming and usually the one brainstorming ns for Pang Xiao. But now that he saw a young girl with a mind even faster than his, he smiled with interest. ¡°Does Miss Qin have an idea already?¡±

    Her eyes glittering, the girl answered rhetorically. ¡°Tell me, what would you guys if someone stole a string of coins from you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d take it back, of course,¡± responded Xie Yue. ¡°Then beat the robber up and report it to the authorities.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°But what if not only were a string of coins taken, so was your wife sold off, and your child thrown into the well? What would you do then?¡±

    It was a bloody analogy, but these were all sharp individuals. No one minded whether or not it was appropriate. Understanding shed through their hearts.

    Pang Xiao, Xie Yue, and Xu Weizhi looked at each other, then broke out into smiles when they looked at Qin Yining.

    Xu Weizhi rose to offer cupped fists at the girl. ¡°Miss Qin is a female Zhuge Liang alright! This old man edes defeat. I am thoroughly bested this time!¡±

    ¡°What kind of words are these, Sir Xu!¡± Qin Yining hastily rose to return the gesture.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes brimmed with admiration, approval, and pride as he looked at his girl. He then looked questioningly at Xie Yue.

    Being the decisive sort, Xie Yue could always pick the best course of action out of multiple ns.

    The strategist nodded with a smile. ¡°Your Highness, I think Miss Qin¡¯s idea is grand. His Majesty¡¯s announcement of making you Grand Secretary means robbing a strong of coins from the old Northern Ji officials. They won¡¯t do anything to the emperor, and will at most strenuously oppose your inclusion. They¡¯ll muster quite a bit of effort to try and expel you.

    ¡°But it¡¯s different if the matter blows up. We¡¯ll spread rumors right now so that the Northern Ji officials and aristocracy know that, during tomorrow¡¯s court session, the emperor is going to swap out all Northern Ji officials in the Grand Secretariat for his own confidantes.

    ¡°Things won¡¯t be as simple taking a string of coins then. If there¡¯s no one from the Northern Ji faction on the council, that¡¯s the same as the child being thrown into the well and the wife being sold. These two camps will spare no effort in defending their turf. All Your Highness needs to do then is to watch the show.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re so very right.¡± He looked gently at Qin Yining. ¡°And, not only will I have a good show to watch, I¡¯ll be getting a plum position as well.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss blushed furiously from his look and lowered her head.

    Seeing the development, the two strategists knowingly rose and took their leave. ¡°Since we¡¯ve decided, we¡¯ll go make the arrangements now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be troubling the two gentlemen then.¡± Pang Xiao politely sent them out.

    When he returned, he grabbed Qin Yining for a hug like he was grabbing a child. Strong arms hoisted her bottom as he spun in ce several times.

    The girl almost shrieked from fright. She clutched his neck and shoulders to stabilize herself.

    What are you doing?! Let me down!¡±

    ¡°My wonderful darling! You really are my wise wife. You brought so much honor to me just now! Sirs Xu and Xie must envy me so much right now!¡±

    ¡°Just what are you talking about? You¡¯re acting like a kid.¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. Who would¡¯ve thought that Pang Xiao would be like a proud child, wanting to show off this small thing?

    Setting her down, the prince nted a loud smack on her cheek and swayed with her in his embrace.

    ¡°My dear, it¡¯s so nice having you by my side. I feel like I can deal with any trouble that arises. I¡¯m not worried at all. I¡¯m full of energy and have a drive to tackle everything. My dearest, don¡¯t go, stay and keep mepany, alright? Just forget about that imperial selection for a while. Let me go find out some more before you decide, alright?¡±

    Such domineering, stalwart man was almost wagging his tail at her like arge dog? How could Qin Yining bear to let him down?

    ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t go today. Go find out more first. We¡¯ll decide what to do then.¡±

    Pang Xiao bobbed his head rapidly with delight. ¡°Then don¡¯t go to the imperial selection either, alright? You already promised just now that you¡¯ll be with only me. You can¡¯t go back on your promise.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so bossy.¡± Warmth flooded Qin Yining¡¯s heart as she lightly pounded the prince¡¯s shoulder with mock anger.

    Pang Xiao responded with utmost seriousness. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m bossy, but just in this one instance. You must belong to me! As long as you satisfy that one condition, then I¡¯ll put up thedder if you want to fling tiles down from the roof. I¡¯ll be your assistant if you want to ck off and do nothing at all. I¡¯ll do anything that you want!

    ¡°I don¡¯t ask that you do anything for me. I can make delicious food for you. My cooking skills aren¡¯t bad and I know how to make a lot of dishes. Even my grandfatherpliments my cooking.

    ¡°I can take you on trips anywhere and won¡¯t restrict your freedom. I won¡¯t bury your talents either. You can do whatever you like as long as you satisfy that one requirement. My darling, you¡¯re so smart. Agree to such a good deal, alright?¡±

    Qin Yining buried her beet red face into his shoulders and nodded. ¡°Of course I¡¯ll agree to such a good deal. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of the selection.¡±

 Chapter 331: Origin (I)

    <h4>Chapter 331: Origin (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining spent the night wreathed in smiles, even in her sleep. In her dreams, a beaming Pang Xiao kept asking, ¡°Just stay by my side, alright?¡±

    She nodded boldly in her dreams, much more candid than she was in reality.

    She used to often feel lost when it came to the future, but things were much different now. She was going to stay by his side, no matter what troubles came their way. She would never give up, no matter how dire his circumstances. They would weather together the storms that beat down on them.

    The next morning, Jiyun and Xianyun were helping her dress and put up her hair when Bingtang returned from her news-gathering jaunt.

    ¡°Miss, the prince set out early this morning. He said it was for the grand court session.¡± A merry Bingtang hung an exquisite pouch on Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s neck. The little girl was busily stuffing her face with snacks.

    Crumb-encrusted cheeks bent down to closely scrutinize the pouch. The girl snatched it up for a close sniff and immediately beamed with joy. She ran up to Qin Yining to proffer her new treasure.

    ¡°Big sis, smells nice.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. There¡¯s dried flower petals and a few medicinal ingredients inside the pouch. Smell it often in this weather. You can ward off colds this way.¡±

    Bingtang knew that Lian Xiaozhou was an orphan and had a speech impediment. After close diagnosis, she concluded that, in this life, it would be difficult for the child to speak normally like other people. This conclusion had inspired deep tender protectiveness.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Isn¡¯t that lovely? Xiaozhou, thank big sister Bingtang.¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou looked at the maid who wasn¡¯t much taller than herself. She bowed merrily. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡± Bingtang waved her hand.

    Qiulu brought over the semi-worn, pale blue cotton jacket that Qin Yining was to wear today. She dimpled at the scene. ¡°Our Bingtang can finally enjoy having her turn as big sister.¡±

    The maid didn¡¯t speak much ordinarily, but the asional word would always poke straight at the heart of the matter.

    Bingtang snorted and feigned anger. ¡°And wouldn¡¯t you like to enjoy being a younger sister? Who told you to be the oldest out of all of us? We¡¯ll have the miss find you a husbandter on and marry you off. What should I call your husband then? Brother-inw?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you! All you know is to tease and make fun of others. I¡¯m going to smack you silly!¡± Qiulu put down the jacket and chased after Bingtang, who promptly ran circles around the octagonal table and kept up a string of teasing remarks.

    Everyone else found it hrious.

    Qiulu had been with Qin Yining the longest and was the oldest out of all the maids. She tended to offer few words and was extremely conscientious.

    After a round of meting out punishment, the maid came back to continue sorting through Qin Yining¡¯s jewelry and clothes, as well as take stock of the household¡¯s spending. She¡¯d garnered quite a bit of respect from Xianyun and Jiyun.

    ¡°I kept the misspany before you all returned. It was dreadfully lonely in the house,¡± said Xianyun with a smile. ¡°The miss was in low spirits everyday and very pensive. Only the prince could cheer her up. But everything¡¯s great now. Everyone is safe and sound, and even big sister Qiulu knows how to have fun. This is proof of the good fengshui the prince¡¯s manor has. It¡¯s bringing the miss good luck.¡±

    Xianyun stuck a jade-green flower hairpin in Qin Yining¡¯s hair and looked at her mistress¡¯ fair reflection in the mirror. ¡°Miss, aren¡¯t you going to hurry and marry into the family?¡±

    Qin Yining rolled her eyes, but Jiyun piped in before she could respond. ¡°The prince must be thinking about that everyday.¡±

    ¡°You wicked girls, it looks like I¡¯ve spoiled you! I¡¯ll tell the prince next time I see him and have him beat you!¡± Qin Yining snorted.

    The girls broke out into such loud giggles that they didn¡¯t hear a serving girl at the door until she piped up the second time.

    Jiyun went to open the door. ¡°What is it?¡±

    The serving girl stood in the yard and peered smilingly inside the half open door with curiosity. ¡°In response to the miss, two Qin masters are in the front hall. They say that they¡¯re Miss Qin¡¯s uncles. Sir Xu¡¯s already seen them and sent me with this message. Will the miss receive them in Snowtrace Garden or the front hall?¡±

    The giggles petered up and the smile disappeared from Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ll go to the front hall.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The serving girl peeked curiously inside again before dismissing herself with a curtsey.

    Newly somber, Bingtang asked, ¡°Miss, are you really going to see them? They¡¯re undoubtedly here to force you to enter the imperial selection. Why don¡¯t you just pretend that you¡¯re sick?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, miss,¡± chorused Qiulu and Jiyun. They supported Qin Yining and Pang Xiao from the bottom of their hearts. They didn¡¯t want her to serve the emperor at all.

    Qin Yining rose to fling her cape over her shoulders. ¡°I can hide for a time, but I can¡¯t hide forever. Avoiding them isn¡¯t really the thing to do either, some things still need to be said. The old dowager only came to deliver a high-handed order yesterday¡ªshe didn¡¯t exin the particrs at all. I also want to know where my father is. Jiyun, Bingtang,e with me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The two curtsied and readied themselves to follow their mistress.

    In the front hall, the second and third elder master were drinking tea with Xu Weizhi¡¯spany. The strategist¡¯s outfit was more opulent than the two Qin elder masters¡¯ simple cotton jackets. His glory as the butler of a prince¡¯s manor was on full disy.

    When he saw Qin Yining arrived, he coughed and cast a nce in the men¡¯s direction.

    ¡°Your familyes to disturb us day and night,¡± he dered presumptuously. ¡°Take care of this well so the prince isn¡¯t irritated.¡±

    Qin Yining understood and nodded. ¡°I will, many thanks to the honored butler.¡±

    Xu Weizhi couldn¡¯t stop a grin from spreading across his face when he saw the girl¡¯s fast reaction. He nodded and stepped out with his hands behind his back.

    Qin Yining turned to the two maids who had followed her. ¡°Wait at the door for me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Only niece and uncles were left in the hall. Qin Yining curtsied to her elders. ¡°Second uncle, third uncle, it¡¯s been a while.¡±

    They¡¯d lost a lot of weight, and it could be gleaned from their dress that though they weren¡¯t as badly off as Pang Xiao¡¯s scouts said they were, life wasn¡¯t easy for them.

    Having seen the old dowager yesterday, questions swirled in the Qin fourth miss¡¯ head. She cut straight to the chase. ¡°Second uncle, third uncle, did you run into any idents along the way? Do you know where my father is?¡±

    The second elder master sighed. ¡°Niece Yi, we came today to talk about this with you. When we were all swept apart, we were separated from your parents and auntie. After finally making it to the capital, we ended up being kidnapped by some people.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Qin Yining was highly stunned. Ji Zeyu hadn¡¯t made a another move after the ambush!

    The third elder master was a more impatient person and words tumbled out of him. ¡°Our entire family was taken. All of our valuables were robbed, and they even said that your parents and auntie were in their hands. If they are to remain alive and we want our valuables back, we need to send you to the imperial selection!¡±

    ¡°Me specifically? Who are they?¡± Qin Yining was frightened and furious. The possibility of a kidnapping causing everything hadn¡¯t factored into her spections at all.

    ¡°They really did say to send you to the imperial selection.¡± The third elder master shook his head. ¡°We don¡¯t know who they are either. But even if we don¡¯t care about our valuables, we need to consider your parents¡¯ and auntie¡¯s life. So when we entered the capital, your grandmother quickly signed you up.¡±

 Chapter 332: Origin (II)

    <h4>Chapter 332: Origin (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining was quite surprised beyond belief.

    What was she?

    Just a young girl. Why would she possibly have the ¡®honor¡¯ of bandits setting their sights on her and kidnapping her family, all in the name of wanting her to enter the imperial selection?

    Ludicrous, absolutely ludicrous!

    Upon seeing their niece¡¯s expression turn very ugly, so did the two Qin elder masters hang their heads.

    ¡°Niece Yi, your second aunt told me everything that happened when she came with your grandmother,¡± said the second elder master. ¡°Just now, your third uncle and I also saw how their butler gave you the cold shoulder. It¡¯s obvious that the prince holds a grudge against you. He must still resent his father¡¯s death.¡±

    This was precisely the show that Qin Yining and Pang Xiao had wanted to put on, so all the girl did at the moment was nod glumly. Her forlorn, downcast figure evoked great pity.

    The second elder master sighed. ¡°Uncle knows that you haven¡¯t known a day of peace since returning home. You¡¯ve always had to sacrifice for the greater picture. It¡¯s the same story this time. Your grandmother is worried about your father and afraid that the family will be reduced to ruins, so poor that we can¡¯t eke out a living in the capital. That¡¯s why she submitted your name without even asking you. Uncle knows that this is a great wrong towards you.

    ¡°But, a girl must marry one day, doesn¡¯t she?

    ¡°Uncle used to think that there might be a future between you and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank if he could set aside the past and devote heart and soul to you. But given his attitude towards you now, your life won¡¯t be good if you stay with the Pang Manor.

    ¡°Then it¡¯s all the same whether you enter the pce or stay in the manor. With your smarts, you might have a better future if you enter the pce.¡±

    The second elder master was someone who¡¯d spent many years in politics, alright. His words were measured and nuanced, employing both emotional and logical arguments to make it impossible for Qin Yining to argue back.

    She really wanted to ask, ¡°Even if it¡¯s all the same whether I enter the pce or stay in the manor, don¡¯t you still need to ask what I think about it all?¡±

    She also wanted to ask, ¡°Is having a better future and thus being able to help the family more your real goal for making me enter the pce?¡±

    But the answers to those were already obvious; there was no need to ask those questions at all. That was precisely her family¡¯s intention.

    Qin family members had to step up when the bugle for help was sounded.

    The Qin fourth miss agreed with this notion and also understood that having enjoyed thefort and benefits of the family in its glory days, she had no right to refuse to help during the family¡¯s time of need.

    But at the same time, there was a small voice inside of her, asking with hurt and confusion, ¡°Why me? Why is it me, again?¡±

    With her head lowered in silence, the Qin men felt the situation was painfully awkward. At the end of the day, it really wasn¡¯t... right for an uncle to force his niece to serve a man.

    The second and third elder master wasn¡¯t ustomed to making a scene or throwing a tantrum like the old dowager, so they too fell silent when the moment stretched awkwardly on.

    After a brief period of struggling with how unfair things were, Qin Yining abruptly recalled the heart of the matter.

    ¡°Second uncle, third uncle, why do you think the bandits wanted me precisely to enter the pce?¡±

    The men looked at each other and shook their heads with iprehension.

    ¡°Though our family was prestigious in Great Yan, Great Yan is no longer. Coming to Get Zhou means starting all over again. You¡¯re a girl, but they specifically said you had to participate. There must be a secret reason behind it all. Why else would they target you?¡±

    ¡°Is it because the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was once so affectionate towards me in Great Yan... so certain people think that he must really like me a lot? Add to that me being taken here as soon as I entered the city...¡±

    As an official of long tenure, though the second elder master wasn¡¯t as famed for his talents as Qin Huaiyuan, he was still a sharp individual. The third elder master was highly skilled inmerce, so he was no fool either. A few hints of what Qin Yining was getting at was enough to impart the entire picture to the men.

    The third elder master lowered his voice and asked urgently, ¡°Niece Yi, do you suspect that someone¡¯s trying to attack the rtionship between the Great Zhou emperor and the prince?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded heavily and whispered back, ¡°Or, someone wants to elerate the worsening rtionship between the Great Zhou emperor and the prince.¡± She sniffed self-deprecatingly. ¡°They certainly think highly of me, don¡¯t they? They¡¯re so sure that me entering the pce will absolutely cause things to be worse between the two parties.¡±

    ¡°To think that the Great Zhou court would be a swamp like this as well!¡± remarked the third elder master emotionally.

    ¡°Where there are people, so is the jianghu. Isn¡¯t that the case anywhere? I just hadn¡¯t thought that the shes in the Great Zhou court would already be so fierce. The person behind the scenes wants to make our niece a pawn in creating discord!¡± The second elder master abruptly turned solemn when his thoughts travelled here. ¡°Niece Yi, you can¡¯t enter the pce.¡±

    ¡°Second brother? If we don¡¯t send her into the pce, what about big brother and our sister-inw? And our family valuables...¡±

    ¡°We can earn the family fortune back again, and we don¡¯t need to worry about big brother and sister-inw¡¯s safety.¡± The second elder master waved a hand to interrupt his younger brother and looked at his niece. ¡°Since we¡¯re certain that someone wants to use you to drive a wedge between the emperor and the prince, our family can¡¯t be dragged into this mess.¡±

    If Qin Yining became a favored consort in the pce, that would paint the Qins into a new target, a counterpoint to the emperor, Pang Xiao, and the old Northern Ji officials.

    The Qins were newly arrived¡ªthey didn¡¯t have the confidence or ability to be involved in this madness.

    Though Qin Yining knew that her second uncle was just saying this out of consideration for family interests, and not out of love for her, it was still a breath of relief. With her uncles¡¯ support, it would be easier to decline the imperial selection.

    ¡°Second uncle, I suspect that the old Northern Ji holdouts are behind this.¡±

    The man thought for a moment and slowly nodded their head. ¡°They are the most suspicious, yes.¡±

    ¡°If it really is them, then we really don¡¯t need to worry about mother and father¡¯s safety. They still want to live, so they can¡¯t offend the emperor to the point of no return. It¡¯s the carrot and the stick. The first group of Great Yan officials were personally requested by the emperor. My father is also a representative Great Yan official. The Northern Ji officials won¡¯t be able to exin themselves to the emperor if they killed my father.¡±

    These people knew very well what their boundaries were. They wouldn¡¯t really go head-to-head with Li Qitian. They too knew what the bottom line was, which was why they were able to do so many irritating things, yet never receive any real punishment.

    The Qin men turned her words over in their minds and nodded as well.

    ¡°Niece Yi is right. Then we¡¯re settled. We need to think of a way not to enter the imperial selection. But your name¡¯s already been submitted... ai. Your grandmother is really too impatient,¡±ined the second elder master.

    Resignation tinged Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts. True, the old dowager was worried about her eldest son, but she was probably most worried about the family fortune.

    That was understandable, since the Qins were arge n with a long heritage. If they sank into poverty, then it would be very difficult to live in thep of luxury and be waited on hand and foot in the short run¡ªor at least for the remainder of the old dowager¡¯s years.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, second uncle. Grandmother was doing this for the family as well.¡± Qin Yining thought for a moment. ¡°I have a way to resolve this issue.¡±

    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± The third elder master asked curiously.

    Mischief shed through the girl¡¯s eyes. ¡°Dare you appeal for imperial justice?¡±

 Chapter 333: Counter-Attack

    <h4>Chapter 333: Counter-Attack</h4>

    ¡°Appeal for imperial justice? Do you intend to sue the Northern Ji officials?¡± Apart from being shocked, the third elder master couldn¡¯t really wrap his mind around the idea. He urged lowly, ¡°This isn¡¯t a good idea. They didn¡¯t reveal themselves from beginning to end, and their men always had cloth wrapped around their faces. They didn¡¯t let any clues slip. We have no evidence and are strictly going off of our analysis. How will we win ourwsuit?¡±

    The second elder master stroked his beard and smiled with a shake of his head. ¡°Third brother, you¡¯re being silly. Since we have no evidence, how would niece Yi sue them?¡±

    The third elder master wasn¡¯t a fool; he¡¯d simply been too shocked moments ago. He understood what his niece intended to do after some quick thought and looked worryingly at Qin Yining.

    ¡°Niece Yi, third uncle understands what you want to do. But this won¡¯t be good for your reputation...¡±

    ¡°Third uncle, it¡¯s been a rough and bumpy road since I¡¯ve returned home. I¡¯ve experienced a lot, and my reputation was no more the moment I set off for war negotiations with father. And who knows what the people say about me, given how the Faithful Prince of the First Rank and the now-Commandery Prince of Yan treated me?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°My reputation is what it is. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s ¡®ruined¡¯ or not. If our family can be plucked from this mess, it¡¯s no big deal to sacrifice just a single me. The winds and tides of the Great Zhou court are capricious and treacherous. Everything is veryplicated. Our family has no foundations in Great Zhou and no backer. It¡¯ll be hard enough to keep the family in one piece¡ªwhat remaining energy do we have for a power struggle between those two factions?¡±

    One would often achieve exactly the opposite effect if only the facts of the situation wereid out and logic the only tool employed. The other party would never do what the speaker wanted then.

    The most effective negotiation tactic was to have the other party understand how much they stood to gain from what should be done. Using tangible benefits to guide the other party down the desired path was most optimal.

    Indeed, the two Qin men looked at Qin Yining with gratification. They¡¯d wanted her to enter the pce on the family¡¯s behalf. Now that they¡¯d thought things through, they wanted her to refuse, also on the family¡¯s behalf.

    It was an injustice to her no matter how they cut it.

    ¡°Niece Yi, if we really do this, I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll affect your future marriage.¡± The second elder master was an upright individual and Qin Yining was his junior. He clearlyid out the pros and cons of what she wanted to do.

    Qin Yining smiled gratefully. ¡°Second uncle, I understand your concerns. But who can remain safe when family and home is ruined? Only when the Qin n prospers will I do so as well. Besides, when my uncles rise in the world, how will you possibly just look on if I can¡¯t find a husband then?¡±

    Infected by her yful smile, the second elder master grinned as well. He sighed as he promised, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know how much you¡¯ve done for the family already. Due to consideration of family safety, this time you¡¯re sacrificing a glorious future in the pce and ruining your own reputation. I remember everything you¡¯ve done. All of your matters are second uncle¡¯s matters in the future as well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, your third uncle may not be skilled in much else, but I¡¯m decent enough at business. You won¡¯t go hungry in the future as long as I have even a bite to eat,¡± promised the third elder master too.

    Not all girls could withstand the temptation of fortune and grandeur beckoning right at them. There were countless examples of girls sacrificing family and rtionships when it came to their own future.

    The Qin men sighed when they thought of this.

    Qin Yining knew that she¡¯d managed to convince them to draw the same battle lines as her. She heaved a sigh of relief.

    Whether it was for the Qins¡¯ future or because she¡¯d promised Pang Xiao she wouldn¡¯t leave him, she really couldn¡¯t enter the pce at this time. Now that she¡¯d reached an understanding with her uncles, she wouldn¡¯t be fighting a lonely battle when it came to her family.

    The womenfolk didn¡¯t understand her thoughts and she wouldn¡¯t be able to change their minds by herself. But with her uncles also present, sooner orter, the old dowager and others woulde around.

    Having made a decision, she further discussed the detailed with her uncles.

    She finally sighed when wrapping things up. ¡°Alright then, just leave it to me, uncles. Don¡¯t show yourselves too often in this matter.¡±

    The Qin men wouldn¡¯t feel easy leaving this in just anyone else¡¯s hands, but Qin Yining had always been dependable. Both nodded after momentary consideration.

    The girl rose to send them off, running into the ¡®unreasonable and rude¡¯ butler along the way. Fully carrying out the act, the Qin men further confirmed that Qin Yining no longer enjoyed Pang Xiao¡¯s favor.

    The two left sighing and shaking their heads.

    Qin Yining took Jiyun and Bingtang back to Snowtrace Garden with her, carefully going over everything that had happened. She quietly wrote down what she was nning to do.

    Court wasn¡¯t dismissed until veryte today.

    It wasn¡¯t until after the sun had set that a serving girl came with a message. ¡°His Highness has returned and wishes you to serve tea in the study.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss immediately understood that Pang Xiao must have something he wanted to discuss. She hurried to the outer study.

    Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue were also on their way in. The two parties greeted each other and entered the study together.

    Pang Xiao had Huzi arrange for a guard outside.

    ¡°Everyone, please sit down.¡± The prince smiled.

    Her eyes sparkling, Qin Yining dimpled back. ¡°Your Highness is in high spirits. You must¡¯ve sessfully joined the council.¡±

    Her merry eyes brought and answering smile to Pang Xiao¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to your wonderful n.¡±

    ¡°So Your Highness has resolved this crisis?¡± Xie Yue asked excitedly. ¡°Hurry and tell us, Your Highness! What happened at court today?¡±

    Pang Xiao was in a great mood and started his story with a grin.

    As it turned out, Li Qitian had summarized Pang Xiao¡¯s achievements in conquering Great Yan at the start of the grand court session. He closed out the remarks withpliments and, ¡°We are extraordinarily delighted that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank has pacified the south and thus bestow...¡±

    A Northern Ji official interrupted loudly before the rewards could be announced.

    Li Qitian was very irritated at being cut off at the height of his enthusiasm, but there was an image of a reasonable, wise monarch who listened to his subjects to uphold. He naturally wouldn¡¯t stop an official from speaking, so swallowed the rest of his words and asked about the interruption.

    This particr official was someone of mediocre status in the Northern Ji faction. Yet today, he¡¯d cast off his customary prudent caution and loudly impeached Grand Secretary of the Hall of Preserving Harmony, Zhou Min!

    Zhou Min was the father of the empress and a solid Li Qitian supporter. As a royal father-inw and the Secondary Grand Secretary, he¡¯d already been tapped as the next leader of the Grand Secretariat. He¡¯d be able to take his new position as soon as it was vacated.

    Used to coasting proudly through the days, it was mind boggling that someone would want to impeach him at the grand court session!

    Renderedpletely senseless, so too was Li Qitian absolutely baffled.

    Before the two could recover, the Northern Ji officials who¡¯d gotten word that ¡°the emperor wants to sweep all Northern Ji influence out of the council¡± jumped out in squads, tag-teaming all of Zhou Min¡¯s heinous crimes.

    There were tenbined counts of grand felonies such as embezzlement, disregard of imperial authority, and treasonous intentions. The rest ran the gamut from disrespecting elders to carrying off women to causing others tomit suicide from showingck of mercy. There was even an uproar over the fact that the patterns embroidered on his underwear vited regtions!

 Chapter 334: Driven Out

    <h4>Chapter 334: Driven Out</h4>

    In a quick turn of events, sage official Zhou Min, more noble than everyone else, had morphed a lecherous and greedy criminal weighted down by multiple usations. The most frightening was that each usation was followed by evidence of his crimes, making it impossible for Li Qitian offer even a paltry defense of his father-inw.

    The situation was so disgusting that Li Qitian felt like he¡¯d swallowed a live fly, or that he¡¯d glimpsed part of a rat turd halfway through his rice bowl...

    He¡¯d already primed Pang Xiao for action and was just waiting for today to p the prince down. But to think that he¡¯d be the one pped across the face first!

    With how things had turned out, the emperor was forced to proim judgment on Zhou Min. But once the Secondary Grand Secretary was removed, there would be none of his own left in the council anymore. How would he able to influence the old Northern Ji officials in the future when it came to policy making?

    For purposes of dignity, he had to order a thorough, by-the-books investigation into Zhou Min.

    Since he suddenly had none of his own men in the council, there was no need to mention Pang Xiao joining the Grand Secretariat. A weary Li Qitian was about to dismiss the grand court gathering when yet another Northern Ji official popped out.

    ¡°The rewards have not yet been announced for the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!¡± called out the official.

    The emperor wholeheartedly ground his teeth in that moment. He couldn¡¯t confer the position onto Pang Xiao, but neither could he afford not to.

    For the sake of appearances, Li Qitian made Pang Xiao the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Military Glory. As he did so, he nursed one final shred of hope that some of the Northern Ji officials would jump out in opposition.

    But having just driven out the emperor¡¯s father-inw, the Northern Ji faction felt that they had won a smashing victory and should leave some face for the emperor. Thus, all of them stood out to loudly apud the emperor¡¯s wisdom and support Pang Xiao joining the council.

    This biggest winner in all of this was Pang Xiao. He¡¯d effortlessly won the spoils from a contest fought by others and smoothly sailed into the Grand Secretariat!

    ¡°The emperor must be so bummed right now.¡± Qin Yining burst into chuckles.

    When Pang Xiao recalled the barely concealed, spasming corners of Li Qitian¡¯s lips, pleasant delight stole through his heart. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to your good idea.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± agreed Xu Weizhi admiringly. ¡°Thanks to Miss Qin¡¯s wonderful n, His Highness kicked Zhou Min out of the picture without shedding a single drop of blood and won tangible benefits without mobilizing a single person.¡±

    Xie Yue also nodded with high regard.

    Pang Xiao looked tenderly at the girl. ¡°My darling, how should I thank you?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I¡¯m happy enough that my n didn¡¯t backfire, what need is there for thanks? But... my second and third uncle visited today. I have something else to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°What is it? Out with it all.¡±

    ¡°I want to move out of the manor and back to the weing inns.¡±

    Panic descended on the prince. They¡¯d already discussed this yesterday and Qin Yining had agreed not to leave. Why had everything changed in just a day??

    Seeing his brow tightly furrowed together, Qin Yining quickly summarized her conversation with her uncles.

    ¡°I can only beat the drums and plead for imperial justice if I move out of the manor. If I¡¯m locked up here, how am I supposed to bring awsuit against you?¡±

    The strategists were in silent, deep thought. Their eyes lit up when they understood and they looked at Qin Yining with approving esteem.

    Pang Xiao also understood the effort his darling was going to on his behalf, but he still didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry at her words.

    ¡°Tsk tsk, you want to bring awsuit against me to the emperor and you want me to let you go? Aren¡¯t you being too overbearing?¡±

    ¡°Me? Overbearing? I¡¯ve just learned from the best.¡± Qin Yining burst outughing.

    Though this was thest thing Pang Xiao wanted to do, he understood the gravity of the situation. If he couldn¡¯t bear to send her out of the manor now, she probably really would have to enter the pceter on.

    And that, would truly be his eternal regret.

    So the only thing he could do was nod and, with a gentle expression, viciously smash the teacup in his hand.

    In the stillness of the night, the sound of porcin shattering travelled very far out.

    ¡°Get out! This prince is filled with distaste at the sight of you!¡± Though Pang Xiao¡¯s voice overflowed with violence, he still smiled with resignation when he looked at Qin Yining.

    The Qin fourth miss responded with a re when she saw how half-hearted he was about his acting. She cleared her throat and tears suddenly sprang forth in her eyes.

    ¡°Your Highness, what kind of tantrum are you throwing now?¡± she demanded tragically. ¡°You wanted me toe serve tea, but now you¡¯re picking at everything I do. I¡¯m not a maid. Since you think my service is so poor, whye bother me!¡±

    She shoved the door open, rushing outside with her face in her hands.

    Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue were startled by Qin Yining¡¯s spontaneous tears.

    Pang Xiao was also taken aback, but quickly settled fully into the role. He too charged out the door and chased her to the covered hallway.

    ¡°How dare you?! These are hallowed grounds, how dare the daughter of a surrendered noble just walk about freely like this?! Servants, grab her!¡±

    What on earth would Huzi know about what had happened in the house? All he saw was Qin Yining stumble to a sitting position in the yard, weeping up a storm. His master¡¯s expression was tight with eyes about to spit fire. The guard really didn¡¯t know what to do.

    Why was his master so angry? Did he really not like Miss Qin anymore?

    ¡°What are you still standing there for?!¡± Pang Xiao levied a re at Huzi.

    His scalp numb, the guard quickly summoned burly granny servants and had them haul up the Qin fourth miss.

    Bingtang and Jiyun was shocked and furious. Their hearts ached for the injustice to their mistress, but Pang Xiao¡¯s heart seemed to be made of stone. He showed absolutely no pity and growled hismands, ¡°The manor doesn¡¯t put up with useless personnel. Since this prince has grown bored of toying with you, there¡¯s no use keeping you around. All of you, scram!¡±

    Half-blinded by tears, Qin Yining looked up at the lofty Pang Xiao and was too choked up to protest.

    Beet red with fury, Bingtang wed herself free of the granny servant restraining her. She charged at Pang Xiao.

    ¡°You heartless, mean-spirited ingrate! What the hell are you?? Just a stupid prince who can¡¯t even hold onto his position properly! What do you have to be proud of? Bullying my mistress because she doesn¡¯t have any backing at the moment? You¡¯re an animal!¡±

    She¡¯d never thought that the couple who¡¯d sworn undying love to each other would turn into this.

    Huzi rushed up to block the maid. ¡°Stop, the prince isn¡¯t someone you can insult!¡±

    Bingtang couldn¡¯t struggle free this time, so she spat on the guard¡¯s face instead. ¡°Get out of my way! You¡¯re just the same as him! All of you will go to hell for bullying my mistress!¡±

    It was the first time that Huzi had seen Bingtang so furious. He went ck-jawed with surprise at the spittle on his face.

    Both touched and guilty at seeing Bingtang defend herself like this, Qin Yining grabbed the maid¡¯s hand for a quick squeeze.

    The pressure stopped Bingtang in her tracks and she looked back at the Qin fourth miss, perplexed.

    The fourth miss looked at Pang Xiao. ¡°Since this is the case, we¡¯ll leave. But I¡¯m taking my maids with me.¡±

    ¡°This prince doesn¡¯t want a single one of your people. Take all those who served you these days as well.¡± Uttering one bald-faced lie after another, Pang Xiao forced himself not to keep her.

    Utterly dejected and heartbroken, Qin Yining took Bingtang and Jiyun¡¯s hands and left. When they walked out of the Pang Manor, Xianyun, Qiulu, and Lian Xiaozhou were thrown out with packs on their backs as well.

    The crimson-red doors of the princely manor slowly shut in their faces.

 Chapter 335: The Prince Suffering A Beating

    <h4>Chapter 335: The Prince Suffering A Beating</h4>

    The maids were shell shocked to be so unceremoniously thrown out of the manor. They looked at each other, more concerned about Qin Yining¡¯s devastated mood. They wanted tofort her, but didn¡¯t know the right words to say.

    Qin Yining patted Bingtang¡¯s shoulderfortingly and took Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s hand. She wiped away the tears on her face.¡±Let¡¯s go. We need to make it to the inns before curfew. I¡¯m unfamiliar with the roads in the capital. Jiyun, Xianyun, do you know them?¡±

    They nodded and knew that this wasn¡¯t a convenient ce to talk. They suppressed their inner confusion for now and led Qin Yining in the direction of the inns.

    The dusk of northern winters arrived with a biting wind that was interspersed with snowkes. No matter how warmly Qin Yining was wrapped up, she still couldn¡¯t get used to it. She was freezing inside and out. Her own breath wafted back in her face as white mist, quickly forming ayer of white frost on her cor and hair by the side of her temples.

    Supporting Qin Yining, Jiyun was quite vexed. ¡°What is with the prince? We can¡¯t hire a carriage sote at night...¡±

    Because she didn¡¯t know what had happened between the lovebirds and out of concern that her mistress would be sad, she swallowed the rest of her words.

    Thankfully, Qin Yining wasn¡¯t a finicky, delicate beauty. All of them had had their share of tough times as well. They made it to the weing inns just before curfew fell.

    The second and third elder master rushed out when word of her arrival was sent in. First master Qin Yu, second master Qin Han, and fifth master Qin Xian followed closely after, with tenth master Qin Rong and eleventh master Qin Zong bringing up the rear. Finally, eighth miss Qin Baoning and Qin Huining rounded out the group.

    Aside from the old dowager, second madame, and second wife, as well as the kidnapped Qin Huaiyuan couple and Cao Yuqing, essentially everyone in the family was present and ounted for.

    ¡°Niece Yi, why have you returned at this hour?¡± the third elder master asked urgently as he descended the stairs. He looked at the girl up and down, and up and down again, deathly afraid that she¡¯d been humiliated.

    Qin Yining smiled and didn¡¯t respond, instead sweeping her eyes over her family. ¡°It¡¯s been a long time. Thank goodness a family reunion is still possible.¡±

    That singr sentence voiced endless helplessness. After weathering the destruction of their family home, famine, ambush, and kidnapping, it was unprecedented good luck that they could all still gather together.

    The idea brought tears to the eyes of those gathered.

    The eighth miss came up and grabbed Qin Yining for a hug. ¡°Fourth sister, you¡¯re finally back. I was so worried.¡±

    Fifth master Qin Xian brought his two younger brothers forward and had them bow to the fourth miss. ¡°Fourth big sister.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve grown a lot taller, fifth brother,¡± said Qin Yining with a smile.

    ¡°What about me, fourth big sis?¡± The newly turned six-year-old Qin Zong tilted his head up at the older girl.

    ¡°Eleventh and tenth brother have also grown a lot taller. Come to think of it, our family¡¯s been separated for a very long while.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside and not the best ce to catch up. Let¡¯s go inside first.¡± The second elder master looked at everyone cheerfully.

    With Qin Huaiyuan absent, he was the pir of the family. Everyone headed inside when he gave the order.

    There were several three-story lofts to the rear of the inns; several options had side yards as well. Due to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s prestige, the Qins were assigned a loft with a side yard. They were neighbors with the Commandery Prince of Yan, Yuchi Yan, and the princess consort Li Yanyan. Across the alley were the Lis and Gus.

    The group entered the yard, closed the doors, and reconvened in the old dowager¡¯s main house.

    The old dowager was being served snacks by Qin-mama and the second madame. Her expression turned very ugly to see the family pour in through the door, clustered around Qin Yining.

    Sitting on the heated tform next to the window and leaning on a soft cushion, awkwardness also blossomed in the second wife¡¯s face when she saw the fourth miss. It¡¯d been she and the old dowager who¡¯d eaten Qin Yining¡¯s pet rabbit.

    However, there was no trace of ill will on the girl¡¯s face at all. She curtsied to the old dowager and then to her second aunt and cousin-inw. Their initial difort was assuaged by Qin Yining being just as friendly as before.

    The family gathered around for a sharing session, and with unspoken ord, refrained from mentioning the dishonor to Qin Yining from being carried off to the Pang Manor as soon as she entered the city.

    Night had well and truly fallen after a bit of conversation.

    ¡°Niece Yi is tired too, go rest with your maids,¡± said the second elder master. ¡°We don¡¯t have that much space, so I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll have to bunk with each other and make do with what we have.¡±

    The old dowager sighed. ¡°Space is at such an incredible premium in the capital. All of our family valuables are gone. Who knows how long the inns will let us stay and eat here for free?¡± She look at Qin Yining. ¡°My granddaughter, the family will be depending on you in the future.¡±

    Of course, the Qin matriarch was referring to the girl entering the pce for the return of Qin Huaiyuan and the family fortune.

    Qin Yining looked questioningly at her uncles. She could tell from their ensuing expressions that they hadn¡¯t discussed the matter with the old dowager yet.

    Thus, she smiled and didn¡¯t respond, leaving with Bingtang and the others to the side room that Qin-mama had just helped clear out.

    She¡¯d just reached the corridor when she heard someone mutter, ¡°We have to squeeze and pack in tightly, but her servants are so very noble huh? They live better than us masters.¡±

    Qin Yining turned back to see Qin Huining quietly grumbling as she tugged on the second wife¡¯s arm.

    The fourth miss smiled. ¡°So despite not dying in the face of multiple tragedies, it seems that Miss Huining hasn¡¯t grown up at all.¡±

    It¡¯d never urred to Qin Huining that the fourth miss¡¯ ears would be so sharp that she would pick up such a soft voice. Embarrassed, the foster girl didn¡¯t dare give offense since Qin Yining might have a glorious future after entering the pce. She lowered her head and didn¡¯t look at the fourth miss.

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t be bothered to fuss about this. She took her maids to their room and closed the door before she whispered lowly what everything today had been about.

    The night had settled down for Qin Yining, but disaster was just rearing for Pang Xiao.

    Shoe in hand, n¨¦e Ma heartily smacked it down again and again on the prince¡¯s back.

    Though there was a satin jacket cushioning the blows, the blows rang out so loudly that listeners winced with each blow.

    The beating didn¡¯t satisfy the Yao matriarch at all.

    ¡°You self-serving little dirtbag! yboy rotten to the core! How wonderful did you sayss Yi was? And how much you liked her? Then all of a sudden you humiliate her and throw her out! Are you a man or not? Are you??¡±

    The shoe came down mercilessly as she cursed, multiple thickyers forming a fearsome ¡®family weapon¡¯. Even a tyrant of the battlefield like Pang Xiao cowered and shrank to the side, but there was no ce to hide as n¨¦e Ma had a firm grip on his cor.

    ¡°It¡¯s freezing outside and dark, AND it¡¯s snowing. How could you be so cold-blooded as to throw her out? How will she face the people she runs into, a poor little thing like her? I¡¯ve wasted all my time raising you! To think that our family would produce such a wicked weasel like you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be so angry, let me exin.¡± Pang Xiao felt that his back, shoulders, and arms would be beaten to a pulp soon that if he didn¡¯t defend himself.

 Chapter 336: An Imperial Lawsuit

    <h4>Chapter 336: An Imperial Lawsuit</h4>

    ¡°Exin? I don¡¯t want to listen to you! So you¡¯ve grown up now and have a lot of ideas of your own. You don¡¯t listen to the words of an old woman like me anymore! Look at you, all noble and wealthy. You¡¯ve made it in the world, but you¡¯ve thrown away your good character! If this is how you are as an official, I¡¯d rather you were just a cook!¡±

    N¨¦e Ma flung her shoe at Pang Xiao and turned away. ¡°Those I hate the most in this life are people like you who cast off a woman after promising the world to her! If I were younger, it¡¯d be a sign of how strong your muscles are if I didn¡¯t kick you to death with one stomp!¡±

    Holding one of his grandmother¡¯s shoes with both hands, Pang Xiao sighed with relief to see that his grandmother was no longer hitting him.

    ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t be so mad at me. This is a show that darling Yi and I put on.¡±

    ¡°Another show?¡± N¨¦e Ma blinked, taken aback.

    Pang Xiao nodded and continued quietly, ¡°Too much has happened over the past two days. The emperor set up a trap for me and it was only because of my darling¡¯s counter-n that I safely made it through disaster. Not only did I not suffer any losses, but I sessfully joined the council as the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Military Might.

    ¡°I respect and sympathize with her, how would I ever cast her away? It¡¯s just that some things have happened in her family...¡±

    The prince went over how the Qins had been kidnapped, the kidnappers were holding the Qin Huaiyuan couple as hostages, and how Qin Yining was being forced into the imperial selection as a result.

    N¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu listened with heavy expressions. They were the type to think deeply to begin with, so they¡¯d already guessed at a thing or two.

    ¡°This is really... ai! What is all this!?¡± N¨¦e Ma wanted to beat her chest with anguish.

    She finally had a perfectly fine granddaughter-inw with an outstanding appearance and character. More importantly, the girl was smart and filial. N¨¦e Ma loved everything about her, but who would¡¯ve thought that this would ur!

    ¡°Yining is a good girl to think of her family.¡± After a moment, n¨¦e Yao rubbed Pang Xiao¡¯s chafed shoulders and arms. ¡°Don¡¯t be too sad, there¡¯s nothing we can do about this. She has her difficulties and you need to think of the greater picture. Dafu, some things are meant to be let go of.¡±

    Though he knew his mother meant well, suffocating panic still overwhelmed Pang Xiao when he heard these words.

    ¡°Mom, things won¡¯t be over between us like this,¡± he responded firmly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be stubborn,¡± n¨¦e Yao rebuked, abashed. ¡°With Yining¡¯s looks and personality, she¡¯ll absolutely be chosen if she participates. If the emperor likes her, will you charge into battle like a hot-headed youth over a girl? You¡¯ll be throwing your life away!¡±

    Yao Chenggu had thought of this as well and was thoroughly put off his smoking session.

    ¡°If you really had the guts to do so, then at least you¡¯d be a real man!¡± dered n¨¦e Ma.

    ¡°Mom!¡±

    ¡°Mother of my children!¡±

    Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao were both bbergasted and raised their voices in unison.

    N¨¦e Ma looked at Pang Xiao, then at the shrewd father-daughter duo. She sighed. ¡°You two think too much and plot way too much. You¡¯re so concerned about this and that. We should live our lives carefree and unrestrained. If I¡¯d plotted as much as you two, would I have decided to spend the rest of my life with an unambitious, dirt poor guy like you? Even a single coin would rattle around in your pockets!¡±

    Yao Chenggu rubbed his nose and grumbled, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because you liked my cooking?¡±

    N¨¦e Ma mmed the table so hard that the cups and saucers shook. ¡°If I¡¯d followed some noble or rich guy, I would have all the fine food that I¡¯d want!¡±

    She grabbed Pang Xiao¡¯s cor. ¡°Don¡¯t you ever imitate them¡ªconstrained by this, thinking of that. What would you ever be able to do when hobbled at the hand and feet like that?¡±

    A firm grip on the prince¡¯s cor, she hauled him to sit by the firece. ¡°Do you think a life is a very long time?¡± the matriarch started earnestly. ¡°It¡¯s over in the blink of an eye! Take advantage of your current heart and strength to fight for something if you like it! Try your hardest in whatever you want to do!

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me and your grandfather, and even less about your mom. Wee from the dirt anyways. If worstes to worst, we¡¯ll just go back to the simple and easy life in the fields. That¡¯s still a way of life! But just remember, the best hunters know how to make the best use of perfect timing. You can¡¯t just use brute force, understand?¡±

    Pang Xiao was indeed touched by n¨¦e Ma¡¯s words. It wasn¡¯t like he didn¡¯t understand the life lessons behind them, but the smarter the person, the more multi-faceted their considerations. They would often be limited by extraneous conditions and could hardly live as dashing and unrestrained like n¨¦e Ma.

    Ever since conquering the world with Li Qitian, the prince had learned to don whatever mask appropriate for the asion. He spoke what others wanted to hear and did as best befit the situation. In order to keep climbing higher and to protect himself, each and every single one of his actions wasmitted to only after meticulous pondering. This was how he¡¯d gotten to where he was today.

    For someone who¡¯d always self-regted strictly and kept himself under lock and key, hecked precisely n¨¦e Ma¡¯s debonair forthrightness.

    Eyes sparkling, Pang Xiao nodded emphatically. ¡°Grandma, I understand what you mean. Actually, darling Yi purposefully left us like this in order to solve the imperial selection problem.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What can one girl do by herself?¡±

    ¡°Because of my rtionship with the emperor, I can¡¯t really insert myself into this. I have to keep silent, so that means darling Yi¡¯s going to have to be the one to jump out.¡± Pang Xiao shook his head with a sigh. ¡°Anyways, no matter what you hear tomorrow, don¡¯t worry about it. Our rtionship is perfectly fine. Everything we¡¯re doing now is so that we can be together in the future.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma nodded, muchforted now that she¡¯d been assured her granddaughter-inw wouldn¡¯t change.

    A multitude of thoughts had run through Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao¡¯s mind during this time. But they didn¡¯t say anything after seeing the prince¡¯s expression.

    Both of them felt that this wouldn¡¯t be over so easily. Qin Yining would have to do something big if she didn¡¯t want to serve the emperor and to legitimately decline the imperial selection without giving offense.

    Things progressed precisely how they expected.

    In the afternoon of the next day, when n¨¦e Yao was keeping n¨¦e Mapany, a serving girl stationed at the inner door breathlessly ran in with a message. ¡°Grand-madame, old madame, things are very bad!¡±

    ¡°What is it? Don¡¯t run around frantically like this.¡± N¨¦e Yao frowned.

    The little girl garbled out, ¡°The Qin miss, she ran off to the central yamen to sue the prince! Because it¡¯s a very important issue and because of the prince¡¯s high status, the yamen didn¡¯t ept the case for processing. So, the Qin miss ran off to pound the imperial drum for justice!¡±

    ¡°What??¡± N¨¦e Ma¡¯s mouth dropped open. Even though her grandson had told her yesterday not to worry about anything she heard, this matter was drawing the attention of the emperor! It wasn¡¯t a small case anymore.

    ¡°What is thess thinking? Our Dafu has just joined the council and improved his situation a tiny bit. We can¡¯t avoid trouble fast enough, so why create more?¡±

    N¨¦e Yao was much calmer than her mother and wrapped her hands around the older woman¡¯s arm. ¡°Don¡¯t fret just yet, mom.¡±

    She turned to the maids. ¡°Go see where the grand-lord is. Have him return as soon as possible. Is the prince at home at the moment? If so, have hime too. Hurry.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± They all knew the importance of the matter and scattered to go look for their people.

    Yao Chenggu arrived shortly thereafter, but Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t at home. He¡¯d just been summoned into the pce!¡±

    ¡°Have Sirs Xu and Xiee, hurry.¡± N¨¦e Yao was panicking now as well.

    Yao Chenggu however, was perfectly at ease and smoking his pipe. ¡°Both of you should calm down. Everything will be fine.¡±

    ¡°You damned old fool! How you are still smoking at a time like this? Puff puff puff! That smoke will be the death of me!¡± N¨¦e Ma didn¡¯t like Yao Chenggu lighting up his pipe normally, but she never forbade him from doing so. In her agitation today, she seized the brass pipe and tobo bag in an emotionally charged moment and dunked the newly lit tobo in a teacup.

    ¡°Aiyo! You! Ai!¡± Yao Chenggu wasn¡¯t able to save his pipe in time. Staring forlornly at the doused tobo in the tea, he didn¡¯t dare revisit the scene of the crime.

    ¡°Well then tell me, what¡¯s going on here? I¡¯m so confused. Lass Yi is suing our Dafu, while Dafu said so confidentlyst night that thess is doing everything for their future. Isn¡¯t this sticking our faces out for the emperor to p?¡±

    Yao Chenggu answered dejectedly, ¡°Can you not figure even this out? Let me ask you, how did the girle to us?¡±

    ¡°Dafu brought her back that day... well, no, he ¡®carried her off¡¯ to us.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it then. Dafu forcefully took the girl. Though both of them are as innocent as the day they were born, it doesn¡¯t look that way to outsiders. Lass Yi is using this point. How can a girl who enters the imperial selection have a stain on her honor? That¡¯s being disloyal to the emperor.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± N¨¦e Ma was highly taken aback. ¡°But, in that case,ss Yi¡¯s reputation will be...¡±

    Yao Chenggu calmly rescued his pipe from the tea and dried it off lovingly with a piece of cloth.

    ¡°Her reputation was nonexistent the moment she was brought back by Dafu after arriving at the capital. The way I look at it, it¡¯s a good thing that she¡¯s using Dafu in front of the emperor. Not only will that give her a more legitimate position, it will show the emperor that we don¡¯t get along with the Qins. It will further give the emperor an enormous fault of Dafu¡¯s to be taken advantage of. He¡¯ll be morefortable making use of either Dafu or the Qins.¡±

    ¡°The grand-lord speaks very truly.¡± With n¨¦e Yao¡¯s closest maid leading the way, Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue happened to catch Yao Chenggu¡¯s analysis. They concurred with great respect. ¡°That¡¯s precisely the notion.¡±

    The two walked up to bow. Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Ma didn¡¯t put on any airs and politely invited the strategists to take a seat after servants set up chairs and tea.

    N¨¦e Ma sighed. ¡°I¡¯m making a fool of myself to the two gentlemen. I¡¯m just worried about the prince¡¯s safety. Matters are court areplicated and I don¡¯t fully understand all of them. We requested your presence to ask if the prince will be alright this time?¡±

    Xu Weizhi rose to cup his hands. ¡°In response to the grand-madame, the oue of the matter this time depends entirely on how Miss Qin performs in front of His Majesty. If she does well, not only will the prince bepletely fine, but His Majesty will also rx his guard a great deal. Though it¡¯ll be a farce to outsiders, it will absolutely have no downsides to the prince.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± N¨¦e Ma started worrying about Qin Yining now. ¡°Thess is still young, I wonder if she¡¯ll be able to keep her calm.¡±

    As the family worried, Qin Yining was being led into the pce by head eunuch Li Guanwen.

    This was her first visit to the Great Zhou pce. It was a renovation of the old Northern Ji pce. Beneath its magnificent austerity was the opulence and dignity of an imperial family.

    Qin Yining kept her head down and her eyes fixed on the eunuch¡¯s footsteps. They arrived at the imperial study before long.

 Chapter 337: Confrontation In Person (I)

    <h4>Chapter 337: Confrontation In Person (I)</h4>

    Li Guanwen kept his eyes strictly ahead as they walked, but was inwardly assessing the girl next to him. He came to a few conclusions and judgments during the short trip.

    It was no wonder that when the empress heard that n¨¦e Qin had beaten the drums for imperial justice, she¡¯d set aside the anxiety of her father being imprisoned and had ordered her most trusted, dowry mama toe investigate.

    If this girl entered the pce, she would rise to the top of the harem by virtue of her looks alone. If there was a single calcting bone in her body, that would make for an unparalleled future.

    Li Guanwen cautiously ever-adjusted his attitude towards the girl. As a eunuch who¡¯d been bullied when young, he had a deep understanding of the saying ¡®never torment someone simply because of their youth¡±.

    As they climbed the gradual slope in front of the hall, he reminded the Qin fourth miss, ¡°Please wait outside the hall, Miss Qin. This one will report to His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Understood, many thanks to the gonggong.¡± Qin Yining responded with a polite smile.

    The eunuch noted that she was neither servile nor supercilious, and polite without losing her bearing. And she was here to lodge an imperialwsuit against that god of violence, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!

    This was no ordinary girl. I have to treat her with even more respect.

    Moments after Li Guanwen entered the study, he came back out to invite the girl in. Qin Yining looked peaceful on the surface, but her nerves were highly strung.

    Li Qitian was vastly different from his Great Yan counterpart. He was highly calcting and shrewd at maniption. Any emperor who could make the particrly intelligent Pang Xiao not dare to make a move was no pushover.

    To be honest, she was all a-flustered uncertainty.

    But since they¡¯d chosen this path, there was no turning back.

    The very spacious imperial study had lustrous ck marble tile iid onto the floor. Curio shelves held not valuables, but books instead. Behind the ck, enormous table were bookshelves that were divided into the ssics, history, philosophy, and collections of belles letres.

    Li Qitian was sitting primly behind the table, dressed in a brand new, golden outfit for everyday wear. A jade ring that adorned his index finger tapped the table surface. The sound echoed crisply in the empty room.

    ¡°This subject greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty have ten thousand years of peace and fortune.¡±

    ¡°You may rise.¡± Li Qitian¡¯s voice was surprisingly warm.

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Qin Yining curtsied again and stood with her head down, her hands by her side.

    She¡¯d learned all of her manners from Zhan-mama, ones that had sculpted an elegant and refined manner into her. She was actually a sight more pleasing than the real princess, Li Hn.

    Li Qitian remained seated, surreptitiously assessing the girl. Even heroes fall prey to beauties, alright! No wonder Pang Zhixi both loved and hated the girl, and found it impossible to forget about her.

    The emperor¡¯s voice became even more benevolent.

    ¡°Ever since the establishment of the Public Petitioner¡¯s Drum, today was the first that it has been beaten. What¡¯s even more surprising is that the one with the courage to pound on it is a young girl such as you. N¨¦e Qin, what colossal injustice do you bear? If it¡¯s an insignificant matter, We will have to punish you for making a mountain out of a molehill and wasting Our time, hmm?¡±

    Though Li Qitian¡¯s attitude was mild, the meaning behind his words was anything but. Add to that the Qin fourth miss already being familiar with a bit of the emperor¡¯s personality¡ªthere was a sense of pressure so overpowering that it almost took on physical form as constricting vines.

    She took a deep breath in and started evenly, ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this subject wouldn¡¯t dare be facetious. This subject has truly suffered from a colossal injustice.

    ¡°I followed my father in traversing thousands of miles for sor under Your Majesty¡¯s banner. Your Majesty is the definitive ruler of this age and all roads lead to Great Zhou. The entire family was delighted to think that here, there would finally be a use for father! All of our hearts clung to reaching Great Zhou so that father would have a wise liege to serve and that we could settle down in the prosperous capital.

    ¡°But we were robbed and kidnapped on our way here, my parents lost to the winds, and this subject was carried off by a viin as soon as I set foot into the city!¡±

    Tears glistened settle in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes at this point, but she valiantly refused to let them fall. She continued with dogged fury and humiliation. ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank cared not whether this subject was willing. He carried me off into his manor and had dishonorable... dishonorable intentions. This subject was woefully alone and had no other recourse. Last night, the prince said he¡¯d gotten bored of me and threw me out of the manor...¡±

    Tears finally streaked down her cheeks as she knelt and kowtowed. ¡°How dare the Faithful Prince of the First Rankmit suchwless and godless actions at the feet of the Son of Heaven! Your Majesty, please extend the wings of justice and harshly punish the evil!¡±

    Listening to the girl¡¯s tearful usation, Li Qitian arched a surprised brow.

    The entire city knew that she¡¯d been carried off back to the Pang Manor, and he knew some more details than most.

    He¡¯d once suspected the truth behind Pang Xiao and Qin Yining¡¯s rtionship, but from the spy¡¯s reports, it seemed that the prince had a love-hate rtionship with the girl. Pang Zhixi was just as likely to torment her as to treat her kindly.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that someone as highly self-regted as him would do something so emotional, like throw the girl out in the middle of the night?

    Very amused by the entertainment, Li Qitian was in a very rxed mood. However, the same stately expression remained on his face.

    ¡°To think something like this has happened?¡± He shot to his feet in surprise and paced with his hands behind his back. ¡°We had no idea this was going on.¡±

    ¡°This subject was locked in the Pang Manor and suffered day and night. If it wasn¡¯t for the thought of the lifeline that was Your Majesty, I would¡¯ve dashed my head against a wall a long time ago. There was finally a chance to make it out of their of the tiger! This subject wholeheartedly begs Your Majesty for justice, to right this wrong!¡± Qin Yining kowtowed repeatedly.

    In exceedingly good spirits, Li Qitian responded gravely, ¡°Just your side alone isn¡¯t enough for credibility. How about this, We will summon the prince so that the two of you can confront each other in person. If this matter is verified, We will enact punishment on your behalf. How does that sound?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss instantly understood the emperor¡¯s intentions.

    Li Qitian wanted to see with his own eyes how Pang Xiao would make a fool out of himself!

    What a thoroughly disgusting person...

    Though Qin Yining was furious, she had to admit that she¡¯d reached her goal.

    ¡°This subject speaks only the truth and fears not confrontation! I am willing to face that viin!¡± she responded heatedly.

    Li Qitian nodded and with a smile, had Li Guanwen summon Pang Xiao into the pce. He then had young eunuchs bring over a chair, tea, and snacks for Qin Yining.

    The Qin fourth miss took a reserved, sideways seat on the chair, her head down as she fretted with anxiety.

    Not long thereafter, Pang Xiao arrived on the back of a fast horse. He was striding into the study, following Li Guanwen, when he happened to meet Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. The girl had jerked her head up at the sound of his footsteps.

    Surprised disbelief shed through the prince¡¯s face, quickly reced by fury and embarrassment.

    Hatred flooded Qin Yining¡¯s reddening eyes, but she had to keep her emotions in check because the emperor was here.

    Li Qitian ndestinely observed the two of them, so amused that he wanted to break out into howls of gleefulughter.

    ¡°Wise younger brother, do you know why We¡¯ve summoned you here today?¡±

    Pang Xiao bowed and responded with cupped fists. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, your subject does not.¡±

    ¡°No?¡± Li Qitian smiled. ¡°We had thought you would understand what¡¯s going on when you saw the Qin miss. We ask you this, did you carry her off into your manor to dishonor her?¡±

    Pang Xiao glowered darkly at Qin Yining. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this subject didn¡¯t carry her off.¡±

 Chapter 338: Confrontation In Person (II)

    <h4>Chapter 338: Confrontation In Person (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes widened, her lips trembling so much from anger that she was unable to unable to utter a single sound.

    Li Qitian savored the response. ¡°Oh? You didn¡¯t carry her off?¡±

    ¡°No at all,¡± responded Pang Xiao confidently. ¡°She threw herself at me.¡±

    ¡°You, you...¡± Qin Yining couldn¡¯t even form a full sentence in her fury. Tears trickled down her face like pearls from a broken ne. She choked out in the voice of a small, injured animal. ¡°You go too far!¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s back was proudly ramrod straight; he cast only sidelong nces from the corners of his eyes to look at the girl. She was just a lowly ant in the dust,pletely unworthy of a single iota of attention from him. The expression on his chiseled face was all the colder because of this contempt; the jeering curve to his lips heralded mockery that spewed forth every time he spoke, consigning her to the bottom of an unfathomable abyss.

    Qin Yining¡¯s body trembled like the branches of a tree besieged by the storm¡ªa pitiable sight.

    Li Qitian coughed, looking at Pang Xiao knowingly with a teasing expression.

    The prince seemed to sense it as he turned to look back at the emperor, tenderness and hate that hadn¡¯t been retracted in time shing through his eyes. He also coughed, but to cover up the awkward moment as he¡¯d realized Li Qitian had been looking right at him.

    Meanwhile, the emperor felt as merry and content as if he¡¯d drank a bowl of hot soup during the winter solstice. All of this was vastly more entertaining than a production of the opera ¡®Romance of a Hairpin¡¯!

    He could tell that Pang Xiao did have a sliver of feelings for Qin Yining, but that sliver wasn¡¯t strong enough to ovee the hatred of his father¡¯s murder. That meant Li Qitian could officially be at ease in activating the Qins as a bncing force at court. He wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the Qins forming a faction with Pang Xiao.

    Speaking through her tears, Qin Yining knelt. ¡°Your Majesty, please see to that justice be done! He denies it to my face and even twists the truth! This subject didn¡¯t, didn¡¯t voluntarily...¡± Any woman would be shy about the words toe, as evidenced by the girl¡¯s ming red face.

    But it was impossible for Li Qitian to harshly punish Pang Xiao at this juncture.

    The prince was his only confidante in the council, and there would be plenty of use for Pang Xiao in the future. The emperor wouldn¡¯t allow the prince¡¯s reputation to be damaged like this. Although Pang Xiao¡¯s actions that day weremon knowledge, Li Qitian still wanted to show imperial bias.

    Besides, was a man supposed to turn on the pomp and circumstance when asking for the hand of his enemy¡¯s daughter?

    Obviously, this line of thought was off-limits when speaking to Qin Yining. She was the daughter of Qin Huaiyuan after all. It wouldn¡¯t look too good if he neglected her due to favoring Pang Xiao too much.

    ¡°We will investigate this carefully. You are dismissed for now.¡±

    Caught in mid-sob, Qin Yining lifted her head to look at Li Qitian. Hurt and sorrow shed through her eyes, but headstrong insistence wouldn¡¯t be tolerated in front of the emperor. She could only curtsey and follow the order. ¡°This subject takes her leave.¡±

    Li Guanwen led Qin Yining back out of the imperial study.

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help but turn his head to track her departure. He didn¡¯t collect his thoughts until the eunuchs had firmly closed the inner doors to block the cold airing from outside. He righted his stance to meet Li Qitian¡¯s teasing smile.

    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you looking at?¡± asked the prince awkwardly.

    ¡°It seems my wise younger brother has fallen into a honeyed trap.¡± There was only the two of them inside the hall, so the emperor¡¯s tone was much warmer than usual. ¡°Don¡¯t me Us for not warning you, that little beauty is a rose with thorns. Be careful not to prick yourself.

    ¡°Having some affection for her is one thing, just treat her as a toy. Don¡¯t sink in too deep. Don¡¯t forget how General Pang... anyways, what kind of beauty can¡¯t us brothers get our hands on? You need to think of your reputation as well. Don¡¯t give people something to talk about.¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s words seemed to havee out of nowhere, but the provocation within was very in to hear.

    Though Pang Xiao could see right through his sworn brother¡¯s intentions, he nodded in agreement without anything flickering through his face.

    ¡°How would your subject really do anything to her?¡± he bit off. ¡°I will not suffer those who killed my father to live! Those I yed back in the day weren¡¯t enough to sate the call of vengeance. The origin of this evil hasn¡¯t been uprooted yet!¡±

    The response made Li Qitian fall silent.

    If Pang Xiao truly dug his heels in and decided to oppose Qin Huaiyuan, then the emperor¡¯s n for bnce at court would be ruined. This was the least desirable oue, not to mention that Qin Huaiyuan was actually someone with real talent to his name. Li Qitian really did appreciate true talent.

    Did I overdo it with the provocation just now?

    Seeing the expression cross Li Qitian¡¯s face, there was nothing in Pang Xiao¡¯s heart other than clear understanding of the situation. He had fully seen through this ¡®brother¡¯ of his.

    But outwardly, struggle and resignation vied in his face. He finally conceded with consideration, ¡°I know that Your Majesty values talent, and that Qin Meng does have a good thought or two rattling around his brain. I will do as Your Majesty wishes and refrain from starting anything with him. Of course, that doesn¡¯t apply if they¡¯re the ones to stir up trouble first.¡±

    Li Qitian nodded with satisfaction after receiving this promise. ¡°With your fame, how will they dare try anything at all? But the Qins have arrived at the capital with the exception of Qin Meng. The men We¡¯ve sent out haven¡¯t found anything at all. This really is a headache. Hopefully no ident¡¯s befallen Qin Meng, hmm?¡±

    Yet another probing.

    ¡°Perhaps he got lost when he was separated. Who knows? Maybe the heavens know of his deep sins and have meted justice on my behalf!¡±

    The response displeased Li Qitian, but it confirmed that the Qins wouldn¡¯t be friends with the Pangs. The emperor didn¡¯t want to dwell on this and changed the conversation to discussing matters of policy after Pang Xiao had entered the council.

    By now, Qin Yining had washed her face in the side hall, smoothed some lotion over her face, and redone her hair.

    Those who serve in the pce are attentive, alright!

    Her attitude was exceedingly cautious since the head eunuch himself was attending to her. Li Guanwen wanted to make friends with her, so they treated each other with extreme politeness and goodwill.

    When she¡¯d cleaned herself up, she mbered into a covered cart for use inside the pce and left escorted by young eunuchs.

    It was a bit chilly inside the vehicle, which was a perfect environment for her to calm down and collect her thoughts.

    Suddenly, the slow-moving, wax wallpapered cart stopped.

    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Qin Yining out of curiosity.

    No one responded.

    rm nged in the girl¡¯s heart, and she was just about to lift the curtains for a look when they were lifted from the outside.

    Two young girls dressed in opulent clothing stood in front of the carriage.

    One of them was wreathed with a dignified and noble air; the other dressed in red was a familiar face, the Princess of Anyang. Standing next to her was a young, married woman in the prime of her beauty. 1

    The young woman was of average height, but had a full figure. A cape with a red, fox fur cor was flung around her shoulders, making a set with the rabbit-fur hand warmers of the same color, embedded with rubies, around her hands. Her makeup was exquisite, her lips glistening and full. Though she was a bit older than Li Hn, her looks firmly crushed those of the princess¡¯.

    Who out of high society could stand side-by-side with the princess and walk about freely in the pce?

    Li Hn smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t feel at odds, Miss Qin. It¡¯s rare that we have a girl of a simr age entering the pce. Big sister Lu and I had some free time and came to visit when we heard you were here.¡±

    Evidently, they were familiar enough that Li Hn called the young madame ¡®big sister¡¯, instead of just madame. Young Madame Lu didn¡¯t think anything untoward of the honorific either, and was seizing up Qin Yining with curiosity.

 Chapter 339: The Unrestrained Madame Lu

    <h4>Chapter 339: The Unrestrained Madame Lu</h4>

    The curiosity in the young madame¡¯s eyes was very straightforward, and in fact, rather predatory. The air of pure arrogance wrapped around her eclipsed Li Hn¡¯s, and it was apparent from her bearing that this woman had been born with a golden spoon in her mouth. She was one blessed by heaven, fortune, and luck, and had likely never known any disappointments in her life.

    These thoughts ran through her head as Qin Yining alighted and curtsied to the two.

    As the eldest princess, Li Hn epted the Qin fourth miss¡¯ greeting with natural aplomb.

    However, the young madame showed equalck of reaction. Instead of returning the curtsey, she merely lifted her forehead and looked inattentively at Qin Yining.

    ¡°I¡¯ve long since heard that the Qin miss¡¯ looks are beyondpare. Seeing it for myself today... she outshines even me. It really is...¡± Red lips made a moue, unable to find an appropriate phrase of description. The young madame still didn¡¯t find her reaction awkward. Smiling faintly, she imparted with the air of one conferring a favor, ¡°You may call me Madame Lu.¡±

    This was indeed a woman with an influential family. Married woman usually took the surname of their husband.

    Qin Yining looked down and responded smoothly, ¡°Madame Lu.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Madame Lu seemed quite satisfied with Qin Yining¡¯s show of meek eptance. A contemptuous lilt curved her lips when she took another look at the Qin girl¡¯s in outfit. ¡°No wonder the Princess of Anyang always makes you out to be a stunning fairy. She¡¯s used to exaggerating things¡ªeven someone as fragile as me is an immortal in her eyes. I was thinking we¡¯d be running into a vige girl today.

    ¡°But it seems there really are beauties such as you in this world! Even the coarseness of your dress barely conceals youreliness. I can only imagine the sight you presented when your father had a high position in Great Yan and you wore fine silks. What a pity that I won¡¯t ever have a chance to witness that spectacle.¡±

    Surprised and bewildered, Qin Yining raised her eyes to look at Madame Lu. She was certain this was her first time meeting the young madame, but why did thetter¡¯s words bristle with spears and clubs? Every one of them sought for a painful spot, and thest line especially jinxed the Qins to nevere up in the world again.

    This kind of conversation was unpleasant indeed.

    Perhaps Madame Lu was close to the princess and thus striking out on her friend¡¯s behalf? That was usible.

    But here they were, in the depths of the pce. Qin Yining¡¯s status was less than the two in front of her, so she didn¡¯t dare linger for long. They obviously weren¡¯t going to get along, and she wasn¡¯t so soft that she would just stay where she was and take the hits.

    Therefore, she politely took her leave.

    Li Hn smiled. ¡°Alright, we can meet again next time.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Highness.¡± Qin Yining curtsied and saw through all the courtesies before climbing into the small carriage again.

    Li Hn and Madame Lu stepped off to the side. When the small vehicle had travelled far into the distance,, Madame Lu spoke again, ¡°It looks like the eldest princess sometimes misreads things as well. This girl looks like she¡¯ll stay firmly within her boundaries. She¡¯s so weak and passive that I can¡¯t even muster the strength to pinch her.¡±

    Li Hn arched a brow, but smiled gently. ¡°Perhaps this seat really did read her wrongly. I was just thinking that someone who could mesmerize a hero like big brother Pang must have her merits.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Curiosity struck the young madame as her eyes glinted. ¡°I heard that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank carried her off back to his manor. Is that actually true?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, that really did happen. I was a guest at the Pang Manor a few days ago and saw her there.¡±

    ¡°And what was His Highness¡¯ attitude towards her?¡± Madame Lu¡¯s tone grew a bit urgent.

    Li Hn chuckled. ¡®You know what big brother Pang is like. But he does seem to treat her a bit differently.¡±

    ¡°The prince must be a man who clearly separates love and hate. He must have done that because he wants to take revenge for his father¡¯s death.¡° A flush of red tinged Madame Lu¡¯s cheeks. ¡°To be honest, myte husband and the prince were old friends. I met him a few times. He¡¯s a hot-blooded, true man. He¡¯s not the sort to be infatuated with a little girl.¡±

    ¡°If the madame says so, it must be so.¡± Li Hn smiled. ¡°But this seat grew up with big brother Pang and we know each other best. Since young, I¡¯ve never seen him treat any girl in such a special way.¡±

    Irritated by Li Hn¡¯s intimate nickname for Pang Xiao, Madame Lu lost her patience.

    ¡°Incidentally, the princess is betrothed to someone else already. Seeing that you¡¯ve called me sister for so long, I¡¯ll be a busybody for just a moment. You¡¯re engaged to the Marquis of Northern Stability and will be a Ji daughter-inw in the future. But whenever you speak of the prince, it¡¯s big brother Pang this and big brother Pang that. What will the marquis think of that? Or is it that you haven¡¯t given up on the prince yet?¡±

    Thest line was delivered in a flippant tone, and Madame Lu emphasized it with a soft tap of her red nail on Li Hn¡¯s rouged cheeks.

    Li Hn¡¯s mood took a sour turn when she first thought of her aggravating marriage, then of the person who upied her thoughts day and night. The impulse to jeer back spurred her, ¡°This seat wouldn¡¯t trouble big sister Lu to worry on my behalf. I hear that two new malepanions have arrived at your manor, and they¡¯re twins to boot. Though they¡¯re equally handsome, their tempers aren¡¯t as pretty. Apparently, they refuse to serve big sister properly. You should look to your own household affairs first.¡±

    Madame Lu didn¡¯t feel the least bit embarrassed to be pointed out that she had her own harem. She nodded instead. ¡°All men are the same in bed, no matter how they look. It¡¯s just a matter of how strong they are. The new twins are too young and naive. They can¡¯t seem to rx enough to serve a woman, so they¡¯re very boring. They¡¯ll need to undergo much more training before they can be of use.¡±

    No matter how open Li Hn was, she was still an unmarried girl. She flushed beet red at hearing the madame¡¯s response, her feelings aplex mix of embarrassment and others.

    But she didn¡¯t forget her goal.

    ¡°It sounds quite reasonable to hear big sister Lu talk about it. I wonder how many men in the world are as strong, handsome, and dashing as big brother Pang? He¡¯s skilled in both martial and civil subjects. I really wonder what kind of girl he¡¯ll be wedded to in the future.¡± Yearning suffused Li Hn¡¯s tone.

    An incessant itch was present in Madame Lu¡¯s heart when she thought of Pang Xiao. She¡¯d once invited him to traverse the peaks of pleasure with her, but he couldn¡¯t be bothered to give her the time of day. After losing that amount of face, she hadn¡¯t wanted to talk to him afterwards.

    The Qin girl they¡¯d met earlier had been carried off into his manor. Even if he¡¯d humiliated her out of a desire for revenge, they¡¯d surely done the deed already! To think such a sweet deal would fall into Qin¡¯sp, and her sincere invitation would be declined...

    Madame Lu snorted and didn¡¯t even offer a farewell before striding off.

    Li Hn smirked mockingly at the young madame¡¯s swiftly vanishing figure, quietly cursing the other for being a cheap bitch before she set off back to the Pce of Benevolent Piety.

    Qin Yining had left the pce by now, but didn¡¯t immediately return to the inns. She sat in the carriage with Bingtang, waiting in a quiet alley not too far from the pce. Jiyun was sent out to see if Pang Xiao hade out yet.

    The prince didn¡¯t leave until two hourster. Jiyun led him to the carriage.

    The curtains lifted to admit Pang Xiao¡¯s easy leap. He shed a grin. ¡°The wait must¡¯ve been unbearable.¡±

    He brought with him a st of cold air, startling the unprepared Qin Yining into a few coughs after taking a breath in.

    Pang Xiao hurriedly let down the curtains and asked nervously, ¡°Did you catch a cold after going backst night?¡± He ced arge hand on her forehead and rxed when he found that she wasn¡¯t feverish. ¡°It¡¯s dreadfully cold in the capital, of course you¡¯re not used to it yet. In the north, a single water drop will freeze before it hits the ground. Things won¡¯t be as convenient for you in the inns as they were in the manor.¡±

    He shook his head, regret in on his face. ¡°If I¡¯d known this would happen, I wouldn¡¯t have yed along with you. So what if I kept you in my manor?¡±

    Bingtang had already knowingly left the carriage by now, walking off into the distance with Jiyun and the groom.

    Pang Xiao could finally enfold his girl into his arms without any reservations. He wrapped his cloak around him like a kangaroo hugging its young.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just go back with me?¡±

 Chapter 340: Successful Subjugation

    <h4>Chapter 340: Sessful Subjugation</h4>

    Qin Yining nuzzled lovingly into his embrace.

    ¡°You¡¯re spouting nonsense again,¡± she responded with mock anger. ¡°How could I possibly go back with you now? Everyone already knows that I¡¯m going to participate in the imperial selection¡ªI¡¯m sure the emperor will know soon as well. What will he think if he knows you held onto me, knowing full well that I had to go to the selection?¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled softly and replied indifferently, ¡°Will he let me off the hook if I don¡¯t hold onto you, and no longer be on his guard against me?¡±

    ¡°At least he won¡¯t have anything to use against you.¡± Qin Yining reverted back to seriousness. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be a mistake to be wielded against you.¡±

    Her eyes sparkled brilliantly like ck jewels in the depths of the dimly lit carriage. They were so deep that they invited one to fall endlessly into them. Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t resist the urge to lean forward and lightly kiss her eyes.

    When her eyes fluttered shut, the eyshes brushed past his lips, setting off an itch in his heart.

    The kiss dropped gently and finally moved to her lips. Pang Xiao delicately used his tongue to trace the shape of her lips, kissing her with absolute gentleness.

    ¡°How would you ever be a mistake? You¡¯re my motivation.¡± His deep voice had turned a bit hoarse.

    It was because of her that he¡¯d found the persistence to soldier on and gained an edge to duke it out with destiny. Sometimes, caught in the swamp as he was, he wondered just what he was fighting for and how much longer he could hold on.

    Sensing his mood, Qin Yining entwined her arms around his neck and gently ran her fingers through his hair. Just a few passes over his scalp with her nails sent shivers down his back, sending him floating up above the clouds. A content grunt sounded as his kiss turned passionate.

    The prince only let go reluctantly when his girl found it hard to breathe and was beating on his shoulder with her fists. He licked her bright red lips one more time.

    ¡°My darling, I¡¯lle ask for your hand in marriage when the situation stabilizes.¡±

    Naturally, she knew that he was speaking from the heat of the moment. It wasn¡¯t like him to blurt out something without prior thought.

    She didn¡¯t doubt his feelings for her at all, but she was well aware of the current politicalyout. Their futures weren¡¯t up to them to decide. They could only take things one step at a time.

    ¡°It¡¯s too early to talk about marriage. Even if you want to ask for my hand, my father has toe back safely first.¡± Worry crept into her brows and she looked down. ¡°I¡¯ve kicked up such a ruckus this time in order to not enter the pce. I wonder if the kidnappers will do anything to my parents.¡±

    If her judgment had been off, that meant dooming her mother and father!

    She had been wanting to avoid having the family caught in the middle of things, but she wanted even less for her parents to be in danger.

    Heart-stricken, Pang Xiao hugged her tightly infort. His girl hadn¡¯t known a single day of peace ever since they¡¯d known each other. From eking out a solitary survival in the mountains when young, to plots and schemes abounding after returning home, and then everything that had happened afterwards...

    Come to think of it, his darling had always had to work ten times harder to get anything she wanted. But she never once thought of giving up and never med the heavens for her lot in life.

    She was so mature and resilient! He loved her with every fiber of his being.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already sent people out to investigate the matters of that day. I¡¯ll find my inws as quickly as possible. And don¡¯t stress yourself too much either¡ªyour body hasn¡¯t fully recovered yet. Your healthes first, no matter what.¡±

    ¡°I know, what would I worry about with you by my side?¡± Qin Yining curled up quietly by Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder. She murmured in a soft voice that wrapped around him, ¡°Now that we¡¯re in your territory, I¡¯m looking to you for everything, Sir Yao.¡±

    Said in jest, the name teased augh out of Pang Xiao. Memories of how they¡¯d met floated up to contrast with where they were now. It hadn¡¯t yet been a long time, but their love for each other was already so deep. His heart brimmed with sweetness at the memories.

    The two chatted lowly for a while longer before Pang Xiao alighted from the carriage. He called Bingtang over and turned his back on Qin Yining to give the maid a stack of bank notes.

    ¡°Your miss will find many things inconvenient when she lives with the Qins. Keep an eye out and take care of as many things as possible for her. Also, make sure she makes a full recovery.¡±

    A merrily beaming Bingtang carefully put the ¡®household funds¡¯ away. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness, if there¡¯s anything we can¡¯t handle, us servants will tell you even if the miss doesn¡¯t want to.¡±

    Pang Xiao grinned at how smart the maid was and handed out somepliments.

    When the couple bid each other farewell, Qin Yining climbed back into the carriage with Bingtang and Jiyun. ¡°What did you and the prince talk about just now?¡±

    ¡°What else could we talk about?¡± Bingtang produced the stack of bills with a flourish and waved them in the air before putting them away again. ¡°The prince gave me these notes and told me to make sure you make a full recovery.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked nkly. ¡°Don¡¯t I have my own money? Why should I use his? You shouldn¡¯t have epted these.¡±

    Bingtang rolled her eyes at her mistress. ¡°We¡¯re so close with His Highness already, are you still thinking of not being with him in the future? Since we¡¯ll be one family sooner orter, why draw the lines so clearly?

    ¡°If we really want to talk about gains and losses, how will His Highness pay you back for your loss of name and reputation? I¡¯m just getting some interest for you. Besides, when you recover, won¡¯t you be continuing the Pang bloodline in the future? So no matter how we cut it, it¡¯s the Pangsing out ahead after all this. It¡¯s just a waste of free money if we don¡¯t take the silver.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t know if she should be angry or amused by this silly logic. But to be honest, there was nothing she could refute about it.

    The two of them were very close. She would feel lost and despondent if she couldn¡¯t marry him, and probably wouldn¡¯t ever consider any other man seriously in this life.

    Seeing her fall silent, Bingtang and Jiyun looked at each other and started giggling.

    The carriage soon returned to the inns. When mistress and maids returned to the Qins¡¯ yard, they were greeted by the eagerly awaiting Qin Han and Qin Yu beneath the covered hallway.

    Both of them had yet to limate to the northern winters¡ªthey¡¯d transformed into two balls from how thickly bundled up they were. Qin Han stepped forward when he saw his cousin return.

    ¡°You¡¯re back, fourth sister! How did it go?¡±

    Qin Yining curtsied to Qin Yu and Qin Han with a smile.

    ¡°It went very smoothly and just as we thought. I¡¯m sure it will be public knowledge soon. Not only did His Majesty lose his suspicions, but no one will raise the idea of me entering the pce again.¡±

    The men nodded.

    ¡°Fourth sister is meticulous, strategic, and courageous,¡± remarked Qin Yu. ¡°None of this is difficult for you to pull off.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed from thepliment and smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t say that, big brother, I¡¯ll die of embarrassment.¡± She looked in the direction of the main house and intoned lowly, ¡°Is everything alright with the old dowager?¡±

    ¡°Things are alright,¡± responded Qin Han. ¡°My father and third uncle have analyzed the ins and outs of this affair for her. The old dowager understands, but she had a good cry for a while.¡±

    I wonder if she¡¯s crying because I won¡¯t be leading the family to new heights after entering the pce, over the lost family fortune, or for my still-lost father.

    Having mutually caught up on thetest happenings, the three entered the house one after another.

    Qin Yining took off her cold outer jacket and stood for a bit, letting her body warm up before she headed to the side hall.

    The second wife¡¯s voice filtered to her ears just as she lifted her feet.

    ¡°...though this is the case, it¡¯s still a good thing to enter the pce and serve His Majesty. Since fourth sister can¡¯t be chosen, we should give the chance to some of the other girls in the family. By blowing things up like this, doesn¡¯t that mean our family¡¯spletely lost the opportunity?¡±

    The second and third elder master had just managed to coax the old dowager into a better, more epting mood. It was the work of a quick moment for the second wife to pull the Qin matriarch back.

    The old dowager burst into tears.

    Entering the house at the same time as Qin Yining, mes of irritation licked at Qin Han to see his wife behaving this way.

    ¡°What are you yammering on about?¡± he hectored. ¡°Just look after yourself since you¡¯re pregnant. Don¡¯t be spouting nonsense and pretending to know things you¡¯re absolutely clueless about.¡±

    The second wife flushed a painful red and lowered her head with mortification.

    The second elder master was much assuaged at seeing his son being willing to publicly rebuke his wife.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother,¡± he started over again. ¡°Didn¡¯t I just analyze things for you? Our family is new in town and should focus our efforts on resting, recovering, and having the days peacefully pass us by. We¡¯ll be able to revitalize the family soon, but if we get involved in these political messes, we¡¯ll end up caught between the emperor and the prince if we don¡¯t handle things properly.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t even found our footing in Great Zhou yet, so how can we make any brash moves? We all know mother is doing this for the good of the family. We can figure out other ways to earn money and feed the family, but we can¡¯t voluntarily stick ourselves in between His Majesty and Highness, when we know full well that the two don¡¯t get along.¡±

    The second elder master had talked himself hoarse and had long since lost his patience.

    They were both born of the old dowager, but whenever Qin Huaiyuan was present, the old dowager¡¯s favoritism knew no bounds. The second elder master even felt that if his big brother had been present, it¡¯d be so much easier to convince their mother.

    His mood dipped down when he thought of his missing elder brother, and he heaved a long sigh.

    It was so quiet inside that a pin drop could be heard. The atmosphere was stifling.

    The Qin matriarch shook her head after a long time. ¡°Forget it, let this matter be over with. No one else should think about it. Granddaughter Yi can¡¯t enter the pce and neither can granddaughter Hui or number eight. No one shall think of this anymore.¡±

 Chapter 341: Successfully Joining Forces

    <h4>Chapter 341: Sessfully Joining Forces</h4>

    The eighth miss had a simple, honest, and cheerful disposition. She¡¯d never thought about entering the pce. In fact, she rather felt it a frightening prospect. The girl naturally bobbed her head in agreement when she heard the old dowager¡¯s announcement.

    Qin Huining on the other hand, lowered her head demurely and cleverly kept silent.

    She wasn¡¯t pleased to let go of this opportunity, but what else could she do? In his exalted and lofty position, she wouldn¡¯t be able to reach the emperor even if she had some sort of n in mind. All of the girls in the imperial selection were in the running because of family connections. It was impossible for her to bypass the Qins to enter.

    Besides, she was just a foster girl and no true noble daughter. The family would always think of Qin Yining and Qin Baoning first. It would never be her turn.

    ......

    It took the span of only a night for news of Qin Yining beating the Public Petitioner¡¯s Drum to be public knowledge. For some reason, there seemed to be hands at work in the shadows as minute details of just how the Qin fourth miss had been taken and humiliated were also disseminated. The scene came to life with vivid rity, as if someone had been present, recording everything.

    Rumors flowed from one gossip to the next. Soon, everyone in high society learned that a Qin daughter had been carried off by the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    Thinking of how brutal and vicious the prince had been to the old guard that had hurt his father after he conquered Northern Ji, the general public developed a deep sympathy for Miss Qin.

    But who told Qin Huaiyuan to cause the death of Pang Zhongzheng with a scheme? It was only right that the crimes of the father were the sins of the daughter.

    Qin Yining¡¯s name card was naturally rejected, closing the book on the imperial selection chapter.

    ......

    The fourth miss spent her days with Lian Xiaozhou and her maids. Other than greeting the old dowager every morning, she spent the rest of the time in her room, focused on needlework. She was rarely out and about.

    When the second madame heard that Qin Yining was setting an example and leading her maids in embroidery everyday, sheid on the praise in front of the old dowager.

    ¡°Niece Yi is a mature one, alright. We don¡¯t have any silver to our name now and can live only in the guest inns. Though our room and board are covered, what if someone wants to buy something? It¡¯s not like we can request money from the Great Zhou emperor. In my view, niece Yi is doing women¡¯s work so she help out with the family finances.¡±

    Complex distress welled up in the old dowager¡¯s heart. Though that girl did many things the Qin matriarch wasn¡¯t fond of, one couldn¡¯t repudiate her grasp of the bigger picture.

    The old dowager summoned all of the womenfolk in the family to do needlework as well.

    Qin Huining and the eighth miss spent their days by their grandmother¡¯s side. Qin Huining cautiously tried to pander to the old dowager, and the eighth miss was very filial as she¡¯d lost both her birth and official mother.

    With theparison of ¡®wild and intractable¡¯ Qin Yining to more than a decade of familial rtionship with Qin Huining, and the eighth miss¡¯ biddable, straightforward cheerfulness, both girls won the old dowager¡¯s fondness. Qin Yining actually turned into the most unwee out of the three granddaughters.

    But the fourth miss didn¡¯t care about this at all. She returned to her room every day after making her morning greetings.

    One day, she happened to hear a venting session between the second wife¡¯s serving girl and the second madame¡¯s maid.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have that many left in the family now, but the fourth miss is oh-so pampered. She has five maids serving her. The Qins aren¡¯t as wealthy and high up as before¡ªshe shouldn¡¯t be allowed to give herself airs like this. My own madame doesn¡¯t have that many servants by her side.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right? My mistress only has me and Xiaotao as well.¡±

    Holding Xiaozhou¡¯s hand, Qin Yining nted her feet and looked sideways at the two with their backs to her. She chuckled softly. ¡°After all this fleeing for our lives, anyone who¡¯s still alive is very fortunate. My maids are all very lucky and will naturally live a very long life. But, there wille a day when one¡¯s good luck is used up. Don¡¯t get too full of yourselves and turn good luck into bad.¡±

    The two maids jumped before whipping their heads back. They saw Qin Yining, draped in a pale-green, brocade cape, standing under the covered hallway with her maids. There were no friendly looks cast at the two.

    The twoiners hadn¡¯t forgotten the methods that the fourth miss had used back in the day to keep the inner residence in order. They trembled and stammered, finding nothing to say.

    ¡°The family¡¯s lost all of their silver and now relies on welfare for our daily meals,¡± sneered Bingtang. ¡°No one¡¯s taking anything from anyone else. But here we have someone running their mouths! If one day we have to leave the inns, the family will have to depend on the lord and our miss then. But apparently someone has no idea of death or danger? I wonder if they¡¯ll be so principled as to not eat anything then!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right?¡± snickered Jiyun. ¡°It¡¯s like they were never taught any manners.¡±

    The two terrified maids didn¡¯t dare lift their heads. They huddled where they stood and trembled like quail.

    Qin Yining had no interest in pointing her fingers at the second madame and wife¡¯s staff. She took her people and left with utter indifference.

    The two maids heaved long sighs of relief when they saw the fourth miss walk off into the distance; she didn¡¯t seem inclined to punish them.

    Another ten days passed before the wedding of the Princess of Anyang to the Marquis of Northern Stability approached. Things in the capital took a lively turn.

    As Ji Zeyu¡¯s sworn brother, Pang Xiao naturally had to help. He became so busy that he could only slip away a few times in secret toe see Qin Yining.

    Once porridge had been duly eaten for theba rice porridge festival on the eighth day of the twelfth month, a magnificent wedding on the tenth caused a sensation in the city. Even with living in the guest inns, the crackle and pop of firecrackers as well as the enthusiastic hubbub filtered into Qin ears. Curious serving girls who snuck out for a peek came back with vivid stories.

    The proceedings could be summed up with ¡®unprecedented pomp and glorye out to y when a royal daughter is wed and a marquis wees a wife¡¯.

    Outsiders saw the grandness and prestige of the affair, but only the bride and groom knew their heart of hearts.

    Li Hn wept countless of times and almost burst into tears when she saw Pang Xiaoe with Ji Zeyu as part of the escort.

    Ji Zeyu remained expressionless throughout the entire proceedings. His handsome face resembled an ice sculpture and looked more like he was attending a funeral than his wedding.

    No one dared malign the marquis for being dissatisfied with the match. All they dared say was that he was simply too direct and stern a person.

    On the day after the ceremony, Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu got together for a round of drinking at Pang Manor. Both of them ended up uproariously drunk and Ji Zeyu didn¡¯t even make it back to his own. He spent the night at the Pangs.

    When it was time to return to the bride¡¯s home on the third day, a bashful Li Hn greeted Li Qitian blushingly and thanked her brother for the imperial favor.

    Ji Zeyu stayed behind in the study to speak with Li Qitian, while the princess headed to the imperial harem.

    The empress had taken sick because of her father¡¯s affair. When that meeting was hastily concluded, Li Hn made for the Pce of Benevolent Piety. Sobs tumbled out when she saw the empress dowager.

    ¡°The prince consort doesn¡¯t like me at all. He went through the motions only on the night of our wedding. When I had mamas go summon him from his manor, his servants said that he was drinking with friends. With his personality, how would he have any friends? That was just an excuse to fob me off with because he didn¡¯t want toe serve me!¡±

    The injustice of the situation deepened her misery and she cried with absolute heartbreak on the empress dowager¡¯s knees. Though she¡¯d liked Pang Xiao for a very long time, Ji Zeyu had impressive military aplishments and was umonly handsome. He was a man that girls flocked after, and how many could say they were immune to his smile?

    Having be husband and wife, Li Hn had quite a few fantasies about life with the marquis. But Ji Zeyu was so coolly indifferent towards her¡ªhe hadn¡¯t even kissed her when they consummated their marriage. It was like he¡¯d just been doing what he was supposed to do for the sake of the maidenhead handkerchief... 1

    Of course she wouldn¡¯t talk about the private affairs of the bedroom, but great pity for herself welled up when thinking about her less than ideal marriage.

    The empress dowager was very calm. She patted Li Hn¡¯s back until the princess stopped crying. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Lan¡¯er. I rather think that Prince Consort Ji isn¡¯t that sort of person. Is there some misunderstanding at y? Or is it...¡±

    A frown creased her brow as her voice turned sharp, ¡°Does he know that you still have feelings for Pang Zhixi?¡±

    A frisson of rm spread through Li Hn and her expression ckened. ¡°I... don¡¯t think so...¡±

    ¡°Have you gone to find Pang Zhixi since?¡± The empress dowager red sternly at her daughter.

    The princess shook her head rapidly. ¡°No, not at all. When Pang Zhixi took me back to the pce to my royal brother, he was so stern and blunt. How would I dare go to him after that?¡±

    The empress dowager furrowed her brows and responded after a moment.

    ¡°There is no such thing as a kept secret in this world. Perhaps the prince consort has discovered something, but hasn¡¯t said anything because he¡¯s too used to keeping to himself. What man in the world doesn¡¯t have his own pride? He¡¯s a beloved of the heavens to begin with and your prince consort, but someone else fills your heart. How do you think he should face you?¡±

    Chills gripped Li Hn¡¯s heart¡ªsome understanding had dawned on her, but she would never suffer the indignity of conceding!

    ¡°I¡¯m the princess and he¡¯s my consort, so he should wait on me! If I tell him toe to my manor, he needs to wag his tail and hurry over from his! If I don¡¯t want to see him, he needs to stay put at home. He can¡¯t even have a bedwarmer! He¡¯s here to serve me, am I supposed to amodate him?¡±

    The empress dowager poked Li Hn¡¯s forehead hard when she heard this.

    ¡°The prince consort isn¡¯t some ordinary namby pamby who lives off his wife! Don¡¯t ever think of having a loving marriage if this is your attitude! You just want a ve that serves you, not a husband, so what are youining about him for?¡±

    ¡°I...¡± Li Hn had no good response to that. She knew what she wanted.

    She wanted Pang Xiao¡¯s love, but having married Ji Zeyu, she also liked the marquis¡¯ handsome face. She wanted him to follow along in her wake, to dote on her and satisfy her every whim. She didn¡¯t want him to be coldly aloof to her like this.

    She also envied married couples who spent their days in happy bliss and spoke with one voice. But life was so unfair! Maybe if I keep being so unhappy with Ji Zeyu, my royal brother will take pity on me and that will mean some hope still for me and Pang Xiao...

    She knew that she wanted too much, or even wanted the impossible, but she couldn¡¯t help her wayward heart!

    The empress dowager didn¡¯t know how to educate Li Hn when she saw her daughter thus. All she could do was huff out in great exasperation.

 Chapter 342: A Great Landowner

    <h4>Chapter 342: A Great Landowner</h4>

    In contrast to Li Hn¡¯s struggles, Qin Yining was very happy today. Grand Steward Zhong and a group of her confidantes had finally made it to the capital!

    ¡°Have you been well, miss? When we were on our way, we heard that the first convoy had been attacked by bandits. I was scared out of my mind! Thank goodness you and your family are alright. The heavens bless the kind, the heavens bless the kind!¡± Steward Zhong looked emotionally at Qin Yining, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief.

    The fourth miss had undergone quite a great deal since arriving in the capital. Though no one had given her the cold shoulder at the Pang Manor, and she had Xianyun and Xiaozhou forpany, she still had no visibility into or hold on her own finances.

    Oh, she trusted Steward Zhongpletely, of course, but he and therefore support was far away.

    Now that he was by her side again, she would have full backup in whatever she did. Besides, it was just a good thing to see the loyal elder after such a long time.

    ¡°It was certainly a trip and quite a long story. I¡¯ll tell you some other time.¡± Qin Yining looked at the two standing behind the steward and couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Missus Nine and Brother Lu, you¡¯re here as well.¡±

    Liu Jiu¡¯er and Lu Dehan had been part of the refugees that Qin Yining had taken in at Ning Park.

    ¡°Benefactor.¡± Hot tears came to their eyes when they saw that Qin Yining still remembered them. They knelt down to kowtow to her.

    Qin Yining hastily helped them back up. ¡°What¡¯s all this? Please hurry and get up.¡±

    When taking shelter at Ning Park, they¡¯d all starved and suffered together. The refugees were the picture of gratitude when thinking of the Qin fourth miss¡¯ altruistic deeds. Lu Dehan and Liu Jiu¡¯er wielded more authority out of the refugees and so were closer to Qin Yining as they worked together more often.

    Liu Jiu¡¯er stood up and shed an easy grin. ¡°Benefactor, when Steward Zhong said that he was bringing his entire family to join you, the two of us talked it over and decided toe with. We don¡¯t have much skill, but we¡¯re absolutely loyal to you. Please give us any orders you wish and tell us whatever you want to do. Don¡¯t be modest with us at all.¡±

    Lu Dehan bobbed his head rapidly in agreement.

    ¡°Okay then, that¡¯s actually rather perfect. I am indeed short on people. I¡¯ll be at ease with your help. Where¡¯s Mister Ni then?¡±

    The two chuckled to see that Qin Yining even remembered old man Ni Liping.

    ¡°Mister Ni is getting up in the years and said that his old bones couldn¡¯t handle the hardships of travel,¡± responded Lu Dehan. ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯s not here with us. Steward Zhong found jobs for all of us, just like how you said. Everyone at Ning Park now has a farm to tend, a house to live in, and food to eat. The steward pitied the old and poor and found a ce for the elderly and orphaned. Mister Ni has his own little residence and is taking care of the orphans there. He¡¯s teaching them their characters and numbers. With the benefactor¡¯s help, they¡¯re all living well.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, absolutely wonderful!¡± Qin Yining beamed merrily. ¡°Great fortune always follows in the wake of great disaster. Our good days stretch out long ahead of us.¡±

    Liu Jiu¡¯er smiled. ¡°It¡¯s already our good fortune to follow you, miss.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss turned to her steward with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s not convenient to talk here. Let me get ready and we¡¯ll go find a restaurant for some food. We can talk more seriously then.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The three assented respectfully.

    Qin Yining returned inside her room to change, but the weing inns were only so big. The disturbance at her ce immediately made its way to the old dowager.

    When the matriarch heard that Qin Yining¡¯s prized helper in Great Yan had arrived in town, her eyes glinted enthusiastically.

    ¡°Quick, quick, have the girle here!¡±

    Qin-mama had no choice but to carry out the instruction.

    Qin Yining had just finished changing when the mama arrived. The girl immediately knew what the servant was here for, but weed the visitor with a pleasant smile. ¡°Hello Qin-mama, does Old Dowager have any instructions?¡±

    Awkwardness shed across the granny servant¡¯s face as she sighed. ¡°The old dowager has heard that the miss¡¯ former grand steward has arrived. She sent me to invite you over for a conversation.¡±

    It was incredibly, tantly obvious what the old dowager wanted to talk about.

    The Qin family fortune had been lost in the bandit attack, the second elder master was waiting on the emperor for a position, the third elder master¡¯s businesses were all in Great Yan and he was still establishing contact with them. All of the womenfolk were doing needlework to help with the family finances.

    And now, Qin Yining¡¯s grand steward had arrived before the third elder master¡¯s! Of course he was here with money for household expenses!

    Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go see the old dowager first.¡±

    Qin-mama rxed with her agreeable response. She¡¯d been afraid that the fourth miss would mulishly dig her heels in because she didn¡¯t like the old dowager¡¯s style. The family was already a mess these days and couldn¡¯t withstand any further disruptions. If they kept having fall-outs like these, it¡¯d be a humiliating show to the Lis and Gus across the way, much less making life difficult for themselves.

    Normally suffocated with resentment whenever she saw Qin Yining, today the old dowager craned her neck forward with anticipation of seeing her granddaughter.

    The fourth miss had just entered through the door curtains when the question spilled out, ¡°Granddaughter Yi, did the grand steward of your businesses arrive today?¡±

    Qin Yining came forward to bend her knee and smiled wryly, ¡°Surely you jest, Old Dowager, what businesses do I have now?¡±

    The unexpected response stopped the Qin matriarch dead in her tracks. Her granddaughter continued lowly, ¡°There is no more Institute of Luminous Charm after the fall of Great Yan. The ie that the Institute generated was long confiscated by the Great Zhou officials. All of the inns, taverns, and properties have been taken as well.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± The old dowager shrieked in anger and skepticism. ¡°Are you trying to pull the wool over the eyes of an old woman?! If they¡¯re not here with a business update, what are they here to meet you for?! You¡¯re a Qin daughter through and through, are you thinking of ditching the family to die?? We¡¯re depending on someone else for survival now and have almost nothing to cook in the pots, but here you are getting stingy! Girls are biased to outsiders alright, we¡¯ve raised you for fifteen years for nothing!¡±

    The Qin matriarchpletely forgot propriety in the depths of her anger.

    Off to the side, the second madame, second wife, and eighth miss were the epitome of awkwardness. They really wanted to point out that Qin Yining hadn¡¯t returned home for long, and she hadn¡¯t taken one bit of Qin resources for the first fourteen years of her life. In fact, she¡¯de back for a tremendous share of suffering after returning home. She was the unluckiest of them all!

    The fourth miss sighed instead of flying into a rage. ¡°Please quell your anger, Old Dowager. Why would I try to pull the wool over your eyes? Have you forgotten how much I¡¯ve sacrificed for this family?¡±

    This finally reminded the Qin matriarch of the family¡¯s history. Her righteous anger slunk away when she thought of how Qin Yining had been sent to the peace negotiations, then to the Great Yan pce, then forced to be a nun, then almost entering the Great Zhou pce... the girl really had given a lot to the family.

    ¡°Great Yan is no more¡ªeven the national treasury and themandery prince¡¯s private purse have been confiscated by Great Zhou. The Institute was a business that the former imperial family gave to my maternal grandfather¡¯s n. It was recorded in the Yan imperial records as well. What kind of defense could Steward Zhong muster? He had to hand over keys and books when the Great Zhou officials wanted them, or he¡¯d be struck down as a rebel.¡±

    ¡°Well... even though that¡¯s the case, you¡¯ve run the business for so long, didn¡¯t you stash away any personal savings?¡±

    ¡°Personal savings? I did indeed have some, but my bundle was lost when we were attacked by bandits on the way here. Didn¡¯t the old dowager pick up my bundle from my carriage?¡±

    A frown deeply creased the Qin matriarch¡¯s forehead. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d want that trifling bit of personal possessions? The personal savings I¡¯m talking about is the silver on your ounts!¡±

    Qin Yining arched an eyebrow, chuckling softly. ¡°I understand your meaning now, Old Dowager. I know things are tight at home, but it¡¯s not like Great Zhou sent fools to us when we surrendered. They took all that when they took the books. Steward Zhong isn¡¯t my servant, just a steward that I hired as a manager. We no longer have an employer-employee rtionship, so it¡¯s nothing to do with me anymore how much silver he has.¡±

    Her words were rational, logical, and made perfect sense. The old dowager couldn¡¯t find anything to refute.

    She didn¡¯t believe that the girl didn¡¯t have a bit of personal wealth. But she was the honored grandmother of the family, her dignity and status self apparent. She couldn¡¯t search her granddaughter now, could she? If she searched Qin Yining, wouldn¡¯t she have to search everyone else too?

    The old dowager irritably pped her hand. ¡°Since you have no rtionship with Steward Zhong anymore, why are you still meeting with him?¡±

    The Qin matriarch must truly have lost her senses in her anger or her anxious fretting over money. How else would her words be so wed and have so many openings for others to seize?

    ¡°Surely you jest, Old Dowager. Even if I¡¯m no longer his employer, we are still more than acquaintances. Now that everyone¡¯s in Great Zhou, we count as being from the same hometown. It¡¯s only right that I see him. Father often taught me how to the proper way of conducting myself with others. I would never dare forget any of his lessons.¡± She dipped a curtsey. ¡°Your granddaughter must see to my guest. I will disturb you no longer.¡±

    Qin Yining fully saw through all of the courtesies with the second madame, second wife, and others before she left.

    The old dowager flushed red and white. Frustrated rage brewed when she thought of how such arge sum of silver no longer belonged to the Qins just because Great Yan had fallen. There could never be too much silver when it was needed. The family couldn¡¯t make ends meet now and the whereabouts of her firstborn still unknown. Life in the weing inns meant being restricted at every turn. They didn¡¯t even have their own house in the capital! How could she not be anxious?

    The second madame and wife looked at each other, then quietly snuck out of the room, leaving only Qin-mama, Qin Huining, and the eighth miss on duty inside.

    The atmosphere was so heavy that it felt it¡¯d physically congealed.

    Qin Yining left Lian Xiaozhou in Xianyun and Qiulu¡¯s hands, bringing Bingtang and Jiyun with her as she left with Steward Zhong.

    Since they weren¡¯t familiar with the capital yet, the steward proposed, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, miss, why don¡¯t youe to the residence that I¡¯ve rented? My family¡¯s all there, and it¡¯ll be more convenient for us to eat and drink there.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful. I¡¯m just afraid that it¡¯ll be a bother for thedy, my brothers and sisters-inw.¡±

    ¡°Not at all! It¡¯s their honor to have you visit, miss!¡± Steward Zhong beamed at Qin Yining¡¯s intimate titles for his family.

    Qin Yining followed the steward to a neighborhood where musicians abounded, entering a residence that was one house wide and deep.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t found our footing yet since we¡¯ve just arrived, so I had someone rent this ce first. In either case it¡¯s a ce for the family to rest,¡± exined Steward Zhong as they stood in front of a speckled door that was mostly ck.

    The Qin fourth miss nodded with a smile, ¡°Steward Zhong has always had a conscientious mind.¡±

    The group entered with chatter andughter. Qin Yining first met all of the Zhong womenfolk, fully greeting Madame Zhong and her daughters-inw before heading to the study.

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯ve properly settled all of the businesses in Great Yan. Though we don¡¯t have the Institute anymore, the fields that you bought out of the goodness of your heart are being used to great effect now! I¡¯m not exaggerating at all when I say that the crops your fields produce in one year can feed one third of the original Great Yan country!¡±

 Chapter 343: On Purpose

    <h4>Chapter 343: On Purpose</h4>

    ¡°That much??¡± eximed Qin Yining with surprise. ¡°I remember we spent a lot of silver back then, but so much ie is still really surprising.¡±

    ¡°That much indeed. When we bought the farms, they were selling for less than a third of their usual going price. No one fathomed that Great Zhou¡¯s takeover would be so peaceful. There was no looting or raiding, and definitely none of the city-wide massacres that everyone was so terrified of. We¡¯re familiar with the prince and so could analyze a thing or two about the future, but the people couldn¡¯t.¡±

    Steward Zhong burst out inughter when his thoughts travelled here. ¡°Not only are our farms striking it rich, but so is the prince from the storefronts we pawned off on him!¡±

    Qin Yining nodded slightly, deep in thought. She was actually feeling a bit guilty from profiting off of a national disaster. It felt like she¡¯d taken advantage of themoners.

    The steward could guess at her thoughts when he noted her expression. He sighed. ¡°Miss, you¡¯re too kindhearted. With how things were back then, everyone was starving and our country and homes would be lost any day. You bought theirnd so that they would have some silver to flee with, no?¡±

    ¡°That may be the case, but I still feel like I¡¯ve unfairly taken advantage of them.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. You didn¡¯t force them to sell their homes ornd. They voluntarily sold it cheaply because they wanted to make a quick exit. If you hadn¡¯t bought theirnd, they might not have gotten a single silver for it. They would¡¯ve just left their homes behind and ran.

    ¡°And when Great Zhou took over things, unimed property would be confiscated by the new government anyways. Even if the people returned home then, they wouldn¡¯t have any farms of their own to work on. With us being thendowners, at least we can hire them and give them a job.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked, forced to admit that the steward was right.

    ¡°Those who haven¡¯t starved to death have mostly returned to the old Yan capital by now. They have no homes,nd, or jobs. I employed many of them to work on our farms¡ªthat¡¯s also giving them a future.¡±

    Qin Yining sighed and then smiled with an open mind. ¡°What¡¯s done is done, there¡¯s no point in thinking about it now. Let¡¯s take only seventy percent of this year¡¯s produce. Leave thirty percent to them so that everyone can rest and recover.¡±

    Steward Zhong was highly taken aback. ¡°Miss, thirty percent for each household is arge sum in total!¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± The Qin fourth miss was back to sighing. ¡°But there¡¯s always money to be made. As much as I can earn, it¡¯s all just a number in the end, isn¡¯t it? Leaving thirty percent for each household won¡¯t affect my foundations at all, but it will relieve so many burdens for all of them. We were all once fellow Great Yan citizens. Let me do what I can for them.¡±

    The steward stared at Qin Yining for a long while before responding. ¡°The miss is highly moral and righteous. This old man is ovee with admiration.¡± He rose to bow to his employer.

    ¡°Oh not at all. No matter what I do, I still rely on you to carry it out.¡± Qin Yining rose to return the gesture. ¡°I actually do have a use for silver in the Great Zhou capital.¡±

    ¡°Please speak of it, miss.¡± Steward Zhong adjusted his cor sternly and sat down ramrod straight.

    The girl smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of what happened on our way here. The old dowager of my family and others lost all of the silver they brought with them. Though my third uncle is a businessman, his businesses are far away and they don¡¯t seem to turn arge profit.

    ¡°Therefore, I¡¯d like to secretly purchase a residence. I¡¯d like for the deed to be held by someone unrted to me for now, and have it turned over to my father when he returns. The family will have a ce to live then. The prince has actually already filtered several locations for me, but so much has happened in recent days that I haven¡¯t had time to go look at them.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. I¡¯ll take care of this for you.¡± Her trusted employee was silent for a moment. ¡°The rumors outside say that you... and the prince...¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯re still the same as before. We have to bow to the circumstances in some things, but you can trust him.¡±

    The confirmation set the older man¡¯s heart at ease. He heaved a long sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s very good!¡±

    He¡¯d witnessed with his own eyes how the two lovebirds had slowly ended up together. The couple cared for each other so deeply and was quite a good match! It would be such a shame if certain factors of reality forced them apart.

    The two talked for a while longer before a married servant came to convey that food was ready.

    Qin Yining took her meal with the Zhongs, Lu Dehan, and Liu Jiu¡¯er. The group chatted idly for a while after. Before she returned to the inns, the Qin fourth miss also imparted that the steward could seek out Xie Yue or Xu Weizhi at Pang Manor to send word to the prince.

    The steward made his way to Pang Manor the next day.

    Pang Xiao introduced Steward Zhong to his two right-hand men, saying, ¡°This is Zhong Yucheng, darling Yi¡¯s trusted man.¡±

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi bowed courteously to the steward, their attitudes circumspect and cautious.

    The steward had learned from Qin Yining that these two were the prince¡¯s most trusted strategists. From their attitudes towards him, he could tell that his employermanded high regard from the two.

    He politely returned their gestures.

    Over the next few days, Steward Zhong and Xie Yue went out to tour the manors. Out of the three possibilities, he chose one that was two houses deep on the eastern side of town. Upon purchase, he made the deed out in Lu Dehan¡¯s name.

    As for Qin Yining, she used the excuse of buying silk thread to take a look for herself one day. The location being optimal, it only needed minor renovations before the family could move in. She had craftsman focus on the inside for now. The outside could be taken care of in the next year.

    As time passed, there was still no word of Qin Huaiyuan, n¨¦e Sun, or Cao Yuqing.

    The Qin fourth miss grew steadily more worried. Who knew if her father¡¯s kidnappers would do something to them after she botched the imperial selection?

    The five convoys of surrendered Yan officials had all made it to the capital by now. The weing inns and residences around them were crammed full of former Yan subjects and their families¡ªufortably so.

    However, Li Qitian only told the Ministry of Personnel and Rites to treat the neers well. Those who wanted to purchase their own manors could do so. If they didn¡¯t want to and didn¡¯t mind the guest inns, they were wee to stay put. Of course, those with the silver to do so were also free to seek amodation elsewhere.

    With the surge in poption, taverns and restaurants saw a corresponding boom in business.

    But, the emperor refrained from bestowing titles and positions. Everyone was just twiddling their thumbs, waiting.

    When it was new year¡¯s eve, blisters formed on the corners of Qin Yining¡¯s lips because she was so worried about her father. Her mouth full of cold sores, it hurt to take even a sip of water.

    Pang Xiao made use of midnight to jump through the window and visit his beloved. He found her propping her chin up next to the embroideredmp, the hard-fought, slight roundedness to her cheekspletely gone.

    ¡°What happened to you?¡± he asked with heartache. ¡°Have you not eaten these days?¡±

    Qin Yining jumped from the sudden voice and red at him before blowing out themp. This way, his silhouette wouldn¡¯t be highlighted on the window.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to eat,¡± she whispered back. ¡°I¡¯m so worried about my parents. I had a nightmarest night that the kidnappers killed them. It startled me awake and I haven¡¯t been able to sleep since.¡±

    Pang Xiao sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father-inw is surely alright. My guess is that he¡¯s actually not in the hands of kidnappers. He hasn¡¯t returned yet for his own reasons.¡±

 Chapter 344: Official Mother

    <h4>Chapter 344: Official Mother</h4>

    ¡°His own reasons?¡± Qin Yining looked askance at Pang Xiao and shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t understand. If everything¡¯s perfectly fine, why wouldn¡¯t fathere back? Does he not want to bother with the mess in the capital?¡±

    She shook her head to reject her own conjecture as soon as she¡¯d voiced it. ¡°No, father has a great sense of responsibility. He would never do something so irresponsible like leaving his family behind and making a run for it himself.¡±

    Pang Xiao had grown used to seeing her calm, steady, and with plenty of wit to go around. She could navigate her way out of any situation with cool aplomb. She was so smart sometimes that he felt there was no point in him being present.

    It was a fresh sight, seeing her so lost and directionless. The sight of her frowning ferociously and muttering to herself was rather adorable. He reached out to bring her close. ¡°You¡¯re making things tooplicated, it¡¯s actually very simple. It¡¯s only because you¡¯ve just arrived at the capital and are unfamiliar with Great Zhou. You¡¯ll understand everything once I exin them to you.¡±

    He picked up Qin Yining¡¯s tea cup to take a sip from it.

    She didn¡¯t mind how heavy his arm was on his shoulder and even less that he¡¯d drank her tea. She looked at him with sparkling eyes of expectation.

    Her limpid eyes sent a frisson of desire through him. Swallowing hard with difficulty, he almost couldn¡¯t contain the urge to kiss her.

    The girl pushed him when he remained quiet for a long time. ¡°Well? Tell mw.¡±

    The prince burst outughing and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. ¡°Alright alright, I¡¯ll tell you. It¡¯s simple, really. We have capital evaluations in the capital. I think father-inw is waiting for that.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by capital evaluations?¡±

    ¡°The emperor made adjustments to the old Northern Ji policies and created a sweeping, periodicpetency assessment on all duty officials. Anyone below second rank and outside of the Grand Secretariat needs to be tested every three years.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded slowly as she mused over his words. ¡°Can you tell me precisely how these capital evaluations are conducted?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re divided into two stages, the first in which the officials being tested must submit a self-report that¡¯s strictly unbiased about their aplishments, insufficiencies, mistakes, oversights, and others over the past three years. There can be no falsehood or omissions. When all of the reports have been handed in, the Bureau of Appointments will conduct a uniform, grand review. This report will be an important piece of support during the evaluation.¡±

    ¡°So this means that the capital evaluations will be happening this year?¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°If we¡¯re going to be strict about it, it¡¯s the next year. The yamen are on vacation because of the new year, so nothing will start until the festivities are done.¡±

    Qin Yining thought deeply for a moment, her brow slowly smoothing out as she exhaled easily. ¡°So this means that my father should be returning after the new year, when the first stage isplete and all the self-reports are in.¡±

    ¡°Smart.¡± Pang Xiao scratched her nose.

    Qin Huaiyuan was the leader of the surrendered Great Yan officials. Add to that his blood feud with Pang Xiao, that meant he would be certainly made heavy use of after returning to the capital.

    The Great Yan officials would be an infusion of new blood in the Great Zhou court. If he came back earlier, the emperor would be forced to start doling out positions and rewards for the sake of imperial reputation.

    But the number of positions at court was static. If no good option freed up, the ones awarded to Great Yan officials would be mostly for show.

    As long as Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t return, Li Qitian wouldn¡¯t be able to assign titles.

    Therefore, he was staying away precisely because he was waiting for the capital evaluations to begin. When the first stage was over and arge number of officials detailed their mistakes and how they¡¯d overlooked things in their tenure, positions that Li Qitian wanted to award to Great Yan officials would free up.

    Qin Yining was certain that Li Qitian would make heavy use of the surrendered officials precisely because of the structure at court. The former Northern Ji officials upied most of the civil subject positions, and though Li Qitian¡¯s diehard loyalists held military power, they weren¡¯t able to fight against the horde of civil officials.

    The former Great Yan officialscked a foundation. They could only rely on Li Qitian and their only future was to be loyal to the emperor.

    Surely Li Qitian wanted to give them higher positions as well. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s absence gave him the excuse to not award anything yet and wait for better positions to free up.

    ¡°Honestly...¡± Qin Yining shook her head ruefully. ¡°And I worried for so long over nothing. Why didn¡¯t you tell me when the capital evaluations were to begin?¡±

    ¡°Ipletely forgot to.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Can you rest easy now?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I was getting suspicious after not hearing anything for so long. Even if something really had happened, it¡¯s not like my father to not send any word home. It looks like he knew I¡¯ll learn about the capital evaluations and will be able to analyze when he¡¯ll return.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, which is why I say having a smart daughter is also father-inw¡¯s fortune.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed from the indirectpliment. ¡°Did you eat honey today? Your words are so sweet?¡±

    ¡°When is my mouth not sweet? How about you have a taste for yourself?¡± A face loomed in front of her.

    Qin Yining pushed him away bashfully. ¡°You need to be serious now! Stop being silly.¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled softly and raised his hands in surrender. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stop teasing you. We¡¯ll have to spend our days quietly for a while. His Majesty probably wants to put on a show of undying brotherhood over the new year¡¯s, and he¡¯s gone to great effort to find my official mother. I won¡¯t have that much time toe see you then.¡±

    Qin Yining started and sat upright. ¡°What official mother?¡±

    The look in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes was slightly cold and mockery filled his tone. ¡°What official mother? Myte father¡¯s wife, of course. My mom was just a maid and identally received the lord¡¯s favor. Madame Pang drove my mom away and even sent killers after her. Thank goodness my mom was smart and evaded them.

    ¡°Madame Pang should¡¯ve died with the rest back in the day, but the emperor¡¯s somehow found her. Now that the Pangs are no more, the emperor says that finding my official mother means there¡¯s still a bit of hope for the Pangs. Seniors and juniors areplete, and he wants me to treat her with great filial piety.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re going to wee her back into the manor? What of the old madame?¡±

    ¡°If I really weed her back, my mom will naturally still only be a maid. She wasn¡¯t even a concubine, back in the day.¡± A jeering lilt curved Pang Xiao¡¯s lips.

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°This is inappropriate. The grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame can¡¯t be bullied. Who knows if your official mother is the real deal? Why not ground her for now and make a careful investigation? It¡¯s not good to directly go against His Majesty¡¯s wishes, but you can do whatever you want with her when she¡¯s in your hands.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked at her with a smile. ¡°I¡¯d thought you would advise me that there¡¯s a natural order between official-born and concubine-born. You¡¯re an official daughter, after all. I¡¯m not even concubine-born, at most a bastard. If General Pang hadn¡¯t died, none of this honor and fortune would¡¯ve fallen into myp.¡±

 Chapter 345: New Yearâ€™s Eve

    <h4>Chapter 345: New Year¡¯s Eve</h4>

    Qin Yining knew of how much grief and distressy beneath his surface prestige. Heartsick, she took his hand when she heard the self-deprecation.

    ¡°Heroes have never been questioned about their origins. You risked your life for your current prosperity. You traded for it with the scars on your body and battle achievements. You have no need to huddle in the shelter of the Pangs. You¡¯re first generation nobility who built your enterprise with your own blood, sweat, and tears! I know that if General Pang knew of your existence, he¡¯d be proud of you.¡±

    Her voice was gentle, but her tone was the most resolute it¡¯d ever been. It warmed the depths of Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. He was only human at the end of the day; there were times when he too was fragile and uncertain of himself. Touched by the understanding, Pang Xiao was spurred to bare his soul to his girl.

    ¡°Even though that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m still a bastard at the end of the day... when my official mother enters the household, the inner residence is sure to be thrown into a mess. I¡¯m also worried that my grandparents and mom won¡¯t be able to handle her.¡±

    ¡°So what if the official Pang madame¡¯s suddenly appeared? She was thedy of General Pang¡¯s house, but you are the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. The general¡¯s household no longer exists, and the prince¡¯s is in its prime. It¡¯s up to you how you want to treat her. It¡¯s alright, we can manage the worry of her bullying Old Madame. Just stick her in a house in theplex and make sure all of her necessities are seen to. Will the emperor force you to respect her as the head of the household?¡±

    ¡°I bet you that¡¯s exactly what he wants.¡± Pang Xiao smiled ruefully. ¡°The general¡¯s house didn¡¯t know of my existence and I wasn¡¯t recorded in the family records. He wouldn¡¯t have had Sir Zhenge find me if it wasn¡¯t to raise the Pang g. My mom had already made up her mind to never tell me about my identity, so that I would live a happy and carefree life.¡±

    Anger boiled in Qin Yining when she heard this. ¡°Is this emperor a man or not?! Why has he stuck his hands in the inner residence not just once or twice, but again and again?¡±

    Setting aside the ten beauties in Pang Xiao¡¯s inner residence, how much fuel to the mes had Li Qitian added in that farce with the Princess of Anyang?

    Not to mention, the prince¡¯s family was invited into the pce whenever he set off on a campaign. Of course the official reason was a disy of friendliness and to show filial piety toward a brother¡¯s elders, but in reality, it was to hold Pang Xiao¡¯s family hostage.

    If the emperor had been able to execute schemes in the open and in the shadows, then the Qin fourth miss might¡¯ve respected Li Qitian.

    As it were, she found it difficult to scrape together any goodwill toward the emperor.

    ¡°None of that matters. We just need to stay alert and deal with things as theye. As for who disappointed who and who suffered more, all that belongs to the previous generation. General Pang is no longer of this world and it¡¯s pointless to quibble over any of that. The most important thing is to lead a good life in the future.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded slightly in agreement and tightened his grasp around Qin Yining.

    The two leaned silently against each other, then whispered for a long time before the prince quietly stole away.

    Over the next period of time, the entire capital bathed in the joy of the impending new year.

    For Great Zhou, peace reigned beneath the heavens, the country was prosperous, and her people lived in safety. The Tartars were too busy with civil unrest to conduct their usual harassment, making for prolonged tranquility on the northern border. Most of Great Yan had been merged into Great Zhou territory, so calm reigned in the south as well.

    There had only been good news for Great Zhou this year, so Li Qitian flew high on the crest of sess and was in the finest of spirits.

    But for former Great Yan citizens, this was their hardest new year yet. It was the first after their homnd had fallen; they no longer had any foundations from henceforth. Just like they were living under someone else¡¯s roof at the moment, they would still be drifting duckweed in the future even if they were given a position and bought a manor.

    The Qins had discussed whether they should ring in the new year with themandery prince couple, Sir Li, and Sir Gu. But after careful analysis, they felt that Yuchi Yan would only ever be a sparrow in a gilded cage in Great Zhou and never take flight. Li Qitian wouldn¡¯t give him any real power even whenpletely drunk.

    Not only did themandery prince not have a future ahead of him, but getting too close with him might bring down trouble on the entire family.

    Therefore, deathly silence prevailed in the entire building, broken only by the asional firecracker.

    The Qins were gathered in a small residence to partake their new year¡¯s eve meal.

    A dazzling array of dishes were on disy¡ªLi Qitian had paid special attention to the surrendered officials. The chefs had gone all out for the traditional family reunion meals on new year¡¯s eve. Though they hadn¡¯t gone to the effort of preparing southern cuisine, it was still a feast for the eyes, nose, and pte.

    But the Qins didn¡¯t have much of an appetite.

    It was supposed to be a family reunion meal, but the family wasn¡¯t together.

    The old dowager looked at everyone sitting together and sighed. ¡°Just think of usst year at this time and now. Who would¡¯ve thought this would be how we¡¯re spending the new year this year?¡±

    The second madame was holding her mother-inw¡¯s hand and patted itfortingly. ¡°Take care of yourself, Old Dowager. Don¡¯t think of these unhappy things.¡±

    ¡°And how can I be happy? Who knows how Meng¡¯er is faring these days, if he¡¯s even still alive... Our family has finally made it through natural and manmade disaster and arrived at Great Zhou. Just when we thought our future would be smooth and safe, Meng¡¯er was taken from us. I wanted to agree to the kidnapper¡¯s demands, but granddaughter Yi can¡¯t enter the pce...¡±

    Grief struck the old dowager the more she talked and she covered her face to cry.

    Sorrow shone through the faces of the family when they saw this and the eighth miss and Qin Huining also teared up as well.

    Qin Yining frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Old Dowager. It¡¯s new year¡¯s eve and a day of great joy. We can¡¯t cry.¡±

    ¡°You cold-hearted wench! The whereabouts of your parents are unknown and you don¡¯t allow me to cry? I say you have no heart and conscience and aren¡¯t willing to worry about your father and mother!¡± The old dowager pped the table with her hand through her sobs. ¡°Why is my life so hard! Why has this befallen me!¡±

    The Qin matriarch¡¯s wails grew louder and louder, causing the second madame, second wife, and a bunch of serving girls to weep as well.

    Frowning, Qin Yining looked at the elder masters. ¡°Uncles, are we not afraid of angering His Majesty when crying so loudly at this time? So many pairs of eyes are fixed on us. Those in the know understand the old dowager is worried about her son, but those who don¡¯t will think we¡¯re diehard loyalists of Great Yan who are grieving the fall of our nation! Are we to have a single day of peace in Great Zhou ever again??¡±

    Though she spoke to the second elder master, she hadn¡¯t bothered to keep her voice down and indirectly lectured the entire house of womenfolk.

    The old dowager¡¯s sobs immediately died down when she heard it would offend the imperial household. The remaining womenfolk were also apprehensive and didn¡¯t dare cry too loudly.

    To be honest, the second elder master was also very irritated by the old dowager¡¯s act. He was even nostalgic with admiration of how his big brother used to coax their mother with just a word or two.

    ¡°Niece Yi is right,¡± agreed he. ¡°We need to be careful of our every word and action. Besides, she just told me secretly just now that she has a piece of good news to tell everyone tonight.¡±

    The old dowager wiped her tears away and look at the girl with annoyance. ¡°What good news do you have for us?¡±

    That old fox! He threw the ball right back to me!

    ¡°I do have good news. Old Dowager and everyone else doesn¡¯t need to worry about my father. I think he¡¯ll return within the first month of the new year.¡±

 Chapter 346: Return

    <h4>Chapter 346: Return</h4>

    ¡°Do you mean that??¡± The old dowager surged to her feet and grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Has your father sent word?¡± Without waiting for a response, she grumbled, ¡°He really has no heart! Why didn¡¯t he write to me! He didn¡¯t even tell me that he¡¯s safe, does he not care about his mother anymore?¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s tears spilled forth again and Qin-mama hastily fished out a handkerchief for her mistress.

    Qin Yining looked helplessly at her second uncle, then quickly looked away.

    The second elder master knew that it would look bad if he didn¡¯t speak up now. ¡°What kind of words are these, mother? You know big brother the best. If there had been a letter, he would¡¯ve asked about you first.¡±

    ¡°No letter?¡± The old dowager blinked and forgot to keep crying. She eximed, ¡°Did granddaughter Yi hear it from somewhere then? Is your father well? Where is he now?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know where my father is either, but I trust that with his intelligence, he¡¯s doing very well.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that? What is going on here??¡±

    Sensing that the old dowager was about to kick up another tantrum in her urgency for information, Qin Yining quickly went over the capital evaluations. But when the only response was nk looks, she looked to her second uncle for help.

    With the absence of Qin Huaiyuan, the second elder master was the pir of the family and hence, his words carried more weight. Joy bloomed on their faces after they listened to his breakdown of the situation.

    ¡°Do you, do you really mean this?¡± The old dowagerughed and pointed at her second son, her face shining with happiness.

    He smiled back wryly. ¡°Of course I mean it. Would I try to pull the wool over your eyes?¡±

    ¡°Wonderful, wonderful! Something good is finallying out of the new year!¡± The Qin matriarch smiled through her tears and exhaled heavily with pleasure.

    The atmosphere immediately warmed up. Their matriarch loved Qin Huaiyuan to bits and the rest only felt truly on stable footing when their head of the household was home.

    The second elder master however, had mixed feelings. He¡¯d done his best during this period of time¡ªdoing this and that and everything for the family. Everyone had the habit ofing to him for help with whatever issue, no matter how small. But just the news of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s imminent return was greeted with more enthusiasm than him actually leading and advising the family.

    Still, he was quite relieved and content that his big brother was about to return. His brother conducted himself properly and possessed equal servings of talent and virtue. He wasn¡¯t biased towards anyone and never singled any member out for oppression. He always helped whenever someone was in trouble. It was a veryforting thing to have such a good elder brother.

    Just as an amiable atmosphere wrapped itself around the Qins, their neighbor Yuchi Yan was standing in an empty yard, a cloak with a ck sable fur cor around his shoulders. He had his head tilted up to the brilliant fireworks blossoming in the night sky.

    Translucent crystals of snow drifted through the air, coalescing into a thinyer of radiance on his shoulders.

    The twinkling bits of white snow on his ck cor echoed the hoarfrost color of the hair on his temples.

    He was a young man not yet twenty five, but the ends of his hair were already greying. The deep grooves between his brows had deepened significantly, like a dead knot that couldn¡¯t be undone.

    A paper umbre appeared over his head, shielding him from the light snowfall, but also blocking his view.

    He turned back to see Li Yanyan, d in a white fox fur coat, smiling back at him. Next to her stood Gu Chang, dressed in a downy-pink silk jacket.

    ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s cold in the yard. Won¡¯t you pleasee back inside? It¡¯ll be no fun to fall sick with a cold.¡± Li Yanyan¡¯s voice was warm and soft, measured and logical. It sounded a lot like someone else who liked to wear white fox fur.

    Gu Chang piped in, ¡°You didn¡¯t have much of dinner. Would you like toe back and have some more?¡±

    Yuchi Yan shook his head and brushed away the paper umbre, looking back up at the sky again.

    The fireworks were gone. There were just a few tendrils of smoke drifting through the pitch ck sky.

    He¡¯d wanted to watch the beautiful light show, but hadn¡¯t had his fill. That was just like his destiny, always having the wrong timing because of this and that...

    And so what of it all? He was just amandery prince now and would never have real power for the rest of his life, to say nothing of his freedom. If he wanted to live, he had to y nice beneath Li Qitian¡¯s watchful eye. He could never overstep himself or give cause for Li Qitian to suspect him. He would only ever be a sparrow in a cage, and freedom wouldn¡¯t be waiting for him when his master finally got bored.

    Driven to distraction with dejection, Yuchi Yan¡¯s white hairs were particrly on disy beneath the hue of thenterns.

    Li Yanyan¡¯s nose twinged and tears almost fell.

    No matter what her father had once done against the imperial family, all of that was in the past now that Great Yan had fallen.

    She would stay by Yuchi Yan¡¯s side for the rest of his life. They would be a regr, ordinary couple. She would serve him like any family¡¯s official wife. It would be enough to bear his children and keep the inner residence in order.

    As for the other imperial consorts and concubines, they had all been lost on the journey here. Only Gu Chang was left, demoted from consort to concubine. Any children she birthed would only be lower status concubine-born ones.

    So what if Li Yanyan was no longer empress? She was satisfied just with peaceful days.

    Having endured so much loss and separation, she felt that she had a new perspective on life. As long as her husband was alright and her family fine, what else did she want for?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad, Your Highness. We¡¯ll live our life well when everything settles down. We¡¯ll have children and live out the rest of our lives peacefully. Won¡¯t that be lovely?¡± Li Yanyanforted with a smile.

    ¡°Indeed. This concubine has heard that the Qin fourth miss¡¯ reputation has been destroyed by the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. The prince carried her off and humiliated her in a million ways. That Miss Qin is a pitiful thing as well. When our situation stabilizes, you could go to the Qins to ask for her hand in marriage. She can be an honored concubine in our household. I¡¯m sure the Qins will agree given that you don¡¯t think less of her and are willing to give her a future. Us sisters will have anotherpanion then.¡±

    Gu Chang was a stunning beauty and had a delightful smile. Her words were perfectly reasonable, shining a few rays of hope in Yuchi Yan¡¯s bleak and deste heart.

    Li Yanyan frowned and ground her teeth at Gu Chang, but didn¡¯t dare show her emotions. Whether she was the empress or an ordinary official wife, she could only nod in eptance when her husband wanted to take a concubine. She¡¯d bemitting the vice of jealousy otherwise.

    Gu Chang arched her brow proudly. She¡¯d already fallen from an imperial consort to being just a concubine, what else did she have to lose? Yuchi Yan had always been cool towards her. As opposed to letting Li Yanyan strut around, she might as well get Qin Yining into the household too so that no one would have good days ahead.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go inside,¡± remarked an aloof Yuchi Yan as he turned.

    The twodies looked at each other and bestowed a contemptuous smile upon the other before following their husband inside.

    All families peacefully saw through new year¡¯s eve.

    On new year¡¯s day, Huzi secretly delivered three big red envelopes to Qin Yining, saying they were from the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame. When the girl asked about Pang Xiao¡¯s official mother, the guard only smiled and said everything was alright.

    The yamen resumed business on the fifth day of the new year, and the capital evaluations were underway in full swing.

    On the fifteenth day of the new year, Qin Yining happened to be teaching Xiaozhou how to read when a shout travelled through the yard.

    ¡°He¡¯s back! Milord is back, milord is back!¡±

    Qin Yining surged to her feet and almost knocked over the porcin water container for washing brushes. She sprinted for the door.

    The sight of Qin Huaiyuan, d in a cloak with a gray mouse fur cor, striding into the yard greeted her as soon she arrived.

    ¡°Father!¡±

 Chapter 347: Reunion (I)

    <h4>Chapter 347: Reunion (I)</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan was much thinner and his bearded cheeks had sunken in. However, his aura was even more self-possessed and sharper than before. The edge between his brows was impossible to ignore, even when he was in a merry mood.

    Qin Yining knew that her father must¡¯ve experienced a great deal in the outside world during this period of time.

    A smile softened the face of the former marquis when he saw his daughter run out, hem in hand. He pped his beloved child¡¯s shoulder with a grin. ¡°I knew you¡¯d be safe and sound!¡±

    Qin Yining beamed back at him. ¡°Father, have you been well? How about my mother?¡±

    ¡°Your mother¡¯s right behind me.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled.

    The old dowager came speeding over, nked by the second madame and Qin-mama.

    ¡°Meng¡¯er! Oh my Meng¡¯er! You¡¯ve finallye back! Why did you vanish without a word? You¡¯re going to be the death of your poor mother!¡± The Qin matriarch pounced with a wail and hugged Qin Huaiyuan tightly, sobbing without stop and bringing tears to the eyes of onlookers.

    He immediately knelt in front of the old dowager and responded in a slightly shaking voice. ¡°Mother, it¡¯s all your unfilial son¡¯s fault. I made you worry. You can hit me or curse at me, but please don¡¯t hurt yourself with crying too much.¡±

    The old dowager shook her head repeatedly, beside herself with weeping. She was hugging her son so tightly that she couldn¡¯t say a single word.

    A faint smile crossed Qin Yining¡¯s face to see the scene of reunion. She quickly turned around when she thought of n¨¦e Sun.

    Stepping just outside the small yard brought to her the sight of n¨¦e Sun wrapped in a thick cloak with arge cor. She was walking side-by-side with Cao Yuqing, followed by Jin-mama and two unfamiliar maids. All of them were carryingrge bundles.

    ¡°Mother!¡± The girl yelled and charged up to the madame for a bear hug. ¡°Mother! You¡¯re back!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun ardently returned the hug, her voice choked up as well. ¡°I¡¯m back, I¡¯m back. I¡¯ve been worried about you all this time, but your father said that with your smarts, you were sure tond on your feet. He hasn¡¯t lied to me alright! You¡¯re hale and hearty.¡±

    ¡°What could¡¯ve happened to me, mother?? I was worried about you!¡± Qin Yining pulled on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm for a close once-over, scrutinizing her incredibly carefully to see if even a hair had been lost.

    That sent Jin-mama into chuckles. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, fourth miss, the madame¡¯s been very well these days.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and then turned to Cao Yuqing. She shed a dazzling smile. ¡°Thank you so much, Auntie Cao!¡±

    Cao Yuqing had been quietly standing off to the side, watching mother and daughter be reunited. Some traces of loneliness and dismalness had stolen into her heart, so she was ttered by the attention when the Qin fourth miss addressed her in thanks.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to thank me, fourth miss. I was just doing what I was supposed to.¡± Cao Yuqing smiled gently, her beauty eclipsing everything in her radius.

    The girl shook her head at that response. ¡°No matter what your reasons were, you gave everything you had that day to save my mother and father. I saw it all. If it wasn¡¯t for you, my parents would¡¯ve ended up in grave peril.¡±

    Her cheeks pink, Cao Yuqing shook her head. ¡°You praise me too highly, fourth miss.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun interjected at this time. ¡°You¡¯re worthy of these thanks. If it hadn¡¯t been for you and your men during this time, we wouldn¡¯t have remained safe at all.¡±

    Cao Yuqing smiled happily. ¡°The madame is treating me like an outsider by saying this.¡±

    Qin Yining breathed in relief to see that n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t bear as much hostility to Cao Yuqing as before, and that the concubine was also very respectful to the madame.

    Father will never cast Cao Yuqing aside. Ignoring the concubine¡¯s feelings for the lord of the house, she had saved him multiple times already. The debt from this was insurmountable, to say nothing of how the Silver Masks were in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s employ now.

    There were hundreds and thousands of tendrils tying to the two together. It wouldn¡¯t be a simple and easy stroke to cut them apart.

    Since life demanded that they associate with each other, it was preferable to spend the days together amiably than in hot anger or cutting sarcasm. They weren¡¯t in Great Yan anymore. A family had to stick together so that unsavory sorts wouldn¡¯t have an opening.

    It would seem that her mother had changed a lot too during this trial.

    Qin Yining and Cao Yuqing nked n¨¦e Sun back to the Qin house. Coincidentally, the door to the house on the right opened. Lu-gonggong stuck a head out, addressing Qin Yining in a delighted whisper when he saw the girl.

    ¡°Miss Qin, has something good happened in your family? Has Grand Preceptor Qin been found?¡±

    The girl affirmed with a jovial nod. ¡°Yes, my mother and father have finallye back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± The eunuch turned around in several gleeful circles before running back with a dizzy head. ¡°This servant will go tell His Ma¡ªHighness immediately!¡±

    Though he was already far away, the excited shrillness of his voice still carried over the fences.

    A smile couldn¡¯t help but cross Qin Yining¡¯s face. Though they couldn¡¯t be too close with Yuchi Yan now, that warm rtionship still remained since they were all from Great Yan, and Qin Huaiyuan having been Yuchi Yan¡¯s teacher before.

    Qin Yining, n¨¦e Sun, and Cao Yuqing returned to the yard to curtsey to the old dowager. Another round of delighted reunions followed.

    As the womenfolk chatted, the elder masters, Qin Yu, and Qin Han also came rushing back. They buzzed around Qin Huaiyuan to ask about everything they could think of. It made for quite a bustling scene.

    The Qin matriarchughed uproariously. ¡°I haven¡¯t been this happy in a very long time. Everything is perfect now that the family is together again. We need to celebrate!¡±

    ¡°Mother is right. I¡¯ll have the kitchens make more dishes immediately.¡± Though the family was feeling the pinch in finances, one meal wouldn¡¯t make a difference. An overjoyed third elder master trotted off with new instructions.

    The old dowager tugged Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand to have him sit by her. She kept looking her son over.

    ¡°Meng¡¯er¡¯s gotten thinner. You¡¯ve all suffered during this time outside. The bandits originally said that they would kill you and your wife if I didn¡¯t send granddaughter Yi off to the imperial selection. But your second brother and daughter both said that it wasn¡¯t an appropriate time to send our girls to the pce. I¡¯ve been worried to death for you, afraid that we doomed you in not sending granddaughter Yi in, and have have had to make ns for the family.¡±

    Tears trickled out at this point, but the old dowager wiped them away with a sleeve. ¡°I can rest easy now that you¡¯re home. Ah, how were they willing to let you go?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan however, was frowning slightly. ¡°What let me go? We weren¡¯t kidnapped. Mother, I¡¯m afraid you were deceived!¡±

    Shocked silence blossomed inside the house. Surprise and bafflement reigned.

    The second elder master shook his head. ¡°We were deceived?¡±

    ¡°So if we really had sent granddaughter Yi to the selection, we would¡¯ve fallen into someone¡¯s trap!¡± The old dowager cut to the heart of the matter and mmed the tea table angrily. ¡°These people are animals!¡±

    Their reactions let Qin Huaiyuan know that much had happened in his absence.

    ¡°Father, where were you during this time?¡± interjected Qin Yining. Why had all of Pang Xiao¡¯s men failed to find any signs of him?

    ¡°When we escaped the ambush, we found a small vige to rest in. I stayed there because I wanted to observe things for a while. We didn¡¯t leave until we heard the news that the Great Zhou emperor had sent an escort for you and everyone had left.

    ¡°We stopped to look at the sights along the way and didn¡¯t bother heading into the capital when we reached it. Turning north instead, we scoped out some of the cities on the Tartar border. We actually lost track of time for a little bit! I decided to stay away for a bit longer after learning of a few things to do with the Great Zhou court.

    ¡°When the dust settled was the best time for my return. If it wasn¡¯t for the Tartar internal unrest at the moment, I would¡¯ve wanted to journey there as well.¡±

    What! Father had taken his wife and concubine on a vacation! No wonder Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t find them¡ªfather had already reached the Tartar border! The prince¡¯s men had been searching their original route and nearby viges. They would¡¯ve never found Qin Huaiyuan.

    The old dowager¡¯s mouth twitched and she pinched her son ferociously. ¡°Since that was the case, why didn¡¯t you send a letter home! Do you know how worried we were about you! There you were, off on your trip, but do you know the days we were living in?¡±

    It was Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s turn to be surprised. ¡°I sent a letter. Did my messenger not arrive?¡±

    The old dowager blinked nkly. ¡°We saw no messenger at all. Who did you send?¡±

    ¡°A new follower that I picked up on the way. Maybe there was an ident, or greed overcame him and he ran off with the money. We have no way of knowing.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled ruefully. ¡°And I was, having a wonderfully free and unrestrained time outside. I felt that since everyone knew I was fine, it didn¡¯t matter if I came back a littleter. It didn¡¯t even ur to me that you hadn¡¯t gotten my letter!¡±

    Looks were exchanged in the crowd before everyone burst outughing. To think that the careful and conscientious Qin Huaiyuan would drop the ball like this!

    ¡°Good thing you¡¯re back, big brother,¡± said the second elder master. ¡°So much has happenedtely. We haven¡¯t had a pir in the family with your absence, and mother was so worried that she couldn¡¯t eat. Thankfully niece Yi heard about the capital evaluations and told us about them. That¡¯s how we were able to pass the days peacefully until now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. So granddaughter Yi didn¡¯t guess wrongly, you really dide back at this time.¡± ted by the return of her precious son, even Qin Yining¡¯s actions were more pleasing in the old dowager¡¯s eyes.

 Chapter 348: Reunion (II)

    <h4>Chapter 348: Reunion (II)</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan hadn¡¯t expected that his younger brother would mention the capital evaluations. He looked at his daughter with surprise and smiled approvingly.

    She was his daughter alright! Her political acumen as sharp as ever. She hadn¡¯t be tepid or hesitant just because they were in a new country.

    Blushing from her father¡¯s approving look, Qin Yining smiled bashfully. ¡°Father being back is better than anything. Our family needs to work together in the future. There¡¯s no way we won¡¯t have good days ahead if we¡¯re all of one heart!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Everyone nodded. They¡¯d never been in a better mood sinceing to Great Zhou.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at his family with great emotion. It was already a blessing from the heavens that they were able to reunite after weathering so many hardships and traveling such an enormous distance.

    Caught in the depths of his emotions, he was about to say something when a maid¡¯s report travelled in from outside. ¡°The Commandery Prince of Yan hase to visit!¡±

    The door curtains raised to admit an urgent Yuchi Yan with a ck sable cloak flung around his shoulders. He paused by the door when he saw his former teacher, breathing out in relief after a close study confirmed that everything was well.

    ¡°Grand Preceptor Qin! You¡¯re back!¡± The prince¡¯s gaze subconsciously drifted to Qin Yining. This was their first meeting in Great Zhou territory after their long parting.

    He gaped foolishly at her, taking in her slender brows, the brilliance in her eyes, her pert nose and cherry lips, the general dashing air around her...

    She was bing ever more the stunning beauty; her every dimple and chuckle were invitations to adore her. An uncontroble impulse raged through his chest and he almost voiced words of concern.

    Thankfully, he still retained a sliver of rationality when surrounded by so many others. it wasn¡¯t an appropriate time to chat about old times. Deciding to set aside his feelings for now, he turned to Qin Huaiyuan.

    ¡°Have you been well, Grand Preceptor Qin? It was a long wait for your return and the outside world all said... We... this prince was quite worried when hearing of it.¡±

    A wave of sadness rose in Qin Huaiyuan to see the white by Yuchi Yan¡¯s temples and his former liege¡¯s concern. The grand preceptor performed the bow of a subject meeting his emperor. ¡°It¡¯s my mistake for having themandery prince worry about me.¡±

    ¡°Please hurry and rise, Grand Preceptor Qin.¡± Yuchi Yan was extremely touched to see Qin Huaiyuan go through all the motions like nothing had changed.

    With the fall of Great Yan, while not all of his former subjects might enjoy the same rank and prosperity as before, all of their futures were brighter than his. He was destined to be a gilded pet for the rest of his life, unable to help their careers one bit.

    But Qin Huaiyuan still disyed the same attitude; he was just as respectful and friendly as he¡¯d been in Great Yan. Though Yuchi Yan¡¯s title had changed, it seemed that nothing else had.

    This threw themandery prince off into a spin of despondency and loss. At the same time, he was also very gratified.

    ¡°Great Zhou is a more appropriate stage for Grand Preceptor Qin¡¯s aspirations. You must be diligent in the future to protect Great Yan dignity in front of the Great Zhou officials. I leave the care of your countrymen in your hands.¡±

    Yuchi Yan¡¯s words weighed heavily on those present, and they also couldn¡¯t help but sigh at their former emperor¡¯s magnanimity. Whether or not his words were genuine, his concern for Qin Huaiyuan was real.

    The Qin patriarch bowed respectfully. ¡°I listen to themandery prince¡¯smands. I will naturally try my best in everything.¡±

    ¡°I am at ease with your words.¡± Seeing that he was surrounded by womenfolk and knowing that all of his moves were kept under close watch, Yuchi Yan wasn¡¯t at liberty to remain for long. He only inquired about the old dowager¡¯s health before leaving.

    But before he fully left the Qin residence, the former Yan emperor paused, surrendering to his bone-deep yearning and anticipation. He turned with a statement on his lips. ¡°Fourth miss, I have something to ask you.¡±

    Qin Yining frowned slightly. Unhappy memories of being forced against her will in the pce were ones she¡¯d never forget. Though she felt bad for themandery prince that he¡¯d undergone so much suffering to already have white hair at his age, it was impossible for her to bear no grudge at all against him.

    But they were no longer in the Great Yan pce, and Yuchi Yan was kept under close surveince. He couldn¡¯t possibly do anything to her now.

    Her thoughts traveling here, Qin Yining looked at her father to see him nod at her. Only then did she fall-in behind themandery prince.

    In a good mood, the old dowager teased cheerfully, ¡°It looks like themandery prince still likes my granddaughter. They didn¡¯t have enough of a shared destiny for her to be his empress. Now that her reputation is ruined, it would still be a good thing if she can be his concubine.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan frowned and was about to respond when n¨¦e Sun cut in ahead of him. ¡°Though Old Dowager makes sense, daughter Yi is no ordinary girl. The lord must make the decision when ites to her marriage.¡±

    The riposte stoppered the old dowager¡¯s words in her throat. Based on the family¡¯s current circumstances, they really did have to depend on her eldest son for everything in Great Zhou. She actually couldn¡¯t use her seniority to force things to go her way.

    But the Qin matriarch had never liked n¨¦e Sun and naturally wouldn¡¯t leave any face for the senior madame. She jeered, ¡°They say that a schr who¡¯s been away for three days must be looked at with new eyes. It seems that¡¯s very true. Someone who used to be simple-minded now knows to drag Meng¡¯er into their arguments.¡±

    The old dowager was being so prickly right after their return! N¨¦e Sun had never been someone to just swallow an insult. She opened her mouth to retort hotly back.

    Cao Yuqing however, was one step ahead. She took the madame¡¯s elbow and squeezed it warningly. ¡°The old dowager is getting up in the years and should take better care of yourself. Don¡¯t be angered so easily like this¡ªit will just harm your own body.¡±

    How would the old dowager ever have thought that Cao Yuqing would speak up on n¨¦e Sun¡¯s behalf? Didn¡¯t these two used to point their spears at each other? Now they had teamed up and were pointing at her instead!

    However much the old dowager had fawned over Cao Yuqing before was purely due to the concubine¡¯s family background. Now that the entire Yan dynasty was finished, Cao Yuqing was just a drifting leaf. She was just her son¡¯s minor concubine, so what did the old dowager care about her?!

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know the rules well. Since when was it a concubine-servant¡¯s ce to speak when the masters are talking?¡±

    Cao Yuqing arched a brow and snorted. ¡°I walked through the Qin doors because of an imperial decree to cooperate with Sir Qin, so I could coordinate our operations with his ns. Bing a concubine was just a cover. I¡¯ve requested my emancipation papers from the lord a long time ago. I am no longer a Qin concubine in name, but the head of the lord¡¯s guard. Treat me with more respect, Old Dowager, unless you want the Silver Masks to pay you ate night visit one day!¡±

    She was someone who¡¯d seen her share of bloodletting and killing after all. It was a sight to behold when Cao Yuqing grew fierce.

    Thinking of Cao Yuqing¡¯s abilities when facing down enemies and the legends surrounding the Silver Masks, the old dowager swallowed hard. Blinking silently, she had nothing to say.

    N¨¦e Sun, on the other hand, was still caught in the throes of shock from the retort and forgot to react at all.

    The scene quieted down and Qin Huaiyuan stepped into the void. ¡°I have my ns for daughter Yi. There¡¯s no need to worry, mother.¡±

    Qin Yining was the only apple of his eye. He hadn¡¯t liked what his mother had said, which was why he¡¯d allowed the womenfolk to get in a few words. But he was his mother¡¯s son at the end of the day, so he couldn¡¯t anger her too much.

    ......

    Qin Yining knew nothing of what had urred inside the house. She was walking side by side with Yuchi Yan beneath the covered hallway, proceeding slowly to the front door. Their servants followed far behind.

    ¡°You¡¯re looking welltely, you must¡¯ve made a full recovery?¡± ask Yuchi Yan.

    There had been a glut of medicinal porridge, abalone, and sea cucumber in the Pang Manor. Her body had recovered greatly.

    ¡°Many thanks for Your Highness¡¯ care. I¡¯m quite well, please take care of yourself as well.¡± Qin Yining slowed down and dropped half a step behind Yuchi Yan.

    Themandery prince slowed as well when he saw this, insisting on being side-by-side with her. ¡°No matter how I take care of myself, this is all my life will ever amount to. I¡¯m worried about you.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss felt these words were way too suggestive. There was nothing going on between them, so what was there to worry about?

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Highness.¡±

    Her perfunctory response gave rise to helplessness. ¡°You¡¯re still the same old. It looks like you¡¯re holding a grudge against me.¡±

    ¡°You speak too severely.¡± Another aloof pleasantry.

    Yuchi Yan stopped and looked seriously at her. ¡°I know what happened to you in recent times. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll discuss this with your father. You don¡¯t have to worry about not being able to have a good marriage with the ruin of your reputation. Why don¡¯t you be with me? Though I don¡¯t have the opportunity to soar through the heavens anymore, I can still respect, protect, and give you a warm home for the rest of your life.¡±

    The prince tightened his fist out of nerves and asked apprehensively, ¡°Darling Yi, let me take care of you, alright?¡±

    The girl frowned, but was interrupted by a cold snort from the front door. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t themandery prince in a good mood.¡±

    Everyone looked over to be greeted by the sight of a purple brocade wearing, silver fox-fur cape sporting Pang Xiao!

 Chapter 349: A Liberal Father

    <h4>Chapter 349: A Liberal Father</h4>

    Qin Yining was rather surprised by Pang Xiao¡¯s sudden visit. Logically speaking, he should avoid the premises. Otherwise, the emperor would suspect that his rtions with the surrendered Great Yan officials had warmed up.

    But enlightenment was soon ining when her thoughts spun in another direction. Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t a fool; he¡¯d probably prepared another show in advance of his arrival.

    Twin mes of fury burned in his eyes as he red at Yuchi Yan, almost burning straight through the skinny prince.

    ¡°It looks like the Commandery Prince of Yan is having a ball of a time being the ruler of a dead nation?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Those words stabbed deeply into Yuchi Yan¡¯s heart. His face beet red and body trembling from rage, he red furiously back at Pang Xiao.

    The Faithful Prince of the First Rank sniffed. ¡°Out of you Yuchi men, the only one worth anything was the Prince of Ning. He was a real man! He knew that his country would fall, but would rather fall in the battlefield than on his knees! Though he met his end at my de, he also left scars on my body. I admire and respect him! As for you?¡±

    Pang Xiao slowly closed the distance, forcing Yuchi Yan down with both height and aura.

    ¡°If you had the slightest inkling of being a true man, you would take your sword to your neck to give your ancestors an exnation. I would respect you as a real man then, a different stock from your useless tyrant of a father!

    ¡°But just look at you, not only do you not know the shame of having your nation die on your watch, but you¡¯re of a mind to admire the scenery and dabble in a bit of love. Do you think you¡¯re still the emperor??

    ¡°Though I¡¯m the one who didn¡¯t want this woman, go take a look at yourself in the mirror! Take care of someone? Why don¡¯t you take care of yourself first!¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but every word smashed harshly onto Yuchi Yan¡¯s heart like a sledgehammer.

    His heart was being mashed into a paste!

    His face med painfully, and there was a voice inside his head that agreed with everything being said.

    Just like the hateful Pang Xiao said, Yuchi Yan wasn¡¯t the least bit hot-blooded. He didn¡¯t have an iota of courage that his royal uncle did...

    He wanted to defend himself, but couldn¡¯t find a single word to say. They were in Great Zhou territory. He was just amandery prince now, while the one strutting around in front of him was a much higher ranked imperial prince¡ªeven if amon born one. Pang Xiao had joined the Grand Secretariat on ount of his own battle merits and would participate in the grand affairs of policy making in the future.

    Yuchi Yan feltplete and utter shame inparison.

    Qin Yining was both amused and annoyed that her beloved was being so harsh and obviously picking a fight. Likely only one third of this was for a show, the rest of it was because he was jealous.

    A big, grown-up man like him being jealous? She hadn¡¯t done anything out of bounds and Yuchi Yan had only asked her a question. With his current identity, there was no way he could get up to anything. Yet her beloved had taken it to heart like a child whose candy had been stolen.

    She looked primly at Pang Xiao, but her eyes brimmed withughter, which made the imperial prince flush.

    Maybe I¡¯m going a bit overboard... He flung a strong re back at the girl in return. If it hadn¡¯t been for him running into this today, he wouldn¡¯t have known just how popr his darling was!

    When Great Yan was being attacked, Yuchi Yan had done all that he could to pursue Qin Yining, even to the point of forcing her to enter the pce so that she would be his.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for Pang Xiao¡¯s plot, she would¡¯ve long be part of Yuchi Yan¡¯s harem! So how does that silly girl have the good temper to smile at that fop now??

    Though irritated thoughts ran madly through his mind, the imperial prince¡¯s anger was mostly assuaged by the gentle look in her eyes. He coughed and stared coldly at Qin Yining.

    ¡°What, found another future path after leaving this prince¡¯s manor? Don¡¯t worry, if someone really doesn¡¯t mind your past and is willing to wed you, this prince will add a great present to your dowry. We knew each other for a while, after all. But you can¡¯t go be a concubine, can you? One of this prince¡¯s women settling for anything but thedy of the household? Isn¡¯t that just wallowing in degeneration?¡±

    ¡°You, you go too far!¡± Yuchi Yan could finally no longer hold it in upon seeing Pang Xiao humiliate the girl this way. ¡°I wonder how His Majesty will judge if I send in a petition censuring you!¡±

    ¡°That would beter in the future, and absolutely nothing to do with you!¡± jeered Pang Xiao.

    Yuchi Yan¡¯splexion was turning an rming shade of red. Just as he was about to really dive into things, Lu-gonggong reported that Qin Huaiyuan and the others had walked out into the yard.

    ¡°What might the Faithful Prince of the First Rank need, having graced us with your honorable presence?¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly and spoke gently.

    The imperial prince arched a brow. ¡°Nothing much, just taking a spin around and checking in on an old friend.¡±

    His attitude was extremely arrogant and at disparate odds with how he treated Qin Huaiyuan before.

    The Qin patriarch narrowed his eyes, filtering through numerous possibilities in his mind. Behind him were n¨¦e Sun, the second elder master and madame, and third elder master. They were very put out by Pang Xiao¡¯s contemptuous attitude, especially n¨¦e Sun.

    Back in Great Yan, Pang Xiao had sought to shorten the distance between them and called her mother-inw. He¡¯d done everything possible in the realm of ttery for Qin Yining¡¯s sake.

    And look just how long it¡¯d been? He changed his mind as easily as flipping the pages of a book!

    They¡¯d heard of a few rumors between the prince and their fourth miss upon their return, but n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t thought much of them at all. So it turned out that she¡¯d been too optimistic?

    Cheeks crimson with anger, n¨¦e Sun held a firm grip on her temper and didn¡¯t say anything.

    Qin Huaiyuan remained as elegantly refined as ever. ¡°I see. I had no idea that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank and Commandery Prince of Yan were friends. Is this a new way to greet friends? Or is this a custom of the Great Zhou capital? I¡¯m afraid I have little talent and even less learning. It¡¯s my first time experiencing this.¡±

    Father-inw really has airtight logic! Life would be horribly difficult if I¡¯d ever be enemies with someone like him.

    Even so, Pang Xiao kept a sneer stered to his face. ¡°Oh, Sir Qin will have plenty of opportunities to experience this in the future.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was even more certain something was wrong with Pang Xiao¡¯s attitude after witnessing it for himself and hearing the prince¡¯s tone.

    Even if one had had a change of heart, they wouldn¡¯t have had such a drastic change in such a short period of time. The Qin patriarch then considered his daughter. He naturally knew of the feelings between the two, and her sorrow wasn¡¯t reaching the depths of her eyes, even with how antagonistic Pang Xiao was being.

    What are these two plotting now?

    Qin Huaiyuan affirmed his spections and shook his head from the humor of the situation. ying along, he retorted angrily, ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank has an infinite number of things to do because of his noble self. This old man won¡¯t keep you any longer. Please do as you wish.¡± He raised a cupped hand salute and called out to Qin Yining. ¡°Daughter Yi, we¡¯re going back in.¡±

    Her head lowered and shoulders hunched, Qin Yining assented and followed behind her family. Her forlorn figure made Yuchi Yan feel like someone had stuck a hand into his chest and was churning around randomly, almost digging his heart and lungs out.

    He¡¯d never craved power as he did now.

    If he had the utmost of power, how would he ever let Pang Xiao run rampant like this? He wouldn¡¯t be tantly humiliated as he had today, unable to even step forward in defense of Qin Yining when she was being debased.

    With the Qins having returned to the house, Pang Xiao and Yuchi Yan couldn¡¯t remain further in the yard.

    The imperial prince leered at Yuchi Yan and sneered softly, ¡°What, got something to say?¡±

    Themandery prince ground his teeth and couldn¡¯t be bothered to rise to the bait.

    ¡°Do you know there¡¯s a thing called karma in this world? Everything you¡¯re suffering today is reaping the seeds of what your father has sown.

    ¡°What did you do when your father indulged your mother in wanting to eat the Qin fourth miss? What did you do when you held the reins of power? Don¡¯t you disgust yourself in putting on this devoted, lovesick act?¡±

    Yuchi Yan was the stereotypical gentle and frail-looking schr. Those who¡¯d approached him before had been refined folks with kind intentions. It was the first time that someone was pointing their finger at his nose in denunciation¡ªand unfortunately, all of the insults were true.

    Pang Xiao smirked again when she received no response. ¡°Ah yes, there¡¯s another bit of news. Seeing that you were once the emperor of Great Yan and that it¡¯s rted to your old nation, I¡¯ll tell you since I¡¯m such a good person.¡±

    Yuchi Yan jerked his head up violently.

    ¡°Do you know where your emperor emeritus stashed the silver from his private purse and national treasury, as well as the tax grain that he sold off?¡±

    Eyes widened abruptly when Yuchi Yan heard this.

    A dark chuckle answered his shock. ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, His Majesty has already sent out troops in several directions. On behalf of His Majesty, this prince thanks your selfless contribution. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find the treasure shortly. I¡¯ll host a banquet then to thank you properly.¡±

    Thinking back to his royal father¡¯s actions, Yuchi Yan shook like he¡¯d fallen into an icy cavern. So much silver had been hidden, not to build up the nation¡¯s strength, but so that his father could one day turn the tables ande roaring back!

    Why had he been cursed with such a father?!

    The emperor emeritus had refused to use the wealth on the people or on the country, instead earmarking it for his own greed. Now Great Zhou was looking for it everywhere. Didn¡¯t that mean Great Yan¡¯s silver was soon to fall into enemy hands?

    Yuchi Yan¡¯s wanplexion flushed a deep red, then turned purple. A tangy, sweet taste welled up at the back of his throat and he almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

    Having toyed enough with his victim, Pang Xiao looked at the house with his hands behind his back. He walked off merrily, secure in his unparalleled arrogance and humming a happy ditty.

    Countless voices posturing and yelling insults in his mind, Yuchi Yan kept a firm grip on his difort as he watched the imperial prince saunter off. Eunuch Lu quickly helped his master back to their own yard.

    Vomit burbled out of themandery prince as soon as they crossed the door. There was even blood mixed in with the unsavory ejection. Shocked, Li Yanyan and Gu Chang hastily ordered servants to go find a doctor.

    While everything was a chaotic mess on Yuchi Yan¡¯s side, Qin Yining arrived in the backyard for a stroll with Qin Huaiyuan.

    It was an open and airy space. Father and daughter could admire the snowy view and would be able to quickly discover anyone who approached and wanted to eavesdrop.

    ¡°Did the Faithful Prince of the First Ranke to specifically stir up trouble today?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°Not just this time, but carrying me off after I entered the capital and me lodging an imperialwsuit was all part of the n.¡± She looked at her father a bit apprehensively. ¡°Father, my rtionship with Pang Zhixi isn¡¯t as awful as it appears on the surface. Are you mad at me?¡±

    His hands behind his back, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes were lowered in grave thought. ¡°I¡¯m not mad at you.¡± He thought for a few moments more and remarked with emotion, ¡°Life is just a few short decades. We need to live it to our fullest and seize every moment. I was too concerned with too many things in the first couple of decades of my life, resulting in me being hobbled at every turn. I don¡¯t want you to be tied down like me. If you think Pang Zhixi is good, then don¡¯t give up on him and don¡¯t think too much. I¡¯ll take care of anything that happens, understood?¡±

 Chapter 350: Attending A Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 350: Attending A Banquet</h4>

    When Qin Yining had decided to be with Pang Xiao, long before she followed Xie Yue to the Great Zhou capital, she¡¯d wondered how her father would take the decision. He might advise her to keep the prince at an arm¡¯s-length, or tacitly remind her that the family was more important. The only possibility she hadn¡¯t thought of was his actual reaction.

    As the patriarch of arge n, shouldn¡¯t he be wholeheartedly dedicated to the family to maximize profit for the Qins, even to the detriment of his children¡¯s desires?

    Someone as materialistic and profit-seeking as the old dowager, who based all of her decisions on family and personal gain, was the norm.

    But her father was putting her happiness and desires first!

    Warmth filled Qin Yining¡¯s heart and her nose twinged. She took in a few deep breaths to suppress the urge to cry.

    ¡°I knew that father would back me up, so I was never afraid when facing Pang Zhixi.¡± She smiled back up at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°I knew that even if I chose wrong or failed, I would still have a home toe back to.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, that¡¯s the only thing you need to remember.¡± Qin Huaiyuan pped his daughter¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You suffered since young because of me and never once experienced the life of a noble daughter. Finally living through your fill of pain and misery in the outside world, you still shouldered the family¡¯s suffering after returning home.

    ¡°Nothing that you¡¯ve experienced is what an ordinary noble daughter should¡¯ve gone through. As you¡¯ve never enjoyed the luxuries of being a noble daughter, how can I be so shamefaced as to restrain you with the rules for a noble daughter? That¡¯s simply too unfair to you.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan plodded forward as he spoke, his daughter following slowly as well. They crunched through the yard, leaving a set ofrge and small footprints.

    ¡°Thankfully I have a bit of ability to my name. I¡¯m sure the Zhou emperor will want to use me in the overall picture of things if he wants the situation at court to stabilize. I have enough capital to protect you. I know you¡¯re a smart child. You know what can be and can¡¯t be done. I won¡¯t nag, but just one reminder: learn how to protect yourself well, whether in terms of physically, emotionally, or your life in general. You have to protect all aspects of yourself, do you understand?¡±

    Touched, Qin Yining nodded firmly. ¡°I understand, father. I¡¯ll keep the boundaries well in mind and won¡¯t hurt myself. I know that there¡¯s a lot of important things in life, that romantic love isn¡¯t everything.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan stopped and looked at his daughter with a smile. ¡°You being able to think this way already makes you very different from a lot of girls your age.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I saw more than my fair share of things in the city when I was young.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°True human nature is most easily revealed in front of hunger and poverty, and even more so when faced with life and death. The city of Liang was close to the border and often affected by the war. You get used to it when you see those scenes often.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed, huffing white mist in front of him.

    ¡°Oh right, father,¡± chuckled the girl. ¡°The old dowager lost all of the family valuables on the way here. We really have been scraping by in recent times. I secretly asked Pang Zhixi to find a good manor for us, and had Steward Zhong purchase it under someone else¡¯s name once he arrived in the capital. It¡¯s been renovated and is move-in ready now.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± smiled Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°You¡¯ve thought of everything. I was thinking about how to resolve this problem on my way back, but you¡¯ve already taken care of it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to the little bit of money I still had left. Father should take care of the paperwork with its current nominal owner when you have time. Once the manor is under your name, our family will be able to move in. We can¡¯t exactly stay at the inns indefinitely, after all.¡±

    The man arched a brow with a smile. ¡°It looks like the Institute brought in quite a bit of revenue for you. For that we need to thank your maternal grandparents.¡±

    Qin Yining respectfully agreed, but decided toe clean to her father.

    ¡°Actually, the Institute didn¡¯t earn all that much. It¡¯s from when a lot of Great Yan citizens were in a rush to flee when the Yan capital was surrounded. They sold theirnd, houses, and stores for cheap.

    ¡°I felt that since there was no way I could get away¡ªeven if I had the Institute¡¯s silver, it would be embezzled by the Great Zhou representatives. It seemed a better idea to give the money away so that people could run. Who knew that the anticipated raiding and looting didn¡¯t happen? I identally profited off a national catastrophe.¡±

    Her father arched a brow with a smile. ¡°Or in other words, you reaped positive karma from a good deed?¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled ruefully. ¡°The amount of ie I get from my properties now is roughly...¡±

    But Qin Huaiyuan waved her off before she could finish.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, you¡¯ve chosen a hard path in deciding to be with Pang Zhixi. You don¡¯t need to tell me how much silver, businesses, orworks you have. Just treat it as your personal wealth. The two of you might run into a great deal of trouble in the future. I¡¯ll be more at ease if you have money and people around you.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked, ayer of mist slowly gathering in her eyes. She sniffled loudly before nodding. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Her father tapped her nose cheerily. ¡°I saw an unfamiliar little girl just now. I hear that she saved your life?¡±

    Her heart skipped a beat. It didn¡¯t seem like the right thing to do, keeping Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s secrets from her father. He was so good to her!

    But Xiaozhou¡¯s identity as a Northern Ji princess was simply too extraordinary. The fewer who knew meant the safer she¡¯d be. It might be a good thing if her father didn¡¯t know either.

    Having made up her mind, she trotted out the same background story that she¡¯d told others.

    Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t the least bit suspicious. He sighed. ¡°To think that this child would have such a simr background to you. The two of you meeting is your shared destiny. Since she has no family, you must take care of her well. It¡¯s not just a function of thanking her for saving your life, do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, father, I do.¡± Qin Yining shed a brilliant smile, which was answered by a slight one from her father.

    The two made countless circles of the yard, talking idly as they created rings upon rings of footprints.

    They returned back to the house after discussing everything there was to discuss as well as the particrs of moving.

    An imperial summons came the next day, dering that Qin Huaiyuan was to enter the pce for an audience. News of him receiving imperial favor the day after his return quickly spread throughout the capital.

    Once the capital evaluations were over, the character ws of the Minister of Rites, Lian Shengjie, came to light. He was publicly reprimanded and demoted three ranks from a principal second rank minister to a principal fifth rank vice director.

    Meanwhile, Qin Huaiyuan was made the newest Minister of Rites, principal second rank.

    When the news spread, the surrendered Great Yan officials were both jubnt and jealous.

    In Great Zhou, apart from exceptions with great deeds of valor like Pang Xiao that were personally promoted into the Grand Secretariat, any officials who wanted to join the council had a long journey ahead. They had to be first chosen as Hanlin Bachelors¡ªgraduates of the Hanlin Academy with exception literary promise. After a decade or two at court, they would only have a chance at entering the council whenever they made principal second rank of one of the six ministers.

    As the newest head of the Ministry of Rites, it was a general announcement that Qin Huaiyuan would be the next candidate to join the Grand Secretariat.

    In their new manor, the old dowager was taking tea in the flower hall of the main house in the rear residence. Her eyes creased into a pleased line when she heard the news from a newly-bought serving girl.

    ¡°That¡¯s my Meng¡¯er alright!¡± She turned to the second elder master. ¡°Go have a chat with your brother and see what kind of position you want.¡±

    That brought a frown to Qin Yining¡¯s face. That wasn¡¯t something her father could just decide.

    At this time, Jiyun quietly snuck behind Qin Yining for a few whispers. Her mistress raised a brow and then nodded.

    Jiyun walked over to the old dowager to curtsey. ¡°Old Dowager, Madame Lu, wife of thete Marquis of Valiant Faith, has sent a banquet invitation for the fourth miss.¡± She handed over a card with gold embossed edges.

 Chapter 351: The Lus, An Old and Well-Known Family

    <h4>Chapter 351: The Lus, An Old and Well-Known Family</h4>

    When the old dowager took the invitation, she didn¡¯t immediately open it. She perused it carefully again and again, then caressed it lovingly with a jade ring adorned finger. The smile blossoming on her lips was one of both relief and satisfaction.

    Her most beloved Meng¡¯er was the one with true talent, alright! Good tidings had visited the family one after another ever since her eldest son¡¯s return. They¡¯d moved out of the inns, then the emperor showed high regard for her son, and now even Great Zhou aristocrats were sending invites to the family!

    Wasn¡¯t that the greatest sign that the Qins had finally vaulted back into the upper echelon of society, that they no longer needed to depend on the goodwill of others?

    The Qin matriarch had been most afraid of the family crumbling while she was at the head of it. If that really happened, she wouldn¡¯t be able to face the Qin ancestors after her death.

    But everything would be fine now, her heart could finally dislodge from her throat.

    Various thoughts ran through everyone¡¯s minds when they saw how tenderly the old dowager stroked a piece of parchment. She was treating the paper more gently than her own grandchildren!

    Amused, Qin Yining shook her head wordlessly. It looks like the old dowager could finally be at ease now that the luxurious days of old were once more upon them.

    After taking in her fill of the invite, the old dowager opened it to peruse the contents inside. She immediately chuckled merrily, ¡°The marchioness is certainly a pleasant and agreeable person.¡±

    Pleasant? Agreeable?

    Thinking back to Madame Lu¡¯s pretty face and arrogant countenance, those would¡¯ve been thest words that Qin Yining would¡¯ve use on the marchioness. That woman was no ordinary run-of-the-mill character. If Qin Yining were to attend the banquet, she¡¯d have to make quite a bit of preparations.

    ¡°Old Dowager is very right. We¡¯re new in town, and those who take the initiative to extend a branch of friendship right now must all be pleasant people.¡± Qin Huining smiled in agreement.

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to elder brother-inwing back,¡± piped in the second madame. ¡°We¡¯d still be living in the inns otherwise, and definitely wouldn¡¯t have such wonderful things happening to us.¡±

    Given how much the old dowager loved her eldest son, nothing made her happier thanpliments of him. ¡°The second branch is right, it¡¯s all thanks to Meng¡¯er this time as well.¡±

    The two other elder masters looked at each other, then silently returned to their tea. They¡¯d long since epted their lot in life. Their mother¡¯s bias knew no bounds.

    Thankfully, big brother treated them very well and he was indeed very talented. Though the two brothers might be jealous sometimes, they never viewed Qin Huaiyuan as an enemy.

    The second wife interjected, ¡°But the marchioness didn¡¯t do things well enough. She only invited cousin Yi¡ªthere¡¯s other girls at home too.¡±

    The fourth miss just looked at Qin Han¡¯s wife quietly without protest.

    When she¡¯d first returned to the manor, Qin Han had helped her a great deal. After spending a long period of time together, she¡¯d realized that this cousin of hers was a very open-minded and genuine person. This endeared him greatly to her.

    Though his wife asionally disyed the airs of a more selfish or small-minded person, she wasn¡¯t a bad sort. But to speak so thoughtlessly would create some awkwardness.

    Indeed, the smile on Qin Huining¡¯s face became a bit stiff and turned wry. ¡°Second cousin-inw must be joking. I¡¯m a foster girl and eighth sister is concubine-born. We¡¯re naturally not fit for important asions and aren¡¯t as respectable as the fourth miss.¡±

    The second madame red at her daughter-inw when she heard this; so did Qin-mama shake her head behind the old dowager.

    The eighth miss cast a sidelong nce at Qin Huining and smiled naively. ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of concubine or official-born at all. They sent us a banquet invite for no reason at all¡ªit¡¯s obviously because of senior uncle¡¯s influence. Senior uncle only has one official daughter, so it makes sense that fourth sister was the only one invited.¡±

    Qin Huining struggled to keep a smile on her face. She really didn¡¯t understand what the eighth miss was thinking! Aside from Qin Yining, only the eighth miss was a Qin descendent out of all the girls left. Didn¡¯t she want to fight for herself?

    There was nothing Qin Huining could do, being a foster daughter, or she would¡¯ve plotted on how to get her own back a long time ago.

    The second elder master coughed lowly. ¡°The eighthss is right. Although we don¡¯t need you to do women¡¯s work to chip in with household finances, the most proper thing for girls to do is stay at home and practice your embroidery. Don¡¯t be involved in outside matters. We¡¯re lucky that only family is here today. If you¡¯d acted like this outside, people wouldugh at you for being so petty!¡±

    He¡¯d never liked Qin Huining¡¯s style, so his tone was naturally harsh.

    Humiliated by the lecture, Qin Huining¡¯s face flushed hotly and she lowered her head without another word, tears spinning around in her eyes.

    Qin Yining shook her head with exasperation. If she were the foster girl, she would be quietly preparing to be married off. The Qins wouldn¡¯t find her a bad match, if only for the sake of their own dignity. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice to live out a peaceful, undisturbed life?

    But Qin Huining seemed blind to that philosophy and refused to give up.

    Since the fourth miss had to go to the banquet, the old dowager was already rushing her off to go change before Qin Yining had stirred into action.

    The girl called Xianyun to her side and asked softly, ¡°Just who is this Madame Lu? When I saw her in the pcest time, she seemed to possess more dignity than the Princess of Anyang. Even the eldest princess called her big sister.¡±

    Having resided in the capital for a long time, Xianyun was very familiar with everyone and everything in the capital. She whispered back, ¡°What you don¡¯t know, miss, is that Madame Lu is an official daughter of one of the Lu family side branches. The Lus are a great aristocratic family with more than a hundred years of history. Their roots were deep back in the Northern Ji times. Their family business span the entire nation and cross into all industries. Theirwork and mobilization is not to be underestimated.

    ¡°When His Majesty undertook the revolution, he wouldn¡¯t have taken the capital if not for the Lus¡¯ financial help. Therefore, he values them highly and anyone from that n has a high status and rank.

    ¡°Madame Lu was betrothed to General Mi. Ah, you might not know that General Mi, the prince, and the marquis were all battlerades. Their bonds were forged in the fires of war.

    ¡°But General Mi came from a family of farmers, had ordinary looks, and was a decade older than Madame Lu. Therefore, the madame never liked him. Even when the general doted on her and loved her greatly, she was never satisfied. ying off the fact that she was a Lu and so the general wouldn¡¯t dare do anything to her, she began to openly keep malepanions.¡±

    ¡°Companions? Ah, escorts? Male prostitutes??¡± Qin Yining froze in the act of applying powder and looked back incredulously at the maid.

    ¡°It¡¯s very true, miss,¡± piped in Jiyun. ¡°General Mi was cuckolded more times than we can count. He was made the Marquis of Valiant Faith when he died in battle, which made the madame a marchioness. She grew even more out of control then. The gossips all say that General Mi fell in battle because he was so enraged by the madame. A right and proper man like him was held down into the ground by a wife like that! The pressure from his inws was too great and the emperor valued the Lus too much. The only way the general could be free of it all was if he died.¡±

    ck-jawed with surprise, Qin Yining nodded after a long while. ¡°She really is something.¡±

    A person like that would have no bottom line. She had to be extra careful.

    After fixing her hair and makeup, Qin Yining took Jiyun and Xianyun with her in a carriage to the manor of the Marquis of Valiant Faith.

    Their carriage had just paused in front of the main doors when a deft maid came up to curtsey. ¡°Are you Miss Qin? The marchioness gave specific instructions for this servant to wee you inside.¡±

 Chapter 352: A Banquet With Escorts

    <h4>Chapter 352: A Banquet With Escorts</h4>

    The waiting maid was one with delicate and pretty looks. She wore a downy pink, sleeveless tunic dress adorned with white, wispy fur around the openings. A jade-green cotton jacket peeked out from beneath it, presenting a clean-cut and graceful sight.

    Qin Yining guessed this must be a trusted head maid at Madame Lu¡¯s side.

    ¡°Thank you for your troubles.¡± She nodded with a slight smile and, with Jiyun and Xianyun¡¯s help, stepped onto a wooden footstool to alight.

    The Qin fourth miss was wearing a snow-white fur coat that was paired with a sky-blue vest top and an ivory eight-panel skirt. Her outfit was as elegant as an orchid, but given how stunning her looks were, even the inest of clothes would do nothing to undercut her beauty.

    The maid nked for a second after catching a close look and quickly curtsied.

    ¡°No wonder the madame always says that the miss¡¯ beauty is worth cities. Now that this servant has seen it for herself today, you are as remarkable as the shining moon!¡±

    Flicking her skirt into order, Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°His Majesty is as striking as the brilliant sun while the empress is as the shining moon. The sun and moon naturally reflect each other¡¯s radiance. I am but a flickering candlelight andpletely unworthy of such praise.¡±

    The maid broke out in a cold sweat.

    This Miss Qin is the daughter of the famous Qin Huaiyuan alright! She¡¯s way too perceptive and cautious!

    The maid actually hadn¡¯t meant anything by her words. It¡¯d been a sincere, heartfeltpliment to curry favor. But the fourth miss¡¯ words made it seem like she¡¯d misspoken.

    The servant no longer dare tarry and showed the visitors into the manor.

    Once into the manor proper of the Marquis of Valiant Faith, Qin Yining discovered that there was not a single person of an older age in the hallways. All the maids were young and pretty, and all the pageboys were handsome.

    Some understanding descended when the girl thought of the rumors swirling around Madame Lu and the marchioness¡¯ own beauty.

    They travelled through the hallways to arrive at a main hall where two pageboys d in blue were standing guard.

    Qin Yining frowned slightly. What kind of banquet is this? If onlydies had been invited, why were there pageboys on duty here?

    She stepped through the doors without a flicker of expression, handing off her coat to Xianyun and indicating for the maid to wait outside with a flick of her eyes. Taking only Jiyun and following her guide, they circled past azurite room divider to arrive at a spacious and warm lobby.

    Crimson carpets from Persia lined the floor while braziers sat on the floor, wafting lily fragrance into the air. The light, sweet perfume snaked into noses.

    There was an ornate bench 1 at the head seat, upon which Madame Lu and the Princess of Anyang were already seated upon. Two chairs each were set up off to the side, with three of them taken by youngdies. The empty seat on the left was inly for the Qin fourth miss.

    Qin Yining collected herself and walked up to make an amiable curtsey to the Princess of Anyang.

    ¡°Greetings to Your Highness.¡±

    Used to the opulence and jewelry festooned of outfits thedies, Li Hn narrowed her eyes slightly when she saw a simply attired Qin Yining, who nevertheless still presented a stunning sight.

    She only lost herposure for a split second before responding benignly, ¡°So little sister Qin is here. There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. Big sister Lu is the host today.¡±

    Qin Yining turned to curtsey to Madame Lu. ¡°This little girl is newlye to the city. My deepest appreciation for Madame Lu¡¯s generous hospitality. I am truly grateful to be invited today.¡±

    Madame Lu only responded with a faint noise in her throat and pointed at the empty seat on her left. ¡°Come have a seat. There are no outsiders present today. Little sister Qin¡¯s only recently arrived in the capital. There must be plenty that you¡¯re unfamiliar with. This is a gathering of sisters so we can all get to know each other.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Many thanks, Madame Lu.¡± Qin Yining took a seat in the empty chair.

    Madame Lu cheerily introduced the three others to her.

    The one around thirty years old with a well-rounded body was Madame Lu¡¯s older sister of the same parents. Her husband was a merchant with a surname Cu, so everyone called her Cui n¨¦e Lu.

    A young woman in her twenties with a gloomy air and delicate features was Madame Cai. She¡¯d been widowed for many years.

    The youngest one was Madame Lu¡¯s concubine-born younger sister. Since her name wasn¡¯t given, Qin Yining privately called her Little n¨¦e Lu.

    Given that the participants today were Madame Lu¡¯s blood sister, concubine-born younger sister, the Princess of Anyang, and a Madame Cai, Qin Yining could tell that the banquet today had likely been thrown because the family side branch that Madame Lu belonged to wanted to make a friendly overture to the Qins.

    Even if the two parties didn¡¯t know if they would be on opposing sides in the future, a gesture like this was very necessary. It was highly likely that the Lus had already made their ns with regards to Qin Huaiyuan.

    Madame Lu began with a smile. ¡°I invited younger sister Qin today because for one, I wanted to introduce you to my friends. Secondly, I feel that younger sister has weathered a bumpy road in life. Given the level of our looks, you and I walk the same path. I feel the desire to be good friends with you.¡± Her tone was a marked difference from the unsheathed swords and drawn daggers ofst time.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Cui n¨¦e Lu nodded with a smile. ¡°I¡¯d thought that girls with my younger sister and the princess¡¯ looks are few and far in between. But seeing younger sister Qin today helps me understand why the Faithful Prince of the First Rank is so enamored with you. Even I melt at the sight of you, much less a man!¡±

    That sounds... weird? Wrong? I don¡¯t know. Since she didn¡¯t know these people too well, Qin Yining only smiled in return.

    Madame Lu arched a brow with her smile and pped her wless hands three times.

    Refined music drifted in in the next moment.

 Chapter 352.2: A Banquet With Escorts (II)

    <h4>Chapter 352.2: A Banquet With Escorts (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining looked in the direction of the sounds to discover a group of musicians; they had been waiting behind pearl curtains hanging from the scarlet-red pirs around them.

    Several dancers wearing gauze drifted in with the euphonious melody. Stepping lightly in time to elegant dance, their footsteps were so airy that they seemed to be walking on lotus flowers.

    At this time, several men slowly walked into the room.

    They were all dressed differently, built and looked differently, and had differing auras. But all of them were umonly eye-catching with remarkable bearing. There were tall, schrly types and buff, stocky types. There were also two arresting young men who looked the same. One was dressed in red and the other in white, offsetting each other like red and white plum blossoms.

    It was puzzling to Qin Yining why so many men hade, but of one thing she was certain of: she disliked this banquet more and more so.

    It looks like Madame Lu really doesn¡¯t care about the rules. How can outside males enter adies¡¯ banquet?

    The madame smiled when she saw the arrivals. She pointed at bulky young man with a chiseled face, wearing a silvery-white tunic with cut-off sleeves. ¡°Go fill the princess¡¯ wine cup. Step to it.¡±

    She then pointed at another elegant and demure schr d in white, who looked roughly eighteen years old. ¡°Go serve Miss Qin wine as well.¡±

    The reserved schr smiled faintly and moved to Qin Yining¡¯s side. His pale, slender fingers grasped the jade wine jug and filled the jade cup in front of the Qin fourth miss.

    He then took a seat in a chair right by Qin Yining!

    Expressionless, the girl watched as the muscr man eerily reminiscent of Pang Xiao sat next to the princess. Pouring wine with his left hand, his right arm draped intimately over the seat back of the princess¡¯ chair. When faced with such an affront, the princess blushed furiously and ducked her head after looking bashfully at the man¡¯s profile.

    Qin Yining finally understood what these people were here for!

    Just like men had female escorts keep thempany during business meetings, this was what Madame Lu had invited her here today for!

    But she was an unmarried girl! What did the madame mean by this??

    Thinking back to the host¡¯s opening remarks, Qin Yining grew so furious that the scarlet of her face crept to her neck.

    These people must feel that since she¡¯d already been carried off by Pang Xiao, she already knew of matters between men and women. And given how Pang Xiao had taken her, she might not like brawny and ferocious type, which was why a genteel and tender schr had been sent to serve her.

    Meanwhile, the princess liked Pang Xiao, but they weren¡¯t close. This was why Madame Lu had arranged for a man simr to the prince to serve her.

    ...should shepliment Madame Lu for putting in so much effort?

    ¡°Miss Qin.¡± The refined man offered the wine cup when he saw that Qin Yining had yet to drink. He looked at her tenderly, the warmth in his light-brown eyes enough to melt winter snow. ¡°Miss Qin, please have a cup. This has been distilled from fruit and especially prepared for you. The alcohol content isn¡¯t high, and it¡¯s refreshing on the pte.¡±

    The girl¡¯s lips were slightlypressed and she pushed away the cup that was being brought to her lips. ¡°I¡¯m fine without.¡± Her tone was coldly aloof.

    This was absolutely a red wedding. Madame Lu had arranged beforehand for these men to keep thempany, so how would she dare partake in anything offered at this banquet?

    The man had been entranced by Qin Yining¡¯s mesmerizing profile. That she would refuse the wine was thest thing on his mind, so in his unpreparedness, the wine sshed on his sleeve and half his shirt.

    The disturbance immediately rmed those at the head seat.

    Madame Lu¡¯s red lips were slightly parted as she was epting the red-d twin¡¯s offering of an orange bite with his mouth. She was leaning coquettishly in the white-d twin¡¯s embrace and looked over angrily at the development.

    Qin Yining rose and dipped a curtsey to Madame Lu and Li Hn. ¡°Many thanks to the madame and princess for your good intentions. This little girl has some affairs to attend to at home and must depart early. I will take my leave now.¡±

    She turned to call a furiously blushing Jiyun to her and left.

    Madame Lu bounced to an upright seated position and mmed her hand on the table. ¡°N¨¦e Qin! How dare you deny me face like this! Don¡¯t me me for being merciless if you dare set one foot out this door!¡±

    Qin Yining sniffed contemptuously and whipped back with a stern re. ¡°Do you think that would actually scare me? You and I have just met, what kind of prior rtionship can you draw on? I¡¯d like to ask Her Highness however, does the Marquis of Northern Stability know that you¡¯vee to this banquet?¡±

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Li Hn flew into a rage, but panic flooded her heart as a sense of guilt crept up on her. She spoke without thinking. ¡°What are you acting all superior and pure for?! You¡¯re just a broken toy that big brother Pang¡¯s gotten tired of! You have the chance to taste some gentle loving today, how dare you not be grateful!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression had frozen over. ¡°Then did Your Highness request such a person because you want to taste some fierce and passionate action?¡±

    ¡°Despicably shameless!¡± Li Hn was both humiliated and furious that her vulnerable point had been jabbed at. Tears filled her eyes. The man who was built exceedingly like Pang Xiao quickly hugged the princess and whisperedforting nothings in her ear.

    Qin Yining looked at those in the hall and then at Li Hn. ¡°You¡¯re just lying to yourself. They may look simr, but it¡¯s hardly the same thing. What can you really get a taste of? You¡¯re just reaching a new low with what you¡¯re doing now. This is all I¡¯m going to say. Please enjoy yourselves, everyone.¡±

 Chapter 353: With Swords Unsheathed and Bows Drawn

    <h4>Chapter 353: With Swords Unsheathed and Bows Drawn</h4>

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t be bothered spending another second dawdling in this ludicrous farce. She whirled and left, Xianyun hastilying forward with Qin Yining¡¯s cape and Jiyun helping her over the door threshold.

    Li Hn was shaking in her fury and roared, ¡°Servants, take her!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    The princess¡¯ bodyservants instantly sprang into action and surrounded Qin Yining and her maids. They would pounce as soon as Li Hn gave the order.

    Any ordinary girl would be quailing at the sight of so many unfriendly guards and servants circling them in unfamiliar territory. But Qin Yining was an old hat at life-threatening scenes. She naturally wouldn¡¯t cower or tremble like any typical noble daughter.

    She turned back calmly, looking at the princess with a supercilious smile. Her tone was mild, as if discussing what to eat for dinner, but the edge in her words glinted keenly.

    ¡°Princess of Anyang, I¡¯m here today due to Madame Lu holding a banquet. My entire family saw the invitation, so is it really appropriate for you to act like this, in a banquet that someone else is hosting? The Qins won¡¯t easily let things go if I lose so much as a single hair here. Or are you actually acting on behalf of an imperial decree?¡±

    The words of ¡®imperial decree¡¯ jabbed most deeply into Li Hn¡¯s greatest fear!

    The princess knew that her happiness depended on Li Qitian¡¯s favor; thus she never defied her royal brother¡¯s will. Just as she had with her marriage, only in obeying Li Qitian would she find stability and happiness.

    The empress dowager had once privately told Li Hn that it was a given the emperor would make heavy use of the Qins. He needed to rope in the Great Yan faction. If she really erupted in all-out hostilities with their fourth miss today and Li Qitian misunderstood her for it, there would be no happiness in her future!

    The princess was both fearful and infuriated, but didn¡¯t dare give the order to take down Qin Yining. Incensed ring was all she could settle for.

    Having spent many years hunting, Qin Yining never backed down even when faced with hungry wolves, much less a spoiled brat of a princess.

    ¡°The Princess of Anyang would be well served with reflecting over your own deeds. Even if you don¡¯t think doing all this behind Prince Consort Ji¡¯s back is breaking the rules, you should consider the matter of imperial dignity.¡±

    This was insulting Li Hn for not keeping to the principles of a married woman and cheating on her husband!

    Enmed cheeks burning like mad, the princess pointed a shaking finger with red nail polish at Qin Yining. She shrilled, ¡°Who the hell do you think you are?! How dare you try to teach me a lesson!?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s always bound to be someone who smooths over a bumpy road. I¡¯m just indignant on the prince consort¡¯s behalf. Besides, why be so angry if you¡¯re not feeling guilty?¡±

    Roused to new heights of fury, Li Hn was about to shriek back when Madame Lu raised a hand.

    She¡¯d been quietly enjoying the show but rose at this time, pushing aside the beautiful twins who wanted to support her. The banquet host sashayed slowly down the stairs, an unadorned hand caressing the golden hairpins stuck in her hair.

    ¡°Does Miss Qin n on making an enemy out of the Lus?¡± she jeered.

    ¡°Madame Lu represents the entire Lu n?¡± eximed a surprised Qin Yining.

    The singr question jabbed painfully at the madame¡¯s weakness. Her face turned beet red and she screeched after a long moment, ¡°Even your father or the Faithful Prince of the First Rank needs to mind their manners and behavior in front of my family. Who the hell are you to throw your weight around in my territory?? You¡¯re just a broken, discarded toy. How dare you think you¡¯re superior and innocent!? I invited you here today to give you face. You won¡¯t turn it down if you know what¡¯s good for you!¡±

    The Qin fourth miss almost burst outughing.

    She could never bother arguing with fools¡ªthat was what, well, fools did.

    ¡°Oh? So Madame Lu can represent the entirety of the Lu n? Does your family know about your all-epassing abilities?¡±

    ¡°How dare you! You refuse a toast only to be forced into a forfeit! I¡¯ll have them force it down your throat!¡± The madame jabbed a finger back at the beautiful male selection, her intentions quite clear.

    If Qin Yining didn¡¯t back down and submit, the madame would force her into enjoying the ¡®hospitality¡¯.

    The Qin fourth miss narrowed her eyes, frosty res leveled in all directions to stab into onlookers like arrows of ice. ¡°I¡¯ll even lend you some courage. Why don¡¯t you try it!?¡±

    She¡¯s not afraid of even this?!

    Is she a woman or not??

    ¡°You...¡± Madame Lu¡¯s lips trembled from rage, unable to say a word for the longest time.

    She really didn¡¯t dare do anything to Qin Yining. If anything serious happened, that¡¯d be atplete odds with what her family wanted to do.

    She¡¯d been able to invite the Qin fourth miss here today because she¡¯d heard that the family patriarch wanted to strike up a friendly rtionship with Qin Huaiyuan. Even if they weren¡¯t in the same faction in the future, a friendly rtionship was preferable to animosity.

    But to think this girl, who normally looked quiet and biddable, would be so intimidating when she decided to bare her teeth!

    Bored by everything, Qin Yining turned and carelessly thrust a granny servant out of her way, leaving with Xianyun and Jiyun.

    The granny servant snuck a peek at the wordless Madame Lu and Princess of Anyang. Reading the situation, she directed the other servants and guards to back off to the side. Even if they were part of the princess¡¯ household, they would stille in for their share of punishment if something went wrong.

 Chapter 353.2: With Swords Unsheathed and Bows Drawn

    <h4>Chapter 353.2: With Swords Unsheathed and Bows Drawn</h4>

    With glowering expressions, Li Hn and Madame Lu watched Qin Yining quick-step her way through the crowd.

    At this time, a granny servant suddenly called out, ¡°Prince Consort Ji and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank hase!¡±

    Li Hn almost copsed to the ground when she heard this. She hastily waved a hand at the escort behind her, the one who looked exceedingly like Pang Xiao.

    Color had drained from all of the malepanions¡¯ faces; they shot to their feet to dismiss themselves. The war gods of the north and south hade! These were entities that no one could afford to offend!

    The Pang Xiao-lookalike was doing his best impression of a sheet of white paper. Ji Zeyu had long since dominated the north¡ªhis Dragon Riders kept the Tartars firmly down. How had he ever been so damn foolish to think he could share the same bedpanion as such a hero??

    He was an absolute idiot and courting death!

    Qin Yining had also heard the report. She¡¯d just exited the door when a figure d in ck and another in white rounded the corner.

    Both of them were equally tall and bulky. One was wrapped in a ck, sable fur cloak while the other sported a white, fox fur coat. They seemed possessed by the gods themselves, their frosty auras intimidating anyone else from approaching.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed beneath his angr eyebrows. Though a jeering sneer curved his lips, his eyes were as if the coldest stars on a winter¡¯s night, both freezing others out and pushing them away.

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s handsome, chiseled face was half buried in the cor of his snow-white cloak. He looked indifferently into the house. He presented such an exquisite sight that he looked like a jade sculpture that a craftsman had painstakingly carved.

    It was the first time that Qin Yining had observed Ji Zeyu in such close quarters. Wow, I never thought there¡¯d be someone in this world whose beauty surpasses the definition of gender.

    Pang Xiao was up in the girl¡¯s face by now and sniffed disdainfully, ¡°You¡¯re here too? Is this a ce where you cane?¡±

    Qin Yining snuck a peek out of the corner of her eye at those in the house. She couldn¡¯t contradict her performance from earlier, so had to show a tough side now as well.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t Your Highness like to joke around.¡± She arched a brow. ¡°Do I need to report at all times to Your Highness as to where I am?¡±

    The prince¡¯s expression sank, seemingly unable to ept that his former toy had turned so disobedient.

    Meanwhile, Ji Zeyu reached Li Hn.

    The princess¡¯ face was ashen, but her ears and neck were ming red. It was the first time she¡¯d ever spoken to her husband in such a gentle tone. ¡°What brings you here, prince consort?¡±

    Ji Zeyu raised cupped hands to Li Hn and didn¡¯t spare a look at the other women in the house. He wholly ignored Cui n¨¦e Lu and Little n¨¦e Lu¡¯s looks to make straight for the men. He looked at them with his hands behind his back. ¡°Did you enjoy yourself, princess?¡±

    ¡°No, no, I didn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to exin yourself to me. You¡¯re the princess, and I¡¯m the prince consort. You¡¯re my master. You can do anything you¡¯d like.¡± Ji Zeyu turned back with a severe, remote air and looked quietly at Li Hn.

    Heart pounding frantically, the princess recalled how she¡¯d been uncontrobly attracted to this man on their wedding night.

    Such a beguiling man was herwfully wedded husband! But he only spoke harshly to her, and had even discovered the rare asion in which she¡¯d mustered courage to seek some fun outside.

    Wouldn¡¯t their life together be increasingly difficult in the future?

    Catching a glimpse of Pang Xiao furiously ring at Qin Yining out of the corner of her eye, heartache welled up in Li Hn. Of these two men, one was her husband and another the one she¡¯d loved for many years. She really didn¡¯t want to give up either one!

    Qin Yining surreptitiously winked at Pang Xiao and quickly threaded past the crowd with her maids.

    Ji Zeyu was pacing in front of the line up of escorts. Those who hadn¡¯t run away in time quailed violently in front of the frostily statuesque marquis.

    ¡°Which one does the princess like?¡± Ji Zeyu was still expressionless. ¡°Why not say the word to Madame Lu and bring him back with you?¡±

    ¡°No no no, prince consort, listen to me, I didn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°Your Highness is the purest of royalty, there¡¯s no need to exin yourself to a subject.¡± Ji Zeyu stopped in front of the muscr man and turned back to his wife with a slight smile. ¡°Is this your type?¡±

    Blushing painfully, Li Hn shook her head rapidly.

    Pang Xiao walked up to Madame Lu. ¡°If I may, are these your male escorts?¡±

    The madame was all loving smiles. She looked bashfully at the prince and nodded shyly.

    Pang Xiao arched a brow in a teasing grin. ¡°If Madame Lu¡¯s escorts have offended this prince, can I punish them as I would?¡±

    Utterly captivated by the grin, Madame Lupletely lost the capacity for thought. She nodded.

    Pang Xiao strode up to the men and demanded lowly, ¡°Who was it that served the eldest princess just now?¡±

    The one who had served Li Hn was as white as a sheet and didn¡¯t dare out himself. However, the ones next to him all looked at him.

    ¡°It was you?¡± The prince walked next to him.

    The man thumped to his knees. ¡°This humble one was only following orders. This lowly one would never dare, never again!¡± He kowtowed repeatedly.

    Pang Xiao turned back to Li Hn. ¡°Which hand did he touch you with just now?¡±

    The princess¡¯ lips trembled as she wished ardently for a hole in the ground to crawl into.

    A dark chuckle rang out as Pang Xiao casually pulled out the sword at Ji Zeyu¡¯s waist. He tapped both sides of the man¡¯s shoulders and dered irately, ¡°You court death in touching my brother¡¯s woman!¡±

    Blood geysered out of the man¡¯s shoulders and he fell to the ground, wailing and howling.

 Chapter 354: To Threaten

    <h4>Chapter 354: To Threaten</h4>

    Blood dripped from the sword; the look in Pang Xiao¡¯s phoenix-eyes was so sharp it could cut ss. His angr eyebrows were faintly raised, looking to be immensely enjoying the bloodletting. He stooped down. ¡°How is it? Comfy?¡±

    The man lying on the ground convulsed with pain. He really wanted to just faint and forget about everything, but the acute anguish yanked on his consciousness, making him more alert than he¡¯d ever been.

    ¡°Your, Your Highness, I know, I know my wrongs. Mercy, please, Your Highness!¡±

    His voice was so faint that it was almost nonexistent, but in a hall so quiet that a pin drop could be heard, every word was a devastating blow onto everyone¡¯s hearts.

    Scared witless, it took a long time for Madame Lu to recover her wits. A frown creased her forehead. ¡°How can the Faithful Prince of the First Rank be so cruel?¡±

    ¡°Cruel? Does that apply to something like this? This prince feels that that thing¡¯s dirtied Ah Lan¡¯s sword!¡± 1 Pang Xiao wiped the sword clean on the man lying down and flung it casually back to Ji Zeyu.

    Anyone else would¡¯ve been frozen with shock at the prince¡¯s actions, but the marquis remained where he stood without a flicker of change in his expression.

    The sword unerringly re-sheathed itself in the scabbard by Ji Zeyu¡¯s waist with a ng.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s dashing throw, Ji Zeyu¡¯s absolute trust, and the solemn killing aura exuded by the two made hearts pound painfully with fright.

    Li Hn¡¯s ears warmed over when she looked at the two perfectly beautiful men.

    Madamepressed her red lips and smiled faintly, highly titited. ¡°Forget it. If this is how the prince will quell his anger, then it doesn¡¯t matter if you take all of these men.¡±

    The escorts all whipped their heads around in disbelief at the madame. They¡¯d never thought that their owner would gift them away like this!

    Trembling like leaves, they stared at the crippled man on the ground who was slowly slipping unconscious. They fell to their knees to kowtow with unspoken ord.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t these Madame Lu¡¯s preciouspanions?¡± sneered Pang Xiao. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about hurting their feelings with talk like this?¡±

    The madame wanted to respond with, ¡°What do their lives matter if they can be traded for a smile from you?¡±

    But when she lifted her head to meet Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes, the frosty, violent light shining in the prince¡¯s eyes made her words sputter to a stop. He red with brutal savagery even when smiling, as if a wild beast that would pounce and devour its victim at any time. The madame didn¡¯t dare voice what she was thinking.

    Ji Zeyu tightened his cor and took his leave from Li Hn. ¡°Please enjoy yourself here, princess. You must have your fill of fun. This subject will take his leave now.¡±

    He flung an arm around Pang Xiao after he spoke, indicating for the prince to leave with him.

    Li Hn frantically chased after the two. ¡°This seat has nothing to y with here. Prince consort, take me back to my manor!¡±

    Ji Zeyu looked back and cast a remote look. ¡°This subject is clumsy and foolish to not be able to serve Your Highness well. This subject will look to the princess¡¯ servants to serve you well.¡± He nodded politely and strode off again.

    Real panic finally struck Li Hn.

    However cool Ji Zeyu had been to her before, he¡¯d never been this polite or remote. It turned out that him being stand-offish wasn¡¯t scary at all, since his personality was like this to begin with. Him suddenly bing the definition of courteous was truly rming.

    They¡¯d known each other for a while; he¡¯d never stood on manners like this before with Li Hn.

    Late ining, realization smacked the princess across the face. Though they¡¯d lived in separate quarters since their wedding night and had only consummated their marriage once, some tinges of rxed casualness had still suffused Ji Zeyu¡¯s indifference towards her.

    Li Hn regretted her actions like no other. Why had she been so greedy in wanting to y around and chase some new thrills? Ji Zeyu had been chilly towards her to begin with, how were they supposed to get along in the future??

    She chased the men a few steps, but burst into tears when she saw the ck and white figures quickly walk off without a trace of care.

    Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu walked side by side, not saying a word as they left the manor of the Marquis of Valiant Faith.

    Pang Xiao was livid about the injustice done to his brother.

    But he was also aware that since the moment Ji Zeyu had agreed to be a prince consort, thetter had made all sorts of mental preparations for various situations.

    Gentle, kind, noble, and ssy princesses abounded since time immemorial, but history was also marked with ones who formed their own harems like Madame Lu.

    Besides, having a princess for a wife shifted the bnce of power in the marriage to begin with. A princess was the master, and her prince consort specifically designated to serve the princess. He would travel to her manor only when she felt the need to, with the opportunity of intimacy avable only then. If she didn¡¯t summon him, not only could he not touch a single hair on her body, but he couldn¡¯t even have a bedwarmer.

    Such was the resignation lying in wait when serving the imperial family.

    Considering Ji Zeyu¡¯s talents and character, Pang Xiao truly felt that it was a great injustice for his brother to be a prince consort. However, he also understood that his brother¡¯s merits were so eye-catching at the moment that they threatened to eclipse their liege. To be frank, their circumstances were equally difficult.

    Ji Zeyu had likely turned over many, many considerations before agreeing to be Li Hn¡¯s prince consort.

 Chapter 354.2: To Threaten

    <h4>Chapter 354.2: To Threaten</h4>

    The two of them departed soundlessly through the manor doors. Their steeds pawing the snowy ground, the ground around the horses was a muddy mess. In a carriage nearby, Qin Yining happened to be lifting the window curtain and looking in their direction.

    Delight flooded Pang Xiao¡¯s heart to see his girl, and he expressed it with a cold snort. ¡°What are you still doing here? Do you want to go back inside and join Madame Lu¡¯s fun?¡±

    Qin Yining took a look at Ji Zeyu and looked down, lowering her curtain without another word and had her groom flick the reins to set off.

    As the clip-clop of hooves faded into the distance, the marquis asked with some resignation, ¡°Don¡¯t you like n¨¦e Qin? Why are you so harsh to her? How will you make it up to her if you hurt her feelings?¡±

    ¡°What does it matter how much I like the daughter of my enemy?¡±

    Ji Zeyu fell silent and then sighed softly. He pped Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Thank you for just now.¡±

    ¡°What need is there for thanks between brothers? Except, Ah Lan, you should talk to His Majesty about this.¡±

    ¡°So what if I do? His Majesty doesn¡¯t have the time to spare for mundane matters like these. I¡¯m supposed to serve the princess anyways. She can do whatever she likes. She can have her own harem, and I can only save myself for her.¡±

    A man of few words normally, only in front of a brother would Ji Zeyu speak so freely and have no need to mince his words.

    ¡°Forget it, don¡¯t think too much. Come, let¡¯s go back to my ce for a drink.¡± He grabbed his reins and adroitly jumped onto his horse.

    Ji Zeyu also brought his horse over and tilted his head up at the prince. ¡°I hear that your official mother¡¯se back. Is it still convenient for us to drink at your ce?¡±

    ¡°Theplex is so big, how can there not be a ce for us to drink? Stop nattering already and let¡¯s go!¡±

    The Marquis of Northern Stability stopped asking and steered his horse in the direction of Pang Manor. The two brothers drank until the wee hours of the morning and fell asleep in a drunken stupor, sprawled over the heated tform of the outer study.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining didn¡¯t find her father in a spare moment until dusk of the next day. She reiterated everything that had happened the day before and concluded on a worried note, ¡°Father, can we really not afford to offend the Lu n?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°The Lus were a feared and revered name even back in the Northern Ji days. Their economic foundations run deep without visibility as to their actual depths. It wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say that they¡¯re as wealthy as a nation. It was due to their loyalty to the emperor and supplying rations and money to the revolutionaries that Great Zhou could destroy Northern Ji. We can see from this just how powerful that n must be now.

    ¡°Although Madame Lu is just from a side branch, even a family¡¯s side branch must be treated with caution if they¡¯re surnamed Lu in the Great Zhou capital.¡±

    Qin Yining frowned thoughtfully and responded fretfully after a beat, ¡°Father, my actions yesterday probably offended Madame Lu and the princess to no other. Do you think I¡¯ve unintentionally made enemies out of the Lus? Have I doomed our family? I¡¯m really afraid of bringing trouble to the family.¡±

    She didn¡¯t regret her actions, but she was worried about the Qins.

    They¡¯d only just found their footing in Great Zhou¡ªhow could they possibly afford to be enemies with such a ponderous n as the Lus?

    Qin Huaiyuan burst outughing to catch his daughter in a rare moment of sheepishness.

    ¡°You silly girl, what are you thinking about now? Did you forget what your father just told you? You don¡¯t have to spend your time worrying about this or that, just do what you think is right. I¡¯ll take care of anything that happens. We¡¯re not here on this world to spend our time suffering through life. As mighty as the Lus may be, what can they do?¡±

    Her father¡¯s merry expression prompted a soft chuckle out of Qin Yining.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, father. I¡¯m getting too bogged down in everything. No matter how strong the enemy might be, we can¡¯t shrink back. Plus, I believe that with father¡¯s talent, bing a renowned official of our age is just a matter of time.¡±

    The two had a delightful conversation, just like the ones they had back in Great Yan.

    Qin Huaiyuan had no son and just this one daughter. She was naturally the apple of his eye.

    Qin Yining wasn¡¯t the sort to be puffed up with pride. She had a maturity and open-mindedness beyond her years. No matter what political affairs Qin Huaiyuan talked about, she could always offer some thoughts of her own. They really did have a lot inmon, which further made Qin Huaiyuan want to treat his daughter even better. A painful childhood had to be made up for.

    Some rumors red up two dayster.

    Apparently Madame Lu didn¡¯t see eye to eye with the Qin fourth miss and they¡¯d had a few run-ins with each other. Upon learning that the Qins¡¯ current residence was a rental, Madame Lu was now dering to anyone who would listen that she was going to buy theplex. She¡¯d rather leave it empty than rent it to the Qins! She wanted the Qins to learn of her might, that some people weren¡¯t to be offended in the capital.

    Qin Yining chuckled delightfully when she heard the news.

    ¡°Well, this is interesting. Madame Lu is fun. My days in the capital won¡¯t be as boring with her around.¡±

    Bingtang frowned in mock anger when she heard this. ¡°Miss, you¡¯re being too rxed about all of this. You offended Madame Lu to the point where she wants to turn the entire family out on the streets. Do you think the old dowager, madame, and lord will show you a friendly face when they know this? Instead of thinking what to do about it, you¡¯re sitting hereplimenting Madame Lu!¡±

 Chapter 355: Communication Gap Between Generations

    <h4>Chapter 355: Communication Gap Between Generations</h4>

    ¡°Think about what to do? What can my family do to me, no matter what happens? Mother and father won¡¯t change their minds about me. As for the old dowager, she won¡¯t like me even if nothing happens. Besides, Madame Lu absolutely can¡¯t find anything to do¡ªthat¡¯s why she making such a fuss. It¡¯ll blow over after a while.¡±

    Utterlyposed, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t think less of the madame¡¯s provocation.

    She was well aware that having maintained dominance and prosperity for so long, the wielder of power in the Lu n could be no blockhead. Madame Lu¡¯s high profile, overbearing, and brash style was undoubtedly a source of trouble and chaos for the family. It was impossible for her to be a core figure.

    What the Lus wanted wasn¡¯t clear yet. It was too early for the Qin fourth miss to panic.

    The only one making a mess at the moment was a minor character who would have no bearing on the Lu n strategy. There was no need to pay it any heed at all.

    ¡°You¡¯¡¯re certainly broadminded about everything.¡± Bingtang sighed. ¡°I thought we¡¯d be able to live carefree lives after leaving the trash emperor and trampress behind in Great Yan. But after arriving here, I¡¯ve discovered that it¡¯s impossible to live a free and easy life.¡±

    Thementation teased a chuckle out of Qin Yining. ¡°Says who? We¡¯re living quite free and easy at the moment.¡±

    ¡°Free and easy? Don¡¯t you think that the most you can do now is be trapped in the manor and make morning and evening greetings to the old dowager? Her impression of you wasn¡¯t good to begin with, now she jeers and taunts you at every opportunity. This sucks!¡±

    Qin Yining waved a hand with a smile. ¡°Silly girl, do I look like an ordinary noble daughter to you?¡±

    Bingtang blinked nkly.

    Xianyun, braiding Xiaozhou¡¯s hair off to the side, smiled. ¡°You¡¯re no ordinary person, miss, so you naturally don¡¯t care about what ordinary people do.¡±

    ¡°No matter what I do, I¡¯m living a free and easy life as long as the bigger picture is moving in the direction I want.¡±

    ¡°So this means that what¡¯s happening now is also something you want?¡± asked Bingtang.

    Qin Yining arched a nomittal brow. ¡°Some things need to be blown up in order to be handled in an easier manner.¡± She rose. ¡°Let¡¯s put on thicker clothes and walk around in the yard.¡±

    Weather in Great Zhou dipped heavily into cold and frost. It was already the second month of the year, but the nippy wind outside still bit deeply into bones.

    Qin Yining wore a heavy winter coat and carried a hand warmer, chatting and strolling with her maids in the yard.

    The Qin manor now didn¡¯t boast the extensive acreage that the former family manor had. It was just a simpleplex¡ªtwo houses deep, with each family branch assigned to different houses. Therefore, the entire family could see what Qin Yining was doing if they cared to.

    The old dowager closed the window after putting down the window rod, sitting down primly with a dismissive snort.

    ¡°That girl is having a ball of a time.¡±

    Qin-mama amiably brought over a bowl of cheese. ¡°Have some a snack, Old Dowager. The kitchen just sent this over. It¡¯s still warm.¡±

    However, her mistress waved her off. ¡°Just look at our manor now. Though it¡¯s nice to have a ce to live, it¡¯s a bit small. I can see everything those chits are doing when I open the windows, and I can hear everything they say if they speak loudly. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on either, but I¡¯m irritated by the merest sight of the slippery fourthss. Her devious self is so annoying to look at.¡±

    The fourth miss and the lord are so simr. You just hate her because she¡¯s a bit more objective in her ways.

    Although Qin-mama also felt that the old dowager had been less than aboveboard in many things, she was loyal to her mistress in the end. The granny servant sighed. ¡°Mistress only thinks this way because you¡¯re angry.¡±

    ¡°Why did that damn girl go and offend the Lus!¡± The Qin matriarch had questioned her sons yesterday before getting a full handle on the foundations of the Lu n.

    She couldn¡¯t wrap her mind around it at all. Qin Yining had only gone to attend a banquet, how had she managed to offend such a prominent family??

    ¡°The Marquis of Valiant Faith household is no ordinary noble family. I heard that if General Mi hadn¡¯t died, he¡¯d be on the same level as Prince Consort Ji and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank by now. The marchioness is also an eminent Lu! What does the fourthss use for brains, why didn¡¯t she know that she had to get along with them!¡±

    The old dowager mmed her hand angrily on the square table, shaking porcin tea cups with images of carp frolicking among the lotus flowers. ¡°How will be afford the loss of face if we really lose our home!?¡±

    The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and the more maddening the sound of girlishughter from the yards became.

    She was about to push open the window and shout at Qin Yining when a maid called out a report.

    ¡°Reporting to Old Dowager, a madame hase and is asking to see the fourth miss.¡±

    Worries that she would have no ce to live being first and foremost on her mind, the old dowager immediately thought of Madame Lu when she heard a ¡®madame¡¯ hade to visit.

    ¡°Quick, quick, get the damn girl here,¡± she urged Qin-mama. ¡°I¡¯m going to give her a piece of my mind before letting her see the guest. Otherwise, with our family¡¯s shallow foundations, how is the future going to look if we fully offend someone!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, mistress. We don¡¯t know who¡¯se.¡± Qin-mama tried for some calm, but still set off to fetch Qin Yining.

 Chapter 355.2: Communication Gap Between Generations

    <h4>Chapter 355.2: Communication Gap Between Generations</h4>

    When she heard that a young madame was looking for her, Qin Yining instructed Jiyun and Bingtang to wait on their guest and serve tea. She would be there shortly after a change of clothing.

    Just after entering the old dowager¡¯s house, her grandmother dered angrily before the girl even drew near, ¡°Just look at what you¡¯ve done now, you vile spawn!¡±

    The sudden reprimand waspletely baffling. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Old Dowager? Why are you so angry?¡±

    The Qin matriarch was so angry that she picked up a teacup lid to smash. But upon having second thoughts, since the family wasn¡¯t as well-off as before, she put it back down after a deep breath in. Tea wares were a set; smashing one lid meant that the rest would be useless as well.

    ¡°How dare you ask me?! I tell you, you will do your best to apologize andpensate with gifts today. Madame Lu must be appeased! If this really does affect the family, I¡¯ll have your father hang you up and whip you! You may not want to abide by the rules and have an easy life, but don¡¯t drag the family into your nonsense!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s words were exceedingly ugly. If an unmarried girl really was whipped by her father, her reputation would be ruined. Though she knew that the old dowager was just frightening her, anger still rose from the bottom of Qin Yining¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Old Dowager, I won¡¯t drag the family down. But having gained power and prosperity because of me, I haven¡¯t seen you show me one iota of kindness. The harshness ising right back into y at the first sign of trouble. If all grandmothers reprimanded their granddaughters like this without knowing right from wrong, noble girls everywhere would hang themselves!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± The old dowager smacked the table viciously. ¡°You don¡¯t understand that repentance should be forting after a mistake! You¡¯re a wild thing that grew up in the countryside alright! Having not been properly educated, you¡¯re much less than a noble daughter from a good family!¡±

    ¡°Please consider your words carefully, Old Dowager. I didn¡¯t have the fortune of growing up in the family, but was that really my choice?¡±

    The affairs of yesteryear were Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun¡¯s greatest pain point. Everyone in the family knew to avoid the topic. Though the old dowager refrained from bringing it up as well, it still made her happy to put down an intractable granddaughter. Her son and daughter-inw weren¡¯t here at the moment, anyway.

    The Qin matriarch was harassing the girl so endlessly because she wanted Qin Yining to bend the knee to Madame Lu.

    But the Qin fourth miss would never do so.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡± Qin Yining reverted to seriousness. ¡°I know that you¡¯re saying all this only because you¡¯re mad. With your wisdom, you¡¯ll easily get to the heart of a matter with just a bit of thought. I¡¯ll say just this: father has just arrived in Great Zhou and is unfamiliar with both people and terrain. The conflicts at court are soplicated, so what do you think we should do for father so that he has an easier time of things?¡±

    Her granddaughter¡¯s coaxing tone, like she was talking to a child, elicited another wave of annoyance from the old dowager.

    When someone rubbed her the wrong way, everything that person did and said was displeasing in the Qin matriarch¡¯s eyes.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t hope for any real sort of response from her grandmother either. She continued onwards of her own volition. ¡°With father holding a position at court, what he wants most to do is to stabilize his position in Great Zhou. Old Dowager naturally knows what father wishes to do, so your granddaughter won¡¯t go over what¡¯s already known. The Lus are indeed powerful, but can father back down in this? If he shrinks back this time, the next person will climb on top of our heads and take a dump!¡±

    The scales of the old dowager¡¯s heart tipped slightly after hearing her granddaughter¡¯s methodological analysis.

    ¡°Being an official, face and dignity is of utmost importance for father. No matter what the Lus want to do, they must consider the emperor¡¯s reaction. Madame Lu¡¯s not from the main family branch¡ªshe¡¯s just the miss of a small side branch. Everyone knows that she¡¯s used to throwing her weight around and kicking up a fuss. Someone will be along soon to take care of her, after she¡¯s dered that she¡¯ll throw us all out onto the streets. I will not go apologize to her! Father still has a job he wants to keep!¡±

    Qin Yining broke the issue down as much as she could with all the patience she had. She really hoped that her grandmother could understand, and that she wouldn¡¯t act of her own ord to do something that ended up dragging Qin Huaiyuan down.

    The Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t care much for her own face; the family¡¯s attitude was what was important.

    It was Madame Lu in the wrong here. If the Qins were the ones who ended up bowing their heads, then more people woulde sniffing around to bully them. Were the Qins supposed to give way to all challengers?

    It was more ideal to throw down with the madame then, making a statement to everyone that the surrendered Great Yan officials were no weaklings.

    Qin Yining paid no more attention to the old dowager and quickly moved to the front yard. When she arrived at the door, Bingtang came up to whisper, ¡°The Commandery Princess Consort of Yan is here.¡±

    Commandery Princess Consort of Yan... Li Yanyan?

    The old dowager had gotten worked up for nothing!

    Both highly irritated and resigned, a good mood swept over Qin Yining and she chuckled. Stepping into the main hall through the lifted door curtains, the fragrance of good tea wafted into her nose.

    Li Yanyan was wearing a deep purple, in brocade cape with a hat of simr fabric on her head. The fur-lined brim of the hat came down to her forehead, highlighting the fairness of her skin and suppleness of her red lips.

    Qin Yining curtsied with a smile. ¡°To think that the Commandery Princess Consort of Yan would grace our humble abode. An honored guest truly brings grace and fortune to our home.¡±

    Such tant pleasantries faded the smile on Li Yanyan¡¯s face, and her original words stuck in her throat, unable to be voiced at all.

 Chapter 356: A Person of Ice

    <h4>Chapter 356: A Person of Ice</h4>

    Qin Yining was in no hurry. Her unadorned hand reached for the teapot to refill Li Yanyan¡¯s cup, then pushed the refreshment to her visitor¡¯s side.

    Li Yanyan smiled at her host. ¡°His Majesty has bestowed a manor onto themandery prince. It¡¯s a bit of a distance from your family¡¯s. We¡¯ve just finished moving, so I wanted toe pay you a visit. We¡¯re all from Great Yan, after all. No matter what unpleasantness we had before, we¡¯re all one family now that we¡¯re here in Great Zhou.¡±

    Themandery princess consort¡¯s visage was gentle and friendly, the same amiable air that Qin Yining had seen on Mt. Eternal Spring.

    The reversion was surprising, but the Qin fourth miss smiled and didn¡¯t express anything. ¡°So His Majesty has already gifted you with a manor. I¡¯m stuck in the Qin residence all day and have be a frog at the bottom of a well. I don¡¯t know anything about what¡¯s happening outside, so am deeply embarrassed that Your Highness hase to visit before I¡¯ve tendered my congrattions on your new home.¡±

    Li Yanyan heaved a silent sigh of relief to see how polite Qin Yining was being. It looked like she¡¯d been thinking too much just now. There were no hidden barbs within the Qin fourth miss¡¯ greeting of ¡®an honored guest truly brings grace and fortune to our home¡¯.

    ¡°Not at all. Everyone¡¯s in the same difficult straits, having newly arrived in Great Zhou. I understand, even if nothing is explicitly said.¡±

    Qin Yining responded only with a gentle smile. It suddenly felt bizarre to be speaking of matters of the heart when the two of them weren¡¯t that close. They were acquaintances to begin with, and then enemies after both ended up in the Great Yan pce. It was then that the Qin fourth miss had known that the two of them wouldn¡¯t suddenly be fast friends.

    Seeing that her host wasn¡¯t saying much, Li Yanyan proposed topics of her own. She mostly stuck to the prosperity of the Great Zhou capital or what fabric prints were most in vogue. What she never brought up was the purpose of her visit.

    Impatience brewed when Qin Yining saw that her guest was beating around the bush. But she¡¯d always had a lot of patience and could keep her cool. Since Li Yanyan wasn¡¯t being forthright, neither would she ask anything either. She merely kept her guestpany and piped in with a word or two whenever appropriate.

    The princess consort talked herself hoarse, fully imparting the undertones of, ¡°I have something to discuss with you.¡± But the Qin fourth miss refused to rise to the bait.

    Li Yanyan was quite resigned. When back in Great Yan, this move was more than effective against middle-aged noblewomen. Why wasn¡¯t it working on a girl sixteen years of age?

    Seeing the day grow old, she couldn¡¯t linger much longer. ¡°I have something to discuss with you,¡± whispered the princess consort.

    Finally out of patience?

    Arching a mental eyebrow with a hidden smile, Qin Yining waved a hand behind her back to Jiyun.

    The maid dismissed herself and the others, while Li Yanyan¡¯s maids also retreated to the covered hallway, standing guard at the doors to prevent anyone from drawing close.

    The Qin fourth miss smiled. ¡°Please speak freely of whatever¡¯s on your mind.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m actually here today for the most important matter of your life.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± The Qin fourth miss raised a brow. ¡°I hadn¡¯t realized Your Highness likes to y matchmaker now.¡±

    Is she mocking me?

    Li Yanyan held in her difort with force of will and smiled demurely. ¡°I didn¡¯t have anything else to do either, and it¡¯s not like I¡¯m worrying about an outsider.¡±

    She looked at the Qin fourth miss gently. ¡°Themandery prince and I have heard about the suffering you underwent a while ago in the manor of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. The prince is really quite heartbroken on your behalf. But s, none of us are in fullmand of our fates. I know Miss Qin is one with high moral character and won¡¯t have your heart swayed by crass silver and gold. Therefore, I didn¡¯t bring any of that with me today.

    ¡°I won¡¯t talk in circles given our rtionship. I¡¯m here today on behalf of you and the prince. The prince only has me and Gu Chang by his side these days. The other concubines have all died, wasted away from illness, or were lost on the way here. The prince genuinely likes you. As long as you give the nod, he will immediately request an imperial decree to wee you as his concubine.

    ¡°I rather feel that it doesn¡¯t matter if one is a consort or a concubine. The most important thing is that the prince really does like you. I know that younger sister Qin has suffered a lot in the outside world. It¡¯s a wonderful thing now to have such a good shelter opening his arms in wee to you.¡±

    Qin Yining kept her primly seated position, just mildly listening to Li Yanyan¡¯s words. It was impossible for themandeering princess to detect the girl¡¯s preferences, and she grew more and more uncertain.

    However, she also strongly felt that it was already unparalleled favor for the prince to empty a spot for the Qin fourth miss. Surely the girl would understand that she should be content with a peaceful, stable home!

    Ever since Gu Chang¡¯s purposeful words in front of Yuchi Yan, Li Yanyan could feel that her husband¡¯s affections for Qin Yining had grown a little deeper.

    As opposed to having Yuchi Yan raise the issue himself, or let that little bitch Gu Chang im all the glory, it¡¯d be better for her, the official wife, to think of it first. With Yuchi Yan¡¯s identity, she would be unable to prevent more women from entering through his doors, but it would be easy to be a virtuous wife.

    Qin Yining¡¯s longshes fluttered down and she shook her head after a moment. ¡°Thank you for your sentiments, Your Highness. But you also know the situation at court, right? I¡¯m no longer the noble daughter from before. My father is an official at court and has his hands tied in many things. I¡¯m the same way, being a Qin.¡±

    The princess consort looked nkly at the response. She didn¡¯t understand what the fourth miss was getting at, but the notes of rejection rang loud and clear.

    If anything was proposed, the Qin fourth miss would refuse to join their household!

    Yet Li Yanyan actually felt relief at this oue. Gu Chang was already showing her up, what with those fake, simpering affectations. If Qin Yining came to their manor, then it was only a matter of time before Li Yanyan lost her position ofmandery princess consort.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a hurry to turn it down, younger sister Qin.¡± She sighed. ¡°Though Great Zhou is good, it¡¯s still different from our nation. Every man here bristles with strength and martial arts, but that also means ack of tenderness and care. Why don¡¯t you think about it some more?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to try to convince me anymore, Your Highness. My intentions are very clear. I won¡¯t marry into the imperial family. Even if themandery prince is only former royalty, I still won¡¯t marry him.¡±

    Li Yanyan was secretly delighted by this deration. As long as the girl refused to acquiesce, that meant the princess consort still had hope in the fights toe.

    And if the Qin fourth miss was even willing to speak a few good words on her behalf, Li Yanyan was certain that her future would be one of blissful, martial contentment with Yuchi Yan.

    But the princess consort also knew that it was impossible for Qin Yining to say anything good on her behalf.

    ¡°Alright then.¡± Li Yanyan had delivered her message. Her husband had hinted for her to y matchmaker, and she had done so. Whether or not she had seeded had nothing to do with her.

    She rose and nodded. ¡°Do think it over, younger sister. Perhaps next time it¡¯ll be His Highness visiting you.¡± She covered her mouth as she giggled, like she¡¯d delivered a joke.

    Qin Yining smiled faintly and called Bingtang and Jiyun over to send Li Yanyan out.

    When the princess consort reached her carriage, she continuously reminded Qin Yining, ¡°Your family has fallen on hard times now. If younger sister is willing to follow the prince, you¡¯d be able to save your family quite a bit of expense.¡±

    For a noble daughter who¡¯d never known the value of silver, this kind of excuse perfectly illustrated how pinched for money Yuchi Yan was, and how fixated he was on Qin Yining.

 Chapter 357: Brother Beauty

    <h4>Chapter 357: Brother Beauty</h4>

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯d say themandery princess consort has crossed her bottom line today.¡± Bingtang whispered when she came up to support Qin Yining¡¯s arm. ¡°It looks like she¡¯s not getting along with n¨¦e Gu in the Yan Manor.¡±

    ¡°Themandery prince seems to pay a lot of attention to his wife and concubine,¡± added Jiyun.

    ¡°Pay attention? It¡¯s more like he¡¯s obsessed with our miss,¡± teased Bingtang. ¡°If the prince knew about this, who knows how he¡¯ll be mad again?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled despite herself when she thought of what Pang Xiao might do. She¡¯d never realized before, but the more time they spent together, the more she could tell that Pang Xiao was the reincarnation of a green-eyed monster. He was an all-mighty tyrant outside, but was petty to the extreme over the slightest of details when it came to her. This kind of juxtaposition was quite amusing.

    The Qin fourth miss shook her head with a smile and turned to go inside.

    Somehow, Bingtang turned out to be prophetic.

    After dinner that night, a soft rustle sounded at rear window of the toilet while Qin Yining was leaning on a pale-blue, satin body pillow on the heated tform next to the window. She was reading by the light of thentern.

    Working on their embroidery, Xianyun and Jiyun exchanged nces. Xianyun took a position in front of her mistress while Jiyun crept to the back to scout out the premises.

    The guard carefully sidled to the toilet door, but heard Pang Xiao¡¯s voiceing from inside.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    Jiyun blinked, quickly lifted the door curtain to confirm, and sighed in relief when she saw that it was true. ¡°Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Where is your miss?¡±

    ¡°The miss is reading.¡± Jiyun curtsied with a smile and led the prince inside.

    Qin Yining had already put her book down and was putting her shoes on.

    Pang Xiao looked around, confirmed that there really was no one else around, and waved a hand at Xianyun and Jiyun.

    The two maids looked at each other and dismissed themselves with secret grins.

    The prince first blew out themp and then helped Qin Yining sit back down. He bent over to palm her white sock d feet in hisrge hands. Frowning, he noted, ¡°Your feet are so cold. Keep them on the tform and warm them up.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s going to take a while for me to get used to the climate here,¡± smiled Qin Yining. She lifted the thin nket to cover herself, but saw that Pang Xiao had taken his boots off and hopped onto the tform. He sat down cross-legged in front of her, grabbing her feet and hugging them to him.

    ¡°Ai! What are you doing! Let go!¡± The girl blushed furiously as she set foot on Pang Xiao¡¯s warm and firm abdomen. Her toes curled up as she tried to yank her feet back.

    However, the prince wouldn¡¯t let her. Still holding onto her ankles, he undid his tunic and ced her feet on his undergarment. He hugged the rest of her legs with his arms and wouldn¡¯t let her get away.

    ¡°How is it, warm?¡± He drew close with a chuckle.

    The Qin fourth miss red at him with ming cheeks, her struggles weakening. His body was like a mini-furnace and it was really very warm in his embrace. It was also quite pleasant to feel his muscles beneath her feet. It felt like ayer of velvet wrapped around a sturdy piece of iron.

    Thinking of where she was stepping on, Qin Yining kept her toes curled and didn¡¯t dare move around. Not only was her face red, so were her ears and neck. Thankfully themp had already been blown out to prevent those outside from looking in; it¡¯d be mortifying if someone saw her now.

    Pang Xiaoughed from his wonderful mood and whispered, ¡°Has your family given you a hard time, what with Madame Lu¡¯s affair?¡±

    Not only had he lowered his voice, but he¡¯d drawn very close to her. It was obvious that he was afraid of someone finding out that he was here. Thinking over how small their manor was now, Qin Yining also grew more careful. She wasn¡¯t the only one living in the rear garden.

    ¡°It¡¯s been alright. It¡¯s understandable that people have gotten nervous after the Lus made those threats.¡±

    Her quieter voice held a different timbre from its usual. It had a charminglyzy undertone, causing an itch in Pang Xiao¡¯s ears. His voice turned husky as well.

    ¡°You can tell me about any trouble you¡¯re in. If your family can¡¯t take care of it, there¡¯s still me.¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help butugh softly. ¡°I know that you¡¯ll back me up, but things aren¡¯t that serious yet. Besides, the Lus have a very deep foundation. You all must¡¯ve formedplex ties when you conquered Northern Ji, right? I know that with your strength, you have no need to be afraid of anyone. But you should still be more careful even in things that aren¡¯t important. Don¡¯t go attracting trouble for no reason at all.¡±

    Listening to the warm words of care, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t feel the disappointment of his loved one doubting him at all. Rather, he feltforted from the very depths of his heart, like drinking a steaming bowl of meat soup on a cold winter¡¯s night.

    Qin Yining must also like me very much now too, right?

    He¡¯d upied a shameless role in the beginning, doing everything he could to bridge the gap between them. He¡¯d shed blood and hopped over walls. When thinking back to all the silly things he¡¯d done to pursue Qin Yining, they were all things that he¡¯d never done for anything else.

    His efforts had bore good fruit; he was his darling¡¯s one and only. All of his hard work had been worth it, and only when he grew even stronger could he take a stand forward for his darling!

    Pang Xiao massaged her calves with hisrge hands, a smile clinging to his lips despite himself.

    He was actually a bit thankful to Sir Zheng, who¡¯de looking for General Pang¡¯s progeny. If it hadn¡¯t been for Li Qitian wanting to unfurl the Pang banner, Pang Xiao might¡¯ve died in the chaos of war torn times or just quietly living out his life as a little tavern¡¯s keeper. The only sure thing was that he¡¯d never have met Qin Yining.

    How boring would his life be if such a person wasn¡¯t present!

    He traced her calves into his tunic, palming her feet with a sigh. ¡°You were so young when I first saw you. You¡¯d fallen onto the ground after being thrown out of the apothecary. The items in your broken basket were spilt all over the ground. It was a heartache inducing sight. I¡¯d thought you would cry, but you wiped your face off instead and turned to buy meat buns.¡±

    Qin Yining started, then jerked her head up to look at the man. ¡°What, what did you say?¡±

    Pang Xiao looked gently at her. ¡°Sir Zheng had just found me and I happened to hear them talk about the child they had kidnapped from the Qins. I asked them for details before finding out that they¡¯d swapped you out for another girl and thrown you away, all in the name of revenge.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always felt that a family shouldn¡¯t be dragged into the sins of an individual. The crimes of thest generation shouldn¡¯t be inherited by the next. So I pleaded with Sir Zheng for the longest time before finding my way to the city of Liang, where I ended up seeing you. But my position was really low then and I was under Sir Zheng¡¯s control, so I couldn¡¯t leave too much silver with you.

    ¡°My darling Yi, I¡¯m sorry. You suffered on the mountain for so many years. I didn¡¯t give you that much silver, so it didn¡¯t support you for too long, did it?

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find you when I returned to the city the next year. I asked a lot of people and they all said that you disappeared after your foster mother died.

    ¡°I really was sad for a very long time. If it wasn¡¯t for the General Pang affair, you would¡¯ve been a noble daughter living in thep of luxury at home. You wouldn¡¯t have needed to have such a hard life at all.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re... you¡¯re...¡± Lips trembling, Qin Yining clutched at Pang Xiao¡¯s tunic and choked out, ¡°You¡¯re that Brother Beauty?¡±

 Chapter 358: Lovey Dovey

    <h4>Chapter 358: Lovey Dovey</h4>

    When a little girl roughly eight years of age had looked up at him withrge, blinking eyes and called him ¡®Brother Beauty¡¯, his heart had just utterly melted. The girl had just been too cute.

    And now, an adult Pang Xiao had utterly melted as well.

    This nickname of ¡®Brother Beauty¡¯ sank into his very bones. He was usually infused with inexhaustible strength, but now he didn¡¯t even have the energy to raise his arm. That tingly, numbing feeling upied all of his senses.

    ¡°The Pangs did you an enormous wrong that year.¡± Such was his statement after a lengthy pause.

    Qin Yining¡¯s mind was a jumbled mess, but her tears seemed to have their own will. They refused to listen to her and streamed down endlessly.

    She was no weakling and rarely cried. But for some reason, an unexinable sense of aggrieved suffering welled up when she heard that it¡¯d been Pang Xiao¡¯s father¡¯s old troops who¡¯d smuggled her out of the manor.

    Perhaps she wouldn¡¯t have minded if anyone else had done so, except for Pang Xiao. Did she have higher standards for him because she¡¯d entrusted so much of her feelings to him?

    She didn¡¯t hate him, just felt wronged.

    After prolonged silence without a response, Pang Xiao reached out to her face when he heard faint sounds of sobbing. He panicked when his hand came back wet.

    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my darling, don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s all my fault, my fault.¡± Stricken, the prince came forward and gathered the girl in his arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, so sorry. If I¡¯d known learned of everything earlier, if I¡¯d made more time to go see you, then you wouldn¡¯t have suffered so much.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head and spoke haltingly through her tears. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. If you hadn¡¯t given me those ten taels of silver, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to help my foster mother with her illness. I might¡¯ve sold myself into very. You helped me a lot. I had enough money to take care of my foster mother and see to her final affairs.¡±

    des scraped agonizingly across Pang Xiao¡¯s heart when he heard that she¡¯d almost had to sell herself for money. He tightened his grasp and swayed with her. ¡°I would¡¯ve deserved a thousand deaths if I¡¯d made you fall into such circumstances.

    ¡°What you don¡¯t know is that this has always weighed on my heart. Before I came into your life, it¡¯d been my father¡¯s people who put you through all that suffering! I felt very guilty towards you.

    ¡°But my position in the army wasn¡¯t yet stable in the early years. I didn¡¯t have my own power orwork. I had to look to others for everything I wanted to do. I¡¯ve built my strength up only over the past two years and have finally been able to flex my muscles.¡±

    ¡°So you used the war against Great Yan to visit the Yan capital?¡± Qin Yining suddenly remembered how they¡¯d met at the Celestial Nunnery. She sat upright. ¡°Is Priestess Liu one of yours?¡±

    ¡°Not really. We¡¯ve just long been in contact with each other. Priestess Liu is highly intelligent and crafty. I¡¯m also good friends with Blockhead, so I would tell her a few things.¡±

    Qin Yining wiped her eyes dry as her mind raced, connecting all the dots. Priestess Liu was uncle-master to Mu Jinghu, while Pang Xiao¡¯s words just now could prove that the priestess was the Soothsayer.

    She wasn¡¯t surprised by the conclusion, just felt mildly embarrassed that she¡¯d once paid a huge sum to the priestess to have thetter pretend to be the Soothsayer.

    ¡°I started receiving intelligence ever since the Qins found you. The war was at a crucial moment then, and father-inw drew a lot of attention because he upied a lofty position. I snuck in to see you on the day you returned. They set you up in a house near the manor walls and purposefully gave you the cold shoulder by making you wait a long time. I was up on the roof watching you, when you sat on the stone stool next to the bamboo forest.¡±

    Qin Yining was really and truly shocked now. To think there were so many other details after their initial meeting in her childhood!

    Some awkwardness crept into Pang Xiao¡¯s voice at this point and he admitted rather bashfully, ¡°I ced the hairpin I stole from you under my pillow. I take it out and look at it every day.¡±

    Eyes widened, Qin Yining recalled the pervert who¡¯d descended from the skies that day. He¡¯d stolen her hairpin and caressed her cheek. That matter had continuously bothered her¡ªto think Pang Xiao would do something like that!

    She blushed bright red when she heard that he¡¯d put it under his pillow and looked at it everyday. So that meant he had already noticed her before they¡¯d met at the nunnery. He was even pining for her via her hairpin!

    ¡°So, you, you... already at that time...¡±

    ¡°Yes, I already liked you then. Even though I didn¡¯t really understand my own feelings at that time, everything I did instinctively was proof that my heart was already yours.¡±

    Taking her hands into his own, Pang Xiao ran his rough fingers over her silky smooth skin. He reverently dropped a kiss into her palm.

    ¡°My darling, I¡¯m so very happy that you like me too now, and that you care for me.¡±

    Such straightforward conversation made Qin Yining both shy and happy. She didn¡¯t know how to react and just grinned foolishly at the vague outline of his features in the dark.

    Sensing her joyous mood, Pang Xiao rained down kisses on her fingertips and the backs of her hands.

 Chapter 358.2: Lovey Dovey

    <h4>Chapter 358.2: Lovey Dovey</h4>

    Being able to speak of past affairs lightened the load of guilt on Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. He asked apprehensively, ¡°My darling, can you forgive me?¡±

    Qin Yining burst into chuckles. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault, why would I me you? I highly agree with what you said. A family shouldn¡¯t be dragged into the sins of an individual. The crimes of thest generation shouldn¡¯t be inherited by the next. You weren¡¯t the one who arranged for me to be smuggled away from my family. You really don¡¯t have to give yourself a hard time over this.¡±

    ¡°But I just can¡¯t rest easy.¡± Pang Xiao folded her into his arms and gave a long sigh.

    Qin Yining breathed in his refreshing, masculine scent and felt that life was truly marvelous.

    ¡°This is probably karma. It was because of Northern Ji and Great Yan¡¯s enmity that my father came up with his plot, which is why our families formed this feud, which then led to Sir Zheng¡¯s actions. How would you have noticed me if they hadn¡¯t smuggled me out of the Qins? Then we wouldn¡¯t have met at Liang and nothing afterwards would¡¯ve happened.¡±

    Come to think of it, her heart would be missing a piece if the two of them were actually strangers. The possibility bred an inexplicable sense of loneliness.

    Pang Xiao felt the same too. If it hadn¡¯t been for Zheng Pei¡¯s extreme actions, if it hadn¡¯t been for Pang Xiao growing up by his maternal grandparents¡¯ side and forming an extremely different value system, he wouldn¡¯t have felt guilt toward the Qin daughter. Neither would he have paid any attention to her.

    If Qin Yining had grown up in thep of luxury by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side, she would just be a typical noble daughter and truly the daughter of his enemy then.

    Both of them sighed with emotion and hugged the other tighter.

    ¡°My dear.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Pang Xiao dropped a kiss on her forehead. ¡°The moon is so beautiful tonight.¡±

    Baffled, the girl looked around. It was pitch-ck inside and the windows were shut. What moon was there to see?

    Her straightforward actions had her emotions writ all over her face. The prince almost burst outughing. Instead, the violent heaving of his chest imparted quite a sense of resignation to Qin Yining.

    The two looked at each other and grinned foolishly.

    After a while of silliness, Pang Xiao whispered, ¡°I have something to ask you.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± chortled Qin Yining.

    ¡°What did the Commandery Princess of Yan visit you for?¡±

    Resignation struck Qin Yining again.

    ¡°How do you know she came? If you have people by my side reporting to you, shouldn¡¯t you know why she came? Why are you asking me?¡±

    Her tone was calm and an amused smile hung on her face. However, themps weren¡¯t lit inside the room and Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t see her expression. He thought she¡¯d been angered.

    ¡°My men are keeping an eye on themandery prince¡¯s manor and saw his princess consort leave. As for you, I would only arrange for people to protect you. How would I ever keep you under surveince? You¡¯re not a criminal, so why would I restrict your freedom?¡±

    His nervous demeanor teased Qin Yining into giggling.

    Finally understanding, the prince squeezed with amusement and mock anger. ¡°Alright, stop giggling, tell me what she came for.¡±

    ¡°Well, she came to puff herself up and pretend to be something she¡¯s not.¡± Qin Yining summarized Li Yanyan¡¯s visit. ¡°This is why I say it¡¯s tiring being a woman. She doesn¡¯t like the situation at all, but has to pretend to be generous for the sake of a virtuous and wifely reputation. She can¡¯t say what¡¯s on her mind nor can she vent her feelings. She has to put on that act in front of outsiders and go home to cry by herself.¡±

    Hearing her wax eloquent, Pang Xiao hastily reassured, ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of man. I won¡¯t make things difficult for you.¡±

    The girl red at him. ¡°Don¡¯t say that so early. You¡¯ve got ten beauties at home.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I went looking for them.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh. They were an imperial gift¡ªyour legitimate concubines. They can carry on the family name for you.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s tone was a bit urgent now as she¡¯d realized the inappropriateness of her words.

    It was very normal for men to have a wife and multiple concubines. Even someone like her father had once taken several concubines so as to father more children.

    When men with power and influence made it to a certain position, their peers and subordinates woulde knocking with beauties, even if the man himself wasn¡¯t actively on the hunt. It wasn¡¯t the thing to turn down such an offering, so the man in question would have to ept with thanks.

    Setting aside the gifted women, the men could take the maids who served in their study and bedroom anytime they wanted. If a maid could be a bedwarmer, her status would be slightly higher than a regr servant. When she bore children, she too would be a concubine, albeit a lower-status one. But still, that would make her a mistress in the household.

    Qin Yining understood the realities of life. It was also a rite of passage for every woman to hide her sorrow when seeing her husband sleep with his concubines and bedwarmers, or go drinking with his buddies apanied by female escorts.

    But upon thinking that one day Pang Xiao would also share this tenderness with someone else, she still felt despondent and lost.

    ¡°Miss!¡± The door creaked open and Xianyun quickly strode in.

    Qin Yining came back to herself and pushed Pang Xiao aside.

    ¡°Milord ising this way!¡± whispered Xianyun. ¡°He¡¯s going to be at the door soon!¡±

 Chapter 359: Counterplot (I)

    <h4>Chapter 359: Counterplot (I)</h4>

    ¡°Aiya, move, move! Why aren¡¯t you going yet?¡± Qin Yining sprang up like a startled bunny, pushing at Pang Xiao with both hands. ¡°If father sees you in my house, I won¡¯t be able to exin myself no matter what I say.¡±

    The prince almost fell off the heated tform from her almighty shove. Where did she get all that strength from? He put his boots on with resignation and caressed Qin Yining¡¯s face before he left.

    The fourth miss hurriedly scrambled back to the heated tform and flung the thin nket over herself. She closed her eyes after seeing Pang Xiao¡¯s figure vanish behind the door, then sat up like she¡¯d just woken up when she heard her father¡¯s footsteps.

    Xianyun had already relit themp with an embroidered covering.

    ¡°Father, what brings you here?¡± smiled Qin Yining.

    ¡°Jiyun said that you¡¯d gone to bed. Why are you sleeping so early? Are you sick?¡± Qin Huaiyuan took a seat on the round chair that Xianyun and Jiyun brought over and epted a cup of tea from Bingtang.

    ¡°How would I get sick so easily?¡± chuckled his daughter. ¡°But the climate in the Great Zhou capital is different from ours. It really is too cold. I don¡¯t even want to move from this tform, so huddled in the nkets and fell asleep from reading.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not good to read at night, it strains the eyes.¡± Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand after taking a sip of tea.

    Xianyun, Jiyun, and Bingtang dismissed themselves with curtsies.

    Qin Yining sat up. ¡°Do you have something to discuss with me, father?¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± answered her father. ¡°Did themandery princess visit to try to convince you to be themandery prince¡¯s concubine?¡±

    ¡°Nothing can be kept from father, alright! That¡¯s exactly what happened. She employed both emotional and rational arguments and spoke with great sincerity. But I think father knows my heart very well. I would never agree to it.¡±

    ¡°Of course I do.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°I already said prior that I won¡¯t disapprove of you and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. I¡¯ve onlye to confirm things with you. I¡¯ll know what to do at court if you¡¯ve made up your mind not to have anything to do with themandery prince.¡±

    With her father being a principal second rank minister, he was to join the Grand Secretariat in the future. He was such an awfully important person, yet still cared about his daughter¡¯s feelings in whatever he did. This really touched Qin Yining.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tie your own hands and feet because of my selfishness, father. You should put yourself first.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan chuckled. ¡°Silly girl, you still don¡¯t understand. What is your father an official for? Not only for the sake of my career, but more importantly for the happiness of the family. If I have my loved ones make sacrifices for some unimportant things, that would be putting the cart before the horse!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s respect for her father depended further. Her father was very sharp, yes, but there were plenty of intelligent people in the world¡ªsome even smarter than him. Who amongst those who¡¯d flourished at court for so many years wasn¡¯t a wily, crafty sort?

    He was more renowned than all of them precisely because of his personal charisma. There existed a bottom line in his heart that he never crossed, and he was never unduly affected by various influences in a situation.

    He hadn¡¯t forgotten his own ideals when following the trash emperor of Great Yan, and he remained unruffled whether following Yuchi Yan or Li Qitian. Everything was under cool control.

    Qin Yining truly admired her father from the depths of her heart. He seemed to have the ability to resolve all difficult problems in the world. Even the greatest of matters didn¡¯t shake him. He always had a firm handle on everything and chose the correct path for the family to take.

    ¡°Father, I understand what you mean.¡± The girl smiled. ¡°I hope I can be someone like you in the future.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan snorted withughter. ¡°And what¡¯s so good about someone like me?¡±

    ¡°Of course there¡¯s plenty good about father! Why else would so many respect and admire you?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan grinned broadly. ¡°Oh, stop giving me highfalutinpliments like that. I hear your grandmother is angry again, this time because of the manor?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± sighed his daughter. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that the Marchioness of Valiant Faith would be so outrageously arrogant to sprout that kind of threat? I wonder what she would think if she learned that I bought the residence a long time ago, and anything having to do with father is jut a formality.¡±

    The man put down his teacup with a smile. ¡°So tell me, how are you nning on resolving this issue?¡±

    A response came after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°It¡¯s actually very simple. Isn¡¯t she saying that she¡¯s going to buy our manor and make it so that others won¡¯t sell or rent to us so we¡¯ll be homeless? I don¡¯t know if other people will listen to her, but purely on the basis of us owning this residence means that there¡¯s no way she¡¯ll be able to buy it.

    ¡°So I¡¯ll let her do her thing and keep making a fuss for now. In fact, it¡¯d be best if everyone and everything knew about it. The more of a racket she makes means the more who will know about this, which means the harder she¡¯ll fall and be jeered at when she isn¡¯t able to buy the manor no matter how much gold she offers.¡± The fourth miss smirked coldly.

    Qin Yining was infuriated and humiliated whenever she thought back to how tantly hungry Madame Lu had looked at Pang Xiao and how the madame had thought Qin Yining was one of her kind, the type to dally with strange males.

    ¡°Doing this will indeed p the madame down a peg or two,¡±mented Qin Huaiyuan softly. ¡°But daughter Yi, don¡¯t forget that the Lus stand behind her. What does an aristocratic family more than hundreds of years of old care about the most? They no longer want for fame or wealth. What they care most about is the family¡¯s dignity.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be able to have the madame be a victim of her own evil deeds like this, and make it so that she¡¯spletely humiliated in the capital. But that also means the Lus will lose an enormous amount of face. It¡¯s not a wise choice for us to be at odds with the Lus so soon after arriving in Great Zhou.¡±

    Her father¡¯s words made Qin Yining sink into deep contemtion.

    That was true. As ludicrously inept as Madame Lu was, she was just part of one of many family branches. Even a dog kept by such an illustrious family was likely more noble than any other family¡¯s dog, much less a daughter of a side branch?

    She hadn¡¯te in contact with anyone else from n family yet. While the madame was a highly self-assured, conceited, self-absorbed, and wanton woman, that didn¡¯t mean everyone from that n was that way.

    But she also couldn¡¯t be certain that every remaining Lu was an upright, objective, and impartial individual either.

    ¡°Father is very right.¡± Qin Yining lowered her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t think things through properly.¡±

    ¡°No need for apologies,¡± smiled Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°It¡¯s impossible not to be mad when running into someone like that. Even I wanted to go demand an exnation when I heard about what had happened at the banquet, much less you who experienced it!

    ¡°I think that the Lus actually wanted to be friends, given that they threw a banquet and invited you to it. The madame was likely permitted toe because she married a good husband and was a nobledy,pared to you being a noble daughter.¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s right. Apparently General Mi, the Marquis of Valiant Faith, boasted of aplishments on par with Prince Consort Ji and Pang Zhixi.¡±

 Chapter 360: Counterplot (II)

    <h4>Chapter 360: Counterplot (II)</h4>

    ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve heard his deeds of daring and valor mentioned many times at court. He¡¯s a remarkable man. It¡¯s an absolute shame that he was taken from us so early.¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed, quite regretful of the loss.

    Having heard all of the rumors and gossip of the man¡¯s heartbroken death after taking such a wife, Qin Yining also felt that it been the sad waste of a perfectly wonderful person.

    ¡°My daughter, do you know why the marchioness is targeting you?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s good friends with the Princess of Anyang. The princess hates me, so therefore the madame hates me too.¡±

    Her father nodded. ¡°What else?¡±

    The fourth mis thought for a moment. ¡°With her personality, there¡¯s also probably the frustration and resentment of continuously failing to attract Pang Zhixi.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s one of the reasons too. What else?¡±

    Some more ideas shed through the girl¡¯s mind, but she wasn¡¯t entirely certain of them.

    Qin Huaiyuan took over the conversation. ¡°Back in the day, His Majesty took down Northern Ji with the support of the aristocracy. But when peace descended after the war, the existence of the aristocracy became at odds with imperial power. The families have deep roots and foundations, so the emperor doesn¡¯t dare make any careless moves. However, neither do the great ns. The two forces have been engaged in a tug-of-war all these years. Endless shes have urred in the shadows, but all seems fine on the surface. Though there have been plenty of scrapes and scuffles, it hasn¡¯t gotten to the point of all out hostilities.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, seeming to grasp a few things.

    Her father smiled to see the look of understanding.

    ¡°His Majesty have been able to vie with the aristocracy for so long because of the military power that his trusted nobles hold. That¡¯s allowed him to hold his own in the struggle. However, the emperor is a suspicious sort and doesn¡¯t fully trust his own officials either. We can see that from how he stripped militarymand from Pang Zhixi.

    ¡°The emperor is also well aware that not all of his nobles are of one heart with him either. With all the times that swords have been crossed, the scales of bnce between the His Majesty and the aristocracy have been tipping. There is an urgent vacuum at court for another new force to bnce out the aristocracy, Great Zhou officials, and former Northern Ji officials. At the same time, the emperor doesn¡¯t wish for this new force to be as untamed as his nobles holding military power have be.¡±

    Enlightenment washed over Qin Yining when she heard her father¡¯s words.

    ¡°I understand, father! A surrendered Yan officials such as you is precisely the new force that the emperor needs! I¡¯d only known before of the web between the old Northern Ji officials and the emperor¡¯s own nobles. I hadn¡¯t realized that the aristocracy existed behind the scenes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re yet unmarried, so the amount of people you¡¯vee in contact with is still limited. You don¡¯t know the full picture.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°But once I tell you all of the details, you¡¯re quick to have some insights.¡±

    The girl¡¯s face burned slightly with the high regard. ¡°Given how the aristocracy have weathered hundreds of years, their foundations may be as strong as an entire dynasty like Northern Ji. Their descendants are plentiful and scattered across various industries. Surely they have a very broadwork at court.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Her father nodded. ¡°This is precisely the strength of the aristocratic families, and why His Majesty is wary of them. It¡¯s only been a scant three to four years since Great Zhou¡¯s founding. He also took over the leaky sieve that was the Northern Ji national treasury. The revolutionaries that he first raised are no orthodox soldiers either. An army of farmers causes plenty of headaches when ites to politics.

    ¡°Yet these aristocracies have stood for hundreds of years and formed their own faction. Even the emperor needs to show them respect when running into each other, to say nothing of the original Northern Ji officials and nobles like Pang Zhixi.¡±

    ¡°Is this why the Princess of Anyang calls Madame Lu big sister and is so polite towards her?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± Qin Huaiyuan lowered his voice. ¡°Though His Majesty is the emperor, he isn¡¯tfortable with the dragon throne at all. His prestige and support in even his own troops fall short of Pang Zhixi and Ji Lan¡¯s.

    ¡°The Valiant Tigers and Dragon Riders are equally stunning in battle, but the Valiant Tigers are a bigger issue because Pang Zhixi is simply too charismatic. Many of the Valiant Tigers are Pang Zhixi¡¯s confidantes, and an unknown amount are willing to die for the prince. We can already see that from how he was able to deploy his men to go searching for you even without themand token.

    ¡°Inparison, Ji Lan is a coldly remote sort. Though he¡¯s very renowned in the army, he isn¡¯t as charismatic. The Dragon Riders are loyal and follow all of his orders, but they won¡¯t be deployed that easily.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I see. The emperor¡¯s confidantes are two nobles who hold military power, but both of them inherently contain a lot of unstable factors, particrly Pang Zhixi. This is why the emperor suppresses Pang Zhixi in whatever way he can¡ªstripping him of hismand, redefining his battlefield among the civil officials so as to cage an eagle, fraying rtions between him and Ji Lan, and making Ji Lan a royal son inw.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right,¡± affirmed her father. ¡°Therefore, with how much trouble is visited upon the emperor¡¯s confidantes, it goes without saying how much stress is being levied on the aristocracy who once supplied vast sums of money to the emperor.

    ¡°In their eyes, they probably think that the revolutionaries wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance without their help. Then we throw the Northern Ji grudges into the mix. Though they¡¯ve surrendered, how would they possibly not feel one whit of regret for being unable to save their former home and country? Though peace exists on the surface between these powers, it¡¯s not hard to understand why the emperor wants to make the surrendered Great Yan officials his own.

    ¡°So you¡¯re right. His Majesty wants to wants to fully grasp the Great Yan officials. Even if he can¡¯t immediately fully bring them under his banner, he can at least buy their hearts. Giving timely assistance will leave a deeper impression that making perfection even more perfect.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan raised his teacup for a sip. The room quieted down, with only the red candle in the embroideredmp popping loudly.

    Qin Yining mused silently for a long time. ¡°Father, my n for the marchioness wasn¡¯t very appropriate. I wasn¡¯t thinking clearly. It¡¯s easy enough to tell my people not to sell the manor to her, but that would be pping Madame Lu and the Lu n¡¯s face. That¡¯s more of a loss than a gain. I think we need to think of a way that both avoids offending the Lus and punishes Madame Lu at the same time.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re newly arrived in town and really shouldn¡¯t offend the Lus with our opening act,¡± assented Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°But allowing a widow to run all over us from the beginning means that we¡¯ll be looked down on. She¡¯ll inspire copycats.¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s right.¡± Qin Yining nodded in agreement and had a sudden stroke of brilliance. She lowered her voice. ¡°Father, do you think the emperor could¡¯ve arranged for all this?¡±

    Levity rose in the minister¡¯s eyes as he looked down as his daughter. ¡°This is exactly what I came to discuss with you tonight.¡±

    The more Qin Yining thought about this, the more suspicious she found everything and the faster she spoke.

    ¡°The emperor wants nothing more than to make you his confidante. He knows that our foundations are weak, being newly arrived in Great Zhou. We¡¯ll have a very tough time of things if we sh with the Lus. Therefore, His Majesty might have ordered the princess to incite Madame Lu, creating conflict between the two of us. After watching things with a cold, impartial eye over these days, I can tell that the emperor is immensely skilled at fomenting dissension.¡±

 Chapter 361: Refraining from Exposing

    <h4>Chapter 361: Refraining from Exposing</h4>

    Father and daughter were both equally clear about the situation after their analysis.

    Li Qitian had given secret orders to his sister for her to poke Madame Lu, so as to create the current circumstance. In this way, the emperor could also observe which side was stronger.

    ¡°Once the Qins feud with the Lus, it rewrites everything at court. Most importantly, if we exhibit battle strength stunning enough to suppress an aristocratic family, His Majesty benefits even if he doesn¡¯t give us aid in our time of need.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes sparkled at this point of her review, admiration increasing for that lofty liege on high. ¡°If we really form a vendetta with the Lu n, we¡¯ll definitely need a substantial patron. The emperor would be first choice without a doubt. That way, he¡¯ll reach his goal again. His Majesty truly does possess wit and resourcefulness in equal measure. He really is worthy of regard!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at his daughter with deep approval. ¡°I knew that you¡¯d be able to dissect everything cleanly as soon as I told you a few details. I knew you¡¯d pick the best course of action as well.¡±

    The girl blushed prettily from thepliments and waved them off.

    ¡°Therefore father, our most ideal course of action is to not offend the Lu n and punish Madame Lu?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We can¡¯t let a woman ride on top of us. We¡¯ll be belittled by everyone else if this persists. But we need to have enough restraint so we don¡¯t offend the Lus. I believe that the matter will exacerbate in the next few days. But don¡¯t worry, I have my ways of taking care of it.¡±

    Her expression grew dark when Qin Yining heard this. ¡°Father, things are such a mess at court and we aren¡¯t on firm footing yet. What¡¯s toe will surely be much moreplicated than this. Will we be able to handle it all?¡±

    The minister smiled to see his daughter in a rare moment of girlish worry. ¡°Silly girl, fish can¡¯t survive in pristine waters. The messier things are, the better.¡±

    He rose and flicked away the wrinkles on his sleeves and hems. ¡°I¡¯ll go back and assign some loyal and dependable Silver Masks to you for personal security. N¨¦e Cao¡¯s men are all talented in different ways and quite discrete. They¡¯ll be as unfailingly loyal as they were to the former emperor as long as they¡¯re paid appropriately.¡±

    The Qin patriarch chuckled. ¡°As for where their payes from, I won¡¯t be bothering myself with that at all. My daughter is a greatndlord now and much richer than her old father who draws a sry.¡±

    Qin Yining giggled. ¡°Father is such an amazing person, such a little bit of silver doesn¡¯t matter to you at all!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan waved a hand and resumed seriousness. ¡°On the contrary. You bought the manor and I am but a clean and honest official. My sry is very limited. Ai! Paying the Silver Masks these days have all but emptied me out. Shifting that off to you is just perfect.¡±

    ¡°Father, you¡¯re too tricky!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuanughed along with his daughter. But when the corner of his eye swept across the door to the washroom, the tall andrge shadow on the ground was quite the surprise. Aprehending smile stretched across his face momentster.

    He took themp with an embroidered cover and put in on the square table near the washroom. When the bright light drew closer to it, the shadow on the ground diffused away.

    Her back to the washroom, Qin Yining hadn¡¯t caught a hint of the shadow there at all. She¡¯d been under the assumption that Pang Xiao had left through the window.

    ¡°Father, what are you moving themp for?¡± asked the girl curiously.

    Qin Huaiyuan grinned and stood next to the square table where the newly relocatedmp was. Now his back was also to the washroom, just two steps away from where Pang Xiao was hiding behind the door frame.

    ¡°Silly girl, take a look. The light and shadows in the room change when themp is put here, right?¡±

    Qin Yining looked around and nodded nkly. ¡°Yes, they do.¡±

    ¡°We can see from this that light and shadow go hand-in-hand. There¡¯s no need to panic when darkness descends as a source of light is surely nearby. The situation at court changes from minute-to-minute, just like thismp. A careless shift and obstruction by these tables and chairspletely changes the shadows into something else.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled at his daughter and walked out. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, you should rest. I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡±

    Everything the duo had analyzed today had been very clear-cut and definite. But thisst part was a bit of a mystery.

    What light? What shadows?

    The door creaked open, followed by her father¡¯s instructions to the maids to stand the night watch well and not ck off.

    Qin Yining shook her head in befuddlement and turned back, throwing a look at themp. Curious, she shifted it back to its original position and moved to her father¡¯s original position.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that she¡¯d see arge and tall shadow in front of the washroom door as soon as she turned her head back!

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks ignited with explosive fury. She charged into the washroom and flung open the door curtain, seeing Pang Xiao leaning on the wall in deep thought. Throwing a fist-pound, she hissed, ¡°What are you doing? Didn¡¯t you leave already?! My father discovered you!¡±

    The prince responded with bewilderment, ¡°What?¡±

    Qin Yining pointed at the rear window ajar not too far from them. The moon was very bright tonight, its rays generously pouring in through the open window and drawing out the prince¡¯s long, bulky shadow on the ground.

    Pang Xiao smacked his forehead. ¡°Oh no! What a mistake, such a mistake! I pushed open the window just now and readied to leave, but thought of how intelligent father-inw is. He must¡¯ve sought you out with important things to say, so I decided to stay and listen for a bit. ¡°Father-inw¡¯s words have helped me grasp the light of rity, but to think that he would see my shadow! He is really too amazing!¡±

    Aiming a sidelong re at him, Qin Yining viciously pinched the prince.

    ¡°Keep pretending, why don¡¯t you! Do you think I don¡¯t know what kind of person you are?? If you really are that much of a fool to not know that the bright moon will leave shadows on the ground, you would¡¯ve been swallowed whole by others a long time ago! You did this on purpose!

    ¡°It¡¯s because the Commandery Princess Consort of Yan visited, isn¡¯t it? Pang Zhixi, can you not be so small-minded?! There¡¯s nothing going on between me and themandery prince! I didn¡¯t even care to be his empress back in the day, much less him being amandery prince now!

    ¡°How can you be so petty and use this kind of method to tell my father that we¡¯re close!? What, what do you want my father to think?? What kind of situation do you want to see me end up in??¡±

    She almost burst out into furious tears, thinking of how her father had very likely seen the shadow on the ground when they were conversing delightfully just now. He probably thought that he¡¯d bumped into ate night rendezvous between her and Pang Zhixi! This is so humiliating!

    Seeing his darling¡¯s eyes redden, Pang Xiao quickly hugged the girl tofort her. ¡°It¡¯s my fault, all my fault, alright? Don¡¯t cry! Father-inw is so smart that he surely knows we haven¡¯t done anything. Hisst words were pointers for me and also proof that he doesn¡¯t think anything else has happened.¡±

 Chapter 362: Receiving the Silver Masks

    <h4>Chapter 362: Receiving the Silver Masks</h4>

    ¡°Not thinking anything is just father protecting my dignity. You¡¯ve destroyed all of my august achievements!¡± Tears finally trickled down the girl¡¯s face.

    Pang Xiao grew even more frantic when his darling started crying. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, I know my wrongs, alright? I won¡¯t do this again. It¡¯s just that I care about you and was afraid that father-inw would suddenly think of the old times with his prior liege. What if he bestowed you to the Commandery Prince of Yan? What about me then? My wife was lost by another, who will make things right for me then?¡±

    In his urgency, the prince dropped the proper, official ent and spoke in a thick northern brogue.

    Having grown up in the south, Qin Yining rarely heard northern ents as bona fide as the one Pang Xiao¡¯s grandparents spoke with. It was such an intriguing ent and imparted a sense of closeness.

    Her tears dried up at the prince¡¯s words and she burst outughing. In mock anger now, she used, ¡°You¡¯re so utterly shameless! What pointers? Father was talking about shadows, the one you cast on the ground!¡±

    ¡°Yes yes yes. Shadows, not pointers. You¡¯re absolutely right.¡± Pang Xiao smiled with embarrassment and wiped away his girl¡¯s tears with his sleeves. Being rough around the edges, he used too much force and rubbed Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks raw.

    She backed away from the pain and leveled a re. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you leaving yet? What are you still doing here??¡±

    Her newly reddened cheeks made her seem very much like a bristling bunny. Pang Xiao adored the sight like no other and pulled her in for a few kisses.

    Entire face now beet red with anger, Qin Yining would¡¯veshed out with loud curses if it wasn¡¯t for her sisters living close by. She was covered in sweat by the time she finally peeled the ¡®Pang taffy¡¯ away from herself.

    Yet reluctant to leave, the prince nted a shy kiss on her cheek. ¡°Then I¡¯ll be off, really off now.¡±

    Qin Yining kicked him angrily. ¡°Get out of here!¡±

    This bunny even bites when it¡¯s cornered! This is so much fun!

    Deeply amused, Pang Xiao jumped lightly out of the rear window.

    Qin Yining watched him leap up onto the wall in one go, like a ck leopard on the hunt in the middle of the night. His body was agile and light, vanishing into the darkness in the blink of an eye.

    The girl quickly shut the window tight and crawled back into her nkets. The events of this evening were mortifying. That shameless guy deserves a, a, a wad of spit or something!

    Next morning saw Qin Yining sitting in front of the dressing table while Xianyun and Bingtang put her hair up. She scooped a bean-sized portion of the new jasmine flower lotion that Bingtang had mixed for her, spreading it out over the backs of her hands and wrists.

    Lian Xiaozhou instantly stuck her nose onto Qin Yining for a few deep sniffs. ¡°Big sister, smells so good.¡±

    The fourth miss smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s have your big sister Bingtang apply some for you in a moment.¡±

    The little girl bobbed her head, beaming merrily at Bingtang.

    Bingtang deftly twirled a strand of Qin Yining¡¯s ink-ck locks and secured it on her mistress¡¯ head. She used a delicate golden hairpin with a bug motif to pin it in ce.

    ¡°All the miss knows is tovish her with attention. She¡¯s spoilt to no end!¡± Though her tone was sour, it was obvious that the maid was joking.

    Lian Xiaozhou grabbed the satchel hanging on her waist and brought it up for a sniff, then waved it at Bingtang.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate Xiaozhou, she understands everything. She knows that you give her nice things and treat her well, don¡¯t you Xiaozhou?¡±

    The little girl nodded rapidly. ¡°Big sister Bingtang, good!¡±

    It was a sad fact of reality that Lian Xiaozhou had lost a great deal of her speech abilities. Bingtang pitied her all the more for it and shared anything fun or delicious that she came across. The maid had also taken up the task of teaching Xiaozhou how to read and recognize various herbs. She really did spend more effort on Xiaozhou thanpared to serving Qin Yining.

    Being the highly intelligent person she was, Xiaozhou had a clear grasp of everything, even if she couldn¡¯t vocalize it. How would she not know how kindly Bingtang treated her?

    Therefore, the little girl viewed Bingtang as another big sister and sought to grow closer to the older girl. She always set aside a few skewers of roasted bird whenever she cooked her favorite cuisine.

    Sadly, their current manor provided only cramped quarters. It was a hassle to have to find an unupied rear alley whenever Xiaozhou wanted to roast hertest catch.

    ¡°Greetings to Madame Cao.¡± Qiulu¡¯s voice travelled in from outside. The door curtains lifted to admit Cao Yuqing wrapped in a blue-ck cape with a fur cor.

    Ever since Cao Yuqing informed the Qins that she was no longer Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s concubine, but a guard in his employ, the family had stopped calling her Auntie Cao. Taking into consideration her age and two marriages, they swapped her address to Madame Cao instead.

    Cao Yuqing smiled down at the girl sitting in front of her dressing table. ¡°I¡¯m here early.¡±

    ¡°Please have a seat, Madame Cao. Qiulu, quick, go and fetch the almond tea.¡± The fourth miss smiled up at her visitor. ¡°I had them make almond tea this morning. It¡¯s wonderful when paired with snacks. Would you like a taste, Madame Cao?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The older woman¡¯s smile was a stunning stroke of beauty across an otherwise stern demeanor. Her limpid eyes spoke of depths of emotion, as if seeing someone else far off in the distance when she looked at the Qin fourth miss.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t think too much about it and quickly put up the rest of her hair. She skipped powder and grabbed two random pearl earrings to round out her outfit. Taking a seat at the eight-sided table with a smile, she offered with her own hands the tea and snacks that Qiulu had brought over.

    ¡°Try some.¡±

    Cao Yuqing happily epted and took an elegant sip, carefully savoring the vor notes within. ¡°It really is very fine.¡±

    Putting down her cup, the guard captain broached the subject of her visit. ¡°I¡¯m here today on orders of milord to bring you new guards. All four of them are very dependable and highly skilled in their own ways. They¡¯re perfect candidates to keep you safe.¡±

    She rose and called at the door for four teenagers of average height, build, and looks. The four bowed in unison.

    ¡°This is Jingzhe¡ªhis name is the characters for the time of spring when insects wake. This is Xiaoman, a reference to the eighth sr term of the year. Xiaoxue is named for the twentieth sr term, and Dahan for the cold of winter.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at each person as they were introduced.

    Jingzhe was taller than the rest and looked kind. Xiaoman had more delicate features and seemed a bit like a girl. Despite having the character for snow in his name, Xiaoxue was the exact opposite with a deep tan and thick eyebrows paired with arge mouth. Dahan looked the oldest, but was quite expressionless.

    Though all four were talented in different ways, they shared themon trait of beingpletely nondescript in a crowd.

    The fourth miss smiled. ¡°Were they named for various types of weather?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Their original names weren¡¯t these, but the emp... the one that made this rule said we are to use the twenty sr terms as code names. Recements are to take the ce of any that fall. Jingzhe is very strong in martial arts, Xiaoman adept in the art of disguise. Xiaoxue has the best qinggong [ref. The flying skills that we often see in wuxi films.[/ref] among the four Dahan is steady and experienced¡ªhe¡¯s very good at thinking on the fly anding up with adjustments on the spot. They¡¯re all very loyal. Milord took great pains in selecting the four of them for you.¡±

    Cao Yuqing reimed her seat next to Qin Yining, bestowing a satisfied smile on her well-trained men.

    The Qin fourth miss nodded solemnly. ¡°Thank you for going to this trouble, Madame Cao. I understand your kind intentions. I will show them only the best treatment at my side.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be the best.¡± Cao Yuqing smiled. ¡°They alle from impoverished backgrounds and sold themselves when they had no other choice left. I know you treat your people well, so it¡¯s their great fortune to be your men. Milord has given them the cover story of being part of your future dowry. They¡¯re known as honest and obedient servants who will look after the family. No one will suspect them of anything.¡±

 Chapter 363: Missus Liao

    <h4>Chapter 363: Missus Liao</h4>

    ¡°Father and Madame Cao¡¯s gone to great effort on my behalf.¡± Qin Yining rose and looked back at Xianyun.

    The maid paused, then immediately fetched the money pouch when she grasped her mistress¡¯ intentions. She handed a hundred tael bank note to each of the four new guards.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s people are highly trained alright! Qin Yining smiled to see her maid with such an agile mind. ¡°This is just some spending money for everyone. There will be plenty of good days toe as long as you remain unswervingly loyal to me.¡±

    Pleased looks crossed the four¡¯s faces and they bowed. ¡°Understood, miss.¡±

    The fourth miss nodded. ¡°Then you¡¯re dismissed for now. I¡¯ll send my trusted maids to you if I¡¯m going out or have further instructions. Let¡¯s introduce you to the rest of my people first.¡±

    Qin Yining gave her orders to Xianyun and Jiyun, who led the four out and introduced Bingtang, Qiulu, and Lian Xiaozhou to them.

    Cao Yuqing rxed when she saw how generous the fourth miss was being. Given her new guards so much money at the initial meeting was a sign that she was a sensible person. The guard captain took her leave after a bit of casual chitchat.

    Jiyun returned to Qin Yining before long and eximed softly with amazement, ¡°As to be expected of former Silver Masks! Though I didn¡¯t spar with them, I can tell from the way they walk and their presence that they¡¯re totally different from the usual hired hands that stand guard. Milord really does love you deeply.¡±

    Thinking of her father¡¯s understanding and lenience, Qin Yining was also moved. ¡°That¡¯s right, father really is very good to me. He doesn¡¯t keep me under lock and key like other fathers. He takes my feelings into consideration and carefully looks at things from my perspective. He lets me live with freedom.¡±

    Xianyun, Bingtang, Qiulu, and Lian Xiaozhou came inside at this time.

    Xianyun also waxed eloquent. ¡°Thanks to being at your side, miss, I can finally see for myself the impressiveness of the foremost official of Great Yan! Milord really does live up to his reputation! He¡¯s so very friendly to us servants and good to you.¡± What she didn¡¯t say was that the lord seemed to care about his daughter more than the madame did.

    This particr maid hadn¡¯t joined Qin Yining untilter in life, so she didn¡¯t know much about n¨¦e Sun. If she¡¯d known what the senior madame had been like before, she would¡¯ve been equally eloquent about how much the madame¡¯s changed.

    Qin Yining made her morning greetings to the old dowager and n¨¦e Sun, then set out to find Steward Zhong.

    Her father had clearly analyzed everything for her and didn¡¯t suspect anything she did. He didn¡¯t direct any of her actions, just gave her sufficient personnel to keep her safe so that she could let loose and carry out her ns in full.

    How could she disappoint a father who trusted her wholeheartedly?

    After giving orders to prepare the carriage, Qin Yining went inside to tell her mother where she was going. ¡°I¡¯d like to take a spin around the markets. We¡¯ve arrived at the capital for a while but I haven¡¯t gone for a detailed stroll yet. I also want to visit the teahouses.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun found her daughter¡¯s schedule amusing. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you want to y so much. Alright, make sure to bring a few more servants with you. Do you have enough silver?¡± She¡¯d turned to Jin-mama with thest question.

    The smiling granny servant took out a brocade box from the redwood dresser and retrieved a silk pouch from inside.

    ¡°This pouch contains Great Zhou bank notes. Madame gave us instructions to prepare this a long time ago. It¡¯s perfect for your outing today, miss.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that her mother had a bit of personal spending money as the farmstead that¡¯d been part of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s dowry was in active production. It was just, the fourth miss didn¡¯tck for silver these days, so she was rather hesitant to ept the money.

    N¨¦e Sun took the pouch and shoved it at her daughter. ¡°Go pick some fabrics that really catch your eye. It¡¯s about time that you had some outfits made. You lost much of your jewelry when we travelled here, so go and see if there¡¯s any pretty new designs. Come back and let me know if you run out of silver.¡±

    The girl wrapped her hands around her mother¡¯s arm and yed cute. ¡°Alright, I know. I won¡¯t be scrimping and saving since my mom is so rich!¡±

    Her antics teased delightful chuckles out of the senior madame.

    The sight warmed Jin-mama¡¯s heart and she alsoughed happily off to the side. ¡°If only the old madame knew that mistress gets along well with the miss these days. Who knows how happy she¡¯d be?¡±

    Qin Yining sat properly upright. ¡°I wonder where my maternal grandmother and aunts have gone to. Mother, should I send people out to investigate?¡±

    Worry crossed n¨¦e Sun¡¯s face. ¡°I really would like to conduct an investigation, but we¡¯re so far away that it¡¯s very inconvenient to do so. I talked this over with your father not too long ago and he said that His Majesty is currently sending men to the south to investigate where the emperor emeritus of Great Yan hid his treasure. In fact, several waves of men have been sent. If our family sends people out as well right now, it¡¯ll give rise to suspicion. It¡¯d be better for us toy low for now.¡±

    ¡°Father¡¯s discretion is all-epassing. Mother, it¡¯d be inappropriate for us to make any brash moves at the moment.¡± However, Qin Yining had already made up her mind to privately contact Azure Justice and have them poke around. Since she wasn¡¯t sure if the alliance would be sessful, she didn¡¯t see fit to mention this.

    Given it further thought, the girl continued, ¡°You don¡¯t need to be too worried, mom. Grandmother is so very smart and my aunts and cousins are very filial. Even if they end up in an unfamiliar ce, grandmother has it in her to reestablish the Suns.¡±

    ¡°I too believe that your grandmother can do so,¡± responded n¨¦e Sun pensively. ¡°I just think that their live have been too hard and too full of misfortune.¡±

    Tears welled up in both of their eyes when they thought of the tragic deaths of the innocent Sun males. Blood spraying from Qin Yining¡¯s resolute eldest cousin, thest words of her maternal grandfather and uncles, and her baby nephew¡ªall these lives lost, thanks to a single word from the trash emperor.

 Chapter 363.2: Missus Liao

    <h4>Chapter 363.2: Missus Liao</h4>

    And now, the trash emperor¡¯s whereabouts were unknown. No one even knew if he was still alive. Although, Qin Yining¡¯s pet theory was that that old fart was dead. The famine had been so severe; what kind of survival abilities would someone used to being waited on hand and foot possess?

    But even if that person was dead, it still wouldn¡¯t cate the girl¡¯s raging fury.

    She kept n¨¦e Sunpany a while longer before leaving with her newly gained allowance. She had Jiyun and Bingtang apany her out, as well as Jingzhe, Xiaoman, Xiaoxue, and Dahan.

    A carriage with turquoise cloth draped over it was standing ready at the front door. Qin Yining and her two maids mbered into thepartment while Xiaoman and Xiaoxue hopped onto the shaft. Jingzhe led the horse up front, and Dahan walked alongside the carriage.

    They¡¯d just taken a few steps out of the alleyway when arge, spacious carriage draped in blue cotton pulled up to them. The window curtains lifted to reveal the head of a middle-aged woman roughly thirty years of age, of average built and wearing jewelry of precious metals.

    ¡°Is that younger sister Qin¡¯s carriage?¡±

    Baffled, Qin Yining lifted her curtains to see that the woman had already alighted from her carriage. Her cape rippled in the wind as an infectious grin spread across her face. ¡°Younger sister Qin, it¡¯s me from Old Liao¡¯s household! Do you remember? Liao Zhibing who sold silks and jewelry back in Great Yan!¡±

    Liao Zhibing?!

    Wasn¡¯t that one of the four hallmasters of Azure Justice, the one with swift and fierce de work?

    The Qin fourth miss instantly understood that this was Azure Justice sending a contact to her. They were approaching her this way so to evade notice.

    She quickly stered an answering smile on her face. ¡°Aiya, so it¡¯s Missus Liao! Would you look at my awful memory!¡±

    She hastily alighted and walked up for enthusiastic greetings. ¡°I¡¯d thought that your family was staying in Great Yan. What brings you to the Great Zhou capital?¡±

    ¡°Ai. We¡¯re businessmen, so we go where business is good. Old Liao is doing business near the Tartar border and I stay home to look over the family. I felt the weather was alright enough today and decided to go for a walk. But to think I¡¯d run into younger sister Qin instead! What a happy coincidence!¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled gaily as well. Meanwhile, Jiyun and Bingtang exchanged nces of silent spection.

    This woman looks very unfamiliar.

    But the miss always knows what she¡¯s doing.

    There must be something going on that they were unaware of, so the two remained silent.

    Jingzhe and the others assessed theck of threat from the neer, so they waited quietly off to the side like ordinary servants.

    The Qin fourth miss and Missus Liao engaged in delightful conversation.

    ¡°It¡¯s so wonderful to meet old friends in a new ce. Do you have some spare time, younger sister Qin? A purposeful invitation is less than a chance meeting, so why don¡¯t I y host? I¡¯ve reserved a room at Smooth Providence. Why don¡¯t us sisters have a nice chat?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be lovely. But my father¡¯s settled down in the capital now, which makes me a Great Zhou citizen. Why don¡¯t I y host and Missus Liao return the favor next time?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be even better.¡± The woman smiled. ¡°Then shall we?¡±

    ¡°After you.¡±

    ¡°After you.¡±

    After a few more pleasantries, the two returned to their carriages and set course to Smooth Providence.

    It wasn¡¯t until the two carriages had rolled off into the distance that the window of a third carriage parked on the roadside opened. A jeering sneer hung on Madame Lu¡¯s exquisitely made-up face.

    ¡°What a menial, lowly person unfit for the bigger stage. An official daughter of an imperial official befriending even the wife of a merchant??¡±

    The maid next to her piped in obsequiously, ¡°Isn¡¯t that so, mistress! Aren¡¯t there many officials who collude with merchants? Perhaps the Qins are doing this because they really are down on their luck and out of money. Weren¡¯t their family valuables all robbed on the way here? Just look at the small manor they live in now, it¡¯s not even enough to be your fish pond, mistress.¡±

    These words greatly soothed the madame¡¯s heart and she flicked an approving nce at the maid.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± she respondedzily. ¡°Costs of living in the capital are high as can be. It¡¯s already not bad that a little family has a ce to call home. What else can they pick at?¡±

    The maid administered a light p to her own face. ¡°This servant has seen so little of the world. But although I am lowly, I was so fortunate as toe to the Lus to serve you, mistress. Having seen much of how the family lives, nothing outside looks right to my eye.¡±

    ¡°Oh you,¡±ughed the madame cheerfully. ¡°Where did they say they were going just now? Smooth Providence?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    A n took formation in her mind as Madame Lu turned this detail over. She summoned her pageboy to give a few instructions, sending the boy sprinting off into the distance. The madame closed the window and urged her groom to faster speeds.

    Smooth Providence was a tavern three stories high. Qin Yining arrived before the noon rush, a time when there were no other guests on the third floor. To facilitate ease of conversation, she rented out the entire floor. She and Missus Liao took a table with a spacious view and had their followers wait at the head of the stairs.

 Chapter 364: To Take Down A Peg

    <h4>Chapter 364: To Take Down A Peg</h4>

    Seeing that there was no one else around, Miss Liao gravely knelt and performed her gesture of greeting. She whispered, ¡°Alliance Head, apologies for my impertinence just now.¡±

    Qin Yining quickly helped the older woman back up. ¡°Not at all, you don¡¯t need to stand on ceremony with me. Please, do rise.¡±

    Missus Liao returned to her seat. ¡°The others were worried that since we hadn¡¯t met before, your guards would arrest me when I came to meet you. Thank goodness for your sharp wits in recognizing me instantly.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss smiled. ¡°You¡¯re the wife of Hallmaster Liao. Why would I not know who you are?¡±

    ¡°You are a noble¡¯s daughter, which would make it inconvenient for a rough-and-tumble group like the men to stay by your side. Thus, we came up with the idea of having me be your contact in the future. Please tell me whatever instructions you have. That will take some of the awkwardness in operations out of the equation.¡±

    ¡°Thank you all for the conscientious effort. Are you here alone, or has everyone left Great Yan?¡±

    Awkwardness shed across Miss Liao¡¯s face, which she concealed with a smile. ¡°In response to the alliance head, we only have left a core of roughly a hundred from before. There¡¯s so many mouths to feed, and since we don¡¯t need to oppose that tyranny of Great Yan anymore, everyone¡¯s turned their attention to doing business. The four hallmasters have reached an agreement to do business on the Tartar border.¡±

    ¡°The Tartar border? So you¡¯re doing business with the Tartars?¡±

    ¡°Precisely. We wouldn¡¯t travel so far away otherwise.¡±

    Qin Yining arched a brow. ¡°This is a good idea, but you can do business anywhere in this vast world, no? Though the Tartars have a truce with Great Zhou at the moment because of their own internal conflict, trade rtions haven¡¯t been restored between the two nations, no? Do you know that your ¡®business¡¯ is actually smuggling?¡±

    ¡°Oh dearie me, Alliance Head, don¡¯t scare me like that! If this matter isn¡¯t publicized, then we¡¯re just doing business. Only if someone reports us does it be smuggling. Besides, don¡¯t we have you? You¡¯ve been smart and resourceful, and now your father is a principal second rank minister. We have quite a background for ourselves, so it does¡¯t matter even if someone repots us.¡±

    To think that Missus Liao would trot out the song and dance often found in the city marketces, and start up this shameless act with her!

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression darkened and sheughed softly, responding in a measured pace. ¡°When the old alliance head passed the position to me, I declined it in every way possible. I¡¯m young with limited worldly experience¡ªwhat right do I have to lead Azure Justice? All of you are famous wandering heroes in the jianghu, while I¡¯m just a little girl sheltered in the inner residence. Even my hair is longer than the breadth of my experience in this world. But the four hallmasters agreed with the old alliance head and wanted no other than me.

    ¡°I was really very happy then, feeling that the brothers in Azure Justice were good men and heroes united in their shared aspiration to restore peace to the world. These were fighters of justice bravely taking a stand against the tyranny of the Great Yan trash emperor! I was both ashamed and proud to be your leader.¡±

    Missus Liao had been in the alliance for quite a while. She drew herself up straight when she heard this and dered with some pride, ¡°Azure Justice members are naturally all fighters of justice!¡±

    ¡°But the fighters of justice have now turned to smuggling?¡±

    The older woman¡¯s expression shifted and she readied to defend herself. However, Qin Yining raised a hand and continued evenly. ¡®I know that you won¡¯t necessarily listen to everything I say. I¡¯m an alliance head in but name only, and you¡¯ve never looked to me as your leader in anything you do. You never ask about my opinions when you make decisions. Are you waiting to push me to the fore to take the me when something happens?¡±

    ¡°Now that really goes overboard. We¡¯ve always been open and honest. When have we ever pushed someone else out to take the me?¡±

    ¡°No need to be in a hurry, Missus Liao.¡± Qin Yining saved a hand. ¡°To obstruct someone¡¯s path of wealth to kill their entire family. I won¡¯t prevent you from conducting business, and it¡¯s not like you¡¯ll listen to anything I say. You guys will probably only think of me when you run into real trouble. But no matter what, I hope you don¡¯t forget the original intentions that you formed Azure Justice with. Money and physical temptations will entrance the eyes and cloud the heart. You can make money, but you cannotmit evil.¡±

    Miss Liao¡¯splexion alternated between red and white. She¡¯de prepared with a mountain of arguments. The other party was just a noble girl¡ªa little nothing who would be overwhelmed with several hoity toitypliments. The older woman just needed to spend a little time coaxing the Qin fourth miss.

    But when she met Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful, knowing eyes and listened to those words that stabbed into her heart, not a single word of her prepared titudes floated out.

    The conversation hurt because Qin Yining spoke only the truth. Azure Justice now did indeed harbor some of these thoughts.

    No wonder Qiao Shangfei had reminded her, before she set off, to show some more respect to the alliance head.

    Missus Liao had thought it a function of the four hallmasters highly respecting the old alliance head, so the same courtesy extended to the granddaughter. But it now seemed that she¡¯d made things too simple.

    ¡°Alliance Head.¡± Missus Liao drew herself to attention. ¡°I¡¯mmitting everything you say to memory. I¡¯ll be sure to tell them when I return.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°That would be lovely. Is there anything else with your point of contact this time?¡±

    Such a tant question actually put the older woman on the spot.

 Chapter 364.2: To Take Down A Peg

    <h4>Chapter 364.2: To Take Down A Peg</h4>

    Her sole mission this time was to meet with Qin Yining and tell her about their smuggling operations along the Tartar border. That way, when they needed the Qin fourth miss sometime in the future, the girl wouldn¡¯t bepletely oblivious to what the alliance was doing.

    But if the missus really did say that she had no other business, then she woulde across as overly mercantilistic, even if that was the main point of their visit.

    A married woman over thirty years of age couldn¡¯t lift her head in front of a girl of sixteen years! Her lips twitched a few times before she finally voiced, ¡°We mainly just missed the alliance head. We heard that your family ran into a little ident on the way to the capital.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, we did run into a little ident.¡± Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°It looks like the alliance¡¯s main forces have all moved to the Tartar border?¡±

    Missus Liao didn¡¯t immediately understand the point being made. She asked in confusion, ¡°Why do you say that, Alliance Head?¡±

    ¡°If not, then the alliance¡¯s intelligencework needs to be enhanced.¡±

    Comprehension swiftly descended this time, and Missus Liao flushed as brightly as cooked shrimp when she processed the jeering notes in the girl¡¯s tone.

    Azure Justice had prevailed in Great Yan for a time, so how would they not know what had happened to the Qins on the family¡¯s way over? It was just that no one had particrly paid any attention to it.

    It was only when they were worried their smuggling operations might blow up in their faces that they finally came looking for their alliance head. There had been no reaction whatsoever when their leader was robbed and lost.

    If Missus Liao dered that their intelligencework was just fine, then it was something wrong with the people. If there was nothing wrong with the people, then pray tell, how would the madame face her the alliance head?

    Embarrassment painted the woman¡¯s face a deep crimson and a few hints of veneration sprang forth. No wonder the old alliance head had passed the position onto the Qin fourth miss! This was no ordinary girl. Missus Liao even had the misconception that she was facing the old alliance head when dealing with Qin Yining.

    Taking stock of the older woman¡¯s expression, Qin Yining understood that she¡¯d taken Miss Liao down enough pegs today. Any further would likely see an opposite effect. Therefore, the Qin fourth miss appropriately changed topics to dealing into the affairs of the Great Zhou capital.

    Missus Liao heaved a silent sigh of relief to herself, deeply grateful that the alliance head wasn¡¯t pursuing things further. She responded with a circumspectly respectful attitude; none of her prior subtle irreverence to be found.

    As Qin Yining purposefully set up a way to save face and Missus Liao epted it with deep appreciation, the atmosphere quickly warmed up. It really did seem that the two were long-parted friends, like they¡¯d first presented upon their meeting.

    The four Silver Masks standing guard around the corner quickly refreshed a deeper understanding of their mistress, thanks to what had just happened.

    They¡¯d originally felt that Qin Huaiyuan sending them to his daughter was a misuse of good talent for a petty job. But to think that she would be the alliance head of Azure Justice! A mere few words had been deployed to knock some sense and respect into the an alliance member who¡¯d harbored other thoughts.

    Days in which they¡¯d be able to fully disy their talents seemed almost tangibly within grasp to the four. Their mistress now upied a different ce in their hearts.

    As Qin Yining and Missus Liao chatted and ate, a ruckus suddenly travelled in from downstairs.

    The two paid it no heed at first, but as the disturbance grew shriller and even footsteps thudded heavily on the wooden stairs, the Qin fourth miss frowned in the direction of stairs.

    Xiaoman immediately went downstairs to assess the situation.

    Ear-piercing arguments and curses drifted into their ears before the guard returned.

    ¡°You want my mistress to wait?? Do you know who she is?! Who the hell are you to dy my mistress¡¯ business!? Can you afford the damages???

    ¡°What do you mean someone¡¯s rented it out? My bank notes are pping you across the face right now! How dare you not rent out Smooth Providence to my mistress??

    ¡°That¡¯s just the daughter of a minister¡ªwhat is she good for? My mistress is the official daughter of the Lu n!¡±

    ......

    The maid¡¯s stridently loud tones came in increasing waves of illogical obstinance. Qin Yining¡¯s forehead drew together with almost an audible click. She didn¡¯t need to go for a look to know who was raising the fuss.

    Xiaoman charged up the stairs and reported in. ¡°A man and a woman¡¯s in the first floor hall. The one causing a disturbance is the woman¡¯s maid.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded to indicate her understanding.

    ¡°Get that minister¡¯s daughter downstairs. My mistress will personally speak to her. Hop to it!¡±

    ¡°Miss,¡± a livid Jiyun stated. ¡°Those people go way too overboard! I¡¯ll go downstairs and teach them a lesson!¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± The Qin fourth miss rose. ¡°I¡¯ll go myself. I¡¯d like to see just how ruthless they¡¯ll be to a mere minister¡¯s daughter.¡±

    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll help you downstairs.¡± In fine fettle and ready to do battle, Bingtang helped her mistress downstairs.

    Jiyun followed beside them, ready to barrel in and rip someone to pieces at the drop of a hat.

    Missus Liao clucked a tongue at the sight. Who would¡¯ve thought that a noble daughter¡¯s maids would be so ferocious?

    Or was it like mistress, like servant?

    The group headed for the first floor, Xiaoman and Xiaoxue leading the way, Jingzhe and Daman bringing up the rear. The men ensconced two charming maids who were supporting a inly dressed, stunning beauty.

    Thisbination instantly drew the eyes of all those in the first floor hall.

    Qin Yining was rather surprised that there were still customers on the first floor, given that the other party was raising such a fuss about renting the tavern out. When she saw that the crowd¡¯s eyes were burning a hole in her face, she pulled out a pale-purple gauze scarf and covered half her face before approaching Madame Lu.

 Chapter 365: Lu Heng

    <h4>Chapter 365: Lu Heng</h4>

    There weren¡¯t that many customers on the first floor at present, but neither was there only a small scattering of them. Even with her face veil in ce and her maids helping her forward, Qin Yining could still feel the gazes from everyone present.

    Madame Lu was sitting primly in the middle of the hall at a spot next to the window. Though her chin was lifted proudly and a jeering curve graced her lips, it wasn¡¯t hard to see jealousy glittering in her beautiful eyes if one took a closer look.

    Being an exceedingly attractive person, the older woman loved most feeling men¡¯s gazes resting on her. But when the Qin fourth miss descended the stairs just now, she¡¯d heard firsthand how all conversation and chewing of meals had ground to a halt. No one so much as reached for another piece of meat, and even her respected second elder cousin [1] paused from refilling his wine cup.

    It¡¯s so nice being young! If she was ten years younger, it was a given that everyone¡¯s eyes would cling to her instead. There would be no thought given to anyone else!

    Qin Yining met Madame Lu¡¯s dismissive and incendiary re with a faint smile. The sheer gauze covered her dimples while her bright, almond-shaped eyes curved into waning moons. Hints of mischief sparkled in her bright expression.

    ¡°To think that we¡¯d bump into Madame Lu here. Smooth Providence¡¯s staff must have provided subpar service for big sister Lu¡¯s maid to raise a fuss like this. I could hear the disturbance even on the third floor.¡±

    Madame Lu snorted contemptuously. ¡°Don¡¯t try to pretend like we¡¯re close. Aren¡¯t you too high-and-mighty to befriend the Lu n? I¡¯m not worthy of you calling me big sister, oh no. Hurry up and leave with your people. I rented out this tavern long ago.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss arched a slender brow, light rippling through her eyes. ¡°Big sister Lu¡¯s already rented out the ce?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Do you need me to repeat myself? Hurry up and leave! Stop being an eyesore here.¡± Madame Lu was exceedingly unfriendly.

    The younger girl nodded. ¡°Big sister Lu¡¯s memory must not be very good. I took pains to ask the manager just now and rented out the third floor only because it was empty. But big sister Lu says that you rented out the entire tavern a long time ago? Then, pray tell, why didn¡¯t the manager mention this?¡±

    ¡°That old thing has a poor memory. Are you leaving or not?!¡± Urgency crept into the Lu madame¡¯s tone.

    Qin Yining chuckled mockingly, the sound as crisp and pleasing as a silver bell. ¡°Well now, isn¡¯t that interesting? Big sister Lu is the one with a poor memory, but mes it on the manager. I ask only this: if you really had rented out the tavern a long time ago, then how did all the customers on the first floor make it inside? If the manager really does have a poor memory, allowing one customer inside is a mistake, but did he really let all of these people in because he has a bad memory? Surely you won¡¯t say these are all your guests, big sister.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss scanned the crowd of customers; the crowd sported varying body sizes and opulence of clothing. With Madame Lu¡¯s temperament, she wouldn¡¯t befriend anyone she deemed inferior.

    The madame had nothing to say in return. She¡¯d only wanted to deny Qin Yining face, but had forgotten the particrs of the situation.

    The girl tittered softly,pletely unperturbed by the madame trying to make things difficult for her. Her carefreeughter prompted the other guests to answer in kind, and an atmosphere that had been rather ruined by the madame¡¯s maid lightened. The crowd¡¯s impression of Qin Yining was thousands of times better than the domineering, spiteful Madame Lu.

    As the Qin fourth missughed, she surreptitiously swept her gaze over the man standing next to the madame.

    He looked roughly twenty five years old and held himself with an umonly refined air. His seated posture waszilyfortable, a noble dignity suffusing every movement and gesture. Though his aura was out of the ordinary, there was nothing threatening about him.

    He imparted the feeling of being as gentle and mild as water. One¡¯s eye would be caught by his bearing and not his features. Just the former alone would cause onlookers to unconsciously avert their eyes.

    A saying rose in Qin Yining¡¯s heart¡ªthe foundations of aristocracy are of nobility inborn.

    Madame Lu was beet red with humiliation. Long ustomed to willful arrogance, she was someone that even the Princess of Anyang called ¡®big sister¡¯. She¡¯d never been ridiculed in broad daylight like this!

    ¡°So it looks like you¡¯re determined to be enemies with my n!¡± she squeezed out through clenched teeth.

    Qin Yining fluttered her longshes with a smile. ¡°The foundations of aristocracy have never been built upon bullying others from a position of strength, but are an umtion ofposure and masterful experience¡ªas illustrated by the one standing next to you. As for you... loving and respecting yourself first is the key to the adoration and esteem that you¡¯re so fond of. It¡¯s absolutely not a function of a loud voice and threats.¡±

    Madame Lu viciously mmed her hand on a table and shot to her feet in abject fury. ¡°Who do you think you are?! You¡¯re just a broken piece of junk discarded by others who¡¯ve gotten bored! Instead of finding a corner to hide you, you swan around, showing your face in public! Since you¡¯re just dirty, rejected toy, stop making a fool of yourself outside!¡±

    The look in Qin Yining¡¯s frosted over. Xiaoman and Xiaoxue were already standing in front of her, with Jiyun and Bingtang ring ferociously as well. Her servants were ready to feed Madame Lu to the dogs if Qin Yining gave the word.

 Chapter 365.2: Lu Heng

    <h4>Chapter 365.2: Lu Heng</h4>

    As tension stretched on, the man standing next to Madame Lu unexpectedly spoke up.

    ¡°Younger cousin Huan, you go too far. Apologize to this miss immediately!¡±

    Madame Lu started, then whipped her head around incredulously at the man. ¡°Second brother Heng! How can you help outsiders like this!?¡±

    Lu Heng rose, casting but a single nce with hisnky form. Despite ack of visible wrath, it was readily apparent that he was in fiery rage. An aura of dominance kept Madame Lu down so low that she didn¡¯t dare voice another word of objection.

    How could she forget that Lu Heng wasn¡¯t her blood brother, but instead an older cousin in the n? When it came down to it, her own family was just a minor Lu offshoot, but Lu Heng was the official second-born of the eldest main branch! He was someone that her own big brother had to greet respectfully and curry favor with.

    Just what had gotten into her that she¡¯d dared raise her voice at Lu Heng??

    The madame red at the Qin fourth miss standing off to the side. How would she have lost her temper if not for that girl purposefully acting this way?!

    Madame Lu grew even more irate.

    Meanwhile, Lu Heng dered with a frown, ¡°To think that you¡¯re this ridiculous and out of control outside of the house! The miss spoke rightly just now, the foundations of aristocracy are never built off of suppressing others. With your behavior, the family¡¯s good reputation of several hundred years will be ruined in your hands. Don¡¯t your father and brothers know to keep you in line? They allow you to atrociously throw your weight around like this, even turning right into wrong and ck into white!¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s tones were gentle and urbane, even when scolding others. He neither raised his voice nor quickened his speaking pace. Those further away might not even hear him clearly, but the self-possessed, seething undertones sent cold sweat pouring down Madame Lu¡¯s back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, second brother Heng. I was too brash.¡± It was a rare moment of submission from the older woman.

    Lu Heng turned his gaze onto Qin Yining, smoothly meeting the girl¡¯s limpid eyes. The man¡¯s eyshes half-fluttered and he looked down, but then seemed to think better of his actions and swiftly raised his eyes again. He smiled faintly at the Qin fourth miss and looked back at his cousin.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be be apologizing to me, but to thedy whom you insulted.¡±

    Madame Lu turned purple with umbrage and she questioned disbelievingly, ¡°Second brother Heng, you, you want me to apologize to this bitch? Do you know who she is? She¡¯s the n¨¦e Qin who seduced the Faithful Prince of the First Rank as soon as she entered the capital. She was carried off for days of pleasure at the Pang Manor!¡±

    Qin Yining really wanted to inquire after the ¡®good health¡¯ of Madame Lu¡¯s entire family. If she¡¯d still possessed her temper of old, ps would¡¯ve been flying long ago.

    But she wasn¡¯t at home and she¡¯d only make trouble for her father if she acted on her thoughts now. The Qins weren¡¯t on solid voting yet. She had to keep it in and not lose her temper.

    It turned out that Lu Heng was even more furious than her. ¡°Your manner of speech...¡± he intoned. ¡°Forget it, apologize to Miss Qin first. I¡¯ll pay a visit to your father and brotherster.¡±

    That was an unequivocal order, and he was going to have words with her father and brothers!

    Madame Lu¡¯s face ballooned, and she re at Qin Yining with fury and humiliation. Her lips twitched, finally squeezing a few words after a long moment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± She turned and dipped a curtsey to Lu Heng, then turned to depart with her people.

    Lu Heng didn¡¯t retract his gaze from her body until the Qin fourth miss¡¯ delicate figure slowly disappeared around the turn of the stairs. His ownck ofposure just now was rather astonishing!

    That he would form good feelings at first sight and not dare to meet a girl¡¯s eyes! And he even tracked her form...

    Man, Lu Heng, the older I get, the more like a kid I am!

    Lu Heng turned and headed outside. When he saw that Madame Lu wasn¡¯t trailing in his wake, he questioned lowly, ¡°What, not leaving yet?¡±

    The madame didn¡¯t dare disobey. She left with a petnt stomp. She¡¯d thought that a fearsome loss of dignity for Qin Yining was at hand today, given Lu Heng¡¯s backing. But she¡¯d been the one to emerge worse for the wear!

    From their vantage point on the third floor, Qin Yining and Missus Liao could clearly see the Lu family carriage slowly drive off.

    ¡°In case you didn¡¯t know, Alliance Head, that Second Master Heng is very prominent character. Born of the eldest main family branch, he¡¯s the second official son in his family. Even though he¡¯s only 26 this year, he¡¯s been famous in the business circles for more than ten years. He didn¡¯t do that with help from his family, but did so anonymously on his own. He didn¡¯t tell the public he was a Lu until he made it big.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°He looks like a highly shrewd and crafty individual. A noble house such as the Lus would naturally be able to cultivate such a stunning talent.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. That Madame Lu wasn¡¯t like this at first, either. Although she¡¯s born of a Lu side branch, she¡¯s still a proper, official daughter. In the early days of the revolution, the farmer army worked with the Lus for a time. In order to solidify rtions, His Majesty had one of his generals marry one of the side branch misses. That was how General Mi wed Miss Lu Cuihuan.

    ¡°Miss Lu has extraordinary looks and a high sense of self. Naturally, she didn¡¯t think much of amon-born, average looking bumpkin. As time passed, she started keeping her own harem. But since the marriage had been dictated by the Lu elders and the general rather liked Miss Lu, there was nothing to be done. As we all know, he died in the end anyways.¡±

    Qin Yining listened to Missus Liao¡¯s exnation with a smile and nods. ¡°It looks like our alliance¡¯s intelligencework is still in good working order.¡±

    The older woman blushed. The alliance head really does hold a grudge! She smiled obsequiously, ¡°Just give your orders if you¡¯d like to know anything in the future.¡±

    ¡°Then I thank you for your troubles.¡±

 Chapter 366: A Request

    <h4>Chapter 366: A Request</h4>

    Thanks to Madame Lu¡¯s nonsense, Qin Yining was no longer of a mind to spend her day out and about. She exchanged a few more words with Missus Liao before the two parted. Though the Qin fourth miss hesitated before they went their separate ways, she didn¡¯t end up requesting that Azure Alliance keep an eye out for the whereabouts of her maternal grandmother.

    Perhaps grandmother had given the alliance to her because the olderdy didn¡¯t want to have anything more to do with these wanderers of the jianghu.

    Her grandmother likely cared more about how the Sun womenfolk would rest and recover, and how they¡¯d live the rest of their lives. Though they didn¡¯t have any men at the moment, they still had daughters who could wed outside males and have their new husbands take on the family name.

    As long as they grounded themselves to focus on rebuilding the family, the Suns would flourish again in a few short years.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart lightened when her thoughts travelled year. In conclusion, life would only get better.

    ......

    At the same time on a western main venue, a spacious carriage with red wheels and a silk brocade covering trundled smoothly to the Yan Manor.

    Yuchi Yan sat cross-legged inside, inspecting the exquisite embroidery on his robes with a lowered head. This outer robe had been bestowed by the emperor himself in the early days. Apparently, it¡¯d been specially made by the best seamstresses in town.

    However, the manifold resplendent andplex patterns of amandery prince were no source of joy to him. The more dazzling his outrements were, the more they highlighted how good-for-nothing he was as the ruler of a conquered nation.

    He was someone who¡¯d once been emperor! But now he walked the streets of Great Zhou with the title of amandery prince of another nation. Yuchi Yan swore that the looks he received from passersby on the streets were equally off-kilter.

    Not to mention, he¡¯d just witnessed Qin Yining being ambushed and humiliated in a tavern lobby.

    Ever since the fall of Great Yan, a baffling pressure finally lifted from his shoulders. He even privately heaved sighs of relief.

    He¡¯d taken the dragon throne only for purposes of handing over surrender papers. Once the dust settled and they were all in Great Zhou, he often reminded himself that happiness existed in contentment, that it wasn¡¯t a bad thing to live out the rest of his days in peace and quiet.

    But heretofore unfelt shame descended when the outwardly polite, in reality scathing looks from the Great Zhou officials swept him. Only then did he realize he¡¯d been much too naive.

    He now existed to prove how kind and merciful Great Zhou¡¯s emperor was. He was living, breathing propaganda of the imperial majesty¡¯s might in the four corners of the world. The only point of his life now was to amuse others. His Majesty would be reminded of his own brilliance and power whenever he saw Yuchi Yan.

    What right did someone as humble as him, boasting of only a morous facade, have to pursue Qin Yining?

    Though she¡¯d been once carried off by others, her father was now a second rank principal minister, someone ted to enter the council.

    As for him?

    The identity he had now wouldn¡¯t bring her joy and happiness at all!

    He didn¡¯t even have the courage to step up for her when she was being bullied earlier. He¡¯d allowed himself to be tugged away by Li Yanyan because he knew that he had no right to say anything. Even if he had, no one would¡¯ve listened to a word.

    With his current awkward position, he couldn¡¯t afford to offend the Lus at all.

    His hands unconsciously tightening into fists, Yuchi Yan sank into a deep pool of self-loathing. Was there any other man in this world as useless and spineless as him?

    He didn¡¯t even dare protect his beloved. How could he possibly ask Qin Yining to be his concubine?

    How would he look her in the eye and say, ¡°Come with me, I¡¯ll protect you¡±?

    He couldn¡¯t follow through on his promises in the here and now, much less in the future!

    ¡°Your Highness...¡± Li Yanyan noted the extremely ugly expression on her husband¡¯s face and the vein throbbing in his forehead. She sped Yuchi Yan¡¯s hand and shook it lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t be too harsh on yourself, Your Highness. The days ahead are long. Now that everything¡¯s settled down, all will be good.¡±

    Her eyes reddened at this point, but she kept her tone very gentle. ¡°I know that you like n¨¦e Qin. Don¡¯t worry, I will continue to try to convince her. Your Highness is so exceptionally talented, genteel, and mild-mannered. What girl wouldn¡¯t admire you? Perhaps n¨¦e Qin was too embarrassed and felt that it wouldn¡¯t do to ept after she¡¯d suffered such a disgrace. She might agree with a few more visits.¡±

    ¡°No need.¡± Like a puppet with slow reaction time, Yuchi Yan slowly turned his head to Li Yanyan and shook it. ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯m... not worthy of her.¡±

    The princess consort blinked, tears finally flooding out of her eyes. She grabbed the prince in a fierce hug and choked out, ¡°Your Highness, Your Highness, why be this way? How can it be you who is unworthy? In my eyes, you are a man of great heroism and valor, a man as gifted and refined as the immortals! Anyone who thinks less of you is blind! That you are so sad for n¨¦e Qin... what should, what should I do?¡±

    Li Yanyan buried her face in Yuchi Yan¡¯s shoulder and sobbed quietly.

    His mood also taking a downturn with his wife¡¯s tears, Yuchi Yan felt his nose twinge and his eyes warm. He almost burst out crying as well.

    He put his arm around Li Yanyan¡¯s shoulders after a while and patted her. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Let¡¯s live well our days ahead.¡±

 Chapter 366.2: A Request

    <h4>Chapter 366.2: A Request</h4>

    Li Yanyan ponderously lifted her tear-stained face to look at Yuchi Yan. ¡°Alright, Your Highness. As long as you don¡¯t mind me, I¡¯ll stay forever by your side. We can live out our days well and I¡¯ll bear several children for you. Our family will live happily ever after to live out this life in full.¡±

    Themandery prince looked down at his wife¡¯s eyes, all the brighter after their recent bath of tears. His heart suddenly melted into a puddle.

    He may not be able to have Qin Yining, but Li Yanyan had weathered all of his hardships and victories by his side since being wed. She¡¯d never once breathed a word ofint or showed the desire to leave. A human heart was an emotional thing; Yuchi Yan was immensely touched to see his wife treat him so wholeheartedly.

    ¡°Well then.¡± Yuchi Yan brought her shoulders closer to him so that he could embrace her. He touched his chin to her forehead. ¡°Let¡¯s live out our days well. This prince will also do my best to vie for power and status so that we won¡¯t always be like this.¡±

    Li Yanyan¡¯s heart pounded painfully and she hastily responded, ¡°Your Highness, I don¡¯t care about power or status. I don¡¯t care about any of those empty honors or profits, as long as I can be with you!¡±

    Yuchi Yan smiled. ¡°You might not care about them, but I do.¡±

    A response rose in her throat, but themandery princess didn¡¯t voice it in the end.

    She really wanted to ask: Do you suddenly want power so much so that our family can live out the rest of our days peacefully, or do you want it for Qin Yining?

    But she was no fool. Though she was jealous, she couldn¡¯t disy such an envious side to her husband. She¡¯d draw dislike for no reason at all.

    In her heart of hearts, however, she hated Qin Yining with a burning passion. She could tolerate Yuchi Yan taking a hundred ordinary concubines, but couldn¡¯t abide her husband bring in one he truly liked.

    What was she steadfastly keeping Yuchi Yanpany for? For stability, of course!

    If the Qin fourth miss darkened their doorstep, there would be no more stability in Li Yanyan¡¯s life.

    Don¡¯t me me for being vicious then!

    ......

    In contrast to Yuchi Yan¡¯s low spirits, a buoyant Li Qitian was currently partaking tea in the empress dowager¡¯s pce. Li Hn sat demurely off to the side, refilling her brother¡¯s cup at appropriate times and contributing amusing tidbits to the conversation.

    ¡°Royal brother¡¯s n this time is so ingenious! Using the strength of others this way, the Qins will quickly realize that the only one they can rely on in the capital is royal brother.¡±

    The empress dowager also smiled. ¡°The emperor¡¯s idea is masterful. Watching the fires from the opposite bank of a river prevents us from getting embroiled as well.¡±

    The older woman had a very keen sense of where the proper limitsy in speech. She never voiced her true thoughts in front of the emperor, because she deeply understood that her son disliked the imperial harem bing involved in politics. All she had to do as his birth mother was to happily live out her remaining days. To say too much might even drag her own family into trouble.

    Though the emperor didn¡¯t like the imperial harem bing overly involved, there were some times when he needed help from the womenfolk. Such asions became unshirkable duties whenever they arose.

    Such as what had been required from Li Hn this time.

    Imperial favor was capricious. Whether or not a woman could participate in politics was all a matter of the emperor¡¯s whims. Since he wished Li Hn to help, then help she did, and with her heart and soul at that.

    Li Qitian smiled easily. ¡°Royal mother makes sense. We just don¡¯t want power at court to be concentrated in the hands of one faction.¡± When it came to the womenfolk, he never had the patience to exin politics in full.

    Li Hn could observe her brother¡¯s impatience and flung her mother a nce. ¡°Royal brother, does Lan¡¯er still have to maintain contact with n¨¦e Lu? Lan¡¯er really doesn¡¯t like her style and habits. If I¡¯m too close with her, others might think I¡¯m just like her.¡±

    Li Qitian broke outughing. ¡°Are you afraid of outsiders misunderstanding you or the prince consort misunderstanding you?¡±

    ¡°Royal brother!¡± Li Hn blushed furiously and stamped her foot with mortification, sending her mother and brother into further gales ofughter.

    ¡°Royal mother, your son has further business with Lan¡¯er and must take leave now.¡± Havingughed his fill, Li Qitian stood up with a cupped hand salute.

    The empress dowager didn¡¯t keep him, instructing her mamas to send the two out. They were both her children, it didn¡¯t matter if they relied on each other or used one another. It was enough that they propped each other up and weren¡¯t hostile toward one another.

    Li Hn followed Li Qitian to the imperial study. Head eunuch Li Guanwen noted his master¡¯s signal and dismissed himself after serving tea.

    It was only then that Li Hn asked cutely, ¡°Royal brother, what business might you have with Lan¡¯er?¡±

    ¡°How is the prince consort treating you?¡±

    Thinking of Ji Zeyu¡¯s handsome looks and how he¡¯d turned to leave without another word at the Lus, Li Hn first turned bright crimson, then pale as a sheet.

    She deeply regretted taking n¨¦e Lu¡¯s proposal. It had been a foolish move to have the two men she beloved bump into her dallying with someone else.

    ¡°The prince consort is very good to Lan¡¯er,¡± responded a bashful princess. She snuck a nce at her brother and asked gently, ¡°Royal brother, Lan¡¯er has a presumptuous request and would like to beg you to permit it.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What is it? Speak, We will listen to anything you have to say.¡± Li Qitian arched a brow.

    ¡°Royal brother, Lan¡¯er doesn¡¯t want to live in the princess manor. Will you give our approval for me to live with the prince consort? We¡¯ve lived apart since our wedding night and can¡¯t even see each other. We don¡¯t have any of the happiness that ordinary married couples have.¡±

    The emperor sat upright and asked with new intensity, ¡°Is this your idea, or did the prince consort teach you to say so?¡±

 Chapter 367: Plotting for a Meeting (I)

    <h4>Chapter 367: Plotting for a Meeting (I)</h4>

    rm bells rang in Li Hn¡¯s heart, but nothing showed on her face. She blinked docilely and pouted, ¡°Lan¡¯er and the prince consort is a married couple. It¡¯s all the same no matter who makes the request. Besides, doesn¡¯t royal brother know that the prince consort is so sparing with his words it¡¯s like his lips are glued together?¡±

    Li Qitian shed a smile. ¡°Never mind. It¡¯s not like We don¡¯t know your temper. Your idease one after another. If you move into the prince consort¡¯s manor, there might be criticism levied at him as soon as you set foot inside. Besides, you¡¯re a princess. It won¡¯t do for others toment behind your back that you don¡¯t follow the rules.¡±

    ¡°Royal brother.¡± Li Hn pulled on Li Qitian¡¯s hand and shook it cutely. ¡°Just show Lan¡¯er some love! Besides, what doments from outsider matters when ites to Lan¡¯er¡¯s happiness?¡±

    The emperor frowned slightly and peeled his sister¡¯s hand off of his.

    ¡°Lan¡¯er! Listen to Us!¡± he intoned. ¡°Do you want people to gossip behind our backs that We are an emperor from the dirt that took Our throne with the help of farmer rebels?¡±

    Li Hn quailed inwardly. As much as she didn¡¯t want to ept things, she didn¡¯t dare mutter another word in protest.

    This kind of condemnation hadn¡¯t ceased ever since Li Qitian¡¯s revolutionaries of justice had taken Northern Ji. Though Great Zhou was now in her fourth year of establishment, and the Northern Ji officials all looked like they¡¯d submitted, there were many who still remarked that the Zhou government was illegitimate.

    Li Qitian cared most about his reputation, so he had strict standards for everything that pertained to the pce. He was deathly afraid of giving more fodder to the rumor mills.

    A strange sort of sorrow welled up in the princess¡¯ heart.

    He who had doted on her the most before now no longer treated her preferences as first priority. Her royal brother¡¯s heart was filled with too many other concerns: reputation, position, and power. All of them were more important than her; a younger sister was nothing at all.

    Such were the considerations of a ruler and the grief of a princess.

    Twinges of guilt assailed the emperor when he saw Li Hn lower her head piteously, not whispering another word.

    He really did love his sister at the end of the day. He might be forced to use her in some aspects, but he was willing topensate her when it came to demands he could satisfy.

    ¡°Forget it. Though you moving to the prince consort¡¯s manor is unrealistic, We will have a few quiet words with Ji Lan. Will that do?¡±

    The princess started, then looked up with shining eyes.

    As long as Li Qitian was still willing topromise for her¡ªthat was a sign that she hadn¡¯t fully lost her royal brother¡¯s love.

    ¡°Royal brother is best to Lan¡¯er!¡± A merrily beaming Li Hn shook Li Qitian¡¯s arm. ¡°The prince consort will naturally be willing to be closer with Lan¡¯er as long as you give the word! Royal brother¡¯s words are an imperial decree. If he doesn¡¯t listen to you, you can punish him severely!¡±

    ¡°You silly girl.¡± Li Qitian tapped her forehead, amused by the antics. ¡°So you like Prince Consort Ji that much? Didn¡¯t you like Pang Zhixi before?¡±

    ¡°Nuh uh.¡± A blush flitted over Li Hn¡¯s cheeks and she lowered her head bashfully. She didn¡¯t dare say that at present, she also liked Pang Zhixi very much.

    Seeing his sister thus, Li Qitian was even more certain of her feelings for Ji Zeyu.

    It was no wonder, given Ji Zeyu¡¯s looks, talent, and power. He was in no way inferior to Pang Xiao. Didn¡¯t girls of Li Hn¡¯s age like handsome men like Ji Zeyu the most? Since they were now husband and wife, it was understandable that her thoughts had turned to him.

    However, this situation wasn¡¯t what the emperor wished to see.

    He sighed. He did have a burdened conscience when facing Li Hn, but no emotion would dy him from business at hand.

    ¡°Your Majesty, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank seeks an audience,¡± called in Li Guanwen from outside the doors.

    Li Hn blinked, then was ovee by delightful surprise. She hadn¡¯t had a chance to see Pang Xiao ever since that day. They had such a great shared destiny in bumping into each other here!

    Observing the princess¡¯ expression carefully, Li Qitian came to certain realizations based off of her reaction. It looked like his n of arranging a meeting between Pang Xiao and Li Hn had been right on the money.

    Otherwise, if Li Hn¡¯s attentions were all transferred to Ji Zeyu, then his previous arrangements would¡¯ve all been for naught!

    ¡°Show him in.¡± The emperor¡¯s resonant voice echoed in the imperial study, pulling an obviously daydreaming Li Hn back from her surprise.

    Eunuchs pushed open the door as soon as hismand sounded.

    Pang Xiao strode in quickly with impressive momentum, sporting a dark-purple, tightly cuffed-sleeve robe. A small, purple-gold crown sat in his hair. ¡°This humble subject greets Your Majesty!¡±

    Being naturally tall and limber, his brocade robe further offset his natural air of nobility. The pair of phoenix eyes set under sharply angled eyebrows needed only to flick a nce at Li Hn to send her into captivated infatuation.

    Absence really does make the heart grow fonder! A day away feels like three seasons. Now that she¡¯d seen Pang Xiao, any bad feelings she¡¯d had were all swept away.

    ¡°...Lan¡¯er!¡±

    The princess abruptly came back to her senses when she heard her brother¡¯s exhortation. She lifted her eyes and realized with a shock when she met impatience hidden in her brother¡¯s eyes that her mind had wandered off again.

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± the emperor pressed. ¡°Are you feeling unwell because you¡¯ve caught a cold?¡±

    ¡°Nothing of that sort, royal brother. Lan¡¯er is very well.¡± Li Hn smiled at Pang Xiao. ¡°Big brother Pang¡¯s robe today is very nice.¡±

    Pang Xiao quickly raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°This subject wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    The princess snuck a quick peek at her brother before continuing, ¡°We grew up together. Didn¡¯t I always call you that? Royal brother doesn¡¯t mind. Do you, brother?¡±

    The princess¡¯ cutely requesting look elicited a wave of distaste in Li Qitian.

    He couldn¡¯t be bothered to investigate why Li Hn was so frivolous. He¡¯d reached his goal, so he didn¡¯t want to look further into things.

    Therefore, he smiled with extreme gentleness and admonished in a mild tone, ¡°This is nonsense. How are the times now like they were before? You should be addressing Pang Zhixi as Your Highness. Not to mention, you¡¯re already married now. Ji Lan and Pang Zhixi are the best of friends. What will Ji Lan think if you call Pang Zhixi with the same name as before?¡±

    Blushing ferociously, Li Hn didn¡¯t have a response to that. She couldn¡¯t help but shoot a sidelong nce at the prince to gauge his reaction.

    She was afraid of seeing distaste and also afraid of seeing sheer indifference.

    Naturally, she saw thetter.

    Pang Xiao stood with his hands at his sides, a picture respectful obedience. He wasn¡¯t affected in the least by Li Hn¡¯s words and didn¡¯t think anything of her at all.

    Her joy at seeing him was made no more by his coolly indifferent attitude.

    Li Qitian knew what to do after seeing the two this way. ¡°Lan¡¯er, you are dismissed. We have business with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The princess took her leave, but not without casting some lingering looks at Pang Xiao¡¯snky and handsome back before she did.

    Li Qitian chuckled when the doors to the study closed. ¡°Don¡¯t mind that. The girl¡¯s been spoiled rotten by the empress dowager, but there¡¯s not a bad bone in her body.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. The princess is innocent and straightforward with a pure heart. What would this subject mind?¡±

 Chapter 368: Plotting for a Meeting (II)

    <h4>Chapter 368: Plotting for a Meeting (II)</h4>

    Though those were Pang Xiao¡¯s words, it was crystal clear that Li Hn did have some designs on him. But she was just a little girl. How would she dare be so straightforward if there wasn¡¯t someone supporting her?

    The prince knew that this was yet another Li Qitian ploy to worsen the rtions between him and Ji Zeyu. The emperor was deathly afraid that the two would ally together against their liege.

    In all honesty, if Pang Xiao himself was in Li Qitian¡¯s spot, he¡¯d also worry about his two strongest generals uniting together. Except, he wouldn¡¯t do things in such an ugly fashion.

    One could enact stratagems, but one should not lose sight of their morals.

    However, Pang Xiao also knew that this was the only recourse avable to Li Qitian at the moment. The imperial majesty couldn¡¯t afford to break out into open hostilities with the prince.

    Meanwhile, Pang Xiao had his darling Yi thinking up counter ns for him¡ªwith one already seeing sess in enabling him to avoid all risk and safely enter the council.

    He was now Li Qitian¡¯s only confidante in the Grand Secretariat. The emperor needed his vote to enact any policy, so he wouldn¡¯t force Pang Xiao to the edge of the cliff.

    My dear really is my lucky star! Happiness flooded his heart whenever he thought of her.

    As Pang Xiao remained in the study conversing with Li Qitian, Li Hn stood in the garden outside, looking expressionlessly at the tightly shut doors.

    Li Guanwen stood under the covered hallway, at the head of a group of eunuchs. He focused entirely on fascinating floorboards, registering no one else¡¯s existence in sight.

    Nheless, who would be blind to Li Hn¡¯s mournful resentment?

    Serving at the emperor¡¯s side, the head eunuch saw and knew much more than usual folks. He usually kept it all to himself. Now seeing Li Hn so intive, he could only sigh inwardly for the princess.

    Once someone was part of His Majesty¡¯s schemes, one had to be a good pawn in order to live long. Otherwise, there was never a happy ending in store.

    How had a minor eunuch such as he be the de facto chief of the imperial household?

    Because he understood that loyalty was of utmost importance in serving the emperor, and being biddable of close secondary priority. The princess looked like she would defy her imperial brother at any moment, putting her in a dangerous situation indeed.

    As everyone¡¯s thoughts kept them quietpany, sounds of Pang Xiao taking his leave travelled forth from the study.

    Li Guanwen hastily led the young eunuchs in opening the doors, then bid another to present the prince¡¯s brocade cloak that was topped with a gray, squirrel-fur cor.

    epting his cloak, Pang Xiao casually flung it around his shoulders and exchanged some pleasantries with the head eunuch. Keeping his eyes strictly forward, the prince descended the exposed tform before the hall and made to leave.

    When he brushed past the princess, he didn¡¯t spare a single nce for her.

    In the interim, Li Hn¡¯s gaze had been firmly glued to Pang Xiao. Lovestruck, she stared at him and didn¡¯te back to herself until he left turned out of the front gates, leaving her line of sight.

    Pang Xiao had left just like that!

    He didn¡¯t even look at me!

    mes of fury crackling to life, Li Hn gathered her skirt in her hands and chased after the prince.

    Equipped with long legs and sensing that the princess was following him, Pang Xiao quickened his pace.

    Pursuing her quarry with pce maid Hexiang, Li Hn had just closed a bit of the distance when the prince sped up again. This was when she realized that Pang Xiao was purposefully walking this fast in order to avoid her!

    ¡°Big brother Pang!¡± Li Hn called softly, unable to believe that Pang Xiao would ignore her.

    But like he didn¡¯t hear, the prince didn¡¯t turn back at all.

    Much put-upon suffering flooded the dams of her heart, threatening to drown her whole!

    Why!

    Why treat her this way!

    Ji Zeyu treated her icily and her royal brother didn¡¯t care about her happiness. Her royal mother even encouraged her to listen more to her brother, as if Li Hn wasn¡¯t her own person, but just someone¡¯s apaniment, a tool!

    And now, even Pang Xiao treated her this way!

    ¡°Big brother Pang!¡± Li Hn¡¯s voice rose out of outrage and grievance. Her shout was so loud that it sent ayer of melting snow cascading down from the hallway roofs. The eunuchs and maids in the passageways jumped in fright, but quickly lowered their heads and retreated when they saw it was the princess.

    And yet, Pang Xiao continuously marched forward, paying absolutely no attention to her.

    Skirts in hand, Li Hn called out as she ran, ¡°Big brother Pang! Pang Xiao! Stop right there!¡±

    Huffing and panting, her hairpins and hairstyle were all askew, but her voice crescendoed to new heights with each yell.

    A frown crossed Pang Xiao¡¯s face, so tight that it almost turned his forehead into knots. How could Li Hn be so unbridled and uncircumspect in the pce?! She might not care for her own dignity, but he still had his friendship with Ji Zeyu to think of!

    He abruptly stopped and spun around, fixing a frosty look on the princess.

    Out of breath, Li Hn¡¯s hair was knotted with the gold and pearl tassels of her hairpins. Sweat beaded her face, turning the imperial presence into a dearly bedraggled sight. However, her eyes shone more brightly than usual, full of indignation and affront.

    ¡°Big brother Pang! Why did you ignore Lan¡¯er!¡±

    Pang Xiao repressed an eye roll and responded respectfully, ¡°In response to Your Highness, this subject was pondering over His Majesty¡¯s instructions just now and was lost in thought. I didn¡¯t hear you.¡±

    This was an impable excuse that Li Hn could find no fault with!

    ¡°Alright, very good!¡± She gnashed her teeth for a long while. ¡°This princess hereby orders you to take me to a tavern and have a drink with me! Do you hear me?!¡±

    The prince smiled faintly. ¡°This subject hears you, but Your Highness must certainly be joking. If you wish to drink, seeking out the prince consort is the most appropriate course of action. Who am I to do so? Please don¡¯t joke at my expense, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Who are you?? You ask who are you to me?!¡±

    Pang Xiao adroitly took a few steps backwards, as if avoiding the gue. ¡°Do stop joking, Your Highness. This subject has no association with the princess. Your words and actions go againstmon propriety. Others might misunderstand if they see this. Even if Your Highness doesn¡¯t care about your own reputation, this subject does about mine.¡±

    ¡°You! Just what has this princess done to you, for you to avoid me like you¡¯re fleeing a terrifying monster!¡±

    ¡°I would request the eldest princess to not pester me endlessly. His Majesty¡¯s orders are urgent. This subject takes his leave.¡± Pang Xiao mercilessly raised a cupped fist salute, turned on his heel, and left.

    Li Hn wanted to chase on, but Hexiang quickly pulled her to a stop. ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive, Your Highness. This is a public passage in the pce. Manye and go, and there¡¯s a variety of people who pass by. What if this makes it into the prince consort¡¯s ears? Won¡¯t that give rise to further misunderstanding? Please think twice, Your Highness!¡±

    Weeping like the rain, Li Hn wiped her eyes with her hands. ¡°What do I care? One after another, all of them don¡¯t care about me! No one would shed a single drop for me even if I die right now!¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say that! You¡¯re the princess, the purest of royalty, the treasured pearl of the empress dowager and the emperor. Who wouldn¡¯t care about you?¡±

    ¡°Piss off! This seat doesn¡¯t need you sticking your nose in my affairs!¡± Li Hn flung off Hexiang¡¯s hand and walked off, her face in her hands.

    Hexiang watched her mistress walk off, sighing and shaking her head with a frown. Even she, a servant, could see to the truth of these things. Why did the princess remain so obtuse? This interlude was going to be public knowledge again.

    Or, that¡¯s probably exactly what the emperor wants?

    The maid shook her head rapidly, chasing away everything she shouldn¡¯t be thinking. She was just a servant. She had no right to inquire about the affairs of the masters. Only in obediently toeing the line would she keep herself safe.

    And yet, secrets never remained secret in this world.

    It took less than half a day for word to get out that the Princess of Anyang had blockaded the Faithful Prince of the First Rank in the pce, weeping and professing her love.

 Chapter 369: Widespread Tittle-Tattle (I)

    <h4>Chapter 369: Widespread Tittle-Tattle (I)</h4>

    The rumors and hearsay in town had yet to make it into Qin Yining¡¯s ears. She was currently ensconced in a jewelry shop with n¨¦e Sun.

    ¡°Mother, I don¡¯t need such a precious jewelry set at my age. I won¡¯t be able to bring out its value even if I do wear it.¡±

    Qin Yining pushed a silk box lined with vermilion swan down back towards her mother. Inside sparkled a full set of sixty-four exquisite, gold filigree pieces iid with rubies. Therger pieces ranged from pendants to tasseled hairpins, while the smaller ones covered ear studs to rings. Every ornate piece glittered in the sunlight, defining opulent magnificence itself.

    ¡°But I think it¡¯s perfect for mother.¡± The girl picked up a ruby hairpin that swung with a gold and pearl tassel. She held it up to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s upswept hair with a smile. ¡°See, perfect indeed. Mother¡¯s skin is so fair that the ruby offsets it perfectly. Your status is also the best background for thesevish pieces.¡±

    ¡°Now why would I need to wear these?¡± Lips upturned from her daughter¡¯spliments, N¨¦e Sun ced the hairpin back into the box. ¡°I want to take advantage of this time to choose a good set for your dowry. All of our valuables went missing on the trip here, and it¡¯s not like I prepared anything good for you before.

    ¡°Your father says that he wants to hold youring-of-age ceremony this year. We¡¯ll be entertaining offers for your hand after that, so it¡¯s a good idea to pick out this part of your dowry first.¡±

    Qin Yining blushed furiously from these words. For some reason, the sight of Pang Xiao wearing scarlet robes embossed with python patterns rose in her mind. [1]

    But when she thought of ¡®entertaining offers for her hand¡¯, some trepidation came to mind.

    As a girl, she naturally had to obey the wishes of her parents and matchmaker when it came to her marriage.

    She was already so close to Pang Xiao, but their rtionship had yet to be approved by the old dowager and her mother. In fact, those two knew nothing at all.

    Regret would fill her every day if she couldn¡¯t marry Pang Xiao in the end.

    After entertaining these thoughts for a bit, Qin Yining set her worries aside. Her father approved of their rtionship! If anyone came asking for her hand in marriage, the old dowager and her mother would have to seek Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s approval, no matter what they thought.

    Thank goodness father is so open-minded!

    N¨¦e Sun was in a loving mood and bought the jewelry set with her own savings. The sum was enough to marry off a regr well-off family¡¯s daughter.

    ¡°Hide this when you get back, don¡¯t let the old dowager or your other sisters see it. Things are tight at home right now, so they¡¯ll criticize me for spending money like this, even if it was my own.¡±

    ¡°I understand, mother.¡± Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help grinning.

    N¨¦e Sun grabbed a finger full of her daughter¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t youugh at me. I¡¯m just worried about drama. We¡¯ll choose one of these for youring-of-age, then wear the entire set for your wedding. It¡¯s perfectly festive and majestic.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss giggled upon seeing her mother in rare, merry spirit.

    ¡°You¡¯re nning too far ahead, mom. There¡¯s nothing on the horizon at all.¡±

    ¡°Pfft. Is that something we need to worry about? My daughter is so beautiful and has full support from your father. Do we fear not being able to settle on a good match?

    ¡°It¡¯s always been a hundred houses moring for the hand of one girl. We¡¯re newly arrived and can¡¯t make a big deal of things because of what¡¯s happened. But do you believe that if we spread the word that you¡¯re of marriageable age, suitors will trample our doorstep t?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s way too outrageous!¡± Qin Yining giggled.

    Mother and daughterughed and chatted, lifting the moods of Jin-mama, Jiyun, and Xianyun by their sides.

    After picking out jewelry, the group headed to a teahouse for a room to rest in. N¨¦e Sun ordered a pot of specialty tea and a few snacks, conversing idly with her daughter all the while.

    Ever since n¨¦e Sun learned that Cao Yuqing was no longer Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s concubine, it seemed to Qin Yining that her mother glowed with health. She seemed ten years younger and was much more amiable when dealing with others.

    As for n¨¦e Sun, she was liking her daughter increasingly so. Not only for the girl resembling a youthful Qin Huaiyuan, but also for her smarts and maturity. Though the madame was the mother, she could always find a sense of security from her daughter, like the girl could handle anything.

    Mother and daughter were much closer these days.

    In the midst of the affable atmosphere, Qin Yining vaguely heard strains of loud conversation from downstairs. The ¡®Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯ seemed to be the topic of discussion.

    Also curious, n¨¦e Sun looked at her daughter, who looked to Jiyun.

    The guard immediately pushed open the partition window facing the hall, allowing the racket from the general area to filter in. The man who¡¯d been speaking sounded clearly in their room.

    ¡°...that¡¯s why I ask just how many girls is the Faithful Prince of the First Rank gonna seduce, huh? Even the eldest princess can¡¯t forget him. What woman in the world can turn down such an outstanding man like him!¡±

    The joke sent everyone in the hall braying withughter, andughing meaningfully at that.

    Qin Yining arched a brow. What has Pang Zhixi and Li Hn gotten into now?

    Though she was curious, she didn¡¯t doubt Pang Xiao¡¯s feelings for her. They¡¯d been through so much together; she was well aware of the sincerity of his feelings for her.

    However, Bingtang, Jiyun, and Xianyun grew apprehensive when they heard this. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s face sank as well. She looked carefully at Qin Yining, deathly afraid that her daughter would recall sad affairs.

    ¡°My daughter, we¡¯ve had a long day shopping.¡± The madame rose. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Yining smiled her assent and left in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s carriage.

    Before she climbed into the vehicle, she nced at Jingzhe by her side. The former Silver Mask quickly approached. She whispered a few words into his ear, sending him off with her orders.

    After returning home, the Qin fourth miss carefully put away the jewelry they had just bought.

    Bingtang observed her mistress¡¯ face closely, whispering softly when she saw that the fourth miss wasn¡¯t angry, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, miss. His Highness isn¡¯t someone like that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Jiyun and Xianyun agreed when they saw that Bingtang had brought the subject up. Only Qiulu waspletely befuddled, since she hadn¡¯t gone out with them today.

    Jingzhe returned at this time.

    ¡°Miss, I took a listen around outside. There¡¯s a lot of rumors, but the main summary is that the Princess of Anyang chased after the prince, wanting to express her affections. She threw a tantrum when the prince rejected her.¡± He took out an envelope and offered it with both hands. ¡°Grand Steward Zhong¡¯s pageboy came to me with this before I returned to the manor.¡±

    Qin Yining took it and pulled out the letter with curiosity when she saw that the envelope wasn¡¯t addressed.

    The contents were simple: four words written with the grace of soaring dragons and dancing phoenixes. The strength behind the writer bled through the paper.

    ¡®Nothing of the sort!¡¯

    Pang Xiao had specially sent word, because he was worried that she¡¯d think wild thoughts!

    Qin Yining burst outughing.

 Chapter 370: Widespread Tittle-Tattle (II)

    <h4>Chapter 370: Widespread Tittle-Tattle (II)</h4>

    Honestly speaking, Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t have doubted Pang Xiao even if he hadn¡¯t exined himself. Since she knew what Li Qitian was after, how could she not see the oddities of this situation from beginning to end?

    It was just mystifying what exactly Li Hn had been thinking this time to do all this. Did she really not care what her husband thought anymore?

    Or was she already tired of her marriage?

    It was mind-boggling for Qin Yining to fathom a woman who would go hunting for an affair so quickly after the wedding. She clung to one man while having another hang off her arm. Doesn¡¯t that woman ever get tired?

    ¡°Miss?¡± Bingtang started fretting again when she saw Qin Yining fall into deep thought while clenching the note.

    Coming back to herself, the fourth miss smiled. ¡°No worries, it¡¯s nothing.¡± She turned to Jingzhe. ¡°Thank you for your troubles.¡±

    The guard quickly raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°This is just what this subordinate should be doing. If you have no further orders, miss, I will take my leave.¡±

    When the former Silver Mask left, Bingtang pressed on, ¡°Is it a letter from His Highness?¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. With how the rumors are outside, he purposefully wrote a note to exin.¡±

    Qin Yining put the letter back into the envelope and was about to burn it, but then thought of how her father had already tacitly approved of their rtionship. It¡¯d be a pity to not keep such a funny letter as a souvenir.

    So instead, she handed the letter to Bingtang. ¡°Put it away for me. Let¡¯s keep it with the jewelry we just stored.¡±

    The maid found it funny. ¡°Miss, aren¡¯t you afraid of people saying that you have scandalous, secret rtions with the prince if they found out?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss arched an innocent brow. ¡°There are even uglier whispers outside. Perhaps someone¡¯s even written a book out of what happened when I was carried off. What do I care about secret rtions?¡±

    ¡°The miss is saying to heck with it all.¡±

    ¡°No, the miss is being dashingly carefree.¡± Some of the other maids piped in, their jokes teasingughter out of their mistress.

    Seeing that Qin Yining thought nothing of the happenings, both Jiyun and Xianyun rxed inwardly. Their thoughts veered to distaste when they thought of Li Hn.

    That one was a right and proper princess, the purest of royalty and peak of nobility. Married to such an outstanding character, she still didn¡¯t know to be satisfied! She spent her days making eyes at others and now coveted even the prince! She was just looking to make trouble!

    Having been cultivated by Pang Xiao, Jiyun and Xianyun naturally hoped for a happy ending between their miss and former master. Both of them were equally irate at the appearance of someone like Li Hn.

    Jiyun even fantasized several ways of teaching Li Hn a good lesson.

    ......

    Currently in front of Prince Consort Ji¡¯s manor, Li Hn was locked in a staring contest with the doorkeeper who stood in her way. Outfitted in a magenta, padded jacket with ring sleeves and buttons down the front, she¡¯d paired it with a downy-yellow eight panel skirt. A scarlet brocade cape with a white fur cor rounded out the look.

    ¡°Open your eyes and see who this seat is! This seat is the eldest princess! How dare you block my way! Do you want to keep on living?!¡±

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Highness.¡± The doorkeeper was a tall and burly man. Standing ramrod straight, his short robes didn¡¯t give off the air of someone keeping an eye on the door. He rather looked like a soldier, and his words were equally blunt. ¡°The marquis gave orders for no visitors today. Why don¡¯t you go back first, Your Highness. His Grace will naturallye find you when he¡¯s free.¡±

    Li Hn¡¯s eyes reddened with fury.

    The hell is this?! What the hell is this??

    ¡°This seat is THE ELDEST PRINCESS. Am I to be refused entrance to my own prince consort¡¯s manor and need to wait until he¡¯s free?! Have your brains been stomped by a donkey?! HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RULE LIKE THIS!?¡±

    Li Hn reached out a hand to push open the door.

    The man deftly skipped backwards and remained firmly in her way. He looked down. ¡°Please don¡¯t fault us, Your Highness. This humble one is the marquis¡¯ servant and naturally needs to listen to his orders. His Grace said that he¡¯s not seeing anyone, so he won¡¯t be seeing anyone. Please go home, Your Highness.¡±

    Li Hn finally heard things properly at this junction.

    The servant called Ji Zeyu ¡®marquis¡¯ and not ¡®prince consort¡¯, which meant that he really was Ji Zeyu¡¯s trusted subordinate. He might even be from the barracks!

    Ji Zeyu had set a soldier at the door just to refuse her entry?

    Tears welled in the princess¡¯ eyes and she burst out sobbing.

    The doorkeeper kept his head down, oblivious to the crying woman in front of him. He was a wooden dummy, motionless where he stood.

    The doors to the manor flung open at this time.

    Adorned in a white, tightly-cuffed sleeve brocade robe, Ji Zeyu looked back over the gray, squirrel-fur cor of his cloak with a faint smile. He was responding to something with upturned lips.

    Behind him followed a wless Pang Xiao, sporting a purple python-patterned robe and a small jade crown in this hair.

    Not anticipating that Li Hn would be lying in wait for them, the prince¡¯s steps paused before he walked up to make his bow.

    ¡°Greetings to the eldest princess.¡±

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s faint smile from moments ago had vanished. Twin pools wholly without emotion looked at the princess. His exquisite face was scrubbed of all emotion and he made the same bow as Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Greetings to the eldest princess.¡±

    Li Hn had hastened here to exin herself to her husband, concerned as she was that Ji Zeyu would think wild thoughts because the flurry of rumors outside. But Pang Xiao had been faster than her!

 Chapter 371: Madame Pang (I)

    <h4>Chapter 371: Madame Pang (I)</h4>

    When Qin Yining heard of Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu brawling in front of the prince consort manor, her jaw dropped clear to the ground.

    They weren¡¯t kids of only a few years old! Why would they fight like this?

    Two gods of war throwing down because of a woman, and not testing their martial arts skills with each other, but just throwing random punches and kicks at each other! The mere thought of the scene was eye-roll inducing.

    Didn¡¯t the two fear that their troops would find it embarrassing when they heard about the altercation?

    But she didn¡¯t need to think about it too much to have a rough guess of what had gone on. Setting aside the question whether the two had agreed beforehand to put on a show, or if Pang Xiao had purposefully provoked Ji Zeyu, this was absolutely something the emperor wanted to see.

    It was clear as day what Li Qitian¡¯s machinations were. Step by step, he nibbled away at the two major nobles who grasped military power. No effort or paranoia had been spared to cut the ws off of Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu.

    If the target was a more biddable one like Ji Zeyu, then the emperor would seek to bring him into the fold. If the target was one like the prestigious and tough Pang Xiao, then the emperor would wear away and take him down a peg.

    In conclusion, the current situation should be quite to the emperor¡¯s preferences.

    Indeed, when the emperor heard that the the brawl before the prince consort manor, a brow arched high into his hairline. He knocked his jade ring happily onto the dragon chair¡¯s armrest, maintaining an incredulous frown. ¡°Are you sure this news is urate?¡±

    Head eunuch Li Guanwen beamed merrily. ¡°Your Majesty, how would this servant fail to urately glean this little piece of intelligence? I am very much surprised by it as well. Everyone outside the pce is talking about it. They¡¯re all saying that Prince Consort Ji and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank are seeing red at each other because of a shared love. They¡¯re so furious that they¡¯re ignoring all dignity and reason.¡±

    The joke put Li Qitian in a great mood. He chuckled softly with a shake of his head.

    ¡°They¡¯re young men alright, to have this frame of mind to fight over a girl.¡± Nostalgia appeared on the emperor¡¯s face. ¡°We don¡¯t even remember if We ever had this kind of mood.¡±

    The eunuch raised his brow. What¡¯s with His Majesty? Why is he talking to a eunuch about rtionships? It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll understand it. Nheless, his ttery didn¡¯t stop.

    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re in the prime of life. Countless women admire you. You¡¯re just too busy with the affairs of court to talk about this.¡±

    Li Qitian shook his head smilingly. ¡°Those mundane rouges and crass powders offer Us their affection only because We are the emperor. They wish to scrabble some sort of benefit from Us. Of that We are well aware of.¡±

    ¡°Aiyo Your Majesty! You are the ruler of all beneath the heavens! Everything in the four seas is yours, and you¡¯re in the best of ages. The son of heaven is imbued with the aura of dragons. How can women not fear your noble, draconic prowess?¡± [1]

    These words were spoken with a few degrees of mock-anger and a few of jest, but mostly it came was the admiration of a lowly eunuch venerating the authority of the son of heaven and the emperor¡¯s manly charisma.

    Immensely pleased by his servant¡¯s words, Li Qitian was in the utmost of good moods.

    ¡°For a ve, you know quite a bit.¡±

    ¡°What would this lowly one know? I¡¯m only rying the truth of what my eyes have seen.¡± Reverence and awe appeared on Li Guanwen¡¯s face.

    The emperor chuckled again at this and mock-spat. ¡°You glibly tongued old thing. All you know is to ply Us with pretty words everyday.¡±

    ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare. I am wholly loyal to Your Majesty and only know how to speak the truth.¡±

    That finally sent Li Qitian into a hearty p ofughter. ¡°We know, We know. Alright then, go to the Pang and Ji Manors on Our behalf with medicine and imperial physicians. Take a good look at their injuries to make sure that they don¡¯t worsen.¡±

    The emperor rose and paced a few times, shaking his head. ¡°They¡¯re both pirs of the nation and already fight amongst themselves before the war¡¯s even begun. This is very unseemly. Have a few words with them as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood. This servant will fully bring word of Your Majesty¡¯s concern and admonishment.¡±

    Li Qitian nodded with satisfaction, highly pleased that Li Guanwen had urately grasped the main points of what he wanted to convey. The august majesty waved a hand. ¡°Go now. Take a close look at their current condition ande back with a report.¡±

    ¡°I hear and obey.¡± Now serious, Li Guanwen quickly analyzed what kind of news his master would want to hear the most and took his respectful leave.

    He first called upon the prince consort manor with Imperial Physician Ma.

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s ice sculpture of a handsome face only responded with faint nods when he met with the head eunuch. This was an imperial servant that even many officials strove to curry favor with!

    And yet, the eunuch didn¡¯t dare adopt lofty airs and bowed respectfully. He snuck a quick nce at the reddened bumps on Ji Zeyu¡¯s forehead before lowering his head, afraid to scrutinize longer.

    Imperial Physician Ma took Ji Zeyu¡¯s pulse and made an overall checkup. ¡°The prince consort¡¯s injuries are all surface wounds. There¡¯s nothing of importance. Applying some medicine to promote cirction and reduce bruises will do the trick.¡±

    A faint grunt of assent was the only response.

    When the imperial physician left to instruct the Ji family servants on how to apply the medicine, Li Guanwen began his questioning. ¡°Prince Consort Ji, His Majesty has ordered this servant to inquire as to exactly what went on.¡±

    Ji Zeyu snorted coldly. ¡°Pang Zhixi stepped out of bounds! Absolutely out of bounds!¡± He left with an angry flourish of his sleeves.

    Left where he was standing, the eunuch didn¡¯t mind since he knew this was Ji Zeyu¡¯s personality. After the doctor finished his instructions, they left for the Pang Manor.

    Their wee at the Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯s abode was much warmer.

    Head butler Xie Yue quickly came out in wee after the doorkeeper sent word in. The butler polite bowed in wee. ¡°Pleasee inside and have a seat, Grand Overseer Li.¡±

    ¡°This humble one wouldn¡¯t dare. We are here on imperial orders and must hurry back to the pce. Is His Highness in?¡±

    A trace of awkwardness shed across Xie Yue¡¯s face and he responded cagily, ¡°Ah, His Highness will be out shortly.¡±

    This reaction gave rise to the eunuch¡¯s curiosity.

    Xie Yue first showed Li Guanwen to the front hall and personally kept his visitorpany. He urged the servants to send word inside and lowered his voice, ¡°Tell them that Grand Overseer Li is here from the pce. Madame Pang should wait if she wants to dole out the punishment of kneeling.¡±

    The Pang family servant hastily left with his orders.

    Meanwhile, Li Guanwen was rather surprised to catch the words ¡®Madame Pang¡¯ and ¡®punishment of kneeling¡¯. To think that such a tyrant as the prince would face punishment at home?

    But further thought brought enlightenment.

    To think that Madame Pang would exercise such authority after returning to the manor! And that such an aplished war general would be such a filial individual. Whatever his official mother said seemed to bew!

    Li Guanwen tsk¡¯ed to himself. The rtionship between the prince and his official mother would surely be of interest to the emperor.

    Thus, he fully flexed the bearing of a pce supervisor and asked, ¡°His Majesty also ordered me to greet Madame Pang. Why don¡¯t we go pay a visit right now.¡± He set off for the inner residence without another word.

    The color drained from Xie Yue¡¯s face when he heard this and he scratched his temples. ¡°Uh, this, this won¡¯t do, will it? The prince will be out very shortly.¡±

    ¡°Mm?¡± Li Guanwen drew out the note and cast a stern look at the butler. ¡°We are here under imperial orders. Do you want to defy an imperial decree?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, this humble one wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± A tremor ran through Xie Yue and he hastily made his apologies. ¡°Please don¡¯t mind this. Since the grand overseer is here on imperial orders, I¡¯m sure my master inside won¡¯t have anyints otherwise. Please,e with me.¡±

    Li Guanwen nodded with satisfaction and followed the butler inside.

 Chapter 372: Madame Pang (II)

    <h4>Chapter 372: Madame Pang (II)</h4>

    It was Li Guanwen¡¯s first chance to be up close and personal with the prince¡¯s inner residence. Though he kept a tight expression and disdainful attitude on the way in, his eyes darted to and fro, taking detailed notes on everything.

    Leading the way, Xu Weizhi often turned back to enthusiastically point out this or that.

    However, the eunuch could read nervousness and awkwardness from the butler¡¯s expression.

    Hmph. You think I don¡¯t know your true feelings?

    But it was no wonder. The prince wasn¡¯t a child of only a few years old. To suffer a punishment of kneeling in public... and because of fighting outside the home... well. Even Li Guanwen would find the circumstances embarrassing.

    The group made a beeline for the upper area once setting foot into the inner residence. The eunuch asked smoothly, ¡°Has Madame Pang resided in the upper area since her return?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the old madame said that Madame Pang should be given precedence since thetter is the Pang matriarch. After the madame¡¯s return, Pinecrane Hall was moved out of the upper area to a side area in the rear.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± This response startled the eunuch. ¡°It really is very admirable that the old madame is so respectful of principles and propriety!¡±

    When it came down to things, the prince didn¡¯t even count as Madame Pang¡¯s concubine-born son. With what had happened in the Pang household in the past, no one would¡¯ve been able to utter a single criticism had the prince only treated Madame Pang with removed politeness. But to think that the prince would be so genuinely courteous after the emperor found the madame!

    Regardless of whether this was out of his respect for his official mother or loyalty to the emperor, the eunuch greatly admired Pang Xiao for being able to do so.

    ¡°And what of your grand-lord and grand-madame?¡±

    Xu Weizhi smiled. ¡°They also live in Pinecrane Hall now. All of them share the same residence.¡±

    Li Guanwen nodded,mitting these details to memory.

    They¡¯d reached the upper inner residence by now, and the eunuch caught sight of a serving girl running in front of them. The pageboy at the inner doors must¡¯ve given the message to the granny servant on duty, who had then found a serving girl to pass the word along. The chain of messengers meant that the guests arrived before the message had been delivered.

    Picking up his pace, Li Guanwen saw the girl slip into a house, of which there was a familiar, tall, and bulky figure kneeling in the courtyard.

    The Faithful Prince of the First Rank really had been punished with kneeling!

    Though the eunuch had already heard some of it earlier, the actual sight was still jaw dropping.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s usual image of oppressive dominance was too firmly burned in the public¡¯s hearts. It was impossible for Li Guanwen to immediately draw the connection between a war god who could make his enemies tremble with one nce, and this bedraggled individual being punished by the household matriarch.

    Perhaps hearing the serving girl¡¯s words, Pang Xiao abruptly whipped his head back and saw Xu Weizhi leading the pce grand supervisor into the yard.

    The eunuch could clearly see the disgruntled embarrassment on the prince¡¯s face.

    Disregarding his punishment, Pang Xiao rose and stared darkly at his strategist. ¡°Butler Xu, how do you fulfill your duties? Why didn¡¯t you send word earlier that Grand Supervisor Li is here? How extremely inappropriate is it that this prince has shown the supervisorcking hospitality?¡±

    Having spent many years by the emperor¡¯s side, Li Guanwen was ustomed to postting the moods of those ustomed to wielding authority. Even though the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had been stripped of power, his prestige in the army yet remained. This was someone that even the emperor was wary of! A mere eunuch supervisor could never afford to offend him.

    Thus, Li Guanwen adopted a head down stance with his arms by his side. Taking a respectful position off to the side, there was no hint of the conceit he¡¯d disyed when first arriving.

    Xu Weizhi looked down in fearful respect and bowed. ¡°In response to Your Highness, Grand Supervisor Li is here on imperial orders. There was nothing this humble one could do, please forgive me.¡±

    Pang Xiao glowered at Xu Weizhi, but didn¡¯t have time to speak before door curtains of evesting fortune and longevity was lifted in front of the main door.

    A woman over fifty years old with graying hair and a plump body walked out, supported by various maids.

    Numerous wrinkles criss-crossed Madame Pang¡¯s face. The deep furrows between her brows especially imparted an exceedingly angry air, even when she was expressionless. What she looked like in her youth was impossible to discern; she now looked like someone with an explosive temper and caustic temperament.

    ¡°Your Highness, you cannot transfer your anger from one person to another.¡± Madame Pang frowned. ¡°Butler Xu has devoted all of his energies to the household. Grand Supervisor Lies with an imperial decree, could he have really stopped the supervisor?¡±

    A public scolding...

    The reasoning was correct, but was it really appropriate to deliver it like this?

    Even as an outsider, Li Guanwen¡¯s lips twitched to hear the reprimand.

    Pang Xiao however, bowed respectfully. Instead of close familiarity, he responded with extreme courtesy, ¡°Many thanks for the madame¡¯s guidance.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Madame Pang made a ponderous note in the back of her throat in response. Alighting the steps slowly, her attitudepletely changed by the time she reached Li Guanwen.

    A faint smile now clung to the innately wrathful face and her tone wasn¡¯t as solemn as it was when berating Pang Xiao. Beaming, she greeted, ¡°That was truly a breach of etiquette. I¡¯ve only just arrived at the manor and haven¡¯t had the time to put it properly in order. Things are gravely askew and in shambles here. How embarrassing it was for the gonggong to witness this.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. The old madame must put great effort on taking care of your health. His Majesty is also concerned with your good health.¡±

    Eyes creased into smiles. ¡°I am crude and lowly, yet invite care from the emperor. This is truly an undeserved honor! Please have His Majesty be at ease. I will rebuke the prince well so that such ludicrous things never ur again.¡±

 Chapter 372.2: Madame Pang (II)

    <h4>Chapter 372.2: Madame Pang (II)</h4>

    ¡°Aiya, please don¡¯t say that.¡± Li Guanwen was silently howling to himself. Just what was this Madame Pang thinking?? Her husband had been dead for so many years, but here she was, talking like this to the high and mighty prince. Pang Xiao had neither been adopted as a concubine-born son nor been been raised in the Pang household!

    ¡°The prince is His Majesty¡¯s right hand man. This servant is also here to look in on the prince¡¯s wounds. If Madame Pang doesn¡¯t mind, we¡¯ll have the imperial physiciane examine the prince.¡±

    ¡°Then I thank His Majesty greatly for his concern.¡±

    Li Guanwen had Physician Mae over.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s arm wound had already been dressed, but the bloodstains on the snow-white gauze looked horrific. Add to that the bruise around his lips¡ªit made for easy imagining of how brutal the actual fight had been.

    Once the imperial physician redressed the prince¡¯s wound, Li Guanwen conveyed respectfully, ¡°Your Highness, the emperor would like me to ask you just what happened.¡±

    Pang Xiao frowned ferociously and bit off coldly, ¡°That bastard was asking for it! When this prince gets the chance to, taking revenge for this wound is the first thing on my mind!¡±

    He was someone ustomed to taking lives on the battlefield alright. When the prince¡¯s wrathful aura red, even Li Guanwen subconsciously shrank into himself.

    Madame Pang, however, was wholly unafraid. She hectored lowly, ¡°Your Highness! You are a subject and Prince Consort Ji a royal rtive! How can you talk like this? Do you not remember the Pang house rules?¡±

    Forehead tightly furrowed together, one could tell that the prince was on the verge of erupting. For now however, he still held himself in.

    ¡°You weren¡¯t fortunate enough to grow up in the manor, alright, and you¡¯vee back with some rascally ways from the outside world. Just how did your mother raise you? You wouldn¡¯t be thiswless if you¡¯d grown up in the manor. If your father was still alive, he¡¯d break both your legs to see you be so good-for-nothing!¡±

    Li Guanwen wanted to sink to his knees in abject horror. Of all the people in the world unrted to Pang Xiao, likely only Madame Pang dared talk to him like this!

    Having kept a tight grip on his temper all day, Pang Xiao could finally take no more. ¡°Madame Pang, this prince respects you on ount of the father that I never even saw. Don¡¯t greedily fumble for more than what you¡¯re given!¡±

    Madame Pang blinked.

    Since arriving at the Pang Manor, Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t so much as raised his voice at her!

    It was due to this courteous reception and continualpromise in all areas that gave her the confidence that she could discipline him.

    To think that someone who usually looked so meek and harmless would be so terrifying when releasing the killing intent of the battlefield!

    ¡°Why would Ick the fortune to grow up in the manor if not for Madame Pang¡¯s all-epassing envy? You know better than anyone the events of yesteryear. This prince respects you, but you should not overdo things. That year, you first drove my mother out of the manor and then sent assassins after her. That she managed to escape is great serendipity

 Chapter 373: The Explosion After the Quiet

    <h4>Chapter 373: The Explosion After the Quiet</h4>

    Cold sweat beaded Li Guanwen¡¯s forehead.

    Though it was forbidden to specte the imperial mind, the eunuch had some understanding of Li Qitian¡¯s thoughts and ns after serving by his side for so long.

    The eunuch knew of his master¡¯s wariness against Pang Xiao, and that sending Madame Pang to the prince wasn¡¯t necessarily out of good intentions.

    The pce supervisor had no right toment on this matter.

    However, he knew that the emperor wouldn¡¯t want Madame Pang thrown out of the manor like this.

    And even if she was, she couldn¡¯t be thrown out while the eunuch was present! What if he turned into a scapegoat for the emperor¡¯s ill temper after the fact?

    ¡°This servant understands Your Highness¡¯s filial heart,¡± smiled the eunuch. ¡°I¡¯m sure Madame Pang understands your feelings. But as you know too, outsiders might not understand your meaning. What if someone twists Your Highness¡¯s good intentions into refusing to serve your official mother?¡±

    Madame Pang breathed in inward relief when she heard this and agreed emphatically. ¡°Your Highness, be angry if you want, but you can¡¯t disregard the Pang reputation. I¡¯m your official mother. Of course you will serve at your official mother¡¯s side. If word of this gets out, you¡¯ll have invited outsiders to defame the Pangs!¡±

    The prince had seemed to waver after the eunuch¡¯s string of words, but the madame¡¯s sudden interjection turned the situation ugly again!

    The prince wasn¡¯t a three year old! He wasn¡¯t to be threatened and rebuked at the drop of a hat. Any man with the slightest bit of dignity wouldn¡¯t submit to these words. Besides, Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t even been born in the Pang household in the first ce, and his mother had once been hunted down by the madame. It was already beyond surprising that Pang Xiao had obeyed imperial order sand taken Madame Pang in instead of killing her on the spot.

    Indeed, the prince¡¯s expression grew even uglier. Hepletely ignored the madame like she hadn¡¯t said anything, turning instead to the eunuch.

    ¡°Many thanks for Grand Supervisor Li¡¯s good intentions. But this prince¡¯s heart is true and I keep only the madame¡¯s wellbeing in mind. It doesn¡¯t matter what others will say as long as the madame lives a happy life. This prince is afraid that if this continues, Madame Pang will take ill from anger sooner orter.¡±

    Pang Xiao nced coldly at the madame after his words.

    An awl seemed to pierce the madame¡¯s heart a few times. From the prince¡¯s eyes, she even felt the yawning maw of a predator poised to leap on its prey.

    It suddenly felt like if she didn¡¯t meekly walk out on her own two feet, Pang Xiao would have her carried out on a stretcher!

    Why hadn¡¯t she discovered before that the prince was actually a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing??

    Thanks to his previous filial piety and biddability, she¡¯d even felt that it might¡¯ve been nice to have raised him as her son from the very beginning.

    She didn¡¯t understand him at all and thus rxed her guard, switching from her original observation of the prince to their current straits. Had she known earlier that he was such a character not to be provoked, she wouldn¡¯t have spoken like this at all.

    If she really was forced to leave the manor like this, how could she possibly face the towering wrath sure to descend from the emperor?

    Her forehead knotted tightly together, the furrows between her brows deepened even further. fingers clutching tightly at her robes, her lips twitched, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to say anything. It would be too embarrassing to capitte.

    And even if she did take the lower ground, Pang Xiao still probably wouldn¡¯t let her off the hook. Since it was the same result no matter what she did, why struggle futilely?

    Li Guanwen inwardly shook his head, having coolly observed all this off to the side.

    Who knew if the emperor really had been in private contact with Madame Pang?

    If she really was a pawn, then the eunuch could only say that the imperial majesty had really chosen the wrong person this time. The madame had proved to be unobservant, unadaptable, and inflexible. She only knew to put on airs and project the haughty bearing of the family matriarch. Even someone meeting her for the first time such as he disliked Madame Pang, much less the prince who had to see her everyday.

    The prince had already given orders for Huzi to ready his horse. He turned back to speak to Li Guanwen. ¡°I¡¯ll have to request the gonggong to be a witness in front of His Majesty. Otherwise, there might be those who cry me down with just my own testimony.¡±

    With how things were, what could the head eunuch do even if he didn¡¯t want to go along with all this? If he rejected the prince to his face, Li Guanwen would have to constantly be on guard against Pang Xiao¡¯s revenge.

    As opposed to that, it was much preferable to forming congenial ties.

    ¡°Your Highness is much too polite. Though this servant is foolish and slow, I can see clearly what is and is not. If His Majesty asks of me, I will convey the truth.¡±

    ¡°In that case, I thank the gonggong.¡± Pang Xiao walked out courteously with the eunuch, sliding an exquisite silk pouch into the eunuch¡¯s sleeves under the cover of the prince¡¯s cloak.

    Li Guanwen blinked, then fondled the pouch. It was neither silver nor gold inside. Judging from the distinct shapes, it looked to be a bag of gems.

    The Faithful Prince of the First Rank wasn¡¯t the sort to be miserly. Delighted, the eunuch carefully put the pouch away.

    Madame Pang stood stock-still where she was, just watching Pang Xiao and Li Guanwen leave the inner residence in high spirits. She clenched her teeth, spitting out, ¡°Two-faced ingrate!¡±

    No matter what the madame thought, Pang Xiao brought his petition all the way to Li Qitian. His dressed wound prominently showing on his arm, the prince stiffly plopped to his knees as soon as he saw the emperor. He first raised theint that Ji Zeyu picked the fight with him, bawling, ¡°I¡¯ve never been so helpless even in the battlefield!¡±

    This was what Li Qitian wanted to see most of all. He offered only a few words of constion to the prince and not much else.

    Sighing, Pang Xiao changed the topic to that of Madame Pang moving out of the manor.

    This took the emperor by surprise. ¡°Wasn¡¯t everything just fine before? Why is she suddenly moving out?¡±

    The prince summarized what had just happened in the manor and summoned Li Guanwen as his witness.

    The eunuch didn¡¯t dare say anything on Pang Xiao¡¯s behalf, but likewise didn¡¯t dare do nothing at all. So when Li Qitian asked for his version of the events, the eunuch conveyed only the facts and waxed eloquent on Pang Xiao¡¯s resignation. He refrained himself from expressing any opinions, so as to not sway the imperial majesty¡¯s judgement.

    After the back and forth, it was so quiet in the study that one could hear a pin drop. A long whileter, Li Qitian nodded in assent after weighing up the pros and cons.

    ¡°Find a good residence then. She¡¯s General Pang¡¯s right and legal wife at the end of the day. It won¡¯t do to neglect her.¡±

    ¡°Understood. This subject will keep Your Majesty¡¯s teachings in mind. Though the madame is to make her home elsewhere, I will not maltreat her at all.¡±

    ¡°Mm. That¡¯s good.¡± Li Qitian offered a few more words offort before dismissing the prince.

    Once Pang Xiao left, the emperor called Li Guanwen over for a hushed conversation. ¡°Was Prince Consort Ji as angry as Pang Zhixi?¡±

 Chapter 374: Packing Up and Cleaning House

    <h4>Chapter 374: Packing Up and Cleaning House</h4>

    Li Guanwen¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He quickly lowered his eyes to hide his emotions and ran rapidly through the gamut of responses. It was only a breathter when he responded to the emperor.

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this servant feels that though the prince consort wasn¡¯t as blunt as the imperial prince, they pretty much carry the same sentiment. The prince consort¡¯s personality is cool and indifferent, so spending even two words on this subject is evidence of his indignation.¡±

    Li Qitian thought deeply for a moment before nodding.

    ¡°We see. Are their injuries alright?¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Ma had a look. There¡¯s a sizable bump on Prince Consort Ji¡¯s forehead. He probably won¡¯t set foot outside his doors over the next few days out of consideration of face.

    ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank is only slightly injured, with the wound on his arm being the biggest. As for the others, you saw just now as well that there¡¯s a bruise at the corner of his mouth.¡±

    ¡°These two.¡± Li Qitian shook his head with resignation and a sigh. ¡°They¡¯re not kids anymore, but look at them fighting like this! Even We feel greatly embarrassed for them. Won¡¯t the entire court howl withughter if they knew of what¡¯d happened?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is quite right.¡± Li Guanwen found the floor highly fascinating. He had a hunch that it wouldn¡¯t be long until everyone at court learned of what¡¯d happened.

    Li Qitian¡¯s mouth twitched as he imagined the scene of the two princes brawling in the streets. He wanted tough, but suppressed the urge to out of concern for imperial dignity.

    The eunuch lowered his head even further when he saw this.

    It was best for him to be invisible when his master was gleefully frolicking in schadenfreude. If things took a worse in the future, Li Guanwen mighte in for a beating if the emperor remember that the eunuch had been present.

    Silent with his own thoughts for a while, it took a moment before Li Qitian realized that his eunuch had already dismissed himself off to the side. Highly satisfied, the emperor gave orders for Imperial Physician Ma to be summoned.

    ¡°Have those from the Imperial Academy visit the princes after three days for another round of diagnoses. Pay special attention to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, it¡¯s Our brother-inw who hurt him, after all.¡± Li Qitian thought about things some more. ¡°We remember there¡¯s a pot of red coral in the storehouses. Deliver it to the eldest princess¡¯s manor. Tell her that we gift it to her for her viewing pleasure.¡±

    ¡°Understood. This servant will do so immediately.¡±

    ......

    Sitting in a carriage, Qin Yining frowned as she asked Xianyun, ¡°So what exactly happened? Didn¡¯t they only fight with their hands and feet? Why were there injuries?¡±

    ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t know the particrs either. I only heard about it when I went out that Prince Consort pierced the prince in a fit of anger. Though there¡¯s no danger to the prince¡¯s life, blood scattered horrifyingly all over the ground.¡±

    ¡°These men are truly...¡± Qin Yining wore a ferocious frown as her fingers entwined nervously. She¡¯d thought it was just one of Pang Xiao¡¯s schemes when she heard about the fight, but who would¡¯ve thought that someone would actually get hurt!

    Xianyun smiled to herself at seeing her mistress so anxious. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, miss. We¡¯ll know everything when we see the princeter.¡±

    ¡°Miss.¡± Xiaoxue called out lowly outside of the carriage. ¡°I made inquiries and found out that the emperor¡¯s head eunuch just made a visit to the Pang Manor. The prince and Madame Pang got into an argument in the inner residence, causing the prince to storm into the pce for an imperial audience. He hasn¡¯te back yet.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brow shot towards her hairline and she responded slowly, ¡°I see. We¡¯ll wait over there in that secluded spot for now and see how the situation develops.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The group steered the carriage into a discreet alleyway across from the prince¡¯s manor.

    Qin Yining and Xianyun remained in the vehicle, while Jingzhe and the others alertly stood guard around the perimeter.

    The girl was actually more at ease now. If her beloved still had the strength for an imperial audience, that meant his injury wasn¡¯t bad at all.

    Although, it was difficult to say when it came to Pang Xiao. That stubborn mule could very well forcefully bear up beneath the weight of his injury if he wanted to make a statement for something.

    However...

    Why would the prince be in such a hurry to enter the pce after a spat with Madame Pang?

    Her fingers tapped lightly on the small table in the carriage, sounding out a crisp, slow rhythm. As the clues in her mind came together, her spections took increasingly solid shape.

    A disturbance came from the manor¡¯s direction before long.

    A figure shot quickly back to the manor on the back of a galloping horse. Jingzhe only had time for a single nce to confirm it was Pang Xiao.

    Momentster, the manor¡¯s side door opened up. A resplendent carriage trundled out, followed by six blue-tent carriages. A group of servants brought up the rear. The vast convoy exited the side door with great fanfare and stopped in front of the manor.

    Pang Xiao was standing on the steps with a cloak of gray squirrel-fur around his shoulders. A calm expression crossed his face as he looked down at the carriages.

    Faint sounds of sobbing could be heard from the tent carriages. One of the window curtains parted to express a faint, tender call. ¡°Your Highness, don¡¯t have us leave! We¡¯re imperially bestowed concubines. We won¡¯t leave!¡±

    Pang Xiao responded expressionlessly. ¡°Madame Pang is this prince¡¯s official mother. Now hat she is moving to a new residence, how am I to be at ease if she goes alone? This prince has no wife and you are the only womenfolk around me that I trust. You will serve the madame well on this prince¡¯s behalf. Keep herpany often and be filial. This prince will not forgive easily if you have the slightest bit of neglect.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness! We don¡¯t want to!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to go with Madame Pang if you don¡¯t want to.¡± The followup silenced the chattering female voices. Pang Xiao¡¯s tone hardened. ¡°You are this prince¡¯s concubines. Even if you are imperially bestowed, don¡¯t forget your identities. Madame Pang is this prince¡¯s official mother, a highly respected individual that this prince can¡¯t show enough filial piety towards. Yet you dare protest and drag your heels when sent to serve her on this prince¡¯s behalf. What further use does this prince have for all of you! Those who do not wish to serve may leave the household and do as you wish.¡±

    Emotions flickered across the womenfolk¡¯s faces, while movement finally urred from the opulent carriage.

    The window curtains were flicked outwards to reveal a furious-looking Madame Pang. Leaning halfway out the opening, she denounced angrily, ¡°Kill or sell the people you don¡¯t want! Why are you shoving them at me? I don¡¯t want them. Have those bitches stay far away from me! They¡¯re all so needy and useless beyond belief!¡±

    The title of ¡®bitches¡¯ set off the women behind her and they screeched back in protest.

    The ensuing delightful cacophony of shrieked insults and high-pitched outrage didn¡¯t irritate Pang Xiao. He rather chuckled instead.

    ¡°Has Madame Pang gone confused in your anger? As needy or useless these women may be, they¡¯re not General Pang¡¯s concubines. Are you too used to be envious of others and lost control of your temper again?¡±

    ¡°You, you vile spawn!¡±

    ¡°Rest well in your new home, Madame Pang. My concubines will serve you well.¡± Pang Xiao ordered, ¡°Be on your way and serve the madame well.¡±

    A din of sorrowful wails rose from the carriages, but who would dare defy Pang Xiao¡¯s instructions? No one was able to change his mind once it was set!

    Standing in front of the door with his hands behind his back, Pang Xiaoughed softly when the convoy drove off into the distance. Even the wound on his arm didn¡¯t throb as much anymore.

    Using this incident to exaggerate his reactions, he¡¯d been able to clean out most of the irritations at home. Now that they¡¯d left, they¡¯d have to expend quite a bit of effort toe back. They were all part of his household at the end of the day, so it¡¯d be up to him whether or not he let them through the door!

    This way, his darling would have fewer troubles to wrap her head around when she joined the familyter.

 Chapter 375: An Unspoken Accord

    <h4>Chapter 375: An Unspoken ord</h4>

    The prince wasn¡¯t worried that his darling wouldn¡¯t be able to handle someone harsh and caustic like Madame Pang. It was just that, if he could clear away annoyances with a simple bit of nning, why allow them to stay and exasperate his beloved?

    Turning back happily, Pang Xiao was about to head inside when he saw Huzi winking and making faces at him.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    Huzi silently pointed at the alley across from them.

    Flicking a sidelong nce without reaction, Pang Xiao caught sight of an unfamiliar pageboy standing at a corner of a wall.

    As far as looks went, the pageboy couldn¡¯t be any more ordinary. But whileymen wouldn¡¯t be able to tell anything special, experts would be able to see that this was a highly skilled martial arts fighter. He kept a fixed stare on the manor doors and didn¡¯t dodge the prince¡¯s stare when their eyes met. He just gave a coollyposed nod.

    Inspiration shed across Pang Xiao¡¯s mind and he thought of something. Tamping down brimming excitement, he turned expressionlessly back into the manner.

    When they reached the study and closed the door, he finally whispered, ¡°Do you think darling Yi is here?¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± Huzi chuckled. ¡°The fourth miss cares about Your Highness so much. How would she not worry when news of your fight and injury from the prince consort is the talk of town? She must¡¯vee to take a look for herself.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled tightly and nodded. He adopted a seemingly maturely demeanor with his pacing, making two circles beforementing with regret. ¡°Too bad there¡¯s still spies in the household. Otherwise I¡¯d bring her in so grandfather and grandmother can have a look. Grandmother¡¯s been talking about her nonstop in her absence.¡±

    ¡°The days ahead are long. Your Highness should go meet the fourth miss first and put her at ease.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded and went for a change of clothing, swapping out the bloodstained gauze on his arm and sneaking out the rear side door when no one was around. He had Huzi follow him from the distance, just in case the prince overlooked someone tailing him.

    Before long, he made his way to where Qin Yining¡¯s carriage is.

    Jingzhe, Xiaoman, Xiaoxue, and Dahan were scattered around the carriage and alley. They snapped to attention when they saw someone approach, but rxed again when they saw who it was.

    Next to the carriage, Xiaoman whispered, ¡°Miss, the prince is here.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked and quickly flung open the window curtains to see a beaming Pang Xiao next to the window.

    Throwing a few winks at her mistress, Xianyun smartly alighted from the carriage and made a smiling curtsey at Pang Xiao. She gestured for the former Silver Masks to clear the area.

    Embarrassed by her maid¡¯s antics, Qin Yining¡¯s difort transformed into sunny smile when she saw the prince deftly jump onto the carriage.

    He took a seat next to her, put the curtain down, and stroked her cheek with his uninjured right hand. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°I heard about your injury and came to take a look, but actually watched a great show instead!¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled. ¡°Those women were seriously too annoying to remain in the manor. They¡¯ve already severely disturbed my grandparents and mother¡¯s lives.¡±

    Though what was even more important was that he didn¡¯t want Qin Yining to have to undergo a single bit of suffering after she married him, but he was too embarrassed to say that in front of her. He didn¡¯t want her to think that he was fishing for praise.

    The prince¡¯s meaningful look elicited an answering chuckle from the Qin fourth miss. She flung an arm around her man¡¯s neck and adopted a brotherly leer. ¡°Does Brother Beauty not have anything else to say?¡±

    The teasing tone greatly amuses Pang Xiao, but the nickname of Brother Beauty set his heart afire. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed her into his embrace. ¡°There¡¯s not much else, but let¡¯s hear another ¡®Brother Beauty¡¯ from you again.¡±

    Tittering, Qin Yiningplied. ¡°Brother Beauty obviously used the excuse of the emperor¡¯s brother-inw injuring you to demandpensation! You sent away an official mother and swept out your concubines to boot. I¡¯m sure there¡¯s still quite a few concealed spies in their servants, right? Killing many birds with one stone has always been Brother Beauty¡¯s style.¡±

    She drew closer to his ears and whispered, ¡°And I think that your biggest goal was to get rid of all the concubines. Were you heartbroken for them that I¡¯d take care of them in the future?¡±

    The repeated calls of Brother Beauty utterly melted Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. A wave of warmth rose in his body, leaving only the girl¡¯s tender voice and hot breaths registering in his senses.

    He¡¯d never been a bashful person, so decisively flipped her down onto the carriage and bent down to the small mouth that he¡¯d been yearning for many days.

    The world spun round and round before Qin Yining had a chance to react. Her struggles futile, she decided to quietly ept the attention.

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t rise until his darling was almost out of air. ¡°How would I be heartbroken for them? I was thinking of you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful eyes sparkled and she chuckled softly, ¡°I know.¡±

    Unable to help himself, Pang Xiao dropped another featherlight kiss on her eyshes. ¡°I know you know. You were just teasing me.¡±

    The two grinned at each other.

    The Qin fourth miss pushed the prince away so they could sit up straight. ¡°Where did Prince Consort Ji injure you? I can see the bruise by your mouth. He really put his back into it.¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have been realistic otherwise.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°He broke the skin on my arm, but it¡¯s no big deal. Ah Lan knows the limits very well.¡±

    ¡°So you guys nned this out beforehand?¡± Qin Yining rifled through Pang Xiao¡¯s sleeve. He obligingly took off his outer robe so she could take a look at his injury.

    ¡°Not at all. I dropped in for a visit and we chatted over tea. The princess came as I was about to leave. Since it was such a rare coincidence, I thought it¡¯d be best to make full use of the opportunity. Ah Lan is in simr straits as me so he probably thought the same too. We guessed each other¡¯s intentions after exchanging a few words, so decided to have a fight.¡±

    ¡°You two are really... something, to be so much on the same page when you didn¡¯te up with this beforehand!¡±

    ¡°We honed this out in the battlefield. Though our circumstances are greatly different from before and we may sometimes stand on opposing sides from each other, we still have that previous understanding of each other.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded understandingly and sighed. ¡°That can¡¯t be helped, given the times we¡¯re in. But Prince Consort Ji has a sharp head on his shoulders and is decisive when he needs to be. He¡¯s a good brother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Pang Xiao agreed with emotion. ¡°Our situation now isn¡¯t as before. Though we¡¯ll scheme against each other, we understand why the other has to do so. Sometimes, our hands really are tied behind our backs.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°This must be the difference between men and women. If it was two close girlfriends having to plot against each other to keep themselves safe, they wouldn¡¯t keep such an open mind about it all. The friendship would long since be over, but you men are different.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a matter of gender, but who we¡¯re talking about. Ji Lan and I have a brotherhood forged through life and death, and I¡¯ve always admired his character and martial arts skills. He¡¯s an upright and straightced individual. I¡¯m willing to treat him with sincerity as well. Our circumstances now are simr, so we understand each other even more so.¡±

    The hrity of the situation suddenly urred to the prince. ¡°We¡¯re both scheming against each other now to ensure our security, but we also know full well that we¡¯re being set up.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s not a bad thing to have such an unspoken ord between you two. Your wound is still bleeding,¡± Qin Yining noted with worry when she saw blood see through the gauze around his muscled arm. ¡°Don¡¯t move around much over the next couple of days. Don¡¯t get the wound wet and be careful of what you eat. Don¡¯t think that you¡¯re made of metal. You hurt too when you get injured! Look at all those scars and marks all over your body. They¡¯re such an ugly sight.¡±

    ¡°Heh, you don¡¯t like them? That¡¯s too bad, I¡¯m all covered in them now. Why don¡¯t you tell Bingtang and have her think of a way to get rid of the scars? Tell her they don¡¯t feel good to you.¡±

    Bingtang wouldugh her head off if Qin Yining said that!

    A furiously blushing Qin fourth miss red ferociously at the prince. ¡°Look at you, not taking things seriously.¡±

    Pang Xiao put his shirt back on with Qin Yining¡¯s help and whispered, ¡°Did that Lu fellow give you a hard time?¡±

    The girl smiled back. ¡°Not at all. But now that I¡¯ve caused Madame Lu to lose face, I wonder what she¡¯ll do next.¡±

    ¡°Madame Lu isn¡¯t a soft character. You must be careful. With her nature, she takes revenge for every slight. Things won¡¯t be over this easily.¡±

 Chapter 376: To Pull Up By the Roots (I)

    <h4>Chapter 376: To Pull Up By the Roots (I)</h4>

    ¡°Of course I know things won¡¯t be over that easily. It¡¯s all because someone is just so fascinating.¡± Qin Yining hugged her shoulders and looked at Pang Xiao with resignation. ¡°I was just sitting at home and didn¡¯t offend anyone when disaster fell out of the sky and into myp. I gained two enemies plotting after me for no reason at all, and their statuses aren¡¯t low either!¡±

    Pang Xiao scraped her nose with a finger, smiling at her teasing. ¡°I¡¯ll pretend that you¡¯re jealous.¡±

    ¡°I am jealous,¡± responded the girl seriously.

    The prince¡¯s heart shook when he met her limpid eyes. She meant her words!

    ¡°I thought you...¡±

    ¡°Thought me what? That I don¡¯t get jealous?¡± Qin Yining was quite very surprised. Someone as smart as Pang Xiao would think she didn¡¯t have an envious bone in her body? ¡°Am I really that generous in your eyes?¡±

    Pang Xiao shook his head and enfolded her into his embrace, rubbing the top of her head with his chin. He sighed. ¡°It¡¯s my oversight. You¡¯re always so dependable and mature, and smart and sharp that I defaulted to thinking you never mind anything you run into. But I forgot that you¡¯re a girl too. That¡¯s my fault.¡±

    He really was a dunce! No matter how strong his darling was, she was just a sixteen-year-old girl at the end of the day. How could he have been so absentminded as to neglect her feelings? He¡¯d taken her maturity and patience for granted!

    What difference was there then, between him and those who only cared about using Qin Yining?

    Sensing her man¡¯s low spirits, the Qin fourth miss raised her head with a smile and kissed his chin. ¡°What fault? I may be a girl, but I¡¯m not weaker than anyone else. Look at you, a man and fretting over so much. You¡¯re not half as open-minded as me!¡±

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°Me, not open-minded? I just care about you.¡±

    The warm huffs of air by her ear caused Qin Yining to quickly shift her body away. She shoved his shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s chat just for a little while. I don¡¯t want others to think random, wild thoughts.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll sneak in to see you in the future. But you¡¯ve gotten some experts by your side, so it won¡¯t be easy to soundlessly jump through your window now. Won¡¯t your guards think wild thoughts if they found out?¡±

    A hot blush from the joking, Qin Yining snorted softly. ¡°My father gave them to me to guard against you.¡±

    ¡°Is father-inw still thinking about what happenedst time?¡± The prince quipped.

    The Qin fourth miss red ferociously at him, annoyed whenever she thought of how Pang Xiao purposefully let her father see his shadow. She shoved his shoulder. ¡°Go on, go on. Go back and tend to your wound.¡±

    The prince stopped teasing his girl and pulled her soft, tender hands over for a kiss before jumping down the carriage.

    Xianyun approached to curtsey when she saw her former master emerge.

    ¡°Serve your mistress well.¡±

    ¡°Understood. This servant will devote all of my energies to this miss.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded, spun on his heel, and strode off quickly in the opposite direction of the Pang Manor.

    Qin Yining¡¯s unadorned hand lifted the curtains, not giving the order to set off until the prince¡¯s figure disappeared into the distance.

    A heavy weight lifted from her heart, entertained by a good show, and most importantly, having had a conversation with Pang Xiao, Qin Yining was in exceedingly good spirits. She spent the rest of the trip home breaking out into involuntary smiles.

    Xianyun knew that her mistress had a thin face and so didn¡¯t say anything. But she too grinned all the way back to the Qin Manor.

    ......

    Things were hopping in the capital these days. Gossip first flew fast and furious about Madame Lu purposefully giving Minister Qin¡¯s daughter a hard time, but only reaping a public scolding from her own brother for her troubles. Then the dance between Prince Consort Ji, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, and the Princess of Anyang became everyone¡¯s favorite cup of tea at every meal.

    By the time news of the fight between the two war gods broke out, the hubbub rose to a peak. Everyone knew about the affair.

    There wasn¡¯t much to be had in the way of entertainment and people shunned the outdoors during the harsh winters. Now that the days were turning warm again, more foot traffic in the streets meant the exchange of more news.

    Seeing public opinion develop in the direction that Li Qitian wanted it to, Qin Yining knew that Pang Xiao must be giving the tides of thought a push behind the scenes.

    The more time they spent together, the more Qin fourth miss realized that Pang Xiao was actually a conscientious man with devilish methods. At the very least, he wasn¡¯t as crude and brash as he appeared on the surface.

    Seeing her beloved willing to use brain over brawn put her at ease.

    The fight between two war gods fully eclipsed the matter of Madame Lu. When no further action was forting, it seemed to Qin Yining that previous matters were over and done with.

    Thus, Lu Dehaning to her in a panic on this day was quite a surprise.

    ¡°Benefactor, people from the Marquis of Valiant Faith Manor came to me today and said they want to buy your manor for a high price. They¡¯ll kill me if I refuse!¡±

    This took Qin Yining gravely back. ¡°The marchioness sent men to you?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lu Dehan nodded. ¡°I¡¯m an old man and not afraid of death, but I¡¯m afraid of doing something wrong and bringing my benefactor down with me. Didn¡¯t some people say a while ago that the woman in the marquis¡¯s manor is making trouble for you? No wonder she¡¯s doing all this now.¡±

    Qin Yining furrowed her brow in deep thought. The manor they were living in now was in the process of being handed over to the Qins. Having put Lu Dehan¡¯s name on the deed, she¡¯d given instructions for him to transfer the deed to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s name without a need for silver to be exchanged.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that Madame Lu would still be obsessed about this matter after failing so many times?

    ¡°Benefactor, what should we do now?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, she won¡¯t do anything to you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid even if she really does do something. But are we just going to drag things out like this with her? She wants to buy the manor, but I won¡¯t sell it to her. She might not kill me, but she won¡¯t let us have an easy time of things. Why don¡¯t we sell the manor to her at a high price? We¡¯ll be able to buy a better one with the silver then. She can eat that loss!¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with amusement when she heard this. Lu Dehan had a very straightforward mind, alright.

    Wouldn¡¯t Madame Lu just do the same thing again if they tried to buy another manor?

    The Lus are an aristocratic family hundreds of years old with very deep foundations. Maybe the money is just a small number to her. It¡¯ll be more than easy for her to repeat the same actions again.

    Besides, she¡¯d be conceding defeat in a way if she lowered her head now and took the money from the marchioness.

    That had never been Qin Yining¡¯s style. She¡¯d rather be enemies with the Lus than do anything to lose face for the Qins. If the n¡¯s womenfolk weren¡¯t aboveboard in the inner residence, her father would be ridiculed in his position at court!

    ¡°Miss.¡± Qiulu curtsied in front of the door at this time. ¡°Miss, we have a calling card from the Lus. The front of the house says that since all three elder masters aren¡¯t at home, there¡¯s no one who can make the decisions. Senior madame had us hand the card to you.¡±

    ¡°Let me take a look.¡±

    Qiulu handed over the gold-edged card to Qin Yining, the contents of which surprised the fourth miss.

    The invitation was from Lu Heng, inviting Qin Huaiyuan out for a chat.

    Qin Yining closed her eyes in brief thought and suddenly smiled. She had a way of managing Madame Lu now!

 Chapter 377: To Pull Up By the Roots (II)

    <h4>Chapter 377: To Pull Up By the Roots (II)</h4>

    Lu Dehan¡¯s curiosity was piqued when he saw how self-assured Qin Yining was. ¡°Miss, do you have a n for Madame Lu?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss nodded with a smile. ¡°Mm. I need to go back and discuss this with my father, but don¡¯t worry. Just go through your days as usual. The madame wants to take me down, os her ns will only target me. She¡¯s just trying to scare you. If you sell the manor to her, that will be a blow to the Qin dignity.¡±

    ¡°Ai!¡± Lu Dehan sighed after hearing all this. ¡°Miss, you rich and noble people sure live tiring lives.¡±

    The older man was a straightforward sort and spoke whatever was on his mind. His bluntness teased a smile out of Qin Yining.

    After seeing him off, she instructed Qiulu, ¡°Go to the front yard to wait for my father. Let me know immediately when he returns and tell him that I have urgent business to discuss with him.¡±

    The maid nodded solemnly and scampered out.

    When Qin Huaiyuan returnedter that day, he was hastily met by his daughter. She summarized the events of the day and condoled with worry, ¡°Father, the second master of the Lu n isn¡¯t a friendly sort. It looks like he wants to befriend you, but he¡¯s actually stirring the pot. How should we handle this?¡±

    Li Qitian had allowed the surrendered Great Yan officials into the capital because he wanted to bnce out the tripod of native aristocracy, old Northern Ji officials, and homegrown officials with military power. The emperor would be intensely displeased no matter which side the Great Yan officials threw their lot in with.

    But since Lu Heng¡¯s invitation had been delivered, the emperor would probably form the wrong impression that Qin Huaiyuan was close to the Lus, no matter whether or not the invite was epted.

    If Lu Heng had even bothered to think on the Qins¡¯ behalf for even a second, he would¡¯ve never so tantly sent the invitation.

    The Qin patriarch slowly lifted his teacup for a sip, asking in a measured pace, ¡°How do you think should handle this?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I¡¯m asking you, father. Why are you asking me instead?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan looked at his daughter in mock anger. ¡°Are you putting on an act in front of your old man? You already have an idea! Out with it and see if us two heroes think alike.¡±

    The girl smiled to hear her father talk this way. ¡°It¡¯s actually very simple. He did this undoubtedly to sow discord in your rtions with His Majesty. If you don¡¯t answer the invite, then you¡¯re looking down on the Lus. But if you do, the emperor is sure to be displeased. Therefore, my idea is to y along with them.¡±

    The minister¡¯s eyes lit up and he merrily ced his teacup onto the table to look at his daughter.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Madame Lu say that she would kill Lu Dehan if he didn¡¯t sell the manor to her? She¡¯s a noble daughter on the end of the day, how can she have such a barbaric style? I need to teach her a lesson so she doesn¡¯t annoyingly hop up and down all the time.¡±

    ¡°And so, you want to use this matter to take care of Madame Lu as well?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Yining nodded confidently and came close to whisper a few words to her father.

    The man couldn¡¯t resist pinching his daughter¡¯s cheeks after hearing her n. ¡°How did you think of all this, youngdy? We actually have simr thoughts!¡±

    Qin Yining giggled. ¡°Because I¡¯m father¡¯s daughter, so we naturally think alike! Father, what do you think about my idea?¡±

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s good idea if it¡¯s the same as mine.¡± Qin Huaiyuan cracked a rare joke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll respond to the calling card in a bit and say that I¡¯ve reserved the third floor of the Drunken Immortal. I¡¯ll have him meet me tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright, father will be respecting all of the courtesies that way and won¡¯t offend the Lus. Leave the rest to me.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded,pletely at ease.

    ......

    Qin Yining gave instructions to rent out the second floor of the Drunken Immortal and summoned Jingzhe and the others to ry some orders. The four respectfully received their marching orders and divvied up the missions between themselves.

    Soon, it was afternoon of the next day.

    Qin Yining was seated in a room next to the window, watching her father wait on the first floor.

    When there was still fifteen minutes until the agreed upon time, an opulent carriage slowly stopped in front of the Drunken Immortal.

    Several servants stepped forward, setting out a footstool and rolling up curtains. Everything moved like a well-oiled machine, fully disying the showily luxurious air of the aristocracy.

    A young gentleman wearing a sky-blue cloak with a white fur cor alighted from the carriage¡ªLu Heng.

    When he saw Qin Huaiyuan waiting on the first floor, he quickly stepped forward to make his greetings. ¡°This must be Master Qin? This young one is Lu Heng. Lu Heng greets Master Qin.¡±

    ¡°No further courtesies are required, Second Master Lu.¡±

    ¡°It was supposed to have been this kid expressing my respects to Master Qin, but the honorable lord is treating me instead! I am ashamed.¡± Lu Heng raised a cupped fist salute.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled in response. ¡°This old man has long wanted to pay my respects, but have never had the time to. It¡¯s fortunate coincidence that we can meet at the Drunken Immortal, and I¡¯ve reserved the entire third floor today. Pleasee with me, Sir Lu.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Master Qin is most thorough and conscientious.¡±

    The two men exchanged friendly pleasantries all the way in, passing through the great hall, up the stairs, and to the second floor. Lu Heng subconsciously looked at the rooms at this point, understanding that it was business as usual on this floor when he saw maids and pageboys in front of the door.

    He didn¡¯t think much of it and followed his host to the third floor.

    Being seasoned and worldly, Qin Huaiyuan demonstrated his vast reserves of knowledge in his rxed and mild manner of speech. He could get along with anyone when he cared to.

    Likewise, Lu Heng was also a refined schr of much knowledge. His every move and gesture spoke of innate nobility, and his words shaped with an umon air. If disregarding the fact that the two stood on opposite sides, they really would enjoy an absolutely lovely conversation.

    At this time, Madame Lu received news.

    ¡°What did you say? That bastard dares ignore my will and has gone to the Drunken Immortal to hand over the deed to that Qin girl!?¡±

    ¡°Yes. That Lu Dehan is a pigheaded idiot. He says that because he has an agreement with the Qins, then he¡¯s going to honor the promise. That no matter how much silver we offer him, he¡¯s going to sell to the Qins. All of our people saw the Qin girl head to the Drunken Immortal to meet him.¡±

    Madame Lu¡¯s body shook from fury.

    ¡°Pah! How dare that lowly animal bear the surname Lu!? He¡¯s not worthy! Servants!¡± Her voice was exceedingly shrill.

    Servants and escorts outside the door answered her call.

    ¡°Take all of the guards and hired help, and all of the pageboys too! Everyone carry a weapon ande with me to the Drunken Immortal!¡±

    ......

    Currently, Qin Yining was listlessly sitting next to the window, drinking tea and whiling away time.

    Given that they weren¡¯t discussing serious business, her father and Lu Heng must be having a delightful time. I wonder if the big fish has taken the bait yet?

    She¡¯d just started wondering when a hubbub of distraction drifted up from downstairs. The girl cracked the window open for a peek and saw roughly two dozen servants arriving as part of the entourage for a carriage with scarlet wheels.

    The vehicle stopped in front of the Drunken Immortal.

 Chapter 378: To Pull Up By the Roots (III)

    <h4>Chapter 378: To Pull Up By the Roots (III)</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s lips curved up slightly into a meaningful smile. She turned back to look at Jingzhe.

    The guard immediately grasped his mistress¡¯ intent and took the other three hidden guards to the head of the second floor stairs.

    The Qin fourth miss continued to watch matters unfold downstairs. Avishly dressed Madame Lu in purple robes alighted from the carriage with help from her maids. Glowering, she stalked forward at the head of her group.

    The manager on duty and servers were scared out of their wits. When they scrambled out to inquire about the situation, the madame¡¯s guards harshly shoved them aside.

    ¡°Get out of the way! Can you afford to stick your nose into what the Lus want to do!?¡± Madame Lu¡¯s voice hinted ominously of an impending storm. Her slender eyebrows drawn tightly together in a frown, the look in her eyes was so sharp that it seemed like she would instantly take the life of anyone who dared to block her way.

    Upon hearing that it was the Lus, the manager didn¡¯t dare stand in their way at all.

    Seeing that the staff were afraid of her, the madame asked, ¡°Has someone from the Qin familye today? Are they upstairs?¡±

    In her fury, she couldn¡¯t be bothered to wait for a response. She waved her men forward. ¡°Go upstairs. When you see Qin exchanging papers with the seller, beat them to death! You¡¯ll be richly rewarded if you do so. Don¡¯t worry, the Lus have your back if anything happens!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± roared her men. All of them flourished their clubs or bats and charged menacingly up the stairs, wood creaking and groaning in protest.

    The customers on the first floor had all retreated to the side of the hall. A flurry of conversations started up as they watched the show. There were also those who felt they couldn¡¯t afford to fend the Lus and quickly settled their bill to exit thiswless ce.

    Madame Lupressed her lips together and snorted coldly. What, did they all take her for a sick cat because she didn¡¯t bare her fangs?

    That Lu Dehan was courting death, but were the Qins courting death as well?

    No! It¡¯s that damn girl courting death!

    I¡¯m going to give her a thorough lesson today in whose word counts in the capital!

    ¡°Who are you!?¡± Jingzhe, Xiaoman, Xiaoxue, and Dahan blocked the group of servants from charging up the stairs.

    The Lu hired men overflowed with a threatening manner. They didn¡¯t care about the four ordinary-looking pageboys in their way at all. Shoving them aside brusquely, they dered, ¡°Keep your nose out of it!¡±

    One of them turned back to ask, ¡°Madame, which floor do we head for?¡±

    Madame Lu turned a cold gaze onto the manager. ¡°The Qins are meeting with someone. Which floor?¡±

    The manager had a quick think. The second floor was reserved by a girl, the third floor by the Qins. He really didn¡¯t want to answer, for fear of offending the Qins. But the Drunken Immortal was only so big. The Lus would very quickly find who they wanted, and he would¡¯ve offended an enormous n for his troubles.

    When his thoughts travelled here, the manager decided that a wise man knows when the odds are against him.

    ¡°They¡¯re, they¡¯re on the third floor.¡± He responded slowly.

    ¡°The third floor. Get up there and beat that Qin wench with everything you¡¯ve got!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    The hired help jostled past the ¡®protesting¡¯ Jingzhe crew, passing through freely to the third floor. Madame Lu followed at the rear, setting foot on the second floor when a refined and maic voice resonated from the third floor.

    ¡°Second Master Lu, what do you mean by this? Is your family¡¯s hired help here to make things difficult for this old man?¡±

    Second Master Lu?

    Poleaxed, Madame Lu froze on the spot. Her expression flickered rapidly, unable to react immediately.

    Meanwhile, her men heedlessly charged up to the third floor and roared, ¡°The madame has given her orders. Come and ept your death, Qin!¡±

    ¡°How dare you fight my mistress over property!? Qin, you want to be run out of the city, don¡¯t you!¡±

    ......

    The servants pulled out all stops in order to please Madame Lu. Most of them didn¡¯t even know what was going on, just that their mistress wanted to beat up a Qin surnamed girl. Throwing all concerns out the window, they joined in the jeering with gusto.

    His face ck as a thundercloud, Qin Huaiyuan dered, ¡°It looks like Second Master Lu came otherwise prepared for today¡¯s gathering.¡±

    Livid himself, Lu Heng responded, ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, Master Qin. I don¡¯t know where these men came from either.¡±

    Hearing her cousin¡¯s voice, Madame Lu finally came back to herself. The vague feeling of falling into a trap pricked at her, and she hurried up to the third floor.

    ¡°Second elder cousin, it¡¯s me!¡±

    Lu Heng stood at the head of the stairs and looked down on Madame Lu, who was wreathed in awkward smiles.

    ¡°What is going on here?! I made ns today for a drink with Master Qin, but here youe charging in with this gang, yelling and screaming for the honorable minister¡¯s head. What are you trying to do,mit murder in broad daylight??¡±

    ¡°Second elder cousin, I...¡± The madame sweated nervously. ¡°That¡¯s not it at all, please don¡¯t misunderstand! How would I evermit murder in broad daylight? I just heard... just heard...¡±

    I¡¯m here to wreck Qin Yining¡¯s ns of buying a manor because I can¡¯t stand her!

    But the Master Qin that her cousin was meeting with was the father of that wench!

    Just what was going on?? Wasn¡¯t it supposed to be Qin Yining discussing the deed on the third floor? How did it turn into her own cousin sharing a meal with Master Qin?

    The shoe finally dropped. I was set up!

    Madame Lu stood around awkwardly, not sure what to do anymore.

    Lu Heng very rarely expressed his emotions, but he was so incensed today that he wanted to break out in curses.

    Qin Huaiyuan stood and ced his hands behind his back, glowering. ¡°It looks like this old man overstepped myself in wanting to befriend the Lu n.¡±

    ¡°Not at all! Please don¡¯t be angry, Master Qin. Don¡¯t be wrapped up in what a mere woman¡¯s done.¡±

    ¡°Is this woman not part of the Lu n? If I¡¯m not to be wrapped up in what she¡¯s done, she should at least set aside her hostility for my family.¡± Qin Huaiyuan looked at Lu Heng. ¡°I don¡¯t know if the second master has heard the derations from your own family to run the Qins out of town. This Madame Lu dares barrel in with her men today¡ªwill she just outright ughter us in the streets next time?¡±

    With a cold snort, his sharp eyes swept across an ashen Madame Lu. ¡°It looks like we really do need to exercise more care. Regardless, I beg to differ with the method that the Lus educate their daughters with.¡±

    Beet red, Lu Heng was of a mind to y his female cousin alive. He¡¯d wanted to use the meeting today to make the emperor think that the Lus and Qins were close. That would make the emperor keep the Great Yan officials at a distance, or at the very least not trust the Qins that much. That was the most advantageous oue for the aristocratic families.

    But who would¡¯ve thought that this farce would ur?? The Lu olive branch had turned into picking a quarrel and enacting revenge!

    What would the emperor think of all this when he heard of it?!

    At the very least, Lu Heng¡¯s ns werepletely ruined!

    But at the same time, he didn¡¯t think his cousin was so much of a fool that she would look to start trouble here when he was meeting with someone at the same time.

    Something was afoot here!

    As the atmosphere froze over, Qin Yining slowly walked up to Madame Lu with her maids and guards. The fourth miss chuckled softly. ¡°Big sister Lu, what show are you putting on now?¡±

 Chapter 379: Crossing Swords

    <h4>Chapter 379: Crossing Swords</h4>

    Madame Lu turned around with an exceedingly ugly expression. Qin Yining¡¯s disgusting face was the first thing she saw.

    ¡°Why are you here!?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss smiled faintly. ¡°Our family bought a manor and I¡¯m finishing the transaction today with the original owner. Why has big sister Lu barged in with so many people and is speaking so rudely to my father?¡±

    The girl¡¯s beautiful eyes shifted to Lu Heng at this point. ¡°Do the Lus have a misunderstanding with my n?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss was tantly using the Lus of ying the Qins! They were the ones who¡¯d issued an invitation to Qin Huaiyuan. The Qin patriarch had epted and graciously reserved an entire restaurant floor for the asion. And in the end, Madame Lu was starting this kind of mess?

    If the Lus had arranged for all of this beforehand, then they meant to grind Qin dignity into the dirt and bury it in the mud.

    Such simple logic was obvious to Lu Heng, Madame Lu, and those watching downstairs.

    The madame snapped back lividly, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk nonsense! What kind of misunderstanding would the Lus possibly have with the Qins!?¡±

    ¡°No misunderstanding?¡± The girl¡¯s expression froze over. ¡°Then that means big sister Lu¡¯s done all this on purpose. What grudge or feud does my family possibly have with big sister Lu for you to offend my father in this way??¡±

    A beauty to begin with, twin mes of outrage ignited in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. Her intensely bright eyes vanquished all those she looked upon,pelling Lu Heng to slowly walk down the stairs in spite of himself.

    Previously the epitome of warm jade, her beauty had morphed into a supremelybative projection. The change stoked envy, hatred, and fury in Madame Lu.

    I wouldn¡¯t lose to her at all if I was ten years younger!

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to p such arge crime on me. I have no grudge or feud with Master Qin, why would I purposefully offend him?¡±

    ¡°Then what are you here for? Are you out for a stroll with your men and happened to pass by?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± How would Madame Lu not make out the sarcasm in the wench¡¯s tones?

    But with how things were now, just what could she say in her own defense? Admit in front of the Qin father and daughter duo that she¡¯de to prevent Qin Yining and Lu Dehan from signing the contract? She could hardly confess that she was here to teach Qin Yining a lesson!

    The madame wouldn¡¯t be afraid of anything if it was only her and the girl, but Lu Heng and Qin Huaiyuan were both here! She¡¯d even said so much she shouldn¡¯t have before realizing Qin Huaiyuan was upstairs... She¡¯d even told her men to do whatever they wanted to the third floor upants! That the Lus would have their back if there were any consequences!!

    The look her cousin was giving her now inspired the beginnings of a migraine and her body to turn mmy with fear. It¡¯d never been her ce to make decisions for the n!

    As Madame Lu fell speechless, Lu Heng took a position three steps away from Qin Yining and bowed. ¡°Miss Qin, we meet again.¡±

    ¡°Sir Lu.¡± The Qin fourth miss bent her knee to return the gesture.

    The Lu second master smiled back at the girl, his gaze three parts contemtion, three parts admiration, and four partsplete understanding.

    He was well aware of Madame Lu¡¯s character. Though arrogance was her secondary name and she very muchcked brains, she would¡¯ve never done all this had she known he and Qin Huaiyuan were upstairs.

    Therefore, Lu Heng was quite assured that she¡¯d received some sort of news today and misunderstood that Qin Yining was upstairs. That had emboldened her earlier actions and given rise to everything.

    Madame Lu¡¯s stupefied astonishment at seeing the Qin fourth miss earlier had been evident. It was tantly incredulous to her that the girl would appear here.

    How much of this had been the Qin fourth miss¡¯s nning, and how much maniption?

    Lu Heng didn¡¯t believe in the slightest that the girl had just so happened to be meeting with someone else here. It was even less usible that her guards were all so useless as to be unable to stop the charge of Madame Lu¡¯s men.

    Surely his cousin knew everything by now and how she¡¯d been set up by the younger girl, just like his spections were running their course.

    Such an obvious trap openly suppressed Lu Heng¡¯s own ns of estrangement between the emperor and Qin Huaiyuan. It also struck back at Madame Lu, who¡¯d offended Qin Yining a while back.

    Was this Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s n? After all, he was hailed as Wise Pan An.

    Or was it this exceedingly beautiful girl¡¯s plotting?

    Lu Heng was more inclined to believe thetter.

    If the Qin fourth miss had nothing to do with all this, she wouldn¡¯t be standing here now or pop out to talk to Madame Lu.

    Qin Yining appeared to possess a lofty spirit and despised acting behind someone¡¯s back. She would only openly stomp down on an obstacle like them.

    It was even more so a forthright deration that she fully perceived Madame Lu¡¯s obstinate arrogance toward the Qin manor and his machinations between the emperor and Qin Huaiyuan. She would strike straight back at them and have them knowingly suffer for their efforts!

    Such beauty, such rarity, such intelligence, and such bearing! I¡¯ve never seen anyone such as her.

    A ticklish and tingling sensation filled him¡ªlike someone had brushed his heart with a feather. Though his nsy in ruins, an inexplicable delight filled his heart.

 Chapter 379.2: Crossing Swords

    <h4>Chapter 379.2: Crossing Swords</h4>

    All of this analysis filtered into Lu Heng¡¯s mind in the span of a breath. However, none of it reflected on his face.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Miss Qin. It¡¯s all a massive misunderstanding today. I only seek to be friends with Master Qin and have nothing else in mind. I absolutely don¡¯t intend to insult the honorable minister. Why would I ever orchestrate this affair to embarrass Master Qin? There¡¯s nothing in it for me!¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Yes, there¡¯s nothing in it for you, but plenty in it for Madame Lu. She¡¯s the one shouting all through town that she¡¯s going to run the Qins out.¡±

    Lu Heng smiled benignly in return. ¡°The Lu heritage goes back a hundred years. It¡¯s inevitable that we have some bad mixed in with the good. I¡¯ll be sure to enact strict discipline when I return home.¡±

    At this point, he suddenly lowered his voice and whispered next to Qin Yining¡¯s ear. ¡°Miss Qin is dissatisfied with what Madame Lu has done. I¡¯ll go back and take care of it all for you. Since your scheme seeded today, both of us should quit while we¡¯re ahead. Neither of us can im a full victory, so let¡¯s call it a draw. What do you say to that?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss was quite taken aback by these words. Lu Heng had seen to the heart of things in such a short period of time!

    No wonder he boasted of such aplishments at such a young age.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t feel awkward at being indirectly exposed. She smiled frankly instead. ¡°The Qins naturally have to show Sir Lu face after you¡¯ve expressed these sentiments. However, are you sure that it¡¯s a draw?¡±

    It really is her!

    The connotations of her response were that she really was the mastermind behind everything.

    Lu Heng¡¯s heart pounded to see her confidently and candidly telling Madame Lu that she¡¯d set everything in motion today. Even though he already had a wife and had seen countless people in his life, he¡¯d never felt his heart race in front of a girl.

    As the Lu second master looked at Qin Yining with an inscrutable look, Qin Huaiyuan descended the stairs to stand next to them.

    Now that everything was out in the open, it¡¯d be inappropriate for the Qins to erupt in anger.

    ¡°I trust Sir Lu¡¯s sincerity in befriending the Qins,¡±mented the Qin patriarch. ¡°I know Sir Lu has absolutely no malicious intent. Let¡¯s just have everything today blow over. We can get together some other day.¡±

    Lu Heng smiled in agreement. ¡°Yes. Lax house rules were the cause of today¡¯s matter. Don¡¯t worry, Master Qin. I will thoroughly deal with this affair.¡±

    The minister shed a faint smile. ¡°There¡¯s no need to go to such trouble. It¡¯s not worth it. This old man will be taking my leave with my daughter then.¡±

    The Lu second master snuck a quick look at Qin Yining. Stunningly charming looks branded themselves into his mind. ¡°Then I¡¯ll send Master Qin out.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare be so presumptuous. Please remain here.¡±

    Qin Yining called out to her own people and followed her father down the stairs.

    When the Qin contingent were far off into the distance, Lu Heng slowly turned to look at his cousin, his hands behind his back.

    ¡°Out with it. What happened today? If you can¡¯t give me a good exnation, I¡¯ll have to bring you up before the family elders and have them pronounce judgment on you. It won¡¯t be up to me, then.¡±

    Tears that Madame Lu had held back for so long finally trickled down. She went into exhaustive detail about everything that had happened today and concluded in choked sobs, ¡°Second cousin, I really didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I just couldn¡¯t help myself when I heard that damn wench was publicly defying me.¡±

    Lu Heng smiled faintly and looked exceedingly tenderly at the madame. ¡°Listen to my words. Don¡¯t make moves against the Qins in the future, especially Qin Yining.¡±

    ¡°Why?? I need to take revenge for the humiliation I suffered today!¡±

    ¡°Humiliation suffered? It¡¯s because of your crooked and abrasive character thatnded you in the waters you¡¯re in. If youe to your senses now or are willing to live out your days in a countryside manor, I can promise you won¡¯t ever go without and can live happily for the rest of your life.¡±

    Blood drained from Madame Lu¡¯s face when she heard ¡®countryside manor¡¯.

    ¡°No! I can¡¯t possibly go there! I won¡¯t be able to eat or sleep in a ce like that! Cousin, will you really just stand by and watch me suffer??¡±

    ¡°Stand by and watch you suffer? You really are something now, aren¡¯t you? You dare haggle and bargain even with me.¡± A smile still clung to Lu Heng¡¯s lips, but it was slowly evening out.

    He was someone at home in a business environment after all. If he wanted to, he could re an intimidating aura with the slightest movement.

    Madame Lu wasn¡¯t the highly observant type, but her cousin¡¯s impatient expression pricked painfully at her.

    ¡°Second elder cousin, I¡¯ll be so suffocated in a ce like that. I don¡¯t want to go.¡±

    ¡°The views are delightful in the countryside manor and the staff simple. You¡¯ll be free as a bird if you go there, so why not?¡±

    The woman was convinced by the romanticism of being free as a bird. She¡¯d already unwittingly thoroughly offended her cousin because of her own decisions. In the end, she left with her head hanging, taking her men with her.

    Lu Heng, on the other hand, remained where he was, staring dumbly at where Qin Yining had been standing. He broke out into an involuntary grin.

    Interesting. Things were getting interesting.

 Chapter 380: To Make Heavy Use Of

    <h4>Chapter 380: To Make Heavy Use Of</h4>

    Qin Yining and Qin Huaiyuan were nomittal on their way home. But after they were served tea and no one else present in the outer study, they lifted the teacups and grinned at each other.

    ¡°That Madame Lu was really too impulsive,¡±mented the fourth miss with a shake of her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know if she¡¯s really that simple. If she is, I¡¯ll feel a bit guilty using her like this.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan took a sip of tea. ¡°Daughter, shouldn¡¯t you feel guilty regardless, as you had your cake and ate it too?¡±

    Qin Yining burst out in chuckles. Her father joking was a rare sight. ¡°Everything proceeded smoothly today. I wonder what the Lus will do next.¡±

    Her father lifted his eyes to look at her and put down the tea cup to tap his index finger the table. He responded after a moment, ¡°You must stay on the alert. The Lus won¡¯t let things go just like this. They¡¯ll find another excuse to drive a wedge between me and His Majesty. You¡¯re my daughter, so you may very well be their target. Not to mention...¡±

    He hesitated, but spoke his mind in the end. ¡°That Second Master Lu is a sharp one. He¡¯ll definitely guess that you had something to do with today. Though he¡¯s not expressing anything and kicked Madame Lu out of the capital, he¡¯s probably alreadymitted this slight to memory.¡±

    Qin Yining arched a brow. ¡°So what if he does? It¡¯s better if our opponent¡¯s in the light rather than the dark. We¡¯ll just deal with whatever he throws at us.¡±

    The Qin patriarch raised his eyebrows faintly in response. That wasn¡¯t the type of mitting to memory¡¯ that he meant.

    He was a man with an umonly beautiful daughter. As a kind father, he was naturally worried that his daughter would be abducted by others. Therefore, he paid attention whenever a male so much as looked at his girl twice.

    As an exceedingly aplished individual, Second Master Lu¡¯s eyes had been startlingly bright when he looked at Qin Yining. While the young man himself may be oblivious or think that he¡¯d concealed his emotions well, none of that escaped the watchful eye of a caring father.

    But since the thought hadn¡¯t urred to his daughter, Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t feel the need to go into details. Given her smarts, she would discern hidden intentions and be wary when she needed to be.

    ¡°Father, if the emperor gets wind of today, he¡¯ll have a better impression of you, right?¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a faint smile. ¡°The emperor is a sharp individual himself. Naturally, he doesn¡¯t want his trusted men to be ipetent. If I ended up firmly suppressed by the Lus or Northern Ji officials, that would mean I¡¯m an easily controlled official of no use. Fighting back and forth like this is actually perfect.¡±

    ¡°Father always has the best grasp of what¡¯s appropriate. I¡¯ll just listen to you in everything in the future.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan burst outughing and poked at his daughter¡¯s head. ¡°That sounds nice and all, but you may not really listen to me when something does happen.¡±

    ¡°Nuh uh, how can you say that, father!¡± Qin Yining was unwilling to ept that assessment.

    Her father smiled. ¡°You¡¯re my daughter, do I not understand you? You listen to me now because our thoughts happen to intersect. You¡¯re not a child of blind obedience.¡±

    Qin Yining thought for a moment and felt that her father¡¯s words made a lot of sense. She made a silly face at him instead of refuting them, sending her father in another hearty bark ofughter.

    As fun andughter surrounded the Qin father and daughter, Li Qitian also brimmed with good humor.

    Ever since numerous versions spread of the fight between the Faithful Prince of the First Rank and Prince Consort Ji, positivity persisted in the emperor¡¯s mood.

    Walking side by side with Li Hn in the imperial gardens, Li Qitian tilted his head up to gaze upon the azure blue skies. Even the air drifting into his nose with each breath seemed scented pleasantly.

    Though it was early spring and the imperial gardens still bereft of people since snow was just starting to melt, everything was pleasing to the eye when one was in a good mood.

    The princess carefully considered her royal brother¡¯s expression, rxing greatly when she saw that he was in a lovely mood. Even Li Guanwen and guards following at a distance were affected.

    A guard rushed up to Li Guanwen at this time to whisper a few words. The grand supervisor immediately reported to his master. ¡°Your Majesty, a great matter has just happened.¡±

    ¡°What is it? Come closer and tell Us in detail.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The guard took a knee and bowed, pouring out the details of what a scout had seen at the Drunken Immortal.

    Li Hn listened carefully off to the side. She frowned in the end and looked worriedly at Li Qitian. She¡¯d spent some time by Madame Lu¡¯s side so that the woman would be one of the princess¡¯s pawns.

    But this carefully cultivated puppet had been thrown out, just like that!

    ¡°Royal brother, what do the Qins mean by this? They¡¯re simply too arrogant! They¡¯re behind big sister Lu being sent to a countryside manor. She can still be very useful.¡±

    A frowning Li Qitian waved his hand, dismissing the guard. After a few moments of deep thought, he chuckled. ¡°Lan¡¯er, you did very well this time.¡±

    Li Hn shuddered. She had no idea if Li Qitian¡¯spliment was genuine or sarcasm.

    ¡°Royal brother, Lan¡¯er is in great fear. Lan¡¯er didn¡¯tplete well what royal brother wanted.¡±

    ¡°No, We know you did your best.¡± Li Qitian pped his sister¡¯s shoulder and continued walking forward with his hands behind his back.

    The princess didn¡¯t dare remain side by side with the emperor. She docilely fell back a few steps, turning over the matter in her mind. However, she still didn¡¯t have a clue as to what was going on.

    Meanwhile, Li Qitian was in an even better mood now.

    Others may not know how tenacious the Lu n was, but he had a deep understanding of that fact. Lu Heng, in particr, was a wily fox. yet Qin Huaiyuan had been able to dissolve the Lu plot, obtain a manor for his family, and wreck the Lu ns for estrangement!

    It looked like Qin Huaiyuan well deserved his title of Wise Pan An.

    On this day, not only had Li Qitian obtained apetent subject, but he¡¯d seen the kernels of discord nted between the Qins and Lus. How would he not be happy with d tidings of twin developments?

    Add to that Ji Zeyu and Pang Xiao¡¯s frosty rtionship¡ªeverything happening was good.

    And his sister had contributed a great deal to all this.

    ¡°Lan¡¯er, you have indeed worked hard these days. Tell your royal brother whatever you¡¯d like.¡±

    Li Hn looked at the emperor and hesitated, opting for an appropriate response in the end. ¡°Lan¡¯er is very content to be able to share royal brother¡¯s burdens. Lan¡¯er is insensible sometimes and makes royal brother mad. Lan¡¯er is happy as long as royal brother doesn¡¯t get mad.¡±

    Li Qitian was rather touched by this. When it came down to things, he¡¯d ended up using his only sister¡¯s marriage for his own gains.

    ¡°When we eat dinner at royal mother¡¯s pceter, We¡¯ll have Prince Consort Ji summoned into the pce for family meal. We happen to have an important matter to delegate to him. His behaviortely has been very pleasing.¡±

    Li Hn¡¯s eyes widened with delighted surprise and she curtsied happily. ¡°Understood. Thank you, royal brother!¡±

 Chapter 381: Charging Horses (I)

    <h4>Chapter 381: Charging Horses (I)</h4>

    After court the next morning, earth shattering news spread throughout all of the officials.

    Ji Zeyu had been made the newmander-in-chief of the hundred thousand Valiant Tigers and would be stationed in the capital for the foreseeable future!

    The previous Valiant Tigersmander, Pang Xiao, was to supervise the Bureau of Military Personnel after entering the Grand Secretariat.

    The Valiant Tigers were one of Li Qitian¡¯s primary weapons in subjugating the south. Pang Xiao¡¯s prestige and status with the men was extremely high to begin with. There were also many who worshipped him as their idol, and even his personally trained guard the Elite Tigers had been selected out of the Valiant Tigers.

    Simr to the Valiant Tigers, Ji Zeyu¡¯s Dragon Riders that dominated the north possessed a same level of trust and reverence of the now prince consort.

    This, the emperor¡¯s move not only made Pang Xiao lose his Valiant Tigers, but also took away the Dragon Riders from Ji Zeyu.

    Even though the prince consort¡¯s newmand consisted of the equally fine Valiant Tigers, rtions between the men and theirmander wouldn¡¯t be as intimate as before.

    The change was neatly wrapped up in a bow of entrusting the two princes with high positions. And true, on the surface it did appear a mark of tremendous imperial favor.

    When Qin Yining received the news, she wasbing Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s hair. Her hands stilled. ¡°It looks like His Majesty is particrly satisfied with Prince Consort Ji and is also keeping in mind that he is newly wed. Therefore, he¡¯s not sending the prince consort back to the northern border.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± responded Bingtang. ¡°The emperor looks like he wants to keep both mighty generals at his side to feel more secure.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled in spite of herself when she heard the reply. Naturally, she caught the sarcastic tones in Bingtang¡¯s doublespeak, but still issued a reminder. ¡°Don¡¯t say this outside of this room.¡±

    ¡°Miss, I¡¯m not dumb. I¡¯m just talking to you about it. Why would I make trouble for myself and talk about this outside?¡±

    Qin Yining ced a pale-blue silk ribbon onto Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s gleaming, pitch-ck braid. She carefully tied it into a beautiful bow before breaking out into a smile. ¡°That¡¯s right, our Miss Bingtang is no dummy. That¡¯s why she found herself a dependable tiger to be close with.¡±

    Bingtang immediately blushed a bright crimson and stomped her foot. ¡°Miss! What are you talking about!¡±

    The maid¡¯s reaction deeply amused her mistress. ¡°What, do you not understand what I¡¯m talking about? Huzi is a good man. He¡¯s smart and loyal.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it to me if he¡¯s a good man or not? I can¡¯t be bothered with him!¡±

    The Qin fourth miss responded with a long ¡®uh huh¡¯.¡±Then next time I see the prince, I¡¯ll ask him for a favor and not let Huzie see you anymore, alright?¡±

    A beet red Bingtang red at her mistress and flounced outside. ¡°You¡¯re not a good person, miss! I¡¯m not talking to you anymore!¡±

    Qin Yining burst outughing and patted Xiaozhou¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Go and keep your big sister Bingtangpany. She¡¯s feeing shy.¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou nodded seriously and chased her big sister outside, beaming widely.

    When the little girl had left, Qin Yining remarked with emotion, ¡°It looks like Bingtang does have some good feelings for Huzi. I got it all out of her just with a little bit of teasing.¡±

    ¡°You like to worry too much, miss,¡± smiled Jiyun. ¡°I feel that even if you don¡¯t set them up, Bingtang and Huzi¡¯s rtionship is getting along quite well. They bicker whenever they see each other, but all is right in the world after they squabble.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled as well. ¡°When I have the chance to in the future, I¡¯ll find good husbands for both of you as well. You can stay by my side as overseers.¡±

    It was Jiyun and Xianyun¡¯s turn to turn bright red. They, too, leveled res at their mistress. ¡°Just like Bingtang said, you¡¯re not a good person, miss!¡±

    Seeing that she¡¯d bullied all of the beauties in her household into bashful submission, Qin Yining giggled happily.

    But at this time, hurried footsteps came from the yard. A young serving girl sprinted into the courtyard and called out loudly, ¡°Bad news, bad news! Something¡¯s happened to the senior elder master!¡±

    The fourth miss¡¯ughter immediately cut off and her heart skipped a beat. Pale-faced, she rose to her feet and scrambled out of the house.

    At the same time, everyone living in the rear garden ran out of their residences.

    The old dowager came stumbling out of the main house with a tobo pouch in hand, gripping Qin-mama¡¯s hand and demanding nervously, ¡°Hurry and speak! What¡¯s happened to Meng¡¯er!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, speak up, you!¡±

    The serving girl grew even more frightened when she realized that she¡¯d sent the entire family into a panic. Her knees weakened and she sank to the ground. ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s news from outside that says the senior elder master was rammed by a horse on his way back home. In the confusion, the groom lost control and the carriage tipped over!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Horrified gasps rang out from the crowd.

    The old dowager quickly ran forward and pointed her tobo pipe at the little girl. ¡°Quickly, quickly! Is Meng¡¯er hurt??¡±

    A carriage tipping over meant the upants inside must¡¯ve been thrown every which way. That was the serving girl¡¯s guess, which was shared by the rest of the family. The second wife hugged her seventh month pregnant stomach and swayed, almost fainting on the spot. The second madame hastily helped her daughter-inw away to rest.

    ¡°Where is the lord now?¡± asked n¨¦e Sun anxiously. ¡°What about the servants by his side?¡±

    ¡°The messenger didn¡¯t say,¡± answered the girl fearfully. ¡°He only said that the lord is at the yamen of the eastern Warden¡¯s Office.¡±

    The Warden¡¯s Office? Of the Five Wards?

    If that was the case, that meant Qin Yining could heave a sigh of relief. Her father wasn¡¯t in any grave danger if he hadn¡¯t been sent to a hospital.

 Chapter 382: Charging Horses (II)

    <h4>Chapter 382: Charging Horses (II)</h4>

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Miss Qin and young masters Qin,¡± responded Sir Zheng with a smile. ¡°Master Qin is just fine. You¡¯ll see when you go inside.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss quickly thanked the warden and followed her cousins through the door behind Sir Zheng.

    The decorations inside were the same as any to be found within the central room of an ordinary residence. The Qin children were greeted by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s glowering face at the head seat as soon as they crossed the threshold. Four nondescript followers stood behind him, the sort who¡¯d blend into a crowd as soon as they were thrown in.

    ¡°Are you alright, father?¡± Qin Yining rushed forward. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°Yes, senior uncle. We were all horrified when we heard you¡¯d been in an ident,¡± added Qin Han.

    A hint of a smile finally crossed the Qin patriarch¡¯s face when he saw his daughter and nephews. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s all thanks to my men catching me. Otherwise, if I¡¯d fallen from the carriage and then been trampled by the herd of charging horses, you wouldn¡¯t be seeing a living me at the moment.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart shook when she heard the details.

    ¡°Father, you travel through a bustling district in the capital after court is dismissed. Why would there be a herd of horses?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just as surprised to find that there would be a group of officials¡¯ son racing their horses within the city, right under the watchful eye of the Son of Heaven! They didn¡¯t care about possibly hurting pedestrians. They rammed my carriage today, but what if they trample someone to death tomorrow?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss had postted that something might be amiss when she saw her father brooding here. So it was a group of noble scions charging their horses in the capital!

    Great Zhou¡¯sws were mostly well-rounded and sound. But even the most intact system of regtions applied only to ordinary folk. After all, it was the older rtives of these scions who created thesews.

    These days, it was nothing unusual for any rule-breaking to be swept under the table.

    Qin Han and Qin Yu¡¯s expressions were less than pleasant by now. The Qins hade from Great Yan and suffered through the trash emperor¡¯s rule. This was a worrying sign, one that induced worry for their new home. The decay of a nation didn¡¯t happen overnight¡ªit was a function of chronic rot.

    Great Zhou hadn¡¯t been established for long but already showed signs of corruption. This made for a highly worrying future.

    Just as silence reigned in the room, the door opened to admit Sir Zheng.

    Qin Huaiyuan looked calmly at the warden. ¡°Were you able to find out who did out?¡±

    Fine sweat beaded Sir Zheng¡¯s face and he disregarded fumbling for a handkerchief. He swiped at his face with a sleeve and beamed merrily. ¡°Master Qin, don¡¯t be in a rush. Us at the Warden¡¯s Office of the Five Wards specialize in cases like these. We¡¯re alreadybing the city for the culprits. But the capital is so big, therefore we won¡¯t have immediate news. So, why don¡¯t you...¡±

    Qin Yining and her cousins looked at each other, fully understanding what was afoot. Asrge as the capital may be, how would some noble children galloping horses through a market remain uncaught for so long??

    The only possibility was that there was someone in the group whom even the Warden¡¯s Office didn¡¯t dare offend. Or some august personage in the background had called pulled some strings to protect those good-for-nothings.

    The Qin fourth miss fumed quietly. Those brats are bullying father because he¡¯s a foreigner! If things had been as before, though Great Yan was on the decline, no one dared bully her father apart from the trash emperor!

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled gently at this and responded politely, ¡°Thank you for your troubles, Sir Zheng.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, not at all.¡± The warden heaved a subconscious sigh of relief to see Minister Qin so easygoing. He opened his mouth to persuade Qin Huaiyuan to await news at home when the minister stole a march on him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that with the Five Wards¡¯ capabilities, they¡¯ll find the culprits very quickly. The Warden¡¯s Office is in charge of the security of the capital. This sort of incident is a piece of cake. Plus, these people behaving in such a fashion is indeed atent threat to the people.

    ¡°I bumped into them today, but naturally won¡¯t think much of it since I know His Majesty is wise and just. But what if one day amoner runs afoul of them and is trampled, hurt, or even loses their life? What will the people say about the emperor then?

    ¡°Therefore, this official feels that out of consideration for His Majesty¡¯s reputation and for the brothers at all five wards of the Wardens¡¯ Offices, and especially for my own justice, I shall wait here for further development.¡±

    A ck-jawed Sir Zheng took quite a bit of thinking before a simple man like him understood what Qin Huaiyuan was expressing.

    The minister wasn¡¯t leaving! He was going to wait until they caught the culprits. Otherwise, it would be a gesture of them disregarding the emperor¡¯s reputation, which meant the minister could absolutely censure old Zheng in front of the emperor.

    More sweat dotted the warden¡¯s forehead, while Qin Huaiyuan remained smiling. ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a seat, Sir Zheng? It¡¯s been a tiring day for you too.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, not at all.¡± Wreathed in smiles, Sir Zheng took a seat while inwardly goggling at the terrifying look in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eyes. Wasn¡¯t the minister a schr? He looked as weak as a limp noodle! But why was he able to make one subconsciously want to submit with just a nce of his eyes?

    Qin Yining and her cousins looked at each other again, finally able to rx.

    This was also when the Qin fourth miss realized that as long as her father held down the fort, she really had no fear of anything else. She wasn¡¯t the slight bit nervous even with putting on such a demonstration at a warden¡¯s office!

    The Qin contingent might be coollyposed, but Sir Zheng wanted to cry. He was just doing his job, what did a fight between the gods have to do with him?

    He wanted to send off this metaphoric Buddha, but understood that Qin Huaiyuan wouldn¡¯t let things go so easily. The minister upied a lofty position and received significant imperial favor. Add to that what had happened with the Lus just a few days ago, everyone now knew that the Qins were a group of tough nuts. If anyone wanted to crack the neers, the bullies might end up worse for the wear instead.

    But what could he do?

    Only send out his men again and have them search thoroughly. They had to find the culprit even if they lifted the very roof tiles off of houses!

    A stiff atmosphere conducive to irritation stretched on as the group waited silently. Sir Zheng¡¯s sweat threatened to soak right through his clothes. Qin Huaiyuan remained as rxed and unppable as ever. Affected by her father, Qin Yining was equally cool as a cucumber.

    Two hours passed before there was finally a disturbance from outside.

    Some men of the Five Wards walked in, carrying a young man wearing brocade robes of light blue.

    The young man looked ordinary, but there was a timid air about him. He smiled awkwardly when everyone looked at him, unsure of what to say.

    ¡°This is the one who charged into Master Qin today,¡± dered Sir Zheng happily. ¡°What does Master Qin say we do?¡±

    The young man grew even more nervous, but maintained a collected front. He lifted his chin high. ¡°Slice and dice or do whatever you want, I¡¯m not afraid of you!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan stood next to the young man for a close look, ignoring the theatrics. ¡°Who is Master Han to you?¡±

 Chapter 383: Charging Horses (III)

    <h4>Chapter 383: Charging Horses (III)</h4>

    The young man grew increasingly nervous and stared wide-eyed at Qin Huaiyuan. His terror was obvious, but he stuck his neck out and dered mulishly, ¡°Master Han is my dad!¡±

    ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s my sage nephew.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a slight smile.

    Sir Zheng rxed to see the minster speak so mildly and call the young man his sage nephew. The young man also audibly heaved a sigh of relief.

    The Qin patriarch continued gently, ¡°This official is new in town and Vice Minister Han has provided me with a lot of help from the Ministry of Personnel and Rites. I¡¯ve heard that his official son possesses high mastery of both the civil and martial subjects, and is equipped with both courage and intelligence. Now that I¡¯ve been able to see things for myself, it¡¯s in to see that this really is the case.¡±

    Young master Han tensed up again and swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. The words sounded likepliments, but... there was something weird about them.

    Sir Zheng joined in smilingly. ¡°To think that the floodwaters surged into the Dragon King¡¯s temple! [1] It was all just a case of friendly fire! Minister Qin and Vice Minister Han are both part of the Ministry of Personnel and Rites. What do you make of this matter?¡±

    In actuality, Sir Zheng knew full well who was behind the rampaging horses. His men had already gotten to the bottom of their investigation. However, the house supporting the main culprit was the Lu n. This wasn¡¯t someone the warden could offend.

    On the surface, it appeared to be some noble scions running into Master Qin. But in reality, it was a struggle between the Lus and surrendered Great Yan officials.

    Sir Zheng felt that his bad luck really knew no bounds that he would be drawn into this conflict for no reason at all. He didn¡¯t dare take a side now. Neutrality had always been his position all these years. He didn¡¯t want to offend anyone and indeed, couldn¡¯t afford to offend anyone.

    All Sir Zheng hoped for now was that Qin Huaiyuan would be willing to settle this peacefully. Perhaps the minister would be willing to turn a mountain into a molehill, and then into nothing at all, since he was colleagues with the young master¡¯s father.

    Qin Yining also sensed the difficult straits that her father was in. They were newly arrived to the scene and he¡¯d been suddenly promoted to overall head of the Ministry of Personnel and Rites. A sudden new boss out of nowhere easily turned into an ostracized target, especially for someone like the vice minister who¡¯d already been highly ced himself.

    It didn¡¯t seem usible that the culprit was this cowardly fellow.

    But since the warden¡¯s men hade back with him, that was who the culprit was, even if he wasn¡¯t.

    In handling things this way, Sir Zheng was pushing Qin Huaiyuan to the forefront. If the Qin patriarch set even a toe down incorrectly, a grudge would develop between him and Vice Minister Han, one that deepened the conflict between the Great Yan officials and Northern Ji ones.

    It really was a dicey situation!

    Qin Yining looked anxiously at her father, only to see him rise and raise cupped fists. ¡°Sir Zheng, since we¡¯ve caught the culprit, this matter should fall to the Wardens¡¯ Office of the Five Wards to handle. I¡¯m an official of the Ministry of Personnel, after all. It¡¯s not within my jurisdiction to proim judgment on someone who sent their horses charging through the streets. Sir Zheng is a highly capable man of this fine office and has handled numerous cases like these over the years. I shan¡¯t overstep myself.¡±

    The sweat on Sir Zheng¡¯s brow became even more pronounced. This was Wise Pan An alright! A hot potato that the warden of finally just gotten rid of had flown right back into his hands!

    The Qin children heaved silent sighs of relief. Admiration flourished for Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s quick wits.

    Unwilling to ept the turnabout, Sir Zheng protested. ¡°Master Qin is a highly capable official favored by His Majesty. How can a crude brute like mepare? It¡¯s a walk in the park if such things are up to you to handle.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s smile was gently as he responded evenly, ¡°Sir Zheng¡¯s talents are hardly any less, why overly humble yourself this way? I¡¯ll have to trouble you with this matter. I trust that Sir Zheng will give His Majesty a satisfactory answer.¡±

    If you dare try to cover this up or protect your cronies, I¡¯ll criticize you mercilessly in front of the emperor!

    Sir Zheng had the sudden urge to cry, though tears weren¡¯t forting. It suddenly urred to him that no matter the Great Yan officials or the Great Zhou nobles, both were the emperor¡¯s loyal faction.

    With these two groups in his hand, it was a simple thing for the emperor to move against the Lu n or the former Northern Ji officials!

    It¡¯s time for me to take a side.

    Though he would avoid giving offense if he remained neutral, that also meant he might just offend everyone.

    A deeply worried warden sent off the Qins, still frowning even as he saw them into the carriage.

    A smile clung to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s face all the while and he remained pleasant, thanking Sir Zheng and affably taking his leave.

    Qin Han burst intoughter when the carriage was quite far away from the Warden¡¯s Office.

    ¡°Senior uncle, that was masterful! I was just stumped when you resolve it in the blink of an eye!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± piped in Qin Yu. ¡°I¡¯m sure that Sir Zheng knows who the real culprit is. Senior uncle came off worse for the wear out of that, but he wants senior uncle to protect his dignity and stop kicking up a fuss. Have you ever heard of such a ludicrous notion??¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all because we just arrived in Great Zhou and haven¡¯t established ourselves yet,¡± remarked Qin Yining.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with a smile. ¡°All this is normal behavior, there¡¯s no need to mind it.¡±

    Qin Yining respected her father even more so to see him so open-minded.

    ¡°Father, were you hurt?¡±

    ¡°Not in the slightest. N¨¦e Cao¡¯s guards aren¡¯t just paper tigers. I¡¯d already been rescued when the carriage started tipping over.

    The girl chuckled. ¡°Then you have to give them good rewards, father. They came in handy this time.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    The male cousins didn¡¯t quite understand what Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Yining were talking about, but both of them smiled to see father and daughter talk like this.

    They were right and proper Qins. It made them happy to witness someone else¡¯s happiness.

    The carriage returned home before long. It had just creaked to a stop when a serving girl standing guard by the door sprinted inside with news. A pageboy came up to bow and ce a footrest down.

    Qin Yining alighted and followed her father and brothers into the yard. N¨¦e Sun had already flown out and finally rxed when she saw her husband safe and sound.

    ¡°Were you hurt, my lord?¡± she asked tearfully.

    A round of exnations were in order when Qin Huaiyuan saw his beloved wife like this.

    The exnations were repeated when he set foot inside and saw the old dowager. Hearing that it was some Great Zhou noble scions racing horses through the streets both infuriated and vexed the Qin matriarch.

    ¡°These boys are so arrogantlywless, don¡¯t their mothers know to keep them in line!? But Meng¡¯er, can we afford to offend them, having just arrived town?¡± The old dowager was nothing if but consistent. She could concede defeat in Qin Yining¡¯s matter, and could do the same thing with her son.

    Both Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were very displeased by the reaction, but Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t mind.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. Your son will handle it well.¡±

    1. There are four dragon kings in Chinese mythology responsible for ruling the four seas.

 Chapter 384: To Be Directed At

    <h4>Chapter 384: To Be Directed At</h4>

    Being a mature and dependable sort, Qin Huaiyuan always remained calm no matter what happened. He was thepass that kept the entire family grounded.

    The old dowager rxed greatly to hear her son say this. She patted Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand. ¡°Meng¡¯er, you need to be more careful in the future. None of these noble children have simple backgrounds. That they dare charge their horses in the streets means that they aren¡¯t afraid of hurting anyone. Even if anyone was injured or even trampled to death, that would only mean that the victim suffered from bad fortune.

    ¡°These scions have plenty of ways to keep themselves in the clear. That would mean we suffered for nothing.¡±

    ¡°Mother speak truly.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled warmly.

    ¡°Therefore, go in another direction when you run into this next time. Thankfully, you weren¡¯t hurt this time.¡±

    Upon seeing that the old dowager seemed inclined to further lecture Qin Huaiyuan, Qin Yining interrupted gently, ¡°The old dowager is also tired herself from all the worrying. Why don¡¯t we all go back and rest.¡±

    Anything further that she wanted to say stuck in the back of the Qin matriarch¡¯s throat. She red at her granddaughter as she wanted to speak on, but none of the intended nagging came out when she met her son¡¯s calm eyes.

    Everyone dispersed, and n¨¦e Sun went off for a private conversation with Qin Huaiyuan.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to bother her parents, so went back to her house to rest instead of n¨¦e Sun¡¯s. With how this issue had blown up today, it was likely that everyone in town knew about it. I wonder how the Warden¡¯s Office and yamen will take care of this.

    The boy from earlier was an obvious scapegoat. Whoever it was behind the scenes remained a mystery. There wouldn¡¯t be much of a point in proiming a sentence on the boy. A knot of frustration and mncholy formed in Qin Yining¡¯s heart.

    This time, even Qin Yu and Qin Han experienced the difficulties of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s day-to-day. Because their senior uncle handled everything so easily, they¡¯d almost forgotten that their uncle was just an ordinary person of flesh and blood.

    A surprising development made its way to Qin Yining¡¯s ears on the afternoon of the next day.

    Apparently Han Le¡¯an, the son of Vice Minister Han of the Ministry of Personnel, had charged his horse into an official on the streets. He remained defiant and unrepentant. Upon confirmation, the Wardens¡¯ Offices of the Five Wards referred the case to the yamen. After confirming the case, the yamen sentenced the boy to be banished three thousand miles from the capital.

    Openmouthed with astonishment, Qin Yining asked Jiyun, ¡°Banished three thousand miles out? Are you sure you heard that right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain, three thousand miles.¡± Jiyun could tell that her mistress didn¡¯t really believe it. ¡°Han barged into our lord, but thankfully milord is alright. If something really had happened, even an execution wouldn¡¯t be enough to make up for it, to say nothing of a banishment. You¡¯re too kindhearted, miss. You don¡¯t need to be sad for someone like this.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss came back to her self and shook her head with a slight smile. ¡°Ah no, you misunderstand. I¡¯m not thinking of this. Han Le¡¯an is just a scapegoat. Being vice minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Rites isn¡¯t a small position. Willingly giving up his own son to take someone else¡¯s me means that the real culprit upies a high position.¡±

    Jiyun nodded. ¡°Absolutely. At the feet of the Son of Heaven, there¡¯s no shortage of prominent officials in the city. A falling signboard can smash three of them. There¡¯s a mess of rankings that¡¯s all veryplicated.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Yining sighed deeply. ¡°Though this matter was investigated by the Warden¡¯s Office of the Five Wards and sentenced by the yamen, it¡¯s all because of father. I¡¯m worried about the noble sons seeking revenge.¡±

    After some thought, she called Jingzhe over. ¡°Go tell the brothers at my father¡¯s side to keep an eye out these days. Don¡¯t let unsavory sorts find an opening in.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Don¡¯t worry, miss.¡± Jingzhe bowed and went off to carry out his orders.

    However, the fourth miss¡¯ concern seemed misced. Life proceed as normal for Qin Huaiyuan over the next few days. Nothing out of the ordinary happened.

    She began to think that she¡¯d thought too much as well. Perhaps that group also wanted to just have everything blow over. Maybe they didn¡¯t want to cause any further trouble either.

    After a few more days of quiet peace, spring arrived in all of its glorious, flower-budding warmth.

    Qin Yining attired herself in a spring outfit and gave orders for the carriage to be prepared. ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk. I haven¡¯t visited Grand Steward Zhong for a while, either.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Bingtang was delighted to hear that they were going outside. ¡°Miss, we haven¡¯t gone out in a while. Xiaozhou¡¯s been heavily bored at home too, why don¡¯t we take her with us?¡±

    The manor wasn¡¯t as spacious as before. Though it was livable, it still wasn¡¯t very convenient to move around in. As sensible as Lian Xiaozhou was, she was still a child at heart. Bingtang quite doted on the girl and always brought her out if there was a chance to.

    The Qin fourth miss chuckled and took Xiaozhou¡¯s hand. ¡°Big sister Bingtang is so good to you. She thinks of you in everything. Don¡¯t forget her when you grow up.¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou nodded merrily. She still wasn¡¯t good with words, but had grown adept at using nods, shakes, or blinking as substitutes.

    The little girl poked Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Big sister good too. No forget.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked, warmth flooding her heart. She lightly pinched Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s cheeks, making the girl break out in giggles.

    When the carriage outside was ready, Qin Yining brought Bingtang, Jiyun, and Lian Xiaozhou with her into the vehicle. Jingzhe and the other three hidden guards followed them outside, while Xianyun and Qiulu stayed home to keep an eye on things.

    Arge carriage with four followers outside made for a modest retinue. They quietly left the Qins and made a circle around the back before choosing to go through a bustling market. Though that made for a longer route to Steward Zhong¡¯s, the group didn¡¯t mind since they were going out for a walk today.

    Holding Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s hand, Qin Yining pointed at various things out the window and went over somemon sense knowledge. The little girl listened seriously.

    Bingtang and Jiyun held a low conversation filled with lighthearted chatter.

    asional fits of giggles from inside put the four guards outside at ease as well.

    Just as the carriage pulled into the market, a fric clip clop of various hooves sounded in front of them.

    Jingzhe raised his head to see eight men in luxurious clothing astride tall and bulky horses. They charged in the direction of the carriage without slowing down at all.

    Seeing that disaster was about to develop, the groom yanked on the reins of a horse spooked by the fast approaching group in front. It reared and whinnied loudly. Inside the carriage, the four girls were thrown every which way. Xiaoman quickly jumped onto the carriage and threw his weight behind the reins, stabilizing the vehicle and cing himself in front of the door.

    Jingzhe, Xiaoxue, and Dahan formed a triangr formation in front of the carriage.

    The stampeding group had drawn near them. Fury burned in Jingzhe to see the horses almost at their feet. One who¡¯d previously served under an emperor naturally did things different. Since he was in the lead, he raised his hand and smashed it down on the charging horse¡¯s head.

 Chapter 385: Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 385: Provocation</h4>

    The tall chestnut horse at the front of the group was exceedingly fast. The young man on it had obviously nned all of this out in advance, so he was putting all of his strength into his actions.

    However, Jingzhi possessed exceptional martial arts and had perfected his internal force. What was the momentum of a charging horse to him? When he mmed down with his palm, the horse whinnied shrilly and fell to the ground, bloody foam at its mouth.

    Its rider was a young man d in blue brocade robes. His exuberantughter at sending his horse into a gallop instantly cut off. His mind nked for a second, not even having the time to react before his steed brought him and his head smacking down onto the ground.

    A loud hum filled the youth¡¯s ears, and he knew nothing more at all.

    Seeing that their leader was so easily brought down with a single palm strike and not even having the time to cry out, the noble scions behind him yanked their horses to a stop. Peering anxiously at the person on the ground, they couldn¡¯t even tell if their peer was alive or not.

    Jingzhi remained poised at the head of the triangle, glowering at the group with a ck expression. ¡°Who might you be to send your horses careening through the streets in an attempt on my miss¡¯ life!¡±

    ¡°And what the hell are you?! A worthless servant dares raise a hand against young master Cheng?!¡± Another youth hopped down from his horse and charged the carriage. ¡°You¡¯re just an outsider little slut who should know her ce and stay at home when discarded! What are you doing out and about, spreading your slutty airs everywhere? Don¡¯t you...¡±

    Jingzhe¡¯s eyes narrowed and he raised his hand, delivering a vicious smack across the face at this insolent noble son. ¡°Watch your filthy mouth!¡±

    SMACK!

    ¡°Aiyo!!¡± The youth spun around twice and stumbled to a sitting position on the ground, seeing stars.

    This band was used to throwing their weight around in the capital. They¡¯d just identally spooked the Qin carriage horse a few days ago, but that mewling coward of a surrendered official had relentlessly pursued them for that fault!

    The one fainted on the ground now was Cheng Yue, the only son of the newly promoted minister of the Bureau of Military Personnel¡ªMinister Cheng Meng. Cheng Yue had been the actual culprit behind the Qin carriage ident. However, after a round of activities from the Bureau of Military Personnel, they were fine while the son of the vice minister of the Bureau of Personnel and Rights had been hauled up as the scapegoat.

    The band of noble sons were all about brotherhood and loyalty. How would they ever forgive Qin Huaiyuan for his pettiness in causing one of their own to be exiled, his life utterly ruined??

    Being highly favored by the emperor, their fathers had told them to stay away from Qin Huaiyuan.

    So, they may not be able to afford offending Qin Huaiyuan, but he had a daughter that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had gotten bored of!

    Thus, they¡¯d set a watch outside the yard door of the Qins¡¯ little manor, waiting to nab themselves the Qin fourth miss. Now that the opportunity had arrived today, they weren¡¯t going to let it pass by!

    Wasn¡¯t Qin Huaiyuan a miserly sort and afraid of charging horses crashing into carriages? They were going to do just that to his precious daughter!

    But despite Qin Yining being just a girl, the minister had been willing to hire such domineering guards for a used, unclean daughter!

    What was wrong with Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s brain??

    ¡°How, how dare you hit me! Do you know who I am?!¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who you are. It only matters that you wanted to hurt my miss.¡± Jingzhe¡¯s frigid expression intimidated all those who would upset the carriage into not moving.

    The disturbance had drawn quite a crowd by now.

    Some of the noble sons felt that the situation was taking a turn for the worse and wanted to leave, but didn¡¯t dare just leave an unconscious Cheng Yue here.

    Some closer to the Cheng young master dismounted to check on their friend¡¯s condition, cursing and hurling insults at the carriage as they did so.

    There were also some in the group who¡¯d juste along for the show. They were now worried that Qin Yining¡¯s guards would take action for self-defense. Things would be dire and unsalvageable if casualties appeared. Therefore, some of the smarter ones ordered their pageboys to either make a report to the yamen or bring word of the happenings back home.

    Qin Yining sat primly in the carriage, her arms around Lian Xiaozhou and preventing Bingtang and Jiyun from lifting the curtains for an almighty fight with those outside.

    Her rose quartz tapped lightly against the surface of a small table as she intoned, ¡°This has probably long been in the making. None of them have simple backgrounds. Tell Jingzhe to not hurt anymore people.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Xiaoman replied equally lowly and then gnashed his teeth. ¡°This is all because we¡¯re in Great Zhou now and have no other options open to us. With us brothers¡¯ temper, we take lives with each move we make! We¡¯ll see who dares be so insolent to the miss then!¡±

    The hidden guards were previously under themand of emperors. Someone would pick up the pieces after them even if they punched a hole in the sky. Naturally, all bets were off when it came to one of their operations, and no consideration to the consequences were given.

    Due to this habit, what mercy meant to them was to just avoid killing someone.

    If it¡¯d been any ordinary guards, their first reaction would be to lead away a horse charging straight at them and not just outright smack the horse to death. Would an ordinary person have that kind of skill? And how many of them would have that courage?

    Outside the carriage, the noble scions had gotten well and truly into the swing of insults.

    ¡°Miss Qin, hey girl, I hear that your beauty is worth cities. You¡¯re not pure and chaste anymore, soe on out for us brothers to have a look!¡±

    ¡°Haha, exactly! We¡¯re all powerful and influential. [1] Any of us would be able to support a concubine. Miss Qin, we¡¯ll forgive you if you be one of our concubines!¡±

    ......

    ¡°These people are so damnably foul!¡± Bingtang ground her teeth in fury.

    Jiyun¡¯s hand was already on the soft sword wrapped around her waist. If it wasn¡¯t for the miss wanting them to keep their cool, she would¡¯ve long since charged out and filled each of those scoundrels with a hundred holes!

    The four guards outside the carriage were also chomping at the bit to tear the scum into pieces. But they hadn¡¯t received any orders, so could only remain put and silently suffer through the abuse.

    The disturbance drew an ever-increasing crowd. Some pointed and gestured at the carriage, whereas others sniffed at the noble children¡¯s uncouth dominance in stopping the carriage.

    All sorts of discussion flew in the air as the crowd tightened its radius, surrounding the two parties in the middle. Those who¡¯d heard of Qin Huaiyuan also added the minister¡¯s name in their conversation.

    Qin Yining remained calm throughout it all, holding Lian Xiaozhou¡¯s hand and teaching the little girl her characters. It was as if there was nothing outside at all, just the barking of dogs.

    New movement rustled outside at this time; the crowd parted swiftly to the sides. Sir Zheng of the eastern Warden¡¯s Office of the Five Wards barged in with his men, separating the two posturing sides.

    However, when the warden took a look at the carriage and then at the dead horse on the ground, as well as the unconscious Cheng Yue, he felt his head swell to twice its size.

    1. The raws here say ¡®people with umon identities. I took a bit of liberty to match the tone of this name-calling.

 Chapter 386: A Dogfight

    <h4>Chapter 386: A Dogfight</h4>

    A strong urge to locate a Taoist priest struck the warden. Had he offended some malignant spirits or godtely?? Why did idents from charging horses keep urring, and to different factions in which both sides were nobles not to be offended?

    ¡°Men, hurry and take Sir Cheng to a hospital.¡± Sir Zheng couldn¡¯t afford to let any riske to the young master¡¯s life.

    Ever since Minister Cheng Meng¡¯s eldest son died in infancy, the minister had devoted his energies to passing on the family name. Multiple concubines crossed his doorstep, bearing him the ¡®Seven Fairies¡¯, but only one Cheng Yue.

    Minister Cheng didn¡¯t hope for great aplishments out of his son; just peacefully carrying on the family name would be enough. Thus, he didn¡¯t impose any strict demands, which gave rise to Cheng Yue¡¯s domineering, brattish behavior.

    This arrogant bully only worsened after Cheng Meng was promoted to minister of the Bureau of Military Affairs. The noble scion often gathered with his peers and got into all sorts of trouble. Having been warden of the eastern ward for a long time, Sir Zheng often ran into these noble sons. He¡¯d always let them go with a p on the wrist, if not, because of his rtionship with their fathers.

    But who knew that Cheng Yue would do the unthinkable and butt heads with the Qins!

    If things had been before, Sir Zheng would naturally sweep everything under the table again. However, the emperor most favored Qin Huaiyuan now, so too was the warden on the emperor¡¯s team.

    Since the factional lines were delineated, everyone should keep to their camps and refrain from getting into further trouble. But who would¡¯ve thought that the Lu-backed faction would levy their spears at the emperor-backed Qin Huaiyuan?

    Now that public discourse was at such a high and Sir Zheng in charge, he couldn¡¯t protect any side even if he wanted to.

    ¡°Miss Qin.¡± Sir Zheng offered a cupped fist salute next to the carriage. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to ask Miss Qin to make a trip to the Warden¡¯s Office.¡±

    ¡°Our miss is the victim and the culprits these unreasonable horse racers!¡± rebutted Xiaoman. ¡°Why does milord want to take our miss into custody?¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t misunderstand, Miss Qin. I¡¯m not arresting you, just need to inquire about a few things.¡±

    This was precisely the development Qin Yining was waiting for, so she responded kindly, ¡°I won¡¯t put you in a difficult situation, milord. I¡¯ll make the trip with you. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll be able to give me a concrete exnation as well.¡±

    ¡°Of course, that¡¯s my duty as a warden. I impartially handle everything.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s voice was exceedingly gentle, spreadingfort and ease in its wake.

    A noble girl talking a walk in the market with the family¡ªthat was quite a normal urrence. But the poor girl had bumped into these unruly noble songs!

    Add to that Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s matter from a few days ago and the fact that it was the same group of people, Sir Zheng was certain that this was revenge long in the making.

    The noble scions were equally surprised at this moment. None of them had thought that a girl would have such ferocious guards by her side!

    However, it was easy enough for the warden to understand. If it was said that Cheng Yue was Minister Cheng¡¯s sole hope, then Qin Yining was also Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s only daughter. He didn¡¯t even have a son!

    Inparison, Minister Cheng had the ¡®seven fairies¡¯. It didn¡¯t seem that Qin Huaiyuan doted on Qin Yining any less than Cheng Meng did his only son.

    What an irritating mess!

    After cating Qin Yining, Sir Zheng turned to talk some sense into the outraged noble scions.

    Compared to the well-educated and reasonable Qin Yining, this group wasn¡¯t so easy to handle. After failing to convince them verbally, Sir Zheng had to settle for half coaxing and half threatening the group back to his office.

    ......

    The Qin fourth miss¡¯ carriage slowly rolled to a stop at the office doors. Bingtang, Jiyun, and Lian Xiaozhou alighted first before turning back to help their mistress down.

    Meanwhile, several of the noble sons looked curiously their way. It too piqued their curiosity on just what kind of woman could entrance a hardened man like the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. The prince had ignored the blood feud of his father¡¯s death to carry off the girl!

    A pale-white, unadorned hand reached out probingly, resting on the maid¡¯s hand. It was followed by a charming face that was as pretty as a peach. The crowd¡¯s gazes clung to her as she alighted from the carriage.

    Her adroit and deft movements ced her as average heightpared to typical northern women, but above average among southern women. She flicked an aloof nce at the crowd, light sparkling in her limpid, almond-shaped eyes. Not a single word was needed to entrance the mind of everyone present.

    No wonder! No wonder that even someone like the Faithful Prince of the First Rank fell victim to this sweet trap!

    Some of the noble scions were quite disgruntled. They hadn¡¯t made out with anything for their troubles today! They didn¡¯t cause Qin Yining to alight from her carriage or hear her voice. And now, were they to just silently watch on?

    But given the current situation, they really didn¡¯t know how to get their hands on her.

    The group arrived at the front hall. Sir Zheng gave orders for tea to be served.

    The youth with a swollen cheek, courtesy of Jingzhe, chugged his cup of tea and pointed at the guard standing behind Qin Yining. ¡°Your lordship, that man tried to murder someone in broad daylight. Arrest him!¡±

    Jingzhe, Bingtang, and the others were all standing quietly with their heads down behind their mistress. The guard captain didn¡¯t even raise an eyebrow when he heard the usation, remaining docilely standing behind the Qin fourth miss.

    All of the former Silver Masks now looked like average, everyday servants. Their frightening skill from earlier was thest thing on everyone¡¯s minds. If it wasn¡¯t for concrete evidence in the form of the young man¡¯s face, Sir Zheng would¡¯ve never believed it.

    ¡°Did this man really attempt to murder you?¡±

 Chapter 386.2: A Dogfight

    <h4>Chapter 386.2: A Dogfight</h4>

    Qin Yining raised her eyes to Sir Zheng and responded gently, ¡°My servant just wanted to protect his mistress. The situation today was abominable. We weren¡¯t the ones to start things at all. We were enjoying the weather and minding our business when this group came charging straight at us on their horses. My men know some kung fu and killed the leader¡¯s horse in an effort to protect me.

    ¡°As for the noble scion sent to the hospital, he fell from his horse because hecked riding skills. It has nothing to do with my servant.

    ¡°As for this gentleman.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful eyes swiveled to the swollen-face youth. The look in them bore straight through to one¡¯s heart, as if she could see the innermost depths of his mind.

    The young man¡¯s face burned with a hot blush, and his cheek didn¡¯t even seem to hurt anymore. It was dizzying to have such a beauty look at him this way.

    The Qin fourth miss continued in a measured pace and she exined courteously, ¡°My servant did indeed p this gentleman, but he didn¡¯t turn violent for no reason at all. Their words were simply too vile.¡±

    ¡°What did they say?¡±

    The girl lowered her head. ¡°Vile, dirty things. It really was offensive and mortifying. It¡¯s alright if you don¡¯t take my word for it, Your Lordship. There were many eyewitnesses on the streets, you can ask any of them.¡±

    Sir Zheng nodded, highly satisfied with Qin Yining¡¯s mild and well-mannered attitude. However, he didn¡¯t have a chance to speak further before another boy closer to Cheng Yue started arguing heatedly.

    All of the parties involved were children of officials. The warden was momentarily at a loss of what to do.

    As the situation dragged on, arge disturbance suddenly erupted outside. A panicked shout sounded from the covered hallway. ¡°Your Lordship! This is very bad! Minister Cheng¡¯s surrounded the yamen with troops!¡±

    ¡°What!?¡± Sir Zheng shot to his wide, wide-eyed with incredulous disbelief.

    Though the minister was in charge of the Bureau of Military Affairs, it wasn¡¯t like he could send out troops at the drop of a hat. All troop deployment necessitated an imperial decree and the propermand token.

    Minister Cheng¡¯s personal use of the soldiers was naturally because he¡¯d lost all reason after learning his son was unconscious. He¡¯d thrown all caution to the wind!

    A fineyer of cold sweat broke out on Sir Zheng¡¯s back. If he didn¡¯t handle this properly, it could easily evolve into military unrest within the city. The likes of him, a mere warden, wouldn¡¯t be able to answer to the emperor then!

    Sir Zheng made to walk outside, but stopped after taking two steps. He turned back to look at the group of wildly gesticting noble sons and the mundane-looking, but highly skilled guards by Qin Yining¡¯s side.

    The two sides wouldn¡¯t dare do anything if he was here. But if a fight broke out the second he wasn¡¯t, and he failed to cate the mess outside, his own position would be jeopardized if a few more casualties appeared on the list.

    When his thoughts traveled here, Sir Zheng quickly gave orders to his most trusted confidante. ¡°Hurry and go invite Minister Cheng in. Remember to treat him politely.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The man hurried through the door, through the passageway, to the front door, whereupon he was promptly shocked by the crowd in front of him as soon as he poked a head out!

    The yamen wasn¡¯t in an out-of-the-way location as there were a decent amount of houses nearby and bystanders usually in the streets. But today, everyone had been scared off far into the distance.

    Minister Cheng had blockaded the entire area around the yamen with five hundred men! There were only roughly one hundred troops at the yamen, and all were ashen-faced at the crowd in front of them.

    The man swallowed and bolstered his courage for the task ahead.

    Past forty years old, Minister Cheng¡¯s stocky body and fleshy face belied his age. He was rough around the edges to begin with, and now he scowled ferociously due to his rage. He would devour anyone who came at him!

    Perhaps out of consideration for Sir Zheng¡¯s face or also knowing that he couldn¡¯t exacerbate the situation, he followed the man into the yamen in the end.

    ¡°All of you stand guard outside. No one takes a step without my orders.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± responded the soldier.

    Minister Cheng strode quickly to the front hall. Sir Zheng heaved a long sigh of relief when he saw the minister willing toe inside and walked up with a smile.

    However, the minister shoved Sir Zheng away with a mighty push and pointed his finger at Qin Yining. ¡°You little bitch! How dare you hurt my son! Pay with your life!¡± He charged at the girl with brandished fists.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that the lofty minister of the Bureau of Military Affairs would resort to violence without forewarning, in the yamen??

    Caught off guard, everyone jumped with shock. And how would the four guards allow the minister to harm their mistress? They flew into battle stances.

 Chapter 387: Whose Fault Is It

    <h4>Chapter 387: Whose Fault Is It</h4>

    The Qin fourth miss had been able to indifferently watch the fight off to the side due to herplete faith in Silver Maskpetency. But when the two groups actually met in battle, she rose with a frown on her face.

    Despite the domineering and brutish manner of Minister Cheng, he actually possessed superior martial skills. The four guard had to fight in tandem to just barely contain the minister.

    Wide-eyed with a ferocious look of fury, Minister Cheng looked like he wanted to eat Qin Yining alive.

    The noble scions brayed withughter to see the minister so savage. They called out encouragement, but it wasn¡¯t apparent whether they wish to curry favor or further enrage Minister Cheng. The catcalls and insults to Qin Yining grew even more depraved.

    A bbergasted Sir Zheng watched chaos unfold in his office. Tables and stools were wrecked and porcin tea wares smashed, the pieces scattering all over the ground.

    Though Qin Yining¡¯s guards were highly skilled, given previous experience, they didn¡¯t dare harm an official. That hobbled their fighting while the minister rampaged like a berserk beast, striving all he could to reach the Qin fourth miss.

    If things continued this way, Sir Zheng would be in for a world of hurt if the girl was injured. One injured Cheng Yue already put him at his wits end.

    Minister Cheng possessed a boorish personality, which made his mind easier to guess. The warden risked running afoul of the wily Qin Huaiyuan if Qin Yining was hurt. Sir Zheng wouldn¡¯t know a day of peace if that happened!

    His thoughts traveling to this point, Sir Zheng quickly summoned his men and waded in as well, physically pulling the two sides apart and mouthing every conciliatory word he knew.

    Sweating profusely from his exertions against Jingzhe and the others, Minister Cheng pointed at Qin Yining and roared furiously, ¡°You bitch! I want your life for youmanding your men to hurt my son! Ram yourself dead right now if you know what¡¯s good for you! That¡¯ll leave you a full corpse in death. If not, I¡¯ll separate your head from your body!¡±

    The man¡¯s enraged shout rang like a bell, vibrating painfully in his audience¡¯s ears. Lian Xiaozhou was white as a ghost and clutching Bingtang for assurance. Jiyun shielded her mistress behind her. Though there was no fear on the guard¡¯s face, her expression was exceedingly ugly.

    Completely calm, Qin Yining responded, ¡°Though Minister Cheng loves his son greatly, you can¡¯t nder innocent people like this, without knowing right from wrong. Why would my guards have leapt into action if it wasn¡¯t Sir Cheng steering his galloping horse in my direction and threatening my life? My family¡¯s just arrived in the capital and I don¡¯t know Sir Cheng. I really don¡¯t understand why he¡¯d threaten my life!¡±

    ¡°F*ck you, motherf*cking bitch! My son charged his horse at you because you say so huh? How about it¡¯s more like you¡¯re not satisfied after getting a kid exiledst time¡ªyou¡¯re out for more revenge! None of you Qins are anything good. Your father¡¯s written the book on craftiness, and you¡¯re no pure, good girl either. Still looking to talk yourself out of this? Dream on!¡±

    ¡°Watch your words, Minister Cheng. Setting aside the fact that I haven¡¯t done anything today and have been hit by disaster out of nowhere, even if I¡¯dmitted a crime, there¡¯s a ce called the yamen in the Great Zhou capital, and the emperor even higher than that. Or is Great Zhou awless wilderness that you can deploy troops and kill as you wish?¡±

    ¡°You! That¡¯s just perverted logic!¡± Minister Cheng had nothing to say when questioned about his use of troops.

    Qin Yining continued coolly. ¡°I¡¯m sure His Majesty will make his own judgment on whose logic is perverse here. I was just wondering if I should beat the Petitioner¡¯s Drum again and lodge an imperialwsuit. But it looks like that¡¯s not needed. With the minister¡¯s personal use of the army, I¡¯m sure the emperor will look into this matter quickly enough and deliver justice.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the daughter of that fox alright, with your glib tongue! You¡¯re a baby fox, a vile vixen!¡±

    Minister Cheng¡¯s infuriated form looked like a fighting rooster in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. She couldn¡¯t be bothered arguing with someone like this, so stopped talking after she¡¯d made her points.

    Meanwhile, the rest of the noble sons and Sir Zheng off to the side were stunned by Qin Yining¡¯s valiant act. It was only then that some of the boys recalled that whether it was faced with charging horses or requested to testify at the warden¡¯s office, the Qin fourth miss had remained calm all along. It was as if nothing in the world was worthy of her attention.

    It was that she was different, but that she was greatly self assured. That she could keep herposure in such an ugly situation meant that either her blind courage was too great, or that she was much too shrewd.

    Looking at her now, it was obviously that thetter was more true.

    An awkward silence descended on the scene.

    Having let loose with offensive, vile insults, panic crept in after Minister Cheng reflected on his impulsive actions in deploying the troops for his personal use.

    His son was important, but so too was his title!

    If it wasn¡¯t for the ck gauze cap, a manifestation of the trappings of office, who would protect his family?

    What had happened to thest fellow to privately send out troops was still fresh in his mind. Even someone as formidable as the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had to docilely hand over his position as the Valiant Tigersmander when charged with his crimes!

    Sir Zheng took a look at the quiet noble scions and contemtive Minister Cheng, finally able to breath a sigh of relief. He really had to acknowledge the girl¡¯s skill. She¡¯d used just a few cantankerous words to smooth over a fight waiting to break out.

    Though the situation was chaotic, the standoff continued.

 Chapter 387.2: Whose Fault Is It

    <h4>Chapter 387.2: Whose Fault Is It</h4>

    As Sir Zheng contemted what to do next, a coarse yell sounded from outside. ¡°Announcing Grand Supervisor Li!¡±

    The newest arrival cause hearts to skip a beat, and the crowd headed out the door in wee with strange looks on their faces.

    Head eunuch Li Guanwen was garbed in the usual silvery-gray robes of a eunuch¡¯s casual uniform. He wielded a horsetail whisk with an ivory handle, and gave it a strong flourish when those inside came out.

    Using the shrill tones unique to eunuchs, he dered loudly, ¡°His Majesty has instructed this servant to ask Minister Cheng a few questions. We would request that the minister respond truthfully.¡±

    Minister Cheng hastily bobbed his head. ¡°We will speak all that we know of without reserve.¡±

    The eunuch inclined his head and suddenly shifted his expression dramatically with another brandish of the whisk.

    ¡°Minister Cheng, do you intend on rebelling with this private deployment of troops!?¡± demanded the eunuch.

    Cold sweat dripped down the minister¡¯s forehead as soon as he heard this.

    ¡°This subject wouldn¡¯t dare, this subject is fearful.¡± He quickly pressed his forehead to the ground, while the noble scions behind him raised a panicked din of how they would never.

    Li Guanwen continued shrilly, ¡°We already know of the matter of the publicly charging horses. Severe punishment will be doled out, but not a single innocent will be wronged, nor a single viin go unpunished. Is the minister satisfied with Our promise?¡±

    ¡°Y-yes, of course I am satisfied. Many thanks to Your Majesty for thinking of his subjects. Many thanks.¡± Minister Cheng quickly kowtowed.

    The eunuch¡¯s expression morphed again, shifting from harsh severity back to his usual mild-mannered respect.

    He walked forward to hep the minister up andmented gently, ¡°Please don¡¯t be this way, Your Lordship. The emperor means for this servant to ask you if you¡¯vee back to your senses and see reason again. If so, please enter the pce with this servant to clearly exin the matter. All will be taken care of once it is rified.

    ¡°You are an important official and the emperor has high hopes for you. He knows that you only undertook such brash actions because of worry over your son. This is why, before I arrived, specific orders were given to the imperial hospital for the best doctors to be sent to your son.¡±

    ¡°This subject is ashamed and deeply thanks His Majesty.¡± Minister Cheng¡¯s entire head was covered in sweat by now. The eunuch¡¯s words had been upromisingly clear.

    If he hadn¡¯t e back to his senses¡¯ or ¡®see reason again¡¯ and continued to barge about in this manner, then he might very well be faced with suppression from the emperor¡¯s troops. They were within the hallowed walls of the capital city, at the foot of the Son of Heaven himself! Which emperor would tolerate personal deployment of troops in his own city?

    Terror struck the minister, and his rampaging heart set off by his son¡¯s injury final settled down. But when his thoughts turned to how his precious baby, the sole heir to the Chengs, was now unconscious after hitting his head, the minister¡¯s anger red anew.

    ¡°Grand Supervisor Li.¡± He pointed at Qin Yining. ¡°This matter has much to do with the Qin daughter. When I enter the pce to rify the situation, I request that she and her guard be brought in as well.¡±

    Li Guanwen snuck a look at Qin Yining, noting that the Qin fourth miss disyed no signs of anger and just stood there quietly. He sighed in relief.

    Thank goodness this one is a mature and calm one.

    If she also raised a fuss at this time, things would be incredibly difficult for him caught in the middle. She was the apple of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s eye, after all.

    ¡°Miss Qin, today¡¯s matter has to do with your guard, correct? His Majesty means that all involved in this need to enter the pce for an audience. Which of your guards did it? Please have hime with me.¡±

    A ferocious frown tightly knitted Qin Yining¡¯s forehead together as she stared holes into Minister Cheng¡¯s face. If it wasn¡¯t for this man going about things this way, why would they have attracted the emperor¡¯s attention?

    She didn¡¯t want to hand over her guard. Their lowly identities meant that they would easily be turned into a scapegoat.

    ¡°My men acted to protect me. Why don¡¯t I got with you, gonggong?¡±

    ¡°That... wouldn¡¯t be appropriate.¡±

    ¡°Why not? I¡¯m one of the parties involved and witnessed everything. I¡¯ll be able to add to the exnations if His Majesty has any questions.¡±

    ¡°But His Majesty didn¡¯t invite you to enter the pce, just the culprit. Miss Qin, listen to me. This isn¡¯t a good matter for you to show your face in.¡±

    ......

    Gratitude flooded the hearts of Jingzhe and the others to hear Qin Yining haggle with Li Guanwen, all in the name of refusing to hand them over and wanting to enter the pce herself.

    They could tell the Qin fourth miss giving them utmost respect by viewing them as real flesh and blood. She¡¯d never treated them like their old master, as tools that could be done with or without.

    All of them were hot-blooded men and immensely touched.

    Since they served Qin Yining, how would they possibly allow her to be caught in the middle like this? She was yet an unmarried girl!

    Jingzhe took a step forward when his thoughts travelled here. ¡°I¡¯m the one who killed the horse. I didn¡¯t raise a hand against young master Cheng. He knocked himself out after falling off of the horse. If you don¡¯t mind, sir grand overseer, I¡¯ll head into the pce with you.¡±

    ¡°Jingzhe!¡± exhorted Qin Yining, but it was toote for anything other than ring at him. ¡°Who permitted you to take action on your own??¡±

 Chapter 388: Unwilling to Accept

    <h4>Chapter 388: Unwilling to ept</h4>

    Jingzhe could sense Qin Yining¡¯s nervousness and worry. His heart was full enough to burst.

    Though he and hispatriots put their lives on the line in their course of work, back in Great Yan, the emperor never considered their safety when he sent them out. He only cared if they wouldplete the mission or not.

    It wasn¡¯t until meeting Qin Yining did they learn that there were masters in this world who cared if they made it back alive. Here she was, volunteering to enter the pce to keep him safe!

    Being used to their roles as hidden guards and spies, they would still asionally keep an eye on the matters of court even after transitioning to guards. They knew what difficult straits Qin Huaiyuan was in at present.

    But the fourth miss had taken a stand to protect them! Was he, Jingzhe, not going to admit to his guilt and let his mistress take the fall instead? Her reputation would be even more unsalvageable then!

    When his thoughts travelled here, they affirmed his resolve. Lofty heroism swept through his heart. Even if he were to be executed, he wouldn¡¯t regret defending his mistress today!

    All that passed through his mind in the span of a breath.

    Qin Yining grew ever more agitated when she saw her guard remain silent.

    ¡°Grand Supervisor Li,¡± she continued resolutely. ¡°The rights and wrongs of what happened today are convoluted and everyone has their own conclusions. Jingzhe is one of my hired hands¡ªwhat wrong does he have to protect me in an emergency? He didn¡¯t hurt anyone, just killed a horse. If His Majesty wishes to summon those involved in this matter, then I should be the one to enter and give an ounting.¡±

    Though the girl¡¯s words put him in a slightly sticky situation. Li Guanwen quite admired the Qin fourth miss¡¯ sense of justice. He inwardly envied Jingzhe to have a mistress so willing to protect her people.

    It wasn¡¯t just the eunuch; the same sentiments were shared by the others serving Qin Yining. Even the noble sons quieted down.

    Li Guanwen cleared his throat. ¡°My apologies, Miss Qin. This is His Majesty¡¯s wishes and this servant cannot go against them.¡± He turned and gave orders for Jingzhe toe with them, bid farewell to Sir Zheng, and left with Minister Cheng.

    Qin Yining sent them off to the door before returning with a furrowed brow.

    Sir Zheng could finally be at ease after seeing that matters had been temporarily resolved. ¡°Miss Qin, things are mostly over with here. You are free to go.¡±

    The noble scions raised a fuss before the girl had a chance to respond. ¡°Why can she leave first? We¡¯re the victims here, if anyone¡¯s leaving first, that¡¯s us!¡±

    With the departure of the troops that Minister Cheng had brought with him, safety was restored to the Warden¡¯s Office of the Five Wards. The emperor had also involved himself, so Sir Zheng knew that he could only continue walking the path he¡¯d set down before. All would be fine as long as he firmly stood on the emperor¡¯s side.

    Given that Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s status as the mainstay of the emperor¡¯s faction, the warden naturally had to protect Qin Yining. Not to mention, she was a girl.

    And so, the warden¡¯s face darkened. ¡°This matters today are very clear indeed. You allmitted the crime of charging your horses first. There are countless eyewitnesses, are you still trying to deny it even now? Miss Qin remained within her carriage from beginning to end. If her servantsmitted a crime, then Grand Supervisor Li just left with the culprit. But you instigators won¡¯t be getting off cleanly, or are you trying to deny that that even happened in the first ce?¡±

    The warden¡¯s sudden hardening of attitude sent the noble sons in a slight panic.

    Qin Yining took a look at Sir Zheng, naturally understanding why his attitude was suddenly so clear. She smiled. ¡°Many thanks to Sir Zheng. Except, I can¡¯t be at ease at all now that my man¡¯s been taken into the pce. I feel that no matter what, your yamen will be the first to receive any updates. Therefore, please permit me in waiting here with my people.¡±

    Sir Zheng didn¡¯t think her request out of bounds. The Qin fourth miss shone with sincerity and she was wholeheartedly focused on protecting her people. Whether her manners or motivation, all were worthy of respect.

    Thus, the request wasn¡¯t denied. ¡°I only fear that the surroundings here are too crude and basic. You might feel ufortable, Miss Qin.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. You¡¯re too polite, Sir Zheng.¡±

    The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before Qin Yining took her original seat again.

    The noble sons looked at each other. Let¡¯s see how your Qin family dies when Minister Cheng has his audience with the emperor!

    Armed with that confidence, the group chitchatted extremely leisurely and even requested tea and snacks.

    Theirpleteck of self awareness irked Sir Zheng, but due to their identities, didn¡¯t want to offend them. He could only give orders for tea and snacks to be prepared.

    The wait stretched into the afternoon. Nothing was forting from the pce, but the fathers of the noble sons paid personal visits. They dragged Sir Zheng out for a round of pleading, hoping they could take their sons home.

    Long irritated by the rambunctious boys, Sir Zheng made the favors at no cost to himself. He only requested that they not leave the capital, and had to present themselves whenever summoned.

    His actions won him rounds of gratitude and thanks.

    A show unfolded before Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. Each official conversed smilingly with Sir Zheng and instantly morphed into another expression after entering the residence. Those with more reserved characters darklymanded their sons to leave. Others with fiery tempers gave their sons a good thrashing before hauling them off, cursing loudly all the while.

    Some treated Qin Yining extremely distantly with a good helping of disdain, whereas others engaged in several pleasantries.

 Chapter 388.2: Unwilling to Accept

    <h4>Chapter 388.2: Unwilling to ept</h4>

    Qin Yining quietlymitted their behavior to memory. One could tell from this which ones were part of the emperor¡¯s faction, and which ones in others. Those who were taken home by their fathers and grandfathers were absolutely in for a healthy application of the house rules when they returned home.

    After all, the situation at court was taut these days. As an official, one had to choose the right side for a good career.

    The senior generation schemed incessantly, choosing to stand firmly on the emperor¡¯s or the aristocracy and old officials, depending on the results of careful deliberation.

    But who would¡¯ve thought that their positions and set up would be ruined by their own good-for-nothing sons before anything had born fruit!

    A giggle teased itself out of Qin Yining, her weighty feelings swept away by this entertainment.

    She had Bingtang return home first with Lian Xiaozhou.

    ¡°Go home and exin things to the old dowager and mother, but no need to go into too much detail. Just tell them I have some business at the yamen and don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back. Tell them not to worry. Be careful not to give any details if my mother asks you a lot of questions. Otherwise, I¡¯m afraid the guards will have a difficult time in front of my mother in the future.¡±

    She was well aware of her mother¡¯s personality. N¨¦e Sun¡¯s protective tendencies would cause her to put the hidden guards and Cao Yuqing in a difficult position.

    Bingtang also knew that she and Lian Xiaozhou would only be underfoot when Qin Yining had business to attend to. The maid nodded and left, leaving Jiyun and the three other guards at her mistress¡¯ side.

    In the interim, Sir Zheng didn¡¯t fall short on hospitality. He had servants bring in food and drink, and prepared a guest room for the girl when there was still no news from the pce after the hour of the dog.

    The Qin fourth miss hadn¡¯t announced her intentions to depart. So highly worried about potential imperial punishments, she couldn¡¯t sleep at all. Thus, she thanked the warden and remained where she was.

    Sir Zheng was even more impressed by such ties ofradeship. He didn¡¯t force her to rest and left her to her own devices.

    Xiaoman and the others felt such loyalty for Qin Yining as they¡¯d never had before. If it was said that ties of profit and money bound them together before, the bonds had changed to those of emotional ones. As guards, theyy their lives on the line for anyone they worked for. To meet a mistress who viewed them as actual human beings and cared about their safety was their good fortune.

    The Qin fourth miss spent the night at the warden¡¯s office, closing her eyes for a few moments whenever weariness really got to her.

    Word finally came from the pce at mid-morning of the next day.

    Sir Zheng entered the door with smiles and raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°Congrattions, congrattions! His Majesty has determined that this matter has nothing to do with Miss Qin. It was a subordinate offending his superiors and harming Minister Cheng¡¯s son. His Majesty has only sentenced your guard to be executed and will not pursue anything else further. Minister Cheng isn¡¯t allowed to either. You¡¯re safe, Miss Qin!¡±

    The warden¡¯s every word chilled the girl¡¯s heart. At the end, it felt like she¡¯d been plunged into an icy abyss.

    Jingzhe is to be executed!

    Trash emperor, decrepit emperor!

    An inner voice roared within her heart, but she strove with all of her strength not to say anything ugly. Forcing calm on herself, she asked, ¡°Sir Zheng, did you say my guard is to be executed?¡±

    ¡°Precisely. But that¡¯s just a servant, there¡¯s no need to think too much about it.¡± Respecting the Qin fourth miss¡¯ sense of righteousness, the warden feltpelled to add further advice. ¡°The currenty of thend is the result of bnce attained between many different parties. Sacrificing just one servant to maintain this equilibrium is a good thing for your father.¡±

    Qin Yining naturally knew the truth of Sir Zheng¡¯s words. But how was she to tolerate her own security to be built on the sacrifices of others?

    There was a natural hierarchy in society, whether upper, middle, and lower ss. However, her experiences growing up distilled in her the notion that even the lowest of the low were people. No one was to be looked down upon; everyone was born and raised by their own parents. Was her life more noble than anyone else¡¯s?

    Having stayed up all night, Qin Yining¡¯s face waspletely bloodless paired with dark circles under her eyes. The thunderbolt of bad tidings made the scene fade in front of her, her brain absolute glue. She wanted to save Jingzhe, but had no idea how to.

    Just as Sir Zheng was about to inquire after her wanplexion, a message came in from the outside. ¡°Reporting to milord, Minister Qin from the Bureau of Personnel and Rites is here.¡±

    ¡°Have hime in, quickly.¡± Sir Zheng went out in wee.

    A haggard Qin Huaiyuan was still wearing yesterday¡¯s court robes. It looked like he hadn¡¯t slept well thest night either.

    Qin Yining curtsied to her father.

    ¡°My daughter,¡± smiled Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Come home with me.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s lips vibrated and she wanted to say something when her father cut her off. ¡°You¡¯ve been outside for a full day and night. It¡¯s time to go home and rest.¡± He turned to Sir Zheng. ¡°Brother Zheng, we¡¯ve imposed on you long enough. Thank you for taking care of my daughter.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, we¡¯re all friends here.¡± Sir Zheng responded with some pleasantries.

    Feeling that it¡¯d be futile to stay longer, Qin Yining left with her father to take the carriage home.

 Chapter 389: Rescue (I)

    <h4>Chapter 389: Rescue (I)</h4>

    The atmosphere within the carriage was exceedingly stiff. Qin Yining hadn¡¯t slept a wink all night and was then greeted with news of Jingzhe to be executed; her head throbbed painfully. She leaned against the wooden walls of the carriage, closing her eyes for a bit of rest as she squeezed the center of her brows set in a ghastly looking face.

    ¡°I¡¯d thought you¡¯d returned home already and didn¡¯t anticipate that you would wait at the yamen. I¡¯d just returned home to see your mother very worried. That¡¯s when I learned that you were here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault for making father worry.¡± Qin Yining opened bloodshot eyes. ¡°Did you not returnst night either? Were you with the emperor the entire time?¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡± Qin Huaiyuan likewise looked just as weary. ¡°I happened to be present when Minister Cheng entered the pce yesterday.¡±

    His daughter chuckled ruefully. ¡°I know without even being told that it must¡¯ve been a mighty battle of words. It¡¯s all my fault for causing so much trouble for you, father.¡±

    The Qin patriarch smiled at that. ¡°How is this your fault? You¡¯re actually an innocent bystander who got dragged into all of this. It all originated from that day when their group startled my carriage, and I didn¡¯t want to just let them off the hook like that. Neither did I want them to harass the citizenry with their unbridle behavior, which is why I kept after them so hard and ended up attracting this sort of trouble.¡±

    ¡°Father, I¡¯m not afraid of trouble. Just that... is Jingzhe really beyond saving?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a sigh. ¡°My daughter, you¡¯re a smart girl. I don¡¯t need to exin things for you to understand. His Majesty punishing Jingzhe is just a way to stopper Minister Cheng¡¯sints with a servant. We lose only one person to be able to maintain our hard-fought bnce. We¡¯re not the ones who lose anything, but rather Minister Cheng.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s a human life involved in all of this!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s voice was slightly hoarse.

    ¡°I know your thoughts, my dear, and that you¡¯re kind. But what else can we do now that the imperial decree has been written? My daughter, I know you¡¯re smart and might even think of a way to save Jingzhe. But you must remember that you¡¯re a Qin daughter, and that you must think carefully before taking action.¡±

    Her father¡¯s meaning was very clear.

    Jingzhe was just a servant. If it really came down to things, it was no big deal to sacrifice a servant if necessary. The Qins hadn¡¯t established their foundations in the capital city yet, so they needed the emperor¡¯s favor and protection. Now that he¡¯d ordered Jingzhe¡¯s execution, that was set in stone. If they dared beg for mercy, that would be blindly striking at the emperor¡¯s face.

    From the perspective of a bystander, Qin Yining knew that she shouldn¡¯t interview and make things even worse.

    But Jingzhe had acted to protect her! If it wasn¡¯t for her, why would he be losing his life?

    He was one of her men after all. If she shrank into herself and cowered whenever anything happened, what would she bring out to win loyalty in the future? Not to mention, she didn¡¯t want Jingzhe to be her sacrificial goods anyhow.

    When her thoughts travelled here, she dered, ¡°Father, I promise not to harm the family¡¯s profits.¡±

    Your daughter is saving Jingzhe no matter what!

    The girl looked apprehensively at Qin Huaiyuan. What should I do if father overrules my decision, harshly rebukes me, or even stops me?

    To her great shock, Qin Huaiyuan burst out in chuckles in the next instant.

    ¡°Father, you...¡±

    ¡°I knew that you¡¯re as ornery as a mule. You¡¯re just like me in my youth. I always acted ording to what I thought after I decided on something, and didn¡¯t care if those around me would stop me or not.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled at the rification. ¡°Father is such a rational and dependable person, when were you ever like that? You¡¯re just teasing me.¡±

    ¡°How am I teasing you? Everyone starts off brash and self-assured, slowly transforming to solid dependability after their personality slowly settles down.¡± Qin Huaiyuan took off the hat of his official uniform and rubbed his face. ¡°Daughter Yi, do whatever you¡¯d like. Just remember what I said and don¡¯t forget that you¡¯re a Qin. You must ensure the safety of the family first. Only when the n grows stronger will you have more authority outside.¡±

    ¡°I will remember everything that father says,¡± Qin Yining responded gratefully. ¡°Thank you for your understanding.¡±

    The minister responded with only a smile as he patted his daughter¡¯s head.

    Back at home, Qin Yining visited n¨¦e Sun before going back to catch up on sleep. All of the servants could tell that the fourth miss¡¯plexion was exceedingly poor, especially those around her who knew the full situation.

    The Qin fourth miss sat cross-legged on the heated tform next to the window. Though she was extremely tired, she wasn¡¯t the least bit sleepy because of how worried she was about Jingzhe.

    Li Qitian had personally given the order to execute Jingzhe. Since they couldn¡¯t beg for mercy on his behalf, they had to think of a way to make the emperor voluntarily rescind the death sentence.

    But why would Li Qitian pardon the guard for no reason at all?

    In the emperor¡¯s eyes, he was already biased towards the Qins by having them lose only a singr servant and making the Chengs eat such a loss. Qin Yining could easily anger the emperor if she set a single toe wrong. The consequences were sure to be disastrous.

    She pinched the forehead between her brows and sat wordlessly on the tform, furiously brainstorming ideas.

    When Jiyun and the others saw that Qin Yining refused to rest, they could only opt for silently keeping herpany when their entreaties had no effect.

    The fourth miss didn¡¯t eat a single bite of lunch.

    Neither did she touch her dinner.

    Her refusal to eat or sleep worried Jiyun and Xianyun to no end. Xiaoman, Xiaoxue, and Dahan were also extraordinary touched.

    Their mistress had done all she could in this matter; it had nothing to do with her that Jingzhe had bene dragged in. Though their hearts ached for their brother, they wouldn¡¯t vent their spleen on Qin Yining instead.

    Just as a frantic Bingtang and Jiyun were about to notify Qin Huaiyuan, the fourth miss suddenly hopped off the tform. ¡°Have Xiaoman and the otherse here. I have orders for them. Jiyun, make a trip to Steward Zhong¡¯s. Tell him I want to utilize the people we left behind in Great Yan. Have him make a surreptitious trip over.¡±

    Seeing that Qin Yining¡¯s eyes were clear and she zed with good spirits, the maids wondered if she¡¯d thought of a n.

    Seeing Jiyun and Bingtang stare unblinkingly at her, the girl smiled. ¡°I thought of a n that should work, so hurry and do as I say.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The group quickly split off in different directions.

    After summoning the hidden guards, Qin Yining gave them orders in a low voice. They looked at each other with bafflement, but nodded in the end and went off to carry out Qin Yining¡¯s orders.

    Steward Zhong arrived before long. As it was already dark, it wasn¡¯t convenient to visit inside the manor. Qin Yining flung on an outfit before meeting the steward in a carriage outside.

 Chapter 390: Rescue (II)

    <h4>Chapter 390: Rescue (II)</h4>

    When the fourth miss met Steward Zhong, she immediately had him send a secret letter via messenger pigeon to the old Great Yan capital. It was to be delivered to someone trustworthy.

    As for the contents of the letter, she drew close to the man and whispered a few words.

    Steward Zhong listened in wide-eyed astonishment. ¡°Miss, people might want to kill for you for this! Do you know that the Great Zhou people are...¡±

    The girl raised her hand slightly, preventing the steward from speaking further. She smiled reassuringly at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know what I¡¯m doing. Just do as I say and send out the messenger pigeon. The faster the better.¡±

    Still slightly doubtful, the steward set his concerns aside when he saw how confident Qin Yining was. He nodded solemnly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll have it handled as soon as possible.¡±

    ¡°Then I thank you for your troubles. A life is at stake here, so please exercise caution.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Not wanting to hold the steward up, Qin Yining alighted from the carriage as soon as she gave out her instructions. Steward Zhong immediately had his groom whip the horses into a fast trot and left the Qins in a hurry.

    The Qin fourth returned to her room with her maids. Before she reached her door however, she saw Cao Yuqing standing in front of it with her hands behind her back, a frown on her face. The guard captain didn¡¯t seem toe with inclinations of friendship.

    Having known that this visit woulde, Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°Hello. Would you like toe in for a cup of tea?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Cao Yuqing rather admired the girl¡¯sposure. Add to that a face that was the spitting image of a young Qin Huaiyuan, the twobined swept away much of her original gloomy air.

    The two entered the house and took a seat on embroidered cushions ced on stools. Bingtang and the others dismissed themselves after bringing in tea and snacks.

    As a straightforward person, Cao Yuqing cut straight to the chase. ¡°Why did you have all of the Silver Masks memorize that ridiculous thing? It¡¯spletely made up!¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s all made up.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°It¡¯s just something I made up to save the lives of Jingzhe and the others. Madame Cao, you know everything at stake here, right? I hear that the emperor¡¯s sent out another team of men to Great Yan to search for the treasure that the emperor emeritus left behind.¡±

    Cao Yuqing frowned. ¡°Yes, that is indeed the case. The treasure¡¯s no trifling sum. Great Zhou¡¯s national vaults are empty and they have need of money. Of course the emperor will care about this, but what¡¯s that have to do with the Silver Masks?¡±

    ¡°You should know what will happen if the emperor gets anxious over theck of results, right?¡±

    Cao Yuqing fell into deep contemtion.

    That was right. If he couldn¡¯t find the treasure, then Li Qitian would naturally question those who were closest to the former Great Yan emperor.

    Now residing in the pce, Yuchi Yan was fully in the emperor¡¯s grasp. Perhaps everything about him had already been fully investigated. Of course, any attempts to locate the treasure through him were fruitless.

    The existence of the Silver Masks was no secret, and Qin Huaiyuan had never concealed the fact that he¡¯d taken the hidden guards under his wing.

    If Li Qitian grew impatient, he would definitelye knocking.

    She¡¯d personally trained and operated the Silver Masks. Her feelings for her people ran deep. If at all possible, she didn¡¯t want at all them to lose their lives for what the trash emperor had done!¡±

    ¡°But will you be able to save Jingzhe this way?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Qin Yining smiled confidently. ¡°Not only will I babe able to save him, I¡¯m gong to get rid of thistent threat for the Silver Masks. How many of them are in the capital now?¡±

    ¡°Sixteen, including Jingzhe. The rest are carrying out missions outside. But this batch is thest one I trained. There won¡¯t be any recements if there are any more casualties.¡±

    The fourth miss nodded with a smile. ¡°In the vastness of the heaven and earth, there is nothing more important than life. Yes it¡¯s not an aboveboard n, but isn¡¯t it a good one if it lets them live?¡±

    Cao Yuqing lowered her longshes with emotion. ¡°Are you absolutely confident in this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ny percent confident it¡¯ll work, ignoring some uncontroble factors,¡± estimated the girl conservatively.

    The guard captain thought for a while longer and grinned. ¡°Alright then, I understand. Don¡¯t worry, us Silver Masks have been trained in withstanding interrogation. We don¡¯t reveal anything about our masters when we¡¯re captured. This little story isn¡¯t hard at all. I¡¯ll pass on my orders shortly.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°Thank you for your troubles.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. If this really does save their lives, then I¡¯m the one who should thank you.¡± Cao Yuqing patted Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder and quickly strode out.

    Suspense hanging in the air, the Qin fourth miss sent men everyday to find out thetest updates of Jingzhe.

    After six days, Li Qitian received an urgent missive from the capital of the former Great Yan.

    After reading it, he pped the dragon-themed desk and shot to his feet in the study. ¡°To find something by ident after searching hundreds of miles for it! Li Guanwen, hurry to the Qins and get Qin Meng and his daughter¡¯s guards into the pce! Oh right, n¨¦e Cao as well, the one who used to be Qin Meng¡¯s concubine. Have her enter the pce too! Hurry, go now!¡±

    ¡°Yes yes yes, this servant will go now.¡± Li Guanwen tripped in the midst of the emperor¡¯s urgency and almost sprawled over the floor. He stumbled out of the study while his master looked again at the urgent letter, delighted surprise brimming in his eyes.

    Things couldn¡¯t be clearer in the letter. There were rumors in the old Yan capital that since they were the former emperor¡¯s most confidential weapon, the Silver Masks might know where the treasure was!

    And those Silver Masks were at the Qins!

    It looks like Qin Huaiyuan really is Our lucky star!

    Li Qitian gleefully paced where he was, going over how he would question the guards in a moment and how he should treat them.

    Qin Yining was teaching Lian Xiaozhou embroidery when a serving girl ran in frantically. ¡°Miss, miss, someone¡¯se from the pce and want to take our guards away!¡±

    The fourth miss almost jabbed a hole in her own finger. She rushed to the feet and strode outside.

    Since it was afternoon, her father happened to be at home too. He was chatting with Li Guanwen in the front yard.

    Though the eunuch was in a great rush, he maintained a high degree of courtesy. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Minister Qin. The emperor only wants to ask a few questions of your and Miss Qin¡¯s guards.¡±

    Full of questions, Qin Huaiyuan nodded without a flicker of expression. ¡°Since His Majesty would like to question them, of course it shall be done. Servants!¡±

    The Qin patriarch had the guards summoned.

    ¡°Oh right, His Majesty also said that he wants to see Madame Cao.¡±

    The minister¡¯s heart spasmed. He knew what the emperor wanted, but smiled gently nheless, sending servants to fetch the madame. In the end, fifteen people total entered the pce.

 Chapter 391: Returning Home

    <h4>Chapter 391: Returning Home</h4>

    A rather worried Qin Yining watched her father and the others depart the manor.

    Though she¡¯d fully gone over this n again and again, thinking of all possible untoward developments again and again, she still worried when reality descended.

    The girl returned to her room to wait quietly.

    Meanwhile, the summons of Qin Huaiyuan, Cao Yuqing, and the remaining guards in the family elicited panic from the Qins.

    They¡¯d gone through so much that they¡¯d long since realized their current circumstances were no stable environment at all. There were much too many dangers they had to eliminate to remain in their position.

    The old dowager lit her pipe, but didn¡¯t take a single puff of it. She merely held it in her hand, looking dazedly out over the verdant green of the small garden.

    Qin-mamaforted her in a low voice off to her side. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Old Dowager. The lord is such a very smart person that this servant think there¡¯s nothing he can handle. Perhaps the emperor has an urgent mission to give to him this time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s certainly possible.¡± The old dowager was muchforted upon hearing this.

    N¨¦e Sun and the second madame nodded as well. ¡°Look at how polite Grand Supervisor Li was to our lord just now. There were even a few notes of currying favor. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s nothing serious.¡±

    The exnation further set people at ease. Freed minds could further specte why Li Qitian wished to see their guard captain.

    ¡°Can it be because of n¨¦e Cao¡¯s beauty?¡± The second wife supported her stomach with a frown, ready to deliver any day now.

    After all, Cao Yuqing really was an exceedingly beautiful woman. Even setting her face aside, her natural romantic airs of seduction lured even fellow women, causing them to reflect embarrassingly on themselves.

    As the emperor, Li Qitian possessed the world and it was very normal for him to love beauties.

    This proposition met with general eptation.

    Only n¨¦e Sun remained a bit worried. ¡°We aren¡¯t thoroughly familiar with the emperor¡¯s temper yet. He seems mercurial. N¨¦e Cao¡¯s settled down quite nicely, and it¡¯s not like we can¡¯t afford to feed a guard. Life might be very difficult for her in the pce.¡±

    ¡°What kind of talk is that? You have long hair but you¡¯re very short on wit.¡± The old dowager snorted. ¡°Entering the pce makes her another master of all. She¡¯ll be someone next to the emperor! If someone like thates from our family, we¡¯ll see no end of wealth and fortune in the future!¡±

    ¡°But not all happy endings look this way!¡±

    ¡°You really do like sticking your nose in everything!¡±

    ......

    The old dowager and n¨¦e Sun embroiled themselves in yet another argument while the second madame and wife tried to calm the two sides down.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t care about the petty concerns the womenfolk were fretting over. She was relieved that none of them knew about the truth. There¡¯d be fewer hearts roasting over a spitfire like hers, then.

    Sleep was nowhere to be found that night.

    Jiyun, Xianyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu all remained within the room, keeping their mistresspany. They didn¡¯t understand what was going on behind the scenes, but they were quite anguished to see Qin Yining unable to sleep.

    ¡°It¡¯s been just a week and you¡¯ve lost what meat you¡¯ve been able to put on your bones. His Highness will be ever so worried when he sees you next.¡± A resigned Bingtang offered a bowl of warm red bean congee to Qin Yining. ¡°You should think more of yourself. Do you not care about your own health either, working yourself to the bone like this?¡±

    Qin Yiningpressed her lips with a shake of her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry needlessly. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°How am I worrying needlessly? How many times have I nursed you back to good health? You haven¡¯t fully recovered ever since losing all that bloodst time.

    ¡°Then it was the famine. After that was the move and running for your life. Even after arriving at Great Zhou, you have to plot and scheme through all your days. I¡¯m telling you, even the best body will copse with how you¡¯re using it!¡±

    Wincing at the maid¡¯s nagging, Qin Yining took a few more bites of the congee.

    ¡°You should do this for the prince, if not yourself. He¡¯s sent away all of the women by his side to prepare for marrying you. Worried that you might be bullied, he sent away any contrary granny servants as well. He has no other womenfolk, so you¡¯re the only one who can bear him children. If you don¡¯t rest well and nurse yourself back to good health, what will you do in the future?¡±

    Qin Yining almost spat her congee out at what she was hearing. She jabbed a finger at Bingtang¡¯s forehead. ¡°You awful wench!¡± The girl thought for a moment. ¡°Honestly, all of us should regte our health. You all have grown older and reached the age to be wedded yourselves.¡±

    ¡°I knew it¡± crossed Xianyun and Jiyun¡¯s faces. ¡°I knew that the miss would pull us down with her!¡±

    The group¡¯sughter and chatter dispersed much of Qin Yining¡¯s dejection. As they chattered on, a granny servant suddenly called out loudly from outside, ¡°Milord is back!¡±

    The fourth miss jumped to her feet, threw down her bowl, and dashed outside for a look. She saw Qin Huaiyuan at the front, Cao Yuqing trailing him, and a group of hidden guards following behind them.

    Qin Yining counted every single one of the guards, her gaze resting on thest to enter the manor: Jingzhe, Xiaoxue, Xiaoman, and Dahan.

    She shed a smile of relief.

    Sess!

    ¡°Miss!¡± The four Silver Masks assigned to her strode up and knelt for a grand gesture of greeting.

    Jingzhe kowtowed. ¡°My thanks for the miss saving my life!¡±

    ¡°Please, spare the formalities and rise! Are you hurt anywhere? We¡¯ll have the doctor look at you in a moment.¡±

    Jingzhe shook his head quickly and refused to get up from his kneeling position. He tilted his head back at Qin Yining. ¡°The miss is a courageous sage! The emperor didn¡¯t make things difficult for us at all.¡±

    The remaining Silver Masks all bowed respectfully to the fourth miss. ¡°Our thanks to the miss!¡±

    Although her scheme wouldn¡¯t exempt them from suspicion or investigation, it would protect their lives.

    The messenger pigeon she¡¯d sent out that day had fomented rumors in the old Great Yan capital that only the Silver Masks knew where the Great Yan treasure was.

    After Qin Yining met with Cao Yuqing, another story was passed down to the secret agents.

    They¡¯d once been brought into a secret chamber and individually hypnotized by experts. Some information was nted in their minds, to be released only by specific watchwords. Only then would they remember the contents, of which everyone knew a different part.

    There were twenty four Silver Masks in total, and only sixteen currently in the capital. As much as Li Qitian wanted to interrogate them with torture, he had to restrain himself.

    As soon as word got out of anything happening to their brethren in the capital, the eight agents outside would nevere back.

    Whatever was tortured out of them wouldn¡¯t beplete, either. How would Li Qitian locate the treasure then?

    Given this, not only would the emperor not kill Jingzhe, he wouldn¡¯t touch the rest of the Silver Masks either. He had to keep these secret agents safe so that he could find the treasure.

    ¡°Miss, you really are a female Zhuge Liang! We all respect you so much!¡± The Silver Masksughed.

 Chapter 392: Invitation (I)

    <h4>Chapter 392: Invitation (I)</h4>

    Standing behind the covered hallway with his hands behind his back, Qin Huaiyuan smiled faintly to see the hidden guards adore Qin Yining so much.

    He didn¡¯t fault his daughter for taking action without discussing things over with him first. On the contrary, he felt that the girl¡¯s stratagem and resourcefulness were bing ever more mature. Such a way that attained two objectives with a single move wasn¡¯t something that would ur to just anyone.

    Cao Yuqing stood next to the Qin patriarch and also grinned when she saw the man¡¯s smiling profile. ¡°The pupil has outdone the master. You have your heir, milord.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Qin Huaiyuan inclined his head. Though it was regretful that he didn¡¯t have a son, what more could he wish for these days?

    When it came to looks, talent, courage, wit, loyalty, empathy, sensitivity to politics, and brilliantly pinpointing the crux of a problem¡ªhis daughter had it all!

    Such a wonderful and filial daughter left those good-for-nothing noble scions so far behind her that they ate dust in her wake! What was there to be proud of in birthing sons like that? Show some real skill and raise a smart and beautiful daughter!

    Qin Huaiyuan broke out in involuntary heartyughter and walked towards the old dowager and others who¡¯de out to wee him.

    ¡°Old Dowager, look, I told you that the lord would be just fine. His Majesty ces a lot of importance on the lord.¡± The second madame teased her mother-inw as she supported the Qin matriarch¡¯s arm.

    A beaming smile spreading over the old dowager¡¯s face, she tugged on Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s arm. ¡°The next time the emperor sends you out on a task, make sure you send word of it back home. Don¡¯t let your mother worry for nothing.¡±

    ¡°Understood, mother.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled withforting ease. ¡°We¡¯ve finally gained a proper foothold now and won¡¯t have to worry about much as long as we keep to our ces and live out our days peacefully.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The old dowager gripped Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s arm in delighted surprise.

    Guilt and anguish washed over Qin Huaiyuan to see his elderly mother this way. ¡°Naturally, as long as we keep to ourselves and don¡¯t make any trouble.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good.¡± The old dowager nodded merrily and had Qin-mama tell the servants to prepare food.

    After a reunion meal with the family, Qin Yining fell fast asleep after washing up.

 Chapter 393: Invitation (II)

    <h4>Chapter 393: Invitation (II)</h4>

    When the Qin womenfolk reached the front door, they discovered an opulent carriage already waiting for them.

    ¡°Madame Qin, Miss Qin, please enter the carriage.¡± Chen-mama had other pce servants move over a footstool and personally helped both of them into vehicle, then carefully closed the curtains tight.

    Bingtang and Jiyun would spend the trip next to the mama.

    Inside the carriage, n¨¦e Sun clung nervously to her daughter¡¯s hand. She whispered in a worried, low voice. ¡°What do you think the empress dowager wants with us girls? Does it have something to do with your father entering the pce two days ago?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother.¡± Qin Yining took her mother¡¯s hand in return and patted it. ¡°The emperor values father greatly, and the empress dowager may not have invited us for anything major. She may just want to get to know us. We haven¡¯t had much chance to visit with her since moving to the capital, after all.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun could finally rx when she heard this. ¡°I¡¯m at ease hearing you say that.¡±

    The girl smiled at her mother¡¯s exaggeration. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. Just be at ease, mother. Even if there is something, it won¡¯t threaten our lives. We just need to watch our words and actions then.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded solemnly.

    The carriage soon reached the pce doors. N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining alighted to transfer into a small litter. They soon arrived at the empress dowager¡¯s Pce of Serene Piety, in thepany of Chen-mama and other pce servants.

    The two Qin womenfolk adjusted each other¡¯s outfits and left Bingtang and Jiyun outside, before setting foot on crimson, raised tform in front of the pce.

    One was greeted with an enormous nine-legged, bronze brazier embossed with flower motifs as soon as they set foot through the doors. A mixture of pine needles, mint, and Indian sandalwood burned within, dispersing a refreshing fragrance.

    Mother and daughter lowered their heads, following Chen-mama¡¯s footsteps on the scarlet carpet with blossoming peonies until they reached a side pce.

    Female chatter andughter sounded out before they walked through thettice openwork, arched door.

    It looked like the empress dowager had invited others as well.

    Both Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun heaved silent sighs of relief.

    ¡°Reporting to Your Imperial Majesty, Madame and Miss Qin have arrived.¡± Chen-mama curtsied.

    The conversation in the room instantly died down. Qin Yining could feel the gazes of everyone upon them.

    The empress dowager dered benevolently, ¡°Hurry and invite them in.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The granny servant showed the way with a smile.

    Qin Yining kept firmly to her ce behind n¨¦e Sun, focusing on the tips of her shoes. They went through all the proper motions of taking measured steps, curtseying in greeting, kowtowing, and saluting the empress dowager¡¯s good health.

    As soon as the Qin womenfolk entered the room, those already inside fixed their attention on the neers.

    There were plenty of rumors swirling about Pang Xiao carrying off Qin Yining as soon as she arrived in Great Zhou. Many of them had long since shaped her out to be a vixen, a seductress. Even though many had seen her when she entered the city, due to her usual low profile and keeping to herself, they¡¯d forgotten about that initial, stunning nce.

    Now observing her dressed in a in, pastelke-green outfit, her dainty steps elegant and her figure slender and genteel¡ªit gave one an exceedinglyfortable feeling, even if they couldn¡¯t see her face because of the lower head. Genuine or otherwise admiration flourished.

    ¡°Oh do rise. This must be the Qin girl? Come closer so this forlorn one can take a look.¡± [1] The empress dowager reached out to Qin Yining with a smile.

    The girl quickly responded with her right hand and ced on the empress dowager¡¯s slightly wrinkled hand adorned with a ruby ring. She bent her knee again after walking closer. ¡°Greetings and good health to Your Imperial Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Ah, what a lovely girl. They all say that Minister Qin is known as Wise Pan An. Others say that Miss Qin looks exceedingly like the Wise Pan An in his youth. It now seems that the rumors are quite true. Come, lift your head so I can take a look.¡±

    Qin Yining swallowed her difort at being assessed like goods in a marketce and lifted her head to look at the empress dowager¡¯s chin.

    The imperial majesty blinked, then rubbed the back of the girl¡¯s hand lovingly. ¡°Aiyaya, what an exquisite girl. She outshines all of you.¡±

    A young girl to the side giggled. ¡°The empress dowager doesn¡¯t like us anymore after seeing a beauty.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Her Imperial Majesty is so biased. She only likes younger sister Qin.¡±

    The round of jokes provided the perfect cover for Qin Yining to take a quick look around, assessing the surroundings closely.

    Apart from her and n¨¦e Sun, there were two other young woman and two middle-aged noble women. It looked like an outing of mothers and daughters. Some skepticism blossomed in her heart.

    When the empress dowager let go of Qin Yining¡¯s hand, she took n¨¦e Sun¡¯s instead and struck up an intimate conversation. She asked if the Qin madame was settling in well and if she¡¯d run into any difficulties. The other madames echoed each word of care.

    Qin Yining took her ce off to the side with the other two young girls.

    The empress dowager was quite a caring conversationist. The hours of morning passed in casual conversation. At one point, Qin Yining even fielded a few questions of Great Yan culture and customs. The girl responded with impartial objectivity.

    When it was midday, Chen-mama came in to report, ¡°Reporting to Your Imperial Majesty, the meal has been prepared and the banquet set up in the western side pce. Please make your way there.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± The empress dowager rose, holding n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hand. She smiled into the Qin madame¡¯s look of startled ttery. ¡°Let¡¯s go and enjoy our meal.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Our thanks for bestowing a banquet upon us.¡± The womenfolk chorused and bent their knees before following the empress dowager to the side pce.

    Mouthwatering savory aromas wafted through the air of the side pce instead of the usual burning incense. Exquisite crockery with patterns of traced gold gleamed on a massive round table. The various dishes were a delight for all the senses.

    After the empress dowager sank into the head seat, she motioned for everyone to take their seats as well. But how did the group dare sit at the same table with the imperial majesty?

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for such reservation. Let¡¯s treat this as a family banquet today. We finally have the opportunity to get to know each other, especially Madame and Miss Qin. We must enjoy ourselves to the utmost! After we be familiar with each other, you two must enter the pce often to visit this forlorn one.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Our gratitude for Your Imperial Majesty¡¯s deep favor.¡± N¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining curtsied in unison.

    Everyone took their seats, leaving empty the ones on each side of empress dowager.

    Qin Yining sat to the diagonal rear of the imperial majesty, rather curious why all of them had been summoned today.

    As she delved into a jumble of thoughts, a eunuch suddenly called out, ¡°Announcing Second Master Lu!¡±

    The empress dowager urged Chen-mama on with a smile when she heard. ¡°Is it dear boy Lu? Hurry and have hime in!¡±

    The granny servant walked out merrily in wee, and a cheery Lu Heng walked in before long. He was wearing an elegant brocade robe of light gray and a small jade crown in his hair.

    The man made the grand gesture of greeting when he drew close. ¡°This humblemoner greets the empress dowager.¡±

    ¡°Oh, enough of that. Come, sit next to me.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Imperial Majesty!¡±

    Lu Heng adopted a prim and proper posture after sitting down. He quickly cast his eyes around and paused briefly on Qin Yining. The tips of his ears were red when he looked away.

    The empress dowager smiled. ¡°My dear, is your mother well? Is everything well at home?¡±

    ¡°Thanks to Your Majesty¡¯s fortunes, all is well at home. My mother also instructed me to inquire after your good health.¡±

    ¡°Good, good.¡± The empress dowager nodded joyfully, but a frown quickly crossed her face. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that your mother is busying about to locate womenfolk to round out your household again, but you¡¯re unwilling?¡±

    Lu Heng grinned. ¡°Your Imperial Majesty is all-seeing and all-knowing to know even this!¡±

 Chapter 394: How Dare You!

    <h4>Chapter 394: How Dare You!</h4>

    ¡°How is this forlorn one all-seeing and all-knowing? I¡¯m just at loose ends all day, so I have the spare time to think about the future of you young ones. At my age, all I wish for is that all of you can live happily ever after.

    ¡°You¡¯re already twenty-six and it¡¯s been three years since that one left your side. Don¡¯t you understand that you can¡¯t keep putting things off like this?¡± The empress dowager smiled.

    The two girls present apart from Qin Yining were already flushing brightly with embarrassment. They couldn¡¯t resist the urge to lift their eyes and take a peek at Lu Heng.

    The Lu second master was indeed a blue-blooded, handsome, and refined man. Though they would be marrying a widower, Lu Heng had no children, so his status as a widower wouldn¡¯t give rise to any awkwardness. Any son they birthed would be a firm official son.

    Add to that the behemoth that was the Lu n...

    House Lu¡¯s history spanned a longer timeframe than that of Northern Ji and Great Zhou¡¯s put together. Its wealth rivaled that of a nation¡¯s and it was involved in all manner of industry. The slightest movement it made sent ripples through a country¡¯ economy, and many officials at court were part of the Lu faction.

    And Lu Heng was the second official son of such a mighty aristocratic n.

    Marrying him would be more impressive than any prince or even the emperor!

    What girl wouldn¡¯t have daydreams? The two girls blushed after merely sneaking a peek at him. Surprisingly, so did Lu Heng.

    The empress dowager smiled. ¡°It looks like you have someone you like, my dear boy.¡±

    ¡°In response to Your Imperial Majesty, I...¡±

    A servant piped in before Lu Heng could finish his response. ¡°Announcing the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!¡±

    The smile on the empress dowager¡¯s face widened even further. ¡°Hurry and have hime in!¡±

    The doors opened to admit Pang Xiao in an ivory-white brocade robe with a satin belt of jade pieces around his waist. He strode in with dashingly great strides, a small crown of pure gold sitting in his hair.

    His thoughts moved rapidly when he saw a room full ofdies having already taken their seats, and that n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining numbered amongst them. Without any of it flickering through his expression, he performed the grand gesture of greeting to the empress dowager.

    ¡°This subject greets Your Imperial Majesty!¡±

    The older woman snorted and rebuked with mock anger, ¡°You imp! It¡¯s not easy inviting you here for a meal. You¡¯re always busy or out on official business. Who knows when do you ever get a spot of free time? Don¡¯t you know to think of this forlorn one?¡±

    Qin Yining took another nce at the empress dowager when she heard the tone.

    It looked like the imperial majesty was closer to Pang Xiao than Lu Heng. She only inquired politely after the Lu second master, but could joke and admonish with Pang Xiao like her own nephew.

    Pang Xiao smiled, warm tenderness tinging the look in his eyes. The curve of his lips revealed a row of clean, neat teeth. It felt as though a gentle spring breeze had washed over those looking at him.

    ¡°Your Imperial Majesty, how would I not miss you? Didn¡¯t I have people send you a meal box just a while ago?¡±

    The empress dowager pulled Pang Xiao over, having him sit on the other side of her. ¡°You did put some thought into it. Your chefs make good soup.¡±

    ¡°As long as Your Majesty likes it,¡± the prince responded with a smile.

    He happened to be able to look straight at Qin Yining from where he was sitting. However, disdain and aloofness colored his eyes when they swept over her.

    The empress dowager coolly took in the interaction and smiled gently, turning to have Lu Heng sit and continue the topic from earlier.

    ¡°My dear boy, you really should remarry. Your n is enormous and your industries even more so. You¡¯re so busy running the family businesses, it won¡¯t do tock a caring touch by your side! In my view, only a noble daughter is a good match for your talents. What do you think?¡±

    Lu Heng smiled faintly, openly looking at Qin Yining. He could see her charming profile from his angle, fully taking in her pert nose, rosebud lips, long and luscious eyshes.

    Even setting aside her intelligence, a lifetime of just gazing upon her beauty would be insufficient.

    The empress dowager¡¯s smile deepened further when she saw the gaze. ¡°It so happens that I am partaking in a meal with a few madames and misses today. Since we are so fortunate as to cross paths and are hardly strangers, just speak of anyone you might like. I will make the decision on your behalf.¡±

    Lu Heng was rather taken aback. The empress dowager was an exceedingly cautious person. This wasn¡¯t her usual style at all.

    At the same time, his heart trembled, and his eyes subconsciously flitted back to Qin Yining¡¯s beauty, again and again.

    Such a straightforward reaction gave rise to various thoughts in those present. N¨¦e Sun gripped her daughter¡¯s hand worriedly, discovering that it was covered in sweat.

    Qin Yining truly was afraid this time.

    If the empress dowager set a decree and bestowed the Qin fourth miss to Lu Heng, she really wouldn¡¯t have any grounds with which to refuse.

    The consequences were unthinkable for anyone who dared decline the empress dowager¡¯s favor.

    But she had already tied herself to Pang Xiao and wouldn¡¯t be able to ept anyone else¡ªneither did she want to!

    Pang Xiao was a hero, not a mundane or mediocre man. Once a hero such as him took up residence in a heart, it was impossible for the girl to love anyone else in her lifetime.

    Qin Yining kept her head lowered, hiding the emotions in her eyes with her longshes.

    Across the table from her, Pang Xiao¡¯s heart went out to her and he burned with fury. He frowned slightly, narrowing his eyes at Lu Heng.

 Chapter 394.2: How Dare You!

    <h4>Chapter 394.2: How Dare You!</h4>

    Lu Heng didn¡¯t notice the prince at all. He shed a grin. ¡°How would I possibly darn spurn Your Imperial Majesty¡¯s great patronage? Master Qin is His Majesty¡¯s right hand man and is known far and wide as wise Pan An. Miss Qin possesses surpassing talent and beauty, I confess myself to be quite enamored. If I am able to have her as my wife, I would thank Your Imperial Majesty for the rest of my life.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a bit. Petrified, she was one with rocks and boulders.

    N¨¦e Sun and the others were equally surprised at Lu Heng¡¯s candor.

    The empress dowager smiled and was about to speak when Pang Xiao surged to his feet next her. He upended the eight-sided table with a mighty flourish of a hand.

    ng! rang out in the room while crockery flew everywhere, shattering with a cacophony of crashes. The womenfolk shrieked and leapt away, with the majority of the food sshing squarely onto Lu Heng and some onto the empress dowager.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes were bloodshot in his rage, like those of a riled up lion. He pointed a finger at Lu Heng and yelled, ¡°You motherf*cking piece of dogshit! Don¡¯t you dare think of having anything to do with her!¡±

    ¡°Pang Zhixi, you freaking lunatic!¡± Born of noble circumstances, how had Lu Heng ever suffered such humiliation?! ¡°The empress dowager is of a mind to bestow a wedding today! I was responding to Her Imperial Majesty! What the hell are you to jump out and stick your nose into things?!¡±

    ¡°Choose whoever the hell you want, but a woman who I¡¯ve had in my bed isn¡¯t someone a limp chicken like you can pant after!¡±

    ¡°Crude, base, an absoluteck of decorum!¡± Lu Heng flushed scarlet in his fury. ¡°A minor prince is nothing in the eyes of my n! I don¡¯t have to use even two fingers if I wanted to crush you. I can squash you with one!¡±

    ¡°Bull f*cking shit! Just try me! I¡¯ll pound you into the ground and make you call me your father!¡±

    ¡°Ai, stop, stop!¡± The empress dowager¡¯s skirts were drenched in the sauces of fish marinated in vinegar, but that was the furtherest thing on her mind. She pulled on Pang Xiao with one hand while Chen-mama and other servants yanked on Pang Xiao¡¯s robes.

    At this time, imperials guards flooded into the pce, rmed by the disturbance. They came to a nk halt when they saw the disorder in the room.

    The empress dowager stomped her foot when she saw the pce guards ready to draw their des. ¡°Who let you in? Out! Get out!¡±

    ¡°Your Imperial Majesty, we¡¯re here to protect you. You...¡±

    ¡°I said get out!¡±

    The guards had no other choice than to retreat upon seeing the empress dowager so resolute. They cast worried looks at Pang Xiao and Lu Heng before they left, seeing the two men furiously stare each other down.

    They couldn¡¯t afford to offend either of these great personages. If those that even the emperor gave a wider berth to broke out in a fight, what could little nobodies like them do?

    If the empress dowager wanted them to leave, then leave they shall.

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun supported each other as they sought shelter far away from the scene; skirt hems dirtied with food. Absolutely livid, the older madame swallowed her words when she looked skeptically at her daughter.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining was still caught in the throes of shock. She firmly believed that if it hadn¡¯t been for Pang Xiao¡¯s actions, she would¡¯ve been bestowed to Lu Heng just now.

    However, she¡¯d never fathomed that Pang Xiao would dere his ownership in such a wild way! Not only had he fully offended Lu Heng and the Lus, but he¡¯d also denied face to the empress dowager.

    Though he wrapped the cloak of brashness around him, his actions had been swift, decisive, and ruthless! That¡¯d spelled the end of Lu Heng¡¯s marriage request.

    The Lu second master gnashed his teeth, unable to pacify his anger even with a few deep breaths. The hand behind his back clenched into a fist, he jabbed with a finger of the other. ¡°Just you wait.¡±

    Paying no attention to the empress dowager afterwards, he left with a proud flourish of a sleeve and robes full of food stains. His back was ramrod straight and his steps leisurely, as if he were the highest ranked within the pce and not the empress dowager.

    In contrast, the imperial majesty didn¡¯t react at all to his words, a sure sign of the Lu¡¯s preeminence and the weightiness of his words.

    ¡°What are you all milling around for? Go send the Lu second master off!¡± She rebuked angrily and then looked at the womenfolk around her. Waving her hand impatiently, she ordered, ¡°I grow weary. You are all dismissed!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Yet to recover from their shock, the womenfolk stiffly offered their curtsies and left.

    Pang Xiao supported the empress dowager in taking a few steps back and found a clean area to sit down in. Chen-mama led the servants in cleaning up the mess.

    The empress dowager viciously pinched the prince and pummeled him a few times for good measure.

    ¡°You little bastard! Do you think you¡¯re still in the countryside?! How dare you flip even my table and yell at a Lu! Is it worth it to do it for a woman!? Do you know the power standing behind the Lus?? You¡¯re going to be the absolute death of me!¡±

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty. I was in panic too. That n¨¦e Qin is mine¡ªwould I let anyone else touch her? That Lu can dream on!¡±

    ¡°You really are... sigh. The entire city is rife with gossip because you¡¯re unwilling to wed her due to your father¡¯s feud. I finally found a good match for her, but you won¡¯t let anyone else wed her either. You really are too tyrannical!¡±

    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t want her, I won¡¯t let any other man touch her either!¡± responded Pang Xiao pompously.

    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you have her go be a nun then!¡± roared the empress dowager.

    Pang Xiao finally shut his mouth when he saw that the imperial majesty truly was incensed, allowing her to lecture him as she would.

    By now, Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun had left the Pce of Benevolent Piety and could hear the murmured whispers from the other womenfolk.

    When they left the pce proper and climbed into their carriage, Bingtang and Jiyun were afraid to follow them in when the girls saw n¨¦e Sun¡¯s ugly expression.

    Seeing that no one was around, the Qin madame asked, ¡°Daughter Yi, have you and Pang actually, actually known each other intimately?¡±

 Chapter 395: Talk of Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 395: Talk of Marriage</h4>

    Resignation rose when Qin Yining heard her mother¡¯s question. ¡°Mother, there¡¯s all sorts of gossip about me outside but I don¡¯t care about any of that. I don¡¯t even mind what the old dowager says behind my back. But does my own mother not trust me?¡±

    ¡°Ai...¡± N¨¦e Sun actually regretted her question as soon as it left her mouth. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t at fault in this matter, it hadn¡¯t been her will that she¡¯d been carried off. No matter what she¡¯d suffered, she was the victim. A mother not sticking out for her daughter and instead, questioning her offspring?

    That really was wrong.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, my daughter. I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡± Pulling Qin Yining into her arms, n¨¦e Sun patted her shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. We¡¯ll go back and ask your father what to do. He¡¯s so very smart and can handle everything. Your father was already thinking about this anyways. It¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Hearing the trust and worship in her mother¡¯s tone, Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°I know, I¡¯m not afraid.¡±

    She really wasn¡¯t.

    After the events of today, she could see even more clearly Pang Xiao¡¯s sincerity towards her, and she anticipated the future even more so.

    He was willing to take a stand against the Lus for her in front of the empress dowager and other nobledies. As she fretted over how to turn down Lu Heng, he¡¯d already handled everything with a flourish. If this wasn¡¯t a sign of his truest feelings for her, then what was?

    But current developments were out of her scope of expectations. It seems like it was indeed time to go home and discuss her marriage with her father.

    Though it was a bit embarrassing for a girl to mention who she wanted to marry, Qin Yining didn¡¯t consider so much when it came to her lifelong happiness.

    After returning home, the old dowager summoned both of them with great curiosity, asking them in detail what they had seen and heard with the old dowager.

    Mother and daughter picked the harmless parts, not mentioning with unspoken ord that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had upended a table.

    To be summoned by the empress dowager was a great honor already. The old dowager was actually slightly jealous. Her son was an important official, but the one basking in glory wasn¡¯t his mother, but that n¨¦e Sun.

    Due to her preupied thoughts, n¨¦e Sun actually didn¡¯t sh with the old dowager for once. She kept musing over the consequences of Pang Xiao¡¯s actions today.

    When Qin Huaiyuan returned from court, the three gathered in the married couple¡¯s bedroom.

    N¨¦e Sun dismissed all of the servants and anxiously ryed the events of the day in great detail.

    ¡°Milord, our daughter is a pure and innocent girl, but her reputation has beenpletely ruined by uncultured sorts. The empress dowager obviously wanted to bestow our daughter onto that widower, but we don¡¯t know anything about Lu. He looks to be pretending what he¡¯s not, so who knows if he¡¯ll be genuine to our daughter?

    ¡°And that Faithful Prince of the First Rank, he really is too overweening in style! He¡¯s nursing a grudge against you from back in the day. Such a personality and the hatred of his father means that he¡¯s not good man either!¡±

    Perturbed, n¨¦e Sun started crying and tugged on Qin Yining¡¯s hand. ¡°Why does my poor daughter have such a hard life? She didn¡¯t have an easy childhood and needs to suffer all this crude discussion about her after only a few days of peace and quiet! I want to rip all of their mouths to pieces when I see them!¡±

    The Qin fourth miss could never bear to see her mother cry, so she quickly rose to hug n¨¦e Sun infort.

    Qin Huaiyuan also brought out a handkerchief and handed it to his daughter, indicating for her to wipe away her mother¡¯s tears.

    The Qin patriarch sighed and asked, ¡°Daughter Yi, tell me what you truly think. Do you want to marry Pang Zhixi?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun immediately bounded to an upright position. ¡°No! That brute¡¯s brought so much pain to our daughter. I won¡¯t agree to it!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan patted his wife¡¯s shoulder with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be in a haste, madame. Let¡¯s listen to what our daughter says first.¡±

    ¡°Marriage has ever been dependent on the order of the parents and word of the matchmaker. Though our daughter is smart, she¡¯s an unmarried girl at the end of the day. What does she know?¡± added n¨¦e Sun urgently. ¡°This is precisely when we need to keep tabs on things, so that she won¡¯t tread down the wrong path!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re quite right.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiledfortingly in affirmation. ¡°However, our daughter is different from the usual simple-minded girl. We should respect her opinions.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s voice rose. ¡°Spoiling her like this will be the death of her! What good is there about that Pang Zhixi!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t fuss, this isn¡¯t something to be fussed about like this,¡± replied Qin Huaiyuan with equanimity. ¡°Our daughter is different from those typical noble daughters, and she¡¯s seen more of the world. Thus, she naturally has her own thoughts about her marriage. And another is that we haven¡¯t brought much good fortune to her since young. After so many years of hardship, did she return to our side for her life to be allocated by us?¡±

    Struck dumb by her husband¡¯s rejoinder, n¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t find a response.

    The man turned to Qin Yining. ¡°My daughter, let¡¯s hear from you. Do you want to marry Pang Zhixi? You don¡¯t need to think too much about other things or matters at court. You just need to think about whether or not he¡¯s worth of entrusting the rest of your life with.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded faintly. ¡°Father, I will marry none other than him.¡±

    ¡°You foolish child, you!¡± Tears spun in n¨¦e Sun¡¯s sockets.

    Qin Huaiyuan took his wife¡¯s hand in his and patted it, sessfully stopping the outburst. He turned back to his daughter. ¡°And you don¡¯t n on changing your mind?

    ¡°To be honest, your future will be more stable with Lu Heng. The Lus are an eminent family more than a hundred years old. The roots of their power areplex and interwoven. Even the emperor must show a few degrees of respect. Lu Heng is genteel and noble without any unsavory habits. Though you¡¯d be marrying a widower, he has no official children. And ording to my observations, he seems to be interested in you.

    ¡°Marrying Pang Zhixi would mean you face more dangers and hardships. Though he has no military power in hand, his prestige in the army is something that the emperor has always been wary of. Throwing your lot in with him means that you¡¯ll face the same uncertainties and trials. It will be a very tiring life.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan patientlyid out the pros and cons of each choice but refrained from pointing fingers or denouncing any choice. He merely waiting for Qin Yining to make up her own mind, and his own attitude was clear. He would unequivocally support her no matter what she chose.

    Deeply touched, Qin Yining¡¯s eyes grew moist. ¡°Father, I know everything you say.¡±

    But she still chose Pang Xiao.

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a smile. ¡°I understand. In that case, I may as well facilitate your marriage. Leave the rest to me. You should go rest for now.¡±

    Qin Yining left when she looked at her bawling mother and her father doing his frantic best to calm n¨¦e Sun.

    She couldn¡¯t guess at what Qin Huaiyuan would do, but she felt particrly at ease having received his promise.

    News of Pang Xiao flipping over a table in the Pce of Benevolent Piety swiftly made the rounds at court. Everyone was guessing at what the Lus would do.

    The next morning at court, Qin Huaiyuan cut in front of the Minister of Military Affairs and fell to a kowtow in front of everyone¡¯s shocked eyes.

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject requests that you deliver justice for my only daughter!¡±

 Chapter 396: Bestowing Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 396: Bestowing Marriage</h4>

    Ever since arriving in Great Zhou, Qin Huaiyuan had kept a low profile and exercised a prudent style.

    Though he enjoyed great favor from the emperor, he wasn¡¯t the sort to be filled with self satisfaction. Standing forward to kowtow as soon as morning courtmenced and raising a fuss for the emperor to deliver justice was a first for the Qin patriarch.

    Not only Li Qitian, but an entire court of civil and martial officials looked curiously at Qin Huaiyuan.

    Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu looked at each other, frowning slightly and gazing nomittally back at the minister.

    Some spections flourished in Li Qitian¡¯s heart, but he could only respond solemnly as befit the asion. ¡°Beloved subject Qin, please rise. Tell Us whatever suffering you have gone through.¡±

    The minister¡¯s eyes immediately reddened and his whiskers trembled. Closing his eyes tight to conceal the tears in them, he rasped out, ¡°Your Majesty, this old subject has no son and just one daughter. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she wandered the outside world in poverty when young.

    ¡°After finally locating her, this old subjected treasured her as my most precious valuable, more than my life itself! She is the veritable apple of my eye.

    ¡°Much resignation colors the events of the past, and in the struggle between being loyal subject and a good father, I fell short of taking care of my daughter. My only thought was that all was a new beginning aftering to Great Zhou. I would be able to make things up to her then.

    ¡°But who would have fathomed that apart from unforeseen developments along the way, my daughter would be forcefully carried off by the Faithful Prince of the First Rank as soon as she arrived in the capital! Though she is home now, her reputation is in ruins and countless tongues wag about her!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s forehead was firmly nted on the ground as tears flowed freely. He sobbed with snot and tears flying everywhere. ¡°This subject begs Your Majesty to uphold justice for my beloved daughter! My daughter is erudite and mannerly, intelligent and dependable¡ªnothing of that frivolous, flighty sort at all! Yet the outside world talks of her in that manner!

    ¡°What wrong has my daughtermitted for her to suffer thus?? All dishonorable actions stem from the prince! This subject begs Your Majesty to severely punish the culprit and deliver judgment for my daughter!¡±

    The minister howled out each of his words, agony and fury bleeding through each of them. He pressed his forehead deeply into the ground when he finished, ovee by emotion. He even took off the hat as part of his uniform and kowtowed several times, decrying tragically, ¡°Please take matters into your eminent hands, Your Majesty! Punish Pang Zhixi harshly!¡±

    The crowds of officials were stunned by the scene.

    It¡¯d crossed no minds that Qin Huaiyuan would actually criticize the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. Rumors had flown for more than a few days, and when the minister had first borne it all in silence, there were those who quietly mocked him for being lily-livered and chicken-hearted. He was too afraid to protect even his own daughter!

    But he¡¯d suddenly submitted a petition today, an obvious sign of how infuriated he was by Pang Xiao flipping the table and insulting his daughter. As a father, he was on longer standing for things!

    A smile blossomed on the lips of Minister Cheng of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Since they were both censuring the prince, he wouldn¡¯t fight for the honor with Qin Huaiyuan. Cheng Meng stood off to the side and settled in for the show.

    Li Qitian¡¯s hands slowly tightened on the arms of his dragon throne as his forehead furrowed as well. I never thought that matters would develop to this point!

    Under his orders, the empress dowager had invited the daughters of three noble houses, Lu Heng, and Pang Xiao. His goal was simple: Qin Yining would be used to create discord between Lu Heng and Pang Xiao.

    The emperor had long since discovered that Lu Heng bore some interest in Qin Yining. He also knew that Pang Xiao likewise had feelings for the girl, but was caught in the hurdle of his father¡¯s matter.

    No man would befortable with the girl he liked and having known intimately marrying another. Regardless of whether or not Qin Yining married Lu Heng, the two men would form a grudge against each other.

    However, he hadn¡¯t entertained the remotest possibility that Pang Xiao, ordinarily very respectful of the empress dowager, would actually flip the dining table and anger Lu Heng so much that the Lu scion would leave with an angry flourish of his sleeve.

    With how serious things had gotten, having Qin Huaiyuan publicly submit a petition was wholly outside the range of Li Qitian¡¯s expectations. This wasn¡¯t what he wanted to happen, at all.

    While the emperor remained in deep thought, Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed repeatedly and called out, ¡°This subject begs Your Majesty to deliver justice! If Your Majesty doesn¡¯t harshly penalize the Faithful Prince of the Fourth Rank, then this old subject can proceed no further in my position! I am an official, but my daughter suffers such injustices! I can¡¯t protect her, nor can I seek out justice for her! What use am I in this official capacity!¡±

    Tears streaked down the minister¡¯s face as he respectfully kowtowed again.

    Li Qitian recovered in the midst of his subject¡¯s tragic wails and coughed. ¡°Beloved subject Qin, do rise first.¡±

    Punish Pang Xiao? How on earth was that possible!?

    Though the emperor was wary of Pang Xiao, the prince was currently the only one of his faction who sat on the council.

    If he came down harshly on Pang Xiao like Qin Huaiyuan wanted, then the emperor would have none of his own left in the council. Were all of his policy decisions to be dictated by the old Northern Ji officials and aristocracy?

    Li Qitian shook his head inwardly. He absolutely couldn¡¯t punish Pang Xiao.

    And yet, it really was the prince at fault here.

    When his thoughts travelled here, Li Qitian could only cajole in soft tones, hoping that Qin Huaiyuan woulde to his senses.

    ¡°We can certainly understand beloved subject Qin¡¯s feelings in this matter. But both of you are officials of court and Our left and right hand men. How will you diligently go about your duties if you erupt in internal discord? Beloved subject Qin must keep the greater picture in mind!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, if my daughter cannot be ounted for today, then this subject will relinquish this position as minister. I will no longer be colleagues with the prince then! If the princemits such banditry in front of even Your Majesty, then I will list his crimes out on paper and ster them all throughout the capital! I will have everyone see his soulless viiny for what it is!!¡±

    A vein throbbed in Li Qitian¡¯s forehead.

    He¡¯d once employed this strategy against the trash emperor of Great Yan. To think that Qin Huaiyuan would use the same idea to elicit public discourse!

    If word of this really got out, how would Pang Xiao find his footing on the council? No, the prince couldn¡¯t be forced out, no matter what!

 Chapter 396.2: Bestowing Marriage

    <h4>Chapter 396.2: Bestowing Marriage</h4>

    Li Qitian felt that he was faced with such a difficult problem that he¡¯d never met before.

    After a few moments of contemtion, enlightenment struck.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin.¡± He rose and slowly descended the dais. He reached out with both hands to help Qin Huaiyuan up and ordered Li Guanwen to proffer a handkerchief for the minister to wipe his face.

    Qin Huaiyuan swiped at his tears, waiting with head down for what his liege would say.

    ¡°Our beloved subject, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank is Our right hand man. He won great distinctions in battle when we fought to establish Great Zhou. Put another way, the prince¡¯s age and talents are a wonderful match with your daughter. Since the two of them share feelings for each other, why not give our blessings to such a lovely couple?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, my daughter was forced into it!¡±

    ¡°Ai, the best ending for a girl is to find a dependable husband. Though the prince was muddle-headed before, We trust that he lost control only because he was ovee with emotion. Why don¡¯t we do things this way. We will be the guarantor of this match and decree that the apple of your eye shall be his princess consort. How about that?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan lowered his head, the epitome of abject suffering.

    The emperor continued on patiently. ¡°There is a saying that it¡¯s better to eliminate enmity than to keep it alive. Beloved subject Qin bears no fault for the old personal scores between you and General Pang. The two of you were merely on different sides and served different masters. Why don¡¯t we whittle away a great trouble today and forget past grudges. With Our decree, there will be no one in the world who dares disparage the slightest bit about your daughter. Beloved subject Qin, what say you?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuanpressed his lips with difficulty, seemingly unwilling.

    Li Qitian turned to re at Pang Xiao. ¡°We bestow n¨¦e Qin unto you as your princess consort. Are you willing?¡±

    The emperor¡¯s face was so solemn that it seemed he would haul Pang Xiao out to be executed if the prince even breathed a hint of denial.

    Meanwhile, torrents of rainwater flooded mountains, massive earthquakes birthed tsunamis, storms raged and gales howled, and fireworks exploded in front of Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes!

    If it wasn¡¯t for his stunning willpower, he almost broke out into hearty barks ofughter and thumped to his knees to thank his father-inw¡¯s facilitation!

    This move was much too perfect, one worthy of Wise Pan An alright! He¡¯d taken care of their marriage in such an effortless, elementary manner¡ªand it was settled via imperial decree itself!

    As exuberantly overjoyed he was, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t forget the emotions he was supposed to disy.

    He nodded stiffly with great reluctance. ¡°This subject obeys Your Majesty¡¯s orders.¡±

    The eptance put Li Qitian more at ease. He turned back to Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Beloved subject Qin, what say you?¡±

    The minister was silent for a while before picking up his hat, dusting it off, and putting it back on. He performed a solemn bow to his liege. ¡°This subject was brash and caused trouble for Your Majesty. This subject will follow Your Majesty¡¯s arrangements.¡±

    Li Qitian heaved a long sigh and nodded. ¡°Good! Li Guanwen, draft the imperial decree. Yining N¨¦e Qin will be bestowed as princess consort to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. Their wedding date is to be the eleventh day of the next month. The two households can see to their own arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The eunuch quickly took down his orders and set to work drafting the imperial decree. After the emperor affixed his royal seal to it, the eunuch quickly sent it out for delivery.

    Qin Huaiyuan stood off to the side with his head down, as if still crestfallen and disconste.

    Cheng Meng, Minister of the Bureau of Military Affairs, stepped out at this time. He¡¯d thought tat Qin Huaiyuan would be able to skin Pang Xiao alive, but to think that the old fool lost even his daughter in the end!

    That stupid buffoon!

    Minister Cheng stepped out righteously to use Pang Xiao of murdering innocents.

    The vein at Li Qitian¡¯s forehead throbbed again. Pang Xiao was causing him more trouble! One matter had finally been settled, but here came another!

    The emperor knew what Cheng Meng¡¯s goals were, but the prince had to establish firm footing in the council. Thus, Li Qitian quickly brainstormed a response and readied to shut the minister down.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan stepped forward before the emperor had a chance to speak.

    ¡°Minister Cheng¡¯s words are grievously erroneous!¡± he exhorted. ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank is a young hero who boasts of impressive military aplishments. He attacked Northern Ji because of a difference in ideology. He has poured forth blood, sweat, and tears to establish Great Zhou. Why is he an unblinking demon of murder when described by you?¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Minister Cheng rocked back on his heels, bbergasted. ¡°Didn¡¯t you, didn¡¯t you just criticize Pang Zhixi? Why are you going back on your words now??¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nced at Minister Cheng and responded righteously, ¡°He was still my enemy when I criticized him, but now he is my son-inw thanks to His Majesty. Should a father-inw not speak up for his so-inw? Should I wait for outsiders to pick up the reins instead?¡±

    Minister Cheng had absolutely noeback to that.

    The assembled officials erupted in a flurry of discussion.

    Seeing that Minister Cheng was failing, other Lu faction officials jumped out to add their voices to the condemnation.

    This was when the origin of Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s nickname as ¡®Wise Pan An¡¯ was on full disy. His words were clear and methodological, overruling all reproof of Pang Xiao.

    Even off to the side, the prince was awed by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s ability to verbally spar with an army of schrs.

    My father-inw is too amazing!

    Even Pang Xiao felt extraordinary pressure at this!

 Chapter 397: Preparations

    <h4>Chapter 397: Preparations</h4>

    Long before the imperial decree arrived, a pageboy by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s side caught wind of what had happened. He sprinted from the pce doors to the horse tied up to the tree, jumped onto its back, and sent it in a fast gallop back home.

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun were working on their embroidery within the house, when they heard the granny servant on duty at the inner doors exim, ¡°Old Dowager! Madame! Miss! Great news! Wonderful news!¡±

    The cry startled everyone inside and the old dowager lifted the door curtains.

    ¡°What is it? Out with it!¡± she asked anxiously.

    Beaming from ear to ear, the granny servant responded, ¡°Old Dowager, such wonderful news! The boy at the lord¡¯s side just came back with news that the emperor is sending an imperial decree today to bestow our fourth miss to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank as his princess consort! He came back as soon as he heard, so the decree will be here soon.¡±

    The news stunned the entire family beyond recognition. With unspoken ord, they looked at Qin Yining standing beneath the covered hallway, who offering support to n¨¦e Sun.

    The girl¡¯s hands slowly tightened into fists and she lowered her head self-consciously.

    Recovering from her shock, the eighth dered happily, ¡°Congrattions, fourth sister!¡±

    The girl¡¯s felicitations brought everyone back to their senses, and a hubbub of best wishes rose up.

    The old dowager was beside herself with joy. ¡°Good, good! Though being a princess consort isn¡¯t as glorious as being the emperor¡¯s favored consort, it¡¯s still a good oue for one of our daughters. Now that fourthss is married, it¡¯ll be granddaughter Hui and Bao next.¡±

    The men in the outer residence also heard the news. Qin Yu, Qin Yan, the second and third elder masters came in to offer their happy wishes, then rushed off to prepare a table and incense with which to wee the imperial decree.

    The old dowager sped her hands together and bowed at the sky. ¡°To think that our family would have continuous good news after arriving in Great Zhou. Our ancestors smile down on us, our ancestors smile down on us!¡±

    The second elder master smiled. ¡°Not only do our ancestors bless us, it¡¯s also all thanks to big brother¡¯s arrangements. I have a position in the Bureau of Personnel and Rites now, and third brother¡¯s industries have been properlyid out. It¡¯s all thanks to big brother.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± The third elder master nodded with a smile.

    After enduring a war, famine, and robbers, the Qins had finally found their footing again. Though many had been sacrificed for it, they¡¯d never lost their strength of character.

    Just about when the family preparations wereplete, the imperial decree arrived from the pce.

    A brazier of incense sat on a table in the spacious yard, and round, kneeling mats wereid out in front of it. The family knelt ording to their standings.

    The eunuch bearing the decree merrily unrolled the golden cloth and read aloud in a shrill voice, ¡°The Emperor, who governs with the Mandate of Heaven, has learned that Yining, daughter of Minister Qin Huaiyuan of the Bureau of Personnel and Rites, being sixteen years of age, is demure and refined, possessing of umon talent, modest and courteous, and beautiful in both heart and mind.

    ¡°Hearing of such qualities delights the Emperor and Empress Dowager. The Faithful Prince of the First Rank, Pang Xiao, being twenty four years of age, is at an appropriate age for marriage. The prince is skilled in both martial and civil subjects, loyal and respectful to his liege.

    ¡°N¨¦e Qin is yet unmarried and a wondrous match with Pang Xiao. N¨¦e Qin is hereby bestowed unto the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, Pang Xiao, as Princess Consort.

    ¡°All ceremonies are to be decided upon the two families. The wedding is to be conducted on the eleventh day of the fifth month. Proimed to all under the Heavens, let it be known!¡±

    ¡°Our gratitude for the emperor¡¯s gracious favor.¡±

    The Qins kowtowed solemnly. Qin Yining knelt in the middle of the family, her head down and arms raised high over her head to ept the edict.

    The eunuch handing it over smiled. ¡°Congrattions to Miss Qin.¡±

    The second and third elder master, as well as her two cousins offered courteous pleasantries to the eunuch. After gifting arge red envelope, they directed their guest inside for a spot of tea.

    Qin Yining cupped the imperial decree in her hands, reading the words over and over again. It all felt so surreal, like she was in a dream.

    She¡¯d always felt that though she and Pang Xiao had feelings for each other, it would be very difficult for the two of them to actually get married. The emperor wouldn¡¯t allow Pang Xiao to gain formidable inws, and Pang Zhongzheng¡¯s death was something ever-present between the two of them.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that her father would be able to swing such a matter so that Li Qitian would give the order of his own volition.

    Was she really to marry Pang Xiao?

    It wasn¡¯t until this moment that she finally felt her heart settle in its right ce; anticipation and uncertainty for the future flourished instead.

    ¡°Aiya, has the girl lost herself in happiness?¡±

    Qin Yining came back to herself when she heard the good-natured teasing. She looked around to find the second madame next to her, and that she¡¯d already followed the family back into the main house.

    The old dowager took the imperial edict from Qin Yining¡¯s hands with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m going toy the decree out in the Hall of Ancestors. It¡¯ll be put beside the decree for your father¡¯s position. This is such good news, wonderful news!¡±

    Now that everything was decided upon, n¨¦e Sun could finally put all her grudges to rest. She eximed happily, ¡°The wedding¡¯s on the eleventh of the next month? That¡¯s less than a month away! Daughter Yi¡¯sing-of-age ceremony hasn¡¯t been held yet either, and here we are, preparing for the most important matter of all. Second sister-inw, you have to help me.¡±

    ¡°Naturally! This is such a wonderful thing. My daughter-inw is about to give birth and now niece Yi has sublime inws. Isn¡¯t this twin joys knocking on our doors? How lovely!¡± The second madame smiled happily.

    After arriving back in Qin Yining¡¯s bedroom, n¨¦e Sun gave urgent orders to Jin-mama.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have enough time for her to embroider pieces for her trousseau. Go hire the best seamstresses and put careful attention to the matter. Daughter Yi¡¯s going to make a pillowcase just as a show of her respects. My daughter, you¡¯re not allowed to go anywhere during this time. Just stay in your room and sew quietly!¡±

    After delivering her words, N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t wait for the girl to respond. She charged out in fine fettle, ready to roll her sleeves up for other tasks.

 Chapter 397.2: Preparations

    <h4>Chapter 397.2: Preparations</h4>

    Still caught in the grip of shock, Qin Yining had yet toe back to herself.

    Xianyun, Jiyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu were flushed red with happy excitement. The four looked at each other before dropping curtsies. ¡°Congrattions to the miss for obtaining what you wished for!¡±

    Lian Xiaozhou also nodded joyfully. ¡°Congrattions, big sister!¡±

    In a daze, the fourth miss responded, ¡°All of you, do rise. Xianyun and Bingtang, your hands are more dexterous. Help me embroider a pillowcase. My own work isn¡¯t up to snuff at all.¡±

    Having said that, she sat back down in another daze, sending the maids into fits of giggles.

    Thinking back to everything she and Pang Xiao had weathered, from their initial mutual probing to slowly growing feelings for each, then staking everything on a solemn pledge of love. They¡¯d endured too much to reach the point of receiving this imperial edict.

    She¡¯d returned home for two years, and what she¡¯d experienced since her return was more abundant than in her earlier fourteen years of life.

    Though each step had been fraught with tension and danger, leaving her weary in both body and soul, all the pain and trouble she¡¯d gone through felt more than worth it to have a group of people around her who genuinely cared for her, and this marriage decree.

    ......

    The marriage decree also made its way to the manor of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    When Pang Xiao, Yao Chenggu, n¨¦e Ma, and n¨¦e Yao received the imperial edict, they startedughing wordlessly.

    N¨¦e Ma pped her thigh. ¡°Go go go, prepare the betrothal gifts! Dafu, bring out all of the best treasures that you¡¯d been saving up. And silver! We mustn¡¯t be stingy when ites to weing a new member of the household. Lass Yi hasn¡¯t had an easy life with you¡ªshe suffered so much before thanks to you, so you have to give her a proper expression of your feelings!¡±

    The Pang matriarch punched Pang Xiao in the shoulder as she spoke. ¡°You little bastard! You were born with great fortune! You gain such an incredible father-inw in the form of Minister Qin, and you also take such a wonderful wife! The Pang ancestors have bestowed us with unparalleled fortune!¡±

    Pang Xiao grimaced; his grandmother¡¯s punch hadnded squarely on a nerve. ¡°Grandmother, you have so much strength in your hands!¡±

    ¡°How would I be able to discipline you otherwise? Yubing, go get busy. As the mother-inw, you need to take the initiative and reach out to the inws often. Don¡¯t think you¡¯re something just because your son is a prince. Your son is a troublemaker,ss Yi is unlucky marrying him!¡±

    ¡°Who talks about their own grandson like that?¡± N¨¦e Yao retorted without any temper at all.

    Yao Chenggu nodded. ¡°Your mother speaks truly, go do as she says.¡±

    ¡°Understood, dad.¡± N¨¦e Yao walked out to see the affairs.

    Meanwhile, Pang Xiao summoned Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi. He dered solemnly, ¡°The eleventh day of the next month is a day of great joy for this prince. The household will be busy during this period of time, so the two of you must help the dowager madame and old madame in making ns. As for the ceremonies, we shall do everything we can as long as it doesn¡¯t eclipse the emperor wedding his empress, understood?¡±

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi nodded hastily.

    They were strategists, so it really did feel like a misuse of good talent on minor purposes given that their liege had set them to task of nning out a wedding.

    But the two also knew of how deep feelings ran between the newlyweds, and they knew of Qin Yining¡¯s character. Add to that the wedding being an imperially bestowed one, they felt that it was also a show of tremendous trust that the prince was willing to entrust the wedding to them.

    With that in mind, the two retreated to the study to carefully study the itinerary, treating the wedding as they would any important affair.

    The prince had given them their marching orders. As long as they didn¡¯t exceed the pomp that had been trotted out for the empress, anything was on the table. The utmost of opulence would be on disy so that the Qins would feel the fullest of Pang sincerity.

    Pang Xiao sent off Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi with a grave expression, then ran to the sparring grounds with a coldly serious look. Peeling off all of his clothes and leaving on only a pair of ck, silk pants, he sparred with the wooden dummies.

    Finding no outlet to vent his extreme excited agitation and brimming with energy, he ran through his martial methods for all of the afternoon, breaking three wooden dummies in the process.

    Huzi snickered endlessly to see his master thus; it also greatly startled Ji Zeyu, who¡¯d quietlye to visit.

    ¡°You¡¯re here, Ah Lan.¡± Dripping with sweat, ayer of goosebumps popped up on Pang Xiao¡¯s skin due to the lower temperatures at night. He didn¡¯t mind it in the slightest, just took the handkerchief offered by Huzi to wipe off his face before putting on his downy-white shirt.

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s eyes flitted over the various scars on the prince¡¯s body before he nodded and hoisted the jug of ale in his hand.

    ¡°Share a drink?¡±

    ¡°Precisely my thoughts.¡± Pang Xiao had his men prepare some food and showed the prince consort to his room.

    Ji Zeyu could tell from his friend¡¯s slightly frowning countenance that Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t quite had his fill of venting his emotions, despite an afternoon of physical workout. He couldn¡¯t help but offer words offort, ¡°You can only obey His Majesty¡¯s marriage edict. Even though there¡¯s the previous issue of your father, you can only keep it inside from now on. I can tell that you like n¨¦e Qin, so try toy down your hatred and just live life well in the future.¡±

    Pang Xiao was rather taken aback that Ji Zeyu would try to encourage him in this way. He smiled. ¡°I know.¡±

 Chapter 398: Explanation

    <h4>Chapter 398: Exnation</h4>

    Pang Xiao raised his cup and clinked it against Ji Zeyu¡¯s, draining it in one gulp.

    Though he was on good terms with the prince consort, they were now both in situations beyond their control. They were both personages that the emperor was wary of, and they had to strive to keep themselves safe.

    With the uing affair being the wedding of him and Qin Yining, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t dare have leeway for the slightest bit of negligence. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust Ji Zeyu, but that he didn¡¯t trust Li Qitian.

    Even though Pang Xiao¡¯s current emotions felt like the eruption of a volcano, he kept it all inside of him and calmly drank with his brother.

    Some sorrow could be glimpsed on Ji Zeyu¡¯s stunning features. His slender brows were raised, and the emotions in his eyes exceedinglyplex. However, many of his words transformed into sighs in the end.

    He grasped the hemp tied to the jug and adroitly flipped it up, using his arms to steady the jug and tilt several mouthfuls into his mouth. He didn¡¯t mind even when the alcohol sshed on his clothes.

    Seeing how heartily Ji Zeyu was drinking, Pang Xiao decided to forgo his cup as well and took the jug from the prince consort. He too threw his head back and chugged a few gulps down.

    With a smile, Ji Zeyu watched the prince toss mouthfuls of the spicy liquid down.

    ¡°Nice, that¡¯s how to do it!¡±

    ¡°Yeah!¡±

    The two shared the jug and had a few bites of food. Ji Zeyu called for more alcohol, but Pang Xiao shook his head at that. He pped his brother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Ah Lan, we can¡¯t get drunk. There¡¯s still things to do tomorrow, and drinking too much will dy work.¡±

    Ji Zeyu frowned and patted the hand that Pang Xiao had on his shoulder.

    ¡°This is our life now, we can¡¯t enjoy ourselves at all. We can¡¯t even choose to marry someone we like, to spend the rest of our lives with someone we have feelings for. We can¡¯t even drink to our heart¡¯s content!¡±

    The prince consort¡¯s voice bore the raspiness of drinking. Though he¡¯d drank quite a bit and was slightly tipsy, his mind was clear and he was still in control of himself.

    However, he just couldn¡¯t keep these words to himself. He too had once been filled with resignation. Pang Xiao being bestowed an imperial marriage was the path that he¡¯d once walked.

    Ji Zeyu knew that the prince must not be feeling too good about things, and it likewise weighed heavily on Pang Xiao to see his brother so abject on his behalf.

    The prince consort was obviously thinking of himself and Li Hn.

    However, Pang Xiao was luckier than his brother because he had a highly capable and intelligent father-inw. The one that the emperor had bestowed upon him was the girl that he genuinely liked and hoped to spend the rest of his life together with.

    Compared to Ji Zeyu and Li Hn appearing outwardly united but divided at heart, the prince consort was really the one to be pitied.

    ¡°Ah Lan, things are already very good like this,¡± consoled Pang Xiao with great sincerity. ¡°You saw how things were at court today, Minister Qin¡¯s skills are far above ordinary. He can do battle with an entire army of schrs. Perhaps my future will be more stable with such a father-inw at my back. Plus, I do like n¨¦e Qin.¡±

    Ji Zeyu grinned radiantly, his naturally flirtatious eyes meeting Pang Xiao¡¯s phoenix-shaped ones that glinted with a keen light. ¡°I know you like n¨¦e Qin, and she really is a beauty of unparalleled appearance. But can you really face her with no hint of difort, given what happened with your father? Do you not resist this arrangement at all?¡±

    The prince couldn¡¯t really give a detailed exnation and just smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve already let those things go.¡±

    His forced smile pierced Ji Zeyu¡¯s heart more than anything. But with their current circumstances, the prince consort also knew that the more he said, the more troubles he¡¯d be adding to his brother¡¯s te instead.

    Life went on and imperial edicts had to be obeyed.

    ¡°Forget it, the lofty ambitions of a man are in all corners of the world and not mired in the morass of personal rtionships. None of that matters anymore since you¡¯ve let it all go.¡± Ji Zeyu rose. ¡°Zhixi, I¡¯ll be taking my leave now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you out.¡±

    ¡°If you see me out after I came to have a drink with you, people might think we¡¯ve formed a clique if this makes it into other ears. We¡¯ll have a tough time exining ourselves then.¡±

    Pang Xiao understood his brother¡¯s meaning. It was just a drink between good friends, but there would be plenty of eyes and ears to report it back to the emperor. What freedom was there to be had in their current situation?

    And yet, such was their environment.

    Pang Xiao smiled at the prince consort before darkening his expression. ¡°Farewell, I won¡¯t be seeing you out.¡±

    Ji Zeyu yed along. ¡°Aren¡¯t you busy wedding the daughter of your enemy? Don¡¯t bother sending me out, you should go about your business.¡±

    ¡°You! Are you questioning His Majesty?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare and that¡¯s not what I intend at all. I¡¯m just speaking your thoughts for you!¡±

    ¡°Ji Lan, don¡¯t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!¡±

    ¡°Pang Zhixi, I see your injuries are healed, huh??¡±

    ......

    The men bickered nonstop as Pang Xiao apanied Ji Zeyu out. The prince consort walked faster and faster, but the prince didn¡¯t drop the matter either. The two squabbled their way to the secondary doors.

    Seeing their masters arguing quite stressed out the servants of the household. Deathly afraid of actual injuries developing, they walked up catingly to pull the two apart.

    In the end, Ji Zeyu left with a tremendous flourish of his sleeves. Pang Xiao likewise returned to his study with a frosty expression.

    Who knew how entertained Li Qitian would be when he heard of all this?

    Currently in the Hall of Moral Cultivation, Li Qitian sat on the heated tform next to the window. White pieces in hand, he yed checkers against Lu Heng wielding the ck. He paid close attention to the Lu scion¡¯s expression in between their moves.

    ¡°Sage nephew Lu, We¡¯re sure you already know of the imperial edict of marriage between the Pangs and the Qins, no?¡±

    Lu Heng smiled faintly to see the emperor address him with such cautious courteously. He responded with equal politeness.

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this subject does indeed already know.¡±

    Li Qitian was greatly assuaged to see Lu Heng disy such circumspect manners. He shed a smile.

    ¡°We bestowed marriage between the two families out of consideration for national affairs. The entire world knows of the feud of patricide between Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao. One of them is a meritorious noble, and the other a surrendered official. They can be viewed as Our right hand men. We don¡¯t wish for internal conflict to develop and more violent results to ur.

    ¡°Marriage has ever been the most effective way to tie two ns together since the days of old. Out of consideration for the stability of court, the two families have to united in wedlock.¡±

    Li Qitian waxed eloquent with logic. Though he retained the self-honorific and dignity of the son of heaven, it still put him greatly ill at ease to have to exin himself to an aristocratic scion.

    Lu Heng merely smiled with equanimity and ignored the emperor¡¯s expression. ¡°Can Your Majesty really be certain that the two of them are really at odds with each other?¡±

    The emperor¡¯s heart skipped a beat. This response happened to jab at his deepest worries.

    A strange feeling floated to the fore whenever he thought back to the process of bestowing marriage at court earlier today. But he couldn¡¯t put his finger on just what exactly it was.

    He did want to tie the two families together so that no casualties developed. Losing either Qin Huaiyuan or Pang Xiao would affect his dynasty.

    However, whether this shackling was his own idea or the results of another¡¯s scheming were two wholly different notions.

    Seeing Li Qitian remain head lowered with his forehead furrowed tightly, Lu Heng looked down and smiled secretly.

 Chapter 399: Coming-of-Age

    <h4>Chapter 399: Coming-of-Age</h4>

    He¡¯d actually made his spectionspletely without basis. It waspletely fabricated to put Li Qitian in a bad mood.

    Seeing even this wily old fox change expressions, Lu Heng¡¯s unhappiness at not being able to wed Qin Yining abated ever so slightly.

    Li Qitian knew full well what had happened in the Pce of Benevolent Piety, but he¡¯d chosen to favor Pang Xiao and bestow the Qin fourth miss to that brute! The Lu second master had been both furious and regretful, to the point where he wasn¡¯t able to sleep.

    He¡¯d never once thought that even a direct descendent of the Lu n would have something they weren¡¯t able to obtain.

    Honestly speaking, he didn¡¯t know why he cared so much about Qin Yining either. The girl didn¡¯t treat him that warmly, and had in fact schemed against him before.

    But her intelligence made him look at her in a new light, made him admire and respect her, made him feel the thrill of something new and exciting.

    Such extraordinary looks and umon intelligence wasn¡¯t something easily found in a woman. If he merely wanted to find a random beauty to carry on his family name, he wouldn¡¯t need to make a big production of it at all. There were plenty of families in town willing to offer their daughters to him.

    And yet, he cared for none of them.

    The only one who moved his heart was to marry someone else.

    Lu Heng¡¯s dejection grew even deeper when he looked at the ferociously frowning emperor. The Lu second master won two bouts of checkers in a row before working off some of his ill temper and surreptitiously threw the third game.

    Li Qitian had been bummed enough at not being able to get a full handle on Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao¡¯s motives; being trounced two games in a row put him in an even more sour mood.

    Thankfully he won in the end, easing much of his bad mood.

    And so the two each nursed their own machinations. When ying checkers grew tiring, Lu Heng took his leave.

    When he left the pce, he bumped into the Princess of Anyang, Li Hn.

    Li Hn wore a brocade robe of scarlet fabric and had chosen a hairstyle of her locks piled up high on her head. A golden tassel of a phoenix design sparkled with vigor beneath the warm sunshine, echoing her red pce outfit. The colorbination was rather harsh to the eye and in fact irritating on this mild-weather day.

    Particrly hard on the eyes was the princess¡¯ expression and her two, puffy eyes.

    Lu Heng bowed to Li Hn.

    Such was the Lu scion¡¯s innate bearing that even when greeting others, he didn¡¯t give off the feeling of a lower status. Rather, one received the impression that he bowed even with his high status because he understood disying manners and respect.

    A bit difited, Li Hn prayed that no one would notice her puffy eyes. She responded indifferently, ¡°You may rise.¡±

    Lu Heng smiled, ¡°Did Your Highness not have a restful night? Your eyes are swollen. You should take better care of yourself.¡±

    The princess¡¯ muscles locked up as she fixed her eyes on Lu Heng for a long while before confirming that he meant no sarcasm.

    ¡°This seat knows.¡± Li Hn waved a hand that was paired with a dark expression before quickly leaving with her servants.

    The sight greatly amused Lu Heng. Brother and sister are royals raised from the dirt, alright. They probably don¡¯t even know what a real imperial n should look like!

    The Lus had supported them out of consideration for n stability and future prospects. But the imperial family seemed to be getting out of hand these days, refusing to dance to the Lu tune and even showing signs of backstabbing.

    As a direct, lineal descendent of the house, Lu Heng naturally had to take this into ount.

    ¡°Forget it.¡± His mind was as confused as a tangled skein. A disheartening weight bore down on his chest whenever he recalled that Qin Yining was to wed Pang Xiao. He didn¡¯t have much thought to spare for actual n business.

    Qin Yining had no idea at all that a singr imperial edict would elicit so many reactions.

    Currently, the family was preparing for hering-of-age ceremony.

    ¡°For the guest of honor, the lord has said that he¡¯s already invited the old madame of the Marquis of Anchang. The old madame has a daughter and son. She and the old marquis are deeply in love, and both are hale and hearty. This is an old madame with great fortune and virtue.¡± N¨¦e Sun basked in shared glory when she spoke of this.

    They had only just arrived in town, after all, but was being orded so much respect at court. It wasn¡¯t just anyone¡¯s daughter who could afford to have the old marquis¡¯ wifee be the guest of honor.

    ¡°As for the host and assistant, we happen to have two girls at home. Daughter Hui can be the host, and the eighth niece as the assistant. How about it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s naturally for the best.¡± The eighth miss nodded with a smile.

    Qin Huaiyuan also squeezed out a smile. ¡°That would be our honor.¡±

    She¡¯d epted her lot in life now. Comparisons were sometimes impossible. Her erstwhile rival was to be a princess consort now, but there was yet to be an inkling of her own future. Qin Huining absolutelycked the self-assurance to fight the fourth miss.

    Seeing that everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion and that there was no ce for her to interject with a word or two, Qin Yining decided not to say much and quietly sit off to the side.

    She watched her mother take care of everything for her; the feeling of being able to rely on one¡¯s mother was an exceedingly satisfying one. It was somethingpletely unthinkable a year ago.

    N¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t even wanted to see her then, but now they enjoyed a close and intimate rtionship.

    She was to be married next month. With such a rushed timeline, the fourth miss was already starting to miss her family.

    Theing-of-age ceremony was held the next day.

    As low profile as ever, Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t invite too many to attend. However, Yuchi Yan showed up with Li Yanyan and Gu Chang, gifting Qin Yining a jade hairpin sparkling with a phoenix made of gold filigree.

    Themandery prince had lost some more weight and further white lightened his temples. When he saw Qin Yining¡¯s hair coiled up into a bun and a hairpin ced into it, the look in his eyes deepened and grew far.

    He didn¡¯t stay long at the Qins, taking his leave after observing the ceremony. Qin Huaiyuan personally saw his former liege out.

    Before setting foot out of the front doors, Yuchi Yan looked back into the yard, happening to meet Qin Yining turning her head back as well.

    Her inky ck locks gleamed in the sunlight, and the hairpin in her hair was the one he¡¯d just gifted her.

    Their eyes met, she offered a slight smile. Her dimples hovered on the edge of existence; her entire being as beautiful as a painting.

    Yuchi Yan¡¯s eyes burned hotly and the corners of his mouth trembled. He looked stiffly away and walked off withrge strides, so bedraggled that it seemed someone was chasing him.

    His wife and concubine looked at his forlorn figure, anguish wracking their hearts.

    Qin Huaiyuan was the same as always, showing utmost courtesy to Yuchi Yan and even following the carriage out to the street corner.

    Once Qin Yining hadpleted hering-of-age, the house elders began to discuss the particrs of the wedding with those of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    Meanwhile, the bride to be was cooped up in her room, working on her embroidery.

    Three dayster, when preparations for the wedding were hotly underway, an unexpected visitor showed up at the Qins.

    ¡°Master Qin!¡± Yuchi Yan¡¯s trusted bodyservant, the eunuch Little Lu, thumped to his knees as soon as he saw the minister. He kowtowed multiple times. ¡°Please help, Master Qin! Please save His Highness! This humble one begs of you!¡±

    ¡°Lu-gonggong, please rise. What¡¯s going on?¡± Qin Huaiyuan helped the eunuch up with both hands.

    Little Lu sported puffy eyes as he sniffled, ¡°Master Qin, the emperor summoned the prince and his household to the pce three days ago and forbade any servants from apanying them. There hasn¡¯t been any news since, no one knows if he¡¯s dead or alive!¡±

 Chapter 400: A Decision

    <h4>Chapter 400: A Decision</h4>

    ¡°Please rise first, Lu-gonggong.¡± The Qin patriarch politely helped the young eunuch up and had him sit down on a nearby round chair. He himself took a seat across from the servant. He looked down, a steady expression on his face. No hint of emotion on his face.

    Little Lu fidgeted anxiously, unable to keep still at all. Sweat beaded his forehead before long and e rose. ¡°Master Qin, you¡¯re milord¡¯s teacher and the one he trusts the most. Out of those of us from Great Yan, only you have the highest status now. The emperor will have to show you some face if you say even a word. Only you can save His Highness.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled but didn¡¯t deny Little Lu¡¯s words. ¡°Tell me precisely what happened. There may be no danger to themandery prince even after entering the pce. There might be a mission for the prince and princess consort, which is why they¡¯ve been kept behind.¡±

    Even more spections than that flew furiously around in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s mind. He suspected that this had something to do with the Great Yan treasure.

    When Li Qitian had investigated Yuchi Yan before, the emperor had sent people to keep an eye on Yuchi Yan. Inviting themandery prince to the pce this time surely meant that important clues had emerged.

    Though Yuchi Yan was the ruler of a dead nation, he was also herst emperor. Li Qitian was bound to hold the conviction that Yuchi Yan knew something that others did not.

    However glorious Great Zhou might appear on the surface, the nation¡¯s coffers were almost dry.

    Though Qin Huaiyuan wasn¡¯t in charge of the Ministry of Revenue or Office of the Paymaster, he could tell that Great Zhou was extremely short on funds. Preeminent aristocratic houses such as the Lus might shore up finances, but there was no free lunch in the world. epting Lu wealth meant ceding something equally important in return.

    Therefore, Li Qitian had to get his hands on the treasure left by the Great Yan emperor emeritus.

    With that kind of mindset, the future would grow dicey if seeds of suspicion about Yuchi Yan flourished in his mind.

    The Qin patriarch¡¯s quick mind flitted through all of this within the span of a breath.

    ¡°Little Lu, I understand what¡¯s gone on here. I¡¯ll do my best to save themandery prince. Go back first and wait for news.¡±

    The eunuch looked apprehensively at Qin Huaiyuan. He was truly afraid that the minister was just fobbing him off, wanting to send him away out of concern that he would refuse to leave.

    However, he was just a lowly eunuch. He¡¯d long lost the right to say anything in this nation, and had no self-confidence to question anyone.

    There was no other recourse to him now other than trusting Qin Huaiyuan.

    ¡°Then I leave everything in Your Grace¡¯s hands.¡± Little Lu knelt on the ground and kowtowed respectfully thrice. ¡°Good things happen to those who do good works. Master Qin hasn¡¯t forgotten themandery prince nor turned your back on loyalty. Your family will undoubtedly see visitations of good fortune.¡±

    Amused by the well wishes, Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°I understand your feelings. Go back now.¡±

    ¡°Understood, this servant will take his leave.¡± Little Lu bowed again before leaving reluctantly.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s easygoing expression vanished without a trace as soon as the young eunuch disappeared. He took a seat back on the round chair, the nail of his right, index finger tapping lightly on the teacup lid. No brilliant n was immediately forting in how he should handle this.

    This pensive sight was the first thing to greet Qin Yining when she walked in through the doors. She ced a bowl of wood ear mushrooms stewed with lotus seeds and said with a smile, ¡°Father, why not rest for a bit?¡±

    Coming back to himself, the manughed when he looked at his daughter. ¡°I¡¯m just staring off into space. What rest is there to be had?¡±

    ¡°If father doesn¡¯t want to speak about it, does that mean it¡¯s a very sticky situation?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan knew that it wasn¡¯t easy to pull the wool over his daughter¡¯s eyes. Besides, this had to do with the family and her future. He carefully outlined how Yuchi Yan, Li Yanyan, and Gu Chang hadn¡¯t reemerged after being invited to the pce.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, you¡¯re about to marry soon. If I be involved in this, it might drag into other affairs. I might affect your wedding.¡±

    Understanding dawned on the girl. ¡°Father, in your eyes, should you care about the safety of the Commandery Prince of Yan?¡±

    ¡°He was my liege once, and I his teacher. I feel that there¡¯s no reason for me to be so cold-hearted as to watch him head to his death.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s the long and short of it.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Just do things ording to your heart, father. Don¡¯t think so much. My marriage to Pang Zhixi is an imperial edict, something carved in stone. I¡¯m not afraid of trouble and fear facing it with you even less. What else is there to be hesitant about?¡±

    Her father smiled with gratification. His daughter really did follow in his footsteps! She had a dashing and optimistic personality clean of dirty, petty-minded schemes. She was a good, aboveboard child.

    Seeing that her father remained silent, Qin Yining thought that he was still struggling with what to do. ¡°Just do whatever you need to do, father, like how you advised mest time. I trust you as well. You¡¯re smart and know how to judge a situation. I¡¯m sure you know the bounds of propriety in whatever you do.

    ¡°We¡¯re all from Great Yan after all, and Yuchi Yan has always treated you with courtesy. If we still look on without lifting a finger after Little Lu¡¯se to our door, even outsiders will find us too fickle and ungrateful, much less your conscience.¡±

    Her father finally smiled. ¡°I see. I¡¯ll take care of this. You just rx and prepare for your wedding.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Any job is half done when father decides to take action!¡±

    Qin Yining spoke a while longer before returning to her room and back to business at hand.

    The next day, Qin Huaiyuan attended court as usual. The Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t pay it any attention.

    However, her father unexpectedly didn¡¯t return home after the day¡¯s session. His bodyservant reported back to the old dowager with a long face.

    ¡°His Majesty said he has urgent business to discuss with milord. Milord sent this humble one back to let the family know, and for Old Dowager not to worry.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was an important official and often kept behind, so the family didn¡¯t think too much of it when it happened again this time.

    However, his absence stretched on for two more days. By now, the minister had spent two nights in the pce, but there was still no sign of him.

    His bodyservant went back for news, but gleaned nothing at all.

    ¡°What to do, oh what do we do!¡± The old dowager cried anxiously. ¡°What should we do if the emperor flies into a rage and hurts my son? Those in the pce have many ways of just silently killing someone!¡±

    The rest of the womenfolk panicked as well when they saw their matriarch¡¯s tears.

    The second wife was already close to her delivery date; agitated emotions and fear pushed her to the brink.

    As the second wife headed inside to birth her child, n¨¦e Sun and the second madame entered to help out.

    The old dowager paced back and forth like ants on a hot pan, first worrying about her granddaughter-inw, then more about her son. Qin Yining, the eighth miss, and Qin Huining stayed by their grandmother¡¯s side inpanionship.

    At dawn of the next morning, the second wife gave birth to a boy of 3.6 kilograms. Qin Han bounded up in the air with joy when he heard.

    But Qin Huaiyuan still didn¡¯te home.

    Now it was Qin Yining¡¯s turn to be truly worried. As she thought of possible ns in her room, Bingtang came in.

    ¡°Miss, Old Master Gu requests an audience.¡±

 Chapter 401: Treasure (I)

    <h4>Chapter 401: Treasure (I)</h4>

    ¡°Old Master Gu? Which Old Master Gu?¡± Qin Yining rose, perplexed.

    ¡°The one who came to Great Zhou with us, the emperor¡¯s strategist, Master Gu Shixiong. His granddaughter, Gu Chang, is themandery prince¡¯s concubine.¡±

    ¡°I see now.¡± Qin Yining frowned and paced around in the room, despite herself.

    She and the old strategist normally had nothing to do with each other. Her father also had no interactions with him, so why the sudden visit?

    It certainly was in rtion to recent happenings in the pce.

    Gu Shixiong had been Grand Preceptor to the Heir Apparent when the former Great Yan emperor had been crown prince. As decrepit and utterly useless the former emperor had been, he had always been very respectful towards his teacher. It could be said that Gu Shixiong was the former emperor¡¯s most trusted confidante.

    This character¡¯s sudden arrival gave rise to many, many spections from the Qin fourth miss.

    ¡°Bingtang, go to the front hall first and wait on the old master carefully. I¡¯ll be over as soon as I change out of my clothes.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The maid nodded and quickly stepped out.

    Qin Yining put on a new outfit and was just about to head out when Jiyun came in, huffing and panting from the outside. Her hasty appearance startled the fourth miss as well as Xianyun and Qiulu, both helping their mistress with her hair.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Qin Yining looked back at the guard from the dressing table.

    Jiyun sucked in two quick breaths before reporting rapidly in a hushed tone, ¡°Miss, I¡¯ve juste from the outside. Someone came from the pce to invite Madame Cao and all of the Silver Masks into the pce. Also, there¡¯s a rumor in town.¡±

    bbergasted, Qin Yining stared at Jiyun.

    ¡°Everyone¡¯s saying that the former emperor¡¯s treasure was found, but it was empty!¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± The fourth miss had no idea what to say.

    The former emperor robbed and piged his own people to amass an enormous sum at the end of Great Yan¡¯s days. Everyone knew that he wanted to use this wealth to rise anew in a new location.

    How would such a selfish person leave an empty treasure for himself?

    ¡°It¡¯s true. The news has spread everywhere that the men the emperor sent to Great Yan found only an empty hidey-hole.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. She finally understood why Li Qitian would suddenly keep Yuchi Yan, Li Yanyan, and Gu Chang in the pce.

    The emperor really is a wily old fox!

    First, he wanted to interrogate the real treasure location out of Yuchi Yan.

    Second, he wished to use Yuchi Yan as a hostage. Even if themandery prince didn¡¯t know the location of the treasure, the emperor could curtail the actions of those in the know. After all, Great Yan¡¯s treasure was to be left for the Great Yan royal bloodline.

    Third, and most important, those who cared about Yuchi Yan would naturally spring into action after he was taken. All Li Qitian had to do was to observe who acted out of the ordinary to glean knowledge on who knew where the treasure was!

    Therefore, the sudden visit from Gu Shixiong meant that it would certainly appear suspiciously out of the ordinary in Li Qitian¡¯s eyes!

    Qin Yining suddenly felt this to be a very sticky issue.

    As an experienced official, Old Master Gu was certainly no fool. Paying a visit to the Qins at this crucial moment and asking for her specifically... was he doing this on purpose or purely by coincidence?

    But no matter what he said, it would appear dubious in the emperor¡¯s eyes.

    The fourth miss quite suspected that this senior official wanted to drag the Qins down. After all, the family hadnded on their feet in Great Zhou and was doing quite well for themselves!

    ¡°Miss, what should we do now?¡±

    Seeing how solemn their mistress was, the maids were all slightly nervous. But they¡¯d been through thick and thin with Qin Yining, so although they were nervous, they weren¡¯t afraid.

    The girl smiledfortingly at them. ¡°No worries, I have a n in mind. Xianyun, Qiulu, stay in the room. Jiyun,e with me to meet Old Master Gu.¡±

    ¡°Understood, miss,¡± chorused the maids.

    Jiyun followed Qin Yining to the front hall.

    Gu Shixiong was more than seventy years old with a head of stark-white hair. Thin and lean, he wore a in satin, straight robes of navy-blue. He looked very much like an elderly teacher.

    Qin Yining quickly sized her visitor up and curtsied respectfully. ¡°Old Master Gu, apologies for keeping you waiting. This little girl truly has no manners, please do forgive me.¡±

    Gu Shixiong smiled faintly and rose to offer cupped fists. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so concerned with the formalities. It¡¯s this old man who has imposed on you.¡±

    Surprised by the great politeness, the Qin fourth miss came to a few swift conclusions.

    ¡°Please take a seat, Old Master Gu.¡±

    ¡°After you.¡±

    After a round of pleasantries, Qin Yining insisted on taking a chair of lower status. She tilted her body sideways and upied only half of her seat, disying the utmost of good etiquette. The presentation greatly warmed Gu Shixiong¡¯s heart.

    ¡°What insights might Old Master Gu have to impart with your visit today?¡±

    ¡°This old man wouldn¡¯t dare have insights. I¡¯vee to impose today because I have a piece of good news for Miss Qin.¡±

    The girl only smiled withposure. ¡°What good news might the old master mean?¡±

    Gu Shixiong stroked his snow-white beard and smiled quite benevolently.

    ¡°I trust that Miss Qin has already heard of the news as it¡¯s everywhere in the city. Then men sent to Great Yan to locate our old nation¡¯s treasure have found it, but they report it¡¯s empty.¡±

    ¡°I have indeed heard of that.¡±

    ¡°Then what might Miss Qin think about this matter?¡±

 Chapter 401.2: Treasure (I)

    <h4>Chapter 401.2: Treasure (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining looked into the old official¡¯s aged eyes; there was a sharp light hidden in them. She dimpled.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t much of any thoughts. I¡¯m just an unmarried girl. I work on my embroidery everyday and wait for my wedding. Why would I possibly pay attention to these affairs outside? These great matters are men¡¯s matters. They have nothing to do with a little girl like me.¡±

    Gu Shixiong choked on his next words.

    Scanning Qin Yining¡¯s umonly pure and kind face, he looked at the girl seriously for the first time ever.

    She had a charming face blessed by the heavens, and intelligence bestowed by the gods, evidence of their bias. Speaking with her gave him the feeling of a t¨ºte-¨¤-t¨ºte with wily foxes steeped in decades of court politics. But this was just an unmarried girl of sixteen years!

    No wonder she was the daughter of Wise Pan An. Like father, like daughter!

    Stroking his beard again, the old official chuckled.

    ¡°Miss Qi doesn¡¯t need to mince words like this. This old man knows that you¡¯re a smart child, and I knew of your intelligence back in Great Yan. Ie with great sincerity today, and naturally hope that Miss Qin shows the same genuine heart in return.¡±

    Not waiting for a response, he pressed on.

    ¡°The emperor did indeed find an empty hiding ce, but the rumors outside aren¡¯t all true. There are some details unknown by outsiders. There was no fortune in the hiding ce, just a letter.¡±

    ¡°A letter?¡±

    ¡°Yes, a letter. One that this old man wrote to the emperor emeritus.¡± The look in Gu Shixiong¡¯s eyes was deep. He paused. ¡°I was charged by the emperor emeritus to build an underground pce for purposes of transporting and hiding the treasure. He wanted to flee and start anew a long time ago. That¡¯s why he passed the position onto the Commandery Prince of Yan.

    ¡°However, in my heart of my hearts, I vehemently disapproved of the former emperor¡¯s doings. Therefore, I transported the treasure to a secret location, and left only a letter in the ce that the emperor emeritus knew of. I told him that he had no right to and was¡¯t worthy of this great sum. This fortune was for the new emperor to invigorate Great Yan with.

    ¡°s, this old man was still too naive. Great Yan destructed after the new emperor took his throne, and the true treasure became a secret that this old man couldn¡¯t speak of in time.¡±

    Qin Yining silently listened to the end of this story before smiling. ¡°I understand Old Master Gu¡¯s words, but why might you be imparting them to me?¡±

    ¡°Miss Qin, this old man is here to make a deal with you.¡±

    ¡°A deal?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Themandery prince has been invited into the pce and now his condition remains uncertain. I can tell you the true location of the treasure, as long as you do not give this fortune to Li Qitian and save the prince and his family. As long as you can do this, the treasure will be yours, and yours alone.¡±

    The old man carefully took stock of the girl¡¯s expression as he spoke, trying to glean some clues from her expression.

    However, her reaction was much too steady. Such arge sum of riches didn¡¯t even quirk her eyebrow.

    ¡°This little girl understand Old Master Gu¡¯s sentiments, but a weak girl like me only needs a husband. As for the treasure or whatever, I have no interest in those, and want even less to be embroiled in theplicated struggles of court. Please understand, Old Master Gu.¡±

    The girl¡¯s words caused Gu Shixiong¡¯s expression to change drastically.

    Money and silks have moved hearts since the days of eld. He¡¯d been highly confident before arriving that there wouldn¡¯t be anyone in the world immune to the siren call of wealth.

    His tone grew agitated. ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to refuse this old man, Miss Qin. ording to my knowledge, you¡¯re soon to be wed to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. The prince¡¯s aplishments are so tremendous that they threaten to eclipse his master. Li Qitian has always been on his guar against the prince, and a future of great turmoil is inevitable. If there reallyes a day when the prince¡¯s value ispletely consumed and he is to be discarded, won¡¯t it be helpful for you to have this treasure avable to you?¡±

    The old senior was already speaking quite conservatively. The treasure was such an enormous sum that the Great Zhou emperor was trying everything beneath the sun to find it!

    Anyone who possessed it would have a lifetime of inexhaustible riches and perhaps even be able to pass it down to their descendants.

    Qin Yining was a woman, one that was to wed Pang Xiao, someone who very possibly would meet with danger. Gu Shixiong had thought of all possible reactions before he came, but it¡¯d never crossed his mind that the girl wouldn¡¯t be swayed at all in the face of this colossal fortune.

    Having spent so many years at court, the old official¡¯s observation skills were highly perfected. He could absolutely tell that Qin Yining¡¯s unwavering heart wasn¡¯t a pretense at all, that she meant her words!

    Who in this world didn¡¯t love money??

    ¡°Miss Qin, you and I are both of Great Yan. Since this old man hase knocking today, Ie with a genuine heart. I won¡¯t mouth anything false in front of you.

    ¡°I will never hand this treasure over to Great Zhou.

    ¡°The previous emperor was decrepit and ipetent. I saw it all clearly and know that he wasn¡¯t worthy of this treasure.

    ¡°This old man can¡¯t help the Commandery Prince of Yan with much, much less than give the treasure to him. The prince isn¡¯t particrly attuned to politics at all. Perhaps he¡¯s destined fro a life of mediocrity.

    ¡°But no matter what, I can¡¯t bear to see anything happen to him on my watch.

    ¡°I know of your talents, Miss Qin. Please save the prince. The treasure will be yours out of gratitude. There are no downsides for you, no?¡±

 Chapter 402: Treasure (II)

    <h4>Chapter 402: Treasure (II)</h4>

    ¡°Old Master Gu¡¯s loyalty is truly to be admired.¡± Qin Yining sighed with a faint smile. ¡°There are so few in this world like you who forget not their old masters, even at the expense of their personal safety.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. This is nothing. There is no light in the future of my career. I am but a candle light flickering in the wind. The truly admirable one is your father Minister Qin. He has yet to return after entering the pce on behalf of themandery prince, hasn¡¯t he?¡±

    Veneration filled Gu Shixiong¡¯s face.

    However, Qin Yining¡¯s mind was clear. This was a threat.

    Even if she didn¡¯t want to save themandery prince, there was no way she wouldn¡¯t care about her father.

    These people who cut their teeth on politics at court are really too crafty!

    Li Qitian¡¯s spies were certainly keeping an eye on the Qins now, perhaps the emperor already knew of Gu Shixiong¡¯s visit.

    The Qin fourth miss also knew that the old official wouldn¡¯t be so dumb as to not surmise his every move was under the emperor¡¯s surveince.

    And yet, he¡¯d purposefully done all this today and even made this request¡ªinly to drag the Qins down with him.

    The girl narrowed her eyes in deep thought.

    Was the old man not afraid that she¡¯d spread word of him knowing the treasure¡¯s location?

    Was he really willing to part with such a tremendous fortune, just like that?

    Was he not concerned that she¡¯d take therge sum and just give it to Pang Xiao?

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t believe for a split second that Gu Shixiong truly meant his words of giving her the treasure so that she could help Pang Xiao defend himself in the future.

    But upon second thought, some things grew clearer.

    Firstly, if she didn¡¯t agree to help, then he naturally wouldn¡¯t tell her where the treasure was. The he would still be the only one in possession of that knowledge.

    Once she revealed his secret knowledge, he could just take his own life if it came down to that. The treasure would die with him, benefiting no one at all. Thus, he wasn¡¯t afraid of being outed at all.

    Secondly, if she agreed to help and saved themandery prince, Gu Shixiong would most likely think of a way to make her give up the treasure in the end. Even more so, he¡¯d meddle in her wedding and have her bestowed onto Yuchi Yan. Then the treasure would be her dowry, and themandery prince would still end up being the beneficiary.

    Lastly, the old man still wouldn¡¯t be afraid if she agreed to help, saved the prince, and gifted the treasure to Pang Xiao.

    He could just provoke Li Qitian so that the emperor was even more wary of a moneyed Pang Xiao. Chaos would be stirred into Great Zhou as well.

    Therefore, after a bit of analysis, Qin Yining realized that the old official wouldn¡¯te out worse for the wear no matter what with this move.

    Even if none of the three situations happened because she¡¯d declined the treasure, his arrival had already nted the seeds of suspicion.

    As expected of an experienced official, his n of attack was wless!

    It took only a quick breath for Qin Yining to analyze all of this. She remained silent for a long while before responding slowly, ¡°Old Master Gu, this is a very serious matter and my father isn¡¯t home. Please give me time to think this over.¡±

    Gu Shixiong felt rather disappointed as he took in the girl¡¯s charming face. It looked like women would be women after all. He really shouldn¡¯t have hoped that a woman would have the same decisiveness and means as a man.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing for it. This old man really does have no other ns at hand. Please think it over carefully, Miss Qin. I await your good news.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a beaming smile.

    Having run out of things to say, the old official took his leave.

    The Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t turn around until she saw her guest to the front of the yard.

    It was impossible to hide his visit anyways. With Gu Shixiong¡¯s previous status in Great Yan and Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s absence, it would be suspicious if she didn¡¯t receive guests on behalf of her father. People might think she was feeling guilty.

    That was the furtherest thing from the truth.

    With how shrewd and crafty old man Gu was, and how wholeheartedly thorough he was in dragging the Qins down with him, she was at a momentarily loss of what to do.

    She knew that she had to think of something, and quick. Otherwise, the next person summoned to the pce would be her, when this travelled into the emperor¡¯s ears.

    Preparations were underway for her wedding with Pang Xiao; a crushing defeat here was wholly uneptable!

    Qin Yining sat on the heated tform next to the window, cross-legged and her lips pursed. She hugged a soft, pale-purple sateen cushion to herself and sank into deep contemtion.

    Also present for the happenings earlier, Jiyun felt this was an extremely troublesome matter. Seeing her mistress confounded by the problem, she whispered, ¡°Miss, the lord isn¡¯t at home now and this isn¡¯t something for more people to know about. Why don¡¯t you go ask the prince? Surely he¡¯ll think of an appropriate solution to help you.¡±

    Qin Yining understood the guard¡¯s good intentions and smiled. ¡°You make sense, and I¡¯m sure the prince will think of something for me. But his identity is special and the times sensitive. If I go ask him now, won¡¯t I drag him down with me as well?¡±

    ¡°Miss, the prince won¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Even if he doesn¡¯t mind helping me with my troubles, I don¡¯t want to add to his.¡±

    Qin Yining paced back and forth with her hands behind her back for two hours beforeing up with a response. She turned back with shining eyes. ¡°Jiyun, go search out an old and simple wooden box for me. Find some nails as well. Bingtang, grind some ink for me. Oh right, I need some vermilion sand as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The girls knew their mistress had a n and rushed off with their orders.

    After getting everything ready, Qin Yining ordered, ¡°Send a calling card to the Gus and say that I¡¯ve thought things through. I have urgent business with Old Master Gu.¡±

    Jiyun bobbed her head and flew out the door.

    Gu Shixiong had been waiting on pins and needles when news came that a Qin servant requested an audience.

    Joy blossoming over his face, he rushed out and saw Jiyun. Upon learning that Qin Yining wanted to invite him over, he paid no thought to manners and custom. He hastily ordered servants to drive his carriage to the Qins.

    This time, Qin Yining stood at the main door in wee and amiably had her guest brought to the front all.

    After tea was served, she broached the subject apologetically. ¡°Old Master Gu, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do what you ask for.¡±

    Havinge with great hope and expectations, an incredulous hammer now hit him over the head. His beard shook as he asked, ¡°What, what makes you say that?¡±

    ¡°Old Master Gu, a change of sovereigns brings a change of officials. My loyalty belonged to His Majesty the moment I arrived in Great Zhou. Though I think of my old home fondly, I cannot betray my loyalty to the emperor. Even if you tell me where the treasure is, I¡¯ll tell the emperor with my next move.¡±

    ¡°You! You, don¡¯t you forget that you¡¯re a Great Yan citizen!¡±

    Qin Yining smiled faintly. ¡°Great Yan is no more. We are in Great Zhou now.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that the emperor will make a move against Pang once you marry the prince? You can help your husband with this treasure in hand!¡±

 Chapter 403: Counterattack (I)

    <h4>Chapter 403: Counterattack (I)</h4>

    The girl only smiled nomittally and sighed. ¡°I can tell that His Majesty values the prince highly. The prince is a founding member of the dynasty, after all! He enjoys quite a bit of prestige in the army. The emperor won¡¯t do anything to the prince if only out of consideration of imperial reputation. You worry too much, Old Master Gu.¡±

    The response so irked the old official that a knot of words stuck in his chest. Even when right, a schr could never win an argument against a soldier!

    People described the daughter of Qin Huaiyuan as brave, decisive, and intelligence, that she had a uniquely keen eye for politics.

    It now seemed that the rumors outside were false. They¡¯d probably been circted in an attempt to curry favor with that stinking Qin Huaiyuan! His daughter was just an ordinary, foolish girl who couldn¡¯t even see to the heart of such dangerous circumstances.

    The old man analyzed the situation for the Qin fourth miss with a solemn expression. ¡°Miss Qin, you shouldn¡¯t be too simple or naive in this. The emperor¡¯s wariness of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank is more than readily apparent. It may not be obvious to you because you don¡¯t usually pay much attention to what happens at court.

    ¡°This old man feels that this treasure would be wasted in the hands of any other. If in the future, it helps the prince due to being in your hands, then it would be gifting a treasured sword to a hero.

    ¡°Besides, don¡¯t forget that even with the imperial decree, the old feud of Minister Qin dooming the prince¡¯s father will still exist. With this treasure in your pocket, you¡¯ll be able to stand straighter after entering through the Pang manor doors.¡±

    The old official¡¯s analysis seemed highly logical and rational; each and every single word was out of consideration for Qin Yining¡¯s future.

    The Qin fourth miss felt that the senior official was truly an old hand at ying with people¡¯s hearts. She¡¯d probably already believe him if she was any ordinary girl.

    It¡¯d always been her perspective that everyone relied on their own skills and talent in finding their own ce at court. Open plotting and underhanded schemes were all very normal.

    But Gu Shixiong was willing to drag the innocent Qins and an unmarried girl into his ns, all in the name of reaching his goals!

    Even if these actions stemmed out of a loyalty to his old nation, they still induced contempt from Qin Yining.

    ¡°You are very right, but I¡¯m afraid that this little girl will have to disappoint Old Master Gu. I am sympathetic, but truly have no way to help.¡± The fourth miss curtsied in apology.

    The old official¡¯s wizened eyes dimmed when he met the girl¡¯s resolute expression.

    Despair truly descended at this time.

    Everyone was out for their own gain and cared only about their own safety. No one cared at all about rebuilding Great Yan. Was he to stand by and watch the only legitimate bloodline of his nation be cruelly injured?

    Gu Shixiong slumped against the round chair, shaking his head with resignation.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t help me, then there really is no one who can save the Commandery Prince of Yan,¡± murmured the old man.

    Qin Yining seemed unable to bear the old official¡¯s helplessness. Shepressed her lips in momentary thought. ¡°Old Master Gu, don¡¯t panic yet. Listen to me first.¡±

    The old man lifted his eyes to look at Qin Yining.

    ¡°You don¡¯t necessarily have toe to me. As an unmarried girl, the only person I can rely on is my father. My father isn¡¯t home and my future inws are ambivalent towards me. Who can I entreat at this time?

    ¡°I feel that you should reach out to those with the ability to help. Think about it, who else has the ability to go toe-to-toe against the emperor in the capital?¡±

    Gu Shixiong sat upright and looked down in thought. Inspiration struck.

    ¡°Do you mean the Lu n?¡±

    The girl smiled without a response, but for Gu Shixiong, it felt as if the walls had shifted in the dead end in front of him, revealing a bright avenue leading off into the distance.

    ¡°The Lus are a good choice indeed.¡±

    There was none other in the capital who could oppose the emperor with such strength. The power of house Lu was not to be underestimated.

    Hope flourished anew in the old official¡¯s heart, but he shook his head with resignation after a moment. ¡°But, what if the Lu moral character doesn¡¯t pass muster? If they take the treasure but still don¡¯t help themandery prince¡ªwhat then?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss shed a smile. ¡°Old Master Gu is too closely involved to see clearly. When you came to me, weren¡¯t you also worried that I would do nothing after taking the treasure?¡±

    That response provided another stroke of enlightenment.

    Indeed, whether it was the Lus or Qin Yining, either party could possibly take the treasure for themselves and then send the old official away.

    Seen in that light, what difference was there in seeking help from the Luspared to Qin Yining?

    As inadequate as the Lus might be, at least they could call the shots for themselves.

    Meanwhile, a mere woman like Qin Yining would still have to look to Pang Xiao for help after obtaining the treasure. In light of thatparison, it was better to seek out the Lus directly for help.

    ¡°Your words make sense, but I have no rtionship with the Lus. There are no doors for me to bring my petition to. Why would they see me, and why should they believe me?¡±

    Qin Yining took a deep look at Gu Shixiong, seeming to make up her mind after a while. ¡°We are both of Great Yan. I ampelled to act at this point. Alright then. Jiyun.¡±

    The girl turned back to her guard. ¡°Go fetch the box I ced in the bottom of that cab.¡±

    Jiyun murmured her assent and backed out of the room, returning before long with the box that her mistress had prepared beforehand.

    Qin Yining put the box on the side table and pushed it over to the old official.

    ¡°Old Master Gu, to be honest, I have some connections with the second official young master of their house. Take this token with you to see him. He will absolutely help you once he sees it.¡±

    The old official picked up the wooden box to find that it waspletely nailed shut. There was no way of opening it.

    ¡°What¡¯s in the box, pray tell?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t open it yourself, Old Master Gu. The Lu second master will be able to open it, and he¡¯ll help you when he sees the token. I¡¯m just a weak girl, and this is all the help that I can offer to you.¡±

    Gu Shixiong knew that there was nothing else that could be done after hearing this. Offering his thanks to the Qin fourth miss, he put the box away and rushed back home.

    The Gu Manor was very far away from the residence of the Commandery Prince of Yan, and it was a residence only two houses deep. It had been bestowed unto Gu Shixiong as an act of benevolent imperial favor, seeing that the old official had served three emperors.

    He hastily summoned servants after setting foot through the door. ¡°Quickly now, go find out where the Lu second master is at this very moment.¡±

    His confidante hastily scurried off to carry out his orders.

    A response was quickly forting. ¡°In response to milord, the Minister of Military Affairs is out for an inspection tour of the Division of the Three Thousand. The Lu second master has gone with Minister Cheng to the division¡¯s camp outside of the city.¡±

    Gu Shixiong thought for a bit and handed the box to his confidante. ¡°Take this token with you to the division. Ask for an audience with Lu Heng and say that I have urgent business to discuss with him.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The confidante bowed solemnly before taking his leave. He¡¯d only taken a few steps when his master called him to a halt.

    ¡°Wait, I should go myself to show the depths of my sincerity. Just you alone won¡¯t show enough significance. Prepare the carriage for me.¡±

    The confidante ran off to prepare the vehicle after seeing how serious Gu Shixiong was.

    Fifteen minutester, the old official was sitting in a galloping carriage, hugging the wooden box to himself.

    His heart on afire with worry for themandery prince, but he gradually calmed down after the carriage was halfway to its destination point.

    The more he thought about it, the more things seemed off.

 Chapter 404: Counterattack (II)

    <h4>Chapter 404: Counterattack (II)</h4>

    It seemed nonsensical to Gu Shixiong that Qin Yining would be so kindhearted to help him. Why was she willing to bear the risk of introducing him to the Lu second master?

    Was it really because both of them were from Great Yan?

    But if the girl had this kind of patriotism to start with, she would¡¯ve agreed to help him long ago. She wouldn¡¯t wait until now.

    Inconsistencies abounded in the Qin fourth miss¡¯ performance.

    Gu Shixiong¡¯s blood froze in his veins when his thoughts travelled here and he quickly called out to the groomsman, ¡°Stop the carriage!¡±

    The groom twitched with surprise when the old official¡¯s aged voice rasped out shrilly. He hastily jumped off the carriage.

    Gu Shixiong mbered down from the carriage and took out a dagger. Making use of the fading light from the setting sun and dim glow of the windmps, he pried at the tightly nailed wooden box.

    After heavy exertions, he finally pried the lid up and discovered a piece of paper lying inside.

    Notes of strangeness rang with increasing volume. He picked up the paper and moved it close to the light for a close look. His heart sank.

    It was a hand-drawn map. Rivers, mountains, and creeks crossed it, and clearlybelled were the forests and copses. A circle of vermilion marked a spot in the upper right hand corner.

    What map is this?

    Gu Shixiong looked carefully at the markings next to the mountains and creeks, trying to decipher any familiar names.

    But at this time, a chaotic drumming of hooves sounded from the direction of the Division of the Three Thousand.

    The old official started and looked gravely in their direction.

    A middle-aged man dressed in a general¡¯s uniform and wearing a dark expression charged at front of forty cavalry. He waved a hand and surrounded Gu Shixiong and the official¡¯s carriage before thetter had the time to react.

    His heartbeat raced, but the old official remained as calm and steady as before.

    ¡°Who are you and what do you want?!¡±

    The one in the lead didn¡¯t reply. ¡°Give me what you hold in your hand.¡±

    Gu Shixiong frowned. ¡°Why should I do that!¡±

    The general pulled out the sword at his waist. ¡°Hand it over!¡±

    ¡°Hand it over!¡± Members of the cavalry all unsheathed their swords.

    In the dim light, their swords glinted frostily like snow. Gu Shixiong¡¯s calves trembled from fear.

    The old official frowned. ¡°Just who are you? If you¡¯re not the one I¡¯m looking for, I won¡¯t easily hand things over. I can see that you¡¯re soldiers, and we¡¯re close to the Division of the Three Thousand. Are you from there? Or are you Minister Cheng¡¯s people?¡±

    ¡°Cut the nonsense! Don¡¯t ask what you shouldn¡¯t ask!¡±

    Based on their reactions, Gu Shixiong understood that the group was indeed from Minister Cheng.

    He heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°If you¡¯re from Minister Cheng, you don¡¯t need to take this from me. Bring me to the minister and Lu second master. I¡¯ll hand it to Minister Cheng with both hands.¡±

    The general started and was about to respond when another drumming of hoofbeats came from the direction of the capital. The sound seemed to indicate a party at least a hundred strong, much more than the first group already present.

    Gu Shixiong naturally heard the disturbance as well. With how things had developed, he had a few spections of his own.

    The party from the capital swiftly drew near and formed another circle around the perimeter of the one already present. The military officer in the lead called out, ¡°Is Old Master Gu, Gu Shixiong, present? The emperor has issued a decree requesting the senior official for an imperial audience!¡±

    In the first group, the general leaned down with a frown and yanked away the mysterious map and wooden box.

    Caught off guard, Gu Shixiong didn¡¯t even have the time to react before his possessions were taken from him.

    ¡°Is Old Master Gu present?¡± asked theter again.

    Gu Shixiong rasped back, ¡°I am.¡±

    ¡°Get out of the way, out of the way!¡±

    Horses jostled against each other as voices yelled and cursed. It would seem that theters were parting the crowds.

    Seeing this, the first group retreated and undid their encirclement. Leaving Gu Shixiong to theters, they left.

    What else would the old official not understand at this point?

    It was the first time ever in his life that he¡¯d fallen so utterly into a trap, and at the hands of a little girl at that!

    He was most aware of his own machinations. Seeking out the Qins publicly would elicit the emperor¡¯s attention. But after Qin Yining¡¯s words, he¡¯d stormed off to seek Lu Heng with her token,pletely forgetting that he was under surveince.

    With how tense things were in the capital, it would seem that more than one party had the Qins under surveince. The ones who¡¯d just taken his ¡®token¡¯ answered to the Minister of Military Affairs, so he more than likely belonged to the Lu faction.

    Theters had actually been rather polite. They must be the emperor¡¯s men, here to intercept him as they knew they were bringing a ¡®token¡¯ to the Division of Three Thousand.

    Everyone probably thought that the map in the box was the treasure map!

    Gu Shixiong could now talk himself hoarse in denying that was the treasure map, but no one would believe him.

    But why would he tell anyone where the treasure really was?

    ¡°Old Master Gu, pleasee with us to meet the emperor,¡± spoke the intimidating officer.

    The very image of scared out of his wits, Gu Shixiong trembled and shook as he climbed up into the carriage.

    The group set a fast pace back to the pce.

    Li Qitian had long received news of Gu Shixiong¡¯s two visits to the Qins. After his second departure, he¡¯d gone home and then hurriedly left to bring something to the Division of the Three Thousand. That was the moment when the emperor knew his n of using Yuchi Yan as bait had worked.

    Old Master Gu was the strategist of the former Great Yan emperor emeritus. A dignified and highly esteemed senior, Li Qitian had long since suspected that Gu Shixiong knew of the treasure¡¯s location.

    Unfortunately, while the old man may becking in everything else, he was iparable when it came to ying dumb.

    He¡¯d finally nabbed the old man good and proper today! The payoff for his hard work was on its way into his hands.

    ¡°Your Majesty, Old Master Gu is here.¡± Li Guanwen murmured in front of the imperial study door.

    ¡°Hurry, show him in.¡±

    ¡°I hear and obey.¡± The eunuch dismissed himself and quickly brought the old official to the emperor.

    Gu Shixiong apprehensively performed the grand gesture of greeting to Li Qitian.

    ¡°This humblemoner greets Your Majesty and prays for Your Majesty¡¯s eternal health and prosperity!¡±

    Li Qitian sat rigidly behind his table, enunciating his words with dark rity, ¡°Old Master Gu, kindly exin to Us why you were in a rush to visit the Division of the Three Thousand before the evening curfew?¡±

    Gu Shixiong kowtowed frantically, ¡°This humblemoner, humblemoner...¡±

    ¡°Dare you not speak the truth when before Us?!¡± Li Qitian mmed his hand down on the table and shot to his feet.

    The old man trembled all over and was startled into tears.

    ¡°This humblemoner, humblemoner is innocent! Although Your Majesty might be angered¡ªwhen the humblemoner knew that the Commandery Prince of Yan was invited into the pce, I looked all over for people to plead for mercy on his behalf. I went to the Qins twice, but Miss Qin was powerless. This old man could only bring the treasure map to the Lus for help, but I didn¡¯t even see a single Lu before their people took the map from me!¡±

 Chapter 405: Thumping Oneâ€™s Chest and Stamping Feet in Sorrow

    <h4>Chapter 405: Thumping One¡¯s Chest and Stamping Feet in Sorrow</h4>

    Li Qitian¡¯s expression was as tight as the fists hidden in his sleeves. No sound was heard for a very long while.

    Clues to the treasure he¡¯d searched high and low for had been in the hands of the grandfather of Yuchi Yan¡¯s concubine all along!

    That old thing had been hiding the treasure map all this time¡ªhe obviously hadn¡¯t surrendered to Great Zhou with any sincerity!

    Li Qitian had been preupied with locating this sum of wealth in recent days. Though it hadn¡¯t been made public knowledge, it was also no secret. Who would¡¯ve thought that this old fellow would be able to hold it in for so long!

    If it hadn¡¯t been for Yuchi Yan and his family being grounded in the pce, that old thing would probably still be hanging onto it!

    The Great Zhou emperor forced himself to keep calm and swallowed the knot of irritation with great effort.

    ¡°So the treasure map is now with the Lus?¡± rumbled Li Qitian.

    Any discord between the Great Zhou emperor and his officials would delight Gu Shixiong. He wiped away his tears and answered in a shaking voice, ¡°Y-yes. It was taken by a general who said he is with the Lu second master.¡±

    Li Qitian naturally knew of Lu Heng¡¯s web of connections at court. The Lu patriarch had a seat on the council, the n was a powerful behemoth, and Minister Cheng of the Bureau of Military Affairs was also part of the Lu faction.

    Great Zhoucked the most wonderful resource that was money. The Lus had offered quite a bit of it to help Li Qitian fight Northern Ji back in the day. Naturally, the emperor¡¯s first thought upon hearing of the treasure was to offset his pressing shortfall of silver.

    If the treasurended in the hands of the Lus, he would never see it again.

    ¡°Li Guanwen!¡± Li Qitian¡¯s voice brimmed with heretofore unheard enthusiasm.

    Standing guard at the door, the shout sent the eunuch scrambling to answer the summons. ¡°Your Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Have men go to the Division of the Three Thousand to bring Lu Heng back here. We have questions for him.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Li Guanwen flew out with a solemn expression after hearing his orders.

    Kneeling on the ground with his head down, Gu Shixiong sniggered inwardly to himself.

    Lu Heng was no fool. Would he ever give up the ¡®treasure map¡¯ after obtaining it?

    Now that the old official thought about it, the Qin girl¡¯s scheme was most vicious indeed. Not only did it protect the real treasure, it guided disaster elsewhere and set Li Qitian at odds with an aristocratic house. The surrendered officials were absolutely clear of trouble.

    Most importantly, the girl had pulled a fast one over him!

    If he recalled correctly, Qin Huaiyuan had also been grounded in the pce these days. That meant that all of this had been nned and executed by herself.

    The old man couldn¡¯t help but cluck his tongue in amazement. She boasts of such methods at only sixteen years of age! What will she be like in the future?

    It would be a boost to Yuchi Yan to have such an intelligent girl by his side. After all, the former Great Yan emperor really had no aptitude for politics.

    It was a pity that Qin Yining had already been bestowed onto the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    Well, it was also good for Pang. Having a smart wife would enable him to square off against Li Qitian with peace of mind.

    All of that passed through Gu Shixiong¡¯s mind in the span of a second. It put him in a much better mood and greatly lessened his resentment of the Qin fourth miss setting him up.

    Li Qitian however, was nowhere near as calm as the old official.

    He looked downwards in deep thought, at times looking at the kneeling Gu Shixiong, at times at the front door.

    After a long moment, he picked up the conversation again. ¡°Old Master Gu, it is still preferable for you to summarize the contents of the map for Us.¡±

    The old man had foreseen such a request woulde. He shook his head. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, this humblemoner has never seen the treasure map. I don¡¯t know the contents at all.¡±

    An imperial brow shot up. ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, although thismoner is ipetent, I was still once the teacher of the emperor emeritus of Great Yan. I would naturally put both all of my efforts to anything he assigned to me. Not to mention, one must obey an imperial decree. This humble one had no right to look at the map, and neither was I interested in the treasure. Naturally, I wouldn¡¯t sneak a peek at all.¡±

    Li Qitian looked suspiciously at Gu Shixiong. The gaunt old man had a head full of white hair and was nearing the end of his lifespan. He¡¯d also brought his family to Great Zhou. If he dared deceive his liege, all of the Gus would pay the price.

    The Great Zhou emperor was quite certain that the old man wouldn¡¯t dare lie.

    A treasure map had finally popped up, but Gu Shixiong didn¡¯t know its contents, and it¡¯d even been taken by a rival aristocratic family!

    This really is...

    Li Qitian took in a few deep breaths and continued waiting for good news from Li Guanwen.

    However, the eunuch brought back bad news.

    ¡°Your Majesty, when our men reached the Division of the Three Thousand, the Lu second master had already left.¡± Keeping his head down, Li Guanwen didn¡¯t dare look at Li Qitian. If this wasn¡¯t handled properly, he¡¯d lose his own life as well.

    As expected, the emperor¡¯s face sank. He remained silent for a very long while. ¡°Where did he go?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, the Division of the Three Thousand says that he left in the middle of the night with several confidantes.¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s hand tightened imperceptibly.

    It looked like the map was real. Otherwise, with Lu Heng¡¯s dependable nature, why would he leave with no thought of anything else?

    The emperor was both furious and regretful. Why hadn¡¯t he brought back this old man earlier? Why had he wanted to watch the show?

    If it wasn¡¯t for his self-indulgence, the old man wouldn¡¯t have taken the map to the Lus in his time of need.

    A small ray of hope had finally dawned after so long, but it¡¯d gone right back out!

    Glee flooded Gu Shixiong¡¯s heart to see the long face on Li Qitian. It felt morefortable than eating a bowl of chilled plum soup on the hottest day of summer!

    However, his good mood didn¡¯tst long. ¡°Old Master Gu is an old official of Great Yan. Your qualifications are impable. And yet, you must rest well in your old age. If there¡¯s not much business to be done, you should stay home and rest these days.¡±

    This was grounding him!

    Gu Shixiong shed an indifferent smile. ¡°Understood. Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s care. This humblemoner hopes for a day in which I can stand by your side.¡±

    Li Qitian smiled and instructed servants to help the old man away to rest. It looked like the Lus would bring their full power to bear, now that the treasure map was in their hands.

    ¡°Li Guanwen, summon Secretariat Lu. Also, release Yuchi Yan and the Qins. The Qins are to join the Pangs in matrimony. We shouldn¡¯t dy their wedding preparations.¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s tone was too troubled and negative, but the eunuch didn¡¯t dare speak a word offort, despite thinking things inappropriate. He had to settle for a murmured ¡°understood¡± and solemnly carry out his orders.

    Secretariat Lu quickly entered the pce.

    There were only so many Grand Secretaries on the council, and Li Qitian hated Secretariat Lu most of all. The Lu elders were all too exemry and difficult to manipte. Secretariat Lu in particr yed a decisive role on the council. He could affect Li Qitian¡¯s policies to begin with, but could also affect the momentum of court. He could erupt in outrage over the slightest excuse.

    The Lus were a far cry from the imperial family. They suffered no shortage of silver and didn¡¯t need to scrimp and save their way through the days.

    If they really wanted to take action, they wouldn¡¯t need to fret over payment at all.

    Li Qitian shook his head. What an utter miscalction! How could he have let things devolve to this step!

 Chapter 406: Secretariat Lu

    <h4>Chapter 406: Secretariat Lu</h4>

    ¡°Servants, give Secretariat Lu a seat,¡± ordered Li Qitian in a low voice.

    Li Guanwen murmured in affirmation and bade the young eunuchs carry over a high-backed chair with a curved back, cing it in a lower head seat position. This particr design had a strip of wood running down the back and thin armrests.

    Dressed in the scarlet red of an official, Secretariat Lu arranged the hems of his robes and tottered down to the ground for a grand gesture of greeting. ¡°This old official thanks Your Majesty.¡±

    Such a respectful and cautious attitude irked the hell out of Li Qitian. Putting on this show when you don¡¯t have a loyal bone in your body. What is this if not the crime of deceiving your liege??

    ¡°You¡¯re a senior official and Our right hand man. The Lu¡¯s helping hand to benefit the greater good and end the chaos of war has ever been a point of great gratitude. How would there be no seat for Elder Lu in front of Us?¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s smile shone with pleasant charisma.

    A lean body over eighty years of age trembled with gratitude, along with Secretariat Lu¡¯s whiskers. He bowed emotionally, ¡°The old official is willing to brave fire and water to repay the kindness of meeting Your Majesty!¡±

    He made to kneel to the ground again.

    A quick look was all that was needed to have Li Guanwen help the old official up.

    ¡°Hurry and help Elder Lu into his seat.¡±

    The eunuch smiled. ¡°Please have a seat, elder. His Majesty cares most deeply about you.¡±

    ¡°My gratitude to Your Majesty, my deepest gratitude.¡± Moved to tears, Secretariat Lu sat on the front half of the chair.

    When the old man lowered his head, Li Qitian rubbed his temples wearily. But when the old man raised his head again, the emperor presented his usual facade.

    ¡°Does Elder Lu know the reason for the summons today?¡±

    Secretariat Lu nodded and responded sincerely, ¡°Your Majesty must be concerned with the drought in the south. Your Majesty need not worry, you are the Son of Heaven and blessed with divine favor. Ever since Great Yan surrendered and theirnds came under Great Zhou control, their drought has seen relief. This is all due to Your Majesty¡¯s august fortune that the people benefit so!¡±

    The official really was up in his years. Though he spoke loudly with all his strength, his body trembled with every word. Li Guanwen watched apprehensively off to the side. If the old man used too much force in speaking and couldn¡¯t find his next breath, how would the imperial family exin themselves to the Lus if something happened to their elder in the imperial study?

    The old man¡¯s words was a barrel of oil to the fires of rage in Li Qitian¡¯s heart. He mped down on his teeth to prevent mes spewing from his mouth.

    Such a loyal and patriotic subject, huh!

    If he was such an exemry subject, why did he let his grandson do such a thing!

    If it¡¯d been anyone else, imperial censure would¡¯ve already broken the air.

    But faced with Elder Lu¡¯s expression full of sincerity and gratitude and the old man¡¯s identity as the Lu patriarch, Li Qitian held his temper in with great effort. He sighed softly without a flicker of change in expression. Every wrinkle on this wily old fox brimmed with schemes and plots!

    ¡°Though We have the protection of the heavens, it is with the aid of able subjects that Wepleted our conquest. But you also know, Elder Lu, that We took over a Northern Ji full of pits and holes.¡±

    ¡°Ai, that is true. Your Majesty has weathered very difficult years.¡± Patriarch Lu sighed along with his liege.

    ¡°Our difficulties don¡¯t matter, what matters are the people. The national treasury is empty now, and the rations and rewards promised to the Valiant Tigers for conquering Great Yan are yet unfulfilled. A drought rampages the south, the people are destitute and homeless. Tartars prowl covetously in the north. Devastation can be glimpsed everywhere in this country. Stratagems are needed for every nook and cranny, money needed for every crack wherewith. Secretariat Lu also knows of the state of the nation¡¯s coffers.¡±

    The old man raised cupped hands in response. ¡°Your Majesty, this old official is willing to share your burdens. I will return home and think of ways to fundraise and gather funds.¡±

    The response halted Li Qitian in his tracks. This made it seem like he wasining about his poverty to his subjects, and asking them for a handout!

    Fundraise? Could he fundraise the sum of the treasure??

    This old thing was ying dumb with him! He refused to admit to Lu Heng¡¯s mistake no matter what he did!

    Li Qitian¡¯s patience teetered on the verge of nonexistent. If it wasn¡¯t for his identity as an emperor and no longer being amoner buffoon, he would¡¯ve long since leapt onto this slippery old man and thrown a few good punches!

    Even suppressed, the wave of imperial anger caused Li Guanwen to take a few steps back.

    Secretariat Lu remained oblivious and even seemed to be tearing up. He promised solemnly, ¡°Your Majesty, this old subject will absolutely think of a way to gather the sufficient funds!¡±

    This was the straw that broke the camel¡¯s back!

    Li Qitian shot to his feet and denounced, ¡°Secretariat Lu, We respect you, so don¡¯t you take a mile when given an inch!¡±

    Patriarch Lu tottered to his knees and pressed his forehead to the ground.

    ¡°Please pull your anger, Your Majesty, this old subject, this old subject doesn¡¯t understand...¡± His voice shook.

    ¡°You don¡¯t understand?! We can tell you see with crystal clear rity! We ask you, do you know that We are searching for the treasure of Great Yan!¡±

    ¡°This old subject knows.¡±

    ¡°Then how dare you let your grandson leave with Our treasure map!¡±

 Chapter 406.2: Secretariat Lu

    <h4>Chapter 406.2: Secretariat Lu</h4>

    ¡°Ah?¡± Patriarch Lu lifted his head with stunned shock, then seemed to feel it inappropriate to look directly at the imperial visage this way. He hastily ducked his head and shook his head rapidly. ¡°Impossible, how could this be? If my grandson really did obtain the treasure map, he would hand it over to Your Majesty immediately. How would he...¡±

    ¡°So you mean that We falsely use Lu Heng?¡±

    ¡°This old subject wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± Secretariat Lu kowtowed. ¡°Your Majesty, is there a misunderstanding in any of this?¡±

    ¡°Misunderstanding? We just learned of the map¡¯s existence and sent men to retrieve it, when your precious grandson left the capital on the back of fast horses, along with an escort!¡±

    ¡°This, this... I don¡¯t know of this. My grandson didn¡¯t report this at all. That brat! How dare he do so! If I learn of where he¡¯s gone, I won¡¯t let him easily off for this!¡±

    ¡°So beloved subject Lu means to say that you don¡¯t know of any of this?¡±

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Tears streaked down an anxious Patriarch Lu¡¯s face. ¡°How dare that little bastard do this! What a travesty, oh what shame!¡±

    The old official wept until he became short of breath. He fell sideways to the ground with shaking hands.

    Li Guanwen hastily ran up to support the Lu patriarch. ¡°Secretariat Lu, are you alright?¡± He looked questioningly at his master. If they didn¡¯t want to give birth to an enormous disaster, they should summon an imperial physican.

    Li Qitian gnashed his teeth as he looked at the old man. I should just let him die here!

    But it wouldn¡¯t sound good if word got out that something happened to the Lu patriarch while he was in the imperial study. The consequences would also be quite disastrous.

    When his thoughts travelled here, Li Qitian could only ask in a worried, hushed tone, ¡°Are you alright, Elder Lu? Hurry, summon the imperial physician!¡±

    ¡°This old subject, old subject, is fine. This old subject really is, that unfilial boy, really will be the death of me!¡±

    It was Li Qitian who almost spat out a mouthful of blood when he saw his loyal subject still remember to spare curses for his unfilial grandson in the midst of his pain. The emperor decisively turned around and decided out of sight was out of mind.

    An imperial physician quickly rushed to the imperial study to begin his diagnosis.

    ¡°In response to Your Majesty, Secretariat Lu is advanced in age and just suffered shock and fright. Anger shot straight to his heart and overly agitated emotions caused an excess of internal fires. This is why he momentarily endured dizzy spells. This subject will write a prescription for the elder, and the elder needs to mind his emotions and refrain from bing unduly worked up.¡±

    The imperial physician was an exceedingly honest and kind person. He didn¡¯t even dare gaze upon the imperial visage directly, so he had no idea that Li Qitian¡¯s face darkened with each word he spoke.

    Li Guanwen had already shrank in on himself, trying with all of his might to decrease his own existence. He was deathly afraid of being embroiled in mes of imperial rage.

    Li Qitianpressed his lips, looking silently at Secretariat Lu.

    Cold shudders ran down the old man¡¯s back and he hastily knelt. ¡°Mercy, Your Majesty. This old subject will send servants to immediately bring that unfilial child home. His punishment shall be as Your Majesty decrees!¡±

    Could he really bear to hand over his most beloved grandson?

    This was obviously just a show to back Li Qitian into a corner!

    If the emperor responded too harshly, then the Lu would officially be on guard.

    Being on guard was of only secondary importance.

    If the Lus acted on their fear and allied with other aristocratic houses in rebellion, Li Qitian wasn¡¯t so confident that he¡¯d be unable to quell this uprising.

    Therefore, even though he had a belly full of anger, he could only uselessly swallow it all.

    ¡°Forget it, this matter isn¡¯t Elder Lu¡¯s fault to begin with. We did not properly control our emotions just now in our anger.¡±

 Chapter 407: In Full Combat Readiness

    <h4>Chapter 407: In Full Combat Readiness</h4>

    ¡°Is that Qin girl still on your mind?¡± All traces of joviality erased themselves from the Lu patriarch¡¯s face as he looked solemnly at Lu Heng.

    He still remembered clearly the day when his grandson had returned from the empress dowager¡¯s pce, his robes a mess. He¡¯d shut himself in his room all day. The family seniors had been beside themselves with worry, and the young man had refused to impart the reason why, no matter how they asked.

    He only spoke of the matter the next day, when his mind had cleared.

    But it was already toote. News of the emperor bestowing marriage onto the Faithful Prince of the First Rank had already spread out. Only if the Lus went to rob the wedding would Lu Heng¡¯s desires be satisfied.

    However, would they possibly go toe-to-toe with imperial authority over a woman?

    Lu Heng could only concede with regret.

    Looking down, he said calmly, ¡°It¡¯s such a pity that the falling flowers pine for affection, yet the heartless brook babbles of unrequited love. I would¡¯ve fought for her if she¡¯d shown me even a hint of warmth. But she is to be wed now. Such an intelligent and beautiful woman is to marry that brute! And this is all because of that one¡¯s selfish desires! He doesn¡¯t care about tying a good girl to such a beast as long as it¡¯s done in the name of consolidating his own power!¡±

    ¡°Grandson Heng!¡±

    The boy had lost control of his feelings over this girl yet again. Even when histe wife was still alive, the patriarch had only ever seen them treat each other with mutual respect.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that his grandson wasn¡¯t cold-hearted. He just hadn¡¯t met the right person to move his heart yet.

    ¡°Grandfather, don¡¯t you worry.¡± Lu Heng recovered his aplomb after yelling out his frustrations. He was once more his usual mature and genteel self.

    But the more he acted thus, the more worried Patriarch Lu was.

    ¡°My grandson, just what kind of girl is that Miss Qin for you to like her so much? Were the two of you in a rtionship? How far did it progress?¡±

    The young man looked at his grandfather with a wry smile. ¡°Grandfather, we might have actually progressed to that step had she liked me. Do you think I would¡¯ve given her up to another then?¡±

    ¡°So that means you actually didn¡¯t interact with her?¡±

    ¡°We only saw each other a few times, but each time left my heart pounding. Her beauty is worthy of cities and her intelligence unparalleled. Matching wits with her is always a happy time. This is the first time I¡¯ve found dates joy of finding a worthy opponent in a girl.¡±

    Lu Heng ryed the truth behind Madame Lu being exiled, astonishing his grandfather.

    The Lu patriarch quickly breathed a sigh of relief. No interaction meant that the hurt inflicted on Lu Heng wouldn¡¯t be that deep.

    However, the old man quickly grew indignant on his grandson¡¯s behalf. What girl was so blind to not like his outstanding grandson!

    ¡°It¡¯s her loss for not returning your affections. My grandson, don¡¯t be too saddened. There are plenty of other fish in the sea. You are so exemry and there are plenty of noble girls who like you. You¡¯ll meet a better girl than that Qinss sooner orter.¡±

    Looking back at Secretariat Lu¡¯s caring gaze, Lu Heng couldn¡¯t bear to have his elderly grandfather worry about him. He nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, grandfather. While I¡¯m searching for the treasure, I¡¯ll work through my emotions. Trust that I¡¯ll have adjusted them properly after returning to the capital.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just as well. The mountains are breathtaking and waters beautiful out there. But the old Great Yan is suffering from a drought. Though it¡¯s better than how things werest year, you should keep your wits about you. Floods always follow a long drought, and that¡¯s precisely what the emperor is worried about these days. Pay attention when you¡¯re outside.¡±

    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry grandfather. I will be careful.¡± Lu Heng smiled at his grandfather.

    He slept at his grandfather¡¯s that night and left at the crack of dawn the next day. When the city doors opened for the day, he followed a group ofmoners out, pushing a wheelbarrow and dressed like an ordinary farmer.

    Apart from Secretariat Lu and Lu Heng¡¯s bodyguards, no one knew of this.

    In the study of the outer Qin residence, Qin Yining had just finished partaking breakfast with her father.

    When Qin Huaiyuan and the Silver Masks were releasedst night, the girl hadn¡¯t asked anything due to howte it was. She just prepared hot water for them to wash up and went to bed after dinner. Catching up was left for the quiet hours of early morning.

    ¡°Father, how have you been these days?¡± Qin Yining asked lightly because her father¡¯splexion was very good. It didn¡¯t look like he¡¯d been grounded at all.

    Qin Huaiyuan picked up the tea cup and took a sip with a smile. ¡°Though we were grounded, we had good food and drink in the pce. They asked me about the treasure, but how would I know about it? I think the emperor stopped asking after he realized that I really didn¡¯t know anything about it.

    ¡°The Silver Masks were asked quite a few times, but the emperor didn¡¯t dare do anything serious because of your n. He¡¯s too concerned with scaring off those outside.

    ¡°I then heard the young eunuch serving me say that Old Master Gu and Patriarch Lu were summoned consecutively into the pce. That¡¯s when I thought things were taking an unexpected turn.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan put down his tea cup, touching it softly to the table. He put on a serious expression. ¡°Alright, my daughter. Tell me how you did it this time.¡±

 Chapter 407.2: In Full Combat Readiness

    <h4>Chapter 407.2: In Full Combat Readiness</h4>

    Qin Yining blinked innocently. ¡°Why does father think I did something?¡±

    ¡°Do you think your thoughts and actions can escape my eyes? Just look at you¡ªyou look like the mouse who¡¯s gotten into the cookie jar.¡± Amused by his own description, Qin Huaiyuan chuckled and tousled his daughter¡¯s head lovingly. ¡°Now out with it!¡±

    Qin Yining grinned merrily. ¡°It¡¯s honestly not thatplicated, and it¡¯s all thanks to Old Master Gu giving me the perfect opportunity. I wouldn¡¯t have been able to save you all otherwise.¡±

    She described the process of how the old official hade to her to negotiate, how she¡¯d turned him down, created the fake treasure map, then used the old official to elicit Li Qitian¡¯s attention, and finally diverted trouble by besieging the base of the besiegers.

    Qin Huaiyuan fell silent after listening to the proceedings, observing a moment of silence for the wizened Old Master Gu. Would the old man, who¡¯d always fancied himself quite sharp and crafty, explode with anger when he realized how he¡¯d been tricked?

    ¡°Father?¡± Qin Yining felt a bit uneasy at seeing her father remain silent.

    The Qin patriarch came back to himself with a smile. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine. Now that Lu Heng¡¯s privately gone to search for the treasure, we can have some peace as well. We can fully concentrate on preparing for your wedding.¡±

    Rubbing her nose a bit awkwardly, Qin Yining lowered her head. ¡°What¡¯s there to prepare for?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about any of that, just focus on embroidering your pillowcase. I hear from your mother that progress has been slow?¡±

    The Qin fourth miss blushed with embarrassment. ¡°Don¡¯t make fun of me, father. I can manage rough patches and stitches well enough, but fine needlework or artistic character tracings... although mother¡¯s had the mamas teach me many times and I understand the theory of the craft work, I just don¡¯t have the patience for it. I feel like it¡¯s a waste of time.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you, hahaha!¡± Qin Huaiyuan broke into hearty peals ofughter and pped his daughter¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re right, fine needlework and artist tracings are just busywork. If one has the time to do all that, they might as well read a few more books. I obtained a new book of travel notes, take it back with you. Have the maids finish your embroidery for you.¡±

    Qin Yining put her palms together, as if she¡¯d been pardoned from a grave task. ¡°Many thanks, father! You¡¯ve saved me. If mother asks, I¡¯ll say that you wanted me to read.¡±

    ¡°Haha, alright. If your mother asks, you can say it was on my orders.¡± Qin Huaiyuanughed loudly again.

    ¡°Milord, you spoil our daughter like this.¡±

    Just when father and daughter colluded in crime, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s tones of mock anger travelled from outside the door.

    Qin Huaiyuan rubbed his nose with an index finger and stoppedughing.

    Qin Yining rose to wee the madame. ¡°Mother, what brings you here?¡±

    ¡°Thank goodness I came. I wouldn¡¯t have known you two were plotting to ck off behind me!¡± N¨¦e Sun looked merrily at her husband.

    She couldn¡¯t find it within herself to be angry at all. It was so rare that her husband couldugh so heartily. Seeing father and daughter interact so harmoniously, her daughter being the source of the family¡¯sughter, and the two discuss how to duck out of pillow embroidery was a balm to her heart.

    ¡°Madame,e sit.¡± Qin Huaiyuan pointed at the seat across from him.

    Qin Yining helped n¨¦e Sun sit down.

    The Qin senior madame tapped the girl¡¯s forehead. ¡°Now, you shouldn¡¯t always listen to your father. Your father is a man, what does he know of all this? Which girl in this world doesn¡¯t do her own embroidery? Some of the noble girls even make their own bridal gown. You¡¯re the daughter of a minister after all. If you don¡¯t do even this bit of embroidery, you¡¯ll be dismissed by others.¡±

    ¡°This is where you¡¯re wrong, mother. If others see my embroidery, that¡¯s when they¡¯ll dismiss me.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s words were stoppered by her daughter¡¯s response. She couldn¡¯t help but silently agree with her daughter.

    Qin Yining¡¯s embroidery wasn¡¯t terrible, but it wasn¡¯t all that good either.

    What kind of ce was the prince¡¯s manor? One in which any needlework or decoration was exquisite without parallel. When it came time forparisons, any embroidery foundcking would appear even coarser.

    ¡°Alright then.¡± N¨¦e Sun sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll find you a seamstress to do it for you. We¡¯ll offer the most delicate work.¡±

    Qin Yining happily hugged the madame. ¡°Thank you, mother!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan happily took advantage of the warm atmosphere to shove a few newly obtained books at Qin Yining, earning an eyeball from his wife for his efforts. Father and daughter cackled like a fox sessfully breaking into the hen house.

    As contented atmosphere wrapped itself around the Qins, Pang Xiao held court in the outer residence study of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank with an expression of solemn killing intent.

    The prince¡¯s strategists, including leaders Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi, were all gathered in the study. All of them wore solemn expressions. Having been summoned early in the morning, there was certainly something significant brewing that their master couldn¡¯t resolve.

    Everyone¡¯s hearts hung in the bnce. They all looked to Pang Xiao sitting in the head seat.

    ¡°I have summoned everyone here today to discuss an urgent matter.¡±

    ¡°Please speak your mind, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°I wish to discuss the wedding on the eleventh of the next month. Certain developments have just happened to the Qins. There should be no further developments, correct?¡±

    Strategists: ¡°...¡±

    Your Highness, you summoned us with top priority at first light, not for the country¡¯s matters, not for the treasure, but for the wedding¡ªsomething carved in stone.

    Everyone deted, taut nerves rxing in an instant. Amused mirth rippled through the crowd, but they had to keep theirughter to themselves.

    Their normally impressive and awe-inspiring prince was simply too solemn at the moment.

 Chapter 408: Meticulous Preparations

    <h4>Chapter 408: Meticulous Preparations</h4>

    Pang Xiao looked severely at those gathered. ¡°What, will there really be further developments?¡±

    ¡°Ahem.¡± Xu Weizhi rose with a smile and shed aforting grin at Pang Xiao. ¡°You needn¡¯t worry, Your Highness. Your father-inw Patriarch Qin is such an intelligent character. Miss Qin is also a female Zhuge Liang with unparalleled wits. No matter what idents befall the Qins, Minister Qin and Miss Qin will handle it perfectly. As for our manor, with Your Highness holding down the fort, any problem will be readily solved.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right that¡¯s right.¡± The strategists nodded in unison.

    Pang Xiao rxed every so slightly after the constory words. His tense shoulders loosened as well.

    ¡°You make sense.¡± Pang Xiao nodded seriously.

    The various strategists found the situation hrious. That the ordinarily highly intelligent and sharply scheming prince would have such a childish side to him! He looked just like a young man who waspletely innocent in the ways of the world.

    Their thoughts took a quick turn. The prince had never been in a rtionship, so he really was a fresh-faced young man when it came to love.

    Everyone present had once experienced the follies of youth. They knew what it felt to harbor feelings for a girl. Setting aside how everyone¡¯s budding love had ended, they could empathize with that sort of expectant yet nervous, and also being deathly afraid of a personal loss.

    It¡¯s nice to be young!

    Xie Yue rose and smiled genially. ¡°Your Highness, in my view, you really don¡¯t need to worry. You mentioned Old Master Gu a little while ago, and were concerned that Miss Qin couldn¡¯t handle the situation as Minister Qin was still grounded in the pce. But still, your preparations didn¡¯t even have time to be set in motion before Miss Qin handled it all by herself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Miss Qin is simply the brightestdy we have seen in our lives,¡± chorused the crowd.

    Pang Xiao nodded solemnly. ¡°You all speak correctly.¡±

    Judging from his reaction, everyone suddenly felt that they¡¯d found a new way to please the prince.

    Those who normally dearly wished to get closer to Pang Xiao and be a core strategist waxed eloquent onpliments of Qin Yining. They¡¯d all met her before and knew of her smarts and methods. Their ttering remarks were logical and reasonable.

    Their master listened carefully and felt quite at ease with what he was hearing, as if he was soaking in a hot spring. He nodded multiple times, the tense expression on his face smoothing itself out.

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi looked at each other, keeping a tight expression on their face with unspoken ord.

    If they didn¡¯t do that, they¡¯d probably burst outughing.

    The prince had always embodied a sagacious image in their minds¡ªto the point of almost being unreal. Seeing him be so down-to-earth now was such a hrious sight.

    ¡°There are several things we need to keep an eye on now. Firstly, being prepared for the possibility of someone causing trouble before the wedding. Secondly, being prepared that someone will cause trouble during the wedding. Thirdly, the list of betrothal gifts have been sent. We need to pick an auspicious day to send them over and decide upon which presenters are appropriate. Fourthly, on the day of fetching the bride, how do we go through this custom in an innovative way? Fifthly, and most important.¡±

    Pang Xiao paused for a breath. The crowd¡¯s faces tightened with seriousness.

    ¡°The most important is, this prince¡¯s future father-inw is endowed with extraordinary talent. His wealth of knowledge could fit more than five cartloads of books. He naturally has nock of equally intelligent people beside him It¡¯s a given that on the day of the marriage, Qin rtives will block the door with pranks and ask all sorts of tricky questions. What do we do then?¡±

    The crowd: ......

    Your Highness, you¡¯re not afraid of two armies facing off against each other or fighting until you¡¯re bathed in blood. Are you really afraid of a few questions at the door?

    The strategists felt that they didn¡¯t have a good enough understanding of their lord.

    ¡°Ahem.¡± Xie Yue cleared his throat and forcefully held backughter. ¡°Your Highness, for now, you don¡¯t need to worry about people causing trouble before the wedding. For one, the matter with the Lus is drawing a certain amount of attention. And another is that your wedding is imperially decreed. The edict upies the ce of honor in the hall of ancestors. Who dares cause any trouble? Those brainless enough to kick up a fuss are more than likely two-bit clowns. They¡¯re nothing to be afraid of, so just be at ease, Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded slowly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about people causing trouble at the wedding either. I feel that with the emperor¡¯s ties of brotherhood with Your Highness, he¡¯ll make all suitable arrangements for a wedding that he himself bestowed. Perhaps the emperor might even be in attendance with the empress! With His Majesty present, we naturally won¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    ¡°And even if the emperor doesn¡¯te, you still have the Elite Tigers, Your Highness. The Elite Tigers belong to our manor, so amand token isn¡¯t needed to deploy them.¡±

    ¡°Precisely,¡± continued Xie Yue. ¡°Your Highness can even contact Prince Consort Ji. As he nowmands the Valiant Tigers, he too has around a hundred troops at his manor. We can borrow them to maintain the peace.¡±

    Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue didn¡¯t tantly point out their meaning, but Pang Xiao already understood what they meant.

    Though Ji Zeyu was now themander of the Valiant Tigers, Pang Xiao himself still boasted of high prestige amongst the troops. The men at Ji Zeyu¡¯s manor were selected from the Valiant Tigers, so borrowing them was the same as deploying his own men.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Pang Xiao nodded again and continued with satisfaction, ¡°Setting aside everything else, our own men have the best martial arts skills.¡±

    You¡¯re not going to a brawl! What do you need martial arts for??

    Our prince really has lost his mind with the joy of the impending marriage.

    An amused Xie Yue picked up the conversation. ¡°The most important thing is for you to select some smart-looking men. Just think about it, Your Highness, how impressive will it be to see a group of young men in military uniform, marching out in neat lines and standing with great dignity?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, you¡¯re right.¡± Pang Xiao bobbed his head. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. I¡¯ll go discuss with Ji Lan. As for the betrothal gifts...¡±

    Xu Weizhi answered this time. ¡°The grand-madame and grand-lord have already decided on the gifts. Due to considerations of overstepping custom, we¡¯ve prepared 208 litters of gifts. They¡¯re all fine selections. You don¡¯t need to make a showing when they¡¯re delivered, Your Highness. The grand-lord will arrange proper bearers to deliver them.¡±

    ¡°That is most excellent.¡± Pang Xiao suddenly felt it insufficient after his nod. ¡°Add two more litters of gold to that. Choose little golden fish for them and put them all nice and orderly in the litters. 210 litters makes for a nice, round number.¡±

    The crowd reeled, stunned.

    Two litters of little golden fish?? At one tael of gold per fish, how much gold would that be!

    They could already imagine how blinding the sight would be, beneath the sun.

    ¡°Your Highness, ah, your gold is too eye-catching. What if people talk about it? Besides, the emperor happens tock money.¡±

    Pang Xiao waved a hand, nonplussed. ¡°He cane rob me if he wants them. This is the only marriage that this prince will ever have in my life. They¡¯re giving me such a fine girl that they¡¯ve raised for so many years. My darling will suffer if my betrothal gifts are too meager. Besides, my steady mountain of a father-inw is no ordinary official. He¡¯s an existence who can rewrite the heavens with a flip of his hand. Two more litters of little golden fish isn¡¯t that much at all.¡±

    Xie Yue didn¡¯t have a response to that, but his master¡¯s words seemed true upon further thought.

    Who didn¡¯t have a bit of silver at home? The national treasury and imperial coffers were likely the poorest in the nation. That was an unavoidable fact.

 Chapter 409: Brother

    <h4>Chapter 409: Brother</h4>

    Since the old Northern Ji officials hade from voluntary surrender, they were no patriotic loyalists either. They were fence-sitters who¡¯d seen which way the wind was blowing. Even if these people hadn¡¯t ravaged a good sum from the people, they still had a vast fortune in their hands.

    The prince was rather poor inparison, and the emperor naturally knew of this social order.

    If he wanted money, everyone would have to empty their pockets, not just Pang Xiao.

    The crowd rxed when their thoughts travelled here.

    Having discussed these issues, Pang Xiao was much more at ease. After a moment¡¯s thought, he said, ¡°You are all highly intelligent people, and there are those among you with a penchant for literary ir. You will write the poem for fetching the bride, and write it well! Also, think of the questions that they might ask at the door. Write out a list of them. This prince will memorize themter.¡±

    Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue rose, standing at the head of the crowd to lead them in a bow. ¡°Understood.¡±

    Homework duly given out, Pang Xiao left.

    The strategists looked at each other, all holding inughter. Those with talent for writing gathered together to study the best poem they could craft. A few others pooled their experiences of attending previous weddings and listed out questions and answers, creating a final review guide before their prince¡¯s exam.

    Xu Weizhi headed to the inner residence to discuss with Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Ma regarding adding two more litters of little golden fish.

    Pang Xiao gave orders for his horse to be readied and slipped outside the city for a ride.

    Following orders, Huzi snuck over to the prince consort¡¯s manor and set up a meeting with Ji Zeyu.

    The prince consort came as requested, glimpsing his sworn brother in inky brocade robes, a belt with a jade buckle, and a small crown of pure gold in his hair. The prince was racing Thundercloud, his prized battle stallion with an equally dark coat, along the moat of the capital.

    Thundercloud¡¯s gleaming fur sparkled beneath the sunlight. Its rider seemed to be one with the horse. Crouched low over its back, they sped across the prince consort¡¯s line of sight and vanished into a verdant copse of trees and shadow.

    Ji Zeyu hadn¡¯t brought his fiery chestnut today, opting instead for the snow white battlesteed that he¡¯d intercepted from Qin Yining. The silvery-white horse, named Whitecloud, had once been a gift to the Qin fourth miss. Ever sinceing into Ji Zeyu¡¯s hands, the prince consort had devoted time and care to it. It was now very close to its newest owner.

    d in ming red fighting robes, Ji Zeyu sat primly on the light-colored battle horse. His hair wrapped up in a topknot, it trailed down in a ponytail that fluttered in the light breeze. His back ramrod straight, a removed expression graced his unparalleled looks. The bright red shade on him didn¡¯t appear girlish at all; it only served to reinforce a severe air of aloofness.

    Pang Xiao took ap around the willow-graced banks of the city moat and came thundering back soon thereafter.

    He shed a grin when he saw Ji Zeyu and raised the whip in his hand. ¡°Ah Lan, let¡¯s do ap?¡±

    A slight curve quirked Ji Zeyu¡¯s lips and he nodded. He raised his whip in answer. ¡°Giddyup!¡±

    Whitecloud transformed into a streak of silver light and bolted forward. Pang Xiao also urged Thundercloud on. The two Ferghana horses surged to the fore and the two Great Zhou war gods on their backs snapped their whips in the air, carefree glee filling their hearts.

    They could rarely be themselves at court. Such indulgence and joy in sheer speed was oftencking in their lives.

    The two did a fewps before finding a small path to take their horses on a walk into the distance.

    ¡°Zhixi, what do you need me for?¡±

    ¡°I have a favor to ask of you.¡± Pang Xiao smiled faintly. ¡°At my wedding next month, I¡¯m worried that troublemakers will pay a visit. I¡¯d like to borrow your manor¡¯s soldiers to help keep the peace.¡±

    Ji Zeyu raised surprised eyes and met his brother¡¯s humorous phoenix-shaped ones. He grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll bring my men in person.¡±

    Not having anticipated that the prince consort would agree so readily, Pang Xiao remarked worriedly, ¡°His Majesty will undoubtedly think too much at that time.¡±

    ¡°No matter. If he asks, I¡¯ll say that I was worried your troops would rebel, so brought mine to keep yours in order,¡± responded the prince consort without a moment¡¯s thought.

    Touched, Pang Xiao stretched out his arm and pped Ji Zeyu¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Thank you, my good brother.¡±

    Ji Zeyu looked at therge hand on his shoulder and smiled. ¡°Lord Guan saw my kowtow, clear as day, all those years ago. Brothers once, brothers for life.¡± [1]

    Pang Xiao¡¯s own smile widened when he saw his brother¡¯s merry, handsome face.

    ¡°You¡¯re my brother alright. We fetch the bride on the tenth day of the month¡ªyou have toe with me.¡±

    Ji Zeyu nodded with a warm smile. ¡°Of course. I also want to see what kind of family¡¯s raised what kind of daughter that¡¯s snared your heart so.¡±

    When his thoughts travelled here, the prince consort¡¯s tone turned a bit lost. ¡°Zhixi, have you really epted this marriage and put down your hatred?¡±

    That day in court, Ji Zeyu had gone back and fumed for multiple days after Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s wailing fit resulted in an imperial decree.

    ¡°Minister Qin was too wily. He forced the emperor into making an imperial edict. This way, it¡¯s either a punishment on you so that you don¡¯t have the ability to take revenge, or it¡¯s to recruit you so that you don¡¯t have the chance to take revenge because you¡¯re his son-inw. This man is unfathomably shrewd. I¡¯m really worried that you¡¯ll fall into one of his plots.¡±

    Ji Zeyu could tell that Pang Xiao really did like Qin Yining, so there was another concern he didn¡¯t voice. What if the girl was just a honey trap that her father was using on Pang Xiao?

    That particr concern seemed absolutely extraneous now, however.

    Judging from how happy Pang Xiao was, he¡¯d obviously put down the feud of his father¡¯s generation and was thoroughly enjoying being plotted against as if he were eating sugarplums.

    What else could they do, with how things were now?

    The imperial edict had been given and the beautiful trap sprung¡ªyet his brother was so utterly delighted that it seemed he was someone else entirely.

    They were friends since young, and it was the first time in all these years that Ji Zeyu had seen Pang Xiaoy aside his anger and bitterness to smile with such carefree lightness.

    ¡°Your marriage is no small matter. Now that I¡¯mmanding your old troops and the Tartars are too busy with their internal conflict to invade the south, you¡¯re very likely to be sent north with the Dragon Riders if war res anew. I¡¯m the emperor¡¯s brother-inw now and he trusts me. He¡¯ll naturally want me to stay in the capital to protect him. It¡¯s more likely that you¡¯ll be sent out.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Pang Xiao nodded earnestly after hearing the analysis. ¡°I¡¯m thinking His Majesty will make that sort of arrangement as well. Switching between you and me is a good n for him.¡±

    ¡°Therefore, the Tartars will definitely take note of your marriage. You¡¯re so happy now that you seem like a different person, so you might be off your guard during the wedding as well. The Tartars are wary of me and even more frightened of your vicious reputation. They¡¯re very cunning, so they might take advantage of the asion to get up to no good. With both our troops there, we¡¯ll be able to exercise vignce against any developments.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re as thorough as ever.¡± Pang Xiao smiled gratefully at his brother. ¡°with how things are, I no longer wish to dwell on old feuds. I admit that I do like n¨¦e Qin. Perhaps it¡¯s all a joke from the heavens. Because of her, I can let go of past hurts. Our situation now is also tense, so there¡¯s no effort to spare for days gone by. We should look ahead to the future.¡±

    1. Lord Guan AKA Guan Yu is a legendary character during the Romance of the Three Kingdoms period. Deified after his death, he¡¯s associated with loyalty and brotherhood.

 Chapter 410: A Question

    <h4>Chapter 410: A Question</h4>

    Ji Zeyu lowered his eyes with a faint smile upon hearing this. ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with letting go of enmity and hate. You and your family don¡¯t share much of a bond to begin with, and your father wasn¡¯t even aware of your existence.

    ¡°You are now absolved of all that emotional burden and stress, which frees you to live your days as you will. What¡¯s so bad about that? You don¡¯t have to follow those silly conventions anymore. Your happiness is what counts. ¡±

    Pang Xiao was deeply moved by his brother¡¯s heartfelt remarks.

    Only those who truly cared for him would take to heart his emotional welfare and happiness.

    The two sworn brothers had partnered seamlessly with each other for the longest time; they took what they wanted from each other, and kept each other on their respective toes. However, the prince was well aware that this was just for self-protection. They never meant hurt each other intentionally. Keeping this friendship intact despite the mayhem and destruction that gued the imperial court was truly a triumph. The prince smiled at his friend. ¡°Ah Lan, I can¡¯t thank you enough.¡± His smile brimmed with pure joy. Ji Zeyu looked into his brother¡¯s handsome face and felt an involuntary smile tugging at his lips. ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony between brothers.¡±

    Pang Xiao grinned again at his friend¡¯sments. The pair journeyed forward slowly on their steeds. Pang Xiao asked with amusement, ¡°I wonder how beside himself His Majesty would be if he ever figures out how we truly are?¡±Ji Zeyu beamed at themon-born prince¡¯sment. ¡°There would be nothing for it. Life goes on. You and I can talk to His Majesty about the importance of fraternity, but with the caveat of staying alive! Besides, you¡¯re a family man now, you can¡¯t risk everything without a thought of the elders and wife at home.¡± Pang Xiao nodded at the prince consort¡¯s admonition. ¡°You and I and His Majesty used to be sworn brothers. If he weren¡¯t so overly suspicious of me and plotted like this against me, I wouldn¡¯t mind at all sacrificing myself for him. It¡¯s too bad that things didn¡¯t pan out the way we hoped.¡±Ji Zeyu nodded with regret, but grinned a tadter. ¡°Don¡¯t take it so hard, my friend. Friendships are reciprocated in kind. He¡¯s schemed against us, which is why our guards are up against him. But things are different between you and I. Although we share a tacit understanding with each other at times, I am still willing toy down my life for you.¡±Pang Xiao knew only too well how cold and reclusive his friend was. And yet, the prince consort was able to make that deration with candor and sincerity after all they had gone through. He saw only guilelessness when Ji Zeyu looked at him. Not a hint of falsity or scheming were to be found in those eyes. ¡°You and I both, brother,¡± replied Pang Xiao with earnestness.

    Ji Zeyuughed heartily upon hearing this answer. ¡°That¡¯s more than enough for me. How fortunate are we that ourmitment to this brotherhood remains as strong as it was in the beginning!¡±

    Pang Xiao felt equally blessed.

    The two prodded their horses and made another circuit in the woods, returning to the city through different gates after bidding farewell. Ji Zeyu didn¡¯t return immediately to his manor after returning to the city. Instead, he took a detour to the Qin manor.

    He led Whitecloud to a quiet entrance of an alleyway located diagonally opposite the manor, revealing only half of his body. The other was half hidden by a thick tree trunk. He appraised expressionlessly the bustling activities within theplex.

    The Qins busied themselves with preparations for their fourth miss¡¯s wedding, and the manor thronged with people and their hubbub. Ji Zeyu had no inkling why he stood guard here. His heart was a great void at the moment as he stared at the doors that opened into the manor, now awash with the Qins.

    On his way back to the city, a sh of an impulse drove him to go interrogate Qin Yining about her feelings for Pang Xiao¡ªwhether they were genuine, or if they were a honey trap borne of her family¡¯s fear of Pang revenge.

    But now, he felt that he was in no position to demand such answers.

    For one thing, he¡¯d be out of bounds. Secondly, this marriage was set in stone to begin with after the imperial edict. In all honesty, Pang Xiao and the fourth miss had to tie the knot,e hell or high water. So what good would it do to stick his nose in this business now?

    Not to mention, the prince was deeply enamored with Qin Yining. Even if Miss Qin bordered on being willful and arrogant, it might appeal to that brother of his as part of the fun. Lowering his eyes for a minute to collect his thoughts, Ji Zeyu smiled self-deprecatingly and took the reins, getting ready to be on his way. No sooner had he taken his leave than a carriage rounded a corner to slowly roll to a stop by the front gate of the Qin manor. A svelte figure that the prince consort knew well alighted from the carriage with the support of a maid and headed inside.

    At Ji Zeyu¡¯s side, Whitecloud seemed to recognize the figure and clip-clopped anxiously. He sneezed and whinnied loudly. The prince consort smoothed Whitecloud¡¯s mane reassuringly, but Qin Yining seemed to intuit his presence and looked directly his way.

    Their eyes locked, taking the girl slightly aback. She¡¯d just paid Grand Steward Zhong a visit to discuss opening an inn in the capital, and to elicit a promise from her trusty steward to attend her wedding banquet.

    Little did the Qin fourth miss expect to be greeted by a fleetingly familiar neigh as soon as she returned home. As she turned for a look, she saw a young man d in red, a man whose presence could still be strongly felt even if half of his body was concealed by arge tree trunk. The prince consort was strikingly handsome, so much that his presence couldn¡¯t at all be ignored. Qin Yining looked around. She wasn¡¯t sure whether there were scouts on His Majesty¡¯s order in the neighborhood; nor could she be certain whether Ji Zeyu was aware that the Qins were possibly under watch. Yet if they were indeed under surveince, the scouts undoubtedly had spotted the prince consort as soon as he arrived. If she didn¡¯t make a move to talk to him, it would rather seem that something illicit was going on.

    With that thought in mind, Qin Yining took Jiyun and circled around the carriage, making their way toward Ji Zeyu.

    The prince consort recovered his signature coldposure. He watched impassively as Qin Yining drew closer.

    He couldn¡¯t help but concede that Qin Yining undeniably had what it took to stir Pang Xiao¡¯s interest; her looks could easilyunch a thousand ships. Also, as stunning as she was, she didn¡¯t strike him as crass, nor did she have the toady looks shared by many women. Rather, her appearance radiated intelligence and poise. It was immediately apparent that she was well-educated and a model of propriety. ¡°Prince Consort Ji, what brings you here today? Why don¡¯t youe in for a visit?¡± Qin Yining came near and curtsied with a smile.

    Ji Zeyu answered coldly, ¡°I¡¯m simply passing by. I saw the excitement of preparations underway and stopped to take a look.¡±

    Qin Yining offered a smile in return. ¡°I appreciate your concern, Prince Consort Ji.¡±

    ¡°I am not at all concerned. I¡¯m just passing by,¡± replied the man, his tone cold and hard.

    Slightly difited by Ji Zeyu¡¯s answer, Qin Yining¡¯s smile turned awkward.

    She could tell that the prince consort had always found her loathsome. What could she have possibly done wrong to incur such dislike? Did he hate her as a person, or the fact that she was the daughter of the man responsible for the death of Pang Xiao¡¯s father?

    She coughed dryly. ¡°Very well. I won¡¯t force an invitation if the prince consort has other business to tend to. But please doe by the manor for the wedding banquet.¡±

    Ji Zeyu looked at her, his face inscrutable and unresponsive.

    Qin Yining felt at a loss as to when she had offended Ji Zeyu. Otherwise, how could a veritable god of war, who led troops and had fought many wars, be socking in polite speech?

    Simply put, the cold and indifferent prince consort just happened to despise her.

    She didn¡¯t feel like being snubbed anymore, so turned around to head back to the manor.

    But at this time, Ji Zeyu blurted out, ¡°Miss Qin, do you truly like Pang Zhixi? Will you treat him with a true heart? Will you be able to put Pang Zhixi above all else if the histories of your two families resurface toplicate things?¡± Startled by the questions, Qin Yining¡¯s eyes snapped up to look at Ji Zeyu.

    He definitely isn¡¯t just passing by! He made this trip specifically to grill me with these questions!

 Chapter 411: To Resolve

    <h4>Chapter 411: To Resolve</h4>

    Qin Yining was the epitome of astonishment.

    She herself harbored some suspicions toward Ji Zeyu. She didn¡¯t know what the real rtionship between Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu was. However, it was impossible for one¡¯s hands to remain lily-white while at court. Other than that, she wasn¡¯t certain of how much of true brotherhood suffused the two brother¡¯s mutual usage and probing.

    Coldly aloof to begin with, Ji Zeyu wasn¡¯t the sort to easily express his thoughts. All had to be spected upon. The earlier attack upon the Great Yan convoy also served to prejudice Qin Yining against the prince consort, such as deeming him a violent, ruthless character.

    Therefore, the fact that he was here in person at the doorstep of her home to ask her these questions before the wedding staggered her greatly.

    Does he mean this, or is this another test?

    Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful eyes met Ji Zeyu¡¯s equally stunning, naturally flirtatious ones.

    She read only trustworthiness in them, and not the slightest sliver of guile.

    In that instant, she was almost certain that there was no grander scheme or trick up the prince consort¡¯s sleeve. There was just deep concern and care.

    Perhaps this is what¡¯s meant by friendship between men.

    If Bingtang or those by her side were to marry, she too would carefully select their matches. She¡¯d be deathly afraid of them meeting someone cruel and unscrupulous, or that they¡¯d lead unhappy lives.

    Ji Zeyu was likely worried that Pang Xiao wouldn¡¯t find happiness after the wedding?

    So it looks like even though the prince consort¡¯s used Pang Xiao before, their ties of brotherhood are real.

    For those who fostered goodwill toward Pang Xiao, so did she nurture goodwill toward them.

    With a smile, she withdrew her ill will and circumspection. ¡°Men and women are different. A man can have multiple wives and concubines, but a woman is faithful to her husband unto death. No matter how many old personal scores that are between us, my life was tied to His Highness the day the emperor bestowed this marriage.

    ¡°I live if he lives. I will not cling to this world if anything happens to him. This doesn¡¯t only have to do with the strands that previously connected our two families, but because we¡¯re one family now, and can only be one family.

    ¡°I am good to him and genuinely support each other throughout our days because I look to our future. Not just for him, and not just for me. My future is tied to his. Only when he is steady is when I too am steady. His future is my future.

    ¡°Prince Consort Ji is a smart man. I trust you understand what I mean after my words.¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t directly tell Ji Zeyu just how much love the two of them bore each other, and that the imperial edict yed right into their hands.

    Even if she trusted Ji Zeyu, she didn¡¯t know if the emperor¡¯s spies was eavesdropping on this conversation.

    But her meaning was very clear.

    She and Pang Xiao shared the same future, so how would she hurt him?

    Ji Zeyu stared at Qin Yining; a faint smile floated onto the surface of a face that was normally detached from outsiders. The smile was so indistinct that it was just the tiniest upturn of the lips.

    In fact, if one didn¡¯t take a close look, the smile would¡¯ve been entirely overlooked.

    ¡°I understand. I hope you remember what you¡¯ve said today.¡±

    In Qin Yining¡¯s ears, this was both a wish and a threat. However, she wasn¡¯t the slightest bit irritated. She knew that the prince consort was saying this out of concern for Pang Xiao.

    She nodded heavily. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Whitecloud sidled over as the two talked, using its head to nuzzle Qin Yining¡¯s cheek.

    Rather taken aback, Ji Zeyu cast aplicated nce at the horse and smoothed down its mane.

    ¡°This was his gift to you. It should be returned to you.¡± He made to give the reins to the girl.

    And yet, Qin Yining took a smile back with a smile and shake of her head. ¡°It¡¯s a good horse, and horses should have arge expanse ofnd to run freely over. Though I like it, I can only keep it in a paddock if it stays with me. Even if I give it the best food and care, it still won¡¯t be happy. In fact, I¡¯ll wear away at its nature. It¡¯s better that it stays with you.¡±

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s hands slowly tightened on the reins as his heart jumped violently, manyplex emotions shing through his mind.

    But when he met the girl¡¯s smiling face again, he let them all go.

    ¡°Perhaps Pang Zhixi is right, you¡¯re a good girl.¡±

    Having mentally prepared herself for a cold shoulder, the Qin fourth miss hadn¡¯t anticipated at all that this would be his rejoinder. She was very satisfied to gain the approval of Pang Xiao¡¯s good friend.

    ¡°Many thanks, you¡¯re also a good brother.¡±

    The prince consort blinked, then shook his head. ¡°A good brother?¡± he murmured to himself and then jumped adroitly onto Whitecloud.

    He shook the reins. ¡°I¡¯ll be off now.¡± His word had scarcely echoed in the air before he prodded the horse onwards.

    Qin Yining looked at his back, smiling a momentter and turning back home.

    ......

    Wedding preparations flew fast and furious. Due to the short deadline, both sides were in a bit of a frenzy. Thankfully, they were neither short on helping hands nor on friends who wanted to curry favor by helping.

    The tenth day of the fifth month arrived in a blink of an eye. Everything was in ordance.

    Pang Xiao roused the Elite Tigers early this morning. The eighteen handpicked soldiers were the youngest, most handsome, and most stunning of the lot.

    In actuality, the eighteen young men were quite proud of themselves that they¡¯d been picked for their looks. Their other brothers of the Elite Tigers were heavily jealous that the group could personally apany the prince to deliver the betrothal gifts.

    ¡°Dafu ah, don¡¯t you be in a hurry. Be polite to your inws, you hear me? Put away that fearsome aura of yours. You¡¯ve been in the battlefield and killed enemies, there¡¯s blood on your hands. A violent air hangs about you, so don¡¯t you let the inws think you¡¯re here to carry off the bride, you hear?¡± N¨¦e Ma nattered about as she straightened the cor of Pang Xiao¡¯s dusky-purple, python robe.

    ¡°I know, grandmother. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry? How can I not worry? Look at what you¡¯ve rustled up outside. Who knows if you¡¯re going to deliver betrothal gifts or going to pick a fight!¡± Irritation washed over n¨¦e Ma when she flung a nce outside the open, intricately carved window and glimpsed the eighteen uniformed men standing at stern attention.

    ¡°Do this well, I tell you! You¡¯re not allowed to mess it up! If you dare mess it up, I¡¯ll beat you to death with my shoe when youe back!¡±

    ¡°Mom, enough now. Let Dafu go already. Don¡¯t make him miss the auspicious hour. Didn¡¯t Dafu say he invited Prince Consort Ji? He should be here by now.¡± N¨¦e Yao took her mother¡¯s arm to rescue her son.

    Pang Xiao heaved a silent sigh of relief and tugged on his narrow sleeves. Laughing heartily, he turned and left withrge strides.

    Smoking his tobo pipe off to the side, Yao Chenggu walked over to the window and watched his grandson march off with a parade of eighteen prim and proper young gentlemen. He shook his head with a chuckle. ¡°This kid.¡±

    After leaving the inner residence, Pang Xiao was greeted with 210 litters of betrothal gifts in the main yard. Festooned with bright red, silk flowers, the servants transporting the litters were also ready.

    Ji Zeyu himself stood solemnly at the head of his manor¡¯s soldiers, d in a pale-gray robe with narrow sleeves.

 Chapter 412: Sparkling

    <h4>Chapter 412: Sparkling</h4>

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Pang Xiao walked to the prince consort with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s rare to see you in this color. I¡¯m used to seeing you in red or white.¡±

    Ji Zeyu replied expressionlessly, ¡°I was afraid of showing you up.¡±

    Pang Xiao coughed, then answered brightly, ¡°Ain¡¯t that the truth! Ah Lan was born with such beauty. Where would my dignity be if I looked like a toad or a muddy pig next to you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why.¡± The prince consort spread out his hands matter-of-factly.

    The bridegroom chuckled again.

    The soldiers at the prince consort manor were Valiant Tigers who¡¯d braved hell and high water with Pang Xiao. Though theirmander was different now, their worship and adoration of Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t changed one bit.

    Seeing their formermander look at them, they stood even taller.

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°I have to trouble all of my brothers today in making this trip with me.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Eighty eight manor soldiers chorused back with impressive ferocity, shaking the rafters with their roars. Somehow, their response painted the luxurious front yard of the Pangplex with a few touches of righteous bloodlust.

    It also made the eighteen Elite Tigers snap to even sharper attention.

    Following the disturbance, Yao Chenggu, n¨¦e Ma, and n¨¦e Yao were shellshocked by an imposing manner that seemed like the men were about to charge into the battlefield.

    After a long while, n¨¦e Ma whispered with a frown, ¡°Just what does he think he¡¯s doing?? This won¡¯t do, I need to lecture Dafu. He¡¯s going to scare the inws out of their wits like this.¡±

    ¡°Oh you, stop fretting.¡± Yao Chenggu pulled back his wife with a smile. ¡°The boy¡¯s not a baby anymore, he has his own ns. Don¡¯t go messing things up.¡±

    ¡°Can I not fret?? Who delivers betrothal gifts like this? With that bunch of hooligans, is he going to fetch the bride or raze her home?¡±

    ¡°Mom! Keep some of those words to yourself!¡± N¨¦e Yao shook her mother¡¯s arm, frowning from the inauspicious words.

    Realizing the inappropriateness of her words, the Pang matriarch quickly spat three times.

    By this point, Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu were already heading outside the manor on horseback. 210 litters of betrothal gifts followed them, with 106 sharply dressed, young soldiers bringing up the rear. The procession set out for the Qin manor in a vast and magnificent manner.

    N¨¦e Ma and n¨¦e Yao saw them out the door, sighing together with perfect, unexpected timing when the tail of the long convoy rounded the corner.

    Not only was n¨¦e Ma worried, but even n¨¦e Yao felt by now that it was a bit terrifying for her son to bring such arge crowd with him to deliver the gifts.

    ......

    Qin Yining was teaching Lian Xiaozhou her characters when Bingtang flower in from outside.

    ¡°Miss, miss, the prince¡¯s entourage ising!¡±

    ¡°Oh my, this early?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, and his entourage is exceptionally spectacr.¡± The maid doubled over fromughter.

    ¡°How is it spectacr?¡±

    If it hadn¡¯t been for her mothering by first thing this morning to tell her that she couldn¡¯t go out to take a peek, that a bride and groom couldn¡¯t meet before the wedding, she would¡¯ve dashed out the front door to take in her fill of the sights.

    Bingtang burst outughing all over again when she recalled how stunned the neighbors had looked just now. ¡°The prince and Prince Consort Ji have brought soldiers with them to deliver your gifts.

    ¡°In the lead is your phoenix cor and robes of rank. Sparkling rubies are embedded in the golden phoenix of the cor, and they¡¯re matched by the two litters of dazzling little golden fish right behind! Two more litters of red coral decorations follow it, and I didn¡¯t see what else came after. But I¡¯m sure they¡¯re all treasures, and there¡¯s 210 loads of them! The procession¡¯s entered our front gates, but the tail is still two streets out!¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled in spite of herself as she imagined how the scene might look. She naturally knew Pang Xiao¡¯s feelings for her, and she didn¡¯t care for material wealth at all. But her beloved being willing to go to such lengths to put on their wedding still moved her greatly.

    The Qin fourth miss was touched, but the old dowager and others were utterly blinded by the economical prudence of the gifts.

    Qin Huaiyuan calmly watched two handsome, noble young men approach on the backs of tall and sturdy horses. The other young men that followed behind them were all clearly handpicked elites. The minister could sense the depth of Pang Xiao¡¯s efforts, which made him very happy.

    Upon arriving, Pang Xiao jumped down from his horse and handed over the list of gifts with both hands.

    The Qin patriarch didn¡¯t even look at it, handing the list over to n¨¦e Sun instead. He smiled as he greeted Ji Zeyu. ¡°This old man is truly grateful beyond words that Prince Consort Ji is willing toe help.¡±

    Knowing that today was Pang Xiao fetching his bride, though Ji Zeyu didn¡¯t like Qin Huaiyuan, he still put on a courteous disy and returned the gesture politely. He even responded genteelly, a first for the prince consort.

    ¡°No need to stand on ceremony, Minister Qin. I am good friends with His Highness, so I naturally had toe help.¡±

    The friendly reply startled Qin Huaiyuan, but understanding dawned after he watched how the two young men interacted with each other.

    He turned back to instruct the Qin family servants to show good hospitality to the servants for the betrothal gifts and the fine soldiers apanying the retinue. Inviting Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu inside for tea, he also approved of the wedding on the morrow.

    The atmosphere within the house was very congenial.

    Back out in the yard, the variety of gifts utterly bedazzled the old dowager.

    ¡°Aiyo, aiyo, oh my heavens, what an enormous sum! All of our family valuablesbined weren¡¯t worth even one of the litters of golden fish, even back before we were robbed! This is just, simply too ceremonious, much too valuable! With this money, our family will have a proper footing!¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s hand shook as she grasped the list of gifts, but n¨¦e Sun was highly displeased by the show of avarice. She whispered, ¡°These gifts need to be transported back to the prince¡¯s manor tomorrow, along with daughter Yi¡¯s dowry. As rich as they are, we need to return them.¡±

    ¡°Return them?!¡± demanded the old dowager shrilly. ¡°Do we return them on your say-so? Are you the matriarch or am I?? I say no!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t fight with her mother-inw. ¡°I¡¯m marrying off my daughter, not selling her. We can¡¯t keep any of these betrothal gifts. If it was you, Old Dowager, would you want the inws to think that we¡¯re a greedy, grasping sort?¡±

    There was no possible response to that, save for the old dowager flushing crimson with anger.

    Within the house, Pang Xiao had finished discussing the particrs of tomorrow¡¯s wedding with Qin Huaiyuan.

    Since the Qin patriarch had already allowed the wedding, he was naturally the picture of cooperation. Everything was to be conducted based on convenience for Pang Xiao.

    When his future son-inw nervously brought up the tests at the door, Qin Huaiyuan could finally no longer refrain from smiling. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, daughter Yi¡¯s cousins all know the limits of appropriateness. I¡¯ll make sure of if.¡±

    Pang Xiao could finally breathe a long sigh of relief and nod smilingly. Though he would formally wee his bride across the threshold tomorrow, he still felt time was passing by much too slowly.

    The magnificent procession came, and the magnificent procession departed. Heaps of betrothal gifts filled the Qins¡¯ front and rear yards; when they ran out of space even there, they resorted to piling the presents outside and hiring guards to supervise them.

    Qin Yining¡¯s chance for a peek finally came around when Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu left. She too fell silent when she saw the two litters of golden fish beneath the covered hallway.

    Pang Xiao had shown the depths of his family wealth, hadn¡¯t he?

    Within the main house, the old dowager summoned her son and cut straight to the point. ¡°Meng¡¯er, our family¡¯s been scrimping and saving to get by the days. Look, there are two litters of golden fish here. Keeping one will mean the family has enough to eat for a very long time.¡±

 Chapter 413: Grand Wedding (1)

    <h4>Chapter 413: Grand Wedding (1)</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan stared into his mother¡¯s eyes; they sparkled like a child hoping for a piece of candy. He was actually momentarily at a loss for words. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down for a while before he found his voice. ¡°Mother, we can¡¯t possibly keep these betrothal gifts.¡±

    ¡°Why not?!¡± The old dowager shot to her feet, her shriek shrill and strident. ¡°Did that ill-omened n¨¦e Sun bend your ears about this? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re disobeying your mother now! We keep the gifts if I say so! Not only are we keeping the little golden fish, we¡¯re keeping much more!

    ¡°You have no idea how pricey kindling and rice are because you aren¡¯t in charge of the manor¡¯s day-to-day affairs! Can that paltry sum of a stipend sustain a family as big as ours? Ie from your youngest brother¡¯s trading business is still trickling here bit by bit. Have you any idea the loss his business has suffered?!

    ¡°So we¡¯re saying no to the gifts because your wife doesn¡¯t wish it! A donkey must¡¯ve kicked her in the head to cause this level of idiocy! Has your mind wandered off as well?!

    ¡°She ims she¡¯s worried about granddaughter Yi being slighted by her husband¡¯s family, oh, isn¡¯t that just the funniest! Granddaughter Yi was kidnapped by Faithful Prince of the First Rank before! Whatever¡¯s supposed to happen between the couple has already happened! If anything, her husband¡¯s family should already spurn her! Will they hold her in higher regard just because we return the gifts?¡± Minister Qin gazed at his mother quietly. His rhetorical reply didn¡¯te until quite a bitter.

    ¡°Mother, should that speech of yours be made by a grandmother on the eve of her granddaughter¡¯s wedding?¡±

    ¡°You... Meng¡¯er, what do you mean?¡± The old dowager stared at her son incredulously.

    ¡°Daughter Yi didn¡¯t lose the family silver. Why should we take her betrothal gifts to rpense for our lost fortune?¡±

    ¡°How do you call this a rpense? Since she is a Qin, all that she owns belongs to the Qins. She already has it made and is soon to be a princess consort! What¡¯s the big deal with sparing a small chunk of her fortune to tide the family over?¡± The prime minister shook his head.

    ¡°Mother, you¡¯re in the wrong with this scheming and cabaling. Daughter Yi doesn¡¯t owe us anything. Quite the contrary, it¡¯s I who¡¯s fallen short of my responsibility as a father. She¡¯s been a scapegoat to serve a greater good for the family and country.

    ¡°This match might be less than satisfactory, yet it was imperially decreed with due pomp and circumstance. As the daughter of a surrendered official of Great Yan, how do we expect her to have a steady footing in the prince¡¯s manor?

    ¡°And even if we aren¡¯t strong enough to be daughter Yi¡¯s backup, as her family, we should never pull her down! How do you expect her to live with dignity in the prince¡¯s manor if we embezzle these goods?

    ¡°Not to mention, there¡¯s something that mother has been kept in the dark about. Upon arriving in Great Zhou, how did I possibly have any silver on me? The residence our entire family lives in was purchased by daughter Yi with her private savings.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Obvious incredulity registered on the old dowager¡¯s face as she shook her head. ¡°Impossible!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so impossible about it? Do you not know daughter Yi¡¯s character? She knew Icked silver, so borrowed my name while covering all of the expenses. She kept everyone in the dark because she didn¡¯t want you, mother, and her uncles to feel ufortable while living here. Daughter Yi is a filial child, and it wasn¡¯t she who lost the family property. Why can¡¯t you show morepassion towards her?¡±

    The old dowager remained where she was, her lips pursed tight. She took in the earnest look on her eldest son¡¯s face, feeling her standing in the family trembling precariously. Meng¡¯er had always been her most filial son, and now even he was disobeying her. What else could she say about the matter?

    ¡°Never mind then. Had I intended to spend the silver on my own wants and needs when I proposed keeping it? It was this family¡¯s interest I had in mind! If you say no to the gifts, then no it is.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°It¡¯s wonderful that mother can think this through. Daughter Yi is my only offspring, and I want to do right by her as much as possible. I hope mother understands.¡±

    ¡°I understand, I do. Things are the way they are now, what else can we understand?¡±

    Seeing that the old dowager was in a sour mood still, Qin Huaiyuan lowered his voice to soothe her with pleasant words.

    Qin Yining was blissfully unaware of these happenings.

    She went to bed early after washing up, to be roused by n¨¦e Sun the following morning.

    ¡°My daughter, hurry and get up now for hair and makeup. The hour has grownte.¡± N¨¦e Sun had on a festive red garment, her face ruddy and glowing with joy.

    Qin Yining rubbed her eyes. ¡°Mother, I thought escorting the bride is toe at night. What am I doing being up so early?¡±

    ¡°Silly girl! Is there any bride who sleeps in untilte morning on her wedding day? We have a lot of ground to cover. The madame of all-embracing fortune would be here for your bridal makeup soon if you don¡¯t get up now.¡±

    Qin Yining obeyed her mother¡¯smand with resignation and rose to wash up. She stuffed a snack into her mouth and called it breakfast before being hustled to the trousseau.

    Mother and daughter locked eyes in the mirror and smiled at each other.

    N¨¦e Sun pinched Qin Yining¡¯s cheek and heaved a sigh. ¡°Time does fly. Daughter Yi has only returned for a few days before you are to marry! I haven¡¯t coddled you as much as I want to.¡±

    The madame¡¯s eyes welled up as she spoke. Qin Yining hurried to her feet and hugged her mother infort. ¡°Don¡¯t ever be sad, mother, and don¡¯t worry. The prince will treat me well. His manor is in the capital and we can easily meet in the future.¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m not sad. I¡¯m just overjoyed.¡± N¨¦e Sun sniffled, then smiled at the circle of servant girls in the house. ¡°You have all been through thick and thin with my daughter, and I trust you the most. Make sure you tend to her needs well and watch out for her after she makes the Pang Manor her home.¡±

    ¡°Yes, madame, we will see to it.¡± Bingtang and her group curtsied in response.

    ¡°Elder sister-inw, the madame of all-embracing fortune is here.¡± The second madame¡¯s voice sounded outside the door before she was off to greet the new guest.

    The candidate filling this respectable position had determined by Pang Xiao and Qin Huaiyan first, with the invitation summarily delivered by the prince.

    The invitation was extended to n¨¦e Miao, wife to the Marquis of Commanding the Troops [1] and elder madame of the Sus. This madame was noted for family harmony, conjugal bliss, a daughter and son in good health, and a household of children and grandchildren. She was indeed a veritable madame of all-epassing good fortune.

    N¨¦e Sun hurried to the door to join her second sister-inw in ushering Madame Miao through the door. Although already in her early sixties, Madame Miao still boasted a full head of shiny, sleek dark hair; her figure hadn¡¯t at all been ravaged by age.

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes glided to meet those of Madame Miao¡¯s in the mirror. The visitor proimed in praise, ¡°What a fine girl!¡±

    Madame Miao fetched a cotton thread and dabbed it with powder to begin facial threading on Qin Yining. She recited poems of auspicity as she went about her ministrations. She also trimmed a few of the bride¡¯s errant hairs around the temples, then picked up a rhino hornb to style Qin Yining¡¯s hair.

    Well-wishes had to be recited as the bride¡¯s hair was being tended to. Madame Miao muttered messages of auspiciousness as her hands worked. ¡°May the first stroke bless your marriage with conjugal love, so shall the second stroke impart blessings of an abundance of children, grandchildren and wealth...¡±

    Sitting wordlessly, Qin Yining stared at her reflection in the mirror as she followed Madame Miao¡¯s movement. She found it hard toe to terms with the fact that the day was actually her big day.

    Time indeed flew in shes. It seemed not so long ago when she was worried about her future with Pang Xiao, but now all those concerns were resolved.

    What had she done to deserve a family that loved her so, and a husband who treated her with the sincerest of affection?

    Perhaps the hardships she had suffered in her first dozen years of life were intended as a depository for all her good fortune, to be withdrawn for use on this day?

    ¡°Miss, this phoenix cor is the most exquisite I¡¯ve everid my eyes on!¡± N¨¦e Miao ced a triple-pheasant cor on Qin Yining¡¯s head, and neatened the tassels of ruby beads that veiled the face. [2]

    Qin Yining gave a quick smile in reply. She¡¯d been showered with gold and gemstones. Would Pang Xiao squander all of his fortune on this wedding?

    1. Yeah this is wonky. There¡¯s no 1:1 match with an ancient Chinese title, so I cobbled it together from several others

    2. The description suddenly mentions pheasant here, which does make sense as the phoenix would be reserved for the empress. In ancient China, the long-tailed pheasant was drawn with a strong resemnce to the phoenix, and it was a high-level pattern second only to the phoenix.

 Chapter 414: Grand Wedding (II)

    <h4>Chapter 414: Grand Wedding (II)</h4>

    Seeing Qin Yining remain silent and some hints of shyness appear at the edges of those exquisite brows, the older women off to the side chuckled softly.

    The second madame smiled. ¡°That¡¯s just the phoenix cor! Those of us who went to the prince¡¯s manor to set up the room yesterday¡ªoh my my! I¡¯ve had my share of wealth and riches and seem some of the world, but apart from the pce, I¡¯ve never seen a more magnificentplex than the prince¡¯s!¡±

    ¡°The prince is truly diligent towards our miss. We can see it with how the manor has been decorated. Each flower and de of grass, every bit of silver and gold, and the exact setup of each decoration all brim with exquisite elegance. It¡¯s obvious to see how much the prince and the grand-madame of their household likes our miss.¡±

    ording to custom, family of the bride were to decorate the newlyweds¡¯ room the day the betrothal gifts were delivered.

    It¡¯d been the second madame apanying n¨¦e Sun yesterday. Though n¨¦e Sun still wasn¡¯t that satisfied with the match, her heart could more or less return to its proper ce after meeting the inws. Hearing her sister-inw say this now further soothed some of her uneasiness and worries.

    Thinking of how gentle the grandmother-inw and mother-inw in the family that her daughter was about to marry into, Qin Yining wouldn¡¯t suffer too much even if the prince¡¯s temper was a bit on the poor side, right?

    The Qin fourth miss noted her mother¡¯s expression in the mirror and met her second aunt¡¯s eyes, shing a grateful smile.

    Her aunt returned a sincere half-smile.

    They were family, after all, and had weathered much hardship and trial. Of the Qin girls now, there was only eighth miss Qin Baoning of the third branch left. Qin Huining was a petty, grasping thing that would never warm up to them. That one, the second madame stayed far away from.

    She didn¡¯t possess enough good fortune to be a mother-inw, so she could only hope for the two Qin daughters to marry well.

    The nobility and authority of Qin Yining¡¯s husband would only help the family, and it would enable Qin Baoning to select a good husband in the future.

    ¡°Fourth sister.¡± The pearl curtain lifted to admit the eighth miss and the second wife.

    Qin Yining¡¯s hairdo wasplete at this time and the phoenix cor ced on the dressing table. Her head was tilted back so that the madame of all-embracing fortune could apply lip makeup. An under robe of pure white draped over her body while the scarlet marital robes, threaded with gold and silver,id spread out on a nearby rack. It was ced directly behind her, bedazzling in its vividness.

    The eighth miss breathed an exmation of surprise and happily walked up. ¡°You¡¯re so pretty today, fourth sister!¡±

    Qin Huining also walked up and bent her knee with a low head. She murmured, ¡°Congrattions.¡±

    Madame Miao stilled her movements.

    Qin Yining smiled in response. ¡°My thanks to both of you.¡± She turned to the second wife. ¡°Second cousin-inw, you¡¯re here too. Please, grab a seat.¡±

    The woman responded with an easy smile.

    A jovial atmosphere permeated the atmosphere, wrapping around a houseful of happy chatter andughter. Only the old dowager remained solidly in her room, puffing on her tobo pipe. She wasn¡¯t tempted by the merry dialogue at all.

    Qin Yining disappeared behind the divider after finishing her makeup. Jiyun and the others helped her properly put on her wedding robes.

    On the bright-red brocade, gold thread picked out flowers representing good fortune and wealth. For the round cor, faint, silvery hue of multi-colored embroidery traced prosperity brought about by dragons and phoenixes. It was fastened by two dainty ruby buttons. The expertly cut loose-robe highlighted the girl¡¯s fine figure. Hitting beneath the knee, the eight-panel skirt also sported delicate patterns of well-wishes outlined with red thread.

    Taking a spin out of the divider, the girl lowered her head for Madame Liao to ce the phoenix cor. The ruby beads dangling from the pheasant¡¯s mouth swung slightly behind Qin Yining¡¯s head and cheeks. She deemed a nuisance the tassels meant for covering one¡¯s face, so they were temporarily pinned up against the two sides of the cor.

    Silence reigned in the room.

    Qin Yining blinked before tugging at the fabric on her with a smile. ¡°Mother, why do I feel like this robe is a bit tight?¡±

    That broke the thick stillness. The senior madame quickly walked up and grasped her daughter¡¯s hands, pulling her left and right for a good look. ¡°No, not at all. This is perfect. It¡¯s not too tight at all.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Qin Yining looked down at herself with a smile. ¡°Mother is always right.¡± She grasped the older woman¡¯s hands tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous mother, the days toe will only get better.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s eyes immediately reddened, but she held back tears with force of will. Inhaling loudly, she replied, ¡°Yes, yes. My daughter will love and respect each other and grow old together. My daughter, I really can¡¯t bear to let you go. You haven¡¯t experienced a single day of good fortune by my side, and I wasn¡¯t good to you after your return. I haven¡¯t even had time to properlypensate you, but here you are getting married...¡±

    The senior madame¡¯s tears trickled down like a broken string of pearls at this point.

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes grew hot and she shed tears as well. ¡°Mother, it¡¯s not your fault. The days ahead are long, and we have plenty of time to spend with each other.¡±

    Choked up, her mother bobbed her head.

    The second madame dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and walked up to take n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm. ¡°Sister-inw, don¡¯t make niece Yi cry. You¡¯re supposed to cry when marrying, but the marchioness only just finished nice Yi¡¯s makeup.¡±

    Madame Miao chuckled. ¡°This miss looks like a fairy and ispletely entrancing even when she cries. I couldn¡¯t even look away.¡±

    The beautiful remark sent the womenfolk tittering.

    Afterpleting her outfit, Qin Yining took a seat on the bed. The phoenix cor was relegated to the dressing table due to its weight.

    N¨¦e Sun and the second madame invited Madame Miao elsewhere and tended to the rest of the guests. There was only the eighth miss and Qin Huining left in the room.

    On guard against the foster girl stirring up trouble on this day, Bingtang, Qiulu, Jiyun, and Xianyun found various ces within the room to work on their embroidery.

    The eighth miss stuck to Qin Yining¡¯s side in apaniment. Though much had happened to the family, the eighth miss was as pure and sincere as before.

    Seeing the two get along fabulously, Qin Huining found no opening for her to join the conversation. The fourth miss¡¯ status now was far beyond her¡¯s and in fact, there was no way topare the two. Qin Huining decided to just not do anything at all, in case someone imed that she was currying favor and fawning over her superiors.

    The respite was just as well; Qin Yining turned all of her attention to recounting some interesting matters for the eighth miss.

    ¡°Once I leave, you cane find me if anything happens at home,¡± reminded the girl. ¡°If there are any conflicts, try to mediate some of it. My mother has an impatient temper, and there will be no one to calm her down when I¡¯m not present. Take care of her for me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, fourth sister.¡± The eighth miss took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and promised. ¡°Senior aunt has always been good to me, so I would¡¯ve done so even if you hadn¡¯t said anything.¡±

    Qin Yining rxed slightly upon hearing this.

    Afraid that her daughter would want to relieve herself when riding the carriage, [1] n¨¦e Sun only allowed Qin Yining one bowl of porridge for lunch. Her makeup and outfit was adjusted again after a nap, and the auspicious hour arrived with the darkening of the skies.

    Noticeably nervous, n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hands were mmy with sweat when she took her daughter¡¯s hands. Dismissing the maids, she sat on the edge of the bed and whispered to her daughter, giving many reminders of what it was to be a wife.

    Seeing how red her daughter¡¯s face was, she was too embarrassed herself to speak much more. She summed up her advice with a single line, ¡°Just listen to His Highness.¡±

    1. The phrase used here is ¡®to poop¡¯, but I¡¯m not sure we need to get that explicit here lol.

 Chapter 415: Grand Wedding (III)

    <h4>Chapter 415: Grand Wedding (III)</h4>

    Didn¡¯t that mean to let Pang Xiao do whatever he wanted?

    At this moment, the joyous sounds of gongs nging and drums beating came from outside the door, immediately followed by the pops and bangs of fireworks.

    Bingtang ran in and stopped at the door. ¡°Madame, the prince¡¯s escort procession has arrived at the front doors. First Master Yu and Second Master Han are blocking him at the entrance. But this maid circled from the back to sneak a peek at the street¡ªHis Highness¡¯ procession is really too magnificent! A whole slew of elite soldiers are riding a ton of tall and strong horses!!¡±

    The girl had patently been awed by the awe-inspiring procession. Her cheeks flushed red with excitement and she jabbered at a fast pace.

    The report stunned n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Bringing soldiers to escort the bride? He¡¯s simply too brutish. Is he here to fetch the bride or carry her off?¡±

    The madame even suspected that if Qin Yu and Qin Han¡¯s questions at the door were too difficult, Pang Xiao would just charge straight into the manor with his men.

    Although the prince had shown Qin Yining such level of care before, and the madame had personally witnessed how he had courted her daughter back in Great Yan, he¡¯d still acted frivolously towards the fourth miss.

    When it came down to things, this was aplicated mess that no clear lines could be delineated in.

    But since the emperor had bestowed marriage, no one had the right to decline.

    As n¨¦e Sun sat in a fog of worries, Bingtang ran out again to peek at the festivities.

    Madame Miao and Jiyun helped Qin Yining up, tided her marital robes, and prepared the precious vase to be held within the carriage. They also readied the auspicious veil of dragons and phoenixes that was to cover her head.

    Qin Yiningpressed her carmine-red lips and rubbed her hands clear of sweat on sleeves that she was gripping. Now that it was finally time for her wedding, she was still nervous.

    N¨¦e Sun carefully ced the golden phoenix hairpin in the bride¡¯s hair and stabilized the phoenix cor. She took her daughter¡¯s hand and looked carefully at the girl before she nodded. ¡°Good, good. Nothing¡¯s been overlooked. My daughter, I¡¯ll head out now. They¡¯ll help you to the old dowager¡¯s house in a moment for you to make your farewell kowtow.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    N¨¦e Sun turned and headed for the door, using her sleeve to wipe away the tears leaking out the corner of her eyes.

    ¡°Miss, miss!¡± Bingtang flew in again with a smile. ¡°The prince is too amazing! He answered the questions that the young masters asked and passed their test. They opened the door, and the prince awarded all the servants a silver ingot worth one tael!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart pounded at thetest update. Seen through the swaying tassels, all of the items in the room shone with a surreal glow.

    The sound of firecrackers approached at this time, and the music to fetch the bride picked up pace.

    A bridesmaid called from outside the door, ¡°We wee the bride to bid farewell to her parents!¡±

    ¡°Miss Qin.¡± Madame Miao took the bride¡¯s hand to help her up and adjusted the hem of her skirt. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we should head to the main house now.¡±

    The two trod on red carpetid out beneath the covered hallway as they left Qin Yining¡¯s room. A quick turn brought them to the old dowager¡¯s house.

    Many people stood inside, and the old dowager upied the head seat. Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun nked the Qin matriarch, and her second aunt and uncle, third uncle and others stood off to the side. Around them stood the womenfolk of the guests.

    When Qin Yining¡¯s figured appeared at the door, a hush fell over the scene.

    Dots ofntern light formed a background against the backdrop of the night sky. She outshone the multi-hued d womenfolk in the premises.

    As she slowly made her way in, her swaying skirt hem red as if a red lotus. The dangling gems of the golden phoenix hairpin trembled slightly, like it was ready to take flight. Tassels of ruby beads sparkled brilliantly from the radiance of the candlelight.

    However, such opulence did nothing to hide her looks. Hardly robbed of the spotlight because of the precious gems, the jewels only further enhanced her appearance and nobility.

    As everyone¡¯s attention was on the bride, Qin Yining had already glimpsed a dashing and perfectly handsome dressed in a scarlet python robe.

    A small crown of pure gold set in his wlessly upset hair, a pair of normally sharp and cutting phoenix-eyes were ced within his energetic brows. Today, the eyes brimmed with tenderness and held a smile within. The thin lips beneath his tall nose bridge was faintly upturned. The smile clinging to them wasn¡¯t over-the-top, but still imparted his good mood.

    The scarlet robes depicted him as a sharp sword drawn from a scabbard.

    But the crowd could sense that in the moment he saw Qin Yining, the edge of this veritable ferocious war god immediately dulled.

    Bride and groom¡¯s eyes met, and they smiled faintly at each other.

    Qin Yining lifted her hem and knelt upon the sateen cushion that Qin-mamaid out for her. She kowtowed first to the old dowager, then looked to Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun. ¡°Father, mother, this unfilial daughter bids you farewell.¡±

    The Qin patriarch was in a rare purple robe. Having paid close attention to his looks today, he looked five years younger and ever more handsome, as if an immortal from the heavens.

    Love flowed from his eyes when he looked as his daughter, and he responded gently, ¡°My daughter, you will be a wife of the Pang household when you leave our doors today. You must be filial to your elders and be good-naturedly biddable. You must serve your husband well and be a kind wife. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Your daughter understands.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ording to custom, the bride¡¯s brothers would carry her on their backs to the carriage after the father delivered his lecture. However, he rose and personally helped Qin Yining up. ¡°Remember, although you are a wife of the Pangs, you are still a daughter of the Qins. You are the only apple of my eye. No matter what happens, remember that I, Qin Meng, and the Qins are your strongest support.¡±

    Qin Yining lifted her head incredulously, unable to express the stunned state of her heart.

    N¨¦e Sun¡¯s tears fell wordlessly when she heard this, but she too rose and nodded emphatically.

    ¡°Father...¡± Qin Yining found her voice hoarse and hastily cleared it. ¡°Your daughter understands.¡±

    The guests that¡¯d been invited to witness the ceremony were speechless. Was this lecturing his daughter or provoking the Faithful Prince of the First Rank?

    With unspoken ord, the crowd shifted to look at Pang Xiao¡¯s face, only to be met with a smile on the handsome countenance.

    They allmended the prince for being a loyal subject and being able to adjust to any situation.

    ¡°As your daughter cannot fulfill my filial duties in front of mother and father, and cannot enjoy the old dowager¡¯spany in the future, I pray that my elders take care of their health well,¡± reminded Qin Yining solemnly.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down as he nodded silently.

    In this scene, even the sulking old dowager wiped tears away from her eyes. ¡°Granddaughter, live well your married life with your husband. That will be the greatest disy of filial piety to your grandmother.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a faint smile. ¡°Understood, your granddaughter willmit this to heart.¡±

    ¡°The auspicious hour has arrived!¡±

    The bridesmaid¡¯s charged voice sounded from outside, a cue for the music to begin anew and firecrackers to be set off.

    Pang Xiao bowed and exited first. When he passed by Qin Yining and noted the tears glistening in her eyes, his heart tightened painfully. I must apany my darling back home often. She left home when young and didn¡¯t get to enjoy many days of familial warmth before marrying off. No wonder she¡¯s sad.

 Chapter 416: Ten Miles of Beauty

    <h4>Chapter 416: Ten Miles of Beauty</h4>

    Madame Miao took the scarlet veil covering and enshrouded Qin Yining¡¯s head with it.Qin Yu was already standing at attention by the door, his back facing the room. ¡°Fourth sister,e, this elder brother will carry you.¡±

    The Qin fourth miss ced her hand into that of Madame Miao and the bridesmaid¡¯s for support. She stepped over the door threshold and climbed onto Qin Yu¡¯s back.

    Qin Yu steadily carried his sister down the steps, treading the red carpet to head to the outer residence.

    The bride heard her brother¡¯s loving reminders amid the racket of the wedding music.

    ¡°Fear nothing if they bully you at the prince¡¯s manor. The prince may be a high-ranking official and powerful, but the Qins are no easy pickings either. Three stooges can outwit Zhuge Liang, not to mention the fact that we have a capable and shrewd senior uncle on our side. Don¡¯t ever suffer silently and allow yourself to be pushed around. Keep your family in the know if need be. We¡¯ll settle the score for you.¡±

    Qin Yining felt as if her heart was soaking in a luxurious hot spring bath in the coldest of winter months.

    The Qin family had been bludgeoned by harsh realities and a myriad of afflictions. Indeed, some in the family nursed their own petty schemes. Yet overall, the family wasn¡¯tcking in warmth. Its members were also nice to her.

    ¡°My thanks, big brother. I¡¯ll keep that in mind. You have to take good care of yourself too. I¡¯lle home as often as I¡¯m able to. Please keep me in the loop about anything that happens. You coulde and tell me even if my father doesn¡¯t..¡±

    ¡°Ai, rest assured, sister. I¡¯lle to you for sure if there¡¯s a need to. I was a little concerned at first, but the way the prince looks at you grants me peace of mind.¡±

    The pair made it to the bridal sedan as they conversed.

    nking the bride on right and left, the bridesmaid and madame of all-epassing fortune supported Qin Yining onto the bridal sedan, then handed a precious vase to her. ¡°Hold this carefully, miss. Don¡¯t drop it at any cost.¡±

    Qin Yining assented, and the sedan curtain closed.

    Her scope of vision was overwhelmed by a sea of bright red. Though curious about what was transpiring outside, she wasn¡¯t allowed to raise the curtain for a look.

    Bingtang, Qiulu, Xianyun, Jiyun, and Xiaozhou followed on both sides of the sedan. They were all part of Qin Yining¡¯s dowry gifts and would follow their mistress to the prince¡¯s manor. Holding Xiaozhou¡¯s hands in hers, Bingtang gawked at the spectacle around her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

    ¡°Miss, it¡¯s not peanuts nor jujubes that the prince is showering the spectators with, it¡¯s copper coins! Showers and showers of copper coins! Listen to the cheers of the people! They¡¯ve all had their fill and are congratting His Highness!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, miss!¡± Jiyun looked over her shoulder and gaped at a sight some distance afar.

    bbergasted, she proimed, ¡°Our sedan is trailed by a parade of musicians, then tracked by a procession of dowry bearers! Miss, milord has prepared 120 litters of dowry, that¡¯s in addition to 210 litters of betrothal gifts from His Highness! That¡¯s 390 total! The lord¡¯s hired elite troops to deliver the dowry. A pair of two carries a litter, and the carriers have formed a long tail behind us in a wash of red! We¡¯ve taken two turns, and I reckon that the dowry carriers in the very back are still stuck in the manor!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Prince Consort Ji?¡± Xianyun craned her neck and dered with surprise. ¡°Miss, the prince consort¡¯s in the lead of the Valiant Tigers, escorting us in a convoy!¡±......

    The bride, in the bridal sedan with eight bearers, listened to the surprised and overjoyed chatter of the maids. She felt just a tiny bit sorry that she was to miss out on the spectacle and fanfare. The bittersweetness of bidding farewell to her parents and the sense at being uprooted from her past washed away, thanks to the cheery atmosphere. Whaty before her was a different identity and new life. She was to be Pang Xiao¡¯s princess consort, and he her husband. They would support each other and share in their joys and troubles. They¡¯d be by each other¡¯s side until they were old and gray.

    Her mood lifted, Qin Yining chuckled with delight. She was again convinced that the ordeals she suffered in her decade of life were just a trade-off for future happiness.

    If time turned back to when she was seven, she¡¯d never anticipate that the ¡®Brother Beauty¡¯ who helped her in that time of need would also be her future husband.

    The citizens of the capital hadn¡¯t witnessed a pageantry with this much pomp in a long while; the wedding of the eldest princessst year paled inparison.

    The dapper bridegroom radiated high spirits atop his gant steed. A procession of dowry carriers trailed behind the bridal pnquin with eight carriers. Troops and horses in the cavalcade escorting the paraders and the strikingly handsome general at their head pinnacled in an idiomatic expression: ten miles of beauty.

    The wedding music picked up again in mirth when the prince¡¯s manor was almost within reach. Firecrackers by the prince¡¯s manor popped deafeningly in session. The bridal procession halted, and Pang Xiao dismounted with a flourish. He epted a bow and arrow, and casually drew back on the bowstring to release three arrows at the sedan¡¯s upper frame.

    The three arrows neatly embedded themselves in a row and at the same angle, eliciting excited hurrahs from the guests. The Valiant Tigers and Elite Tigers in particr cheered boisterously, having personally witnessed their idol, their god of war, in such a valorous and sprightly bearing.

    The carriers lowered the sedan and kept it steady as Qin Yining alighted with the bridesmaid¡¯s support. She stepped over a lit stove to cross the threshold, handed the vase to the bridesmaid, and epted one end of a red silk cord. She could see therge silk flower in the center of the cord, the hem of the groom¡¯s scarlet python robe, and his tall, official¡¯s boots.

    It was her husband on the other end of the cord, the one who¡¯d usher her into every aspect of his life.

    The bride entered the front gate of the prince¡¯s manor and walked the length of the red carpet to the front hall amid the loud cheer. Loud pops and ps of firecrackers came to an end, seamlessly followed by the whistles of fireworks rocketing into the skies, and the continued, thunderous boom of fireworks blossoming in the heavens.

    The glorious celestial radiance illuminated their brocade outfits and the courtyard of the prince¡¯s manor.

    The procession of people arrived in the great hall. Grand-Lord Yao Chenggu, Grand-Madame n¨¦e Ma, and Old Madame n¨¦e Yao had taken up head seats as dictated by their standings in the family. The front hall was so jam-packed with guests that not a trickle of water could drip through.

    The master of ceremonies cried out shrilly, ¡°The first bow to heaven and earth!¡± The bridesmaid supported the bride in making a turn and taking a bow.

    ¡°The second bow to...¡±

    ¡°Announcing His Majesty!¡±The master of ceremonies had yet to finish his second prompt when a eunuch¡¯s shrill pronouncement drowned out his voice.

    rmed, the masses looked out to spot a golden figure d stride right in, surrounded by numerous guards. ¡°Evesting health and fortune to Your Majesty!¡± The guests greeted the arrival of the imperial majesty with bows, curtsies and salutations in unison.

    The groom and the bride also greeted the emperor.

    Li Qitian had already made his way to the couple. He wrapped an arm around Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder with a smile. ¡°Good brother, you¡¯re looking fine today! We are tardy, but not toote, We hope?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, how did you leave the pce, what about your safety...¡±

    ¡°Ai, not to worry at all. It is Our sworn brother¡¯s big day. As an elder brother, how could We not put in an appearance and join the feast?¡±

    The emperor smiled as he eyed Yao Chenggu, n¨¦e Ma and n¨¦e Yao. He paused briefly at the absence of the groom¡¯s birth mother, but his expression gave nothing away.

    Yao Chenggu hurried to his feet and guided his wife and daughter to greet their liege.

    But how would Li Qitian ept the courtesies? He raised the three back to their feet and took the main seat at their behest.The emperor smiled. ¡°Well then, do go on. Don¡¯t miss the auspicious hour on ount of Us.¡±

    The master of ceremonies had gone tongue-tied at the sight of the emperor; head eunuch Li Guanwen was quick-witted enough to save the day. ¡°The second bow to father and mother!¡± Qin Yining turned around with her groom and bowed to his parents.

    ¡°Husband and wife bow to each other!¡± Supported by the bridesmaid, the Qin fourth miss made another turn and another bow.

    ¡°See the newlyweds off to the nuptial chambers! The ceremony is thus concluded!¡±

    No sooner had Li Guanwen¡¯s deration sounded than firecrackers outside the manor picked up in intensity.

    Tugged along by the red silk cord, Qin Yining headed to the back of the manor and soon arrived at the nuptial chambers.

 Chapter 417: Wedding Night (I)

    <h4>Chapter 417: Wedding Night (I)</h4>

    Her vision blocked by the head covering, Qin Yining could only look down at her feet. She was supported to the edge of the bed frame and immediately felt the nkets next to her sink down. A strong person with an extremely pronounced sense of presence sat down next to her. Shifting her eyes over, she could see the scarlet robes and long legs that belonged to Pang Xiao.

    The madame of all-epassing fortune approached with a smile and ced Qin Yining¡¯s skirt hem on Pang Xiao¡¯s robes. She then reached for a tray that had a wedding steelyard lying on it, a brilliant red true love¡¯s knot tied on the instrument.

    ¡°Will the groom lift the head covering so that the newlyweds will be happily ever after?¡±

    Pang Xiaopressed his lips, his handsome featurespletely expressionless. Only he himself knew that his hands, ones that had taken the heads of many an enemy and never hesitated, shook when holding the steelyard!

    He looked at the fragile figure next to him. With slightly trembling hands, he lifted the red covering of dragons and phoenixes. Pang Xiao handed it over to the madame, along with the steelyard.

    Basking in the warm glow of the brightly litnterns that suffused the room, Qin Yining kept her eyes trailed down. Even so, thevish gold jewelry didn¡¯t subtract one iota from her stunning looks.

    A hushed silence fell over the room. Pang Xiao¡¯s limber arms reached forward to sweep away the tassels dangling from the front of the phoenix cor, pinning them on the two golden pheasants on both sides.

    In an exquisitely chiseled face sat limpid windows to the soul, ornamented by a pert nose and luscious lips; the bride truly outshone anything and everything present.

    The guests present to kick up a fuss at the nuptial chambers held their breaths, taking a long moment to recover themselves.

    The madame of all-epassing fortune sang out the-casting poem. [1]

    With every word she recited, children of the guests scattered jujubes, peanuts, longan, and lotus seeds on the newlyweds and the bridal bed behind them. The rest of the guests agitated rowdily, calling out well wishes for bearing children as soon as possible, growing old together, and others.

    After casting away the , the madame brought over another tray with two small, pure gold wine cups on it.

    ¡°Will the bride and groom partake in the nuptial wine cups, so that you will live happily and harmoniously until the end of time!¡±

    Qin Yining lifted a hand to take a cup, moving away from Pang Xiao¡¯s hand when they touched. She looked at her husband. The prince happened to be looking her way as well, having taken his cup.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s burning gaze threatened to melt his dainty bride within. Qin Yining hastily averted her eyes with some embarrassment.

    Delight and fondness flooded the prince¡¯s hear to see her thus. He reached out and encircled her arm with his.

    Their faces drew increasingly closer to each other until they finally drained their cups over the shoulder by each other¡¯s cheeks.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± The crowd cheered.

    Qin Yining put down the wine cup and looked down. The madame brought over a te of dumplings and passed over a pair of ivory chopsticks to Qin Yining.

    This part of the ceremony surprised the girl, but she docilely took the chopsticks and picked one up for a bite.

    The dumplings seemed to have only been briefly dipped in hot water. It was still raw inside; there was also a pocket of sweet filling yet to melt.

    The Qin fourth miss frowned. ¡°It¡¯s raw, and there¡¯s a sweet surprise inside.¡±

    She looked up to meet Pang Xiao¡¯s merry eyes.

    The madame of all-epassing fortuneughed heartily. ¡°Did you all hear that? The princess consort said it herself, there will be a sweet surprise waiting in store!¡±

    The womenfolk inside the houseughed gaily and took up the banter, ¡°We all heard it! Sweet surprises in store? Your Highness, you have to hurry and bear a son for the prince!¡±

    At a loss for words, Qin Yining spat out the raw dumpling skin and lowered her hotly blushing face. There seemed to be some sugar still sticking to her lips, as they tasted sweet when she licked them.

    ¡°The ceremony isplete! Everyone, head on out for food and drink!¡± The madame ushered the crowd out, quickly leaving only Pang Xiao and Qin Yining in the bridal suite.

    The two sat side-by-side on the formal bed. Not too far from them, on an eight-sided table with a scarlet tablecloth, a red candle suddenly red with bright intensity and audibly popped with light.

    Pang Xiao cleared his throat and said huskily, ¡°My mom says that it¡¯s auspicious if the wedding candles pop.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Her head still down, Qin Yining didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°Um, eh, is your uh, phoenix cor heavy? Why don¡¯t I take it off for you?¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Qin Yining looked at him with a smile. ¡°My mother woke me up early this morning to wash up, change, and put on makeup. The wedding was set for night, but everything was ready by noon. The cor is made out of solid gold, so my neck was about to snap.¡±

    Pang Xiao rose and, in conjunction with Qin Yining¡¯s movements, first took off the hairpins that kept the cor in ce. He then carefully lifted the headpiece with both hands, immensely afraid of tugging her hair and hurting her.

    Relieved of a kilogram or two of gold and gems, Qin Yining cracked her neck and rubbed it for relief. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to stand it if I had to wear this everyday. I didn¡¯t dare lower my head with something so heavy on it.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled and sat next to her, giving her a neck and shoulder massage. The silky and tender sensation beneath his fingertips gave rise to ripples of emotion in his heart. He coughed and quickly retracted his hands.

    ¡°My darling. I, uh, I¡¯m going to toast the guests.¡±

    Looking at his expression, Qin Yining could tell what he¡¯d been thinking of just now. She nodded with crimson cheeks. ¡°Go on then, it would be rude to bete.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Oh yes, I had servants prepare food for you. I¡¯ll have them bring it in in a moment. Take off your makeup first and rest, don¡¯t wait for me. Who knows what hour this group will carry on to?¡±

    The girl nodded again.

    Gazing into her soft features, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help but caress her cheek. ¡°I¡¯m off then.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare meet his eyes; she looked down through her longshes and nodded in lieu of a response. However, this was even more effective in setting the prince¡¯s heart on fire.

    He stumbled and tripped his way out of the bridal suite.

    If he stayed a second longer, he might not be able to control himself and wouldn¡¯t make it out to toss the guests!

    Qin Yining heaved a sigh of relief with the departure of her new husband. The hunger in his eyes just a moment ago looked like he wanted to immediately pounce on her. When she thought of her mother reminding her to ¡°let him do whatever he wants¡±, the girl¡¯s ears burned fiercely. She pped her hands over her cheeks to slightly cool them down.

    At this moment, a soft knock sounded at the door. It creaked as it opened to admit Bingtang, Jiyun, Xianyun, and Qiulu. The maids walked in carrying meal boxes.

    Bingtang smiled with her entrance. ¡°The prince just gave orders to not let Your Highness tire yourself or go hungry. He wants us to serve you food first.¡±

    ¡°The prince cares very deeply about you, Your Highness. This chicken soup has been simmering in the attached kitchen for a very long time, all of the bones are steeped to a mush. There¡¯s jujubes and goji in it. It¡¯ll be very nutritious for you.¡± Qiulu merrily put the meal box down anddled a portion of chicken soup for her mistress. She also set out some exquisite small tes of snacks and side dishes.

    Qin Yining was indeed starving. Afraid of any situations developing along the way, n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t given her anything to eat all day. Jiyun and Xianyun helped her out of the martial robes, put down her hair, and left Qin Yining sitting at the eight-sided table in her inner robe.

    Attacking the food ravenously, Qin Yining plowed through two pieces of snacks, a few bites of some side dishes, and half a bowl of soup before finally heaving a long sigh offort. ¡°Ai, I finally feel alive again.¡±

    The four maids looked at each other, unable to suppress smiles.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Xiaozhou?¡±

 Chapter 418: Wedding Night (2)

    <h4>Chapter 418: Wedding Night (2)</h4>

    ¡°Xiaozhou¡¯s in my room fast asleep. Your Highness might not be aware, but the courtyard of this manor is amazingly spacious! There aren¡¯t as many folks here in the prince¡¯s manor. Each of us servants has our own room.¡±

    The Qin residence in the capital was small inparison, and the maids were ustomed to sharing one room in pairs.

    Therefore, they found themselves a tad flustered by the sudden improvement in their living conditions in the prince¡¯s manor.

    Qin Yining sipped her soup at leisure, smiling at the maids. ¡°All of you have gone through fire and water with me, and I consider you sisters and friends. It¡¯s naturally wonderful that there¡¯s been an upgrade in your living conditions. If there¡¯s anything off anywhere at all, don¡¯t focus solely on saving me trouble. Keep me in the loop of every happening, you hear?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Your Highness is now in apletely different position. The prince adores you so¡ªyour wish will be hismand as soon as you ask. Us servants benefit by association.¡± Jiyun smiled and joked. Qin Yining didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. ¡°Oh, look at you all! Life really must be easier for you to forget your manners!¡±

    The maids giggled in unison. The new princess consort washed up after her meal.

    Qiulu carried a cerise, chiffon nightgown to the washroom. ¡°Your Highness, the senior madame specifically asked this servant to have you wear this for this evening.¡±

    Qin Yining flushed at the sight of the chiffon gown. ¡°What kind of garment is this! I might as well wear nothing at all.¡±

    Qiulu¡¯s face pinkened. ¡°Your Highness, the senior madame gave her orders, so please put it on. Perhaps, perhaps this is the way it should be.¡±

    Qin Yining took the nightgown from her maid, wishing for the ground to open up so it could swallow her whole. But well, all of the maids who were part of her dowry had yet to marry, so they were still fuzzy about the ways of the world. She and Pang Xiao had tied the knot, so although her poor maids would inevitably bump into some mortifying happenings, all this was just the beginning.

    Qin Yining covered her face with her hands in embarrassment and reluctantly changed into the gown. The two-piece nightgown wasn¡¯t as see-through as she initially thought. The top had a cerise crossing cor and was paired with silk pants of the same color. Her shoulders would only be vaguely visible, and the rest of the garment seemed normal. This put the new bride felt more at ease.

    Bingtang and the rest of the maids made their retreat. Qiulu smiled as she curtsied to take her leave.

    Qin Yining picked a seat on the heated tform by the window opposite the formal bed. She selected a book at random to read.

    It was travel notes that explored the folk customs of the northwestern frontiers, a ce Qin Yining had never been to. Shepletely immersed in the book within.

    What greeted Pang Xiao upon his return was a beauty leaning against a body cushion, reading under themp.

    Her lustrous long hair cascaded down back and shoulders, the light chiffon looked weightless. Her slender, long neck, exquisite cor bones and round, feminine shoulders looked even softer in the glossy light. Her red bodice could hardly conceal her curves. [1]

    The wine he¡¯d just consumed transmuted into flows ofva that roared through his limbs and veins.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s footsteps brought Qin Yining¡¯s wandering senses back to reality. Eyeing the slightly flushing groom before her, Qin Yining smiled. ¡°You¡¯re back! Should I tell them to draw water and help you wash up?¡±

    Pang Xiao remained wordless and stared fixedly at her.

    Qin Yining put her book down, concerned. She knelt on the heated tform and raised a hand to feel Pang Xiao¡¯s faintly burning face, the skin of her hand soft and white.

    ¡°Are you alright? Did you have too much to drink?¡±

    Pang Xiao swept his bride up at one fell swoop and strode toward the formal bed,ying her gently down the scarlet, brocade nkets.

    Inky locks fanned out on a pillow embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks frolicking in the water. The cerise nightgown and scarlet nkets highlighted smooth skin to be as fair and clean as first snow. The nightgown¡¯s cors had already slid open from the exertions.

    However, Qin Yining had no idea of her natural allure in just lying on her back.

    Pang Xiao could no longer tamp down his desire. He dared not cross the line before, worried that he¡¯d hurt her. But now he could im her right and proper. His masculinity would suffer if he held back any longer!

    He rained passionate kisses down on his woman¡¯s forehead, the tip of her nose, and red lips.

    Qin Yining slowly rxed into Pang Xiao¡¯s warm, strong embrace. She kept in mind her mother¡¯s instruction to ¡°let him have his way¡±, and grit her teeth against the difort, letting her new husband do whatever he pleased. This carte nche resulted in connubial activities prolonging until midnight.

    A man who kepting back for more was no different than an insatiable beast. When Pang Xiao¡¯srge hand came questing again for one more round, she finally grabbed a pillow and whacked him in the chest.

    ¡°We have the tea ceremony tomorrow to think of! You can go sleep on the floor if you misbehave again!¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll be good and stay still.¡±

    Pang Xiao folded his bride into his arms so she could nestle her head on his shoulder.

    He felt her forehead. It glistened with sweat, the same state as the rest of her body. The prince kissed her forehead with fondness and contentment, and dried her body with a warm handkerchief. He put the maidenhood handkerchief away before worming back into the bed. The soft body and fragrance of his woman in his arms, he fell asleep with gratification.

    Qin Yining felt as if she was embracing arge furnace in her slumber. Weather in the fifth month of the northern territories was chilly still, and she typically huddled herself to sleep in a heap. But today, her limbs were fully stretched out in rxation, her feet indescribably warm.

    When she next opened her eyes blearily, a red canopy embroidered with patterns for arge and prosperous family sharpened into view. Momentarily disoriented, it took several moments for her to recall that yesterday was her wedding night.

    ¡°Good morning, my darling.¡± A hoarse man¡¯s voice sounded in her ears.

    Qin Yining turned her face to the source of the voice, only to be nted a kiss on the lips.

    Pang Xiaoid on his side next to her, his head propped up by his hands. The scarlet brocade nkets covered the lower half of his torso and body. His bare shoulders and arms were corded with hard muscles. The edge of his shoulder still wore a scar from when he rescued her not too long ago.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face flushed beet-red. She buried her face with the nkets.

    Tickled by her adorable reaction, Pang Xiaoughed and cradled her into his arms. He inquired with concern, ¡°Are you in pain still? I have a very potent ointment, shall I apply it for you?¡±

    She pounded his chest mercilessly with her fists. ¡°You go away. I don¡¯t want to talk to you.¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed heartily again. He wasn¡¯t nning on teasing her, but her reaction was just too delightful.

    He forced a few more kisses on his wife¡¯s cheeks and forehead before getting up to put on his undergarment, then summoned the maids.

    Bingtang, Qiulu, Jiyun and Xianyun entered the gate carrying hot water and silk handkerchiefs, every one of them red in the face. Some of them worked to cool the hot water, while the rest drew near to wait on Qin Yining.

    Bingtang spotted the bruises on Qin Yining¡¯s body and cursed in a low voice, ¡°Did he think he was at a buffet or what?¡±She produced a box of ointment from her sleeve and stuffed it into Qin Yining¡¯s hand, her voice even lower. ¡°Your Highness, this wille in handy. Use this and I promise you that you¡¯ll be good as new in a day.¡±

    Qin Yining epted the box, her cheeks ming as she nodded. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Bingtang dimpled back. ¡°Then shall we rise and change for the day?¡±

    Jiyun and Bingtang waited on their mistress to change and wash her face. Pang Xiao dismissed Qiulu and Xianyun with a wave. He washed up and got dressed without the help, then sat on the edge of the heated tform with his long hair hanging down his back so he could watch Qin Yining style her hair and put on makeup.

    In the past, he considered watching a woman brush her hair an utter waste of time.

    Yet as he watched his wife¡¯s jet-ck locks coiffed into a married woman¡¯s bun by the dexterous hands of the maids, Pang Xiao felt more satisfied than a man who¡¯d conquered the world.

    ¡°My dear, do my hair for me, will you?¡± Pang Xiao came near with a grin, rubbing his face against Qin Yining¡¯s cheek.

    The maids retreated to the outer room, blushing furiously.

    Qin Yining smiled in reply. ¡°I¡¯m not good with hairstyles.¡±

    ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll draw your eyebrows and you¡¯ll brush my hair. I¡¯m clumsy as well, so that makes us even.¡±

 Chapter 419: Daughter-in-Law Tea Ceremony

    <h4>Chapter 419: Daughter-in-Law Tea Ceremony</h4>

    Qin Yining dimpled at Pang Xiao¡¯s teasing. She responded yfully, ¡°That won¡¯t do. If I failed to do make your hair look nice and proper, people at best will simplyugh it off and say the prince is a rugged hero who doesn¡¯t concern himself with trifles. But I¡¯d be aughing stock if my eyebrows were squiggly drawn on, and then I¡¯d be a source of embarrassment for you.¡±

    ¡°A source of embarrassment? If I had my way, I hide you away and keep you from people¡¯s sight.¡± Pang Xiao reached over with hisrge hand, circling her tiny waist and caressing it. He murmured by her ears, ¡°You should see the way people gawked at you yesterday. They werepletely stupefied. I wanted to gouge their eyeballs out!¡±

    Qin Yining exhorted with mock annoyance. ¡°Look at you. One minute you wanted to lock me up, and the next you threaten to gouge people¡¯s eyes out. You scare even me.¡± She feigned a look of fright.

    Tickled by how adorable his wife was, Pang Xiaoughed heartily. ¡°Oh darmy dear, how do you manage to be so cute?¡±

    He nted a noisy smack on her cheek, then picked up a brow pencil to draw in her eyebrows. Used to wielding swords and y enemies, his newest weapon of choice was now a skinny brow pencil. Meticulously silhouetting and shading in her eyebrows, the result was unexpectedly dainty with just the right consistency.

    Qin Yining checked her face in the mirror and smiled. ¡°Not too shabby at all. You could make a career out of painting eyebrows if you stop being a prince.¡±

    She turned back from the mirror and stroked Pang Xiao¡¯s chin. ¡°Such a handsome face you¡¯ve been blessed with. If you really took up drawing eyebrows, I¡¯d bet that maidens and young brides would beat down your door!¡±

    ¡°Hey now, you wicked vixen! Having a dig at me now, aren¡¯t you?¡± Pang Xiao chortled while reaching over to tickle his wife.

    Qin Yining¡¯s tiny waist was a taboo zone of nerves. She started giggling as soon as Pang¡¯srge hands reached her. She tittered while trying to dodge. ¡°Stop it! I¡¯ve just gotten my hair done!¡±

    Her pleas didn¡¯t stop Pang Xiao. He swept his wife up and carried her to the formal bed, tickling her with both of his hands and blowing warm air into the nape of her neck and earlobes.

    Qin Yiningughed so hard that she ran out of breath. She was no match for her adroit husband, and was unable to push him off nor escape his advances. She could only breathlessly beg for mercy.

    Mi-mama, n¨¦e Ma¡¯s most capable confidante, stopped by the Garden of Brightness and Magnificence to see the maids chatting in the courtyard. A woman¡¯sughter faintly travelled from the main house.

    Mi-mama chuckled at the peals ofughter.

    ¡°You¡¯ve arrived, mama.¡± Jiyun was the first to curtsy to the granny servant.

    Xianyun, Bingtang, and Qiulu also followed suit.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to see if the prince and the princess consort has risen.¡± Mi-mama smiled in greeting.

    ¡°In response to the mama, the prince and the princess consort rose long ago. They¡¯ve just gotten dressed. They¡¯re waiting to pay their respects to the grand-lord, grand-madame and old madame.¡± Bingtang was well-versed in the customs of aristocratic houses, and she naturally responded in a manner that was favorable for her mistress.

    Mi-mama smiled amiably. ¡°Very well then, I¡¯ll wait right here.¡±

    ¡°This servant will inform the prince and the princess consort of your arrival.¡± The quick-witted Bingtang curtsied readily and turned to head to the main house.

    Pang Xiao heard Mi-mama¡¯s voice as soon as she arrived. The approaching footsteps also forced him to stop his teasing. He helped Qin Yining to her feet, righting the hairpin that was just about to slip from her hair.

    The fit ofughter left Qin Yining¡¯s eyes glistening with tears, her face flushing radiantly. She gave Pang Xiao a hard re after the giggles passed, and picked up ab to put his hair up.

    Bingtang stood by the door. ¡°Your Highnesses, Mi-mama is here.¡±

    Pang Xiao knew full-well that Mi-mama hade to retrieve the maidenhood handkerchief. ¡°Have here in.¡±

    Qin Yining worked nimbly tob Pang Xiao¡¯s hair and style it into a topknot. She was midway when Mi-mama stepped over the door. The princess consort smiled and nodded in greeting, ¡°Greetings to the mama.¡±

    ¡°Ai, Your Highness need not stand on ceremony. This servant greets the princess consort.¡± Mi-mama watched as Qin Yining personallybed Pang Xiao¡¯s hair and recalled theughter she¡¯d just heard. Her heart swelled with joy.

    Qin Yining smiled congenially. ¡°You¡¯ve been at grandmother¡¯s side for a very long time. Of course a greeting is only fitting.¡± 1

    After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mi-mama strolled about the room. She spotted a delicate wooden case when circling past the bed and stuffed it into her sleeve.

    Qin Yining took everything in as realization finally dawned on her. Her face med right away. She lowered her chin, feeling flustered.

    Mi-mama smiled and took her leave. ¡°This servant will now return to Pinecrane Hall.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled easily as well. ¡°Be safe, Mi-mama.¡±

    Watching Mi-mama walk off with the wooden box, Qin Yining cleared her throat with a cough. ¡°We should hurry as well. Let¡¯s not bete, lest we should keep mother, grandfather and grandmother waiting.¡±

    ¡°As you wish.¡± Pang Xiao rose to his feet and neatened his robe. ¡°We can just continue where we left off aftering back.¡±

    Qin Yining pinched his arm wordlessly, and asked the maids to bring those three pairs of shoes she¡¯d prepared beforehand. Together with Pang Xiao, she left the Garden of Brightness and Magnificence and headed for Pinecrane Hall.

    The couple¡¯s gait was leisurely, giving Pang Xiao time to properly introduce the features and decorations throughout the manor. ¡°You stayed here for a short before but weren¡¯t free to walk about. I made use of the wedding to conduct some reservations and remove some unsavory characters in the household. It¡¯s rtively safer now, and you can live here with more peace of mind.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded cheerfully. ¡°Did His Majesty have too much to drink yesterday? When did he leave?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty had already taken off by the time I went out to make my toasts. My people say that the emperor hurried off after receiving a tip. There was no mistaking the grim look on his face.¡±

    Qin Yining began to worry. ¡°Hopefully it has nothing to do with you. I was hoping for a bit more peace and quiet.¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed. ¡°Rx. It doesn¡¯t matter whether it has to do with me or not. Your man is no pushover. I¡¯ll roll with the punches and find ways to deal with whateveres. You just rx at home and enjoy life. The trials and tribtions of your past are no more.¡±

    That deration of ¡°your man¡± left Qin Yining feeling both bashful and warm all over.

    She¡¯d always been the one to look after others. This was the first time in her life to have a shoulder to lean on. Her husband was now her rock.

    ¡°In that case, you can¡¯t disapprove if I justze around all day, hmm?¡±

    ¡°How could I disapprove? In fact, I¡¯ll have rewards for you should you keep your word andze around all day. How does that sound?¡±

    The couple made their way to Pinecrane Hall amidst happy chatter.

    Baitao rushed back into the house to notify her masters as soon as the couple entered the yard. The newlyweds and their entourage of servants entered the main house, rounded the newly installed,rge divider of magpies alighting on plum blossoms to arrive at the inner room.

    Yao Chenggu, n¨¦e Ma, and n¨¦e Yao were all present, their faces radiating joy.

    Mi-mama had Tsuitao and Baitaoy out brocade cushions.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining knelt down side by side to deliver grand gestures of greeting.

    ¡°Good, wonderful! Hurry and get up now,ss Yi, get on up.¡± An overjoyed N¨¦e Ma grinned from ear to ear, prodding Qin Yining to get up.

    A merry Qin Yining approached Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Ma to kneel at their feet. She took two cups of tea from the tray in Jiyun¡¯s hands and presented the tea to the elderly couple.

    ¡°This granddaughter-inw greets my elders.¡±

    ¡°Aiya, very well. Hurry and rise!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, do get up. Be careful that you don¡¯t hurt your knees!¡±

    The elderly couple ced a thick red envelope in the tray.

    The new princess consort rose and presented two pairs of shoes she¡¯d embroidered. ¡°This granddaughter-inw is clumsy in her skills. I pray that you won¡¯t find them too unsightly.¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all! It¡¯s the thought that counts!¡± N¨¦e Ma picked up the embroidered shoes for a closer look. The fabric was of a high quality, the embroidery neat and solid. Eyeing the girl t in front of her, n¨¦e Ma grew more content by the second.

 Chapter 420: Mother and Daughter-in-Law

    <h4>Chapter 420: Mother and Daughter-in-Law</h4>

    Unexpectedly touched, Qin Yining knew that n¨¦e Ma was doing this because the older woman genuinely liked her. Her grandmother-inw wasn¡¯t a picky person and cared more about the thought than actual skill, but the new princess consort was well aware of the level of her own embroidery skills. They couldn¡¯t really be described as delicate, but they were quite soundly made.

    ¡°Mom, please have a cup of tea.¡± Qin Yining knelt in front of n¨¦e Yao after taking a teacup from a servant.

    N¨¦e Yao epted the cup with a smile and took a sip, returning a heavy red envelope and an intricately carved wooden box.

    Qin Yining made a happy curtsey. ¡°Thank you, mom.¡± She indicated for Bingtang to take the items and offered a pair of shoes with both hands.

    The gift was merrily received. ¡°Many thanks, do get up.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,e sit with your grandmother.¡± N¨¦e Ma enthusiastically tugged on Qin Yining¡¯s hands and had the girl sit right next to her. Her granddaughter-inw was pleasing to the eye no matter how the matriarch assessed her.

    ¡°Good child, we¡¯ve wished and hoped, and wished and hoped some more. You¡¯ve finally joined our household. Dafu has someone to take care of him now that you¡¯re here. We don¡¯t have more servants that masters and mistresses in the manor, but neither I nor your mother-inw know how to manage all this. We¡¯ll turn all this over to you.¡±

    ¡°I understand grandmother¡¯s good intentions, but I¡¯m still young and unlearned in the ways of the world. I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll lose face for us if I don¡¯t do well.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Qin Yining really didn¡¯t know how to keep a household in order. She¡¯d been head of the inner household back in Great Yan. She just felt that it¡¯d be a highly displeasing act to steal her mother-inw¡¯s authority as soon as she married into the family.

    N¨¦e Yao smiled. ¡°You¡¯re a smart child and will be familiar with the household affairs the more you run them. You cane ask me if you have any questions. You¡¯ll know what to do after I guide you a few times. I¡¯m old now and only look forward to when I can dote on my grandsons. I don¡¯t have the effort to care about anything else.¡±

    A red flush immediately exploded across Qin Yining¡¯s face. She stammered, ¡°Un-understood. I¡¯lle ask mom if there¡¯s anything I don¡¯t understand.¡±

    Her mother-inw nodded gaily. ¡°I¡¯ll have Zhao Kunjia¡¯s wife bring over her verification tokens [1] to your Park of Resplendent Radiance.¡±

    The girl thought for a moment, then asked with a smile, ¡°Mom, your daughter has a favor to ask. Could you lend me Missus Zhang for a while? I don¡¯t need her to wait on me in the house. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m young and inexperienced, and there¡¯s much about the manor that I still don¡¯t know about. Missus Zhang will be able to help me pick things up, and if there are any messages that need to be delivered, she will lend more gravity to the task.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao couldn¡¯t help but look meaningfully at the girl. The look in her daughter-inw¡¯s eyes was sincere without the slightest hint of reluctance.

    What a smart girl!

    Rather than wait for her mother-inw to send her a pair of eyes and ears, it was better to take the initiative and handle the matter beautifully. Zhang Kunjia¡¯s wife was also respectable woman, so the girl could use the senior servant to establish her footing in the household.

    Asking of her own volition like this meant that Missus Zhang coulde to and fro in the daytime, but it wouldn¡¯t be seemly for her to stay the night. This meant that the newlywed¡¯s routine wouldn¡¯t be disturbed. This killed many birds with one stone.

    Truth be told, n¨¦e Yao was feeling a mix of emotions.

    She was happy for her son that he had such a smart wife. This would be a great boon, and at least the girl would know what action was most appropriate for the time.

    On the flip side, she was worried to have such a sharp individual by her side. It was one thing if the two of them remained on good terms, but if any friction developed and they fought, n¨¦e Yao wouldn¡¯t necessarily be on the winning side.

    Pang Xiao grew anxious the longer his mother remained silent. He often heard stories of how difficult life became when mothers and daughters-inw didn¡¯t get along. But if he appeared too protective of Qin Yining in front of his mother, that would also elicit jealousy. Trouble would still fall on his wife¡¯s head when he wasn¡¯t at home. He could only stand there mutely, trying valiantly to guess what was on his mother¡¯s mind.

    N¨¦e Ma hated to see things drag out. ¡°Dafu¡¯s wife is talking to you, where¡¯s your mind gone off to? If you can¡¯t spare Missus Zhang, then I¡¯ll send one of my own.¡±

    ¡°Mom, I think it¡¯s a very good idea to send Zhang Kunjia¡¯s wife. I was just wondering if one person was enough. I need to summon everyone in the household and thoroughly reorganize everyone.¡±

    Qin Yining could vaguely guess at what her mother-inw had been musing over. She gave thanks with a smile, and there wasn¡¯t much disappointment in her heart.

    Strictly speaking, she wasn¡¯t close to Pang Xiao¡¯s family yet. A grandmother-inw¡¯s attitude towards junior would naturally be different from a mother-inw¡¯s. Her own mother hadn¡¯t been that good to her when she¡¯d first returned home, but see how close they were now after prolonged periods?

    Time revealed a person¡¯s heart, and it wasn¡¯t like she was scheming after something from the Pang¡¯s. N¨¦e Yao would surely like her in the future.

    Seeing that the conversation was about over, Pang Xiao suggested, ¡°Mom, we need to head into the pceter to express gratitude for the imperial favor. We may not make it back for lunch.¡±

    Anything having to do with the pce made n¨¦e Yao fret over her son. Thinking of Pang Xiao¡¯s identity and how the family might be ¡®invited¡¯ into a pce for a ¡®vacation¡¯ whenever he set off to do battle, it was a good thing that she had such a smart daughter-inw.

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s eyes softened when she looked at Qin Yining. ¡°Hurry and get yourselves ready. Don¡¯t bete, or His Majesty will find fault with you then.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining rose to curtsey to Yao Chenggu, n¨¦e Ma, and n¨¦e Yao before leaving with Pang Xiao.

 Chapter 421: Thanking Imperial Favor

    <h4>Chapter 421: Thanking Imperial Favor</h4>

    ¡°It is truly our oversight to keep Your Majesty and the empress dowager waiting. We were dyed along the way.¡± Pang Xiao bowed with a smile.

    Li Qitian wrapped a friendly arm around the prince¡¯s shoulders and patted them. He smiled knowingly, ¡°We understand, We understand. We been there before.¡±

    Off to the side, Qin Yining kept her head bowed. She didn¡¯t like Li Qitian¡¯s show of intimacy, but neither did she dare express the slightest hint of dissatisfaction. A bashful blush was the only proper answer.

    The two men exchanged a few words before Pang Xiao took a few steps back to prepare for the gesture of gratitude.

    The sight of his blushing wife with her hands down by her sides filled his heart with fondness. He wanted to envelope her in a bear hug and bring her in for a good cuddle, but maintained a distant expression on his face. ¡°What are you just standing there for? Come over here to thank His Majesty.¡±

    The girl instantly grasped the game afoot when she heard Pang Xiao¡¯s tone. Closing the distance while slightly hunched over, the very image of a berated wife, she knelt next to Pang Xiao and kowtowed to express their gratitude to Li Qitian.

    The emperor closely observed the two, nothing that Pang Xiao was indifferent to his new wife. It eased the annoyance in Li Qitian¡¯s heart. If the prince had obtained a highly capable father-inw who could take on an army of schrs and a pretty, intelligent wife, then it really would¡¯ve been a misstep in strategy.

    ¡°You may forgo the courtesies. It would be the best satisfaction to Our painstaking efforts on your behalf if the two of you lead a happy and harmonious life together in the future.¡±

    ¡°This subject does solemnlymit Your Majesty¡¯s teachings to memory.¡± Pang Xiao bowed.

    Likewise, Qin Yining responded woodenly, ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s teachings.¡±

    His mood greatly lifted, Li Qitian changed the subject. ¡°Go make your kowtows to the empress dowager. Zhixi,e back after you¡¯ve done so. We have urgent business to discuss with you. We¡¯ll take lunch together.¡±

    ¡°Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Pang Xiao once again bowed, Qin Yining curtseying by his side. The married couple slowly backed out of the emperor¡¯s hall.

    The Qin fourth miss didn¡¯t rx her guard even once in the yard. Who knew how many pairs of eyes were staring at them from a random corner?

    Pang Xiao tookrge strides behind a young eunuch while his princess consort shuffled behind him, her head lowered. Her distance was just close enough to not register as estrangement, but it was enough to reveal a few hints of fear.

    The prince was inwardly grinning from ear to ear. I really need to think about how topliment my dear¡¯s quick reaction and smarts when I get back home! Outwardly, his expression was so cold that any passing pce servant quickly scuttled out of the way.

    The group arrived at the Pce of Benevolent Harmony before long. Quickly emerging after popping in to announce their arrival, the eunuch stated respectfully, ¡°Her Majesty invites the prince and princess consort to enter.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your trouble, gonggong.¡± Pang Xiao smiled gently and casually awarded the young eunuch a silver ingot.

    A smile blossomed on the young face and the servant quickly bowed, ¡°Thank you for your reward, Your Highness.¡±

    All was as usual in the empress dowager¡¯s abode. Pang Xiao swept through the water chestnut-relief door and headed straight for the side hall.

    Close on his heels, Qin Yining had just reached the door to the side hall when she heard the empress dowager¡¯s enthusiastic response, ¡°You¡¯re here. How about your wife?¡±

    ¡°Greetings to the empress dowager.¡± Qin Yining knelt on the ground to pay her respects.

    The older woman waved kindly. ¡°Come,e closer so I can take a look.¡±

    The girl rose docilely and took a ce in front of the empress dowager.

    After close inspection, a smile was the final pronouncement. ¡°The Qin daughter has be even prettier after a few days of absence. And here I was, just thinking of making good matches for the youngsters. The shared destiny between you two has arrived so quickly. What a sublime development for celebration!¡±

    Is the empress dowager obliquely exining away her actions of randomly trying to bestow marriage onto mest time?

    Qin Yining snorted coldly to herself. This imperial majesty was really taking everyone for fools, wasn¡¯t she? She inly wanted to drive a wedge between Pang Xiao and an aristocratic housest time. All this nonsense about making good matches? She certainly knew how to wrap her gibberish in gold.

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty.¡± Not wanting to share another word with the woman, Qin Yining ducked her head shyly.

    Her husband smoothly took over the conversation. ¡°Have you been well, Your Majesty? Did you enjoy the meal box I had people bring inst time?¡±

    ¡°Of course, how would I not partake of a meal box from you?¡± The empress dowager smiled. ¡°You have to great efforts to express your filial piety.¡±

    Pang Xiao congenially reminded the empress dowager to look after herself before rising. ¡°In response to Your Majesty, the emperor has given riders for this subject to return to the Hall of Moral Cultivation. His Majesty has urgent matters to discuss, so I¡¯m afraid I must take my leave.¡±

 Chapter 421.2: Thanking Imperial Favor

    <h4>Chapter 421.2: Thanking Imperial Favor</h4>

    Thankfully, Qin Yining had weathered many hardships and trials. Pang Xiao shook his head and set aside his worries, making fast time to the Hall of Moral Cultivation. The faster hepleted his duties, the sooner he could bring his beloved home.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining kept the empress dowagerpany with conversation.

    Able to endure even the old dowager¡¯s temper, the empress dowager was no sweat off her brow. This imperial majesty was a smart individual. She liked to gossip and didn¡¯t offer the most meaningful of conversation topics, but she also deftly took cues from words and expressions. She always knew what to say to delight her conversation partner.

    She really has tremendous skill in handling situations. Perhaps this is why Li Qitian is able to be all things to everyone. Only with a mother like that can he be someone so smooth and outwardly wless. This is why he sits on the dragon throne.

    But having to constantly put up a front was a truly exhausting existence.

    ¡°Your Majesty, the Princess of Anyang has arrived.¡±

    A report from outside the pce cut into the happy chatter. Not waiting for a response, Li Hn barged straight on in.

    ¡°Royal mother, I hear you have guests. Just who is it that even your daughter is kept outside?¡±

    The princess whirled in like a small tornado, her smile stiffening when she saw Qin Yining.

    Pretending not to see the neer¡¯s expression, Qin Yining rose politely to curtsey. ¡°This subject-wife greets Your Highness.¡±

    The self-reference of ¡®subject-wife¡¯ pped Li Hn like adle of hot oil. Fires of fury ignited with almost an audible whoosh.

    This was the empress dowager¡¯s pce, her own mother¡¯s territory. There was no need to have any reservations. Plus, her mother knew about her matters.

    Li Hn snorted coldly without any qualms. ¡°Forgo the pleasantries. This seat is unable to ept your courtesy.¡±

    Hackles rose at that response. It looked like Li Hn still hadn¡¯t given up on Pang Xiao. Acting out so brazenly in front of the empress dowager... was the princess nning on giving her a hard time today?

    ¡°Your words are too grave, Your Highness. You are a princess, and this one only the wife of a subject. How would you be unable to ept my courtesy? If others learned of this, they would say you improperly belittle yourself. If someone with ulterior motives caught wind of this and spread stories of this outside, it would impact your prestige.¡±

    Primly performing a curtsey, Qin Yining rose to stand with her hands by her side.

    Startled, the empress dowager looked at the girl. Though these words were evenly delivered in aposed tone devoid of any anger, the imperial majesty could decode the formidable notes inside.

    With the eldest princess¡¯ temper, she was likely to explode!

    The thought of extending conciliatory words had just crossed her mind when Li Hn took a step forward. ¡°Aren¡¯t you proud of yourself for being the wife of a subject? That¡¯s right, your father is just the surrendered official of a tiny nation. He only became royal brother¡¯s vassal because daily living was getting too hard. As the daughter of a surrendered official, how are you supposed to live your life if not as the wife of an official at court? Not to mention, you long since lost your...¡±

    Covering her mouth as she chuckled, the sardonic notes within Li Hn¡¯s response were readily apparent.

    Qin Yining inwardly sneered at the princess¡¯ stupidity.

    There were a hundred, nay, a million ways to take her down a peg or humiliate her. However, the princess had picked the most inappropriate method.

    The only thing she thought of was that, being her birth mother, the empress dowager would back her up in anything she did. Whatpletely failed to cross her mind was that Qin Yining was here because of Pang Xiao. The empress dowager would naturally keep Li Hn in check if she didn¡¯t want to thoroughly offend the prince.

    Therefore, a defender woulde to Qin Yining¡¯s aid whether the girl did anything or not.

    ¡°Lan¡¯er, don¡¯t sprout nonsense.¡± Indeed, the elder woman voiced a rebuke and looked warningly at her daughter.

    Girlish tittering screeched to a halt. Li Hn stared incredulously at her mother.

    ¡°The fine wine that your royal brother bestowed upon you is for you and the prince consort to enjoy, not just you alone. Youss have always liked your drink and had a bit more of it this time, but look at how your tongue is wagging now. Thank goodness the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is no outsider, or I¡¯d punish you well for that!¡±

    Blinking at her mother¡¯s stern expression, Li Hn knew that she shouldn¡¯t let her emotions run amok like this. After all, she had no right to vie with Qin Yining or be jealous anymore.

    But who could understand the grievances and frustration of her heart? It was all so unfair!

    ¡°I¡¯ll listen to whatever you say, royal mother,¡± muttered the princess reluctantly.

    Qin Yining¡¯s insides hurt from repressedughter, but she continued seriously, ¡°To think that Your Highness enjoys the nectar of the cup. I have an excellent jar of high-grade huadiao wine. I¡¯ll have servants deliver it to you.¡±

    Li Hn didn¡¯t care about that bloody wine at all. But when her mother shot her a warning look, the princess stretched her lips into a curve. ¡°Then, my thanks.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite, Your Highness. Milord tells me that the empress dowager treats him like a son and makes sure he wants for nothing. He has always been deeply grateful. Now that I have joined his household, I can realize milord¡¯s wishes, if nothing else.¡±

    ¡°This seat advises you to spend your days quietly and refrain from overstepping. Don¡¯t you dare brag or show off in front of me!¡± Li Hn gnashed her teeth, wanting to fling a p at the girl¡¯s hateful face.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Understood, this subject-wife will spend my days quietly. However, I don¡¯t understand what you mean by bragging. You are the eldest princess and the noblest of royalty. What would this one have to show off in front of you?¡±

 Chapter 422.1: Severe Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 422.1: Severe Punishment</h4>

    Li Hn almost broke her teeth from how hard she was gnashing them!

    The nerve of that chit, iming herck of ability to show off! Her snagging Pang Xiao as her husband and iming ownership on the man was wherewithal enough!

    That bitch was doing all of this on purpose! She knew full-well that Li Hn had her heart set on marrying Pang Xiao all along. Now that she had what she wanted, she was taunting a noble princess in a roundabout way!

    Li Hn had grown up in thep of luxury and pampering. There wasn¡¯t anything that she¡¯d want that she failed to get her hands on. She had been given much in this lifetime, and was used toying im on all she desired; she¡¯d always taken for granted the doting of her mother and elder brother.

    Yet despite all the good fortunes in her life, her marriage was her only and greatest disappointment. It was so heartbreaking that it roused the eldest princess at midnight, crying from her sleep.

    Prince Consort Ji was extraordinarily handsome, but he was simply too cold. Being with him was no different from facing an ice statue, a wooden dummy!

    He fulfilled his duty as a prince consort only once after their wedding, and that was on their wedding night! Since then, he¡¯d been respectful, courteous yet emotionally distant. He barely even gave her a nce after discovering her visit to Madame Lu¡¯s harem for a tryst.

    And apparently, he¡¯d dressed up in full pageantry for Pang Zhixi¡¯s grand wedding, and even brought all of his manor troops to add to the asion. In other words, he treated his friend better he did his own wife!

    What good was this kind of marriage for?? A prince consort of this kind would only add to her troubles.

    She¡¯d failed to win the man she wanted, and she failed again to win the heart of an extraordinary man she¡¯d managed to snag. Prolonged festering of frustration and grievances was ready to explode.

    Eyeing Qin Yining, who wore a married woman¡¯s hairstyle and radiated unrivaled beauty as she gushed about her marital bliss with Pang Xiao, Li Hn just about had enough.

    Her rage burned and red, the empress dowager¡¯s admonishment to her just a moment ago cast aside.

    ¡°Bitch! You just signed your death warrant!¡± The eldest princess reached out to throttle Qin Yining¡¯s swan-like neck.

    Startled, Qin Yining rushed to evade the crazed woman¡¯s attack.

    Li Hn was charging her in front of the empress dowager? Perhaps she¡¯s banking on her mother¡¯s backing should something happen in the pce??

    Qin Yining¡¯s mind raced. She¡¯d consistently shown tolerance to a woman who lusted after her husband. Am I being too easily pushed around?

    ¡°Hurry! Someone stop her! The eldest princess has had too much to drink! Stop her before someone¡¯s hurt!¡± Appalled by her daughter¡¯s aggression, the empress dowager didn¡¯t think of summoned help until she recovered from her stupefaction.

    However, Qin Yining inadvertently stepped on her hem as she tried to scramble away from the snarling princess and fell backwards.

    The floor was covered with a thick, heavy carpet, which cushioned her fall, so there wasn¡¯t much pain to speak of. But to her back was an eight-sided table and four rounded, intricately-carved stools.

    As Qin Yining¡¯s luck would have it, she didn¡¯t crash into the table or the stools, yet there was quite a thwack as she dropped to the ground. She yelped from the pain.

    But Li Hn failed to check her charge, and she tripped on the girl¡¯s leg. ¡°Ah!¡± She screamed and tumbled onto a stool. Her elbow smashed against the edge of the table as she fell.

    The Qin fourth missid on the floor, mewling in pain.

    But Li Hn was in so much anguish that she couldn¡¯t even speak. Her elbow throbbed from the crash so much, it didn¡¯t look like it could bend; her knee was in even worse shape.

    Eyeing Qin Yining by her side, the eldest princess pounced again. ¡°You bitch! Keep bragging, huh?! I let you have Pang Zhixi because I didn¡¯t want him! What right do you have to unt around like this?! You vicious harlot! Shameless slut!¡±

    Li Hn would¡¯ve had been half-dead had Qin Yining decided to really fight back. But the younger girl had made up her mind to stay put and thoroughly y the role of a subject¡¯s fragile wife bullied by the eldest princess.

    The maids and mamas staffed in empress dowager¡¯s pce were stunned by eldest princess¡¯s shrew-like, hissy fit. Everyone secretly denounced such behavior. It was absolutely ludicrous that Li Hn¡¯s unrequited love had curdled into so much hate that she behaved so repulsively towards the man¡¯s official wife.

    The servants bustled forward to untangle Li Hn from the mess she¡¯d created. They felt a tinge of sympathy for the princess consort in a heap on the floor. Her hair was undone and her hairpins askew.

    ¡°Stop pulling on me! Let go of me!¡± Li Hn shrieked, her voice unyielding.

    The empress dowager stalked forward and bent to grip her daughter¡¯s chin. The elderly woman¡¯s face was only an inch away. She lowered her voice and hissed, ¡°You need toe to your senses! This is the Pce of Serene Piety, where the empress dowager lives! This is not some princess manor where you can fly into a drunken rage as you wish!¡±

    Li Hn¡¯s chest heaved violently. The pain on her elbow and legs was agonizing, yet her fury was hardly quelled by this much distress.

    ¡°Royal mother, do even you not love Lan¡¯er anymore? You always want me to listen and obey, listen and obey! Fine, I did that! But look what I got! I¡¯ll never be able to get what I like! Every aspect of my life is dictated by someone else! I can¡¯t get the man I love! What kind of princess does that make me!¡±

    ¡°Shut your mouth! Look at the nonsense you¡¯re sprouting after drinking a bit of horse urine! You like Prince Consort Ji, so your royal brother decreed a marriage for you. What else do you want?! You flew into a drunken rage after having a little to drink, your head¡¯s so muddled that you mistook the princess consort for a pce servant! I¡¯ve coddled you too much and made you into the spoiled girl you are today!¡±

    Qin Yiningy on the floor and took in every subtle facial cue on the faces of the empress dowager and Li Hn.

    The empress dowager kept shing the eldest princess meaningful looks, anxiety writ all over her face. Yet all those passes were lost on Li Hn, who continued her ranting and raving.

    Now that everything had blown up in their faces, she might as well stir it up some more.

 Chapter 422.2: Severe Punishment

    <h4>Chapter 422.2: Severe Punishment</h4>

    Qin Yining held up her forehead, her face streaked with tears as she sobbed out, ¡°What is Your Highness doing? How did this subject-wife offend you that you want to strangle me? My husband is an official faithfully dedicating his efforts to His Majesty. Even though I am the daughter of a surrendered official, my father is also the emperor¡¯s right-hand man. Does the princess think my family is unneeded with how you¡¯re acting? Were we wrong to throw ourselves on His Majesty¡¯s mercy??¡±

    The empress dowager looked over her shoulder to re viciously at Qin Yining.

    The ill-will this woman harbored! Her little speech seemed to champion self justice, yet every word clearly provoked Li Hn into more drama.

    The empress dowagermanded in a low voice. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you supporting the princess consort up? Are you all dead?!¡±

    ¡°Understood!!¡± The shout recovered the servants¡¯ wits and they scrambled to support Qin Yining up.

    The princess consort held up her head with her hands, her face pallid and her body limp against the arm of a pce servant. What a vulnerable, frail, and pliant woman!

    The sight incited Li Hn¡¯s fury to no end. Her arms were gripped tight by the mamas, so she sat on the floor and kicked Qin Yining¡¯s legs with all her might instead.

    ¡°Go ahead and unt! Try boasting some more, why don¡¯t you! You y the victim even though you¡¯ve made out like a bandit! What does big brother Xiao see in a slut like you?! Drop dead already!¡±

    ¡°Quiet! Take the eldest princess away!¡± Angered and worried by Li Hn¡¯s unseemly harangue, the empress dowager¡¯s expression grew darker.

    What sort of daughter have I raised?!

    How could she turn into such an unsightly mess over a man thanks to a few vicious words from an evil woman! This will no joking matter if other people hear of this!

    Her status as empress dowager might appear lofty, but she was only where she was today because of her son. Her days were numbered should she be stripped of Li Qitian¡¯s favor.

    The pce servants moved to support Li Hn to her feet, while the empress dowager turned to help Qin Yining up.

    ¡°Are you alright? Do get up. The floor is cold.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled sardonically to herself. So you want to trivialize what happened today?

    Even though this incident wasrgely the result of her scheming, what had set off Li Hn so badly was her unwillingness to reconcile with the hard truth. She still coveted Pang Xiao and was jealous of Qin Yining because she was now the princess consort.

    The bitterness of Li Hn¡¯s heart had borne fruit of poison, so therefore everything was toxic to her. The eldest princess had been her own undoing in falling into Qin Yining¡¯s trap. There was no longer any need for the Qin fourth miss to be lenient or forgiving.

    However, the empress dowager obviously had no intention of setting her daughter straight even after such an outburst. She was intentionally taking Li Hn¡¯s side!

    Does she really see me as easy pickings, to be plucked and squashed at will in the Pce of Serene Piety?

    Qin Yining looked at the empress dowager, her gaze unfocused. She smiled feebly. ¡°I am fine, Your Majesty.¡±

    That put the empress dowager slightly at ease. All things considering, the girl¡¯s appropriately sensible and astute.

    No sooner had the empress dowager asked the servants to help Qin Yining back to her feet than the young woman swayed to the side. Her eyes rolled back into her head, color drained from her face, and she toppled backward.

    This development stunned the empress dowager.

    She¡¯d seen clearly that when Li Hn gave chase, Qin Yining hadn¡¯t fallen onto the table or the stools. However, it also didn¡¯t seem like she was feigning her faint!

    A chill of genuine horror ran down the empress dowager¡¯s back.

    Should Qin Yining really be hurt, how would Li Hn deal with the repercussions if word got out? How would the empress dowager herself face the parties involved, especially her son? Her position was already nominal to begin with!

    Setting Pang Xiao¡¯s fury aside, it just so happened that Li Qitian was making heavy use of the prince and Qin Huaiyuan at the moment. How could their respective newlywed wife and daughter suffer at the hands of Li Hn right here in the Pce of Serene Piety!

    ¡°Hurry! Summon the imperial physicians!¡± Her daughter no longer the priority, the empress dowager fired off orders. ¡°Carry the princess consort to the tform!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± a mama advised. ¡°We aren¡¯t sure what caused the princess consort to faint. We better not move her around. If she¡¯s experiencing palpitations from shock, the move could easily cost her life.¡±

    The empress dowager came to her senses at the servant¡¯s reminder. She nodded in agreement. ¡°You¡¯re right. This forlorn one was gued by worry that I didn¡¯t think of that! Help the princess consort lie down and let the imperial physicians have a look.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Your Majesty.¡±

    The conversation between the empress dowager and the pce servants, and the sight of Qin Yining lying prostrate on the floor were just too much for Li Hn. Hands restrained, she started howling, bawling like a lost child.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care, royal mother! All you do is twist my arm! Why don¡¯t you ever put yourself in my shoes? How many presents has this bitch given you? Have you forgotten that I¡¯m your daughter??¡±

    Before the empress dowager had a chance to retort, snippets of conversation wafted into the pce, followed by the shrill announcement of a eunuch. ¡°His Majesty is arrived! Prince Consort Ji and the Faithful Prince of First Rank is arrived!¡±

    Li Hn¡¯s howling ground to a stop. The empress dowager¡¯s expression was livid.

    Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu walked side by side, trailing Li Qitian to walk into the hall.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s hands turned icy-cold at the sight of his wife lying on the floor. He asked in fear, ¡°What happened? She was fine just a minute ago!¡±

    ¡°Have the imperial physicians been summoned? What happened, royal mother?¡±

 Chapter 423.1: Cause and Effect

    <h4>Chapter 423.1: Cause and Effect</h4>

    The three of them had actually heard Li Hn loud and clear when standing outside.

    Li Qitian yed deaf; it was simply too embarrassing to admit that his younger sister had such loose morals, and that the two subjects of her desire had bumped into her in the act!

    Pang Xiao¡¯s attention was wholly caught by the unconscious Qin Yining on the ground. The sight of her scared him out of his wits. He had no mind to spare for anything else.

    Ji Zeyu took a deep look at Li Hn before taking a spot behind the emperor. He refused to say a single word, and his expression was as stiff as it¡¯d never been before.

    Hands mmy, an appropriate and regal smile still hung on the empress dowager¡¯s face. ¡°Ah, what happened was that Anyang had a bit too much to drink and bbed some drunk nonsense. The princess consort tripped in a moment of inattention. Maybe she hit something, which is why she¡¯s fainted. I¡¯ve already sent servants to fetch the imperial physicians.¡±

    Hands tightly balled into fists behind his back, Pang Xiao kept himself calm with effort. If he didn¡¯t keep his cool, all manner of swear words would erupt from his mouth.

    His wife had been perfectly fine when she¡¯d just arrived. She¡¯d been fit enough to put on an act with him, but just a short whileter had rendered her on the floor??

    Pang Xiao stalked up and cradled the girl, pillowing her head on his arms. He wanted to express concern, but didn¡¯t dare do it too obviously for fear of eliciting greater suspicion.

    Therefore, what the group saw was a glowering prince holding Qin Yining. ck as could be, his expression spoke of gloom and promised wretchedness. They couldn¡¯t tell if he felt badly for his wife or that he felt his honor had been offended.

    Though Li Hn had calmed down by now, her mind was still buzzing because she¡¯d been overwrought earlier, as well as ranted and raved a while for good measure.

    Reason returned with the calm, and it told her that she¡¯d messed up, big time.

    Her prince consort had heard those words just now!

    Heart in her throat, she snuck a cautious nce at Ji Zeyu. He was as coolly remote as always. Maybe this would be his expression even if the skies caved in.

    Her heart sank.

    She had servants deliver meal boxes, clothing, and her own embroidery during this time. All of her actions to curry favor had likely just gone down the drain. I wonder if he heard what I said just now? If so, she might not have the chance to obtain this man¡¯s heart ever again.

    Would hot-blooded men of the battlefield such as Ji Zeyu and Pang Xiao tolerate another man filling the hearts of their wives, and blowing things up into such a huge fuss?

    This was viciously pping Ji Zeyu¡¯s face, and doing so in front of outsiders to boot!

    He was remaining silent likely only because she was the eldest princess, and he her prince consort. If it wasn¡¯t for her identity, she would¡¯ve long been served with divorce papers.

    Looking at Ji Zeyu¡¯s handsome face and the taciturn Pang Xiao stooped on the ground, Li Hn felt that her entire basket of eggs had been smashed. She had nothing left. Nothing more.

    ¡°Announcing the imperial physician!¡±

    As thoughts ran rife across everyone¡¯s minds, a eunuch stumbled in, dragging an imperial physician with him.

    Seeing that the emperor and both war gods were present, the physician nked with shock and dropped to his knees. ¡°This old subject, greets...¡±

    ¡°You may forgo the courtesies. Hurry and take a look at the princess consort.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Hearing the urgency in Li Qitian¡¯s voice, the physician quickly trotted over to the prone girl.

    On his way here, the young eunuch sent to fetch him had subtly indicated the empress dowager¡¯s desires. The physician had wanted to deliver his diagnosis ordingly, but the brooding, main generals of the nation¡¯s armies and an acquisitive emperor off to the side left him at a loss.

    What should he say for the diagnosis? What the empress dowager wanted? He might offend the others here. But if he opted otherwise, he might offend the empress dowager.

    There was no right decision!

    Seeing sweat bead the physician¡¯s brow, Pang Xiao ground his teeth anxiously. ¡°How is she?¡±

    The resonant voice gave the physician a fright. He blurted out, ¡°The princess consort is fine. Maybe she fainted because she suffered for some sort of shock...¡±

    Color drained from his face when he recalled the empress dowager¡¯s instructions.

    ¡°What shock?¡±

    ¡°Uh, eh, of the emotions.¡± The stammering physician didn¡¯t dare meet the empress dowager¡¯s eyes. ¡°Extreme anger, sorrow, or joy can all cause emotional turmoil. It¡¯s not a strange urrence that she fainted then.¡±

    He¡¯d spoken the truth and couldn¡¯t take it back. There was nothing to do but to keep to the truth.

    ¡°I see.¡± Pang Xiao turned to look at the empress dowager and Li Hn. ¡°It looks like my wife didn¡¯t hit something when she fell down. Since all is fine with her, this subject will take her home.¡± Thest sentence was directed at Li Qitian.

    Absolutely livid, there was actually no reason for the emperor to turn the request down. He didn¡¯t have anyone on the council. The only noble who could say a few words for him was Pang Xiao. Li Qitian wanted to tap Pang Xiao for greater things as well, but to think there¡¯d be two brainless fools in the pce who would so tantly offend the prince like this!

 Chapter 423.2: Cause and Effect

    <h4>Chapter 423.2: Cause and Effect</h4>

    ¡°Since there is no great affliction, it would be good to go home and rest.¡± Li Qitian nodded worriedly.

    Pang Xiao stood up with his wife in a princess carry, addressing the imperial physician when something suddenly struck him. ¡°Since you took my wife¡¯s pulse, this prince will have to trouble you to take care of my wife¡¯s health in the future.¡±

    A simple request was enough to enable the physician¡¯s heart to settle back in its chest. Because the prince wished for him to take care of the princess consort, as furious as the empress dowager might be, she wouldn¡¯t dare hurt him.

    The prince purposefully said this because he¡¯s worried that I might wrapped up in this after speaking the truth. He wants to save me.

    The physician quickly bent in a bow. ¡°Understood, this old man will do everything in my power.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded, then turned back to look at the empress dowager and teary Li Hn.

    ¡°This prince would really like to know what precisely took ce here. She was perfectly fine when entering the pce, but somehow fainted of shock after a conversation in the Pce of Serene Piety? And just what did the Princess of Anyang spew in her drunken rage?¡±

    In his fury, his threatening tone loomed over the group like thunderclouds over city walls. Even the emperor felt a sense of menacing oppression. The two women didn¡¯t dare meet Pang Xiao¡¯s vicious stare at all.

    In an effort to alleviate the atmosphere, Li Qitian bid the servants to prepare the carriage and turned to give the physician clear orders to take care of Qin Yining.

    With his reply of acknowledgement, the imperial physician left the pce with the newlyweds.

    It wasn¡¯t until their figures vanished into the distance, and the hall devoid of all pce servants, that Li Qitian finally furiously flung over a table.

    Crockery smashed onto the floor in an ear-piercing mess, further adding to one¡¯s frustrations.

    ¡°What happened here?! Didn¡¯t We say that Pang Zhixi is Our right hand man that We are to make heavy use of? You turn straight around and bully his wife at the drop of a hat! Just what are both of you thinking?! Are you here to hold Us back or embarrass Us??¡±

    ¡°Royal brother, you¡¯ve misunderstand. It really is that I had a bit to drink earlier and lost control of my emotions. That n¨¦e Qin showed absolutely no respect to me. If she really did faint from anger, that¡¯s on her.¡±

    ¡°How dare you quibble with Us??¡± Li Qitian snorted dismissively. ¡°Do you think everyone¡¯s blind and dumb? You¡¯ve insulted Our two right hand men, just what kind of straits do you wish to throw Us into?! We value Ji Lan highly and wanted to be one family, which is why he was chosen to be your prince consort. What¡¯s bad about Ji Lan, hmm? With his aplishments in keeping the Tartars in line, stunning capability and appearance, you tell Us in what way he¡¯s inferior to you!¡±

    Li Qitian had always doted on Li Hn and rarely lost his temper with her, especially when outsiders were present in the form of Ji Zeyu.

    Stunned by the interrogation, the princess replied with trembling lips, ¡°Not at all. Royal brother, you¡¯ve misunderstood. The prince consort¡¯s misunderstood as well, I don¡¯t meant that at all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Anyang isn¡¯t that kind of girl at all. You¡¯re Anyang¡¯s blood brother and watched her grow up. You know what kind of person she is.¡± The empress dowager hastily stepped forward to pacify the raging emperor.

    Li Qitian was about to explode from rage. He ignored the fact that his own mother was in front of him. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for you spoiling her and not disciplining her at all, would she be like this now?? Turning resentful of the world just because you can¡¯t have what you want, thinking everyone in the world owes her this¡ªnot only can you not share Our worries, but you add to them at every turn. What use have We for a sister like you!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Color drained from the empress dowager¡¯s face. Did Li Qitian want to kill Li Hn?

    She tugged on Li Qitian¡¯s hand. ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t be impulsive. Lan¡¯er is your blood sister.¡±

    ¡°Yes, she is Our blood sister, but what has she done for Us? Nothing, and wrecks ns whenever possible!¡± Li Qitian marched over and jabbed at Li Hn¡¯s nose. ¡°You don¡¯t bother with living your life after receiving your prince consort and try to stir up trouble everywhere. You even have the courage to sh with an official ordained madame¡ªfor none other than her husband! Won¡¯t you want to die of shame if word of this gets out? You may not be, but even We are embarrassed on your behalf!¡±

    ¡°Royal brother!¡± Li Hn stared incredulously and choked up. ¡°Royal brother, how can you talk to Lan¡¯er like this?¡±

    ¡°And are We wrong? You know the answer to that. From this moment onwards, you get the hell back to your manor and are grounded. You will copy ¡®Lessons for Women¡¯ everyday until Our satisfaction is reached. If you disy good behavior and revert to your mature, biddable self, then We will let you out. Otherwise, you will copy ¡®Lessons for Women¡¯ for the rest of your life, do you hear Us!?¡±

    Li Hn swayed, as if she¡¯d been struck by lightning. Ji Zeyu looked down, seemingly having not seen at all. Then again, he wouldn¡¯t lift a hand to help her even if she was by his side.

    ¡°Royal brother, Lan¡¯er doesn¡¯t want to, Lan¡¯er doesn¡¯t want to!¡±

    ¡°What, you want to defy an imperial decree?¡± Li Qitian¡¯s expression darkened.

    The princess shuddered from fright. She really could tell now that her brother was a ruthless sort. He didn¡¯t care about past history at all. If it benefited his position, she¡¯d probably already be six feet under.

 Chapter 424.1: The Earth Dragon Turns Over

    <h4>Chapter 424.1: The Earth Dragon Turns Over</h4>

    Li Hn stared dumbly where she was, feeling like all strength had been drained from her body in a split second. Her body wavered and she finally dropped to a sitting position on the ground. Looking up with tears in her eyes, she finally choked out in a dry voice, ¡°This subject obeys.¡±

    Li Qitian snorted coldly. ¡°If you¡¯de to your senses earlier about what it means to be a subject and what it means to obey, things wouldn¡¯t have gotten to this point! Go back and think hard about it all! Servants!¡±

    Li Guanwen walked up with his head down. ¡°This servant is here.¡±

    ¡°Escort the Princess of Anyang back to her manor and arrange for two of Our mamas to serve by her side. Arrange another twenty bodyguards for her in shifts of ten.¡±

    This was putting Li Hn under arrest like a prisoner!

    The eunuch murmured his understanding and cast a meaningful nce at the pce servants behind him. They immediately came up to support the princess out.

    Anguish wracked the empress dowager¡¯s heart and she frowned anxiously. ¡°Don¡¯t you go too far with your actions?¡±

    Eyes narrowed dangerously at the rebuke. ¡°Royal mother, though I am your son, I am also the emperor of Great Zhou. I burn candles at both ends everyday for our great nation. Pang Zhixi is my right hand man and blissfully newly wed. This happens right underneath Our eyes?? We must give him an exnation, no?¡±

    ¡°An exnation¡¯s one thing, but you shouldn¡¯t be like this to your own sister!¡±

    ¡°Therefore, royal mother means to say that We should fault those who taught her wrongly, is that so?¡±

    Li Qitian was generally quite filial and sweet-tempered, so much so that the empress dowager had almost forgotten what kind of person her son actually was.

    When his menacing look cast her way, her heart quailed. The drawn out ¡°is that so¡± stabbed into her like a knife, bringing with it fearful shudders that gripped her body with cold.

    Seeing his mother thus slightly abated Li Qitian¡¯s outrage. ¡°In your advanced age, it¡¯s inappropriate for the empress dowager to be unduly concerned with too many things. Your son will have servants renovate the worship hall in the Pce of Serene Piety. You can spend your days in prayers to Buddha, recite scripture, cultivate the self, and possibly increase your lifespan this way. Now that your son is the master of all beneath the heavens, I will use all that is to be found to provide and care for you. The caveat is, you must live long. What say you?¡±

    The empress dowager widened her eyes with disbelief. The emperor meant that she should mind her own business and upy herself with reciting scripture in the worship hall in the future!

    After confining Li Hn, he was grounding her?

    Howls of outrage shook the empress dowager¡¯s heart. She. was. his. mother!

    If she¡¯d known that her son would one day be such an unfilial bastard, she¡¯d rather Li Qitian not be the emperor!

    But a sliver of rationale still threaded her thoughts, and Li Hn really was at fault today. Coveting another pot while furiously shoving in food from her own te was indeed the mark of a woman with loose morals. And the most awkward thing of all was that the prince consort had caught her in the act!

    The ws in a child¡¯s rearing stem from the parents. Now that problems had developed in the eldest princess¡¯ character, it naturally was a result of the empress dowager not teaching her well.

    Worried about her own future and the rtionship between Li Hn and Ji Zeyu, the empress dowager found herself at a loss for what to do in the face of the emperor¡¯s anger. She couldn¡¯t very well try to smooth things over with Ji Zeyu right then and there!

    ¡°The emperor speaks truly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m d we agree. Rest well and enjoy your days in your pce, royal mother.¡± Li Qitian took a look around at the remaining servants kneeling on the ground. ¡°Take all these servants back with us and question them closely about what happened today.¡±

    He whirled and left without another word, not allowing a single chance for his mother to plead for leniency.

    Watching her son walk off, the empress dowager¡¯s tears trickled down her face like a broken string of pearls.

    Just what kind of evil had shemitted!

    ......

    When Pang Xiao left the Pce of Serene Piety with Qin Yining in his arms, a young eunuch had already prepared a carriage. Climbing aboard with his precious cargo, he ordered, ¡°Prepare a sedan chair for the imperial physician.¡±

    The eunuch quickly came up with the required vehicle, and the group set a rapid pace out of the pce.

    Lying in the lurchingpartment, Qin Yining could feel her husband¡¯s constant grip on her left hand. His fingers dug tightly into her palm, betraying his extreme worry.

    They couldn¡¯t talk, since they were still in the pce, but she could still give him a hint.

    She tightened her hand around Pang Xiao¡¯s and tickled his palm.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes widened, his mind finally freeing itself from the morass of fear over her faint. His darling must have a reason for this act. Thank goodness she wasn¡¯t really injured or sick! Though it didn¡¯t feel good to have his heart almost leap out of his throat, but all was well as long as she was fine.

    A whileter, he rubbed her eyes gently, indicating that she could open them.

    Uncertain if there were others present that would discover her pretense, Qin Yining only opened her eyes after receiving this signal. She looked around, settling on her husband¡¯s handsome face, and broke out in arge grin.

 Chapter 424.2: The Earth Dragon Turns Over

    <h4>Chapter 424.2: The Earth Dragon Turns Over</h4>

    The winter snows melted and the waters of spring ran warmly. Pang Xiao immediately felt the thunderclouds of negativity clear from his mind. An answering grin crept across his face, and he lightly pinched the tip of her nose.

    ¡°You little rascal!¡± he mouthed.

    Qin Yining blinked rapidly andughingly nuzzled his leg with her face.

    The carriage slowed at this point, prompting her to fall back unconscious.

    ¡°Your Highness, we¡¯ve reached the pce gates.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡±

    Pang Xiao alighted with his wife in his arms and climbed back aboard his own carriage.

    Huzi, Bingtang, and the others were scared out of their wits when they saw their mistresse back in a prone position. Something must¡¯ve happened in the pce, given that an imperial physician also came back with them.

    The carriage sped its way back to the manor, whereupon the prince ordered it be driven straight to the inner residence doors. He carried Qin Yining off the vehicle back to their Park of Resplendent Radiance.

    Laid out on the bed, the imperial physician had full ess for his diagnosis.

    A thorough study revealed no major impediment other than anemia and a general weak constitution. The physician repeated his earlier conclusion and went off to write a prescription.

    Taking advantage of only trusted people remaining in the house, Pang Xiao whispered to Huzi, ¡°Go tell the grand-lord, madame, and old madame that everything¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll tell them everything when we see them in a bit.¡±

    Huzi caught the ¡®we¡¯ usage and immediately understood. He ran off to deliver the message. The grand-madame liked the princess consort so very much so! If she learned of his mistress taking ill in the pce, she¡¯d barrel her way into the pce to demand an exnation!

    Surnamed Liu, the imperial physician was sent out after he wrote a prescription.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Physician Liu. I will need your services regrly to take my wife¡¯s pulse. Your safety is assured.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness is too kind,¡± responded the physician gratefully. ¡°This old man can¡¯t express my thanks enough.¡±

    ¡°Not at all.¡± Pang Xiao had Xie Yue send Physician Liu out. Cottoning on to his master¡¯s intentions, Xie Yue gifted the man with arge red envelope.

    When the prince returned to the room, Qin Yining was already sitting up with a nket around her. She craned her neck out the window and murmured, ¡°Are all the outsiders gone now?¡±

    The question bizarrely poked at a soft spot in Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. He took a seat on the edge of bed.

    ¡°They¡¯re all gone. What was that just now? Do you know that I was scared out of my mind, wits, and soul when I saw you lying unconscious on the ground? If something happened to you because of my negligence, I¡¯ll just head off into the next world with you. There¡¯s no need for me to keep living.¡±

    Qin Yining flung her arms around Pang Xiao¡¯s neck and nuzzled his neck and shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I was actually fine. I just couldn¡¯t withstand the Princess of Anyang¡¯s wretched face any longer, not to mention that she kept jeering at me with sarcastic remarks.¡±

    At this point, she wiggled out of the prince¡¯s embrace and looked at him severely. ¡°This is all because of you. The princess carries deep feelings for you and she can no longer hold herself in after our wedding. She happened to think of this when she saw me and grew jealous. That¡¯s why she gave me a hard time.¡±

    She poked Pang Xiao¡¯s cheeks and continued unrelentingly, ¡°So tell me, isn¡¯t this because of you?¡±

    The man coughed. ¡°I never encouraged her. I treated her as a younger sister when she was young, and now she¡¯s just a younger sister who¡¯s grown up. Even her older brother is distant with me now. What can I possibly have to do with her?¡±

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t, but she said some very ugly things to me.¡± Qin Yining recounted what had happened earlier in the pce.

    ¡°So you pretended to be out because you wanted to use this to take Anyang out of the picture?¡±

    ¡°You know me alright, Your Highness.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Even if there¡¯s nothing between you, she¡¯s wife to Prince Consort Ji but still making eyes at my husband. Do you think I¡¯d let her off easily? Such a character really smears the royal family¡¯s dignity!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Pang Xiao knew that he was in a weaker position and only dared engage his wife in conversation.

    Buoyed by the positive feedback, Qin Yining propped herself up. ¡°The only thing I hope for now is that Prince Consort Ji isn¡¯t too saddened with what Li Hn¡¯s done.¡±

    Pang Xiao also felt saddened for his brother. Being close, he naturally knew Ji Lan¡¯s personality.

    He had ability in spades and looks handsome enough to eclipse the moon. He was also highly skilled in martial arts and themander of the Dragon Riders. How was a person like this not worthy of Li Hn?

    Such a wanton woman...

    Every time she approached Ji Zeyu was a personal insult to the prince consort!

    But what saddened Pang Xiao the most was that the emperor¡¯s preference for Ji Zeyu was bing ever more apparent. This further hobbled Ji Zeyu, to the point where he couldn¡¯t say anything even when his oh-so-noble wife did something wrong.

    It really was a tragedy.

    Qin Yining hopped off the bed. ¡°I¡¯m going to make my greetings to mother and grandmother. I¡¯m afraid the hubbub was too big just now and I might¡¯ve scared them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already sent people to pass on a message. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s just from someone else. It¡¯s the most filial if we go ourselves.¡±

    Pang Xiao had to bow to his wife¡¯s logic.

    Huzi called in a report at this time. ¡°Your Highness, a secret report¡¯s arrived from the south. They say that the earth dragon turned over in the old capital of Great Yan.¡± [1]

 Chapter 425: Protecting the Wife

    <h4>Chapter 425: Protecting the Wife</h4>

    Hearing the words ¡®the earth dragon turned over¡¯, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining¡¯s expressions turned solemn.

    Thirty-some years ago, arge earthquake urred in Northern Ji, leaving 500,000 citizens homeless across two provinces. In the humidity of summer and unfortunate rainfall, corpses buried in the rubble rotted their way to deadly virus mutations. Unable to clear out all of the debris in time, the situation ended with a wide-scale epidemic.

    That loss gravely impacted Northern Ji, and it wasn¡¯t resolved until a long whileter. The national treasury, empty enough to begin with, depleted even further.

    ¡°Any reports back on the situation after the earthquake?¡± Pang Xiao demanded anxiously.

    Huzi shook his head. ¡°There aren¡¯t any precise numbers yet, but starting three cities to the north of the old capital were affected. Aftershocks have continued for two days straight.¡±

    ¡°Three cities? Does that include the city of Liang?¡± Qin Yining frowned. She¡¯d grown up in Liang, and she quite missed it sometimes.

    The guard nodded. ¡°It should be. But Liang is far away from the old Yan Dynasty capital, so it should be fine.¡±

    The couple exchanged a look, both reading worry in the other¡¯s eyes.

    The chaos of war had just subsided, but now such a devastating natural disaster struck! Though Great Zhou appeared outwardly glorious, the nation¡¯s coffers ran on fumes and the emperor¡¯s private purse was all but spent. What could they bring out for disaster relief? What troops could they send to help?

    And though Li Qitian might take advantage of this incident toy out a trap, what Pang Xiao cared about the most was the safety of the people.

    ¡°Great Yan really has had its share of tragedies and trials,¡± sighed Huzi. ¡°Just when we thought everything would start getting better, an earthquake¡¯s gone and descended.¡±

    Qin Yining sighed as well. ¡°Whether human or natural disaster, it¡¯s the people who always suffer.¡±

    Pang Xiao frowned worriedly, brainstorming rapidly on how to handle this.

    The married couple didn¡¯t want to bring this negative mood to their elders, so all was as usual when they swung by Pinecrane Hall.

    N¨¦e Ma popped out as soon as Qin Yining crossed the threshold. She took ahold of her granddaughter-inw¡¯s hand and closely scanned the girl up and down before letting out a sigh of relief.

    ¡°They said that Dafu carried you back in his arms. I was shocked out of my wits when I heard that! Then Huzi came to say that you¡¯re alright, but he didn¡¯t have any details when we asked him. Thank goodness you¡¯re alright. What happened in the pce? Why did you faint out of nowhere?¡±

    Qin Yining discovered that her husband looked a bit ufortable when she snuck a look at him. I¡¯ll keep Li Hn¡¯s matter to myself then.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing major, just that I¡¯m a little short on blood. I was nervous when talking to the empress dowager¡ªthat¡¯s why I fainted. The imperial physician¡¯s already taken a look at me and said that all¡¯s fine. I just need to rest and recover for a while.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu were both highly doubting of this answer. They¡¯d been watching Qin Yining just now. Hearing this response after seeing her sneak a look at their son, they were quite certain that she wasn¡¯t telling the truth.

    Yao Chenggu: Perhaps the situation outside doesn¡¯t look good and the girl doesn¡¯t want us elders to worry and fret with them.

    N¨¦e Yao: She looks a bit guilty, this is rather suspicious.

    N¨¦e Ma sped the girl¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°Look at how mmy your hands are. It¡¯s not a small thing to be short on blood. You¡¯re still young, what happens when you get older? But thankfully we discovered it early and can start treating it now. You¡¯ll be fine after a while of care.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you so much, grandmother.¡± Qin Yining looked gratefully at n¨¦e Ma and swung her hand.

    She¡¯d missed out greatly on elderly love in her youth. Nothing needed to be said about the old dowager. Even with n¨¦e Zheng, the Duchess of Ding, some personal gain had been mixed into their rtionship. When Qin Yining had first retuned home and her mother disliked her, the fourth miss¡¯ maternal grandmother had tried to instill some sense in her mother not solely because the elderly woman liked her. It was also to help consolidate her mother¡¯s position in the Qin household.

    One of the few to be unconditionally kind to her was n¨¦e Ma. Qin Yining could very clearly sense hostility, enmity, as well as goodwill. The elderly woman had felt like an old friend even back when Qin Yining¡¯s marriage to Pang Xiao was up in the air.

    ¡°Silly child, we¡¯re all one family. What¡¯re you thanking me for? It¡¯s me who has to thank you. You have to suffer with our Dafu at such a young age.¡± N¨¦e Ma tugged Qin Yining over to the heated tform next to the window. ¡°Tell the servants whatever you¡¯d like to eat. Have them make it all. Youe tell me if Dafu isn¡¯t good to you or bullies you. I¡¯ll beat him for you!¡±

    Amused by his grandmother¡¯s show of favor, Pang Xiao threw a mock-tantrum by n¨¦e Ma¡¯s side. ¡°My position in this family is bing ever lower. Even grandmother likes only my darling now.¡±

    ¡°Off with you, you wild brat! Your skin is so thick and coarse that you wouldn¡¯t even feel a pinprick! Myss is soft and tender, of course I like her more.¡± N¨¦e Ma merrily shoved aside her grandson¡¯s face.

    Qin Yining burst into giggles, and even the smoking Yao Chenggu grinned broadly. Only n¨¦e Yao remained smiling faintly.

 Chapter 425.2: Protecting the Wife

    <h4>Chapter 425.2: Protecting the Wife</h4>

    Qin Yining chatted with n¨¦e Ma for awhile. ¡°It¡¯s still early, I¡¯m thinking about summoning the servants to the front hall for a chat. What do you think, grandmother?¡±

    N¨¦e Ma nodded with a smile and was about to agree when n¨¦e Yao preempted her.

    ¡°There¡¯s no rush for that. You¡¯re still not feeling all that well, so it¡¯s best that you rest. Things have been established long enough that they run on their own. You just take your time to ease into them. Your healthes first.¡±

    ¡°Your mother-inw is absolutely right,¡± agreed n¨¦e Ma. ¡°I almost forgot after all this conversation! You go on now and get some rest. I¡¯ll get them to send you some tonic soup in a moment.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled and nodded, not taking n¨¦e Yao¡¯s veiled animosity to heart. She responded meekly, ¡°That sounds good. I will take my leave now then.¡±

    ¡°Go on, get some rest.¡±

    Qin Yining rose and curtsied to her elders.

    Pang Xiao cast a long, meaningful look at his mother, and burst into a sudden smile when the others looked his way.

    ¡°Grandfather, mom, I¡¯d rather not darling Yi over exert herself. What if we have her focus on the Park of Resplendent Radiance in the future? Since mom likes to stay busy, the rest of the properties in the manor can be overseen by her as usual. From now on, the park and the manor shall be independently managed as two separate systems.¡±

    Color drained from n¨¦e¡¯s Yao face. ¡°Dafu, what do you mean by this?¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all, just precisely what I said. Mom¡¯s in fine health and able-bodied. Managing the different quarters of the manor helps her while away the time. My dear is young and frail. This would be an act of consideration for her, so why don¡¯t you help me, mom?¡±

    The prince turned to Zhao Kunjia¡¯s wife. ¡°You no longer need to wait on the princess consort, nor do you need to visit the Park of Resplendent Radiance. Just hand over the verification tokens for the park to the princess consort.¡±

    Missus Zhao cast a hesitant look at n¨¦e Yao.

    The old madame¡¯s expression turned stiff. ¡°The park is part of the manor! Having separate verification tokens for that property isn¡¯t keeping with the custom!¡±

    ¡°Mother, customs are established by people. Although my dear¡¯s inexperienced, she¡¯s more than capable of overseeing the affairs at a single residence. That way, we wouldn¡¯t need to ask for servants by mom¡¯s side to help keep things in order. You can¡¯t afford to not have Missus Zhao by your side, mom.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brows furrowed at that deration.

    She was well-aware of n¨¦e Yao¡¯s selective wariness and hostility, in particr when the princess consort had almost taken over affairs management of the manor before. Qin Yining could understand her mother-inw¡¯s distrust, that she was reluctant to relinquish her authority.

    Approval would be forting in the long run! If n¨¦e Yao didn¡¯t want her in charge, so be it.

    Yet, little did she expect her husband to stick out his neck for her.

    If things were done the way Pang Xiao desired, the Park of Resplendent Radiance and the rest of the manor quarters would be run as separate domains. If the word got out, it¡¯d sound as if they¡¯d split the family!

    N¨¦e Yao endured a lot of trouble to give birth to¡ªand rear¡ªPang Xiao. No sooner had her son married than he fought for his wife¡¯s rights in the family! Wouldn¡¯t that enrage n¨¦e Yao further, and incur more resentment against her?

    Pang Xiao meant well by what he did. He just couldn¡¯t bear seeing her being demeaned.

    Qin Yining pursed her dainty lips and cast a beseeching look at n¨¦e Ma and Yao Chenggu.

    She could tell that n¨¦e Ma wore her heart on her sleeve, and was decisive and forward in her dealings. Yao Chenggu and his daughter, on the other hand, were the same calcting and guarded sort.

    The difference between father and daughter was that in his advanced age, Yao Chenggu could no longer be bothered with the frivolities of worldly affairs. The fact that he was a man also made him more reasonable, open-minded and understanding.

    N¨¦e Yao, after all, was a woman, and once a serving girl in the Pang household. Verily, Qin Yining was reluctant to doubt her mother-inw¡¯s character, but those of the younger generation would never know how n¨¦e Yao managed to give birth to a son with Pang Zhongzheng, and how she waster banished by Madame Pang. All things considered, n¨¦e Yao was more than just a pretty face, considering her rise in life and ability to secure her son¡¯s safety.

    A woman with this sort of background knew only too well the intrigue and plotting rampant in wealthy and powerful families, and would be ustomed to the ploys to get what she wanted. She¡¯d have a lot more stories about duplicitous scheming in her ybook than her father would.

    N¨¦e Yao naturally wanted to hang onto power out of fear that her future would be at risk, now that Qin Yining hade after her, and on the heels of taking her son away!

    Worry and anxiety robbed Qin Yining¡¯s face of its radiance. The sight made n¨¦e Ma¡¯s heart ache.

    She¡¯d always felt that her daughter was excessively obsessed with certain matters. By putting her new daughter-inw into a difficult position and inciting her son into rebellion, she must feel just terrible.

    It must be many more times worse for Qin Yining, stuck in the middle!

    ¡°Very well, let¡¯s go with Dafu¡¯s n.¡± Yao Chenggu put down his tobo pouch. ¡°Letss Yi get limated and settled in. She can pace herself and recuperate as she slowly takes things over.¡±

    By ¡°settling in,¡± Yao Chenggu apparently meant more than what he let on.

    Pang Xiao understood that as well. ¡°I have the same thing in mind. Helping darling Yi settle in will take some time. It¡¯d help with building a clean break. My dear will benefit from the learning experience. So be it, then. Missus Zhao would deliver the verification tokens in a moment. Your grandson will take his leave now.¡±

    Pang Xiao bowed to his grandparents and strode out, Qin Yining¡¯s hands in his.

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s body, tense from the airs she was putting on, deted immediately as soon as the two left. Shoulders sagged, she sobbed, ¡°This is a typical example of the son forgetting his mom after he gets married! Daughter Yi¡¯s great and everything, but he can¡¯t just...¡±

    ¡°Oh, shut your mouth! Don¡¯t you know this is all your fault?¡± N¨¦e Ma jeered. ¡°You¡¯re the mother-inw and here you are, making things difficult for a sixteen-year-oldss! Some kind of family elder that makes you! What would the girl¡¯s parents think if they found out? You¡¯re a mother yourself. Your face should be burning with your ridiculous behavior!¡±

 Chapter 426.1: Bias

    <h4>Chapter 426.1: Bias</h4>

    N¨¦e Yao flushed beet red from the lecture. She didn¡¯t know how to respond.

    In her anger, words tumbled out of n¨¦e Ma like spilled beans. She recounted past deeds with relish.

    ¡°You think you¡¯re smart. Do you think everyone else is a fool? You never listen to me! I didn¡¯t want you to be a maid in a noble house to begin with¡ªit¡¯s not like we couldn¡¯t afford to raise you. But you wanted to go out and see the world. And then what? Your entire life was affected!

    ¡°Look at what you were boasting about a while ago, how you¡¯ve seen too much of those heartless old hags in the old Pang Manor to do anything they ever did. You said you¡¯d never be an evil mother-inw, but look at what you¡¯re doing now!

    ¡°Our Dafu may be in a high position and wield a lot of power, but how many families in simr positions would actually marry off their daughter to power?

    ¡°Minister Qin is a modern Zhuge Liang. He chose us not because of Dafu¡¯s power. The minister will be joining the council himself in the future, would he need to trade the apple of his eye for power?

    ¡°And just look at the ridiculous mess your son¡¯s caught up in! He¡¯s a good child alright, but anyone marrying him will be subject to no end of fear and fright.

    ¡°Have you forgotten how it felt to worry at home whenever he marched out with the army, constantly afraid that some ident would happen? There are so many enemies staring at Dafu¡¯s back, and His Majesty¡¯s one of them. Have you forgotten when we were brought into the pce as hostages?

    ¡°Look at things now. They walked into the pce with their own two feet on the second day of their marriage, butss Yi came back carried by others. Do you really believe her when she says she¡¯s short on blood? That¡¯s her being mature and not wanting her elders to worry!

    ¡°Your son is such an awful match and thess has suffered so much right after joining our family. But instead of treating her well, you fight her for attention! You¡¯re more than forty years old, can you grow up already? When will you be more sensible??¡±

    N¨¦e Ma fully vented her feelings, both angry and bittersweet when she recalled the past.

    She was a straightforward and frank sort who¡¯d never hurt a fly. Naturally, she despised those with a crooked heart. Yet her daughter was precisely this kind of person!

    Was she evil? Not quite, she didn¡¯t actuallymit any viinous acts.

    Was she kind? She¡¯de back from the noble house with the schemes and tricks that should stay in families like those. The perspective with which she considered things was vastly different from before.

    Tears trickled down when n¨¦e Yao heard her mother start the litany of crimes with being a maid in the Pang household.

    At the end of the all, she wept like a child.

    ¡°Mom, even if I did wrong that year, I really couldn¡¯t help myself. I¡¯ll tell you the truth¡ªI liked Pang Zhongzheng. But we¡¯re just an ordinary family, so what else could I do other than be their maid? Though I didn¡¯t get a proper ce in the family, I had Dafu! He¡¯s my son with my loved one!¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s some sort of proper logic to you?¡± N¨¦e Ma looked incredulously at her daughter. ¡°You like someone, so you go be their maid? And then you volunteer to be their bedwarmer?¡±

    Her hand itched to fly over in a hearty smack on the cheek, but quick-witted Yao Chenggu stopped his wife.

    ¡°Alright, alright. It¡¯s been so many years. It¡¯s now thanks to Dafu that our days are looking up. There¡¯s nothing bad about this. And we¡¯re talking about thess now, aren¡¯t we?¡±

    N¨¦e Ma huffed angrily at her daughter and bit off, ¡°What else is there to talk about with thess? She¡¯s earned enough bad luck for eight lifetimes after marrying into our family and earning you as her mother-inw. No wonder your son¡¯s setting himself against you! The mere sight of you makes me angry!¡±

    N¨¦e Yao lowered her head from the censure, further irritating her mother. N¨¦e Ma rose and grabbed a stave in the yard, spinning and mock-attacking with gusto. The wind howled as the stave danced like a tiger.

    Only father and daughter were left in the house. N¨¦e Yao sniffled, ¡°Dad, you be the judge of this all. Is mom right when she says all that? Setting aside Dafu¡¯s matter, have I shorted the Qin girl on anything?

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t give her the verification tokens. It¡¯s just that she¡¯s just joined our family, so I should have some time to judge her character, no? But look at how Dafu did things! He almost split our family in two! He¡¯s turned into that kind of the Shang Dynasty after bringing a beauty home, the one who lost himself in drinking and women to the abandonment of everything else! Dad, would you be mad at this!¡±

    Yao Chenggu took a long pull on his pipe and shook his head. ¡°You can¡¯t say it like this. There are ces where you did wrong as well. Having joined our family, thess is one of us now. You know Dafu¡¯s eye for people. If she really wasn¡¯t a good sort, would our Dafu fall in love with her, being how smart she is?

    ¡°And didn¡¯t you hear what Xu Weizhi and the others said? They say she¡¯s very smart, that she can aplish great things even without strategists by her side. The n she thought of to help Dafu was better than any that his followers and strategists came up with. With such a wise wife, why do you keep butting heads with her?¡±

    Grievances filled n¨¦e Yao when she heard this. ¡°Dad, why are you helping outsiders as well? You don¡¯t care about my sadness at all.¡±

    ¡°Outsiders?¡± Yao Chenggu tapped his brass pipe on the edge of the heated tform. ¡°She¡¯s part of the family after she crossed the threshold. You need to treat her like your own child from the bottom of your life. You don¡¯t have a daughter, so it¡¯s like you suddenly gained one. Isn¡¯t that good? Thess is also a very likable child.

    ¡°If you keep thinking this way and keep viewing her as an outsider, then I say one day Dafu will also treat you like an outsider.¡±

 Chapter 426.2: Bias

    <h4>Chapter 426.2: Bias</h4>

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s tears trickled down. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m sad. He¡¯s treating me like this for a woman! Does he not remember at all the sacrifices I¡¯ve made for him all these years?? He¡¯s forgotten how I¡¯ve protected and raised him until now!¡±

    Yao Chenggu was both anguished and angry to see his crying daughter thus.

    ¡°Alright, alright. Don¡¯t cry. Just do as Dafu wishes for now. I¡¯ll talk this over with your momter on and see how we go about this in the future.¡±

    What else could n¨¦e Yao do but nod?

    She knew that her dad¡¯s words were on the gentle side. If she¡¯d repeated her words to n¨¦e Ma, it¡¯d be another fiery lecture in store for her.

    ......

    Qin Yining headed back to the Park of Resplendent Radiance, hand-in-hand with Pang Xiao. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have done that. Life hasn¡¯t been easy for mom. After all these years, she didn¡¯t marry again out of consideration for you. You should be more filial to her.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± sighed Pang Xiao. ¡°I will be properly filial to her. But neither can she treat you like this either. It looks to me that she¡¯d still like to hang on to her authority. If she likes to keep the house in order, then let her. All we have to do is close our doors and live our life. You can keep our park in order as much as you like.¡±

    He turned apologetically towards his wife at this point. ¡°My darling, you¡¯re suffering because of me. I want to give the entire manor to you, but that¡¯s my mom. I¡¯m afraid of causing her to take sick with anger.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I don¡¯t care whether I¡¯m in charge of a park or a manor. I just want the family to get along happily and peacefully. Mom loves and cherishes you, which is why she¡¯s also giving me a thorough inspection. I hope you understand her efforts. She¡¯s not doing this to make life hard for me, but because she cares about you.¡±

    Pang Xiao was both touched and delighted to hear his darling speak thus. He couldn¡¯t help but wrap his arm around his slender waist.

    Seeing him bend down as well, Qin Yining immediately understood what he wished to do. She pushed him aside with a reddened face. ¡°What are you doing? This is outside in broad daylight!¡±

    He¡¯d actually only wanted to hug her, but seeing her shyly cuddle into him after her misunderstanding reminded him of the soul-devouring sensations ofst night. Passion gripped him. ¡°You¡¯re right, we can¡¯t do this outside. We need to go back to our house first.¡±

    Crimson flooded her cheeks when she heard his purposeful twisting of her concern.

    ¡°You¡¯re awful! Howe I¡¯ve never discovered how evil you are!¡±

    ¡°Me? Evil? Oh I can be even more evil.¡± Pang Xiao huffed onto his finger and attacked her ticklish spots.

    Terrified of being tickled, Qin Yining ran all the way back to their room and mmed the door shut.

    Leaning on the door, the prince peered into the room through the door crack. ¡°If you won¡¯t let mee in, I¡¯m going to go find some other girl!¡±

    The princess consort burst outughing at the joke. ¡°Go find another one if you have the ability to!¡±

    ¡°Alright, just you wait.¡± He turned and left.

    The sound of footsteps traveling away worried Qin Yining. She knew he was teasing, but curiositypelled her to open the door.

    Right into Pang Xiao¡¯s smiling face.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t, didn¡¯t you leave?¡±

    ¡°I did. I came back when I heard you open the door.¡± His hand around her waist, Pang Xiao bent down to capture her cherry-red lips with his. Kicking the door shut with his foot and back, he carried her into the inner room.

    Her blushing protests provedpletely ineffective. In the end, she didn¡¯t even have the energy to eat dinner. Copsing in the middle of the soft, sateen sheets and sleeping until the end of time was all that she could do.

    When Zhao Kunjia¡¯s wife came to deliver the verification tokens, it was Jiyun and Bingtang who epted them.

    The granny servant knew that Pang Xiao and n¨¦e Yao weren¡¯t on the best of terms at the moment. She craned her neck for a peek at what the situation was inside the house. However, Bingtang wasn¡¯t a fan of people like this.

    ¡°Their Highnesses are discussing matters of court and are currently busy. If Zhao-mama has any instructions, go ahead and tell me. I¡¯ll pass it along to the princess consortter.¡±

    ¡°Aiyo, that¡¯s fine then. I¡¯ll be off then.¡± Zhao-mama scampered away.

    The two maids looked at each other, both blushing slightly and chuckling.

    On the morning of the third day, when it was tradition to return to the bride¡¯s home, Qin Yining still rose early to greet n¨¦e Ma and n¨¦e Yao first.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be visiting my family for a quick visit today and to introduce His Highness to my family. We¡¯ll return by early evening.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao was just as demure and gentle as always, as if nothing unpleasant had happened.

    ¡°Do give our greetings to your parents, and don¡¯t forget the gifts we¡¯ve prepared.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Yes, thank you, mom.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a bit of thanks for between family?¡± chuckled n¨¦e Ma. ¡°I hear you gave all the servants in the park their orders this morning?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Your granddaughter-inw is silly and spent quite a lot of time thinking about how to settle affairs in our residence. Thankfully we don¡¯t have many servants, so it wasn¡¯t that hard to sort out.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re much too humble. I hear that you set up quite a neat system for your servants.¡±

 Chapter 427.1: Three Days After the Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 427.1: Three Days After the Wedding</h4>

    Qin Yining smiled bashfully. ¡°I just wanted to save time so I couldze around.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao had insisted on keeping her hands off household affairs in Pang Xiao¡¯s residence for one night since she¡¯d been handed a dressing-down from her son. Nor had she sent Missus Zhao to pry for information, which was why she was in the dark about n¨¦e Ma¡¯s remarks to Qin Yining.

    N¨¦e Yao had wanted to hang on to her airs of superiority, but her curiosity got the better of her as she saw how marvelously her mother and Qin Yining were getting on. ¡°How did daughter Yi arrange things?¡±

    She felt slightly difited as soon as that came out of her mouth, and stammered, ¡°I could possibly learn a thing or two.¡±

    Seeing the sheepishness on n¨¦e Yao¡¯s face, Qin Yining responded with a smile, wanting to spare her mother-inw from embarrassment.

    ¡°I simply slotted the affairs in the house into different categories and assigned the servants to different duties. I also set the hours that the servants are to report back. If there were no emergencies, the servants will pick up their verification tokens about halfway into the hour of the sheep. Exceptions are made during emergencies.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao immediately recognized the cleverness of her daughter-inw¡¯s n andunched into impromptu praise.

    ¡°This is wonderful! That time is the perfect transition for the hours before and after. Errands already taken care of in the morning and those to be handled in the afternoon can be assigned properly. Disruptions from constant updates can be spared. What a brilliant idea!¡±

    As soon as the acmation was given, n¨¦e Yao remembered that she seemed to be in a battle with her daughter-inw. Embarrassment shed across her face.

    Qin Yining, on the other hand, answered bashfully with congenial shyness. ¡°That was an overpraise, mom. This daughter-inw¡¯s simply used to beingzy.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao couldn¡¯t help herself but beam at Qin Yining¡¯s glowing and sincere smile.

    N¨¦e Ma watched the pair¡¯s interaction with gratification. ¡°Dafu told us that you have business to supervise. Be careful that you don¡¯t tire yourself out.¡±

    ¡°Yes, there¡¯s that. I actually just take in profit without lifting a finger. Grand Steward Zhong has been with me since my days in Great Yan and he¡¯s loyal and shrewd. He sets everything into motion as soon as I ask. I don¡¯t have to lift a finger.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful, that¡¯s wonderful! You¡¯re fortunate to have someone loyal by your side to help you, but it¡¯s also a sign of your own abilities that he gives his allegiance to you. I always thought you were able and talented. It definitely looks like I¡¯m right. Dafu¡¯s extremely lucky to have you as his wife.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma folded Qin Yining into her bosom and patted the girl¡¯s back affectionately with her aged,rge hand.

    Despite having her own birth grandmother, Qin Yining had never experienced love of such sincerity from the old Qin dowager. Nor had she been so dearly loved.

    N¨¦e Ma gave off the fragrance unique to elders: a dry, warm, and sunny scent mixed in with the sweetness of the lotion she used. Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but nestle herself into the matriarch¡¯s bosom, basking in that warmth.

    ¡°Grandmother¡¯s praising me too much. I might grow too arrogant in the future.¡±

    ¡°No, you won¡¯t. You¡¯re a great child. You¡¯re not that type¡±

    N¨¦e Ma patted Qin Yining¡¯s back, her fondness for the girl blossoming. She had no granddaughters, and Qin Yining was younger than her grandson by eight years! The matriarch had never known the joy of having a sweet granddaughter chortling by her side. The gain of such a docile, smart, and beautiful granddaughter-inw absolutely delighted her.

    Seeing her mother cuddling Qin Yining just so, n¨¦e Yao recalled with an ache in her heart that she¡¯d never experienced that much warmth in her mother¡¯s arms during her own childhood.

    Awareness of such feelings rattled her, yet some indeed were an honest, emotional outpouring from the heart that she had no control over. These feelings were tantamount to the fear she experienced when her precious son weed his bride.

    ¡°Mom.¡± Pang Xiao strode in at this very minute, wearing a brand-new navy blue brocade overcoat. N¨¦e Yao was the first person he saw from his approach through the door. He bowed with a smile.

    N¨¦e Yao breathed a sigh of relief seeing her son act his normal, friendly self around her. There was no development of standoffishness after yesterday¡¯s encounter. She smiled. ¡°There you are, Dafu.¡±

    ¡°Aye. I was just getting some meager gifts ready for today¡¯s visit to the inws. I¡¯ll remember to address them as my rtives from now on.¡± He walked up to Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Ma as he spoke, and bowed with a smile.

    Yao Chenggu summoned his grandson to his side and inquired in a low voice about the gifts. He gave his approval as Pang Xiao made his report, but advised after giving the report some thought, ¡°Make sure to prepare a few grab bags as well and stuff them with gold and silver bits. That¡¯ll help keep up appearances should you run into any juniors or peers.¡±

    Pang Xiao naturally had them at the ready, but neglected to mention it. At Yao Chenggu¡¯s reminder, he nodded deferentially. ¡°Ah, those are definitely a must. I¡¯ll remember to get them ready.¡±

    It was a picture of familial harmony at the manor. It was as if discord had never happened.

    Delighted with the scene, n¨¦e Ma prodded Pang Xiao. ¡°Be on your way if you¡¯re all ready. The lord uncles should be here soon.¡±

    The uncles and elder brothers of the bride¡¯s n were supposed to pick up the newlyweds on the third day after the wedding.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°They should be here soon.¡±

    No sooner had she finished her remark than an announcement sounded outside the inner residence. ¡°The lord uncles have arrived!¡±

    ¡°Go on now. Be careful on the road. Send our regards to our inws.¡± N¨¦e Ma lightly patted the backs of Qin Yining¡¯s hands.

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile and a curtsey. She followed Pang Xiao to depart from Pinecrane Hall.

    Standing by the prince¡¯s manor were Qin Yu and Qin Han, deep in a discussion about whether to enter and offer their greetings to the Pang grand-madame. The newlywed couple emerged from the front doors as the two brothers talked.

    ¡°Greetings to my brothers-inw.¡± Rather than being a haughty prince consort, Pang Xiao took the initiative and stepped forward to greet his new inws.

    Given Pang Xiao¡¯s high-ranking position and authority, plus his notoriety as a god of war, Qin Yu and Qin Han were slightly wary of him. They were also worried that he¡¯d married Qin Yining to avenge his father¡¯s death.

    Seeing his radiant smile and their cousin¡¯s obvious peace and joy, the two brothers felt the weight of concern lifted off of their hearts. Their attitude shifted much more to the amicable and natural side.

 Chapter 427.2: Three Days After the Wedding

    <h4>Chapter 427.2: Three Days After the Wedding</h4>

    ¡°Brother-inw, shall we be on our way then?¡± asked Qin Han.

    Pang Xiao found himself extraordinarily pleased with Qin Han¡¯s address, more so than when he was called your highness or lord secretariat.

    At this time, the carriage rolled out of the manor. Pang Xiao stepped up to help his wife get on the vehicle.

    Concerned with Qin Yining¡¯s poor health, he was this close to carrying her into the carriage with a strong embrace.

    Sensing the slight pressure of her husband¡¯s hand on her slender waist, Qin Yining immediately realized what Pang Xiao wanted to do. Heat rose to her cheeks, and she gave him a nudge, sending him a message with a re: too many pairs of eyes are watching!

    Resigned, Pang Xiao let go of his hands.

    He took the reins and mounted the horse adroitly after Bingtang and Jiyun were settled in the carriage.

    Qin Han and Qin Yu took everything in and their observations put them at further ease. The brothers mounted their horses as well and chatted with Pang Xiao, leading the carriage along.

    Qin Yining felt a surge of wistfulnessing over her. She¡¯d worn a maiden¡¯s twin buns thest time she was in the grew! Now it was a married woman¡¯s hairdo she was styling.

    Bingtang and Jiyun became concerned at their mistress¡¯s knitted brows.

    They had witnessed firsthand the tricks n¨¦e Yao pulled in the prince¡¯s manor, and felt indignant on behalf of their mistress. Thankfully the prince didn¡¯t take his mother¡¯s side, or Qin Yining would be more afflicted.

    The entourage traveled to the street where the Qin manor sat, and was greeted by a wide-open front door as soon as they turned the corner. Standing in front of the door was Qin Huaiyuan, d in a casual, round cored long shirt, and a n¨¦e Sun anxiously craning her neck in wait.

    She hurried out to wee the visitors as soon as she saw the three men turn the corner on their steeds. They quickly dismounted at the sight of her.

    Pang Xiao stepped up and bowed. ¡°Mother-inw.¡±

    It was that familiar address again, but after such a monumental string of events. N¨¦e Sun could no longer be certain if the prince would treat her daughter sincerely, so she merely nodded. ¡°You¡¯ve returned. Come on inside.¡±

    The carriage slowed to a stop.

    Qin Yining pushed the curtain to the side with a smile. ¡°Mother! What are you doing outside?¡±

    N¨¦e Sun reached out for her daughter¡¯s hand and supported her off the carriage. ¡°I came outside as soon as your cousins took off. I couldn¡¯t sit still in the house anyway. Let¡¯s hurry and go inside.¡±

    Hand tucked into her daughter¡¯s arm, the two women set off together.

    Pang Xiao gave Qin Huaiyuan a bow. ¡°Father-inw.¡±

    The patriarch nodded with a smile. Turning, he called out, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can chat after getting home.¡±

    The doorman had flown in to notify the family as soon as Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun greeted their daughter and son-inw. The courtyard of the Qin manor wasn¡¯t that big to speak of. The entourage and the servants arrived at the main house of the inner residence with just a few steps.

    The old dowager wore a house robe with buttons down the front in the color of eggnt. Her hair was brushed and styled until it shone, and she wore it with a jade hairpin stuck at an angle.

    She sat cross-legged on the heated tform by the window. The second elder master, second madame, the third elder master, along with the rest of the family were gathered around her.

    The host and the guests exchanged greetings and pleasantries when all had crossed over the door. Qin-mama ced two brocade mats on the floor.

    The newlyweds knelt and kowtowed to the old dowager.

    ¡°Greetings to Old Dowager. Your granddaughter bows in respect to you.¡±

    Pang Xiao followed suit. ¡°Greetings to Old Dowager.¡±

    The family matriarch was ovee with mixed emotions, so much so that her hands were slightly trembling.

    Kowtowing to me is Great Zhou¡¯s Faithful Prince of the First Rank! He¡¯s that evil god of violence and the Grand Schr of the Brave Warrior Pce with unrivaled power and authority in all of the imperial court!

    She¡¯d never be privileged to such greetings if her granddaughter hadn¡¯t grasped the chance to ascend to princess consort!

    ¡°Don¡¯t stand on ceremony. You may rise.¡± The old dowager kept her smile in check and ordered Qin-mama to deliver the greeting gifts.

    Her gift to the prince was a piece of premium Shezhou inkstone.

    Pang Xiao amiably had the servants put it away for safekeeping.

    Next to follow was the formal introduction of rtives from the bride¡¯s family. Qin Yining had Pang Xiao meet her second uncle, second aunt, third uncle, eldest cousin Qin Yu, second cousin Qin Han, his wife n¨¦e Meng, fifth cousin Qin Xian, eighth cousin Qin Baoning, tenth cousin Qin Rong, eleventh cousin Qin Zong, and the youngest¡ªcousin-nephew Qin Yuzhen.

    After individually greeting all of them and bowing to the elders, Pang Xiao presented greeting gifts to the elders and received them back in kind. His peers followed by presenting their presents as well. The one he gave back to the youngest was a bag of gold bits, making his mother, n¨¦e Meng, beam from ear to ear.

    Qin Yining skipped but one person in this round of introduction: Qin Huining.

    The foster girl stood in the corner, her head hung low as she wished for the ground to open up and swallow her in whole.

    She really shouldn¡¯t be present for today¡¯s gathering. Yet, her absence would be a sign of disrespect to Pang Xiao and Qin Yining. Ining here, she¡¯d also bring disgrace upon herself.

    If she hadn¡¯te at Qin Yining the way she did and resorted to petty scheming, she wouldn¡¯t have forfeited her parents¡¯ love andpassion. Someone as high-ranking and loyal as Qin Huaiyuan wouldn¡¯t have mistreated her even though she was just a foster girl.

    But there was no such thing as remedy for bygones in the world.

    Second wife n¨¦e Meng also noticed Qin Yining bypass the foster girl in her introduction. Thinking that they were all family, that it would be awkward to exclude Qin Huining from the asion, n¨¦e Meng took it upon herself to make an introduction.

    ¡°This is cousin Hui, senior uncle¡¯s foster daughter. She¡¯s the same age as cousin Yi.¡±

 Chapter 428.1: Father and Son-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 428.1: Father and Son-In-Law</h4>

    Though the second wife meant well, universal looks of dissatisfaction and reprimand turned her way.

    Knowing that his wife wasn¡¯t a bad sort, just sometimes muddleheaded, Qin Han tugged her sleeves. The reminder jerked her back to her senses. Qin Huining¡¯s identity was awkward and she didn¡¯t get along with Qin Yining. The entire family had ignored the foster girl, so what had she stuck her nose into things for?

    N¨¦e Meng smiled awkwardly, took two steps back, and stayed quiet.

    Qin Huining smiled gratefully at her second cousin-inw. She finally had an opening!

    ¡°Hello, younger brother-inw.¡± She dipped a curtsey.

    ¡°Brother-inw?¡± Pang Xiao looked her over with an ambiguous smile. ¡°You may forgo further courtesies.¡±

    Out of respect to Qin Huaiyuan, the prince answered with a greeting gift on par with the other Qin youngsters. Though Qin Huining called him brother-inw, his actions were befitting of his position and authority.

    Deep satisfaction filled Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s heart to see his son-inw thus. The boy is really going to great effort for my daughter.

    Such a powerful grandson-inw grew more pleasing to the eye the more the old dowager looked at him. But she still didn¡¯t dare meet his eyes. The look in those eyes of his was much too sharp. It made one shudder to look at it head-on.

    After a bit more conversation, the elder male generation invited Pang Xiao out and left the house to the womenfolk.

    When she saw the men leave, n¨¦e Sun immediately grabbed Qin Yining¡¯s hand for some private heart-to-heart. She didn¡¯t care what expression was on the old dowager¡¯s face at all.

    Within n¨¦e Sun¡¯s bedroom, Qin Yining and her mother sat side by side.

    ¡°How does the prince treat you?¡±

    The tips of Qin Yining¡¯s ears burned red and she coughed. ¡°Very good.¡±

    Sizing up her daughter carefully, n¨¦e Sun was highly satisfied by the girl¡¯s bashful, yet hard to conceal happiness.

    ¡°Absolutely wonderful. In my eyes, though the prince doesn¡¯t have a good temper, he¡¯s not one who will abuse his wife. Men of the battlefield more or less have a tyrannical streak in them. Just follow his lead and go with his desires. I¡¯m sure he won¡¯t mistreat you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very right, mother. I will follow your advice. The prince is very good to me.¡±

    ¡°What about your mother-inw? And the two elders at home?¡± N¨¦e Sun continued worriedly.

    Warmth suffused Qin Yining¡¯s heart when she thought of how n¨¦e Ma defended her.

    ¡°The prince¡¯s grandparents are both weing and kind people. Grandmother roved the world in her youth and was a wandering hero! She¡¯s very hearty and straightforward, and she likes me a lot. Grandfather has a milder personality but is wise and resourceful. He genuinely likes me too.¡±

    ¡°What about your mother-inw?¡± N¨¦e Sun grabbed her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°Has she disciplined you or made an example out of you at any time?¡±

    Her mother had suffered at the hands of her own mother-inw. Qin Yining had seen with her own eyes how the old dowager doled out punishment and made an example of her daughters-inw. And how had she turned on her eldest daughter-inw when cmity had befallen the Suns?

    As a mother, how would n¨¦e Sun bear to let her daughter suffer through the same torment?

    Qin Yining shook n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mother. My mother and grandmother-inw are both very honest people. Like you say, the prince is domineering, but he doesn¡¯t bully me and even takes my side. Though my mother-inw harbors certain thoughts, which mother in this world isn¡¯t worried that her son will forget her after taking a wife? It¡¯s all understandable. A life isn¡¯t built in a single day. The road ahead is long, so things will only be better.¡±

    Enchanted by her daughter¡¯s description, n¨¦e Sun also found herself hopeful for the future.

    Her heart saw things clearly. She was of average talent to begin with and had some of the tempers that came with being raised as the treasured daughter of a noble house. The old dowager was a materialistic one, so n¨¦e Sun had lost hope for harmonious rtions a long time ago.

    But Qin Yining was different. She had much of her life left to live and her life in the prince¡¯s manor would be her main stage in the future. There weren¡¯t many in the prince¡¯s family to begin with, so if someone didn¡¯t like her, life would be very difficult for the girl.

    N¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t slept well since her daughter¡¯s wedding. Her mind tossed and turned, feeling like once out of her sight, her daughter would change from the apple of the Qin eye to any broken tile to be discarded on the ground.

    She hadn¡¯t treated Qin Yining kindly before, and her daughter had married shortly after they two had grown close.

    Not having much time tovish her daughter with attention, n¨¦e Sun hadn¡¯t even begun to make things up to Qin Yining. N¨¦e Sun was truly worried that the girl wouldn¡¯t have a good life in her new home.

    Though Qin Yining couldn¡¯t fullyprehend her mother¡¯s desire topensate her, she could sense the sentiment to. To prevent her mother from flying into wild thoughts after her departure, she chose to ry a litany of good things about her new life.

    ¡°The prince is busy with official affairs, but he always makes time toe see me.

    ¡°My mother-inw is kind-hearted. When she saw that I¡¯m to learn how to keep a household in order, she sent her favorite granny servant to help me out. You see, she was afraid that no one would listen to my orders.

    ¡°Grandmother-inw treats me like her own granddaughter. She always holds my hand when talking to me. She¡¯s so much friendlier than our old dowager.

    ¡°The prince¡¯s manor isrge, but few live in it. Therefore, everyone has a lot of living space and the servants don¡¯t need to bunk together.¡±

 Chapter 428.2: Father and Son-In-Law

    <h4>Chapter 428.2: Father and Son-In-Law</h4>

    N¨¦e Sun carefully drank in everything her daughter ryed, growing increasingly rxed as she did so. She nodded in the end. ¡°Your father is a highly capable individual. A match that he himself¡¯s given the nod for won¡¯t go wrong.¡±

    ¡°Mother defends father so fiercely!¡± Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°I must tell fatherter so he knows how deep your feelings run.¡±

    A rare flush of bashfulness crept across her mother¡¯s face. She yfully shoved the fourth miss. ¡°You naughty girl!¡±

    As mother and daughter whispered in the room, Pang Xiao and Qin Huaiyuan arrived in the outer study.

    The minister took a seat on the heated tform next to the window, while Pang Xiao genteelly knelt down again.

    ¡°This son-inw pays my deepest respects to my father-inw. Please ept my kowtow.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan merrily helped the younger man up. ¡°Get up, get up. We¡¯re all family here. There¡¯s no need to be so polite.¡±

    ¡°No, father-inw must ept my kowtow. I¡¯ve wanted to thank you long ago¡ªthank you for acquiescing to me and my darling. It wasn¡¯t convenient to speak outside, so I didn¡¯t have the chance to express my gratitude until now.¡±

    ¡°Do get up.¡± Qin Huaiyuan helped up his son-inw with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re an open-minded person. It¡¯s I who must apologize to you for the affairs of yesteryear.¡±

    Pang Xiao hastily shook his head at this response. ¡°Father-inw, no matter what the others say orbel you with, please listen to me. Back in the day, you were of Great Yan and my father of Northern Ji. You were on opposing sides to begin with, and each did things to the best of his ability.

    ¡°Though your plot to drive a wedge between him and his emperor worked brilliantly, that tyrant had long since viewed my father as a thorn in his side. He was worried that my father would mutiny and was just looking for an excuse to get rid of my father.

    ¡°Therefore, a lot of factors came together with the passage of time to result in this conclusion. It didn¡¯t have much to do with your n at all.

    ¡°And even if it all ways because of your n, there¡¯s nothing for it either.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t me things on you to begin with. If I had, why would I have sought out my darling back in the day?¡±

    ¡°Back in the day?¡± Qin Huaiyuan adroitly captured the crux of the matter.

    The prince nodded. ¡°I learned about it from my father¡¯s old strategists. They schemed to swap out the enemy¡¯s daughter. I heard my father¡¯s guards say that they swapped out my darling with an orphan from the Hall of Fosters. But, the strategists said that the babe wasn¡¯t an orphan, that she¡¯d been bought with silver.

    ¡°Anyways, they threw Yining¡¯s swaddling clothes away after swapping her out. It was only after they followed up that they found out n¨¦e Liu had taken my darling home with her.

    ¡°I was fourteen or fifteen then. When I heard my father¡¯s men talk about the enemy¡¯s daughter, I felt she was quite innocent in all this. So I went to look for her in the city of Liang.¡±

    Pang Xiao then described how he¡¯d seen the Qin Yining thrown to the ground after being chased out by the medicine shop associate. She¡¯d stubbornly refused to cry after that treatment.

    Following her, he witnessed how she bought buns for her foster mother and disyed a strength beyond her seven years of age.

    At the end of the prince¡¯s recollection, he mentioned how he¡¯d left her some money. ¡°It was a pity that when I went back the next year, Yining¡¯s foster mother had already passed away. I was unable to find her again. I didn¡¯t have much money when I gave her what I had. I¡¯d just joined the army then and my father¡¯s strategists were mostly focused on using me. I had no silver or actual power.

    ¡°If I only had even thirty percent of what I do now, my darling wouldn¡¯t have suffered in the mountain for so many years.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan silently took all of this in with a calm expression. ¡°So it seems your destinies crossed paths long ago. This is all heaven¡¯s will. The silver you gave her then saved her life, which is why you are husband and wife now.¡±

    The prince¡¯s ears turned scarlet and he murmured, ¡°Perhaps this is what¡¯s meant by fate.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any requests of you, just that you treat my daughter well.¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°She¡¯s had a tough life and never enjoyed much of good fortune. After returning home, she suffered even more because of me. I can¡¯t stay by her side for the rest of her life, but you can. I give my daughter to you now.¡± His tone was very serous at the end.

    Pang Xiao rose to bow. ¡°Understood. Please be at ease, father-inw. I will treat my darling well.¡±

    The conversation was mutually enjoyable, and matters of business raised after concluding the personal ones.

    ¡°Casualties in the wake of the earthquake must be very severe this time,¡± analyzed the minister for his son-inw. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s private purse is empty. He¡¯ll undoubtedly hasten his efforts to find the treasure when he urgently needs money. My guess is that he¡¯ll also assign missions for various officials in order to add to the national treasury. The golden fish that you gifted my daughter were simply too eye-catching. If the emperor minds this and asks to borrow money, what will you do?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, father-inw. I have my ways if he really does ask. His Majesty still owes the Valiant Tigers a year¡¯s worth of pay.¡±

 Chapter 429.1: Disaster Relief

    <h4>Chapter 429.1: Disaster Relief</h4>

    Qin Huaiyuan grinned at his son-inw¡¯s words. ¡°You¡¯re probably the only person in the entire court with this much pluck and charisma to say such things.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled back.

    ¡°I¡¯m only at ease to say this much without a filter in front of you, father-inw. I would never be this brazen if I was out there. His Majesty rules the country with kindness and filial piety. How would he allow such a catastrophe to strike?¡±

    The Qin patriarch and the prince were both highly intelligent. They needed not to spell things out before reaching a tacit rapport. With Li Qitian¡¯s character, he¡¯d keep things under wraps even if he¡¯d erred. He would try to plot cover-ups in any way possible.

    Qin Huaiyuan paused to think. ¡°I understand what you mean. But aren¡¯t you the one to shoulder the me if pay iste? This is why I admire your capabilities. You have to lead troops into war and earn their unwavering loyalty. Yet not only have you never incurred the resentment of your men, but you¡¯ve also inspired them to stay in the frontlines. They steadfastly y enemies by your side despite being unpaid! That is truly something else.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled despite himself. ¡°Father, that¡¯s actually not that hard. As long as I¡¯m willing to stick with my men through thick and thin, be the first to charge and thest to retreat, my actions speak for me aplenty.¡±

    The look of respect in his father-inw¡¯s eyes spoke volumes.

    ¡°That¡¯s whatmon sense would reason. But how many can truly stick by those principles? As a matter of fact, the logic and truth behind a lot of things in life are so obvious that it doesn¡¯t take a genius to figure them out.

    ¡°Take studying for example. Every examinee understands that he must pour over previous test questions so thoroughly that the knowledge bes his own. At the same time, he must pay heed to politics as to acquire an insight into the thoughts of those in power.

    ¡°Eighty percent of the examinees are aware of these simple rules, but only a handful are able toe out on top. That¡¯s because the majority failed to stay disciplined and persistent.

    ¡°Most of us falter and waver in our studies, a pursuit that hardly puts our lives at risk, to say nothing of braving a battlefield and besting enemies! You risk your life every minute you¡¯re out there!¡±

    Flustered momentarily by his father-inw¡¯s praise, Pang Xiao waved a hand in dismissal. ¡°I¡¯m hardly as remarkable as father made me out to be. I¡¯m just a little bolder, is all.¡±

    ¡°Brave, cautious, yet kind-hearted,¡± Qin Huaiyuan reached out and patted his son-inw on the other side of the small table.¡±You are a very good young man. I have utmost peace of mind in leaving my daughter in your care.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯spliments were the greatest affirmation possible to Pang Xiao.

    Growing up without a father, it had always been Yao Chenggu who mentored and guided him along the path of life. The grand-lord was indeed clever in his own ways, yet his cleverness was at best street smarts that¡¯d be adequate for running an eatery in the marketce. When it came to navigating the treacherous waters in the imperial court, Yao Chenggu simply wasn¡¯t up to the task.

    Now that Wise Pan An was his father-inw, Pang Xiao felt his confidence grew by a few notches when facing the world. His father-inw would surely be the beacon he needed whenever self-doubt struck.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯splete trust in him was particrly heartening. The minister had trusted Pang Xiao even in Great Yan. That was a tremendous validation that a son-inw could receive.

    Lunch took ce as usual in the main house in the old dowager¡¯s residence.

    It was a casual family gathering, and the prince couldn¡¯t be bothered with the formalities. A simple room divider was set up between the womenfolk and the men as they sat down to eat.

    Qin Yining nestled between n¨¦e Sun and the second madame and obediently ate a few more bites when asked by the elders. She also caught the enthused discussions on the other side of the room divider, as the men took turns offering analysis of current affairs.

    Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t as talkative as he¡¯d been with Qin Huaiyuan, but he neither did he put on the airs that his position orded him. He was calm and dignified, simple as that. He hardly spoke, but every time he did, hisment would perfectly hit the spot, which earned him showers of praise from the second and third-elder masters.

    Qin Han, Qin Yu and several others of the younger generation also refreshed their understanding of the prince. They regarded him as an uncultured boor before, and he¡¯d proved them exceedingly wrong.

    On the other side of the room divider, the second madame tugged at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s hands and whispered, ¡°It looks like daughter Yi¡¯s married into a good family. You can be at peace, elder sister.¡±

    Having received her daughter¡¯s overview and making her own close observations on the sidelines, n¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t be happier. She nodded and replied correspondingly, ¡°I only have one daughter. Her happiness most certainly gives me peace of mind.¡±

    Qin Huining was seated not far from n¨¦e Sun. She caught her foster mother¡¯s iteration about ¡°only one daughter¡± and it triggered so much ache and bitterness that she wanted to cry.

    She no longer had any hope for what little connection that remained between her and n¨¦e Sun. The Qins were only keeping her as they would a kitten or a puppy, one who¡¯d begged for many years at its owner¡¯s side.

    But now to actually hear that n¨¦e Sun cared not a thing for her! Qin Huining was heartbroken to the brink of tears.

    She sniffled and forced her tears back, so as not to draw attention to herself on this auspicious day and incur more animosity. As she looked up, she was met with Qin Yining¡¯s merry gaze.

    Qin Huining¡¯s pupils constricted immediately, and the humiliation of consecutive face ps descended. She averted her gaze awkwardly.

    Qin Yining had hoped to extend an olive branch. After all, Qin Huining was the foster daughter of her father. Despite the unpleasant experiences she¡¯d had with the girl, it was all bygones now. She had her own family now and a husband who adored her. She no longer had to hang on to the negative memories of the past.

    Little would she know that her good intentions would be misinterpreted.

    Never mind. If she¡¯d acted too friendly, she might scare Qin Huining. In any case, she¡¯d not anticipated further dealings with the foster girl, so things could be what they would be.

    Qin Yining kept n¨¦e Sunpany after lunch. The women stole a cat nap in the afternoon, while Pang Xiao remained by his father-inw¡¯s side to discuss current affairs in a quiet corner.

    In a low voice, the old dowager pestered Qin-mama in the main house. ¡°Go check on what the fourth chit is doing. Why doesn¡¯t shee and talk with me on her day back to her family?¡±

 Chapter 429.2: Disaster Relief

    <h4>Chapter 429.2: Disaster Relief</h4>

    Qin-mama secretly sighed with resignation. It was her mistress who¡¯d irrevocably broken with the fourth miss. Now she¡¯s ming the girl for giving her a wide berth?

    It wasn¡¯t as if the fourth miss had no sense of self-worth or self-respect! Why would she want to fawn over such a loathsome character?

    Yet the mama couldn¡¯t possibly voice these thoughts out loud. She made up an excuse for Qin Yining.

    ¡°The fourth miss isn¡¯t used to being away from the senior madame. She¡¯s only just married and might want to have some private words with her mother.¡±

    The old dowager naturally referenced Qin-mama¡¯s words with bedroom happenings of newlyweds, and nodded with understanding. Although still displeased with Qin Yining¡¯s distance, the old woman at least kept her displeasure in check.

    The skies darkened as the hour grewte. Curfew would soon be imposed if Qin Yining didn¡¯t depart soon. She bade farewell to her family with reluctance and climbed into the carriage with Pang Xiao.

    Inside the moving carriage, Qin Yining strained to see the front entrance of the Qin manor grow smaller as the distance increased. It wasn¡¯t until the carriage rounded the corner did she straighten her posture and heave a sigh.

    Pang Xiao reached his arm over to pull his wife closer, letting her lean against his shoulder.

    ¡°Hard to let go, isn¡¯t? No worries. We don¡¯t live that far. You cane back to visit anytime you wish,¡± he murmured in a low voice.

    ¡°Mm.¡± Qin Yining nodded, feeling wistful. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s more than finding it hard to let go. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m feeling a bit lost. I wasn¡¯t all that happy with a lot of things at home, and thought that it¡¯d be nice to leave trouble behind after I marry. But now that I¡¯m actually living my new life, I kind of miss the bem and the fuss. Well, I don¡¯t miss being plotted against. I simply miss that particr piece of time.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Pang Xiao sighed softly and kissed the top of his wife¡¯s head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Anyone would feel the same. Memories and nostalgia aren¡¯t a bad thing, but life goes on. It¡¯ll be better down the road, and the future will bring you more moments worthy of a ce in your heart.¡±

    He caressed her lower back with his hand, which traveled to the side of her svelte waist to pull her against him. ¡°You¡¯ll be busier once we have our own children.¡±

    Taken aback by his words, Qin Yining felt her cheeks instantly me.

    She hadn¡¯t given that much thought yet, but reality dawned on her in this moment. Children were a definite possibility now that they were married. They were so much in love, and Bingtang had checked her body, proiming her fit to be a mother despite her frailty. If things were to go on as they¡¯d always been, she would soon bear a child for her beloved.

    Flustered by those thoughts, Qin Yining felt heat in her face again, and a warm wisp of anticipation in her heart.

    Pang Xiao lowered his head and lightly nibbled on her earlobe.

    Qin Yining shuddered involuntarily and sat back. She covered her ear and red at him, her face beet-red. ¡°What¡¯re you doing??¡±

    Aroused by his wife¡¯s flushed face and bashfulness, Pang Xiao reached over and folded Qin Yining into his chest, prodding the servants and the coachman.

    ¡°Hurry. We must get back to the manor before curfew.¡± His promation was right and proper, but what he did with his hands was anything but.

    Face ame thanks to her husband¡¯s ministrations, Qin Yining darted for their room as soon as the group arrived back home. She didn¡¯t dare lift her eyes to look at the servants.

    Pang Xiao, however, waspletely at ease, as if nothing whatsoever had happened. He trailed behind his wife and entered the chamber to pick up where they left off in the carriage.

    Sleep eluded the couple throughout the night.

    Qin Yining ached all over when she awoke the next day. She waspletely drained and her back was so sore that she didn¡¯t feel like getting up. She reached her slender arm over to the space next to her, only to discover it empty.

    Her eyes shot open to see bright daylight through the red gauze canopy.

    ¡°What time is it now?¡±

    Upon hearing the inquiry, Jiyun, on guard in the outer room, came in with a smile. ¡°Your Highness is awake. It¡¯s now the hour of the snake. The prince has gone to the imperial court, but he asked us specifically not to disturb you in your rest.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks pinked as she put on the undergarment from yesterday and rose to freshen up.

    After Qin Yining washed up and dressed, Bingtang brought in ginseng chicken soup that was warmed in the small kitchen.

    ¡°The prince asked that you drink this up to replenish your energy.¡± The maid said with a smile and wink.

    Qin Yining cast her a hard re and settled to enjoy the soup in quiet.

    As she drank, Xianyun¡¯s voice sounded from the outer chamber. ¡°Your Highness, Sirs Xie and Xu are here to see you with an urgent matter.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked at the announcement, the rxed expression she had just a minute ago vanished. The pair of strategists was the most trusted aides by her husband¡¯s side! They must have urgent matters to discuss to show up unannounced.

    ¡°Hurry and show them in.¡± Qin Yining wiped her mouth clean and hurried to the main hall.

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi bowed properly when Qin Yining showed up. They cut straight to the point without further ado.

    ¡°Your Highness, Huzi just sent a man back with a message. Given the earthquake in the old capital of Great Yan, His Majesty¡¯s nning on sending the prince for emergency relief.¡±

 Chapter 430.1: Togetherness

    <h4>Chapter 430.1: Togetherness</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression grew somber at her visitors¡¯ notification.

    ¡°Is the prince still in the pce?¡±

    ¡°He is,¡± replied Xu Weizhi. ¡°Huzi apanied the prince to the pce, so His Highness must¡¯ve sent the man back on the sly to notify us in advance, so that we¡¯re prepared.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded in understanding. That was how her father conducted businesses of a more sensitive nature as well.

    Was the emperor pulling one of his tricks again by sending Pang Xiao on a disaster relief mission? That was what concerned her the most.

    The national treasury was dry; His Majesty¡¯s private purse had little to spare. The destruction of the earthquake was so extensive that arge sum of silver was necessary for emergency relief! How would His Majesty manage to make that happen?

    Even the cleverest housewife couldn¡¯t cook a meal without rice.

    Sure, Pang Xiao had the wherewithal to lead a disaster relief mission, but he couldn¡¯t summon something out of nothing. Wouldn¡¯t the victims me the prince if he failed to scrounge up enough silver for relief operations?

    A foreboding sense of recall enveloped Qin Yining. Things were obviously proceeding to the same ending as the emperor defaulting on pay and provisions to the Valiant Tigers.

    Won¡¯t my husband be the scapegoat if hees up short on money for assisting the disaster victims?

    ¡°This won¡¯t bode well.¡± Qin Yining rose and paced, speaking in a soft voice. ¡°We can¡¯t allow His Highness to be the emperor¡¯s sitting duck. It¡¯s not that we don¡¯t want to do something for the people, but we can¡¯t simply leave the prince out on a limb. Sir Xie, Sir Xu, have you any more news?¡±

    The two strategists exchanged a look and Xie Yue elected to answer.

    ¡°We do. The Lu second master is in the south and he wasn¡¯t far from the old Great Yan capital when the earthquake struck. So it seems that he¡¯s embroiled in the tragedy as well. Our spies were tipped off so they could preempt others. But the Lus must have been informed as well. I wonder how Patriarch Lu¡¯s taking it.¡°

    Qin Yining thought of that map that she¡¯d haphazardly drawn. It happened to depict a deste mountain north of the old Great Yan capital. Mixed emotions assailed her.

    That drawing was at best a piece of random doodles, and it was a move borne out of desperation, given the circumstances of that time. She¡¯d anticipated that someone would take the bait. Who would¡¯ve thought that the Lu second master would be there just when the earthquake struck. What poor luck!

    It will be my fault if Lu Heng perishes!

    All sorts of feelings welled up in Qin Yining¡¯s heart.

    Perceptive as they were, the pair of strategists immediately detected the subtle change in Qin Yining¡¯s expression. They were reminded of the rumors and several incidents in the not-too-distant past, and how the Lu second master had always been drawn to the princess consort. Seeing how off Qin Yining¡¯s expression was, they couldn¡¯t help but wonder.

    The princess consort raised her eyes and saw the looks in her visitors¡¯ gaze. Realization hit her. Amused, she revealed to them the truth with her randomly scribbled treasure map.

    ¡°....that¡¯s why I feel that I¡¯d be responsible should anything happen to the Lu second master.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Xu Weizhi grinned. ¡°Your Highness need not worry. Even without the treasure map, the Lus would¡¯ve sent someone to the old capital to hunt for clues. The Lus may have money to burn, but regardless, they don¡¯t want His Majesty to get his hands on it. That¡¯d be one less bit of leverage against him. They would travel to the old capital with or without the map. Natural disasters are impossible to predict, and it¡¯s not as if you canmand them at will.¡±

    ¡°Even if that¡¯s the truth, I still feel uneasy.¡± Qin Yining mulled over the news. ¡°Ask someone to keep tabs on the Lus, now that things are the way they are.¡±

    ¡°Understood. A scout¡¯s already been sent.¡± The pair of strategists smiled in reply.

    At this very moment, someone returned with a message about a visitor needing a word with Xie Yue.

    Xie Yue rose to step outside, and returned in a blink with another piece of news.

    ¡°Speak of the devil. Our scout¡¯s returned with a report that Secretariat Lu received word about his grandson possibly being buried under the earthquake debris. Secretariat Lu paid His Majesty a visit to plead for help, though he was said to be sick and recuperating at home.¡±

    Worrying her bottom lip, Qin Yining thought about the developments. ¡°Secretariat Lu loves the Lu second master dearly. If he could travel down south to search for his grandson, he would oversee the relief mission for it. That¡¯d relieve the prince of responsibility! His Highness can go with Secretariat Lu as his escort and that will be just fine.¡±

    ¡°Most certainly.¡± Xie Yue sighed. ¡°But if the prince was put in charge of the mission, His Majesty would withhold Valiant Tigers from the prince¡¯s deployment. He might assign a couple of hundred Dragon Riders from Prince Consort Ji, so he doesn¡¯t run the risk of the prince stirring up trouble with renewedmand of the Valiant Tigers.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty would naturally be wary. The prince¡¯s military exploits and reputation among the troops are hard facts, after all.¡±

    As Qin Yining and her two visitors waited for updates, they also discussed the current affairs of court.

    Meanwhile it was deathly quiet in the morning court.

    The only presence audible was Li Qitian, who was sitting on the dragon throne rumblingmands.

    ¡°There is no time to waste for the disaster relief mission in the south. Now that Great Yan has surrendered to Great Zhou, that swath of territory is now part of Great Zhou, and its people Great Zhou¡¯s people! How can we stand on the sidelines and not lift a finger?¡±

    A few officials previously opposed to the relief mission were rendered speechless by His Majesty¡¯s remarks.

    Yuchi Yan, who¡¯d been a prop since the surrender, finally found his voice and stepped forward. He raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°Your Majesty. This subject wishes to say something.¡±

    ¡°Oh? So it¡¯s the Commandery Prince of Yan.¡± Li Qitian seemed uncharacteristically patient. ¡°Please go ahead, beloved subject.¡±

    The emperor enunciated those ¡°beloved subject¡± with excessive rity.

    If this was another time, Yuchi Yan would¡¯ve cowered in a corner with a wan face after this round of humiliation. He¡¯d be doing his best to stay invisible.

    Yet today, he spoke with a rare show of presence and dignity. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject asks to be tasked with the mission to the old capital for disaster relief.¡±

 Chapter 430.2: Togetherness

    <h4>Chapter 430.2: Togetherness</h4>

    Yet today, he spoke with a rare show of presence and dignity. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject asks to be tasked with the mission to the old capital for disaster relief.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Li Qitian responded with interest. ¡°The Commandery Prince of Yan truly loves the people as his own. Yet, We are reluctant to give consent. The impact of the quake in the old capital was rather severe and a post-quake endemic is highly likely. If you are sent on the mission, We fear We might be sending you into trouble.¡±

    Those with an insightful eye understood all too well. How would Li Qitian ever let Yuchi Yan loose and still maintain any peace of mind?

    The disaster zone was the old capital of Yuchi Yan¡¯s once-mothend. The people there were all his old subjects.

    No one could say with certainty that Yuchi Yan had no more henchmen or loyalists left in the area. Take the rumored treasure of that trash emperor for example. It had bespelled many for far too long.

    Wouldn¡¯t Li Qitian be freeing a tiger back to the mountains if he let Yuchi Yan go?

    Themandery prince paused and realized what the emperor¡¯s misgivings were.

    ¡°Your Majesty has just arranged for the Faithful Prince of the First Rank to head the relief mission. That is wonderful. The Prince is exceedingly capable and is a fantastic choice to lead the relief mission. Would Your Majesty consider sending this subject along with the prince?¡±

    At these words, the emperor nced over the court of assembled civil and military officials. His gaze finally fell upon Pang Xiao.

    The throng of officials waited with bated breath, seeing Li Qitian deep in thought.

    All except Secretariat Lu, who was utterly exhausted from worry over his missing grandson. ¡°Your Majesty, please send someone there as soon as possible.¡± His emotions were barely under control.

    No news could be more upsetting than learning that one¡¯s most extraordinary grandson was possibly buried under the debris and yet unounted for. They¡¯d just had a chat before his departure!

    Li Qitian understood the emotional turmoil the elderly man must be going through. And it was because of that understanding, he felt inordinately gratified.

    That asshat Lu Heng had made off with the treasure map. Some nerve he had in keeping it from the imperial government!

    It was all the better if this schmuck perished in the south, so that imperial hatred could be properly ked!

    That was what Li Qitian felt, but Secretariat Lu was a veteran official at the end of the day. The emperor would wound the feelings of other officials if he acted too callous, and it¡¯d cast an unfavorable light on his leadership down the road.

    Li Qitian found himself unable toe to a decision.

    At that very moment, Qin Huaiyuan stepped out and bowed. ¡°Your Majesty.¡±

    The emperor still ced immense trust in the former Marquis of Anping. His expression kind and pleasant, he asked, ¡°Beloved subject Qin, what do you wish to say?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan bowed with great respect. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject feels there is no time to waste. We must immediately mobilize rescuers, prepare appropriate supplies for the relief mission, and allocate physicians in case of an endemic. This is exactly the opportunity Your Majesty needs to disy your magnanimity towards your subjects.¡±

    The emperor nodded in understanding.

    Indeed, Great Yan hadn¡¯t been part of his territory prior. With the old capital so devastated by an earthquake, he¡¯d likely disappoint the people of the fallen nation and alienate them as a result if he acted indifferent.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin and Us are on the same page. The relief mission must and will happen. It just so happens that We haven¡¯t decided on the candidate yet. Since the Commandery Prince of Yan is wholeheartedly devoted to his people, then it would be best to send him.¡±

    No sooner had Li Qitian finished his pronouncement than Yuchi Yan bowed with great joy and gratitude. ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty for the permission! This subject will see to it that this mission be aplished!¡±

    Those remarks were music to Li Qitian¡¯s ears.

    Having the surrendered liege of his former enemy nation show this much allegiance would doubtlessly attest to his strength and capability. That hit the sweetest spot in his heart.

    Seeing that Li Qitian hade to a decision, Qin Huaiyuan stepped back to his post and kept mum.

    ¡°Very well, with the way things are, We shall send you, Commandery Prince of Yan, as the imperially-appointed special envoy for disaster relief. It won¡¯t do if you don¡¯t have capable help at the ready. With that in mind, I shall also appoint the Faithful Prince of the First Rank with a troop of three hundred Dragon Riders to go with you. They will listen to yourmands while serving as your guard.¡±

    Yuchi Yan¡¯s hatred of Pang Xiao ate away at him. Would Great Yan have been breached if it wasn¡¯t for Pang Xiao¡¯s doing? Would Qin Yining have been imperially decreed to marry if it not for the other¡¯s extensive plotting, extinguishing all hope for her to be Yuchi Yan¡¯s concubine?

    This man was born to be a thorn in his side, it seemed.

    He finally had a chance to return to his mothend for disaster relief, but was forced to bring the prince along!

    Yuchi Yan understood that the arrangement was so that Pang Xiao could keep tabs on him. It was actually why the services had been volunteered, to put the emperor at ease.

    But as the most awkwardly-positioned official among all the surrendered ministers, how could Yuchi Yan scrounge uppelling enough of a reason to turn Li Qitian down?

    The sage advice of Gu Shixiong, grandfather to Gu Chang, was ever-present in his mind. Yuchi Yan bowed with utmost respect. ¡°Your Majesty is most attentive. This humble subject is very grateful.¡±

    ¡°You may rise.¡± Beaming from ear to ear, Li Qitian looked at Pang Xiao. The prince had moments ago yed the lead for the arrangements, but had now been brought down a peg and assigned to be a bodyguard?!

    Li Qitian was enormously pleased with himself, seeing the baleful look on Pang Xiao¡¯s face. He didn¡¯t mind at all driving a bigger wedge between the prince and Yuchi Yan.

    ¡°It won¡¯t do at all for Faithful Prince of the First Rank to travel so far right after his grand wedding. Now then, We grant special permission to the prince to bring his princess consort along.¡±

 Chapter 431.1: Flirtations and Taking Advantage

    <h4>Chapter 431.1: Flirtations and Taking Advantage</h4>

    The court erupted in astonishment when this order was given. No one anticipated that the emperor valued the Faithful Prince of the First Rank so highly that he would even consider the prince¡¯s recent wedding. The prince was allowed to bring his new wife on official business!

    It looks like His Majesty relies just as much on the prince as before!

    No matter what others thought, Pang Xiao was well aware of Li Qitian¡¯s plotting.

    The emperor just wanted to create trouble for Pang Xiao and oh-so-subtly remind him that Yuchi Yan had once lusted after Qin Yining. With Qin Yining by his side, it would greatly decrease the chances of Pang Xiao colluding with a love rival.

    ¡°My gratitude for Your Majesty¡¯s great favor! This subject receives his orders!¡±

    Conniving, ck-hearted snake! Why don¡¯t you take a stand like a real man?

    Whereas, Li Qitian was thinking back to how Qin Yining had once been a candidate for Yuchi Yan¡¯s empress, and themandery prince often disyed a soulful, lovesick attitude towards the girl. These two will cause a lot of trouble for each other on this trip, hmm?

    What the emperor didn¡¯t know was that Pang Xiao no longer harbored any resentment, didn¡¯t doubt Qin Yining¡¯s loyalty in the slightest, and possessed utmost self-confidence.

    There was no way Yuchi Yan could get up to anything in front of him!

    Li Qitian interpreted Pang Xiao¡¯s solemn expression as dejection, which put him in an even better mood.

    ¡°The matter is thus decided,¡± he proimed. ¡°Everyone is dismissed to prepare for the trip. The relief mission sets out at dawn the day after tomorrow. Court is dismissed.¡±

    ¡°Your subject hears and obeys! Long live Your Majesty! Health and prosperity to Your Majesty!¡± The officials fell to the ground in kowtows.

    A wooden-faced Pang Xiao trailed the group of people filing out the doors. Thinking that he needed to discuss with his father-inw about what to pay attention to on this trip, a eunuch caught his attention before he got too far.

    ¡°Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence in the imperial study.¡±

    A few around Pang Xiao heard the summons and knew that the emperor must have some critical mission to assign. Such ardent favor induced both jealousy and fear!

    Pang Xiao nodded and had the eunuch lead the way. He entered the door to find Li Qitian sitting on a round chair off to the side, quite rxed.

    ¡°Hail, Your Majesty!¡± Pang Xiao bowed after walking up.

    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Li Qitian smiled. ¡°Forgo the courtesies. Come, have a seat.¡±

    How would Pang Xiao actually dare go without proper manners? He went through all the motions before carefully selecting a lower seat and cautiously sitting down, his body averted.

    Li Qitian smiled faintly to see the prince so circumspect.

    ¡°We¡¯re sure you know why you were summoned. We arrange only one mission for you on this trip to the south, and that is to surveil everything and anything themandery prince and his men does. We will grant you thirty messenger pigeons. Send one back immediately if you find anything of suspect.¡±

    The pigeons were specially trained. No matter how far away they were, they would hone in on their home coop if set free. Thus, message-bearing pigeons didn¡¯t fly about haphazardly.

    ¡°Is Your Majesty worried that themandery prince is still in contact with his former officials in Great Yan?¡± intoned Pang Xiao.

    The emperor nodded. ¡°That¡¯s part of it. The other, and most important, is that he might find the treasure on this trip and keep it for himself. He¡¯ll be able to recruit new troops and rise again. If thates to pass, then We really will have freed the tiger back into the mountain.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is noble and wise. Your foresight is all-epassing. It¡¯s impossible that what you speak of will happen! Don¡¯t worry, your subject will do all that I can to fulfill my mission.¡±

    ¡°Very good. We trust you. It¡¯s your first time leading the Dragon Riders out, so you must be prudent and cautious. We will arrange a capable vice general for you. He¡¯s part of the Dragon Riders to begin with, so don¡¯t tire yourself out and give him whatever orders you have.¡±

    Such tant instation of a spy!

    ¡°Understood, your subject obeys.¡± Pang Xiao bowed respectfully, not showing a single flicker of emotion other than docility.

    His goal aplished, Li Qitian couldn¡¯t be bothered with keeping up the act and gave a few more orders with a smile. ¡°You should head back soon as you need to make preparations for your princess consort as well. Is she doing better now?¡±

    The prince frowned slightly and responded with some concern, ¡°She¡¯s not in the best of health, probably because her early years were too harsh. That¡¯s harmed her foundations, and the imperial physician¡¯s written a prescription to improve her constitution.¡±

    What did Li Qitian care about Qin Yining? He was just being polite. But seeing how sorrowful Pang Xiao was, the emperor had to keep his impatience in check and murmur some words offort before summoning Li Guanwen.

    Pang Xiao respectfully backed out of the imperial study and followed the head eunuch down a long pce path.

    Grass stubbornly poked through the cracks between square limestones. The path was framed int oa narrow corridor by red walls, turquoise tiles, and an azure blue sky.

    ¡°Overseer Li, in the time that this prince is away from the capital, it will fall to you to help His Majesty. If he overworks himself, you must try to speak some sense into him. He mustn¡¯t tire himself out. All of court relies on the pir that is His Majesty. What happens if he too falls ill? The government will dissolve into utter chaos!¡±

 Chapter 431.2: Flirtations and Taking Advantage

    <h4>Chapter 431.2: Flirtations and Taking Advantage</h4>

    ¡°Your Highness speaks very rightly.¡± Li Guanwen cast a touching look at Pang Xiao. ¡°Your Highness is the one who looks after His Majesty in the end. This servant serves next to His Majesty all day and knows his painstaking toils the best. Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness, I will do my best to serve His Majesty well.¡±

    ¡°There is nothing for this prince to worry over with Overseer Li at the emperor¡¯s side. Then I¡¯ll be off.¡± Pang Xiao raised a polite cupped fist to Li Guanwen and left withrge strides.

    The eunuch remained in ce, sending the prince off with his eyes before returning to the imperial study with a smile. He casually ryed Pang Xiao¡¯s concern of the emperor.

    Li Qitian himself shed a quick smile when he heard. He didn¡¯t seem to take it to heart, and certainly didn¡¯t treat it seriously.

    By the time Pang Xiao returned to his manor with Huzi, Qin Yining had already received word that she was to join the relief mission.

    The news hade too quickly, making her pause with confusion. But when Li Qitian¡¯s little plots and schemes were revealed, she quickly grasped the web of connections within.

    Since it was an imperial decree, there was nothing to be done about it. Besides, it suited her just fine to apany her husband. If the emperor hadn¡¯t sent her, she would¡¯ve found a way to disguise herself and stay by Pang Xiao¡¯s side anyways. It wasn¡¯t because she couldn¡¯t bear to part so soon after the wedding, but that there was no way this mission was anything as simple as emergency relief.

    Qin Yining summoned Jiyun and whispered orders. ¡°Pay a visit to Steward Zhong and tell him that I¡¯d like to use the spices that I had him buy from Missus Liao a while back. Ask him to arrange a meeting between the two of us. Also make a trip back home and tell my father that I¡¯d like to see Madame Cao.¡±

    A serious expression snapped onto Jiyun¡¯s face when she heard and she swiftly set off to carry out her orders.

    Having stood by the door for a while, Pang Xiao heard everything his wife said. He drew close with a smile. ¡°What spices would you like? We seem to have a lot of seasonings and bait in the storehouses. I¡¯ll have them deliver it all to youter.¡±

    The princess consort tweaked Pang Xiao¡¯s earlobes with amusement when she heard his words. His earlobes were full and well rounded¡ªa sign of good fortune, and they were surprisingly soft!

    The touch of them was addicting. ¡°I don¡¯t want any spices. Do you know about Azure Justice?¡±

    Pang Xiao wrapped his arm around her waist and buried his face into her shoulder. He responded tenderly, ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Missus Liao is from the alliance. She¡¯s my contact with the various hallmasters.¡±

    ¡°My darling, are you...¡±

    ¡°You know I¡¯m the alliance head of Azure Justice, right? Great Yan is no more, so most of the members have reentered the yellow registers. They are now reformed citizens of Great Zhou. But the leaders of Azure Justice will only be viewed as traitors and troublemakers, no matter who sits on the throne. Thus, none of them are named in the yellow registers and they don¡¯t have any legal status. They don¡¯t dare show themselves and can only conduct a bit of business on the Tartar border.¡±

    The prince was enormously touched that his darling would reveal her trump card to him, holding absolutely nothing back. Setting aside how capable she was, this degree of trust and sincerity was highly moving.

    He felt like he was immersed in a pool of warm water, and that water was his beloved¡¯s embrace.

    He nuzzled her cheek with his and blew into her ear. ¡°Do you have some arrangements in mind, given that you¡¯ve called upon Azure Justice?¡±

    Aroused by his actions, Qin Yining burrowed into his arms and panted softly. ¡°I¡¯m just taking precautious because I think something¡¯s up with this trip. The emperor must have something else nned, and it has to do with the treasure.

    ¡°The men apanying you this time are all Dragon Riders. With the emperor¡¯s paranoia, he won¡¯t let youmand the troops by yourself. He¡¯ll arrange for an enormous nt within the men and have him work with you. That¡¯ll be his way of controlling you.

    ¡°That would also be too passive. I don¡¯t want you to be exposed to the edge of their des.¡±

    Pang Xiao shed a gratified grin. ¡°My wife is so smart and capable that I don¡¯t want to be a prince anymore. I just want to be a stay-at-home husband and spend my days flirting and taking advantage of you. I¡¯ll depend on you for everything. Wouldn¡¯t that be just wonderful!¡±

    Qin Yining could hear the tones of seriousness within his voice. She understood that it wasn¡¯t her husband not being ambitious, but that he was too tired.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have that chance in the future. At that time, we¡¯ll move to somece where no one will disturb us and live that kind of life.¡±

    ¡°So I can take advantage of you however I wish?¡± Once again very touched, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help but tease his wife.

    A bright blush developed at that rejoinder, and Qin Yining twisted her husband¡¯s ear. ¡°We¡¯re talking serious matters now! Why be like this.¡±

    Seeing that even the nape of her neck was bright red, the prince relented with a smile. ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll stop teasing you. I understand your desire to contact Azure Justice. The Madame cao of your father¡¯s guard must be your once-auntie.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. You probably already know that she¡¯s the leader of the Silver Masks. Daxue and the others who serve me are all Silver Masks too. I¡¯d like those from Azure Justice and Silver Masks to aid us form the shadows. You and your Elite Tigers will likely be under heavy surveince from the Dragon Riders. It would be too passive to have no one you can rely on.¡±

 Chapter 432.1: Arrangements

    <h4>Chapter 432.1: Arrangements</h4>

    Pang Xiao felt like he would blissfully drown in this expanse of tenderness. He had a smart and capable wife who always looked out for him.

    Circling his darling¡¯s slender waist, Pang Xiao nted a kiss on her forehead. Light as butterfly wings, he kissed her eyelids and cheeks.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face med with embarrassment. She snapped her eyes shut, tickling Pang Xiao¡¯s cheeks with her long eyshes, tantalizing him until his breathing grew heavy.

    The prince gave up restraining himself and swept up his wife at one fell swoop.

    Qin Yining squealed with surprise and looked around in rm, only to discover that all of the servants by their side just a moment ago had made themselves scarce. They¡¯d even thoughtfully shut the door before their retreat.

    ¡°Stop! It¡¯s broad daylight! This wouldn¡¯t do!¡± Qin Yining shoved at her husband, trying to ward off his advances.

    Chuckling softly, Pang Xiao gentlyid his wife down on the carmine bedspread of the formal bed. He casually slipped out the centerpiece holding her locks together, sending her hair tumbling down in disarray. It fanned out on the pillow embroidered with a pair of mandarin ducks frolicking in the water, along with a few small, delicate hairpins and sps.

    Blessed with fair, smooth skin unique todies living south of the Yangtze River, she reclined on the bed with a bit of panicked surprise. Eyes that glimmered like pools looked up at him, and she quite resembled a small animal being bullied.

    Pang Xiao found himself deeply enamored with every side of his wife, be it domineering or bashful, mischievous or kittenish. He snuggled against her, using one hand to prop against the pillow and the other to caress her cheek.

    ¡°No. Let¡¯s, let¡¯s wait until evening.¡±

    ¡°No. I want to take a good look at you. You¡¯ve no idea how beautiful you are.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes zed with passion. He was like a child who¡¯d just received a gift, and carefully untied the ribbons around the box with great care. Calloused from years of wielding swords, his hands were surprisingly gentle at this very moment.

    ¡°My darling, give me a child. I want a child of our own.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks pinked with embarrassment, all strength draining from her body. She was a top-quality zither, humming imaginative melodies of pleasure under Pang Xiao¡¯s masterful, eager-to-learn hands.

    Eveningnterns were lit by the time Qin Yining woke.

    She huddled in the bedcovers as she rose, summoning the maids in a small voice.

    Bingtang and Jiyun smiled knowingly as they spotted the faint bluish-purple bruises on her body.

    As flustered as she felt, she had to let them be or they might blurt out otherments that would further mortify her.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the prince?¡±

    ¡°His Highness is with a guest in the outer study. He said to have you head to the study as soon as you woke.¡±

    At this request, Qin Yining¡¯s eyebrows raised in question. ¡°He didn¡¯t say who the visitor was?¡±

    The maids shook their heads in unison.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Do my hair for me. I¡¯ll go take a look. I¡¯m nning on taking the two of you on this trip. Also, I want to have Jingzhe and the rest of his crew as well. Pass on the message for me, will you? You should also make arrangements for the journey.¡±

    ¡°We will.¡± The two maids grinned. ¡°They¡¯ll be thrilled to go on a trip with Your Highness.¡±

    Oh you two!¡± Qin Yining chuckled at theirments. ¡°Let me be clear though. This journey is bound to be a perilous one. We¡¯re headed to the south for the relief mission and there¡¯s no saying what we might encounter. The worst case is that the gue might be upon us. You all need to be mentally prepared.¡±

    ¡°We know! When have disasters not found their way to Your Highness?¡± joked Bingtang. ¡°You haven¡¯t stopped being a ma for trouble since I came to you! But I also know that with your wit, we can counter anything,e what may. I¡¯m fearless!¡±

    Jiyun assented with a smile. ¡°His Highness will protect you. We¡¯ll be just fine as long as we¡¯re with you.¡±

    ¡°You little imp!¡± Without any heat whatsoever, Qin Yining reached out and pinched Jiyun¡¯s cheek.

    Jiyun was willowy and sylphlike with eye-catching features. Bingtang, on the other hand, was petite and delicate, a charmer in her own right.

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but think of their marriage prospects as well. ¡°The two of you are of age too. I¡¯ll start looking for qualified husbands after all of this is over. If you already have someone special, just tell me. I don¡¯t want to blindly set you up with people we don¡¯t know well and who aren¡¯t reliable.¡±

    Rattled with embarrassment, Bingtang stomped her feet.

    ¡°The princess consort¡¯s the worst, she only knows to make fun of us!¡± At that, the maid turned around and stalked off.

    ¡°I¡¯m not like Bingtang. I don¡¯t have anyone that I remotely like.¡± Jiyun¡¯s face was beet-red. ¡°If Your Highness doesn¡¯t find me a bother, please allow me to stay and serve you. I¡¯ve no interest in rushing into marriage just because of how old I am. Please oblige me as I stay by your side and take my time in picking a qualified candidate.¡±

    The princess consort nodded in understanding. ¡°I won¡¯t rush any of you. just take all the time you need.¡±

    How fortunate it was to meet the one at a perfect age! Many weren¡¯t able to find that special someone all their lives, or were unable to tie the knot if they did so.

    Thinking of her immense good fortune, Qin Yining felt eternally grateful she and Pang Xiao were in love and were faithfully there for each other. She had arrived by his side at her most beautiful age and was able to give him the best of her, imprinting all of that into his memory.

    ¡°Are Bingtang and Huzi close?¡± Qin Yining switched gears.

    Jiyun chuckled lightly. ¡°Nothing escapes your notice, Your Highness. I think Huzi¡¯s feelings toward Bingtang are genuine. It¡¯s just that Bingtang refuses to budge and give him a promise. She spends all day on her herbs and medicinal balm studies, and she whiles away her spare time with Xiaozhou. She spends far more time with Xiaozhou than with Huzi.¡±

    Qin Yining was amused by Jiyun¡¯s remarks.

    ¡°She¡¯s been through a lot and she¡¯s got a good head on those shoulders. I¡¯m sure she¡¯s got a good grasp of things.¡±

    ¡°Mm.¡± Jiyun nodded in consent.

 Chapter 432.2: Arrangements

    <h4>Chapter 432.2: Arrangements</h4>

    Qin Yining headed to the outer courtyard, stopping when she reached the courtyard entrance to the study to leave Jiyun on watch. She entered the gate and passed through the covered hallway to the main residence.

    Huzi stood guard by the gate and bowed as soon as he spotted the princess consort.

    ¡°Here you are, Your Highness! Let me notify the prince of your arrival.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks, Huzi.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness is too courteous.¡± Huzi scratched his head before hurrying in.

    The door to the study soon shoved open. Pang Xiao strode forward with long strides, the sharp glint in his phoenix-shaped eyes immediately supnted by tenderness as soon as he saw her.

    ¡°You awake!¡±

    Qin Yining nodded.

    ¡°Come with me. Father-inw swung by to visit us on the quiet. It¡¯s best that we keep his visit to ourselves. I was thinking it¡¯s just as well if I speak to him alone if you were still asleep. It¡¯s even better now that you¡¯re up. We can put our heads together.¡± Pang Xiao took ahold of Qin Yining¡¯s hand and whispered an exnation in her ears.

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°I see.¡±

    Huzi shut the gate after the couple¡¯s entrance into the main house. He retreated to a far corner to keep watch.

    Wearing a pale-blue, round-necked straight robe, the Qin patriarch sat on a corner of the heated tform by the window.

    ¡°Father.¡± Qin Yining curtsied to Qin Yining with great respect.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°There you are. Have a seat.¡±

    The couple moved two rounded, intricately carved stools to sit opposite the Qin patriarch. Pang Xiao thoughtfully ced a thick brocade cushion atop his wife¡¯s.

    Worrying her lip, Qin Yining was about to flee in panic and embarrassment. It really wasn¡¯t all thatfortable for her to sit down at the moment, but her husband¡¯s tant consideration of her wellbeing was rather embarrassing.

    Yet Qin Huaiyuan seemed oblivious to the subtle disy in front of him. He merely smiled at his son-inw with great satisfaction. It both moved and flustered Qin Yining at the same time.

    After everyone was seated, Pang Xiao asked with great poise, ¡°Father-inw, you mentioned just now that themandery prince might have tips on the whereabouts of the treasure, which was why he volunteered to go. Could there be a mistake?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Qin Huaiyuan replied gently. ¡°Ofte, themandery prince has been in unusually frequent contact with his concubine n¨¦e Gu. You both are aware whose granddaughter n¨¦e Gu is.¡±

    Qin Yining said, ¡°Old Master Gu knows the location of the treasure. Perhaps he was rying a message to themandery prince through his granddaughter. The note found in the first treasure location felt like it had Old Master Gu¡¯s signature all over it.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded with approval. ¡°You¡¯re right, and I¡¯m on the same page with you about that. Gu Shixiong¡¯s a seasoned imperial official and cunning, sure, but he also has an obstinate side. He¡¯s not one for bending the rules, nor is he necessarily concerned with the survival and wellness of the people. He cares far more about the legacy and the bloodline of Great Yan. So he must be preupied with restoring our former nation.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s quite a number of people like Old Master Gu.¡± Pang Xiao picked up the conversation. ¡°Yet many of them were ipetent. For those who were able, they werecking in connections. Those who are bothpetent and resourceful aren¡¯t on the same page as Old Master Gu.¡±

    ¡°Precisely, like me for example.¡± Qin Huaiyuan grinned. ¡°I¡¯m done with all of the strife and worry. A fire in the city gates spells cmity for all fish in the moat. It¡¯s always the humble people who suffer the most. Even without the war; drought, floods, or the earth dragon turning over is sufficient enough to despair the people. There¡¯s also a myriad of heavy taxes being levied. It¡¯s extremely unwise to stir up more trouble merely for asserting one¡¯s personal convictions.¡±

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t resistughing. ¡°So there goes the adage that like-minded people marry each other. I¡¯m with father-inw in this.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ve long known you as an honest and magnanimous sort. Despite the vice of murder that¡¯s stained your hands, you were actually saving tens and thousands by killing just one. Many dub you as some sort of violent god of ughter, saying that you¡¯re stained with the sins of murder, that you¡¯re going to meet a terrible end. But I think otherwise.

    ¡°There¡¯s a Buddhist saying that goes, ¡®if I don¡¯t descend into hell, who will?¡¯ You¡¯re that chosen one to bear the stigma of rampages for the protection and safety of millions. How can someone like you not be rewarded?¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s face med with his father-inw¡¯s praise, but his heart was warmed with content. He¡¯d never given what he did much thought. He simply followed what his heart told him to do.

    Qin Yining smiled with delight at seeing her father and husband get on famously.

    ¡°Father, we¡¯ll keep close tabs on themandery prince.¡±

    ¡°Mm. Zhixi told me just now that you¡¯ve made arrangements as well?¡±

    ¡°I have. I¡¯m to meet with Azure Justice and Madame Cao. I¡¯d like to make some more arrangements prior to our departure. But the Silver Masks are being watched by the emperor, it¡¯d raise eyebrows if I went to see Madame Cao. It¡¯d be better yet if father can deliver a message for me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just as well. What do you have in mind?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Sixteen Silver Masks are stationed in the capital and eight are posted outside. I want to ask Madame Cao to redeploy those eight. Other than that, I also need a few messenger pigeons.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan began to see where his daughter was going with this. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll deliver the message. If she has any questions, I¡¯ll have here meet you surreptitiously.¡±

    ¡°That sounds perfect. Madame Cao¡¯s a warrior with exceptional skills. It¡¯ll be a walk in the park for her to elude watchful eyes.¡±

 Chapter 433.1: To Lose

    <h4>Chapter 433.1: To Lose</h4>

    What remained unsaid was that where others may fail when making requests to Cao Yuqing, she would always agree if Qin Huaiyuan was involved.

    Previously, Qin Yining had only considered things from n¨¦e Sun¡¯s perspective. Of course she didn¡¯t want Cao Yuqing to wade into her parents¡¯ marriage. The Silver Masks leader was a stunning beauty, possessed adept martial arts skills, and a rich breadth of life experience. Her feelings for Qin Huaiyuan ran deep and she¡¯d remained steadfast and true. After such a long period of impartial observation, Qin Yining could note Cao Yuqing¡¯s sincerity and straightforwardness.

    Madame Cao could also tell that the subject of her affections didn¡¯t return her ardor, which was why she¡¯d taken a step back to protect him as a guard.

    Love for the house extended to even the crows on the roof. Qin Yining often felt that Cao Yuqing was particrly tolerant and trusting when facing her. Even with that, an extended verbal bout still may have resulted in failure to have the Silver Masks move out. But if her father asked, the Qin fourth miss was almost certain that he would receive whatever he wanted.

    Honestly speaking, Qin Yining rather pitied Cao Yuqing not being able to find fulfillment in love and having to take a step back to be a guardian. There was pity, but also admiration.

    If it¡¯d been a crooked person in Cao Yuqing¡¯s shoes, it¡¯d be a moment¡¯s thought with her martial arts skills to take n¨¦e Sun out of the picture and create space for herself. However, she hadn¡¯t do so because she respected Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s decision and life itself.

    Qin Yining, Pang Xiao, and Qin Huaiyuan continued to discuss in low whispers. When they wrapped up the conversation, the prince had Huzi surreptitiously send his father-inw out.

    ¡°Escort Minister Qin and make sure no one discovers you two. Be careful.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Your Highness.¡± Huzi smiled.

    The next day, Qin Yining used the excuse of buying spices to meet with Missus Liao, left some reminders with Steward Zhong, and returned to Pang Manor at noon.

    The family took their meal together. The wedding having taken ce not long ago; the nuptial bed hadn¡¯t even been fully warmed yet before His Majesty sent Pang Xiao on such an assignment. The family was reluctant to see them go¡ªeven n¨¦e Yao, who was at slight odds with Qin Yining.

    They could scheme and plot against each other behind closed doors, but they were one family outside of the home. N¨¦e Yao truly feared that the emperor would be up to no good again after the youngsters set off.

    ¡°Ai, good thing Dafu can takess Yi with him, or I¡¯d really be out of my mind with worry,¡± sighed n¨¦e Ma.

    Yao Chenggu doused her relief. ¡°Dafu is off to deliver emergency relief to the south. We don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll be in danger or not.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s brow furrowed when she heard this, and n¨¦e Yao worried even more.

    ¡°I hear that it was quite a severe earthquake this time. The disaster zone is a very wide area, and with such hot weather, it will be difficult to rescue those buried beneath debris. If the heat and humidity elerates dposition...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, mom.¡± With resignation, Pang Xiao interrupted n¨¦e Yao¡¯s words. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯m just escorting themandery prince. I won¡¯t have to actually do anything.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao was also feeling that her speech wasn¡¯t too auspicious. She quickly changed the topic. ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s very good.¡±

    Difort crept in when her eyes fell on the smiling Qin Yining off to the side. Since marrying in, the girl had ignored all of the unfriendliness projected from her mother-inw. No matter what disquieting words were voiced, Qin Yining brushed them all off with a smile, showing only a docile appearance.

    This kind of girl is either truly kind and openminded, or her schemes run deep, very deep.

    Naturally, n¨¦e Yao leaned towards thetter.

    ¡°Daughter Yi, you and Dafu must take care of each other outside these doors. It¡¯s hot there, so be careful ofing down with sun poisoning or illness.¡±

    ¡°Yes mom, your daughter-inw understands.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Grandfather, grandmother, mom, there¡¯s no need to worry. The old capital was once my home. I¡¯m familiar with the area and I have some businesses there. The prince won¡¯t have a hard time when he gets there.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good.¡± N¨¦e Ma caressed the girl¡¯s cheek. ¡°We¡¯re all very much at ease with you taking care of Dafu.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao nodded as well, and the atmosphere grew warm again.

    The time to set off was set. Qin Huaiyuan mixed his messenger pigeons in with the thirty from the emperor. No one anticipated that the newlyweds would bring their own, so whenbined with Pang Xiao¡¯s lofty status, no one really dared inspect the prince¡¯s carriage.

    The relief mission convoy was quite vast; it elicited crowds of interest when it left the capital.

    Soldiers at the front cleared the way via banging on gongs. Ceremonial troops behind them raised up signs marked with ¡°Solemn Quiet¡± and ¡°Make Way¡±. Following them was the carriage holding the Commandery Prince of Yan and his father-inw Gu Shixiong. Li Yanyan and Gu Chang were left in the manor in the capital.

 Chapter 433.2: To Lose

    <h4>Chapter 433.2: To Lose</h4>

    A full two hundred Dragon Riders came next after themandery prince, led by the specially appointed vice general You Meng.

    After them came Pang Xiao in a dazzling purple, python robe. Wrapped in a midnight-ck cloak, he sat ramrod straight on a ck horse with fur that gleamed coldly. His personal carriage and several more carrying servants trailed behind him.

    Finally, a hundred Dragon Riders brought up the rear.

    In full regalia, the procession observed all pomp and circumstance before putting it aside after exiting the capital, so that they could make better time on the road.

    The same disy was brought out again when they entered the next city. This time, Pang Xiao handed his horse over to Huzi and leapt onto the carriage.

    Thick nkets padded the spacious vehicle. Out of concern for the hot weather, bamboo mats wereid over seat cushions. Qin Yiningid sideways on one of them, propping her head up with one hand and reading a book of travels with the other.

    The curves of her body rose and fell like peaks and valleys,manding all of Pang Xiao¡¯s attention. He froze in ce, kneeling at the door of the carriage.

    My wifey is so easy on the eyes that even lying around randomly looks like a painting!

    Qin Yining picked up that Pang Xiao was back and raised her eyes curiously when he didn¡¯te in. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Thezy lift of her eyes sent Pang Xiao¡¯s heart pounding. Though they were already married, his heart always raced out of control at times like these. His hands grew mmy, and his heart ached with emotion because he just liked her so much.

    ¡°Nothing, I just lost my train of thought when I looked at you.¡±

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t take the response seriously and rewarded him with an eye roll. ¡°Come rest for a bit. The journey ahead of us is long.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± He sat down and leaned against a body pillow next to Qin Yining. Wrapping his arms around her, he snuck in a kiss. ¡°But there¡¯s nothing bad about this either. We can spend every day together on this trip. If this was normal times in the capital, I¡¯d have to be busy with this and that. I wouldn¡¯t be able to keep youpany whenever I felt like it.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled and lost interest in her book. She pillowed her head on Pang Xiao¡¯s sturdy thighs. ¡°I think this is swell. It feels more like we¡¯re here for vacation instead of disaster relief.¡±

    Pang Xiao was once againpelled to kiss her forehead.

    Their trip to the south didn¡¯t go that smoothly. Apart from the asional deluge of rain that made travel impossible, they also ran into two bands of ¡®brothers in the wild¡¯ that ventured forth from the mountains.

    Thankfully, the well-trained Dragon Riders were led by an equally courageous and sharp-minded You Meng. The group weathered the challenges of travel without major mishap.

    Along the way, Pang Xiao sent out several imperial messenger pigeons. He didn¡¯t use them to just greet Li Qitian, but also made detailed ounts of everything that happened along the way, dedicating significant space to describing everything Yuchi Yan did and said.

    With the size of the procession and how their two parties were at opposite ends of the group, there weren¡¯t many chances for them to speak other than when making camp for the night. Pang Xiao put his dislike of Yuchi Yan on obvious disy. Sometimes, he even forbade Qin Yining from leaving the carriage.

    Both of them knew that there must be more than one pair of eyes keeping them under constant surveince. Any discrepancy in their words or actions would certainly arouse suspicion.

    On the morning of the fourteenth day, the procession finally reached Great Yan territory. Huzi merrily approached the carriage.

    ¡°Your Highness, Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong are both missing from the lead carriage. It¡¯s two decoys in ce now. They¡¯re just actors and are being paid for their troubles.¡±

    Qin Yining turned to her husband with surprise, but he wasn¡¯t fazed at all.

    ¡°I see. Keep a close eye on their movements, but stay away from their party in the procession. Let¡¯s wait for You Meng to figure things out himself.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    ¡°I guessed that Gu Shixiong would take advantage of this trip to goad Yuchi Yan into searching for the treasure,¡±mented Qin Yining. ¡°But I hadn¡¯t thought that he¡¯d make his escape in this fashion. Isn¡¯t he worried that when this gets back to the capital, His Majesty will kill the women he left behind?¡±

    There was no way that Yuchi Yan would be content to scrape and bow in front of Li Qitian after finding the treasure. Therefore, he¡¯d probably nned on finding the treasure when he departed the capital. His return was unknown, but sacrificing Li Yanyan and Gu Chang was a certainty.

    Seeing his wife¡¯s expression turn ugly, Pang Xiao patted her shoulderfortingly. ¡°Doing the inhumane¡ªhe¡¯s certainly inherited the truest traits from his father. But don¡¯t worry, I would never throw you away. Never.¡±

    Qin Yining hugged Pang Xiao¡¯s arm to herself and rested her head on his shoulder. ¡°I know you¡¯re good to me. I just think that he¡¯s not the type. This seems more like a move from Gu Shixiong. But Gu Chang is his granddaughter! He¡¯s willing to leave her in the capital as a hostage, running the risk of execution at any time?¡±

    She sat upright. ¡°Or maybe in his eyes, a mere woman isn¡¯t anything valuable at all.¡±

    The prince nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. No matter how others are, I will never change towards you. My wife is so good that I wouldn¡¯t trade her for a mountain of gold!¡±

    Involuntary chuckles worked themselves out of Qin Yining. ¡°My thanks, my prince.¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed heartily and peppered her cheeks and mouth with kisses. ¡°We¡¯re a married couple, what¡¯s all this politeness for? When we have time tonight, we should bend our minds to studying when our little prince is willing to arrive at the manor.¡±

 Chapter 434: Direction

    <h4>Chapter 434: Direction</h4>

    ¡°What nonsense are you spewing in broad daylight...¡±

    Qin Yining blinked a couple of times before finally understanding where Pang Xiao wasing from. Her cheeks immediately med red, and she bestowed a hearty pinch on his arm.

    To the prince, her pinch had no more force than a mosquito bite. He spanned her slim waist with his hands and breathed in the faint jasmine fragrance in her hair. With such a warm and soft body by his side, he stirred restlessly again.

    He buried his face in the crook of his wife¡¯s neck to drink her in, his voice hoarse. ¡°My darling, you smell wonderful.¡±

    Incredibly flustered, Qin Yining shoved him away with all her might. ¡°Don¡¯t. We¡¯re in the carriage!¡±

    ¡°I know. I just want to hold you.¡± Pang Xiao effortlessly swept up his wife with his muscr arms, cing her on his strong thighs. Hisrge hands roved all over her body. ¡°You smell so good and you¡¯re so soft to the touch. I love it.¡±

    Qin Yining gasped at his wayward hands. ¡°You, stop!¡±

    ¡°Hush. Don¡¯t make a sound.¡± He went at her lush lips and gave them a gentle nibble.

    The carriage traveled onwards, the tightly drawn curtains blocking prying eyes from the wonders inside.

    As the entourage made its way to a vige, ready to stop and rest for the night, Yu Meng discovered to his consternation that two decoys had reced Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong!

    Enraged, he drew his sword to execute the two frauds. Pang Xiao rushed up.

    ¡°Vice General Yu, wait! If you kill them now, don¡¯t you risk destroying all clues and forfeiting further investigation?¡±

    Yu Meng snapped to reason; he was being too brash. He¡¯d been one second away from losing all of the clues that would lead him to the two escapees.

    ¡°My thanks to Your Highness.¡± Close to forty years of age, the tall, brawny northerner reddened from embarrassment. He waved his hands, summoning his subordinates to take the pair away for questioning. ¡°Your Highness, what should we do next?¡±

    The imperial envoy in charge of this mission was the Commandery Prince of Yan, but the man had taken off! Yu Meng didn¡¯t dare make a decision on his own, so opted to consult the prince instead.

    Pang Xiao lowered his eyes.

    ¡°Our top priority is to track down the whereabouts of themandery prince and Gu Shixiong. We¡¯re a stone¡¯s throw away from the old capital of Great Yan. I wonder if the two runaways are headed straight for the treasure. Secondly, we must update His Majesty of today¡¯s happenings and await his decision.¡±

    Yu Meng nodded. ¡°You¡¯re very right, Your Highness. This humble general will notify my men immediately.¡±

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t participate in the interrogation because the decoys were Yuchi Yan¡¯s stooges. Those with a discerning eye knew full well that disposableckeys would bepletely in the dark and know nothing of importance. But to avoid arousing suspicion, Pang Xiao kept a respectable distance and ordered his subordinates to keep clear as well.

    Sleepy from exhaustion, Qin Yining was half-asleep by the time the prince made his way back to the farmhouse that was their quarters for the night. Her eyes refused to open when she heard her husband¡¯s light footsteps. She askedzily in a low, soft voice, ¡°You¡¯re back? Has Yu Meng taken care of things?¡±

    The seductive huskiness of her tone titited Pang Xiao again. Desire stirred when he saw the beguiling sight of her recliningnguidly against the bed.

    ¡°He has.¡± He sat sideways on the edge of the bed, reaching out with hisrge paw to massage her back. That hand traveled slowly down her body to an ambiguous area.

    Qin Yining red at him with reproach, herrge eyes glimmering with a light mist, like a small pet that¡¯d been excessively bullied. Sheined with resignation, ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡±

    She usually presented a steady and tactful, astute and resourceful front to the world. Those character traits made it easy to forget that she was still a young girl. A yful bout of a tantrum was an even rarer sight to behold.

    Now that they were married, she revealed to him every side of her in absolute honesty, without filter. She could be mischievous and vivacious, and at times disarmingly spoiled and cuddly.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart melted into a puddle of water. Heid down beside her and cradled her in his warm embrace. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯ll stop. We¡¯ll take a break today. I¡¯ll hold you till you sleep.¡±

    She pressed her face into the crook of his arm and nodded with exhaustion. Soon, her breathing slowed and evened out.

    Pang Xiao looked down at longshes that fluttered with sleep, slightly-parted cherry lips, and jet-ck locks scattered atop a pillow. His heart burst with love and fondness, and he furtively nted a tender kiss on her forehead.

    Seeing his wife in deep slumber, the prince decided to undo his hair from its topknot, letting it cascade down. He reached over the top of his head to entangle his hair with hers and settled in for a catnap.

    Outside of the vige was a scene of hustle and bustle. Three hundred Dragon Riders pitched tents and encamped, built fires and cooked. Yu Meng, on the other hand, fiercely interrogated the two decoys in the woods.

    The small courtyard in the vige where Pang Xiao and his wife rested remained unusually serene and quiet.

    The two frauds were merely scapegoats. What kind of valuable information could be possibly pried out of them? Yu Meng unleashed every trick up his sleeve, but only managed to learn that the two performers were hired by ad surnamed Lu. That was all.

    It so happened that Yuchi Yan¡¯s trusted bodyservant was called Little Lu.

    Themandery prince¡¯s escape was already an actuality. The discovery of his trusted eunuch hiring decoys waspletely useless. If they informed His Majesty of Yuchi Yan¡¯s flight, it was likely that he¡¯d give them a harsh dressing-down and then demote their ranks by three grades!

    Yu Meng felt anxiety settling in. But since he had an imperiallymission himself, he had his own share of extraordinary capabilities. He was by no means someone who easily lost their cool.

    Observing how things were developing, Pang Xiao waited until the next day before summoning Huzi for a quick whisper. In less than two hours, the searchers that Yu Meng had dispatched returned to camp.

    ¡°General! We are fortunate to not fail the mission! We have tracked down the whereabouts of themandery prince.¡±

    ¡°Really!?¡± eximed Yu Meng, delighted.

    ¡°Indeed. Two of our brothers are following them secretly. General, do we set off ourselves?¡±

    His position no longer dangled precariously in the void! Relieved, Yu Meng¡¯s smile at Pang Xiao was much more sincere. ¡°What do you think, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°Mm. Let¡¯s go then. The rest of our entourage trails far behind us. As for disaster relief, that¡¯s on hold now that the imperial envoy in charge of everything has fled. Let¡¯s wait for His Majesty¡¯s orders.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Pass on my orders. We¡¯re decamping and leaving!¡± Yu Meng did as he was told.

    Pang Xiao wrote a note and released a messenger pigeon back to the pce.

    Seeing the prince wait until now to send a report, the vice general asked in surprise, ¡°Did Your Highness not send a message yesterday?¡±

    ¡°His Majesty attends to numerous state affairs everyday and oversees a myriad of court proceedings. Wouldn¡¯t it proim our ipetence as subjects if we bother him with every little concern?

    ¡°We haven¡¯t had updates on themandery prince since his escape, so we would¡¯ve only added to His Majesty¡¯s troubles if we sent a message then. With a read on his location today, we can notify him without causing undue worry¡ªthough he might still be wrathful. Not to mention, this gives you and me a bit of a buffer.¡±

    Yu Meng nodded with a smile, yet deep down he sighed with mixed emotions. No wonder Pang Xiao is amon-born prince at so young! How can he manage to be this self-assured and poised in everything he does? Howe I wasn¡¯t born with that extra wit?

    His Majesty would naturally erupt in fury if they simply notified him of themandery prince¡¯s escape.

    Yet it¡¯d be a different story if their report said that they were secretly tracking Yuchi Yan and might even find the treasure, thanks to his disappearance! His Majesty wouldmend their pluck and wit instead. It would seem like they¡¯d let themandery prince go by design.

    That was the true dao of being a subject!

    Yu Meng¡¯s thoughts inadvertently strayed, making Pang Xiaorger than life.

    As usual, Qin Yining remained in the carriage. The party traced the direction of themandery prince¡¯s flight and tracked them from afar.

 Chapter 435: Treasure

    <h4>Chapter 435: Treasure</h4>

    The group trailed far behind their quarry, often sending scouts ahead to make sure they were still on the right path. If they discovered Yuchi Yan pausing in the distance, so too did his three hundred pursuers, so as to avoid bumping into him.

    Pang Xiao released a dozen pigeons over five days of halting progress.

    You Meng inquired about the first couple, but was quickly scared off by a cold re and ¡°secret reports that His Majesty ordered¡±. Used to the sight in the end, the vice general didn¡¯t bother with further questions.

    ¡°Report!¡± A scout made his way back from the front and scurried up to You Meng¡¯s horse with a slightly agitated expression. He murmured, ¡°General, the target¡¯s entered a hole in the ground.¡±

    ¡°Oh??¡± You Meng¡¯s eyes widened with excitement as he leapt off his horse. ¡°Did you see it clearly? You haven¡¯t lost them, have you? Are you sure it¡¯s not a tunnel for their escape?¡±

    ¡°In response to the general, we followed them from far behind and didn¡¯t attract their attention. We¡¯ve left some people on guard around the perimeter. They¡¯re searching to see if there are other exits.¡±

    ¡°Good, very good!¡± You Mengughed heartily and returned to a low voice. ¡°You did very well. Remember to keep your lips sealed.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The scout wiped the agitation off his face and bellowed a response.

    The vice general whirled and sped to Pang Xiao¡¯s carriage. ¡°Your Highness, great news!¡±

    ¡°What kind of news is it to get you all worked up like this?¡± The prince alighted.

    ¡°We seem to have found the treasure!¡± Delight brimmed from You Meng¡¯s voice as he whispered his response.

    ¡°What??¡±

    ¡°The scouts just came back with a report that they personally saw themandery prince and others enter a hole in the ground. They left men on guard nearby and sent others to see if there are any other exits.¡±

    A gleeful Pang Xiao pped loudly. ¡°This really does resolve His Majesty¡¯s pressing worries! Wonderful! None of our efforts these days were wasted. Come, let¡¯s continue our quiet chase.¡±

    You Meng quietly noted that the prince¡¯s first reaction was happiness over sorting out one of the emperor¡¯s troubles.

    Back in the carriage, Pang Xiao wrote another report and released a messenger pigeon. The vice general grinned when he saw the bird fly off and gave orders for the pursuit to continue.

    Within the softly rocking carriage, Pang Xiao hugged Qin Yining as he leaned against arge cushion.

    ¡°My dear, do you think we¡¯re really doing the right thing?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing bad about it,¡± dimpled the girl. ¡°In the hands of a crooked person, the treasure will most likely be a murder weapon. We might as well give it all to the people. That would be a worthy use of treasure stained by the blood and tears of countless Great Yan citizens.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. But this way, don¡¯t you worry that something might happen to Yuchi Yan?¡± He scanned her face closely when he asked this, wanting to glean any hint of a clue.

    Given Qin Yining¡¯s sharp mind, she was highly amused by the jealous notes in Pang Xiao¡¯s question. What, did her man still care about the fact that she¡¯d almost be Yuchi Yan¡¯s empress?

    ¡°Themandery prince isn¡¯t a thoroughly evil person, but two things separate us now. One, we¡¯re on opposing sides. Two, he has no one but himself to me now that he¡¯s thrown his family away. It¡¯s understandable that he wants to rebuild the nation andy his hands on the trash emperor¡¯s wealth. But he used a most immoral way to do so.¡±

    Bleakness assailed her when she thought of the once upright and honest man with a strong schrly air, study of the ssics and philosophy the only thing on his mind.

    Time and reality were sharp instruments that changed people.

    She didn¡¯t even know when he¡¯d turned into this inflexible mule who cared nothing for family.

    Pang Xiao hugged his wife tighter and kissed her several times on the cheek. ¡°Everything my dear says is right.¡±

    These words both angered and amused Qin Yining.

    ¡°I¡¯m only speaking the truth, why do you sound so reluctant to ept it?¡±

    ¡°My wife is right in everything.¡± The prince¡¯s hands roamed naughtily again.

    Qin Yining sighed softly. It felt like a door to a new world had opened for Pang Xiao ever since their wedding. His insatiable hunger knew no bounds, and he loved clinging onto her. Sometimes, she felt he was the perfect personification of the ck dog Pepper.

    ¡°Your Highness, reports from the front say that they¡¯ve found the exit to the hole and have set a guard on it.¡± You Meng called from outside the carriage.

    Setting aside his extraneous thoughts, Pang Xiao refocused. ¡°Very good, let¡¯s go take a look ourselves as well.¡±

    Qin Yining lifted the window curtain to take a look around at the vige and fields. She then tilted her head to gaze upon a very familiar-looking mountain. ¡°Is this... Mount Mao¡¯er?¡±

    ¡°Indeed it is. Good memory.¡±

    They were very close to the old capital and Qin Yining used to frequently walk outside. Of course she would remember this patch of wilderness with no owner.

    What surprised her wasn¡¯t the sight of a Yan Dynasty mountain range, but that this mountain was precisely the one she¡¯d scribbled on the bogus treasure map. Lu Heng hade in search of it after obtaining her artwork and might¡¯ve even been buried for his troubles.

    This is really too much of a coincidence!

    She¡¯d struck upon the correct mountain with some random strokes!

    It would be very interesting if Lu Heng really did find the treasure with her map...

    ......

    Lanterns in hand, Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong proceeded slowly over the uneven terrain.

    Eagerness shot through Gu Shixiong¡¯s wizened voice, which echoed loudly in the cave.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I haven¡¯t set any traps or mechanisms here. We¡¯re quite safe.¡±

    ¡°I feel at ease with yourfort.¡± Yuchi Yan patted his chest and scrounged up more energy to continue walking.

    He¡¯d grown up in thep of luxury; his eunuch caretakers entreating him to take better care of himself if he so much as forwent a single grain of rice or walked an hour more.

    It was the old master¡¯s escape n he was following, and they¡¯d finally made it to the much coveted treasure after a long and arduous journey. If the elder wasn¡¯t calling for a break, how could he possibly ask to sit down and rest?

    The cave slowly widened, depositing them in a spacious area before long.

    Lantern candles flickered in the wind from an unknown source, the red-orange of their mes alternately dimming and brightening. Though the light was extremely dim, both could see just how plentiful were the massive chests of gold, silver, and jewelry.

    bbergasted, Yuchi Yan raised high hisntern and threaded his way through rows of open chests. He picked up a handful of pearl strings to glimpse neat rows of silver ingots beneath.

    He scanned the area to count at least twenty chests, and some of them held jewels that were worth cities.

    ¡°Just how much did my royal father wring from the people?!¡± Yuchi Yan dropped dejectedly next to a chest, a lifeless look in his eyes. ¡°No wonder they all said he was a trash emperor. Just look at the kind of lives they were living! He was holding onto such arge sum of wealth and refused to spend it on them. Great Yan didn¡¯t perish for no reason, it really didn¡¯t...¡±

 Chapter 436: Imperial Wishes

    <h4>Chapter 436: Imperial Wishes</h4>

    Gu Shixiong¡¯s nose burned as he fell to his knees, tears streaking down his aged face when he saw Yuchi Yan sag onto a chest of silver.

    ¡°Your Majesty, please don¡¯tpromise your health over trivialities. We are free now and stand once again in Great Yan territory. With this fortune now avable to you, you can reim the throne and quickly rise again. This old subject firmly believes that there are many like me who will join you in restoring the nation.¡±

    Yuchi Yan sniffled and rose to his feet emotionally. He helped the old man up with both hands.

    ¡°Beloved subject Lu, We are most touched by your loyalty. How sad it is that We have let you down. In order to avoid arousing Li Qitian¡¯s suspicions, We weren¡¯t able to bring Chang¡¯er with us on this excursion, or the remainder of the Gu n.¡±

    Yuchi Yan hadn¡¯t known a day of peace since Gu Shixiong had sought him out and the two of them plotted this secret get away.

    Every day was a renewed struggle with his choices. What would happen to the subjects who had once sworn loyalty to him? What about Li Yanyan and Gu Chang, they who had remained by his side with utter devotion?

    However, Gu Shixiong¡¯s ¡°those who aplish great things in life refuse to trip over trifles¡± ultimately persuaded him into action.

    Yuchi Yan was well aware that he wascking in smarts. He didn¡¯t even have the courage of his royal uncle, the Prince of Ning.

    Every day in Great Zhou passed by in shame and humiliation. The moniker that Li Qitian bestowed onto him was an ever-present taunt. But the opportunity to restore Great Yan was right in front of him, one he wanted to take advantage of. No matter how spineless he maye across, he was still a man!

    He could no longer concern himself with the fates of those left behind in Great Zhou, those chosen to give Li Qitian some peace of mind...

    He wasn¡¯t certain how long it¡¯d take to fight his way to the Zhou capital after rebuilding his administration. Perhaps he wouldn¡¯t be able to, for the entirety of his life?

    Or perhaps he would be able to, but those left behind would¡¯ve long paid the price for his sins. Li Qitian¡¯s fury would ensure that he wouldn¡¯t even be able to locate the tombstones of his loved ones.

    Guilt wracked the once Great Yan emperor, but he saw no way out.

    He refused to spend the rest of his life as a worthless wretch in Great Zhou. He had known the prestige and trappings that came with being an emperor, so how would he allow himself to grovel and eke out a living at the feet of another emperor like a dog?

    ¡°Beloved subject, We...¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Gu Shixiong wiped away snot and tears with his sleeve. In a trembling voice, he intoned, ¡°Your Majesty need not feel guilty. As long as we can assist in aplishing your great work, what loss is it if this old bag of bones is sacrificed and crushed along the way?

    ¡°The lives of your subjects do not matter! Even if death was in the stars for us, we would hope for a glimpse of the restoration of Great Yan! Your Majesty has always been benevolent, magnanimous, and gracious to the people. But your kindness is what makes you suffer!¡±

    The iteration hammered upon Yuchi Yan¡¯s heart, imprinting both gratitude and distress.

    He could say with a clear mind that he¡¯d never hurt anyone. Perhaps the two greatest stains on his record was one, the abduction of Qin Yining to im her as his own; and two, deserting Li Yanyan and Guchang in the capital of Great Zhou, leaving them to their own devices.

    Why couldn¡¯t good-hearted people of the world be rewarded in kind? Why had someone like him, devoted to calligraphy andndscapes, been born into a royal family?

    How wonderful it would¡¯ve been to be an ordinary gentleman married to a charming wife, two beautiful concubines by his side, spending his days on reading and art while apanied by the fairer sex!

    s, there was no ce for ¡°what-ifs¡± in the world. It was the cruelest conjecture one could voice.

    Yuchi Yan took in a deep breath and forced out a smile. ¡°We¡¯ve taken it this far. For Us, there is no looking back. If we can pull off the restoration of Great Yan, We will make sure that historians record their deeds in great detail.¡±

    ¡°This old subject...¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha!¡± A loud rumble of heartyughter interrupted what else Gu Shixiong was about to say.

    rm and terror propelled head-turns to the source. A retinue ofmp-bearers following the uphill slope emerged out of the darkness. The man in lead was tall and brawny, an intimidating air wreathed about him. Themp cast its light upwards, entuating the ins and valleys of his handsome face, making the arrival of the group extraordinarily ominous.

    ¡°You, you! Pang Zhixi, You Meng, how did you...¡±

    ¡°Surprised?¡± Pang Xiaoughed sardonically and raked Yuchi Yan with a scornful look. ¡°A man never treads on the body of his women, whether he finds great sess or miserable failure in his undertakings! Can you call yourself a man, given that youck any balls? Thank the stars my darling didn¡¯t end up with you, or she¡¯d also be left behind as coteral damage!¡±

    Shaking all over, Yuchi Yan wavered unsteadily and stumbled backwards. A chest tripped his calf and he sprawled on top of it.

    Hands trembling, Gu Shixiong used the neers, ¡°How dare you follow us!¡±

    ¡°What, are you permitted to run, but we aren¡¯t allowed to follow?¡± Pang Xiao reached behind to wrap his wife in an embrace, rubbing her shoulder and upper arm briskly with hisrge hand. ¡°Are you cold?¡±

    ¡°Just a tad.¡±

    The woman¡¯s voice was particrly soft and melodious amidst the throng of men. Yet to Yuchi Yan, it thundered forth as tolling bells, making his ears ring.

    The most embarrassing moment of his life was being witnessed by Qin Yining!

    What if she thought he was a traitorous sort who could abandon family? Will she be grateful that she didn¡¯t choose me after all?

    But... wasn¡¯t the former exactly what he was doing?

    Utterly defeated, Yuchi Yan hung his head, all words escaping him.

    Pang Xiao looked sidelong at themandery prince. The initial terror and shock in Yuchi Yan¡¯s expression was now reced by distraction and dejection. The thick bile of disgust rose in Pang Xiao¡¯s throat.

    Yuchi Yan had done something undeniably dishonorable, yet was still thick-skinned enough to put on a show of deep affection! Did he have no shame??

    Pang Xiao turned on his heel and wrote a note by the dimmp and faint sunlight. He released a messenger pigeon and summoned You Meng toe forth.

    ¡°Vice General You, this prince just sent a note about the discovery of the treasure. Now that¡¯s been aplished, we should make arrangements for delivery.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness doesn¡¯t need to trouble yourself with that.¡± Smiling, You Meng proffered a piece of golden cloth and unfurled it gravely. ¡°An edict from His Majesty!¡±

    Everyone hurried to kneel for the decree.

    You Meng read, ¡°The Emperor, who governs with the Mandate of Heaven, decrees that You Meng is to be fully in charge of the excavation and delivery of the treasure. The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank are travel-worn. They are therefore ordered to remain on-site to rest. They shall not leave without permission, and shall wait until further notice. Proimed to all under the Heavens, so let it be known!¡±

    Still on their knees, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining looked up at Yu Meng incredulously.

    You Meng held the golden cloth in both hands and offered it to the prince with a smile. ¡°Your Highness, you may ept the decree.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s brows knitted together. ¡°Impossible! His Majesty trusts this prince unconditionally!¡±

    ¡°Yet the decree is here in writing. Your Highness may take a look if you wish.¡±

    Pang Xiao snatched the edict from the vice general and unrolled it for a personal look. The message on it was a harsh blow. He hung his head dejectedly after the review.

    Gu Shixiong burst into abrupt, maniacalughter. ¡°The hound is boiled after the cunning hare is killed! It looks like His Majesty¡¯s also suspicious of you, Faithful Prince of the First Rank! How does it feel now, huh? Does it feel good?¡±

 Chapter 437: A Furious Slap

    <h4>Chapter 437: A Furious p</h4>

    Pang Xiao¡¯s hand tightened around the golden decree; he violently whipped his head around to re at Gu Shixiong.

    Qin Yining was one step ahead of him. ¡°Old Master Gu should first think about how it feels to fall short of sess in thest possible second. Or, you can think about how your selfish actions have plunged themandery prince into the depths of no return. The prince could¡¯ve lived out his days in peace, but now he¡¯s beenpletely ruined by your ambitions. Not only did you throw away your family, but also harmed your master and lost everything to your name. How does that feel, good?¡±

    ¡°You! Bitch!¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m hardly worthy of that. Compared to an elder who climbs upward by stepping on his master, I¡¯m far behind you.¡± The married couple helped each other up.

    A furious knot of rage stuck in Gu Shixiong¡¯s chest, and he pounded himself as a fit of coughing overtook him.

    Each of the girl¡¯s words stabbed into the heart. An old official like Gu Shixiong didn¡¯t care about wealth, he just wanted to leave his name in the annals of history. If peace and prosperity reigned throughout thends, it was naturally good to be a wise subject serving a noble sovereign. But in times of chaos and war, an able subject who restored order was the more valuable one.

    He¡¯d been brainstorming since the day Great Yan fell just how he might utilize the treasure to unite Southern Yan and ce Yuchi Yan back on the dragon throne.

    The perfect opportunity had never presented itself, so he could only wait in readiness.

    Now, it was right in front of him, but he¡¯d fallen into someone else¡¯s trap again!

    Last time, he¡¯d eaten up everything Qin Yining had fed him about the treasure map.

    This time, her irritating face was once again on the scene of his failure, and she¡¯d jabbed him right where it hurt. When he looked back at Yuchi Yan, he discovered to his horror that some hints of appraisal and suspicion colored his master¡¯s look!

    Gu Shixiong¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Yuchi Yan had obviously taken the girl¡¯s provocative words to heart!

    The future was already murky after being apprehended red-handed, but now the girl drove a wedge between them with just a few words! Why was the one he offered his loyalty to so biddable by the princess consort??

    They say that beauties are nothing but disaster. She¡¯s a disaster alright!

    The scene grew dark in front of the old man and he sagged, toppling straight backwards.

    Though he nursed some resentment against his once-subject, Yuchi Yan quickly stepped up anxiously to offer support.

    ¡°Old Master Gu, are you alright? Old Master Gu!¡±

    Seeing that the old man really had fainted dead away, the resentment that¡¯d been building in Yuchi Yan¡¯s heart evaporated. The old master was one of his, after all!

    Themandery prince jerked his head up and stared furiously at Qin Yining. His eyes smouldered like twin mes in the gloom of the dark cave.

    ¡°Why must you be this way! You¡¯ve sessfully attached yourself to a powerful thigh and can live out a carefree life. Does securing a good future for yourself give you the support you need to treat your old countrymen with self-righteous harshness? No wonder the books say that women and hangers-on are the most difficult to keep around!

    ¡°You¡¯re biting the hand that feeds you! I say that you¡¯vepletely forgotten you¡¯re of Great Yan!¡± Yuchi Yan roared madly without restraint, his voice particrly high and shrill in an open space such as the cave.

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression darkened, and she sneered. ¡°Do you even know what you¡¯re talking about? Don¡¯t push the consequences of your cowardice and ineptness onto someone else! You casually me everyone but yourself, but does that really mean none of this is your fault? I am indeed a woman, but my character and actions are above reproach. I¡¯m not the one who threw my women out with the bathwater to take the fall!¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Yuchi Yan shook a wrathful finger at Qin Yining, but there was nothing he could say to defend himself.

    The princess consort sneered again and couldn¡¯t be bothered exchanging half a word more with Yuchi Yan.

    She was quite grateful that she hadn¡¯t previously curried imperial favor or attached herself to the dragon throne out of consideration for the family future. If she¡¯d tied herself to this man, she would¡¯ve crumbled before anyone needed to do anything else.

    The sight of his wife silencing Yuchi Yan was more satisfying than receiving his princely title or being inducted into the council. Pang Xiao flung a possessive arm around Qin Yining and turned to You Meng, who was watching the show.

    ¡°Though there is an imperial decree here, this prince is still His Majesty¡¯s sworn brother. I must give some suggestions. One, you should immediately notify the local authorities and have the soldiers surround the premises. That will prevent any mishaps from developing. Two, you should wait for all of the troops to arrive and His Majesty¡¯s orders before moving the treasure out.¡±

    A perfunctory smile curved You Meng¡¯s lips and he raised a cupped fist salute. ¡°It won¡¯t be necessary for Your Highness to worry about that. His Majesty has given all authority in this matter to me. I have everything under control.¡±

    ¡°Under control?¡± scoffed Pang Xiao. ¡°I say you¡¯re looking for an opportunity to steal His Majesty¡¯s treasure!¡±

    ¡°Shut up with that kind of nder!¡± The vice general roared. ¡°Though my rank may not be as high as Your Highness¡¯, the heavens can bear witness to my loyalty! What are your ulterior motives in throwing around wild usations like these!¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so worried, vice general. Those with no crookedness in their hearts fear not the sun. If you really don¡¯t lust after His Majesty¡¯s treasure, then you should be opting for full transparency. But here you are, asserting your sole authority over everything. It¡¯s really hard to not look at this suspiciously.¡±

    ¡°I am acting upon His Majesty¡¯s verbal decree! You have epted the edict, Your Highness, so all you need to do now is remain on-site with the princess consort and await new orders. You don¡¯t need to worry about anything else.¡±

    Pang Xiao fell silent at the rejoinder, the hands behind his back balled into tight fists. The tighter he gripped them, the more it seemed his rage and waspishness could be restrained.

    ¡°This prince will report your actions to His Majesty!¡±

    ¡°Alright, be my guest. Do you have enough messenger pigeons? If not, I can lend you some, hahaha!¡± You Meng brayed with arrogantughter to see the prince hit a metaphorical wall. He waved a hand to summon the Dragon Riders to take inventory of the silver.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were herded to a corner to watch the soldiers spring into action.

    ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s head up.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded at the idea. But just as they moved to the slope, You Meng stopped them from taking a step further.

    ¡°Please stay your motion, Your Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao turned back. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°The decree calls for Your Highness to remain on-site. ¡®On-site¡¯, you know? Surely Your Highness understands the word.¡± You Meng smirked meaningfully.

    The prince swallowed his temper again. ¡°The princess consort is in weak health and can¡¯t withstand the cold air below ground. Staying on-site doesn¡¯t mean that we need to remain down here.¡±

    ¡°Are you defying imperial orders, Your Highness? You¡¯ll make things very difficult for me!¡±

    The vice general¡¯s words had just echoed in the air when Pang Xiao swung back and delivered a resounding p.

    The impact of the smack was so fierce that You Meng¡¯s head snapped to the side. He stared incredulously at Pang Xiao. ¡°How dare you hit me!¡±

    ¡°Things aren¡¯t difficult for you now, are they?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°This prince will not be staying in this cave. You tried to talk some reason into me, but I refused to listen and even hit you. You can tell His Majesty all of this. None of the fault willnd on you then, so things aren¡¯t difficult for you now, are they?¡± Pang Xiao tightened his fist until his knuckles cracked.

    Understanding dawned on the bbergasted vice general. ¡°Your Highness is, is a good-for-nothing!¡±

 Chapter 438: Transportation

    <h4>Chapter 438: Transportation</h4>

    Pang Xiao leered. ¡°This prince appreciates thepliment. I confess to be no match for the vice general in terms of disgusting shell games.¡±

    ¡°What?! When did I do such a thing?¡±

    ¡°You detained the treasure that belongs to His Majesty, pretend to be his most trustworthy subject, use your military authority to steal the treasure, and try to scapegoat this prince at all cost. What¡¯s that if not a shell game??¡±

    ¡°Shut your stinking mouth!¡± Hopping mad, You Meng jabbed a finger at Pang Xiao. ¡°Don¡¯t think you¡¯re actually something just because you¡¯re a prince! Everyone knows your background! How dare you throw your weight around when you have no troops under yourmand! We can just imagine how cocky you were to His Majesty when you led the Valiant Tigers. No wonder you were stripped of power!¡±

    Thest line did its job and hit a sore spot with Pang Xiao. If everything beforehand had been histrionics, the emotions inspired by this taunt were straight from the heart.

    He had devoted his life and energy to the Valiant Tigers. He and everyone part of it were true brothers that had braved life and death together. It¡¯d taken just a single word from Li Qitian to send him elsewhere. It was a bitter pill to swallow for even the most open-minded person, let alone someone constantly distrusted like Pang Xiao.

    The prince¡¯s expression hardened. Instead of continuing the argument, he took his wife¡¯s hand and shoved You Meng aside. ¡°Piss off!¡±

    ¡°Ai! You can¡¯t leave!¡±

    Pang Xiao paid them no mind. He forcefully pushed away those blocking him. His strength,bined with his internal energy, rendered futile the efforts of the Dragon Riders who tried to detain him.

    You Meng urged a few more guards to catch up.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining didn¡¯t travel far after leaving the group, opting to return to the carriage to rest. Nothing happening in that cave was a concern to him any longer.

    Inside the carriage, Qin Yining nestled against her husband¡¯s shoulder and gently caressed his calloused hand. ¡°Don¡¯t be upset. It¡¯s no use getting upset with that kind of people.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Pang Xiao lowered his eyes and sped Qin Yining¡¯s hands in his, ying with them.

    His wife smiled. ¡°And there¡¯s no need to feel any regret. Even though you no longer have yourmand, the fraternity you share with those brothers is still there. As long as everyone is still here, a day wille when you all can fight side by side again.¡±

    These words were a balm on Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. He raised his eyes to his wife¡¯s beaming face and smiled despite himself. ¡°Why is everything so clear when seen from your perspective?¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m gifted with a clear mind, duh.¡± Qin Yiningughed lightly.

    Pang Xiao enveloped his wife in his arms and pecked her on the cheek. ¡°Thank goodness I have you with me. I¡¯m afraid I might¡¯ve beaten someone up.¡±

    ¡°No, you wouldn¡¯t have.¡± Qin Dining burrowed into her husband¡¯s embrace. ¡°You¡¯re a man of reason. You know what you¡¯re doing and what you should be doing. I wasn¡¯t worried at all.¡±

    Pang Xiao felt extraordinarilyforted and assured to have someone who knew and trusted him unconditionally. He smiled with contentment. It was his great fortune to have someone here for him in these challenging times.

    ......

    Notes brought in by the messenger pigeons kept Li Qitian well-informed. The emperor finally found utter peace of mind after reading the two most recent memos.

    The first note came from Pang Xiao, reporting that the treasure had been recovered, but that You Meng might appropriate it for himself. The prince requested more troops be dispatched to keep a closer watch, lest someone should make a move when the opportunity presented itself. At the end, there was a small sentence grumbling about Li Qitian¡¯s mistrust of him.

    The second note came from You Meng, and the message was short and clear. The treasure had been found and was being inventoried for transport. The vice general estimated it would arrive in half a month. Also, the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank remained not far from the cave. The prince was suspicious of You Meng, but the former¡¯s loyalty to the emperor was indubitable.

    For Li Qitian, double blessings graced his doorstep. The treasure was found, and the incident shed light that he was being too small-minded towards the prince. Pang Xiao was still his loyal subject.

    The emperor carefully reread the note a few more times before burning it with the candle.

    Li Qitian heaved a long sigh. The silver would be a tremendous help to the relief mission. Perhaps he could manage to spare a good part of it for contingent use down the road.

    The emperor¡¯s fine mood rubbed off on the imperial officials, and the capital basked in an air of harmony and amity.

    ......

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining¡¯s living quarters might be subpar at the moment,pared to their sumptuous residence in the capital, but the pair was in great mood.

    Thanks to the imperial decree, Pang Xiao had no recourse but to stay put until further notice. Counting everything and hauling out chest after chest was a tedious process. It wouldn¡¯t do for him to take up residence in the carriage, so he mobilized his men to cobble together a triangr, bamboo shack.

    Qin Yining was ustomed to living in the mountains. With Pang Xiao¡¯s men to help, the couple didn¡¯t need worry about the basic necessities of life, so they whiled their days away in leisure.

    The princess consort even took her husband out foraging and hunting. Of course, they did so under Dragon Rider surveince, arranged by You Meng.

    Longbow in one hand, Pang Xiao wrapped an arm around his wife¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°How wonderful it¡¯d be if all of our days were just as carefree. Self-sufficiency wouldn¡¯t be a worry, and we wouldn¡¯t need to bother ourselves with other concerns.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled. ¡°We¡¯ll be able to live like this one day. Life will get better as long as we put our hearts into it.¡±

    This confident and steadfast side of Qin Yining was what Pang Xiao admired the most. It was so refreshing whenpared to women who clung to fortune and authority.

    Concerned that news of the treasure might get out, You Meng was particrly cautious with excavation and transportation.

    Early this morning, the Dragon Riders finished prepping the transport carriage.

    ¡°Should we send this batch away first, or should we wait until everything is consolidated and send all of it together?¡±

    The vice general wavered. What if tragedy struck and the substantial load of cargo was lost?

    But if the inventory was transported in batches, the guards would have to be thinned out to keep tabs on each carriage. He¡¯d be in great trouble should even one carriage be lost along the way.

    Feeling cornered, You Meng wracked his brains.

    Despite himself, he looked in the direction of the prince and the princess consort, who were enjoying each other¡¯spany in the bamboo shack a short distance away.

    He would like to consult Pang Xiao about the logistics, but his outburst earlierid to rest any possibility for conversation. Neither was the vice general so thick-skinned as to go to the prince, cap in hand, for advice.

    If he was to wait for the emperor¡¯s instructions, it¡¯d make hogwash his earlier promise of delivering the treasure in half a month. It¡¯d spell even more trouble if the emperor felt that he¡¯d been lied to.

    Mulling over the pros and cons, You Meng grit his teeth. ¡°Let¡¯s just wait. It¡¯s safer if all three hundred of us escort the caravan together.¡±

    The Dragon Riders did as they were told.

    Being just a stone¡¯s throw away, Qin Yining and Pang Xiao caught snippets of the conversation. They exchanged a nce and quietly puttered around with other matters at hand.

    Pang Xiao released thest messenger pigeon after You Meng and his menbored for two days.

    His letter reported on the number of chests in the caravan and what was stashed in each respective chest. The prince also cautioned the emperor to be on guard against embezzlement.

 Chapter 439.1: Dead Men Tell No Tales

    <h4>Chapter 439.1: Dead Men Tell No Tales</h4>

    Mixed emotions brewed in Li Qitian¡¯s heart when he received Pang Xiao¡¯s report from thest messenger pigeon.

    Apart from the tiny grumble in the first note, every report afterwards had been sent on time with minute descriptions of the secret stash. The prince also carefully listed the number of chests andposition of the convoy, lest any be ¡®lost¡¯ during transport.

    Those letters,bined with You Meng¡¯s report, demonstrated that Pang Xiao was a person of unquestionable loyalty, despite the prince¡¯s overbearing insolence and raising a hand against others.

    Li Qitian even felt some soul-searching was in order. Had he been too harsh on Pang Xiao?

    At longst, the impressive fortune was his! Although the treasure wouldn¡¯t fully replenish the imperial treasury, it was enough to keep the nation afloat. The amount of silver within was sufficient to pay the Valiant Tigers and the Dragon Riders for five years.

    Li Qitian could finally breathe a hefty sigh of relief with possession of this substantial sum. Sleep of utter assurance was his for the taking.

    He rounded therge paulownia desk that was covered with a golden tablecloth. Strolling toward the wide-open doors, he gently rubbed his mmy hands against each other.

    Highly polished ck marble floors shone with a bright gleam. Not a faintest sound echoed from Li Qitian¡¯s footsteps. The eunuchs guarding the entrance lowered their heads and bowed from the waist when they noted their master¡¯s movement.

    Spacious hall doors opened onto arge expanse of a za, whereupon white stone-bricks patterning the ground, scarlet facades and brightly zed tiles, and cottony clouds floating through cerulean skies came into full view.

    Li Qitian took another deep breath in. Refreshment and rejuvenation in both body and mind!

    ¡°Servants!¡±

    ¡°This servant is here.¡± Li Guanwen immediately shuffled forward and bowed with a smile.

    ¡°Summon beloved subject Qin toe see Us.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The head eunuch left straightaway to deliver the imperial summons.

    Qin Huaiyuan bursted with questions on his way to the pce. However, he merely bowed to Li Qitian in a show of utter respect, awaiting further instructions upon arrival.

    ¡°We used to consider the Faithful Prince of the First Rank a stubborn, bad apple,¡± smiled the emperor. ¡°But with beloved subject Qin to mentor and guide him, he has matured quite a bit. You have taught him well.¡±

    Suspicious, Qin Huaiyuan nheless waved a self-deprecating hand and bowed again.

    ¡°Your Majesty offers praise that is far too rich. This old subject is truly unworthy. Although the prince is rash and irritable, and there is also an old grudge between us, we are now one family. No matter out of loyalty to Your Majesty or consideration for my daughter, this old subject should issue reminders at appropriate moments.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s answer was expertly crafted: he neither exaggerated his loyalty nor pretentiously swore his allegiance to the country. Half-truths were coated with half-lies, creating the veneer of honesty.

    These days, Li Qitian held Qin Huaiyuan in increasingly higher regard. That wasn¡¯t based solely on the former minister¡¯s capabilities and talent; his looks were also pleasing to the eye. In particr, when Qin Huaiyuan had still served Great Yan, he¡¯d risen against the decrepit emperor of Northern Ji. Given Li Qitian¡¯s own history, he didn¡¯t find Qin Huaiyuanpletely objectionable.

    In hindsight, Li Qitianmented that Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s career had been impeded by his previous trash of a master. The best years of his life had gone to waste as he¡¯d unfortunately been born in Great Yan and forced to swear allegiance to a buffoon. Had Li Qitian appeared several decades early, this talent would¡¯ve long joined his ranks!

    History would have witnessed another glorious era.

    An amiable Li Qitian instructed Li Guanwen to move a seat forward and actually stepped out himself to join the minister on the same side.

    Startled by the show of imperial favor, Qin Huaiyuan allowed himself to upy only half of the seat¡¯s edge.

    Li Qitian smiled. ¡°We summoned you merely to convey a matter of great urgency. Nothing else.¡±

    ¡°Please, Your Majesty

    ¡°The treasure has been found. It now awaits Our instructions for transport back to the capital.¡±

    Li Qitian watched Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s expression intently as he spoke. His remaining vestiges of suspicion vaporized when the minister¡¯s eyes widened with shock.

    ¡°We refer to the treasure of Great Yan. What does beloved subject Qin think of this?¡±

    The question was very artfully created. The emperor didn¡¯t focus on one singr aspect of the affair. Rather, it was up to the minister to deduce the emperor¡¯s intentions from a simple, overarching inquiry.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood with a prim bow. ¡°What has been recovered can be called treasure, but in actuality, it¡¯s hard-earned possessions of the people, looted by the emperor emeritus of Great Yan.

    ¡°It is living proof of his crime in denying the people the basic right to live. Neither buried underground nor wasted by a privileged few to ke selfish desires would be the most appropriate usage. This humble subject offers that only when the wealth is used for the good of the people will the sins staining it be cleansed.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan paused and bowed again after looking up at the emperor. ¡°This humble subject feels it is heaven¡¯s design that Your Majesty has recovered the treasure. They know that Your Majesty is a noble emperor dedicated to the people. That this happened when the earth dragon turned over in the south and gue rampages means that it is a door of survival the heavens have flung open for the people. Your Majesty was destined to find and allocate the treasure!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s expression was etched in solemness. He delivered every word, every sentence with authority. And unsurprisingly, every one of these words was a ticket to Li Qitian¡¯s heart, scratching where it itched the most.

    Only upon bing emperor did understanding of being lonely at the top sink in.

    Li Qitian was responsible for all of his followers now that he¡¯d ascended to the throne. Everyone¡ªhis subjects, people, and even his mother, endlessly solicited things from him, but no one truly understood him.

 Chapter 439.2: Dead Men Tell No Tales

    <h4>Chapter 439.2: Dead Men Tell No Tales</h4>

    Ironically, the words that resonated with him the most were the ones uttered by a subject, and a surrendered official of Great Yan at that! Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s presence in the Great Zhou imperial court stuck out like a sore thumb.

    Perhaps it was the relief of an immense burden lifted after finally finding the treasure¡ªLi Qitian found morepassion within himself, which made Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s response more impactful.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin.¡± The emperor helped his minister up with both hands and patted him on the arms with gratitude. ¡°We have not read you wrong. We decided on using the treasure for people when it was found, as it was pilfered from them in the first ce. May that soothe some of the victims who paid the ultimate price for it.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded solemnly. The look in his eyes and expression radiated exactly the appropriate level of obedience to his overlord, which was also mixed in with subtle veneration.

    Just a single nce from one of these looks was a more satisfying balm than two hours of empty ttery.

    ¡°Beloved subject Qin, what do you think the follow-up steps should be, now that the treasure¡¯s been recovered?¡±

    Wise Pan An mulled over the question before answering.

    ¡°At this moment, this subject feels that there are three arrangements that must be made. Firstly, the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank, Commandery Prince of Yan, and Old Master Gu are to remain where they are for further instructions. Troops should keep them under guard, lest any secrets be divulged. Secondly, deploy Prince Consort Ji to meet the convoy so that nothing will happen en route back home. Thirdly, make ns for allocating the treasure and release updates to herald Your Majesty¡¯s deeds.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s suggestions were sufficiently clear, but not overly thorough that Li Qitian didn¡¯t have space to think things over.

    This manner of suggestion-making best demonstrated one¡¯s sincerity. It also left no room for others to think that he was unduly dictating imperial decisions.

    Li Qitian nodded repeatedly, deeply moved by the minister¡¯s sincerity.

    ¡°My beloved subject, you proposed having the prince and others remain where they are until further notice. How long shall they wait?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan answered unequivocally, ¡°Until Your Majesty¡¯s men take control of the treasure.¡±

    Li Qitian remained deep in thought for another moment. A question he desperately wanted to ask didn¡¯t make it out in the end.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining are your son-inw and beloved daughter. Aren¡¯t you concerned at all that the newlyweds will suffer where they are?

    But after thinking it over, Li Qitian saw to the crux of the matter.

    Qin Huaiyuan was indeed seeing things clearly. Not only would his suggestion ensure the integrity of the treasure¡¯s location, it¡¯d also clear the couple of all suspicion.

    Li Qitian shook his head, not knowing whether tough or cry. He wasn¡¯t irked by Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s style. Had the minister been overly selfless, indicating no bias towards his own daughter, sure doubts would arise regarding his loyalty. On the contrary, his behavior now came across all the more genuine.

    Li Qitian moved quickly and instructed a messenger to deliver his orders as quickly as possible.

    ......

    When the messenger came, Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were crowded around a bonfire, roasting fresh game with Huzi, Jiyun and Bingtang.

    The princess consort was a true survivor of the mountains who¡¯d endured her fair share of hardships. This kind of simple living was actually more to her taste. Her abilities for eking out a living in the wild greatly impressed her husband and the soldiers.

    She had a knack for identifying which paths in the mountains were easiest to walk, which fruit was delicious, and which wild vegetables were edible. She hunted with the skill of an expert huntsman, far better than the guards by Pang Xiao¡¯s side.

    After such a long period of time, Qin Yining¡¯s skin was fully rejuvenated by her new life. There was no trace of weathering by the elements, but this appearance made Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ache.

    ¡°Your Highness, we¡¯ve gotpany at the foot of the mountain,¡± whispered a guard.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°I heard them.¡±

    The three hundred Dragon Riders standing guard at the foot of the mountain had established a sentry system on shifts. A sentinel brought the messenger up to see You Meng.

    Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong, along with their band of twenty-plus followers, were tied up in a heap not too far away. They looked nervously in the direction of the neer.

    You Meng epted the secret edict from Li Qitian and read it twice. He grinned when he turned around.

    ¡°His Majesty has decreed that the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank, and their followers, remain put for further instruction. The Commandery Prince of Yan and Gu Shixiong as well. As for the rest...¡± The vice general slid the edge of his hand across his throat.

    His personal guards immediately shoved Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan over to Pang Xiao, Qin Yining and their entourage. Meanwhile, those who¡¯d followed Yuchi Yan, including Little Lu, screamed with panic and despair.

    ¡°No, no, no!! Your Highness! Help us!¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t do anything at all! We¡¯re innocent!¡±

    ¡°Help!¡±

    ......

    The executioners selected from the Dragon Riders muffled their screams as they were dragged away. The men returned before long, taking up their positions behind You Meng once more. Any closer looks would reveal the bloodstains on their faces and bodies.

    ¡°No, no, no no...¡±Yuchi Yan shook his head, his eyes closed as he mumbled in pain. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be this way, it shouldn¡¯t be! They¡¯re all innocent!¡±

    ¡°Innocent?¡± You Meng scoffed derisively. ¡°What, can¡¯t bear to see if with your own eyes? Why don¡¯t you think about the women you left behind at the capital?¡±

    ¡°No, no....¡± Yuchi Yan¡¯s eyes were round and big, brimming with anguish.

 Chapter 440: Whisper

    <h4>Chapter 440: Whisper</h4>

    A career soldier, You Meng had always been scornful of men without backbones¡ªas perfectly illustrated by the likes of themandery prince. He sneered. ¡°No? Had Your Highness not been a fool, you would¡¯ve foreseen this result before setting out.

    ¡°When you surrendered, His Majesty treated you ordingly. You were his subject and your family a subject¡¯s dependents. The emperor took good care of you, but you bred mutinous thoughts. You talked your way into being let loose so you could hunt for the treasure and im it as your own. You even wanted to revolt and restore your position! Are you really worthy of His Majesty¡¯s trust, the traitor that you are??

    ¡°You were a piece of trash emperor! Your subjects and people didn¡¯t have enough to eat or wear, and when you surrendered, you revolted instead of ying the part of a good subject! You even threw away those who shared your bed! And now what, you scared of a little blood? Think about what you did in the first ce!¡±

    Color drained from Yuchi Yan¡¯s face. His lips twitched, but formed no coherent sentence in the end.

    Having vented his anger, You Meng was finally able to breathe easy. He turned to the frostily stern Pang Xiao. ¡°Your Highness, the emperor means for you and the princess consort to remain where you are. These two are also in your charge.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s face was as dark as a looming thundercloud. He roughly snatched the decree for himself and gave it a quick scan to verify its contents. Suppressing his fury, he grumbled his assent when he determined it wasn¡¯t some drivel that You Meng had concocted.

    The vice general left a crew of twenty Dragon Riders behind. ¡°Remain here to protect His Highness. The rest of you shall return with me.¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± The designated contingent began their escort of the long fleet of carriages.

    To avoid rousing suspicion, Pang Xiao had brought only Huzi and four Elite Tigers on this trip. Meanwhile, Qin Yining had chosen Bingtang, Jiyun and the four led by Xiaoman to apany her.

    The twenty Dragon Riders had been left behind ostensibly to protect the prince, but really, they were tasked to watch Pang Xiao and his contingent, lest thetter wander off or divulge the treasure¡¯s location.

    Qin Yining pillowed her husband¡¯s shoulder, her expression solemn and slender brows furrowed. All pretenses of cordiality between Li Qitian and Pang Xiao had atst been shed.

    Although the emperor maintained a veneer of politeness, what did he actually say with his actions? Divestiture of militarymand,ck of trust when ced in the council, and overlooked for any important missions.

    Pang Xiao had finally been tasked with a relief mission; yet it was in the capacity of overseeing a former love rival. Meanwhile, the object of both their affections was sent along for the ride!

    Everyone knew that she¡¯d once been tapped as an empress candidate for Yuchi Yan. No one knew that Pang Xiao had sessfully schemed to the detriment of that n, but anyone with a bit ofmon sense would understand the enmity between the two.

    Such arrangements were obviously to incite greater estrangement between Pang Xiao and Yuchi Yan.

    Things had gone from bad to worse. The treasure had been found, and Pang Xiao had now been utterly, thoroughly ostracized and tossed aside. Even You Meng, a lowly vice general whose military exploits and rank were no match for those of Pang Xiao¡¯s, dared to taunt the prince.

    These developments forced her to contemte the future, and brainstorm what precautions she should take to protect her husband and those around her.

    Li Qitian was the quintessential ingrate who¡¯d turn backstabber in a heartbeat. Death was the only oue for one who ced their trust in him.

    ¡°My dear?¡± Pang Xiao tilted his head sideways at her.

    She snuggled meekly against his shoulder. He could see her fluttering longshes and dainty, pert nose when he lowered his gaze. He reached out to stroke her cheek. ¡°Did that scare you?¡±

    Only until then did Qin Yininge back to her senses. The guards and maids were watching her with concern.

    Awkwardness pricked at her when she realized she¡¯d curled up against Pang Xiao as if there was no one around. She¡¯d momentarily forgotten her surroundings!

    ¡°I¡¯m alright, just a bit tired.¡±

    ¡°Why not take a nap? There¡¯s nothing left for us to do here at the moment. We need to wait for His Majesty¡¯s instructions before resuming our mission anyhow. Not to mention, we have no inkling how rations and provisions areing along.¡±

    Li Qitian hadn¡¯t set up a supply train for the trip before they departed the capital. Though disaster relief was the word of the day, the cavalcade of three hundred Dragon Riders made it seem more likew enforcement escorting prisoners.

    Pang Xiao knew how low the national treasury was. Li Qitian was perhaps having problems scraping up enough provisions all at once. He might need more time to put things together and would send the suppliester.

    The emperor must¡¯ve also surmised that Yuchi Yan had his ways to recover the treasure on this trip back to Great Yan, though having everything pan out as Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had spected left the prince in a despondent mood.

    Qin Yining was meticulous and astute, perceptively plumbing the depths of Li Qitian¡¯s intentions. Yet at times, Pang Xiao really wished that it was they who were being too small-minded in their understanding of the emperor.

    The princess consort set off towards the bamboo shack. No sooner had she taken a step than Yuchi Ya, his head lowered all this time, called out, ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡±

    The girl started and looked over her shoulder in surprise at themandery prince. The sight of disheveled salt-and-pepper hair, a sallow and pallid face, and vacant bloodshot eyes answered her nce. Streaks of tear trails ran down his face, painting an air of derangement to his looks.

    In her mind, the image of that noble, schrly gentleman she¡¯d first encountered at the Prince of Ning¡¯s floated to the forefront. Qin Yining found herself unable to reconcile that young man with this dispossessed outcast.

    ¡°You go on and rest.¡± Pang Xiao watched his wife with concern andmanded the Dragon Riders left to stand guard. ¡°Go help themandery prince and Secretariat Gu settle in. Keep a close eye on them. There¡¯s no telling what¡¯s out here in the mountains. Don¡¯t let them wander off at will.¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± The guards answered with great respect.

    The Dragon Riders had previously garrisoned in the northern frontiers. Though they were under themand of Ji Zeyu, their discipline and training were indubitably on par with the Valiant Tigers¡¯. They were also a tad bit curious about and admiring of Pang Xiao, and had learned more about the prince¡¯s dominatingpetence and affability on this trip.

    Even though the emperor distrusted the prince, he would always be a war god to these Dragon Riders. They were responsible for protecting and watching their charge, but also willing to do as they were told when Pang Xiao asked.

    A few of them together hefted the trussed-up chickens that were Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong and brought them to a tent not too far away, shoving them inside.

    Inside the bamboo shack, Qin Yining burrowed beneath the covers. Pang Xiao stepped in before long.

    The guards were used to seeing Pang Xiao dote on his wife and immune to seeing the couple rest in the shack in broad daylight. The group gathered by the bonfire, roasting game and chatting merrily. Only a handful of Dragon Riders checked now and then to ensure that Pang Xiao was staying put.

    He blocked the entrance with a trellis ofshed-together bamboo. That sealed the triangr enclosure. Faint sunlight dappled through the fissures between the bamboo. Within the dark corner, one could see dust motes dancing in the faint light.

    Hugging her covers, Qin Yining watched Pang Xiao and beamed, coaxing an answering smile in return.

    Pang Xiao disrobed and kicked off his boots before lying down on the mat that was covered with a thick quilt and pad. He enfolded the covers and his wife¡¯s slender frame into him.

    ¡°Are they roasting game, Your Highness?¡± Are we being eavesdropped on?

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t answer right away. He kept his eyes closed and focused all of his attention on his hearing. He listened closely before answering in a whisper, ¡°Yes they are.¡±

    Thus reassured, Qin Yining responded in a low voice. ¡°We don¡¯t have any pigeons left. But I think my men are already lying in wait.¡±

 Chapter 441: To Detain

    <h4>Chapter 441: To Detain</h4>

    ¡°Though Azure Justice is a motley group, they still have some courage and fighting spirit to their name. There may only be six Silver Masks, but they¡¯re all elites. They knew a long time ago that there¡¯s almost three hundred Dragon Riders escorting the treasure back, and they know roughly when the return trip was to set out. They¡¯ll have made detailed ns and know where and when is best to make their moves. So I think we don¡¯t need to worry about this.¡±

    Pang Xiao breathed his words out softly, sending shudders down Qin Yining when his hot breath huffed into her ear.

    She wanted to rub her ears, but her arms were firmly ensconced in the nkets by her husband. She could only nuzzle his shoulders with her ears.

    The prince chuckled softly as the motion made Qin Yining seem so much like a cute, little woond animal.

    She didn¡¯t know what her husband was thinking as she bent her mind to analysis. After a while, she whispered back, ¡°The Silver Masks will be the more loyal. I¡¯m not so sure about Azure Justice.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡±

    She lowered her voice even further. ¡°The alliance head was once my maternal grandmother, and she only formed the alliance so she could seek revenge. After obtaining justice, she no longer wanted to be involved. Perhaps she could already tell that the alliance was bing hard to control. She pulled out and gave it to me.

    ¡°Though I¡¯m their leader in name, and they mighte to me for help or even to take responsibility when something goes awry... in all honesty, they wouldn¡¯t listen to my orders at all if there¡¯s nothing in it for them.

    ¡°They were once traitors in Great Yan and aren¡¯t legitimate citizens of Great Zhou even now. All of them do business with the Tartars along the borders. They only obeyed me this time because there¡¯s some profit to be made. But I really have no faith in their loyalty.¡±

    Pang Xiao thoroughly understood her concerns now. He kissed her temples andforted her in whispers. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this isn¡¯t your fault no matter what. My men are all under surveince and you¡¯re the only one we can rely on. We had no choice in this matter. Better utilizing them than having the treasure fall into Li Qitian¡¯s hands.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m actually very conflicted myself. If we don¡¯t do anything, I¡¯m afraid Li Qitian won¡¯t end up spending much of the silver on the people. He¡¯ll pour it all into the army, which will only be bad for you. That¡¯s why I decided to intercept it. Whether it¡¯s the aristocracy or Li Qitian, none of them can have it fall into theirps. In our hands, we can at least ensure that it will be used for good.

    ¡°If ites down to all out hostility between you two one day, we¡¯ll be in a stronger position then. But sometimes, I still feel guilty.¡± Qin Yining sighed softly.

    Trapped in the game as they were, she could find no other way to protect her loved ones and survive.

    The prince quite understood her feelings, because he felt the same. None of them represented only themselves now. They were responsible for those who followed them, which meant that every action entailed more consideration.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, we were forced into this as well. It¡¯d be best if it¡¯s a sess. If it¡¯s a failure, then we¡¯ll just deal with it,¡± Pang Xiao murmured into her ear. ¡°But this is one of the trips that I¡¯ve felt most peace of mind on, because I have you by my side.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled as well. ¡°That¡¯s right. Thank goodness I¡¯m here with you, or I would¡¯ve fretted myself out of my mind in the capital.¡±

    She dodged with a soft chuckle when he kissed her neck. The two bantered for a while longer before closing their eyes to rest. Looking like she was asleep, Qin Yining¡¯s mind raced furiously onwards.

    She was still worried.

    Things would still be fine if the operation failed and their people got away cleanly. If not, and a couple were captured, all would be a mess if they were outed.

    It was naturally for the best if Li Qitian didn¡¯t get his way in things, but further conflict might ur between Azure Justice and the Silver Masks with the treasure in hand.

    The Silver Masks in the capital that Li Qitian was aware of didn¡¯t dare do anything remotely suspicious. The four she¡¯d brought with her were counted for as well. Therefore, the only ones they could mobilize this time were the six floating around outside.

    Those six possessed adept martial arts and professional training. She really didn¡¯t know which side woulde out victorious in a scuffle¡ªAzure Justice with the advantage of numbers, or the Silver Masks with superior skill.

    All she could pray now was for something like that not to happen. They had no more messenger pigeons and no way to contact the outside world given the heavy guard. In such isted circumstances, the only thing they could do was wait.

    Half a month quickly passed by.

    The days grew hot and bugs appeared in multitudes. It was almost two months since the earthquake, yet the disaster relief convoy was trapped in the woods because of an imperial decree having to do with the treasure.

    Life may be inconvenient, but their day-to-day was guaranteed. Unfortunately, Qin Yining had been bitten by a venomous mosquito two days ago. The bite had hardened into tough lump that itched and ached. It even showed signs of infection, and she burned with a low fever the two days.

    ¡°How are you feeling, my darling?¡± Pang Xiao fanned her with a round fan and rubbed the palm of her hand with sympathy.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so worried, I¡¯m not that frail and pampered. It¡¯s just a little infection from a bug bite. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Qin Yining smiled.

    ¡°This is all my fault. If I hadn¡¯t brought you out with me, you could¡¯ve stayed at home and not live in a forest full of mosquitoes.¡± Vexed regret pped at Pang Xiao, and his resentment of Li Qitian grew a bitrger.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think nonsense. Do mosquitoes only live in the mountains? Besides, we brought Bingtang with us. We can be at ease with her here.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded and responded with some gratification. ¡°Thank goodness you brought her. Who would¡¯ve thought that we¡¯d be stuck in these mountains for so long? There are a lot of bugs and snakes now that the days are hot. It¡¯s no difference to us coarse men, but you¡¯re in weak health and have to suffer with us for no reason at all.¡±

    The princess consort flung open her arms and grinned at her man. He was so much like a child sometimes, and now resembled a long-suffering,rge dog with his tail stepped on.

    The joy and delight that blossomed in his eyes when she opened her arms was infectious. Pang Xiao ced his arms next to her her and buried his face in her shoulder and chest. Enveloped by her faint, elegant fragrance, he couldn¡¯t refrain from taking a few deep breaths in.

    ¡°My darling, you smell so good.¡±

    Her arms around his head and shoulders, Qin Yining blushed and mock-retorted, ¡°What silliness is this. I don¡¯t have any lotion on me, so how would I smell good?¡±

    She rarely put on makeup since they lived in the woods now.

    Skeptical, Pang Xiao buried his face even more firmly and inhaled deeply. ¡°It¡¯s not the smell of lotion, it¡¯s you. You smell good.¡±

    The deep notes of conviction made Qin Yining¡¯s face me. She didn¡¯t let go and simply enjoyed the peaceful moment of the two of them hugging each other.

    ¡°Your Highness, an imperial decree¡¯s arrived!¡± Huzi¡¯s call from outside the door broke the serenity.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining blinked at each other before quickly rising to ept the decree.

 Chapter 442: Digging Oneâ€™s Own Grave

    <h4>Chapter 442: Digging One¡¯s Own Grave</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s head spun when she rushed to her feet. She leaned against the entrance to the shack and took a few deep breaths, waiting for the vertigo to pass.

    Pang Xiao was a few steps out the door before registering his wife¡¯s absence. His head whipped around to see her leaning against the doorframe and hurried back to hold her. ¡°What is it? Are you feeling dizzy?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m alright, just a little woozy. I¡¯ll be fine in a bit.¡±

    Brows knitted in worry, Pang Xiao supported his wife as she steadied her legs to walk forward.

    All of the guards and Dragon Riders knew that the princess consort had fallen ill over the past couple of days.

    After this period of time together, they¡¯d found Pang Xiao and his wife to be easygoing and affable. The couple neither put on airs and pulled haughty faces, nor did they vent their frustrations on others at will. The guards and Dragon Riders had since had aplete change of heart of the young couple.

    Seeing a delicate beauty trapped in the mountains for half a month and put through this much ordeal inspired much sympathy andpassion.

    Hence, it gutted them to see Pang Xiao supporting the frail princess consort¡ªa wisp of a girl¡ªout the shack.

    It was an imperial guard who delivered the decree. Everyone fell to their knees as he unfurled the golden cloth.

    The content in the decree was rather concise: The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank was to leave for the disaster zone straightaway to oversee relief efforts. The Commandery Prince of Yan and Old Secretariat Gu were to be escorted to the capital.

    Pang Xiao kowtowed before epting the decree. He asked the guard with a smile, ¡°His Majesty has received the delivery of the treasure, I assume?¡±

    The guard shook his head and forced a smile out. ¡°His Majesty never received the treasure. The guards sent by Prince Consort Ji traveled a long way and in fact, almost made it to the disaster area. Not once did they spot the treasure escorts. It seemed that they just vanished into thin air. Even the chaperones of Vice General You Meng and the Dragon Riders disappeared as well.¡±

    ¡°What!!!¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes widened from shock. ¡°How is that possible? This prince saw the treasure boxed up and loaded onto the carriages with my own eyes! They didn¡¯t set off until I was sure that everything was organized and ounted for! Was...was it You Meng who did it?¡±

    The guard shook his head again and sighed. ¡°His Majesty is furious and hasn¡¯t been able to sleep a wink since receiving word. He asked that I deliver the imperial edict to Your Highness, along with a reminder.¡±

    ¡°Please.¡± Pang Xiao listened with respectful attention.

    ¡°His Majesty had intended for that treasure to cover the cost of food and supplies for the relief mission, but it looks like a dy is inevitable now. His Majesty knows that the prince is truly capable and asks that Your Highness do everything possible to help the people and reassure them. This is, after all, Great Yan territory. It¡¯s been a long while and the most current situation is unknown, we¡¯re hazy about the happenings in the disaster area. Your Highness will be handling with a hot mess not unlike a pot of porridge. But His Majesty has every faith that Your Highness will be resourceful enough for a solution.¡±

    The furrows on Qin Yining¡¯s forehead grew deeper as she listened. What was that supposed to mean?

    They¡¯d been stalled here for more than half a month and was alreadyte to deliver aid. Did Li Qitian not send other backup at all?

    There was no money in the national treasury, that much she knew. But as an emperor, having no money didn¡¯t justify having no conscience!

    It¡¯d been nearly two months since the earthquake ravaged Great Yan. Local officials had taken on every responsibility to preserve social order. How would the refugees sustain themselves without food, medicine, supplies, and emergency funds to fall back on?

    Those who¡¯d been buried under the debris when the earth dragon had first turned over would¡¯ve had a chance at survival, but the dy in the rescue mission had likely cost them their lives.

    Yet, the treasure was the only thing in Li Qitian¡¯s sights. He had all but forgotten the people!

    Instead of sending someone tofort them after dragging his feet for such a long period of time, he was now sending Pang Xiao to pick up the mess without food, money, or supplies! The prince had to fend for himself; it was an impossible mission!

    Was the emperor expecting Pang Xiao to cut off his own flesh to feed people??

    Or did Li Qitian think a glib tongue would suffice to keep everyone mollified?

    The emperor was practically having Pang Xiao dig his own grave by thrusting to him a territory that hated him the most! Putting him at the mercy of mounting public anger was to kill him with a borrowed knife!

    Li Qitian was simply too malevolent and ruthless; he was determined to destroy Pang Xiao by hook or by crook!

    Pang Xiao was clued in to these truths just as the same realizations shed through Qin Yining¡¯s mind. However, he had no choice but to put on a mask of great delight.

    ¡°It is my great honor that His Majesty thinks this highly of me! Please return and convey my assurances that I will not disappoint him. I will see it be done.¡±

    The imperial guard¡ªthe edict bearer¡ªwas nonplussed.

    Anyone not a fool could easily point out the twists and turns of this particr game. Someone as courageous and intelligent as the Faithful Prince of the First Rank would never fail to see through the emperor¡¯s n, yet he epted the edict with joy. What did that say about him?

    That the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was loyal, with nothing to hide.

    Visibly touched by Pang Xiao¡¯s assertion, the imperial guard answered with emotion, ¡°Rest assured, Your Highness, I will report back to His Majesty what you said.¡±

    Nodding with a smile, Pang Xiao added, ¡°I¡¯ll be troubling you, then. His Majesty must be emotionally and physically wearied these days. Please ask Grand Supervisor Li to keep a closer eye on His Majesty¡¯s diet and sleep. Summon the imperial physicians to check on the emperor as often as need be. State affairs are crucial, but His Majesty¡¯s health takes precedence.¡±

    ¡°Very much so.¡± The guard nodded solemnly and presented the edict to Pang Xiao with both hands. Afterwards, he mobilized his men to get Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong ready for arrest back to the capital.

    The Dragon Riders left behind to stand guard remained by Pang Xiao¡¯s side to protect the young couple. Pursing her lips, Qin Yining stumbled into the bamboo shack.

    The entourage of guards and maids dared not urge the couple to set out straight away. Bingtang and Jiyun rushed into the shack on Qin Yining¡¯s heels.

    Pang Xiao cupped his fists at Dragon Riders apologetically. ¡°This period¡¯s been hard on all of you, brothers. Let¡¯s get preparations underway before we take off.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness need not be this polite. It¡¯ll be good for the princess consort to rest a bit more. It¡¯s no trouble at all.¡±

    ¡°This prince thanks you for your consideration.¡± Pang Xiao cupped his fists again gratefully.

    The men hurried to return the salute.

    Watching Pang Xiao¡¯s tall and strapping back, they couldn¡¯t help but feel admiration for the prince as he walked toward the shack.

    How could anyone not be inspired by a legendary god of war who had trampled over so many enemies? Not only that, but he¡¯d proved his prowess as an official in the imperial court and cherished his wife in private as a doting husband! His straightforward character and dominating bearing inspired reverence from the heart.

    Pang Xiao was oblivious to the loyalty and respect he¡¯d unknowingly harvested from many of his subordinates. His wife¡¯s health hadpletely upied his attention.

    Bingtang dressed Qin Yining¡¯s wrist wound on the wrist.

    ¡°I¡¯ll forage for more herbs in a bit, Your Highness. You need to take a few more doses of the medicine. But don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll be fine. However, no excessive mental or physical exertion.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Qin Yining smiled at her maid with gratitude.

    Bingtang and Jiyun took their leave after Pang Xiao entered the shack. They grabbed a few others to forage for herbs together.

    Pang Xiao sat sideways by Qin Yining and said feelingly. ¡°It looks like life has other ns for us.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing. Everything¡¯s just fine with my health. I¡¯ll be my old self again after a few more days of medicine, and I¡¯ll also have Bingtang put together what¡¯s needed for the trip. Let¡¯s not dally here. We need to head to the disaster zone as soon as possible so that gossip doesn¡¯t start circting.¡±

 Chapter 443: Arrival

    <h4>Chapter 443: Arrival</h4>

    ¡°I understand your reservations, but you¡¯re sick and can¡¯t rest properly because of me. You fell sick because you had to suffer in the wind and rain with me. This really doesn¡¯t sit well with me.¡±

    Pang Xiao held Qin Yining¡¯s hand, the unnatural flush of her cheeks the only sight in his eyes. Cold sweat beaded her forehead and her lips were white.

    She shook her head with a slight smile and swung his coarse hands. ¡°Why think about things this way? You and I are husband and wife. We¡¯re one entity. No matter what happens, I¡¯ll stay by your side.¡±

    ¡°My dear...¡±

    ¡°Do you not like me keeping youpany?¡±

    ¡°I do, of course I do.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s low voice was tender as he spoke of his deep love for her.

    ¡°Then that¡¯s that.¡± Qin Yining beamed radiantly. ¡°I also like keeping youpany, isn¡¯t that enough? Besides, who doesn¡¯t get sick throughout the course of life? We¡¯re not immortals. If I didn¡¯te with you on this trip, you wouldn¡¯t know about it if I got sick at home and didn¡¯t tell you. Not knowing doesn¡¯t mean having never been sick.¡±

    That was the logic, yes, but Pang Xiao still felt the guilt of not adequately protecting his loved ones. Though it gued him, he smiled reassuringly, ¡°Anything you say is right.¡±

    His wife gifted him an eye roll.

    ¡°What do you mean by that? Of course everything I say is right. You sound like I¡¯m bullying you.¡±

    Pang Xiao adored the impish side of her. In her difort, some notes of mischief rang out amidst her frailty. Her voice was charmingly mild, marked with a hint of raspiness, like she was putting on cute airs for him.

    Head over heels with love, Pang Xiao bent down to hug her tightly and rub his face against hers. He never wanted to let go of this warm, smooth sensation.

    ¡°My dear, I like you so much. You¡¯re so soft and smell so good. I want to spend everyday with you like this and do nothing at all.¡±

    Chuckles rang out in the air. ¡°Now do you understand why some emperors of old never held morning court?¡±

    Pang Xiao buried his face in her neck and nodded rapidly, huffing out hot air all over her.

    Qin Yining smiled despite herself andid a kiss of precious tenderness on his forehead.

    As sensitive as he was, he immediately discovered her kiss and dropped one back in kind on her neck.

    He¡¯d wanted to give her more time to rest, but Qin Yining insisted that they couldn¡¯t dy the relief efforts. The prince also understood the gravity of the matter. There were still many pairs of eyes watching them. If he didn¡¯t immediately execute the imperial orders, Li Qitian would likely levy on the two of them the crime of dying the mission. Then any dys urred thus far would somehow be Pang Xiao¡¯s fault as well.

    Preparations were swiftly made, and the convoy set out in the wee hours of the next day.

    Qin Yining was highly feverish in the night; her temperature didn¡¯t break until dawn. Hence, she fell into a deep sleep as soon as she entered the carriage.

    Pang Xiao was of no mind whatsoever to ride with the men outside. He sat with anxiously furrowed brows within the carriage, leaning on a wall and cradling his wife¡¯s upper body. He would decrease any of the vehicle¡¯s lurching and bumpiness that he could.

    Bingtang and Jiyun sat closer to the carriage door. When she saw how worried the prince was, Bingtang couldn¡¯t help but speak up.

    ¡°Your Highness, the princess consort will be fine. There was some venom in that mosquito, which is why the wound grew infected. She¡¯ll be fine after two more days.¡±

    Realizing Bingtang¡¯s kind intentions, Pang Xiao quirked his lips and nodded.

    They¡¯d actually all misunderstood him.

    His sorrow, worries, and anguish had nothing to do with how sick his darling was. He¡¯d be the same way even if she¡¯d only pricked herself when patching his clothes. That was because her suffering was due to him.

    When he¡¯d brought her over his threshold, he¡¯d wanted to give her a carefree life without worry.

    But in the end, he was the one who brought further hardship upon her.

    The helpless sense of failure that descended was far worse than any self-condemnation.

    Bingtang and Jiyun had no idea what the prince was thinking, but they remained silent when they noted his despondent mood. They followed Qin Yining out of true loyalty, so they were absolutely happy for their mistress that her husband cared for her so deeply.

    As the convoy drew closer to the old capital, the bleaker thendscape became.

    It didn¡¯t register to the Dragon Riders or Elite Tigers, but the people Qin Yining had brought with her were all once denizens of the old capital and had lived through the great disasters.

    The roads became worse the more they traveled. More gradients appeared in the road and cracks or fissures spontaneously marked the surface. Travel via carriage grew nigh impossible.

    The original river was now a dried up riverbed, and a deep crack within it was the culprit that sucked away all of the waters.

    Once flourishing forest now fell helter-skelter to the sides.

    Qin Yining finally felt better on the second day. A fever no longer gued her, but she had no strength in her limbs. Thus, she lifted the carriage curtains to see what she could take in from the outside world.

    The disaster relief convoy could now finally observe in full the conditions after the earthquake.

    After rounding an enormous boulder the size of half a house, the group found themselves on a corner turn of a mountain road leading to the city. It offered a vantage point of the entire city.

    The sight that greeted them was one of toppled and copsed houses, rubble and ruin strewn throughout the city like an overturned bowl of congee with plenty of fillings.

    It was a mess.

    They didn¡¯t need draw near to understand the ghastly conditions that the people must be suffering through.

    It wasn¡¯t a matter of the local government not having enough silver to purchase food and causing a famine instead. Even if people had silver, deliveries couldn¡¯t be made because the roads were blocked, and there weren¡¯t any ces to purchase from.

    Not to mention, the people had to gather together everyday to dig out those trapped beneath the debris.

    White smoke wafted from the northwest and southeast corners of the old capital, which drew Bingtang¡¯s attention.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on there? There weren¡¯t any factories or workshops there when we left.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head and responded in a choked voice, ¡°That, that may be massive funeral pyres.¡±

    The shocking answer mmed a lid on all of the questions swirling in Bingtang¡¯s mind.

    The bodies that could be pulled from the wreckage had to be burned to decrease the chances of gue urring. There was no other way for it.

    The closer they drew to town, the more difficult travel became. Qin Yining alighted from the carriage to walk, but Pang Xiao carried her on his back, not wanting her to unduly suffer.

    They quickly approached the city gates.

    After the earth dragon¡¯s exertions, chunks of outeryers were shaken off the previously stalwart city walls. Cracks criss-crossed the structure, and a scene of disaster could be glimpsed through a hole in the city gate.

 Chapter 444: Scenes of Devastation and Despair

    <h4>Chapter 444: Scenes of Devastation and Despair</h4>

    Panning the familiar city gates and once-familiar streets, Qin Yining¡¯s lips quivered. Heartbreak and grief coursed through her veins likeva, debilitating her.

    This was a ce gued by frequent ills. Other than the harassment and turmoil of war, those who called this ce home were also constantly tormented by natural disasters.

    Had the heavens intended to destroy every living soul?

    Her time in the capital may have been limited, but this had be her home after returning to the fold. Though brief, the time she¡¯d spent in the city was richer and more memorable than her previous fourteen years of life.

    That¡¯s why, out of the entire group. Qin Yining least wanted the old capital toy in ruins.

    Pang Xiao flung an arm around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder and gave it a gentle pat. He turned to call out his orders. ¡°Let¡¯s head into the city and swing by the yamen first.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡±

    A long, scraggly gorge ripped through the formerly wide and level avenue. Most of the houses lining itid in shambles.

    The stench of death permeated the street. The smell of white limestone powder wafted into the air, intermingling with the stink of incinerated bodies and the fetid scent of corpses not properly disposed of in time.

    It was now July, and given that the old capital sat in the south, those entombed in the wreckage didn¡¯t need much time before exuding the pungent odor of rot.

    As it were, crude, makeshift shacks raised by bedraggled people peppered the streets. The few houses fortunate enough to sustain only minor cracks in the facade still boasted of structural integrity. However, those naturally belonged to the rich and powerful.

    Those still standing in more or less pristine condition were evidence of immense care in building process and material selection. Commoners, however, called mud houses home. How would those possibly withstand the earth dragon¡¯s violent thrashing?

    Taking in the scenes along the way, Qin Yining¡¯s forehead furrowed. These streets¡ªthose she knew well or those she¡¯d never trod on¡ªwere all reduced to piles of rubble.

    Pang Xiao held her close and shielded her from the heartbreaking sights, knowing how upset she must be. After all, this was once her home.

    The procession made their way to the former Hall of Heaven¡¯s Will, now known as the ¡®Old Capital Prefecture yamen¡¯. The people they encounteredpletely ignored them, so faint from hunger that they couldn¡¯t even muster the strength to lift their eyelids.

    They were simply too hungry.

    The city craved supplies as roads to the old capital were blocked off. Food was in scarce supply, and stores with stock refused to open for business. No food could be procured even if there was any silver to be found.

    There was also no sign of the supplies supposed to arrive from the imperial court.

    Given that surrender was how they¡¯d be part of Great Zhou, it was naturally difficult for the people to feel any sense of belonging.

    And as expected, Great Zhou had forgotten about them in their time of need, not unlike that bastard former Great Yan emperor, who never cared about the welfare of his people.

    So what of a new emperor on the throne and a new nation name? What was to be discarded would still be discarded.

    Deep grooves carved themselves between Pang Xiao¡¯s slender eyebrows when he noted how sallow-faced and emaciated the refugees were.

    ¡°Sister-inw Liu! Sister Liu!¡± A bitter wail suddenly sounded from the side of the road, low and weak.

    Everyone looked in the direction of the cry, while several townspeople scurried toward a remote alleyway.

    A husk of a woman dangled from a belt, her body swinging off a thick trunk stretching obliquely outward. A tattered skirt and bare feet swung gently under the leafy umbrage. Underneath her bare feet were several bricks and rocks, kicked over in a mess.

    Qin Yining eximed in horror and pped a hand over her mouth.

    Pang Xiao followed that up with a hand over her eyes, shielding her from the gruesome sight.

    Huzi rushed over to see if he could help, but returned momentarily, crestfallen.

    Amid the feeble whimpering of refugees too starved to cry, he murmured, ¡°That woman was a widow. Her ill husband starved to deathst year during the famine. When the earthquake struck, her son and mother were crushed beneath the rubble of their old house. She was the only one spared because she was a servant for a rich family in town. But that family can no longer afford to pay her and kicked her out. She had nothing to live for already and went without food for many days. Her despair drove her to...¡±

    Brows knitted, Pang Xiao gave a quick nod. ¡°I see. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The band of people pressed forward, leaving behind the faint cries. However, scenes like these were found in abundance everywhere throughout town.

    A chunk of the yamen¡¯s walls had been knocked off by the earth dragon¡¯s exertions. It bore obvious signs of having been patched upter.

    The front gate of the yamen was locked. Pang Xiao had the guards knock.

    The men who answered barely had the strength to remain on their feet. They scrambled to open the door together after learning who Pang Xiao was.

    Several wan guards craned their necks for a look at what trailed behind Pang Xiao¡¯s entourage, but saw only a carriage and a horse. No rations or supplies were in sight.

    Disappointment shed across their eyes, but they managed to wee the visitors with respect before carefully shutting the door.

    The local prefect posted to the old capital was a forty-year-old man by the name of Gong You, courtesy name Zhongtang. He was a Metropolitan Graduate Schr from Northern Ji, and had always enjoyed deep favor from Li Qitian. Bestowed with the title of prefect, Gong Yu was sent to oversee the affairs of the old capital and those of its neighboring cities.

    Gong You hurried out of the building to greet Pang Xiao and his men. Both parties exchanged pleasantries before stepping into the front hall.

    Gong You cut to the chase. ¡°Did Your Highness bring the supplies with you?¡±

    Pang Xiao forced a smile and sighed. He couldn¡¯t very well just tell the embattled prefect that Li Qitian didn¡¯t give him any supplies.

    ¡°This prince set out first, out of concern of the situation here. Supplies from the Ministry of Revenue should arrive shortly.¡±

    Suspecting nothing, Gong You sighed. ¡°It must have been a difficult trip?¡±

    You wouldn¡¯t have taken so long otherwise.

    Pang Xiao recognized the message unsaid, and his smile grew morebored.

    ¡°This mission is entirely beyond me as well. The Commandery Prince of Yan was the original envoy for the relief mission. Who would¡¯ve thought that he¡¯d mutiny along the way and desert the nation! We were held back for quite a few days to deal with the mess, and I became the stand-in envoy for the mission.¡±

    ¡°So this is why!¡± Gong You finally understood. ¡°How can the Commandery Prince of Yan bite the hand that feeds him! His Majesty trusted him so much that he was sent on this mission because of his local familiarity. This was out of concern for the people¡¯s stability¡ªbut he uses the chance to run off!¡±

    At that, Pang Xiao acknowledged Gong You as a passionate and honest man. He needed to be just as forthright when working with the prefect; it also happened to be the prince¡¯s preferred working style.

    ¡°Ai, forget about him.¡± Pang Xiao sighed. ¡°How are things in town? This prince didn¡¯t see any soup kitchens set up on my way in.¡±

    Gong You shook his head and smiled ghastly. He answered with dejection, ¡°There are things Your Highness isn¡¯t aware of. The old capital was hollowed out long ago. Last year¡¯s famine took sixty percent of our poption. Sixty percent!¡±

    ¡°It was no wonder that the Great Yan should fall!¡± The prefect gestured with the thumb and pinkie of his right hand, exining with anguish. ¡°That imbecile of an emperor was utterly unfit and forced people out of their homes into the streets! Truth be told, when l was sent herest winter, the entire city was a ghost town! We were lucky to be spared of a gue!

    ¡°Who would¡¯ve expected the remaining forty percent to be hit by the earthquake barely a year after the famine! There¡¯s no telling how many will die this time around!¡±

 Chapter 445: For the People

    <h4>Chapter 445: For the People</h4>

    Qin Yining stood behind Pang Xiao with the rest of their retinue. It felt that knives stabbed continuously into her heart as the prefect exined just how dire the situation was.

    The previous winter, groups of surrendered officials departed the old city for Great Zhou, leaving the citizens famine-torn streets full of corpses.

    Qin Yining had tried her best to take in as many as she could. She ownednd in all of the nearby cities, so those she took in could earn their keep. And yet, try as she might, she couldn¡¯t hope to save everyone, no matter how wealthy she was.

    Then the earthquake struck, fanning the mes of the catastrophe even further. Nothing was spared, be it Pang Xiao¡¯s stores or her own farnd. And that was only their personal losses; she couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how badly themon folk had been affected.

    She feared they would all end up in the state they found Sister-in-Law Liu in. So many had chosen to end their suffering through drastic means, so they could be reunited with loved ones who had passed.

    Amid the heavy atmosphere permeating throughout the room, Gong You volunteered, ¡°Your Highness, the government hasn¡¯t sent any rice. Last year¡¯s famine has already wrung the city dry. Even with more than half of the poption dead, those who survived still need to eat.

    ¡°The location of this city is unique in that it was once the capital of Great Yan. Many aristocratic houses who held high positions in the Great Yan court reside here. Some of them refuse to serve Great Zhou, while others have retired due to old age.

    ¡°Your Highness, I can say with absolute certainty that there are at least a dozen such aristocracies in the old capital and neighboring cities, and they hoard almost seventy percent of all provisions!¡±

    Gong You clenched his fists as he fumed. ¡°They have all that rice, yet when I want to buy from them, they dared to raise the price! One stone of coarse rice used to go for nine silver coins, but they demand eight taels now! They¡¯re profiteering, aren¡¯t they!¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s face darkened at this. ¡°Did you ask every one of thesendlords?¡±

    ¡°Every single one.¡± Gong You shook his head with a bitter expression. ¡°They seem to have fixed the price at eight taels per stone. They refuse to sell any smaller units to the people. Why is it that themoners get the short end of the stick after an earthquake? Those big families were also affected, but they¡¯ve got men to do their bidding and repair their residences. They¡¯re so well fortified that I can¡¯t even climb over their walls!¡±

    Shadows loomed over the faces of everyone in the room.

    It wasn¡¯t that there were no provisions left in the city, but that said provisions were in the hands of the greatndlords. They wouldn¡¯tply easily now that they had formed a cartel.

    ¡°Have you considered importing from the surrounding regions?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness.¡± Gong You¡¯s face darkened still. ¡°There were two major quakes and countless aftershocks. More than twenty cities and viges were affected, and only a few of the roads leading south are still in good condition. In order to negotiate with the neighboring cities, I would have to walk and climb my way over boulders and crevices. Even when I manage to strike deals with vendors, the issue of transportation will be a major headache.¡±

    Pang Xiao had a grasp of the situation now. ¡°My condolences, Sir Gong. You¡¯ve been through a great deal.¡±

    He pped the short, frail schr on the shoulder. ¡°This ce was never far from His Majesty¡¯s mind, yet it had the misfortune of being under the Commandery Prince of Yan¡¯s jurisdiction. I trust Sir Gong understands without it being spelled out, but the years of war have taken a great toll on our national treasury. Even the cleverest of housewives cannot hope to cook without rice!¡±

    ¡°I understandpletely, Your Highness.¡± Gong You sighed and rose to his feet. ¡°It¡¯s precisely when the nation faces trying times that we must do our duty as loyal subjects,¡± he proimed zealously. ¡°Let us skip the pretty words and talk of sharing His Majesty¡¯s burdens. It¡¯s the people whom I pity!¡±

    He turned abruptly to look at Pang Xiao, smiling wryly. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen just how much these citizens have suffered, Your Highness! Not only did they have the misfortune of being governed by the Yuchi bastards who exploited them all those years, but they had to suffer through drought and famine. Then just when things were looking up, there was an earthquake! Tell me, Your Highness... I¡¯ve seen it all with my own eyes, and I can¡¯t bear to watch their suffering go on any further!

    ¡°s, this subordinate is useless. Now is the time to act, yet I haven¡¯t any money, food or ability to do anything... Frankly, even if I had money, we still might not be able to procure any provisions.¡±

    By now, tears poured down Gong You¡¯s face. He slumped over a table and broke down sobbing. Yamen guards found themselves wiping away tears; even Pang Xiao¡¯s Dragon Riders hung their heads in sorrow.

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. As she contemted all she heard, she came to a series of decisions.

    Pang Xiao allowed Gong You his tears for a moment before sighing, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so hard on yourself, Sir Gong. All we can do now is to look to the future. We can¡¯t do anything for the already deceased, so our next course of action is to ensure the remaining citizens¡¯ survival.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness.¡± Gong You seemed immensely moved by Pang Xiao¡¯s words. ¡°Very well! If that¡¯s what Your Highness thinks, I will follow you to the ends of the earth!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all doing this for the people. What does that have to do with following anyone?

    With the two of us working together, I believe we can turn the tides yet!¡± Pang Xiao replied with a smile.

    It was then Gong You remembered Pang Xiao¡¯s heroic contributions had made the emperor wary and distrustful of him for a time. Words of ¡°following him to the ends of the earth¡± could easily be misinterpreted. However, he didn¡¯t regret saying so. This war hero seemed dependable, unlike those who lusted after fame and prestige. His concern for the citizens¡¯ wellbeing was genuine.

    After the main affairs had been attended to, Pang Xiao called Qin Yining over to introduce her to Gong You. ¡°Sir Gong, I¡¯d like you to meet my wife.¡±

    Gong You had already noticed Qin Yining earlier; such a great beauty would capture the attention of anyone immediately, unless they had problems with their eyes. When she arrived with Pang Xiao, he had thought her to be some bedwarmer or another.

    Who would have thought this was the actual princess consort!

    ¡°So it¡¯s Your Highness. My deepest apologies for not recognizing you.¡± Gong You bowed.

    Qin Yining curtsied in return.

    Gong You turned away in haste. ¡°Your Highness, you musn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I must. Sir Gong has been taking good care of the old capital. Though the situation appears desperate for the people we¡¯ve seen on our way here, the aftermath has been dealt with in an orderly fashion. We arrived quitete, so Sir Gong has been the sole pir to keep the city standing. The people have not sumbed to the gue, and its spread has been contained. Sir Gong has done a great deal indeed! As a woman, I¡¯m afraid I cannot be of assistance to matters of importance. Considering Sir Gong¡¯s contributions, a curtsey seems hardly unbing.¡±

    At this, Qin Yining curtsied once more.

    Gong You turned away again, flustered, but his chest bloomed with warmth.

    It seemed the rumors were not all to be believed. The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank weren¡¯t the ipetent royals that hearsay made them out to be. The prince wasn¡¯t a tyrant, and the princess wasn¡¯t a temptress. Both had the people¡¯s interests at heart.

    ¡°Your Highness, you should upy the back office while you¡¯re here. I will have my wife make the arrangements.¡±

    ¡°Many thanks for your troubles.¡± Pang Xiao raised a cupped fist salute.

 Chapter 446: Drawing Close

    <h4>Chapter 446: Drawing Close</h4>

    Gong You¡¯s wife n¨¦e Jiang was in her early forties, a middle-aged woman who still retained her elegant grace. Despite her beauty, it was apparent at first nce that she was much older than her husband.

    Gong You had three daughters and no son. The eldest two were already married. N¨¦e Jiang and the couple¡¯s youngest daughter, Gong Miao, lived in the back hall of the yamen to care for Old Madame Gong.

    In the privacy of the bailiff¡¯s ward, Pang Xiao and Gong You discussed next steps while Qin Yining followed n¨¦e Jiang to the back as Bingtang and Jiyun brought up the rear.

    ¡°Your Highness must be travel-worn from the arduous trip. I will have servants prepare hot water for Your Highness to wash up and unwind.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re far too kind, Madame Gong. These are trying times of drought. The earthquake must have muddied the wells. Let¡¯s save what little clear water there is to drink. Bathing and washing up can wait.¡±

    N¨¦e Jiang was taken aback by Qin Yining¡¯s offer.

    She¡¯d never seen a beauty so exquisite and stunning as Qin Yining in her entire life. By default thanks to her beauty, the madame assumed the girl was spoiled and arrogant prior to marriage.

    The extent of her snobbery would surely only swell manifold after bing princess consort, making her even harder to please. Little did the madame know that she¡¯d misjudged the girl.

    ¡°I hear that the old madame lives in the back hall,¡± Qin Yining volunteered. ¡°I must trouble Madame Jiang to make an introduction. I would like to pay my respects to the elder.¡±

    N¨¦e Jiang grew more incredulous upon hearing these words. ¡°Your Highness upies a lofty and noble position. It is we who should pay our respects to you!¡±

    ¡°Not at all! I am young and a junior. Greeting my elders is only right and proper. The other way around wouldn¡¯t suffice at all. Not to mention, Sir Gong¡¯s stalwart defense of the old capitalmands only the highest esteem from me and the prince. Old Madame Gong absolutely deserves respect for raising such a virtuous, wise official. Whether in official capacity or out of private considerations, I am the one who should pay my respects.¡±

    These words bothforted and moved n¨¦e Jiang. She had worried that the envoy¡¯s wife would be hard to please, but it turned out the visitor was an easygoing, clear-minded sort. This was such a pleasant surprise.

    ¡°I¡¯d be too unweing should I turn down your offer then, Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°Precisely. The prince and I will likely intrude upon your family in theing days. We would feel out of ce if Madame Gong continues to be this polite. My husband and Prefect Gong will be fighting side by side, making them bothrades and friends. With the two of them so close, it wouldn¡¯t do if we stayed strangers.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness speaks truly.¡± N¨¦e Jiang smiled. ¡°My daughter Miao¡¯er is keeping her grandmotherpany. If Your Highness finds it favorable, would you care to visit them together?¡±

    ¡°I thank you for your troubles.¡±

    The older woman guided Qin Yining around the corner to the main residence on the other end of the rear courtyard.

    N¨¦e Jiang continued the introductions as she walked. ¡°This would be it. Milord and I normally reside in the side wing, while my mother-inw lives in the main house. She grew up in a hardworking family that doesn¡¯t seek fame or fortune. She¡¯s very understanding and reasonable, and treats me as her own.

    ¡°Sadly, I¡¯ve turned out to be a disappointment as I only managed to bear three daughters. However, my mother-inw didn¡¯t force concubines onto milord just so she could have grandsons. I was hardly the most pleasing sight after putting on weight post-childbirth. My mother worried that my husband would find me unappealing, so she sent us two pretty girls from poor families. But milord turned around and sold them, saying that the family was too poor to afford the extra mouths to feed.¡±

    N¨¦e Jiang suddenly came to her senses mid-prattle. bbering on about domestic affairs was her attempt at fostering a rtionship, but she didn¡¯t know if the prince had any concubines. If he had an army of them, wouldn¡¯t her prattling about her husband¡¯s loyalty and wonderful inws be a p at the princess consort¡¯s face?

    She silently berated herself for being so blunt. She¡¯d tried for many years, but thinking before thought was still a skill she¡¯d yet to acquire.

    Little did she expect Qin Yining tough and pick up the conversation. ¡°Birds of a feather do indeed gather together, and like attracts like. This is why His Highness and Sir Gong enjoy each other¡¯spany. My inws also treat me as their own. The prince is very mindful of keeping femalepany at an arm¡¯s length. But my grandmother-inw is quite a character. If the prince ever sets a toe out of line, she¡¯ll give him a beating herself.¡±

    ¡°Truly? Does an elder of so much character actually exist?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely!¡±

    The two women exchanged a smile.

    N¨¦e Jiang felt a weight off her heart, her impression of the young couple improving again by many notches. Those who adhered to filial piety were also honorable characters. Though the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was a notorious savage war god, how could one believe every stroke of embellishment that the rumors painted?

    At the top of the stairs, N¨¦e Jiang ushered Qin Yining into the main residence. ¡°Mom, the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is here.¡±

    Qin Yining followed close behind. She took in the austere decor and lovingly-used table and chairs. It reinforced her perception of the prefect¡¯s integrity by a few more degrees.

    A gray-haired woman of roughly seventy was climbing off the bed by the window and putting her shoes on. A young girl ten years old aided her efforts.

    Old Madame Gong secured her simple bun with a silverb. Dressed in a sky-blue, fine cotton house robe, the elderly woman¡¯s outfit was rather in. In fact, her humble attire was far iner than that of servants of the rich families in the capital.

    Despite that, a kind and warm smile radiated from her gaunt face. One look was all it took to know that this elderly woman was gracious and benevolent.

    Qin Yining preempted the elderly woman and curtseyed. ¡°Greetings to Old Madame Gong.¡±

    ¡°Aiyaya, please get up, do rise! This won¡¯t do! This old woman is hardly worthy of Your Highness¡¯ courtesy!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Old Madame! You are the elder. As a junior imposing on you and who will be creating future disturbances for an elder, it is my duty to greet you.¡±

    ¡°Please, Your Highness! Third Daughter-in-Law, hurry and help the princess consort up!¡±

    ¡°Aiya!¡± N¨¦e Jiang lifted Qin Yining¡¯s arm to help her stand, then turned to settle her mother-inw in a chair. She dimpled. ¡°Mom, the princess consort isn¡¯t the arrogant sort. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Old Madame Gong smiled affably at Qin Yining, silentlymending the girl¡¯s ethereal beauty.

    Well, how would she climb to the position of princess consort if she isn¡¯t such a head-turner?

    The princess consort happened to be the same age as the old madame¡¯s granddaughter. Qin Yining was humble, respectful, gracious, and patient, knowing just what to say and do to please her elders. Old Madame Gong quickly developed quite a fondness for the girl after a short chat.

    Old Madame Gong introduced the girl by her side. ¡°This is my youngest granddaughter, Miao¡¯er.¡±

    Gong Miao was slight and thin; bashfulness the sole look in her eyes when she nced up at strangers. But she managed a friendly, inquisitive smile when she looked up at Qin Yining. ¡°Your Highness.¡± She curtseyed.

    Qin Yining slid a creamy-white jade bracelet onto Gong Miao¡¯s wrist. ¡°This isn¡¯t anything fancy, so please y with it as you will, Miao¡¯er.¡±

    The yamen would be their temporary home in the days toe, with impositions on their host a given. Giving Gong Miao a greeting gift was proper manners.

    Old Madame Gong and n¨¦e Jiang kept declining the gift, but eventually epted it at Qin Yining¡¯s friendly coaxing.

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± Jiyun called from outside the door.

    Qin Yining answered with a smile. ¡°What is it?¡¯

    ¡°His Highness requests that you head to the front hall for a discussion.¡±

    ¡°Very well.¡± Qin Yining rose to take her leave. ¡°I must get going. I wille by for a visit, time permitting.¡±

    Old Madame Gong and n¨¦e Jiang marveled at the princess consort with a new level of respect. The prince had actually asked for Qin Yining¡¯s presence in a formal discussion! Either he spoiled her rotten, or she was extraordinarily capable to earn the prince¡¯s respect.

 Chapter 447: Secret Decree

    <h4>Chapter 447: Secret Decree</h4>

    Qin Yining rushed off to the front hall, Bingtang and Jiyun in tow.

    ¡°This family seems to be quite upstanding, Your Highness,¡± murmured Bingtang. ¡°We should be safe enough staying here for the time being.¡±

    ¡°Mm, we needn¡¯t worry that they¡¯ll cause trouble for us, at the very least,¡± Qin Yining replied softly. ¡°It¡¯s just that the situation outside is too hectic. I fear something will go awry.¡±

    ¡°His Highness has already sent the Elite Tigers to set up defences with Jingzhe and the others,¡± Jiyun pointed out. ¡±With Huzi patrolling the streets and the Dragon Riders by the prince¡¯s side, he should be able to deal with any emergencies that may arise.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, but the situation is still dire. The people don¡¯t know His Highness is their disaster relief ambassador. If they learn that the ambassador doesn¡¯t have their rice, things definitely won¡¯t remain as peaceful as they are now.¡±

    Jiyun nodded gravely while Bingtang muttered with resignation, ¡°All crows are equally ck no matter where they¡¯re from. It¡¯s always the people who suffer the most.¡±

    Qin Yining let out a long sigh.

    Li Qitian may have set Pang Xiao up, but his judgment wasn¡¯t so impaired that he couldn¡¯t tell right from wrong. However, all rational thought flew out the window upon finding the treasure. Every action he took and every motivation that bestirred him was for the sake of the riches.

    It couldn¡¯t be helped, what with the incredible amount of wealth it represented. From what Pang Xiao disclosed to her, only a few of the boxes held silver. The rest were filled with gold and jewels; one box even contained antique paintings worth a small fortune in themselves. The total value of everything was well over seven million silver.

    The annual budget for the Dragon Riders and Valiant Tigers was no paltry sum. Yet, that amount would easily keep them funded for five years and with silver to spare. It was enough to solve the emperor¡¯s most pressing worries in one neat stroke.

    Money was the siren call of misconduct indeed. Li Qitian¡¯s principles were nowhere to be found in the face of such immense capital.

    Then again, he had no one to me but himself for his own paranoia. If he had trusted Pang Xiao from the start to handle matters, would things have devolved to such a state?

    When she arrived at the bailiff¡¯s office, she was greeted by Pang Xiao. Gong You was nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°Where is Sir Gong?¡±

    ¡°Sir Gong is out patrolling the city with a few of his men.¡± Pang Xiao pulled Qin Yining over, stuffing a piece of rolled-up paper into her hand and indicating for her to read it.

    She unrolled the note and carefully looked over its contents. When she jerked her head up, astonishment colored her features. Though curt, it contained a world of information.

    It was a secret decree from Li Qitian conveying that the treasure had indeed been stolen en route. Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were to continue tracking it down!

    ording to Li Qitian¡¯s investigations, the perpetrator had transported the treasure to a ce in the old capital named Yang County. The general proximity was confirmed, but Pang Xiao would still have to track down exactly where it was being kept.

    Tidal waves of shock stirred in Qin Yining¡¯s heart. The address she¡¯d agreed upon with Azure Justice and the Silver Masks wasn¡¯t located in Yang County!

    Could there be a mistake with Li Qitian¡¯s findings?

    That was impossible. No matter how ipetent Li Qitian may be, he wouldn¡¯t blunder when such arge fortune was at stake. In other words, it meant something had gone wrong with those she¡¯d sent to intercept the treasure!

    Who was at fault, Azure Justice or the Silver Masks?

    Or had they worked together and conspired to betray her, splitting the treasure between them?

    Seeing the distressed look on Qin Yining¡¯s face, Pan Xiao immediately murmured words of reassurance. ¡°It¡¯ll be alright. Don¡¯t think too much of it.¡±

    Qin Yining stared at Pang Xiao, bbergasted. ¡°What exactly went wrong here?¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled briefly. ¡°Perhaps nothing. Or it may be that something suddenly happened, so they had no other choice but to send the treasure elsewhere. You should trust them instead of letting your imagination run wild and stress yourself out that way.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t console me.¡± Qin Yiningughed wryly and shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s impossible. The one at the top didn¡¯t make any preparations apart from waiting to wee the treasure. Why would he make any sudden moves? If it weren¡¯t him, it¡¯s even more unlikely for others to do anything else. Everything was conducted in secrecy. We were stuck in the mountains for over half a month. Either the person who leaked our intelligence was killed, or is one of his to begin with.¡±

    How would Pang Xiao not understand the situation?

    But with Qin Yining this upset, he didn¡¯t want to rub salt into her wounds.

    She herself had previously said not topletely trust Azure Justicepletely. Though the Silver Masks were loyal, they were too few in number. It would be difficult for them to take control with such paltry numbers.

    The situation was moving into the direction they dreaded the most. How were they to remain unfazed?

    ¡°My dear, don¡¯t think so much. You¡¯ve done enough already, and you handled it all better than most women would have. There¡¯s no controlling the oue of such matters, so you can¡¯t me yourself.¡±

    Qin Yining rubbed her forehead wearily and muttered, ¡°I know, but the reason we¡¯re in this situation is almost definitely because someone taking orders from me is a spy. Most unsettling of all is that I don¡¯t know yet which faction they belong to. Your Elite Tigers would never betray us like this.¡±

    Pang Xiao felt his heart ache for her darling and drew her into his arms. ¡°The fact that you were able to do so much has helped me immensely already,¡± he whispered. ¡°Truly. The Elite Tigers have eyes on them everywhere. Were it not for you, we would be helpless to do anything but watch our enemy have his way. I may not have a rebellious mind, but I also have no desire to be a sitting duck. My dear, you¡¯ve already helped me a great deal.¡±

    Qin Yining sat down and wrapped her arms around Pang Xiao¡¯s toned waist, burying her face into his abdomen.

    There were times when she felt truly exhausted. However, she and Pang Xiao were irrevocably tied to each other now. As husband and wife, if one person retreated from fatigue, the resulting stress would be transferred to the other in equal measure.

    Under such dire circumstances, she couldn¡¯t afford to rx her guard. She had no wish to cower behind Pang Xiao for protection; that would only make her his burden.

    She had to meet him inpetence and strength in order to walk alongside him as his equal.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± An easy smile blossomed when she next stood up. ¡°His Majesty wishes to track down the Yang County treasure, and we can¡¯t not take action. We will need to carve out time to carry out his order. Furthermore, I want to see if I can¡¯t get in touch with the Silver Masks and Azure Justice.¡±

    Pang Xiao bent down to kiss her forehead, smiling. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right. We¡¯ll do whatever you say. When I left, Sirs Xie and Xu were both very concerned. They wanted toe, but I had them stay because not having anyone I trust in the capital worried me even more. When they were the ones fretting, I told them I would have you by my side as my strategist. The way things are now, it would appear I made the right call.¡±

    That brought a smile to Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re merely humoring me. I¡¯m no strategist. I just have a few clever tricks up my sleeves.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short. If the average woman were as clever as you, they would easily rule an entire nation as empress, never mind running a household.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense.¡± Qin Yining rebuked Pang Xiao with a light pinch.

    His wife finally in a better mood, Pang Xiao breathed more easily andughed. ¡°I¡¯m going out to survey the city. After discussing with Sir Gong, I¡¯ll start by visiting the neighboring district officials. I¡¯ll pay that into a visit to Yang County. We¡¯ll leave no tracks this way and will give no one any reason for suspicion. Let sleeping dogs lie, as it were. I¡¯ve arranged for my men to send word about the situation in the capital, so we should hear from them soon enough.¡±

 Chapter 448: Donation

    <h4>Chapter 448: Donation</h4>

    The new knowledge took Qin Yining aback. ¡°You¡¯ve set everything up already?¡±

    ¡°Aye. When we set out, I worried that we might lose all contact with the outside world. We¡¯d be left in the dark if that happened, and with our eyes blindfolded at the mercy of others. So I sent some men to father-inw. He¡¯s highly intelligent and knows when to send information to me. He¡¯s in charge of scrounging up information that my men deliver, so that we always have insight into the most reliable information from the capital.¡±

    Qin Yining was floored. Hidden somewhere in this whole thing was her father¡¯s signature. ¡°When did you consult my father? I never knew!¡±

    ¡°Truth be told, it was father-inw¡¯s idea to begin with. I didn¡¯t think of it until he broached the topic. He really is something else, my dear. He¡¯s meticulous, anticipates challenges, and makes ns as such. In all honesty, all of my strategistsbined are no match for him.¡±

    Qin Yining could discern the genuine sincerity in Pang Xiao¡¯s admiration. He wasn¡¯t saying this on purpose to lull her into a happier mood.

    Qin Huaiyuan was a good father and deserving of the illustrious reputation of ¡°Wise Pan An.¡± For Qin Yining, her father had always been a source of pride and the strongest shield at her back that enabled her to move onward.

    Take their trip for example. Her assurance was rooted in the knowledge that the Qins and the Pangs would fare just fine as long as her father was around.

    ¡°I saw you met with father all the time before we set out.¡± Qin Yining grinned. ¡°So it turns out the two of you put your heads together toe up with all of these arrangements and kept me in the dark. What a conspiracy!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. What conspiracy is there?¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s own mood was much improved after putting his beloved in lighter spirits.

    They burned the secret message and discussed further in a low voice.

    Setting aside other business for the day, the couple partook a simple supper of watery porridge and called it an early night.

    This was their first real bed in a long while. Fatigued by the travel, Qin Yining was fast asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

    Given how hale and hearty he was, long journeys were a walk in the park to Pang Xiao, which was why he found himself bursting with energy still. But his wife was a warm ball of softness next to him, inspiring him to exercise extra caution when cradling her. There was simply no other room for indecent thoughts.

    It was a night of deep sleep and good dreams.

    Early next morning, Pang Xiao headed to the bailiff¡¯s office to meet with Gong You and discuss official business at hand.

    ¡°Although we can¡¯t be sure when supplies from the emperor will arrive, what we can do now is to set up soup kitchens and hospital tents. People are dying of starvation every day¡ªthat can¡¯t be allowed to continue. Otherwise, the departed would¡¯ve died for nothing when imperial aid makes it here.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness speaks truly.¡± Gong You nodded with agreement. ¡°This humble official didn¡¯t make any moves because I really had no idea where to begin. The amount of food in the storehouses willst only ten days on a diet of watery porridge. This doesn¡¯t factor in the people who will rush here when they get wind of the help avable.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t set up any soup kitchens because our investigations showed that every family had food in stock. Foraging for wild vegetables also helped tide things over for a while. We wanted to save the rice for truly dire times. That way, we could buy some time until aid arrived.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded in approval. ¡°That was the correct decision. You¡¯ve done well. This isn¡¯t the time to let people have their fill, but to make sure that a greater number can survive. All of our problems will be solved when relief arrives.¡±

    The prince finished his remarks by fishing out a stack of bank notes from his clothes. Prefect Gong stared at the notes in astonishment, his lips quivering. ¡°Your Highness, what are these?¡±

    ¡°Before we set out, the princess consort sold all of the valuables in her betrothal gifts and dowry, the farnd to her name, her ancestral home, and gathered revenue from her storefronts. Ah, this stack also includes the silver I¡¯ve made from my battles over the years.

    ¡°However, you know that I alsomanded one hundred thousand Valiant Tigers. Plenty of silver was made, and plenty of silver spent. Not much was saved, sadly. These bank notes are one thousand tael apiece, fifty in total. That¡¯s fifty thousand taels of silver.

    ¡°Hurry and use these to relieve the food shortage. I trust that the silver will help more people live to see another day.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness...¡± Gong You¡¯s lips quivered. His eyes rapidly reddened and he almost burst into spontaneous tears.

    The seasoned consultant by the prefect¡¯s side was already moved to tears, and the four yamen soldiers on-duty sniffled as well.

    All of them were natives and their families had suffered from the ravages of the earth dragon. A few were bereaved of rtives; while the lucky ones didn¡¯t suffer any loss, they were barely keeping their heads above water.

    The fifty thousand taels of silver gifted by the prince could fund enough troops for a battle. However, transportation was currently almost impossible and food prices outrageously inted. Even with this money, there was no food to be bought.

    But still, they hadn¡¯t heard of any local wealthy houses generous enough to make a donation, let alone an official from the imperial court.

    They still thought of Pang Xiao as the great enemy responsible for the fall of Great Yan, the one who charged into their homes with his soldiers. Come to think of it now, how lucky it was to be the subjects of Great Zhou and thus on the receiving end of the prince¡¯s sincere generosity.

    Pang Xiao was a general, and it was his job to y enemies in battle. He had to go wherever His Majesty directed him to. He was a sharp sword wielded by the emperor¡¯s behest.

    Was it really fair to hold this man personally ountable for all the evils of war, a man so magnanimous in his care for the people?

    ¡°Such moral integrity and thoughtfulness for the people. Your Highness, you¡¯re donating family property for disaster relief! This lowly official cannot lift my head in front of you!¡±

    ¡°Pfft, none of that. In times of disaster, those with money should pitch in, and those of us with time and energy should roll up our sleeves. Sir Gong¡¯s hair has already gone white out of worry. This prince arrived toote and this donation is the least I can do for the cause. We share the same goal, which is to help the people survive and live on. That alone gives me great peace.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness... I see. This lowly official will most certainly inform His Majesty. We cannot allow the prince¡¯s act of kindness to be overlooked.¡±

    Consultant Lu chimed in, ¡°Those in the capital as well. We should let everyone know where the silver for foodes from.¡±

    Pang Xiao waved his hand repeatedly. ¡°Please, His Majesty¡¯s made all this possible. What this prince did was nothing, really.¡±

    Gong You and Consultant Lu understood. Pang Xiao didn¡¯t covet credit for his contribution; he only aimed to do what was right, and wished that the people would receive what they sorely needed. If they went overboard in advertising Pang Xiao¡¯s contribution, it might give those with ulterior motives the chance to use the prince of nursing treacherous intent by buying the people¡¯s hearts.

    The two understood, and were deeply moved, but they yed along and nodded.

    ¡°Yes, this is all because of His Majesty.¡±

    Pang Xiao and Gong You went on to arrange the inspection order of the four major counties. However, would this be kept under wraps just because the prince wished it so?

    The four soldiers on-duty told their families as soon as they reached home.

    The families had friends, and those friends had their own circle of confidants. Each quiet whisper of ¡°don¡¯t tell anyone else, I¡¯m telling only you this¡± swiftly spread the incident.

    Soup kitchens were erected and open for service the following day. Long lines of hungry people quickly formed, exchanging information among themselves that it was Faithful Prince of the First Rank who contributed to the purchase of food. The news spread like wildfire and soon became public knowledge.

    Previous Chapter

    Next Chapter

 Chapter 449: Yang County

    <h4>Chapter 449: Yang County</h4>

    Qin Yining wore a simple, pale-green cotton jacket with a ck veiled hat, dressing herself like the averagemoner. She stood by a street corner to observe from the shadows with Bingtang, Jiyun, Jingzhe and the three other Silver Masks.

    ¡°Madame, ¡± Jingzhe asked quietly, ¡°do we allow this to spread?¡±

    To keep their identities discreet while outside, they referred to Qin Yining as ¡°Madame¡±.

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Yes, we can¡¯t allow the prince¡¯s name to always be raked through the mud. If he won¡¯t im the credit, we can do it for him.¡±

    ¡°I only worry the emperor won¡¯t stand for seeing yet another of His Highness¡¯s achievements,¡± Dahan muttered. ¡°He¡¯ll get his knickers in a twist again.¡±

    Of the four Silver Masks with her, Dahan was the most experienced and skilled when it came to analyzing which way the winds were blowing.

    Tickled by his words, sheughed, ¡°That one wishes to pull the wool over the people¡¯s eyes and block their ears with foolish policies. They would be difficult to control otherwise. s, if only he would stop to consider how simple it is to discern the fool from the wise and the genuine from the hypocrite?

    ¡°Simply judge a person¡¯s character by their actions, not their words. In a simr vein, all that is needed to judge one in power is to see how well fed and dressed his people are.¡±

    With that, Qin Yining turned and led her retinue to the front of the yamen. ¡°Right now, the people are constantly hungry without anywhere to call home,¡± she added under her breath. ¡°While they live in a constant state of worry, a certain someone is still hung up over the whereabouts of that treasure...¡±

    Those were her truest thoughts. Even if she didn¡¯t have the whole picture, she still had a general grasp of it.

    Xiaoman sighed, ¡°That¡¯s why there¡¯s a saying that goes, ¡®Prosper, and the people suffer; decline, and the people suffer still.¡¯ It¡¯s always themon folk who suffer most at times like this.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡± The entire retinue muttered their assent, moods bleak.

    All of them had experienced hardships in their lives. Bingtang was the only one to be born with a silver spoon as a rich little miss, but even her family had been persecuted by a tyrant. Left destitute and homeless, she went from riches to rags, a noble girl demoted to maid.

    As for someone like Qin Yining, never granted the luxuries of a happy childhood, her circumstances required no further exining.

    They were the best to understand the suffering of the people and could sympathize the most.

    More often than not, themon folk couldn¡¯t care less about who governed them; their sole concern was whether they could feed and clothe themselves or not.

    All they asked was to live free from the turbulence of war.

    s, they lived in times of turmoil¡ªcatastrophe had struck Great Yan again and again, as if someone had cast a curse upon itsnds. To have the most basic of needs fulfilled was even considered a luxury at times.

    With heavy hearts, the retinue returned to the yamen¡¯s front gates, where Pang Xiao and Gong You were readying horses for the group.

    The roads were severely damaged, with some mountain trails blocked off due tondslides. Thus, they would have to forgo carriages for traveling on horseback.

    ¡°Your Highness, the way to Yang County will be strenuous. We may need to climb over piles of rocks. Will Her Highness¡¯ body be able to handle the strain?¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed, ¡°She will be fine. She may look frail, but she is just as tenacious as any of us men. An estate that was part of her dowry is also in Yang County, so she wants to visit it. If we can procure some provisions while we¡¯re there, all the better, no?¡±

    Gong You smiled and nodded. ¡°As expected of a woman befitting someone of His Highness¡¯ stature. Speaking of which, Her Highness is from the Yan Dynasty, no?¡±

    Qin Yining had drawn close by this time. Hearing this, she grinned. ¡°Indeed, Sir Gong. My father once served in the court of Great Yan as a minister,ter as Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent and the Marquis of Anping. After Great Yan fell from its inner rot, he pledged allegiance to His Majesty.¡±

    ¡°Ah! I remember, I remember! Your father was Minister Qin, the Master Qin known as Wise Pan An, correct?¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled and nodded.

    ¡°I see, so Her Highness is from a prestigious house. It¡¯s no wonder your bearing is so unlike that of an average woman¡¯s. That said, the silver from your dowry and ancestral home is also Minister Qin¡¯s...¡±

    ¡°My father merely wished to provide his assistance. He has no desire to publicize his contributions.¡±

    Hearing this, the soldiers felt yet another surge of gratitude.

    Even the easygoing Elite Tigers and Dragon Riders couldn¡¯t help a swell of admiration toward the Faithful Prince of the First Rank and Master Qin. They understood why the two had no intention of touting their own contributions¡ªall they wanted was to help the people, not steal glory from others and go looking for trouble.

    Such humility rendered their actions all the more moving.

    Pang Xiao led over a bay mare with a docile temperament, along with his own ck steed. The mare nuzzled at Qin Yining, tickling augh out of her. She couldn¡¯t resistbing her slender fingers through the bay¡¯s mane, her skin appearing white as snow against glossy ck locks.

    Pang Xiao handed the mare¡¯s reins over to his wife. ¡°Even though Thundercloud takes a great shine to you, he has a terrible temper. It would be very dangerous if he suddenly took off in a fit of excitement with you on his back. This mare possesses both stamina and gentleness. She will be your ride.¡±

    Qin Yining took the reins from Pang Xiao with a smile. ¡°Alright, but you have nothing to worry about. My horsemanship is decent, and I rode wild horses when I lived outside. I even lived with a herd of them for a time.¡±

    With that, she put on her veiled hat and stepped up into her stirrup, mounting her steed with practiced ease.

    Today, she wore a cropped jacket paired with a multi-fold, long skirt. Her form was gracious and elegant, the pleats of her skirt fluttering like the wings of a butterfly in flight. Onlookers found themselves unable to look away, the sight of her sitting ramrod straight atop the mare the very picture of gantry.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes shone keenly. He patted Qin Yining¡¯s hand, then hopped on Thundercloud in one swift motion.

    Huzi was also helping Bingtang onto her horse. As he did, he couldn¡¯t help but tease her.

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing I taught you how to ride¡ªhow would you keep up with us otherwise?¡±

    Bingtang rolled her eyes at him, quipping, ¡°The one who taught me was the madame, not you.¡±

    ¡°Ai! Don¡¯t go biting the hand that fed you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t recall feeding from your hand. Hya!¡± Bingtang flicked her reins and steered her horse to Qin Yining¡¯s side.

    Huzi was left to rub his nose in defeat before climbing onto his own horse.

    Gong You, Consultant Lu, and four young soldiers were also mounted on horses as part of Pang Xiao¡¯s entourage; the Elite Tigers and Silver Masks were to travel with the Dragon Riders.

    The group left the old capital and set course for Yang County. If they rode without stopping, they would arrive in half a day.

    However, that was when conditions were favorable. To get to Yang County, they needed to pass through the mountains. After the earthquake and the ensuingndslides, those trails were blocked off by boulders. The winding roads to Yang County were so twisted that their horses weren¡¯t able to gallop freely.

    They also had to lead their horses over boulders and crevices wherever the roads were blocked offpletely.

    Gong You had held reservations at first¡ªwhile it wasn¡¯t unheard of for noblewomen to be well versed in equestrianism, not many could endure the mountainous journey they were to embark upon.

    When he voiced his concerns upon arrival, his goal had been to dissuade Pang Xiao into bringing the women with them. Pang Xiao had insisted theye along, though, so there was little else he could say otherwise.

    When they reached the mountain trails, Gong You, Consultant Lu, and the four soldiers found themselves thoroughly astonished. Qin Yining guided her mare with great dexterity, fearless and attentive.

    The group was currently faced with a boulder that had tumbled down the mountain. It was sorge that the trail was blocked off almost entirely, save for a narrow passageway wide enough for one person to pass through at a time.

    If the person lost their footing, a deep abyss awaited them down below; even the horses wouldn¡¯t press onward. Qin Yining, however, edged around the boulder to coax her bay mare through.

    The entire entourage was stunned with newfound respect for her.

    Seeing how a woman was capable of such fortitude, even the most timid of them were able to summon enough courage to make their way across without further hesitation.

    It was truly a long, arduous trek. What should have been half a day of travel had them arriving at their destination after sundown.

    Yang County wasn¡¯t faring particrly better than the old capital. The only upside to their situation was that there weren¡¯t as many storied buildings. The damage to the architecture didn¡¯t appear to be as devastating as that of the old capital, either.

    Still, the streets were filled with refugees. They watched as the impressive group entered the city and noticed the soldiers among the neers. Overwhelmed by their imposing presence, the citizens tripped over each other to make themselves scarce.

    Gong You led their entourage to the county yamen.

    Half of the building¡¯s walls had copsed. Tents packed with refugees had been crudely set up in a courtyard outside.

    Entrusting his horse to a soldier, Gong You led Pang Xiao, Qin Yining and a few of their guards through the maze of tents to the front of the office.

    ¡°Where is Magistrate Li?¡±

    ¡°Eh? You¡¯re Prefect Gong! What brings you here in person? The magistrate just went inside. I¡¯ll let him know you¡¯re here!¡± Having greeted Gong You, a man dashed off in a hurry.

    Gong You turned to Pang Xiao to exin. ¡°That was one of Magistrate Li¡¯s followers.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded and continued standing in the courtyard, waiting.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining observed the tents. The citizens living in them were mostly those whose dwellings had been destroyed. Some were upied by an entire family; others were allocated so that either men or women with children shared the same tent.

    At least it seemed Yang County took care of their people.

    And yet, Qin Yining had her doubts regarding why the treasure had been transported here. She suspected Li Qitian¡¯s scouts had made some sort of mistake; the mountain road leading here was just too treacherous to navigate.

    The way through the mountains closest to Yang County had proved especially difficult; the roads were blocked off by boulders, forcing her to edge around them with her horse while frightened within an inch of her life. How could a procession of horse-drawn carriages have possibly made it through with the treasure?

    Unless they had taken a different route to get here, that is.

    Lost in thought, Magistrate Li briskly strode outside with his follower in tow. Seeing Gong You, he didn¡¯t even bother with pleasantries and cut straight to the chase. ¡°Sir Gong! Where are the provisions? Has His Majesty¡¯s rice arrived yet?¡±

    Magistrate Li was a pale, clean-shaven man with fine features and thick brows on the cusp of his thirties. One could tell he was a no-nonsense sort of person from a single nce.

    Gong You coughed. ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside.¡±

    It was then the magistrate noticed the prefect hadn¡¯te alone. Rubbing his nose awkwardly, he pivoted, ¡°Forgive my rudeness. I¡¯ve been so high-strung as ofte that I¡¯ve forgotten my manners. Let us confer inside.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled and waved a hand to indicate he took no offense. He, Qin Yining, and their servants entered the building.

    Gong You then began with the introductions. ¡°Magistrate Li, this is the disaster relief ambassador appointed by His Majesty: the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, Grand Secretary Pang of the Hall of Military Glory.¡±

    It was quite a thorough introduction, albeit slightly incongruous.

    But Magistrate Li¡¯s eyes lit up instantly at the words. He hastily bowed at Pang Xiao. ¡°Your Highness! Apologies, how very unbing of me.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled and bowed in return. ¡°I noticed there are many refugees in the courtyard?

    Has Magistrate Li relocated them here all this time?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Their houses were destroyed. I didn¡¯t want them getting near the rubble and catching disease, so I¡¯m keeping them where I can see them. I have to ask, though, has the rice His Majesty sent not arrived yet? I¡¯ve dipped into our granary storages, but even if we make the most water porridge possible, we won¡¯t be able to hold out much longer.¡±

    ¡°I understand. However, this prince was only just appointed not long ago as well. His Majesty¡¯s disaster relief funds and provisions will have to wait.¡±

    As soon as Pang Xiao finished, Magistrate Li furrowed his brows in thinly veiled displeasure.

    It was Gong You who pulled the magistrate aside and briefed him on what Pang Xiao had done for the relief efforts, as well as how much the prince had personally donated.

 Chapter 450: In the Shadows

    <h4>Chapter 450: In the Shadows</h4>

    Magistrate Li was just the same as Gong You¡ªnursing some misunderstandings of Pang Xiao due to the prince¡¯s infamy outside.

    Newly armed with the prefect¡¯s exnation and hearing how Pang Xiao¡¯s family and Minister Qin had sold off family business to donate as aid relief, the magistrate¡¯s eyes reddened with gratitude. Their benefactors didn¡¯t even want word to spread of their good deeds!

    No one swimming in the murk of politics was a fool. Everyone had a steelyard bnce in their hearts. Pang Xiao had donated silver, but didn¡¯t make a big deal of it and had no intention of publicizing his deed to the world.

    Yang County was so close to the old capital, but the magistrate wouldn¡¯t have had the faintest inkling had Prefect Gong not enlightened him. How would the emperor, off in the distant capital, know of this at all?

    This meant that the prince truly just wanted to do something for the people at this time, and he didn¡¯t want to toot his own horn for it. He¡¯d rather stay in the shadows and quietly do what he could.

    Such actions were a thousand times better than those who raised great fanfare saying they woulde deliver aid, but never arrived¡ªand million times better than the nonexistent imperial rice!

    Who in the world would be so willing to give help at their own expense? Those present were well aware why the prince did all this mutely.

    Magistrate Li sniffled loudly, a bit more gravity in his expression when he next faced the married couple.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness, this official promises you that every copper coin will be used where it¡¯s most needed, so that more of the people will survive!¡± His voice boomed sonorously, evidence of his resolve.

    Infected by the high emotions, Pang Xiao nodded with immense gratification. ¡°I¡¯m sure that with our joint efforts, more of the people will live on!¡±

    Blood boiled in the prefect and magistrate¡¯s veins; they nodded heavily. ¡°They will!¡±

    The group rested in the county yamen as the night grew long.

    Bugs and mosquitoes abounded, worrying Pang Xiao that his wife would be bit again by a venomous insect. He didn¡¯t sleep much all night, getting up every now and then to shoo away mosquitoes.

    He was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as usual the next morning, not a hint of anything out of the ordinary to be gleaned from his bearing. After Qin Yining helped him dress, she joined him in surveying the county.

    Possibly because it wasn¡¯t the epicenter of the quake, the situation in Yang was slightly betterpared to the old capital. Ack of multi-storied or brick buildings meant that there were far fewer injuries and fatalities.

    When patrolling the city, the group discovered severalrge residences showing evidence of recent repairs. Oneplex had even made their walls higher.

    Such actions were tantly protesting one¡¯s innocence too much. It was an easy guess that there must be provisions stored within that residence.

    ¡°Are the Dings and Peis still demanding that price for their grain?¡± asked the magistrate.

    Gong You nodded painfully. ¡°Not only are they unwilling to lower their price, they even seemed inclined to raise it after being asked a few times!¡±

    Magistrate Li cursed through grit teeth. ¡°Those rich bastards without a heart! This was how they fleeced the people back in Great Yan, and now they want to sup on the people¡¯s blood and flesh!¡±

    ¡°I say that they¡¯re just looking to profiteer from the government in these times of distress!¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s low voice burned with rage. A tendon on his forehead throbbed from his fury. ¡°If the officials don¡¯t take out this sum, they¡¯ll have reason to say that His Majesty isn¡¯t feeding the citizens!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness¡¯ analysis is right. These people are the heartless rich and aren¡¯t worthy of being people at all! We should teach them a harsh lesson!¡± Being younger, Magistrate Li had a more impulsive personality.

    Pang Xiao was a domineering, straightforward sort, and his thoughts happened to coincide with the magistrate¡¯s. ¡°Don¡¯t rush, I¡¯ll go visit them for a chat.¡±

    Used to sweeping across the battlefield, all he needed was one sharp look to intimidate someone if he set his mind to it.

    The magistrate and prefect were reassured by the prince¡¯s attitude. If he was truly willing to put his mind to the task, surely the issue of feeding the people would be resolved.

    The two suddenly felt that their pir of support had arrived in the form of Pang Xiao.

    As the men made their survey, Qin Yining headed off on her own with her people. She searched for any clues that Azure Justice may have left in the city.

    Since the emperor said the treasure might be in Yang County, then it would be in the hands of Azure Justice if the Silver Masks hadn¡¯t swallowed it whole.

    It was one thing if Azure Justice had thoroughly betrayed her and didn¡¯t care about frenzied revenge from Qin Yining and Pang Xiao; otherwise, they would surely contact her.

    Qin Yining¡¯s group split up and finally located three marks that the alliance had left behind.

    ¡°Madame, look. Thebination of these three marks means that you should go to the mountain in the north, the one we passed by yesterday.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Destroy them all. It¡¯s enough that we know.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Xiaoman surreptitiously erased all of the marks.

    ¡°Madame, are you nning on going?¡± asked Jiyun in a low voice.

    ¡°You probably shouldn¡¯t,¡± Bingtang hastily advised. ¡°They suddenly changed their minds and didn¡¯t tell you where they moved the package. Now they¡¯re popping up again and want you to take a torn and broken mountain path? They¡¯re up to no good!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, madame, I also find this suspicious,¡± concurred Dahan. ¡°Be careful and decide after discussing with the lord. Don¡¯t go by yourself and fall into a trap.¡±

    Qin Yining knew that they meant well. She also felt that this wasn¡¯t something she could handle by herself.

    After the day¡¯s surveying, she returned to the yamen and hid in their room, whispering with Pang Xiao.

    He put his arm around Qin Yining¡¯s waist and pillowed his chin on her shoulder. ¡°You really found the marks?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I didn¡¯t dare go alone.¡± Her head was tilted back as she whispered her response into his ear. ¡°I fear that things aren¡¯t as simple as they seem.¡±

    ¡°Thank goodness you didn¡¯t go. I received a secret message from the capital today. Remember the men I left with father-inw? He sent the note.¡± Pang Xiao lowered his voice even more and huffed right into Qin Yining¡¯s ear. ¡°The emperor¡¯s secretly arrived in Yang County. All of our movements are under surveince. He¡¯ll learn of any abnormalities and we won¡¯t be able to defend ourselves at all then.¡±

    The princess consort stiffened, chills of horror running down her back.

    Thank goodness she¡¯d formed the habit of leaning on Pang Xiao and wanting to discuss everything with him first. If she¡¯d struck out on her own like before, she would¡¯ve yed right into the enemy¡¯s miserable hands, dragged down her husband, exposed Azure Justice, and even implicated the two families back in the capital.

    ¡°Thank goodness I didn¡¯t go.¡± Qin Yining heaved out a long sigh of relief.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Pang Xiao kissed her forehead. ¡°From now on, we focus our efforts on the mission. Ignore everything the alliance sends about the treasure and make sure we don¡¯t give anything away. Our families will be in danger otherwise.¡±

    Her back drenched with sweat, Qin Yining bobbed her head rapidly.

 Chapter 451: Raising Prices

    <h4>Chapter 451: Raising Prices</h4>

    Fear gripped Qin Yining.

    If she¡¯d thrown caution to the wind just now after finding the clues, she might¡¯ve very well drawn Li Qitian¡¯s attention. Perhaps them searching for the marks just now was already in a report in his hands.

    It was easy for Pang Xiao to guess her thoughts when her brow remained firmly knitted together. He caressed her forehead catingly. ¡°Silly girl, where¡¯s your mind run off to now? Your men are old hats, so I¡¯m sure they didn¡¯t expose themselves. Yang County terrain is circuitous to begin with, and there are a lot of mountain roads. It wasn¡¯t easy to find a path even when the roads were fine, not to mention now that everything¡¯s a mess after the earth dragon turned over.

    ¡°Besides, even if there¡¯s eyes and ears around, I¡¯m the first target of surveince. Youe a distant second, and they might not have even found you today.¡±

    Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°You know me best. You knew what I was thinking even without me saying anything.¡±

    ¡°Naturally.¡± Pang Xiao pinched her cheeks proudly. ¡°It takes only one nce for me to know what you want to do. For example, you¡¯re thinking your husband is devilishly handsome and the image of charisma itself. You really want to kiss me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Thick-skinned!¡± The princess consort responded with a punch, whichnded firmly in arge hand.

    Pang Xiao moved her hand to his mouth for a soft kiss. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here.¡±

    That line of don¡¯t worry put Qin Yining at ease. She buried her face into his chest and took in a deep breath of the clean scent of soap and his unique masculine aroma. She mumbled into his chest, ¡°I know. I¡¯m not afraid or worried.¡±

    Pang Xiao wrapped his arms tightly around her and gently patted her back. Apart from Qin Huaiyuan, everyone around her depended on her. Yes, she was very smart and sharp, able to fully handle things on her own when issues arose. She was more decisive than most men.

    However, everyone forgot that no matter how strong she was, she was just a young girl. He was eight years older than her! Was she still to worry and fret with him by her side?

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, leave it all to me,¡± whispered Pang Xiao softly, like he was swearing an oath.

    Qin Yining nodded quietly in his embrace, like a docile pet, and her hair quite tickled his chin when it brushed past.

    The two silently remained that way for a moment, then went out to busy themselves with relief preparations. They followed the same n of attack as in the old capital: clearing away debris, setting up soup kitchens and medical tents, and calmly rolling out other steps.

    Prefect Gong even split part of Pang Xiao¡¯s donations with Magistrate Li; the two were inly in the same straits.

    ¡°Your Highness, we have nowhere to obtain provisions from at the moment. The avable stock of some of the stores fell into therge families long ago, and they seem to havee to an agreement about the price! They won¡¯t budge no matter what, and they want ten taels of silver for one stone of coarse rice!¡±

    ¡°Ten taels??¡± The prefect sucked a shocked breath in and eximed with fury, ¡°Those profiteering bastards! They¡¯ve gone up two more taels in two days!¡±

    The magistrate looked at Pang Xiao. ¡°Your Highness, what should we do next?¡±

    Pang Xiao stroked his chin and turned to Qin Yining. ¡°The negotiations are the only thing left. If only I had my soldiers with me.¡±

    ¡°And what of it if you did?¡±

    ¡°I would be a wolf with fangs if I had my men. I¡¯d go in for the kill if I didn¡¯t get the answer I want. If I had my cubs take a walk in front of their doors, negotiations wouldn¡¯t even be necessary! All I need to do is ask them if they want their lives or money¡ªthat¡¯d be enough to intimidate them into selling at the regr price.¡±

    ¡°Ai, why would we bother with talking if Your Highness had your troops! We¡¯d just charge straight in and drag those heartless bastards out. We don¡¯t need anything else other than Your Highness standing close to them. That¡¯d scare them into peeing their pants!¡± A yamen soldier concurred spontaneously.

    But without military authority, Pang Xiao was a defanged wolf. So what of his personal prestige? He had to take orders from others all the same.

    The prefect and magistrate both sighed at this. Being minor officials far from the capital, they didn¡¯t know much of what went on in the central city. But the Faithful Prince of the First Rank looked like a kind, loyal, and righteous person no matter how they sliced it. How would he possibly start any rebellion?

    It was understandable that the one under heaven had his concerns.

    But when such wariness impeded proper business and focused on a meritorious official who¡¯d bled and sweat to establish the nation... it really thoroughly disappointed the soul.

    When one so deeply wronged still quietly donated such arge sum of personal property for the people¡¯s food and medicines, how could they not respect him from the bottom of their hearts?

    ¡°Forget it. Our only n of attack now is for me to personally speak with them. I¡¯ll use both arguments of the heart and mind to see if I can have them lower the price.¡± Pang Xiao rose to summon Huzi and the Elite Tigers.

    ¡°I shan¡¯t be going with you,¡±mented Qin Yining. ¡°I n on visiting my property today and seeing if I can locate some rice. I don¡¯t know how bad the damage is there either.¡±

    The prince nodded. ¡°Be careful. I¡¯ll send some men with you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright, you need them more. Bring some more guards with you. Four¡¯s enough for me.¡±

    Pang Xiao scanned Jingzhe and the others behind his wife. He nodded with assurance.

    The two local officials sent the married couple off, watching their departing figures with immense hope in their eyes. They looked at each other and heaved an emotional sigh.

    ¡°The prince and princess consort are all wonderfully good people, especially the princess consort. She¡¯s out here eating watery porridge with us and having to run back and forth trying to find supplies, but I haven¡¯t heard a word ofint. Only a woman like her is worthy of someone as magnanimous as the prince.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    Though their stomachs constantly growled from hunger, the fact that such important personages like the prince and princess consort were down in the trenches with them filled them with motivation. They rushed off to look after the refugees and handle all sorts of matters.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining, along with Bingtang, Jiyun, and the four Silver Masks, made their way to a farmstead not too far away.

    A child wearing a rough cotton jacket, hair in twin buns, answered the door. She looked roughly seven years old.

    The girl eximed with delighted surprise when she saw the visitors, ¡°It¡¯s the fourth miss! The fourth miss is here!¡±

    Qin Yining thought carefully for a while before recognizing the child in front of her.

    ¡°Are you Ping Ya¡¯er? You¡¯ve grown so much taller, I almost didn¡¯t recognize you.¡± Back on Mt. Eternal Spring, Qin Yining had sheltered many refugees in the Ning Park that Pang Xiao had gifted her. Ping Ya¡¯er was one of them, and it seemed that Steward Zhong had sent her to the farm in Yang Country.

    ¡°Aiya, it really is the fourth miss!¡± Several others ran out from the farmstead when they heard the girl¡¯s cries. They all made the grand gesture of greeting upon seeing the Qin fourth miss. Statements of wee tumbled out one after another.

    ¡°Fourth Miss!¡±

    ¡°What brings you here, Benefactor!¡±

    ¡°Comee, pleasee inside and sit down, Benefactor!¡±

    Feted by a bevy of supporters, Qin Yining sailed into the house.

 Chapter 452: The Issue of Provisions

    <h4>Chapter 452: The Issue of Provisions</h4>

    Though she was thendowner, Qin Yining felt much more at ease upon seeing familiar faces that she¡¯d once helped.

    ¡°Benefactor, what makes youe here in person? The roads aren¡¯t in good condition after the earth dragon turned over,¡± inquired Zhang Zhuangtou.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Benefactor. The roads are dangerous, and did you know the earth dragon still isn¡¯t quiet? There¡¯s a shake every few days, whether big or small. Who knows just what¡¯s going on here,¡± remarked n¨¦e Ding, Zhang Zhuangtou¡¯s wife.

    ¡°Is everything alright on the farmstead? Has anyone been hurt?¡±

    ¡°Ai, some families¡¯ homes were destroyed and we have roughly a dozen casualties. A beamnded on one of the family¡¯s granny. She died on the spot.¡±

    Qin Yining sighed. ¡°Ai. Whether it be natural disaster or manmade, it¡¯s always the people who suffer.¡±

 Chapter 453.1: Riots

    <h4>Chapter 453.1: Riots</h4>

    It took a moment for Pang Xiao to process what she¡¯d just said. Hesitantly, he replied, ¡°It would be unwise for you to be publicly involved. I have my ways to convince them. You should stay out of this.¡±

    The rich families were sitting around, waiting for people to grovel at their doors¡ªwhat decorum would they show? What¡¯s more, many of them had once served in the court of Great Yan. It was possible that some still didn¡¯t recognize Great Zhou as thewful government.

    The true integrity of their character notwithstanding, if they were to patronize Qin Yining from their moral high horses, it was sure to get ugly.

    As the daughter of the once-Grand Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, she¡¯d also been considered for an empress candidate. Now that she had be the princess consort of the one who¡¯d trampled their nation, she was a traitor in their eyes.

    Pang Xiao knew Qin Yining had undergone much hardship since throwing her lot in with his. How could he possibly bear to let others wag their tongues about her?

    Seeing the doubt written over his face, Qin Yining had more than an inkling of what he was concerned about. Warmth spontaneously burst forth in her heart. Slipping her hands around Pang Xiao¡¯s arms, she nuzzled his shoulder.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Am I someone who cares what others think of me? Besides, is it even possible to gain the approval of all? Everyone¡¯s positions are different, so I understand if they wish to curse me.¡±

    ¡°That may be, but listen to me on this. I¡¯ll go myself. Don¡¯t involve yourself or try toe along.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached for Qin Yining as he drew her close. The more sensible she was about such matters, the more he felt for her. Why else would she have had no choice but to be well versed with the dark side of human nature, at an age when she should¡¯ve been innocent and carefree, if not for the many hardships she suffered from?

    Though they were obscured by the dark of the night, they were still out on the streets. Qin Yining gently pushed Pang Xiao away, her cheeks flushed.

    Even though he was no longer holding her, he still kept an arm around her shoulders as they strolled back to the yamen.

    ¡°If you insist, then I will say no more. It¡¯s true we should err on the side of caution for the time being.¡± Qin Yining also didn¡¯t want to be so conspicuous and attract trouble for Pang Xiao. Li Qitian had already surrounded the old capital, after all.

    Pang Xiao nodded as he understood what she meant. ¡°That¡¯s right, we only need to concentrate on the disaster relief efforts and watch how we speak about other matters. We can¡¯t give anyone anything that can be used against us.¡±

    ¡°I understand. If you won¡¯t let me participate in the negotiations, I have no reason to meander about outdoors, either.¡± Qin Yining had witnessed the chaos and cruelty of war before with her own eyes.

    When the people lived in constant fear for their lives, morality was a luxury. It would be risky to go outside during such times of duress; some might even jump at the opportunity to cause trouble.

    Seeing how sensible she was being, he would¡¯ve pulled her into his arms to show her the depths of his love if they weren¡¯t currently out on the streets.

    When the two neared the soup kitchens, they saw a restless crowd struggling out front.

    In a crowd of several hundred, the able-bodied had forced their way to the front, leaving the elderly, the weak, women, and the young cut off on the outskirts. Dirty, withered hands raised high broken bowls and scraps of pottery, fighting for adle of porridge. Amid rubble and old trees plucked clean of their leaves, children wailed while the elderly choked back their sobs...

    The sight mmed into Qin Yining and Pang Xiao¡¯s minds; hearts dropped and twisted with anguish.

    So what of treasures or power struggles? Right now, they meant nothingpared to a stone of rice!

    These were the citizens left to fend for themselves for two months in the aftermath of the earthquake! No one had cared or asked about them! They¡¯d gone through a series of misfortunes¡ªtheir old emperor a tyrant, and their current emperor searching for treasure without a care for his people.

    When gods fight, the mortals are the one to suffer. But what had themon folk done wrong?

    Pang Xiao gnashed his teeth so hard they ground on each other, then pulled at Qin Yining to walk away.

    It was only after they had distanced themselves from themotion that Pang Xiao denounced, ¡°We can¡¯t go on like this. Our provisions won¡¯tst much longer. I need to get those rich families to cough up some of their stores, or more people will die! They escaped being crushed to death only to be starved to death by their own emperor... f*cking hell!¡±

    Pang Xiao punched the yellow mud wall beside him in his fury. Already riddled with cracks from the tremors, it crumbled to a cloud of dust and rubble with a loud crash.

    Qin Yining took Pang Xiao by the arm. His hand was balled into a tight fist, veins protruding. Skinned knuckles were covered in a mixture of blood and dirt, making for a ghastly sight.

    However, she didn¡¯t nag and wordlessly took out their water pouch to clean his hand. She rubbed the medicinal ointment that Bingtang had given her onto his wounds, then bound a light-green silk handkerchief around them.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s spate of fury dissipated like smoke beneath Qin Yining¡¯s gentle care; his heart now calm as still water. He lowered his eyes to gaze at the woman attentively tending to his injuries.

    Come what may, he would be strong enough to handle it all, so long as he had her by his side. He had to¡ªhe was a man with a family to support. For her, he would hold up the sky.

    ¡°My darling, I...¡± Pang Xiao trailed off with remorse.

    Qin Yining took a fingerful of his stubbled cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt yourself like this next time.

    This is a disaster zone. Even healthy people are afraid of catching disease, yet you injure yourself without cause? If you do this again, I¡¯ll hurt myself with you.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do. I have thick skin, you can¡¯t say the same for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Does thick skin mean you don¡¯t feel pain? Even if you don¡¯t, my heart does.¡± Qin Yining turned and walked in the direction of the yamen. ¡°If you keep doing this, I won¡¯t let you sleep inside.¡±

 Chapter 453.2: Riots

    <h4>Chapter 453.2: Riots</h4>

    Now that was an immense threat. Living under such nerve-wracking circumstances with only porridge and wild berries to fill their bellies, Pang Xiao was under colossal stress every day. His only sce was to hold Qin Yining at night when he slept and be embraced in return. This couldn¡¯t be allowed to happen!

    However, he didn¡¯t dare defy Qin Yining for fear of upsetting her.

    ¡°My darling, I was wrong. I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s apology was sincere. To win back her favor, he smiled and tugged at her arm.

    A night of tossing and turning marked fretful sleep for Qin Yining. Despite this, she pulled herself together the following day and visited the soup kitchens with Magistrate Li.

    Meanwhile, Pang Xiao visited the Dings and the Peis in hopes of convincing them to sell their rice at lower prices. However, there definitely seemed to be an agreement in ce between the two. When they saw Pang Xiao, they immediately turned antagonistic.

    The patriarch of the Peis had served in the Great Yan court as a schr of the Hanlin Academy. A mulish man of antiquated ideologies, he actually spat at Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Pah! You murdering demon, how dare youe negotiate with me? I have rice, but I won¡¯t be selling any of it to you! Don¡¯t tell me to lower my prices! I won¡¯t ept anything you offer, even if you offer me a golden fish for half a kilogram of rice!

    ¡°It serves you right that Great Zhou is about to meet its end, scum!¡±

    Pang Xiao swallowed his rage and attempted a calm reason. ¡°It¡¯s the government buying provisions from you. We¡¯re not taking them by force. If you sell them to us, you will be saving countless citizens. Even if you resent this prince, Great Yan exists no longer. The emperor of Great Zhou is the one who sits on the throne and rules in the interests of the people now. If you continue with this obstinacy and insult me, do you really think I won¡¯t wipe out House Pei?¡±

    ¡°Hah! Look at your true colors shine so easily! All this talk is nothing more than a ploy for you to swindle your share from so-called procuring provisions!¡±

    Lord Pei¡¯s words grew uglier with every breath. In the end, he managed to curse all of Pang Xiao¡¯s ancestors, paying special attention to his female elders.

    Pang Xiao clenched his teeth all the while¡ªhow had someone this addlepated managed to secure a position at the Hanlin Academy? No wonder Great Yan had fallen!

    ¡°No matter what you say, the prices you seek are exorbitant. I see no honor in effectively leaving the people for dead. If you truly love Great Yan so, why won¡¯t you save the people of your great nation?

    ¡°Do you really want to see people starve to death right before your eyes? I realize House Pei has many mouths to feed, but if you¡¯ve stored your provisions properly, you¡¯d be able to feed all of the Dragon Riders with the amount you¡¯ve hoarded! Yet you cling onto your surplus at all costs!

    ¡°How dare you fashion yourself as a loyal and courageous patriot when you care nothing for the people? You disgust me!¡±

    Frustration had boiled in Pang Xiao¡¯s veins all morning; his patience finally wore thin.

    At the end of the day, Lord Pei was a schr. The murderous aura emanating from Pang Xiao, nursed from his days in the battlefield, had the lord trembling like a leaf and nearly fainting in terror.

    Naturally, Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t about to stop at that. He summoned twenty Dragon Riders to take a menacing stance before the front doors and growled, ¡°It was my mistake to suddenly call upon you today. I didn¡¯te prepared. However, the people still need to eat. If you will lower your prices by ten percent, that would be a great kindness to the citizens. You would be bringing honor upon yourself and prosperity upon your descendants.¡±

    If they still draw breath, that is.

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t need to spell it out, for Lord Pei understood what he was implying. The old patriarch broke out in a cold sweat.

    This Faithful Prince of the First Rank was truly a force to behold! It took just a few words to shake him to his core like this. But he wouldn¡¯t back down here. He was willing to bet that the prince didn¡¯t darey a finger on him!

    ¡°I won¡¯t agree to anything Your Highness has to say. Either fork over the ten taels per stone or eat dust! Now see yourselves out!¡± With a flourish of his sleeves, Lord Pei turned and went back inside.

    Pang Xiao watched the old man go, his eyes darkening as he smiled. Only those who knew him well would know the tempest brewing behind his phoenix-shaped eyes.

    Not only had he been unsessful in his negotiations with the Peis, he¡¯d been thoroughly humiliated. A visit to the Dings brought about the same oue.

    Pang Xiao had tried for days and days. The provisions Qin Yining brought back were running low. Li Qitian had secretly arrived in the area, yet he refused to show himself and certainly hadn¡¯t brought any food.

    Every meal was a smaller portion than thest. The people started agitating.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the Faithful Prince of the First Rank the disaster relief ambassador? Has His Majesty given us nothing?¡±

    ¡°Are you corrupt government dogs hoarding food behind our backs, so you can sell them at raised prices to people who don¡¯t have money? Are you going to have us starve if we don¡¯t have any silver for you? You¡¯re sentencing us to death!¡±

    The crowd grew incensed¡ªinitially, they were content to mutter amongst themselves, but grumblings turned to curses, which turned to protests in front of the soup kitchens, sparking the mes of a violent riot!

 Chapter 454.1: Spies

    <h4>Chapter 454.1: Spies</h4>

    Qin Yining had witnessed before the effects of famine with her own eyes, so she knew better than anyone what crazed things that those starving would try.

    She stood next to Pang Xiao, looking at people who were skin and bones, fury and desperation twisting their sallow, gaunt faces. Arms that were more urately described as dried branches brandished bowls and chunks of pottery. It felt like someone had dug out her heart, and she was so distressed she could barely breathe.

    Life shouldn¡¯t have been like this for them!

    Great Yan¡¯s trash emperor hadn¡¯t treated them well and Great Zhou¡¯s emperor likewise didn¡¯t value their lives. Rage and despair brewed in their hearts, but they kept such emotions firmly suppressed because of their low status.

    They would be saints if they could keep their cool after enduring all sorts of disaster and having their liege lord treat them as less than human!

    In any case, Qin Yining herself didn¡¯t think she wouldn¡¯t harbor a single trace of hate at this point, especially when she faced the fear of starvation.

    ¡°What should we do, what should we do?¡± She subconsciously fished for Pang Xiao¡¯s hand.

    The prince could feel the coolness of her fingers, and he gripped her hand tenderly, transferring warmth with his palm. This was too much hardship to have her observe such a scene.

    He stroke the back of her handfortingly with his thumb and called out, ¡°My friends and countrymen, please calm down and listen to this prince!¡±

    ¡°No, we won¡¯t listen!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re all corrupt bastards! You stole the provisions that the imperial court sent us! You y us for fools by giving us that watery porridge everyday!¡±

    ¡°Are we not people in your eyes just because we¡¯re surrendered Great Yan officials??¡±

    ¡°We want to eat! We want food!¡±

    ......

    A muted din arose from the crowd. If this had been in normal times, emotions would¡¯ve ran high a long time ago. The air would throng with shouts and roars. But starving people didn¡¯t have much strength to make a fuss, and they even had to stop after every sentence to catch their breath.

    They weren¡¯t purely rioters, so Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t bear to use violence on them. He could only yell back, ¡°Please settle down, everyone. We all know that years of war has gued Great Zhou. We inherited the mess that was Northern Ji, and Great Yan¡¯s emperor specialized in robbing the people. He even sold off the tax grain and hid the proceeds.

    ¡°All of these people were highly intelligent, ifcking in the skill of running a country. But they were all very skilled in scheming and plotting. They hid all of the treasure from Great Zhou!

    ¡°The emperor is wholeheartedly dedicated to the people, but we all know that even the greatest housewife can¡¯t cook without rice. We¡¯re also in a disaster zone. The earth dragon turning over blocked off the roads with enormous boulders, or just straight up cracked them open. Carriages with provisions can¡¯t make it into the city at all.

    ¡°The princess consort, a weak girl, traveled overnd and water for an entire day to obtain more food for everyone. She finally got her hands on some rice and sweet potatoes, her only hope was that more people would survive until the emperor¡¯s rations arrived. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve had to make such watery porridge with the limited provisions, so that no one starves to death.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s resonant voice traveled far into the distance, instilling some calm into the scene.

    ¡°This princes promises everyone that whether it¡¯s the emperor, this prince, or every official and soldier here¡ªwe all have the same goal. We want those caught in the disaster zone to live on. We want more people to live on.

    ¡°His Majesty constantly thinks of this area. Silver and rice will be here shortly, and I fully understand how hungry everyone feels. But no matter what, we should persist strongly and live on.¡±

    At this point, the princeughed self-deprecatingly. ¡°Everyone knows that I¡¯m a demon who kills without blinking. So let it be. I only hope that everyone can maintain cool heads and conserve as much energy as possible to wait for rescue from the capital. In order to make sure most people survive, I don¡¯t mind being a viin. This prince will harshly punish anyone else who seeks to start trouble.¡±

    His words quieted everyone in the end. It was now that they recalled Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t some sort of foppish dandy used to swimming in thep of luxury. He was a solemn and principled soldier. Any promise he gave might be worth more than those in the jianghu.

    If he said he would do it, then he would do it.

    This sentiment rose in many hearts, but what had they received after time and time of putting forth their trust and hopes? Abandonment and betrayal from the imperial court!

    That was how the previous dynasty had treated them and Great Zhou was no better. Pretty words were used to lull them, but they were always the chosen sacrifices when push came to shove.

    Some in the crowd were already crying, and angry shouts ripped out, ¡°You¡¯re threatening us! But there¡¯s so many of us, so what can your men do no matter how strong they are!?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Hand over the food! Hand over the food!¡±

 Chapter 454.2: Spies

    <h4>Chapter 454.2: Spies</h4>

    ......

    No one anticipated that Pang Xiao¡¯s heartfelt words wouldn¡¯t pacify the rioters, but add more fuel to the mes. Spurred by the forces of starvation and anger, the people surged forward like the tidewaters.

    It¡¯d be one thing if the prince had his old Valiant Tigers tomand. The two dozen Dragon Riders present didn¡¯t have that kind of coordination with him at all. Even factoring in the soldiers from the yamen, all of the men together wouldn¡¯t be able to stem the flood by wading in with kicks and punches.

    Seeing people sprint toward the yamen, Pang Xiao hastily retreated to the side with Qin Yining. The crowd charged into the ramshackle government building, like a gue of locusts swarming the crops. Perhaps shocked by the tents and copsed walls in the yard, the intruders came to a half after entering theplex.

    A shocked sob rang out from the crowd. ¡°This isn¡¯t right. Magistrate Li has stuck with us through thick and thin. He invites us to stay in the yamen if we don¡¯t have homes to go back into. He eats the watery porridge right along with all of us.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! The imperial court didn¡¯t give us silver to buy rice. What we¡¯re eating these days is donations from the prince and princess consort. They¡¯ve always been with us too.¡±

    ¡°What kind of people would we be if we ran over everything now?¡±

    ......

    With these voices directing public opinion, violent tendencies quickly dispersed from part of the crowd. Desires for revenge and destruction lessened as well. However, there were still people who wanted to charge in.

    In the back, someone shouted, ¡°They must have food! The prince and princess consort is hiding it all!¡±

    That cry stood out too much; it was vastly different from the tones of the people before. Its abnormality immediately struck Qin Yining.

    ¡°Your Highness, I think someone¡¯s stirring up trouble!¡±

    ¡°I know, I¡¯ve already sent someone to investigate.¡± Pang Xiao easily soothed his wife with real actions and fact, but couldn¡¯t do the same for the starving citizens.

    Thanks to that shout just now, some unwilling to ept the situation rampaged through the yamen. Others didn¡¯t want to continue, but they were carried along by the movement of the crowd. The momentum pushed and shoved to the ground those weakened by hunger; some never to rise again, thanks to the feet of their neighbors.

    It was a chaotic, bloody affair. Roars of adults interwove with cries of children and women, howls from those being trampled to death peppered the din, while citizens smashing and looting the yamen added to the cacophony. It was a sight that Qin Yining couldn¡¯t bear to keep watching.

    She shut her eyes and murmured, ¡°This can¡¯t be allowed to continue on. Yang County is only one county, what of the other counties and cities? And the old capital? I also suspect that someone in the shadows is intentionally making this worse, but the most important thing is that we really have no provisions.¡±

    A ferociously frowning Pang Xiao brought Qin Yining in for a tight hug. ¡°All of the food are in the hands of the rich, but they won¡¯t rx their grasp. I can only continue to negotiate with them.¡±

    When Qin Yining wiggled her fingers, she realized they¡¯d frozen stiff with cold.

    Such a frenzied episode of anarchy really shocked her. In fact, the faces of Magistrate Lee and the Dragon Riders behind Pang Xiao were likewise pale. Everyone was having their eyes opened today.

    Failing to find food, the rioting citizens began bawling loudly,pelling the magistrate to call out words offort and sor.

    At this time, Huzi and two Elite Tigers escorted over a women in raggedy clothing.

    ¡°Your Highnesses, we found a suspicious woman.¡±

    Pang Xiao took a nce and noted that she looked healthy and well-fed, her skin fair and she looked to be in her early twenties. Though her clothes could be better described as rags and soot was smeared across her face, it was easy to tell that a real refugee wouldn¡¯t be in such good condition.

    ¡°Take her to a quiet location and interrogate her closely. Who told her to incite the people? Use military methods to crack open her mouth if she won¡¯t talk.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Huzi dragged the women away with the help of the two Elite Tigers.

    However, Qin Yining remained staring at the back of the departing prisoner. ¡°Why do I feel like she looks familiar? I feel like I¡¯ve seen her before.¡±

    ¡°Can you think about it some more?¡±

    Brows knitted deep in thought, Qin Yining thought over it carefully. She really had seen this face before, but the prisoner¡¯s current outfit interfered with her memories. Nothing was immediately forting.

    At this moment, the citizens rampaging in the yamen spilled back out onto the streets. The man who kept loudlyining on behalf of the people was roaring, ¡°They must¡¯ve hidden the food somewhere! Capture the prince and princess consort! We¡¯ll make them tell us where the food is!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Those corrupt dogs must¡¯ve hidden the food!¡±

    ¡°Get them and make them tell us where it is!¡±

    ......

    Screeching and snarling, people rushed at Pang Xiao. The prince¡¯s guards and Dragon Riders partially unsheathed their swords to block the rioters. At the same time, some soldiers infiltrated the crowd to silently arrest the man who¡¯d been fanning the mes.

    Pang Xiao dered, livid, ¡°Conserve your energy. The precious little bit of food we got over the past few days isn¡¯t for you to revolt with after filling your bellies! I know everyone¡¯s afraid and I promise that I¡¯ll get food to you! You should believe yourselves, if not me. Ask your conscience, have I not tried my best to protect all of you since I¡¯vee?¡±

 Chapter 455.1: Raid

    <h4>Chapter 455.1: Raid</h4>

    Without troublemakers lurking among the refugees, the crowd simmered down when they recalled that the food they¡¯d had in recent days was all thanks to the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank.

    Whether the emperor truly cared for them or not, at least the prince and Magistrate Li had been trying their best. They¡¯d rioted only because someone had taken advantage of their panic and fear to fan the mes.

    After emotions ran their course, many regretted their actions and worried if they would have to answer for their misdeeds. They no longer stormed the yamen, but sobs continued to ring out from the crowd.Everyone felt their grief as if it were their own; the louder the refugees cried, the more infectious their anguish became.

    Qin Yining leaned against Pang Xiao and shed tears of her own as she took in their despairing sobs.

    The prince wrapped his arms around the distresseddy and rubbed her shoulders before addressing the crowd.

    ¡°Fear not. Since this prince is here by royal decree as the disaster relief ambassador, I will do my job well. The earthquake destroyed many roads, which makes the transport of provisions difficult. However, I will see to it that this problem is resolved. Please have patience and conserve your energy.¡±

    At this, one of the sobbing citizens piped up. ¡°Why should we believe you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve been trapped here for so long, and so many people who could¡¯ve been saved have already kicked the bucket!¡±

    ¡°You disaster relief officials took your sweet time getting here, and you came empty-handed. How are wemoners supposed to trust you?¡±

    ......

    Everyone was in a pitiful state¡ªmany had lost family to this catastrophe one way or another, and Li Qitian¡¯s policies truly didn¡¯t inspire much confidence. It made sense why people of the disaster zones would resent them.

    Frankly, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining didn¡¯t agree with Li Qitian¡¯s methods, either.

    However, they weren¡¯t in the position to point fingers at their liege lord. All they could do was solemnly swear that no one would be abandoned.

    The two devoted everything they had to quell the riot, resulting in minimal losses.

    Even the strongest of tigers cannot hold off a pack of wolves. Pang Xiao was a master of the martial arts and had a group of elite soldiers to protect him. However, if the rioting had continued and citizens driven to madness charged them, no one could say for sure if dire consequences would¡¯ve developed.

    Having finally pacified the refugees, Pang Xiao brought Qin Yining with him to discuss their next course of action with Magistrate Li and Prefect Gong.

    They sat on the ground of a barren clearing without regard for status or station, the Dragon Riders forming a perimeter around the group.

    Sir Gong began, ¡°The situation before us is very clear. Though His Majesty¡¯s relief funds have yet to arrive, His Highness¡¯ donations are enough tost us a good while. However, transportation is still an issue, and we don¡¯t have anyone we can buy rice from. The rice families in town refuse to settle for anything less than ten taels for one stone of coarse rice. Even if we have to agree to those prices, we still need to purchase medicine. Who knows how much longer we¡¯ll be able to support the people?¡±

    Pang Xiao grit his teeth and hissed, ¡°Curse those dogs who give up their humanity for wealth!¡±

    Dejection loomed over the group. In the people¡¯s hour of need, some gathered together to brainstorm ideas, while otherscking in morality, such as the Dings and Peis, looked on as if watching an entertaining show.

    One could only sigh at the stark contrast between the two.

    But the refugees knew nothing of their troubles¡ªall they saw was that their emperor neither sent them disaster relief provisions nor funds, and many had died from starvation or disease as a result.

    The purpose of helping those affected by the disaster wasn¡¯t just to save lives. From the emperor¡¯s perspective, it was more crucial that he retained the public¡¯s confidence in him.

    Fail at the former, and he would lose the faith of the people. Fail at theter, and someone mighte for his head!

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. Truth be told, she had already devised a callous solution, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to voice it.

    But after witnessing the suffering of so many citizens, she could afford to hesitate no longer. Resolutely, she dered, ¡°I actually have a way for us to temporarily solve the problem at hand without silver. However, it may be too unsavory...¡±

    Everyone looked at the princess consort.

    Pang Xiao looked thoughtful. ¡°What do you propose we do?¡±

    ¡°Steal from the rich and give to the poor.¡± Qin Yining pursed her lips, her brows pinched. She remained silent for a long moment.

    ¡°This subordinate understands what Her Highness is saying,¡± Magistrate Li spoke up, ¡°but weck manpower. If we try to break into those residencies, we may not even be able to get any provisions. We would merely be endangering the lives of those involved.¡±

    The prefect nodded as well. ¡°Indeed. What¡¯s more is that if we loot and steal, we¡¯ll get into trouble with thew.¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips and closed her eyes for a moment before speaking again. ¡°But, what if the ones to raid their estates were the refugees?¡±

    The group was stunned into silence by her words.

    Heart aching, Pang Xiao pulled his beloved into his embrace without regard for anyone else and patted her back. ¡°My darling, this is such a difficult situation for you.¡±

 Chapter 455.2: Raid

    <h4>Chapter 455.2: Raid</h4>

    The princess consort shook her head and gently pushed her husband away. ¡°You may find my idea distasteful, as it¡¯s sure to lead to casualties on both sides if angry citizens are to go on a rampage. It¡¯s inevitable that they ransack, loot, vandalize, or set fire to these beautiful residencies. They won¡¯t stop at grabbing the food. Even the elderly, children and women may be hurt...

    ¡°However, at the moment I really can¡¯t think of any other way to save so many people.

    ¡°The national treasury is exhausted and we don¡¯t know when we will receive provisions. However, the citizens in the disaster zone can¡¯t go a day without food or medicine. At this rate, the dissatisfaction of the people will grow, and His Majesty¡¯s authority will be destabilized. More importantly, I fear these citizens will all be written off.

    ¡°Sending citizens after these rich families may sound callous and result in casualties, but this is the best optionpared to letting the people starve to death or driving them to desperate measures.¡± Qin Yining lowered her head with a murmur. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯m condemning myself to the eighteenth level of hell with such a cold-blooded proposition.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say such a thing, my dear.¡± Pang Xiao smiled and wrapped an arm around her infort. ¡°I understand where you¡¯reing from. When I was first sent to war, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to swing my sword at my foes and end their lives. They too had people waiting for them at home. Every slice and thrust would visit tragedy upon a family.

    ¡°However, I couldn¡¯t afford to hesitate when it actually came to ending a life because if I did, not only would they kill me instead, they would also ughter the people. The era of chaos and violence would never end if I didn¡¯t take out my opponents, and the people would never know peace. The act of killing hundreds might seem cruel and bloody, but at the same time, their sacrifices are valuable because more people can live happily and peacefully.

    ¡°If I must atone in hell for my sins, then so be it. As the Buddhist adage goes, ¡®Who will enter hell, if not me?''¡±

    Hearing this, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help mutter, ¡°Who will enter hell, if not me... indeed. If my unscrupulous proposition helps more people live on, the sacrifices of the minority will not be in vain. If I am sent to hell for this, then I wholly ept it. This will also set an example for the families in other cities and counties, so that they don¡¯t dare to form cartels of their own. We¡¯re not looking to seize their provisions from them. We only ask that they set fair prices.¡±

    Her resolve grew as she spoke, a shining assertiveness and foresight recing the previous vulnerability in her eyes. Those present understood what the princess consort meant.

    Considering how theycked sufficient military power, it did appear that only in encouraging the refugees to riot could they minimize casualties and ensure the survival of the majority. Even thew couldn¡¯t punish so many at once; how could His Majesty punish such arge number of refugees?

    However, their hearts ached for those soon to be martyred: the elderly, children and women of those rich families. They had no say in the prices of the rice, yet they were to be bystander casualties nheless.

    When the group next looked at Qin Yining, they saw her in a different light.

    How intelligent and decisive was she to have thought of such a solution! Compassion drove her remorse over those about to lose their lives, yet she¡¯d done so to save the majority. Cruel as she may seem, could any of them truly denounce her?

    That night, Qin Yining found herself unable to sleep.

    She tossed and turned, kept awake by chilling mental images of mobs raiding the estates of the rich tomit arson, murder, and plunder while women and children were tortured to death.

    When she finally found sleep, she was frightened awake by nightmares.

    His wife¡¯s screams woke Pang Xiao with a jerk. The sight of her face streaked with tears squeezed his heart painfully as he drew her into a tight embrace.

    ¡°My darling, you¡¯ve done nothing wrong. Your solution isn¡¯t wrong. Even if there¡¯s fault to be distributed, the one upon the throne is to me, not you.¡±

    ¡°But the truth is that many will die because of my n.¡±

    ¡°That may be, but a great majority of the citizens will live because of you. Not just the people of Yang County, but all of the citizens living in the disaster zone.¡±

    Qin Yining leaned against Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulders with closed eyes and nodded. She had to bury her weaknesses in order to progress in the face of harsh reality.

    At daybreak, the refugees learned what the immoralndlords had done in their lust for money. When the Faithful Prince of the First Rank sought to purchase coarse rice from them, they increased their prices to the unaffordable amount of twelve taels per stone. The prince tried several times, receiving nothing but a face full of rejection for his efforts. Knowing this, the people agitated with outrage.

    Riots boiled over by noon. News spread of attacks on the Dings and the Peis. Meanwhile, Huzi dragged a person bound by rope before Pang Xiao and Qin Yining.

    ¡°Your Highness, the two we interrogated yesterday confessed they were acting on orders to provoke the refugees so that there would be a major riot. This one is the person pulling the strings.¡±

    The two looked down with conflicted feelings¡ªlying on her side and gagged with a rag was none other than Madame Lu.

    The princess consort intoned, ¡°Why? Didn¡¯t you move to your countryside estate? Why are you here and why did you do that? Do you know how many citizens were trampled to death because of you?¡±

    Biting down on the rag in her mouth, Madame Lu red wrathfully at her.

    ¡°Remove her gag so that she may speak,¡± ordered Qin Yining.

    ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± Huzi immediately removed the rag.

    Squirming like a massive cicadarva, Madame Lu struggled for a long while before she brought himself to a seated position. She lifted up her head at Pang Xiao, then Qin Yining before eximing, ¡°I only wanted to help the refugees! What wrong have Imitted?¡±

 Chapter 456: Contact

    <h4>Chapter 456: Contact</h4>

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t surprise me at all that Madame Lu has such kind intentions. I just never thought that you¡¯d still be so idiotic after all you¡¯ve suffered through.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s tone was measured and gentle, but every word was mental torture to Madame Lu¡¯s ears.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Madame Lu flushed beet red and looked throbbingly at Pang Xiao, beseeching help.

    The prince sat at the head seat leisurely drinking his tea, having cast not a single nce at her. She was trussed up like a chicken and thrown onto the floor, whereas Qin Yining had the right to be on the same footing as the prince and even viciously humiliate Madame Lu!

    Flying into a rage out of humiliation, she red scathingly at Qin Yining. ¡°Are you the only ones allowed to give aid?? What, other people can¡¯t even do a good deed?¡±

    The princess consort chuckled, amused by the sophistry. ¡°Riling up the people so they rush to their deaths is your idea of a good deed? Then if I want to take your life so that you reincarnate early, is that a good deed too?¡±

    Off to the side, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help a grin from spreading over his face.

    In the end, Madame Lu was frightened into submission by the furious and violent look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes. The madame scooted backward. ¡°You, you wouldn¡¯t dare! I¡¯m a Lu! My n will demand an answer from you if you so much as harm a hair on my head!¡±

    ¡°Oh? In that case, you goading on the people to mutiny is an action authorized by the Lus? Do you believe me if I say that your n will be utterly annihted when the emperor hears of this? Who will stick up for you then?¡±

    ¡°You cheap bitch, cut the nonsense! Don¡¯t you dare think of dragging House Lu into this!¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you remember that you¡¯re part of House Lu when you did things that would implicate the n?¡±

    Madame Lu realized to her chagrin that she wouldn¡¯t win an argument against Qin Yining at all. She wriggled her well-rounded body and looked tearily at Pang Xiao for help again, pleading tenderly, ¡°Your Highness, you are wise and noble. You know that I¡¯m not this sort of person.¡±

    This woman¡¯s audacity knew no bound! There she was, tantly attempting seduction right in front of Qin Yining, and multiple times to boot! Did she have no shame??

    The princess consort rose and stalked toward the madame, finally standing two steps away from the woman and loftily looked down at her. Her positioning also happened to block the woman¡¯s line of sight.

    The madame lifted her head upwards and realized with shock that this angle was simply too undignified. She averted her eyes with an angry snort.

    ¡°Out with it. Who instructed you to incite the citizens to rebel.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s voice was neither too ponderous nor too harried, but the look in her eyes raked Madame Lu like a y.

    ¡°No one gave me instructions,¡± insisted the madame doggedly. ¡°I felt that things were too difficult for the refugees. They¡¯re all hunched over by the walls out of starvation. So I had them make a bit of noise and demand food from court. I did this out of good intentions, how is that rebelling?¡±

    ¡°Oh? Do you need to be cross examined? Have you forgotten what you taught that man and woman to say to rile up the people?¡±

    ¡°Qin Yining! I know you don¡¯t like me, but you can¡¯t falsely use me like this! You¡¯re taking advantage of the opportunity to take revenge!¡± shrieked the madame.

    ¡°You¡¯re not worthy of being my enemy at all, so for what reason would I take revenge? You don¡¯t have to say anything now, it¡¯s already set in stone that you incited the riots. I just need to hand you over to the emperor. His Majesty will form his own judgement of the rest.¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare! I¡¯m a Lu! I...¡±

    ¡°The woman follows her husband after she marries. You¡¯re not only a daughter of the Lus, but a daughter-inw of the Mis. Ask yourself this, are your actions worthy of your husband, the Marquis of Valiant Faith? As the marchioness, you fed off the benefits of yourte husband to keep a harem of escorts. You tortured your husband while he lived¡ªdo you really think there¡¯s no such thing as karma in this world?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know anything!¡± Madame Lu¡¯s face turned even redder upon this full exposure. She opened her mouth to spit at the princess consort.

    Off to the side, quick-witted Jiyun kicked the madame over so that her spit didn¡¯t fly out.

    ¡°Stopper her mouth and keep a close guard on her. Don¡¯t let her get away, and most certainly don¡¯t let her die.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Huzi carried out Qin Yining¡¯s orders and hauled the madame out like a cut of meat.

    Pang Xiao rose and flung his arm around his wife. ¡°Jealous?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded seriously. ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m jealous. How dare she scheme about you right in front of me? She¡¯s shameless to the extreme! This kind of woman should be thrown into a bamboo cage and immersed in theke.¡± [1]

    The anger on her charming face, bunched up brows, and dissatisfied pout of her pert lips elicited unspeakable delight from Pang Xiao. Though it wasn¡¯t that appropriate in such a serious asion, he couldn¡¯t help but wrap her in his embrace and kiss her lightly on the lips.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, I don¡¯t care about anything they think. I have only you in my heart.¡±

    Sweet honey welled in Qin Yining¡¯s heart and contentment filled her. She hugged Pang Xiao¡¯s waist and buried her face in his chest. ¡°Do you mean that? What if a younger, prettier girl appears in the future? What if you like her? Will you take her as your concubine?¡±

 Chapter 456.2: Contact

    <h4>Chapter 456.2: Contact</h4>

    Pang Xiao was both amused and horrified by the question. ¡°How would I ever? One, there will never be another girl prettier than you. Two, I don¡¯t want any concubines. I said this long ago, I only want you.¡±

    Qin Yining remained silent, her face buried in the prince¡¯s embrace, but she was smiling and felt much more light-hearted.

    Footsteps traveled in from the outside, prompting the two to separate and find their seats.

    ¡°Your Highness, Madame Lu is locked away and awaiting further handling,¡± reported Huzi. ¡°The citizens have charged into the Ding and Pei manors and it¡¯s all a chaotic mess right now. There are casualties on both sides, but the people are worked up and there¡¯s so many of them. The guards for the two families aren¡¯t much of anything, so I think we¡¯ll see an end to the turmoil in less than an hour.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s mood plunged once more when she heard there were casualties. ¡°Should we send people to clean up the aftermath? It¡¯s enough to get our hands on the food, there¡¯s no need to wait until the people have wiped out the families.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle it all.¡± Pang Xiao nodded with a smile that was only surface deep. He had limited men and wouldn¡¯t be able to quickly quell the disturbance. It was even more unfeasible to quietly slip in for a rescue mission. It would also give rise to the possibility of unscrupulous people using this incident for their own purposes.

    The married couple had indeed used the refugees, but their intent was that more of them would live on. They wanted to trade the smallest sacrifice possible for more lives.

    The riots continued for a day and a night, with the curtains falling on three dozen civilian casualties and the extermination of the Dings and Peis.

    After seizing the food stashed away by the two families, smoke from long-vanished cooking fires rose in the city again.

    With this development and Pang Xiao¡¯s arrangements, strong security returned to Yang County and the two hapless families were quickly taken care of.

    News of the refugees rioting in Yang County traveled like it¡¯d grown wings, reaching the more popted old capital in no time at all. When Prefect Gong returned to his city, some of the wealthy families actually approached him for a change. Coarse rice that¡¯d been going for twelve taels a stone returned to one tael a stone. With this change, Pang Xiao¡¯s donation would keep the people going for some time.

    Everything seemed perfect on the surface, but Qin Yining had already spent two sleepless nights. Images of innocent Ding women and Pei children surfaced to her mind whenever she closed her eyes.

    Her idea had indeed saved more people, but it also meant the doom of more than fifty people thatprised of the two affected families. When the refugees transformed into rioters, they looted, raped, and piged. Though Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t described the scene to her and refused to let her apany the cleanup, it was easy enough to imagine what the families¡¯ gruesome ends had been.

    Casualties had already been incurred. If one treated the situation as a math calction, it was perfectly right and proper from a moral standpoint to trade fifty lives for those of thousands.

    But from the dead¡¯s perspective? Were they all evil viins deserving of death? What about the innocent women and children?

    Knives scraped across Qin Yining¡¯s heart when she thought of the situation.

    After treating her with medicines for two days, Bingtang could tell from her mistress¡¯ pulse that the knot of depression yet remained. ¡°Your Highness, please don¡¯t be too sad. Those people were doomed by their stupid patriarchs. The people wouldn¡¯t have resented them so much if it wasn¡¯t for the Dings and Peis being rich on wealth and short on kindness. They tried to profit off of a disaster and refused to share all that food they¡¯d hoarded. Perhaps theymitted a great deal of evil when they were alive¡ªit¡¯s just that the people didn¡¯t dare speak of it.¡±

    Bingtang couldn¡¯t bear to see her mistress so miserable, so she tried her best to offerfort.

    Qin Yining offered a sad smile. ¡°I know. My mind understands, but my heart thinks otherwise. I think I¡¯ll be better after a while longer.¡±

    The maid could only nod with a sigh. Time was indeed the best balm for any pain.

    ¡°Your Highness.¡± Jiyun entered the room with a slightly strange expression.

    The princess consort lowered her voice. ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a friend you once knew who¡¯s here to see you, a woman whose husband¡¯s surname is Liao. She was conducting business in the old capital when the earth dragon turned over. She came to make her greetings after learning you were here. Would you like to see her?¡± Jiyun nodded meaningfully.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart skipped a bit. It was Missus Liao from Azure Justice, her designated contact with the alliance. Why had shee knocking? Was it for the treasure?

    ¡°Show her in, since we¡¯re old acquaintances.¡± Palms sweaty with nervousness, Qin Yining had no idea why Missus Liao was here or if the emperor¡¯s spies had picked up on the peculiarities.

 Chapter 457.1: Betrayal

    <h4>Chapter 457.1: Betrayal</h4>

    Considering how His Majesty had arrived in secret and surrounded the old capital with soldiers, Qin Yining wouldn''t have sought out Missus Liao if the woman hadn''te of her own ord. There they were on the cusp of a crisis, with people causing problems left and right; why would she agree to meet with aplete stranger at a time like this?

    After a moment of contemtion, she decided someone as sharp as Missus Liao must have realized just as much. If she¡¯de despite the risks, it could only mean that a major problem hade up.

    If it wasn''t an internal problem Azure Justice couldn''t take care of themselves, then it must have to do with the most urgent matter at hand: the treasure.

    Qin Yining wasn''t sure if it was her own paranoia or the devastating circumstances they were in, but she¡¯d been on tenterhooks ever since arriving at Yang County, constantly anxious that something bad was about to happen.

    As her thoughts ran wild, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Jiyun escorted Missus Liao inside. The woman wore an embroidered, silk aqua jacket and her hair was held in ce by a silver hairpin. Now in the presence of Qin Yining, Missus Liao hastily knelt on the ground in the grand gesture of greeting. "Thismoner greets the princess consort."

    "Please rise, big sister Liao, we''re old acquaintances by now. There¡¯s no need for such formalities." Qin Yining upied the head seat and pointed at the empty spot beside her. "Please, sit and have some tea."

    "Thank you, Your Highness." Missus Liao sat beside Qin Yining, her body turned slightly to the side and her gaze lowered. "Thismoner is but the wife of a mere merchant. I dare not trespass on your generosity for associating with someone as lowly as myself, Your Highness."

    Qin Yining dimpled at her words. "Sister Liao grows aloof with every blink and spoken word. I recall you went on a business trip with your husband. What brings you here?"

    Missus Liao smiled bashfully. "Indeed, I was traveling with my husband. However, I received word of the disaster and wanted to help in what little way I can. I''ve brought some provisions and medicine with me, but it took awhile to get here as the mountain roads are difficult to navigate. Upon arrival, I learned that the disaster relief ambassador is none other than the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, and that Your Highness hade along. I just had to pay you a visit."

    Qin Yining beamed with joy, deeply moved by her words. "How righteous of you, sister Liao! This is a great deed for the people! I thank sister Liao on their behalf!" At that, she stood to curtsey.

    Taken aback, Missus Liao leapt to her feet and protested the courtesy she was being shown.

    "This won¡¯t do, Your Highness! This isn''t proper! The Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank are the ones who have done much for the people. People like us don¡¯t have much skill to our name and can offer paltry supplies at best. I am unworthy of such grand disys of gratitude."

    As Missus Liao helped Qin Yining up, she pressed a small ball of paper into the princess consort¡¯s palm, her movements concealed by their sleeves.

    Though Qin Yining didn''t visibly react, she clutched the paper tightly and exchanged a few more pleasantries with Missus Liao. She had servants take stock of the supplies and update the inventory records ordingly. She then personally saw the madame out and thanked her once again on behalf of the refugees.

    Even long after Missus Liao had taken her leave, the servants tasked with putting away the provisions and medicine eximed with wonder. "It looks like there are a lot of kind-hearted people in the world after all. There are still upstanding merchants who are willing to donate toplete strangers."

    "His Highness himself donated fifty thousand taels of silvers. The princess consort even sold her dowry."

    "Ai. If only the Dings and the Peis had even a sliver of kindness¡ªthen they wouldn''t have been exterminated. When His Highness went to negotiate for rice, they insisted on twelve taels per stone! Those immoral scumbags blinded by money were more despicable than robbers! And now they¡¯re dead because of it. Serves them right!"

    ¡­¡­

    Shame rose in Qin Yining as she heard their criticism of the Dings and Peis. The elderly, children, and women of those families hadn¡¯t participated in the atrocities at all, yet she¡¯d sentenced them to death all the same.

    With a heavy heart, she returned to the back office and dismissed her servants, leaving only Jiyun and Bingtang. After everyone made themselves scarce, Qin Yining asked Jiyun in a low voice, "Take a look around and see if the coast is clear."

    The guard¡¯s face sobered in an instant. After carefully surveyed their surroundings to confirm ack of surveince, she gave her mistress a nod.

    Qin Yining quickly unfolded the piece of paper and perused its contents. She reread the lines of tiny characters twice over. Her worst fears were realized.

    The treasure had indeed been carried off by the joint efforts of Azure Justice and the Silver Masks. Missus Liao had received daily updates on the treasure''s whereabouts via carrier pigeon. Thest pigeon carried a message from Azure Justice, informing her that the treasure was in jeopardy due to traitorous intent growing amongst the Silver Masks.

    That was thest time she received any messages. After colossal effort, she finally recently learned of the treasure¡¯s location in Yang County. She came with a group of people to investigate, but neither found the treasure nor the whereabouts of the original group of Silver Masks and Azure Justice members.

 Chapter 457.2: Betrayal

    <h4>Chapter 457.2: Betrayal</h4>

    Though Azure Justice wasrger in size, itcked discipline. It was unlikely that its members could best the Silver Masks¡ªthe elite of the elite¡ªinbat. If any of the former secret agents harbored duplicitous intentions, it was entirely possible for them to wipe out the alliance.

    Such was the disadvantage of not having anyone under her personalmand. Though it would seem as if she had the power of both groups at her disposal, few could resist the siren call of riches. In the end, internal discord had risen between the two.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face fell. It took a long moment before she was able to breathe again. Lifting the ed embroidered covering of antern, she lit the note on fire and watched its ashes flutter to the ground.

    "Your Highness, are you alright?" Worried, Bingtang took Qin Yining by the arm and helped her sit down. Her mistress¡¯ ice-cold fingers deepened her concerns.

    "Summer has just arrived, but your hands are so cold. Please listen to my advice.¡± Bingtang covered her mistress¡¯ hands with her own in entreaty. ¡°You have yet to fully recover from your previous injuries, so don''t worry yourself with these matters for the time being. You may have the prince to support you, but you must take care of yourself as well."

    Jiyun sighed as well. "We know it''s a tough situation to deal with, but you mustn''t shoulder all of the responsibility or you''ll fall ill. It''s not worth the stress."

    Qin Yining smiled wryly and nodded. "I''m aware of what you¡¯re saying. But when things like this actually happen, it is difficult not to take it all to heart."

    SinceBingtang and Jiyun couldn''t ask about the details of what had transpired;,ll they could do was change the subject to divert her attention. When the prince returned, Qin Yining whispered thetest developments into his ear.

    Pang Xiao wrapped his arms around her thin shoulders and pressed his lips against her forehead infort. "I see. Don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll send people to investigate. I¡¯m the one His Majesty distrusts the most, and seeing how he has soldiers lying in wait outside the city, we must act carefully to avoid suspicion."

    "I know. Missus Liao came in the name of donating provisions and medicine, so that shouldn''t be much cause for doubt."

    "Indeed. Neighboring provinces have also gotten word of our situation and begun donating food. Things are slowly improving for the people."

    Hearing this, Qin Yining''s mood lightened a bit. "That¡¯s the only thing we can feel good abouttely," she sighed.

    Pang Xiao gave a long sigh and held her tightly in his arms. His darling had been thrown into the same dangers he faced when she married him. There were times when even he despised his own selfishness¡ªif it weren''t for him, would Qin Yining have been bogged down by the mire?

    The prince¡¯s face darkened. Having seen those dear to him suffer, vague notions that had taken shape in his mind gradually began to solidify.

    After a few days of investigation, it seemed Yang County was the worst hit during the earthquake, so Pang Xiao and Qin Yining kept themselves stationed there while giving Sir Gong full jurisdiction over the old capital.

    The issue with provisions resolved and their survival ensured, the people simmered down and became much easier to manage. After what had happened to the Dings and Peis, other local wealthy families lowered their prices and even donated rice on their own ord.

    In a short amount of time, they found themselves with much to do.

    Pang Xiao and Sir Gong first arranged for the roads leading to the old capital to be cleared out to facilitate the smoother transportation of provisions. Meanwhile, Qin Yining spent most of her time in the yamen and quietly looked after her health at Pang Xiao''s urging.

    One day, while she read in her room, two light knocks sounded against her back window.

    Jiyun started with alertness. "Who''s there?" she called out quietly.

    Their visitor remained for a moment, then abruptly opened the window and somersaulted into the room.

    Qin Yining stared at the person before her, stunned. "Guard Captain Cao? What are you doing here?" she whispered. It was none other than Cao Yuqing, disguised as a man wearing a cropped, dark blue jacket.

    The princess consort pulled her close and barraged her with a series of worried questions. "Has something happened in the capital? Is my father well? Is the rest of my family well?"

    Seeing Qin Yining so nervous, Cao Yuqing couldn''t help but chuckle. "Don''t worry, everything¡¯s under control in the capital. Your father is well. However, he felt that something big is sure to happen on your end after he heard of a few things. The identities of His Highness¡¯ people have been exposed, so we couldn¡¯t send them to you. Presently, the other Silver Masks can¡¯t leave the capital either, but it¡¯s easy for a woman like me toe up with an excuse. I said I was ill and needed to leave the city for a few months of solitude. This gave me the chance toe here in secret in case you required my protection."

    Qin Yining blinked a few times before the truth dawned upon her. "My father announced he took you as a concubine, didn''t he?"

    Cao Yuqing blushed. "Yes. He nned to send me to you a month ago, but couldn''t find a legitimate reason for me to leave. Thus, he came up with the excuse that I needed to recover from being frail and bedridden after childbirth. That created the perfect opportunity. Your mother is extremely jealous though¡ªshe still wasn¡¯t speaking to your father when I left."

    Qin Yining was intimately acquainted with her mother¡¯s temper. She was deeply moved that her father had given up his reputation and peace just to send someone to protect her. However, the one she needed to thank the most was Cao Yuqing. Would anyone else have been willing to sully their name like this?

    Qin Yining knew Cao Yuqing still carried a torch for Qin Huaiyuan. Because of this, the former concubine swore off marriage so she could continue serving him as a bodyguard; it was also her devotion that propelled her to agree to any of his ns. Such was the tragedy of unattainable love.

 Chapter 458.1: Spy

    <h4>Chapter 458.1: Spy</h4>

    After getting married herself, Qin Yining gained an increasingly better understanding of Cao Yuqing¡¯s infatuation and heartache. The leader of the Silver Masks was no ordinary woman like those who fell prey to pettiness because of love. Her free spirit and open mind were both qualities Qin Yining truly admired.

    ¡°This must be difficult for you,¡± Qin Yiningmented, not knowing what to say.

    Strictly speaking, Cao Yuqing was n¨¦e Sun¡¯s love rival. Though Qin Huaiyuan always treated Cao Yuqing civilly, he never overstepped the bounds of propriety. If Pang Xiao also had such a devoted woman by his side watching over him, would Qin Yining¡ªas his wife¡ªnot feel vexed, even if her husband didn¡¯t fancy the woman in return?

    And yet, even if she felt Cao Yuqing¡¯s presence was upsetting, she couldn''t bring herself to hate such a reasonable person who knew their ce.

    The guard captain seemed to read Qin Yining¡¯s thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t think too much,¡± she reassured with a smile. ¡°This is my duty. I promised your father I would be his guard. Since his orders are to lend you my strength, of course I will do everything that¡¯s within my abilities.¡±

    Even so, it was impossible for people to bepletely emotionless. Qin Yining knew Cao Yuqing only said this to give her a little peace of mind, so she didn''t refute the guard¡¯s words.

    Cao Yuqing continued, ¡°Let¡¯s discuss serious matters while we have the luxury of being alone.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Qin Yining assented. ¡°Do you know that something has happened to the treasure?¡±

    ¡°I guessed that something went amiss,¡± Cao Yuqing replied, ¡°as not one of the six has responded to my letters. I discussed this with your father, and he thinks it¡¯s safe to assume the treasure has gone missing. As for the traitor¡¯s affiliations, the probability of them being an Azure Justice member is just as likely as it being a Silver Mask.¡±

    ¡°How likely do you think it is that the traitor¡¯s a Silver Mask ?¡±

    Cao Yuqing couldn''t help theugh that escaped her. ¡°You certainly are forward. As the leader of the Silver Masks, it¡¯s natural for me to trust my subordinates. Perhaps you¡¯re unfamiliar with how we work, but I can say with confidence that once chosen, we train starting from childhood. Though it seems we work for money, above all, we are taught to be loyal and steadfastly dedicate ourselves to the mission.

    ¡°In simpler terms, though silver is how we¡¯repensated, we don''t see money as the most important thing in our lives. Don¡¯t expect people who have been trained to be tools to be much interested in anything else.¡±

    Worry began to gnaw at Qin Yining when she understood what Cao Yuning meant. ¡°So you mean it¡¯s pretty much impossible for any of the six to have betrayed us?¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Cao Yuqing asserted with utmost confidence. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Azure Justice has told you, nor do I know what happened with them, but the fact of the matter is that the treasure has disappeared, along with certain people. You have no concrete proof, but decided the turncoat was a Silver Mask spy who after only a handful of words from the alliance. That¡¯s rather biased of you, no?¡±

    To be honest, the guard captain had a point. The question of how much Qin Yining¡¯s father trusted the Silver Masks aside, she herself didn''t have a good impression of Azure Justice.

    Back when they fought to overthrow the decrepit emperor, they were more akin to a ragtag group of wandering street performers with a few simple tricks up their sleeves. Though shared hatred of the emperor brought them together, bandits joined their ranks after revenge was obtained.

    Since Azure Justice of the past wasprised of Great Yan rebels, most weren¡¯t registered in the nation¡¯s census, even more easily allowing felons with questionable character to slither in unnoticed.

    After Great Yan surrendered to Great Zhou, these undocumented individuals were marginalized even further.

    The household registry of Great Zhou was based on that of Great Yan. Thus, these hoodlums who were unable to previously obtain citizenship remained illegal citizens in the eyes of Great Zhou.

    It wasn¡¯t that Qin Yining looked down on these people¡ªit was just a fact that they were arge groupcking organization, every member acting on their own. Not only were they uncooperative, they often conspired against her at their own whims. They didn''t really trust her.

    Compared to the highly disciplined and professionally trained Silver Masks, Azure Justice was a pile of scattered sand. It was clear who was the morepetent of the two.

    Qin Yining spiraled into her thoughts, but the outside world remained a mere breath away.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell me the current status so we can figure out a solution,¡± Cao Yuqing suggested. ¡°I often discussed matters concerning you with your father, so I more or less know how he views the situation. If you trust me, I can even tell you what your father said to me if I find we¡¯re dealing with the same problems.¡±

    Qin Yining was overjoyed at this and gushed, ¡°Yes, please do.¡±

    Without further ado, she first recounted how she and Pang Xiao discovered the treasure and were forced to stay in that very same cave. After being ced under house arrest in the mountains, they found a way to get information out. Then came the journey to the old capital and Yang County, after which were their disaster relief and rice procurement efforts.

    Finally, she exined what had happened following Madame Liao¡¯s arrival.

    ¡°You¡¯re saying the emperor already has the old capital surrounded? I didn''t see any of his soldiers on my way here though.¡±

    ¡°They have barracks set up, of course, but they can¡¯t afford to be too conspicuous. I assume they¡¯ve made camp in concealed grounds and have split up to hide themselves.¡±

    ¡°Fascinating.¡± Cao Yuqing couldn¡¯t help but smirk from the irony. ¡°The minds of those who upy the throne are just different from us ordinary folk. The lives of the people mean nothing to them, hmm? I¡¯d say our self-proimed noble emperor has chosen the treasure over the refugees.

    ¡°If you and the prince hadn¡¯t wracked your brains to help to the point of emptying your own pockets and bing scapegoats, I fear this ce would have long gone to madness. How would His Majesty have the spare energy to search for the treasure then?¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wryly as well.

 Chapter 458.2: Spy

    <h4>Chapter 458.2: Spy</h4>

    ¡°One must keep their heads low when passing through a low doorway. We are at our wit¡¯s end too. Now that the treasure has vanished into thin air, I¡¯m concerned that Azure Justice members or the Silver Masks are in peril. I¡¯m truly at a loss as to what I should do.¡±

    Cao Yuqing pondered for a good moment. ¡°I would say it¡¯s a certainty that the treasure went missing because someone turned against you. I also don¡¯t believe that a Silver Mask was the one to do it. Our people are trained to be tools, so they really wouldn¡¯t do such a thing. Few can resist the siren call of riches¡ªit¡¯s likely Azure Justice used this mission as an excuse to take it all for themselves. That, or the treasure has been hidden to lure people out and finish them all off at once.¡±

    ¡°I worry the same,¡± Qin Yining sighed. ¡°Though the prince has no interest in overthrowing the emperor, His Majesty continues to doubt and think the worst of him. It¡¯s only a matter of time before he strikes, so it won¡¯t be safe for the treasure to be in his hands. If His Majesty would just spare a thought for the people, we wouldn¡¯t have sprung into premature action to obtain it.¡±

    It was precisely because they didn''t have enough manpower¡ªwhat with Pang Xiao¡¯s men having been ced under strict surveince¡ªthat Qin Yining had turned to the Silver Masks and Azure Justice forck of a better option.

    And yet, things had still gone awry.

    Cao Yuqing patted Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll continue investigating for a few days. The other Silver Masks and I have our secret codes we use to contact one another. After I¡¯ve looked into the situation further, I¡¯lle back to discuss what I¡¯ve discovered.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes brightened at this. ¡°No wonder my father sent you.¡±

    Cao Yuqing couldn¡¯t help smiling. ¡°Your father is an astute strategist.¡±

    Augh burst from Qin Yining¡¯s lips. Cao Yuqing blushed and chuckled softly along with her.

    By nature, Cao Yuqing had a gentle charisma about her. Herughter shook her like flowers atop a tree. Though she was dressed as a man, her every move exuded an exquisite air of beauty amid a masculine charm.

    Even as Qin Yining took delight in her mirth, she couldn¡¯t help a sigh.

    It was no wonder n¨¦e Sun disliked Cao Yuqing as much as she did. The more time one spent with this woman meant the more endearing qualities they would uncover. The heart of a fighter, as strong as any man, beat beneath her beautiful physique.

    Cao Yuqing stayed for a brief moment more before taking her leave without a sound.

    When Pang Xiao returned, Qin Yining sat with him in the quiet back office as she whispered today¡¯s happenings into his ear. His first reaction was baffled shock, then curiosity about the note from Azure Justice.

    Clever as she was, Qin Yining had itmitted to memory after reading it thoroughly twice over. So when Pang Xiao asked, she recited its contents word for word.

    He caressed her shoulders, murmuring, ¡°It seems this will be forced into the open after all.¡±

    Qin Yining grew uneasy at his words. ¡°Does His Majesty already know?¡±

    Pang Xiao considered this carefully. ¡°We aren''t at aplete disadvantage. At least we¡¯ve noticed Azure Justice¡¯s suspicious intentions.¡±

    ¡°You think Azure Justice is the more suspicious one as well?¡± Qin Yining pressed.

    ¡°That¡¯s also just spection on my part,¡± Pang Xiao responded. ¡°But it¡¯s certainly been difficult making heads or tails of their actions. I also have yet to understand why His Majesty is so certain the treasure is in Yang County. The roads leading here are too difficult to travel. Considering how heavy the treasure is, they can¡¯t have arrived with an empty carriage. How was it transported and hidden without anyone noticing?¡±

    The prince didn¡¯t intend to imply anything by his words, but they inspired Qin Yining to think on another level.

    ¡°In other words, they probably made their ns a long time ago. They¡¯d already tracked down the treasure¡¯s hiding ce. Perhaps they used the carrier pigeons we sent as a signal. That allowed them to hide the treasure while avoiding others.¡± The more Qin Yining spoke, the more helpless she felt.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached for her. He drew her into his arms, reassuring, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about this. Let¡¯s wait for word from Guard Captain Cao. She¡¯s much more adept than I am at investigating undercover and will definitely find some clues.¡±

    As expected, when Pang Xiao was out patrolling the soup kitchens the next day, Cao Yuqing once again entered through the window without a sound.

 Chapter 459.1: Fissure

    <h4>Chapter 459.1: Fissure</h4>

    Qin Yining quickly ushered Cao Yuqing to a seat. "You haven¡¯t eaten yet, have you? Have something to eat with me,¡± the princess consort whispered.

    Cao Yuqing shook her head. "I had a bite to eat earlier. I found clues left behind by a Silver Mask."

    Seeing the heavy expression the guard captain wore, Qin Yining also grew solemn.

    With Cao Yuqing¡¯s abilities, she would be able to sniff out any clues the Silver Masks left behind. Nevertheless, it was surprising that there really had been any to find. Did this mean there was something off about the Azure Justice members?

    Qin Yining felt as if she were wandering in a fog of confusion; she had no idea which side to believe. How nice would it be to have unquestionably loyal subordinates under her directmand! If she had such a group of people, would they be in this mess now? Would she be caught between a rock and a hard ce as she was now?

    Sensing Qin Yining''s inner turmoil, Cao Yuqing patted her shoulder infort. "The clues led me to a fissure in the ground caused by the earthquake. It¡¯s located on the road from the old capital to Yang County. It¡¯s very big, and there¡¯s no trees to bridge it, so most find a way to get around it. I pretended I was just passing by and snuck a quick look, but didn''t get too close to avoid attracting unwanted attention. I suspect that¡¯s where the treasure has been hidden."

    Qin Yining pale hands clutched at her skirt so tightly that her cherry blossom pink nails grew white. The taste of betrayal was hardly a savory one¡ªespecially when lives were at stake.

    She didn''t fear death, but this was a life-or-death situation for both the Pangs and the Qins. In a constant state of panic, she couldn''t help but me herself.

    If she hadn''t gotten full of herself and proposed that n, would Pang Xiao have involved Azure Justice? Would things have devolved to the way they were now?

    As Qin Yining''s eyes grew distant, Cao Yuqing looked into the girl¡¯s elegant face. She reached out to put an arm around Qin Yining¡¯s shoulders and pat her.

    "Don''t think so much. This isn¡¯t your fault. What''s done is done, so we just need to figure out how to make up for it. Come what may, we will find a way. The prince and I will protect you, and your family will ensure the safety of both your families in the capital. You may not have faith in yourself, but you surely believe in your father, no?"

    Qin Yining drew a deep breath, nodding slowly. ¡°You''re right. My father is the Wise Pan An¡ªeven if I make a colossal mistake, he¡¯ll be able toe up with a solution." Despite her words, she wondered if she was merely trying tofort herself.

    However, Cao Yuqing smiled. "Really, don''t say such a thing. On the contrary, I think you handle things so well normally that your father actually wants you to stir up some trouble¡ªthat way, you''d go crying to him for help. Though your father doesn¡¯t have many children, he loves his little ones dearly. His brilliance may be out of this world, but he has his childish side."

    When she spoke of Qin Huaiyuan, her voice grew exceptionally gentle.

    Qin Yining knew the guard captain had been carrying a torch for her father for many years. In Qin Huaiyuan''s greatest moments of need, she remained steadfast by his side without asking for anything in return. Such devotion was highly admirable.

    At times, such feelings left her feeling at odds with herself; she should¡¯ve treated Cao Yuqing as her enemy for her mother¡¯s sake.

    However, Cao Yuqing hadn''t continued professing her feelings upon discovery that Qin Huaiyuan didn''t feel the same way. She became his most loyal guard and subordinate instead, content to serve him in the shadows without seeking any reward. Truly, Qin Yining couldn''t find it in herself to hate her.

    "Auntie Cao." Qin Yining gazed at Cao Yuqing and uttered this heartfelt honorific. ¡°Thank you so much."

    Cao Yuqing''sshes fluttered slightly. Seeing the sincerity in Qin Yining''s eyes, a gentle smile slowly blossomed across her face. "Silly girl. Your father and I are good friends, so it¡¯s only right that I help him. What are you thanking me for?"

    Qin Yining shook her head. She didn''t borate any further, but she was deeply moved.

    As a Silver Mask, Cao Yuning could have done away with n¨¦e Sun in a hundred different ways and imed the senior madame¡¯s position. She wouldn¡¯t have left a single trace behind if she had any impure intentions.

    Yet, she didn''t.

    Qin Yining sighed and shook her head. She dropped the subject, not wanting to sadden Cao Yuqing or cause her further difort. "I understand the situation now. I will confer with His Highness beforeing to a decision."

    "Very well. His Highness'' views are highly valuable, and he excels at grasping the bigger picture. You two discuss while I investigate some more. I¡¯ll report back if I find anything." With that, Cao Yuning stood.

    Qin Yining attempted to urge her to stay. "It isn''t safe outside. You should stay here for the time being."

    "No need, I can look after myself out there. What''s more, I must keep an eye out for the Dragon Riders'' whereabouts, which will be difficult to do if I stayed."

    Finally, Qin Yining nodded in understanding. She walked Cao Yuning to the window and watched her swift exit.

    After Pang Xiao returned, Qin Yining updated him on what she had learned, as per usual.

    "You say the earthquake caused the fissure? The same one we passed by when we traveled to Yang County from the old capital?"

    "Indeed," Qin Yining sighed. "If Auntie Cao hadn''t found those clues left by the Silver Mask, no one would¡¯ve thought the treasure was there."

    Pang Xiao noticed she addressed Cao Yuqing in a different manner from before. He wrapped his arms around her waist so that she sat on hisp. "I see you have grown quite fond of n¨¦e Cao?"

    "I hold her in high esteem." Qin Yining faced sideways in Pang Xiao''sp and pillowed her head against his shoulder. "I may be disrespecting my mother, but objectively speaking, I feel Auntie Cao has done a great deal for my father. Not once has she harmed my mother through petty means, nor did she invite herself into my father''s bed. Rather, she¡¯s content with serving as his bodyguard. Were I in her position, I don''t think I could do the same."

 Chapter 459.2: Fissure (1)

    <h4>Chapter 459.2: Fissure (1)</h4>

    Pang Xiao raised an eyebrow, his arms tightening around his wife. "If I had been a married man when we first met, would you have brushed me aside without falling for me?"

    At this, Qin Yining straightened and tilted her head up to look at him. Pang Xiao gazed down at her in kind. They held each other''s gaze.

    "You foolish man," she chided, her smiling voice thick with emotion. "Why consider something that never would¡¯ve happened?"

    He acted like such a child sometimes, fretting over impossible what-ifs.

    However, Pang Xiao didn''t stop at that and shook her gently. "That won''t do, you have to answer me. If I¡¯d already married someone else before we met, does that mean you wouldn''t have liked me and thus wouldn''t havee with me?"

    The princess consort contemted the question seriously and considered her likes and dislikes. Finally, she nodded. "If external factors left me with no choice but to go with you, then perhaps I would. But if I were to follow my heart, I¡¯m not willing to be a concubine and steal someone else¡¯s husband. As a woman myself, I¡¯m all too aware of the hardships we face. Do not unto others as you wouldn''t want them to do to you, after all.

    "But when the heart has stirred, there''s no controlling it."

    Qin Yining dimpled with a shake of her head. "The heart is one thing. Your actions are another. Would it be right to disturb someone else¡¯s family because of one¡¯s own selfishness? Does the excuse that emotions are difficult to control entitle one to forgiveness? In my opinion, humans are superior to animals because we¡¯re rational and can control our actions. If we let instinct dictate our decisions, how are we any different from themon beast?"

    "Some nerve you have." Pang Xiao burst intoughter despite himself, nting a loud smooch on her cheek. "You''ve denounced all the men who can''t resist having a mistress and those who can¡¯t control themselves from being a side piece."

    Qin Yining dimpled and rested her head against his shoulder. "Everyone thinks differently. Those are just my thoughts on the matter. Though I support my mother and have no wish to see her live unhappily, I also know Auntie Cao has done nothing wrong. Her feelings toward my father are no less than my mother''s own devotion¡ªin fact, I daresay she¡¯s done more for him."

    "You trust her, then?" Pang Xiao nuzzled his chin against her forehead.

    Qin Yining could only nod at that. "I do. I do because of how she feels about my father, and because she previously showed that she loves even those connected to him. She wouldn''t lie to me. Even if the six Silver Masks did turn, I don''t think she was in the know."

    Having heard Qin Yining''s analysis, he pressed a kiss against her forehead. They were in a tricky situation.

    Repairs were rapidlymencing on the roads and the disaster zone had been stabilized, so there was no risk of another revolt for the time being. However, Li Qitian was watching their every move. Furthermore, he had the Dragon Riders stationed within proximity of the old capital. If the married couple acted blindly, Li Qitian would show no mercy. The emperor was being driven mad by hisck of funds.

    This wouldn''t have been a concern for Pang Xiao if he was acting alone, but he now had Qin Yining to consider. If he were on his own, he could do whatever he wanted without regard for the consequences, but it was different with his wife. He couldn''t have her shoulder the risks with him.

    However, now that the disaster relief efforts had no real need for the treasure, he knew exactly what Li Qitian would do with it if he obtained it first. If that happened, he wouldn''t be the only one in trouble¡ªJi Zeyu would also be forced into an awkward situation.

    The emperor already devised all sorts of schemes to weaken their authority and drive a wedge between them when he didn''t have any wealth. This was a prime example of disposing of the bow once all the birds had been shot down.

    If Li Qitian got his hands on the treasure, only the heavens knew what he would concoct next. No longer a lone wolf, Pang Xiao had others to worry about and thus wasn''t about to take any chances.

    Alright, we have to seize the treasure first then. Whether or not he needed to use it for his own forces, he had to keep it out of Li Qitian¡¯s hands for their own safety. But what could they do under such tight surveince?

    Suddenly, Qin Yining spoke up. "I thought of a way for us to get close to the treasure, but I don''t know if it will work. Tell me what you think?"

    Pang Xiao grinned. "Our hearts seem to be beating as one. I was just considering the same problem."

    Qin Yining dimpled and rose to her feet to whisper in his ear. Pang Xiao hesitated for a moment after she finished, but in the end, he nodded tentatively. "Very well. Our chances of sess notwithstanding, it will allow you to return to the capital. Better that than staying here to remain in danger and suffering.¡±

 Chapter 460: Fissure (II)

    <h4>Chapter 460: Fissure (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining''s brows furrowed at this. "What are you saying? I didn''t bring this up with you so that I can return to the capital. Living conditions may not be as favorable here, but don¡¯t you feel more at ease if you can keep an eye on me yourself? If I am to return, wouldn¡¯t that be the same as sending another hostage his way?"

    His wife¡¯s words rendered Pang Xiao temporarily speechless. This was what it was like to have a wife whose mind was sharp beyond measure¡ªnot only would the ws in his arrangements be pointed out, he had no way of refuting her concerns.

    "I¡¯m just worried you¡¯ll suffer by staying here with me. You may not have noticed, but you''ve lost so much weight during this time. It''s been one disaster after another, which isn¡¯t good for your anemia. Bingtang has always stressed the importance of looking after your health, but you can''t do that if you''re with me. Not only are you unable to live in blissful peace, you''re under constant stress. I took you as my wife so that you can livefortably, but you¡¯re always suffering because of me."

    Qin Yining''s heart was already helplessly soft for him. The fact that a deadly, assertive man like Pang Xiao allowed himself moments of weakness in her presence was the greatest indication of how much he trusted and respected her.

    She extended her arms to embrace her husband. "Don''t worry. I was a very healthy child growing up, so I''ll be fine. What''s more, I have Bingtang looking after me everyday. What can possibly happen to me? This is a matter of life or death. I wouldn¡¯t be able to live with myself if I abandon you to live in thep of luxury on my own.

    "Say what you may, but having Azure Justice and the Silver Masks work together was my idea. Now that something¡¯s gone wrong, I must take responsibility."

    "My darling, don''t say such a thing. We shared the same thoughts back then. You proposed the idea to help me, and I agreed to it only after careful consideration. Even if you somehow punched a hole in the sky, I would also take responsibility! What kind of man would I be if I hid under the skirts of my wife whenever things went awry?" Pang Xiao involuntarily reached out to grab Qin Yining''s hands, his brows furrowed. "Do you understand? No matter what you do, I will share your burden. You are not to push yourself if I don¡¯t ask you to!"

    Her hands began to hurt from his tight grip, but she couldn''t bring herself to let go the bony, chapped, yet warm hands covering her own. She knitted her brows together slightly before speaking again.

    "We are tied to one another as husband and wife. I should shoulder whatever burdens you bear for me. I thought we were equals, so what¡¯s this talk about who''s hiding behind who¡¯s back? If the one who sits on the throne decides to execute you, do you think he will let me off?"

    "Pah, forget that nonsense at once!" Pang Xiao pinched Qin Yining''s cheek. "You little rascal, must you really bring up the greatest worry of all?"

    Qin Yining had hit the nail right on Pang Xiao''s deepest fear. His greatest fear wasn¡¯t losing his life, but dragging her down with him because of his selfish decision in marrying her.

    Seeing his face grow red with anxiety, Qin Yining knew he worried for her. She sighed and nestled herself into Pang Xiao''s arms to alleviate the tension. "Alright, let''s not quarrel over this. In any case, I¡¯m not returning to the capital. What do you think of what I proposed earlier?"

    The prince pursed his lips in long contemtion. "It can be arranged, but it will be very dangerous. You must take everyone you need when you go."

    Qin Yining dimpled. "Don''t worry. I will have five Silver Masks with me if I include Auntie Cao. Such an entourage would befit the emperor of Great Yan himself. How dangerous can it be?"

    Pang Xiao was beyond reluctant¡ªhow could he not be, knowing Qin Yining was putting herself at risk for his sake? Li Qitian had men stationed around the city, but he gave them no further orders, nor did they take any further action. There was no way of knowing what he was up to. What''s more, it was entirely possible that Pang Xiao was being watched everywhere he went, making it impossible for him to join his wife.

    Qin Yining''s n was rather simple.

    The Princess Consort of the First Rank was worn out from extensive travel¡ªand her health had never been good to begin with. The perils she faced on the road had shaken her so badly that she¡¯d fallen ill. Thus, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was sending Her Highness back to the capital for medical attention.

    So the next day, Qin Yining was ovee by her illness, throwing the servants in the yamen into a frenzy. By the third day, she appeared pale and jaundiced to those who saw her, her eyes unfocused and lifeless as if she would pass out at any moment.

    Seeing the princess consort in such a state, Magistrate Li pulled Pang Xiao''s sleeve with great urgency. "This is all because of the earthquake! The esteemed Princess Consort, eating likemoners and living under such duress for so long¡ªit''s no wonder someone as frail as she would fall ill!"

    "It¡¯s just like you say," Pang Xiao agreed, vexed. "It''s all my fault¡ªI''ve been so busy that I neglected to look after her. Her body has always been weak, but she trudged through wind and rain to apany me to the disaster zone. It seems that old afflictions have caught up with her once again."

    "What will you do, Your Highness? Living conditions here are less than ideal, and there aren''t any good doctors to consult."

    "I n to have some men escort her back to the capital so she can be treated. As for His Majesty, I will write a formal report to exin the situation." Pang Xiao couldn''t help but sigh.

    Magistrate Li had been spending almost every waking hour of the past few days with the prince, so he had nothing but respect for the war god.

    "Worry not, Your Highness," he replied immediately. "This subordinate''s words don''t carry much weight, but I will also write to His Majesty so that he won¡¯t misinterpret your actions."

    Moved, Pang Xiao looked at Magistrate Li. Phoenix-shaped eyes filled with gratitude, he smiled and pped the magistrate on the shoulder. "My thanks!"

    Magistrate Li smiled and waved a hand, his face flushed with embarrassment. "It''s the least I can do for the prince and princess consort, as it is my duty to speak the truth to His Majesty. How does that merit your thanks, Your Highness?"

    "Regardless, I must thank you," Pang Xiao replied sincerely. "Government officials with the same sense of justice and duty as Magistrate Li are in the minority."

    Such praise had the magistrate flush even redder. He waved his hands frantically and exchanged a few more pleasantries before hastily excusing himself, very much flustered.

    And so, the day after Pang Xiao and Magistrate Li filed their reports, soldiers and servants escorted Qin Yining out of the yamen. They headed in the direction of the fissure that Cao Yuqing had mentioned.

    Though they traveled by carriage, the road they took had already been repaired, so they wasted little time and arrived by noon.

    Dressed as a man, Cao Yuqing sat up front as their driver. She lifted her gaze to exchange looks with Jingzhe and the other three Silver Masks. Once they understood their orders, the four Silver Masks headed off in different directions to scout the area.

    It wasn''t long before they returned and reported there was no one around lying in wait. Only then did Qin Yining step off the carriage and follow Cao Yuqing to the underground opening with the rest of her retinue.

 Chapter 461: Traitor (I)

    <h4>Chapter 461: Traitor (I)</h4>

    ¡°Look over there.¡± Cao Yuqing took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and pointed at a crack in the ground. ¡°I suspect this is the entrance. I didn¡¯t get close when I was investigating since I didn¡¯t want to attract unwanted attention, but you can see a light glinting from the hole at night. Though they¡¯ve covered it up with leaves, you can still see the reflection from inside.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°I trust your judgement. Shall we head down now?¡±

    Cao Yuqing thought for a moment. ¡°Since we¡¯vee, we might as well take a look inside. I suspect the treasure is here. However, you must keep your guard up and stay close to me. We can¡¯t be certain, but I worry that the ones who hid the treasure will be waiting to attack.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. Her brain knew it was possible that Azure Justice had betrayed her, but her heart still refused to believe this.

    Hand in hand, the guard captain led the princess consort forward a few steps before suddenly stopping. ¡°Wait. I still think we should send someone to investigate. There¡¯s no rush, seeing as we¡¯re already here. Xiaoxue.¡±

    The dark-skinned Xiaoxue stepped forward immediately with a bow.

    ¡°Take a look, stealthily.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± As the best of the group in levitation skills, Xiaoxue was able carry out tasks such as investigating the terrain without much trouble.

    Cao Yuqing assumed a protective stance in front of Qin Yining, leading Bingtang, Jiyun and the remaining three Silver Masks behind trees by the roadside. Xiaoxue disappeared into the hole.

    An hour passed before he reemerged. Only after seeing him brush away the leaves covering the hole and nod in their direction did Cao Yuqing feel it safe to venture forth.

    ¡°What¡¯s the situation inside?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s spacious,¡± Xiaoxue replied. ¡°The fissure leads to a natural cavern¡ªmaybe formed by the earthquake¡ªand there are a few boxes inside. I heard the sound of running water, so there must be other exits, but I didn¡¯t have the time to search for them.¡±

    Cao Yuqing nodded and looked to Qin Yining in inquiry. The princess consort thought for a moment. ¡°Did you see what was inside the boxes?¡±

    ¡°Silver ingots. Each worth ten taels apiece.¡±

    Hearing this, Qin Yining was even more certain a portion of the treasure was hidden here. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. There¡¯s no one else here, but we should take a look nheless.¡±

    Jingzhe and Xiaoxue went down the fissure first. Next, Cao Yuqing helped Qin Yining in, while Bingtang and Jiyun followed behind them. Xiaoman and Dahan were thest to enter.

    Dahan followed the entire group closely from behind, lighting his way with a torch. However, when they reached a bend in the road, he couldn¡¯t help but look back at the entrance.

    As expected, they quickly arrived at an expansive area after passing through a wide passageway. Dancing torchlight flickered every which way in the wind, bathing them all in an orange hue. Large chests essorized with camphor corner guards were piled not far away. Red-orange light glinted off the precious snow packed neatly inside, its brilliance dazzling to the eye.

    Qin Yining looked carefully at the wooden boxes, feeling as if she¡¯d seen them somewhere before. ¡°Yes, these are indeed the former emperor¡¯s treasure chests.¡±

    She and Pang Xiao had been trapped where the treasure was kept for a long time and so were very familiar with the boxes.

    Jingzhe took a big step forward and grabbed a handful of silver ingots for inspection, muttering, ¡°His Majesty, the old emperor, this is really too...¡±

    As a former spy of the previous emperor, it wasn''t proper for him to voice his disapproval, no matter how much dissatisfaction he nursed

    And yet, everyone present possessed their own grievances toward the former ruler of Great Yan. The emperor emeritus would rather his people starve than bring his riches out from the shadows. He only cared about the opportunity to rise again. The thought of such an ipetent emperor who cared so little about the lives of his people still had them itch with hatred¡ªthey¡¯d eat him alive if they could!

    A few of the Silver Masks inspected the silver inside the chests. Meanwhile, Qin Yining¡¯s brows frowned fiercely. Noticing there was something off, Cao Yuqing asked quietly, ¡°What is it? Is something wrong?¡±

    The princess consort walked over to the boxes and picked up a silver ingot, weighing it in her hand. ¡°Something¡¯s just not quite right here. There was so much treasure, so why are there only a few chests here?¡±

    Cao Yuqing smiled. ¡°Perhaps the treasure was split up and hidden in different locations?¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think that is the case. Under such abnormal circumstances, there¡¯s no need for them to store a portion of the treasure near the epicenter of the earthquake, even if they wish to hide it.¡±

    ¡°Do you think...¡±

    ¡°I think they mean for such a paltry number of boxes to serve as bait.¡± As Qin Yining spoke, she tossed the ingot back into the box. When the silver rolled downward, she suddenly realized that the silver in the boxes were only twoyers high¡ªa wooden board was underneath. When she lifted the board up, the silver ingots tumbled to the bottom with a crash. Beneath the surfaceyer of silver, the box was empty!

    Her face fell at once. ¡°This is a trap! We must leave now!¡±

    The group paled and dashed toward the cavern¡¯s entrance. Little did they know that Madame Liao and a dozen others were waiting for them there.

    Qin Yining¡¯s countenance darkly brooding, sheughed sarcastically. ¡°I didn''t expect to see Madame Liao here.¡±

    Madame Liao stared back at Qin Yining with a faint smile. ¡°I also didn''t anticipate seeing our alliance head here either.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± The girl quirked a brow. ¡°I thought Madame Liao would¡¯ve been expecting me. Hadn¡¯t you already finishedying your trap by the time you came to visit that day?¡±

    ¡°Why, you wound me!¡± The older woman frowned and clutched her chest as if in pain. ¡°Do you mean to say we are the viins, Alliance Head?¡±

    Qin Yining pointed at the armed men wearing cold scowls on their faces behind the older woman. ¡°Madame Liao, do you really think I¡¯d believe that you¡¯re loyal, and that you harbor no malicious intent at a time like this?¡±

    Hearing this, Madame Liao turned back to look at the men behind her, then covered her mouth with a hand as sheughed. ¡°I¡¯ve always known you to be a clever person, Alliance Head. In that case, I will keep you in the dark no longer.¡±

    ¡°So you mean to end me?¡±

    Madame Liao looked amazed by the response. ¡°Everyone hails Wise Pan An is a keen strategist¡ªit seems the alliance head has taken a leaf out of his book.¡±

    That was a quiet affirmation. However, Qin Yining remained unafraid.

    She pursed her lips. ¡°Tell me this first, what happened to my other six subordinates?¡±

    The older woman beamed merrily. ¡°I imagine someone as smart as the alliance head can surmise what became of them.¡±

    Hearing this, Qin Yining tilted her head upward and closed her eyes. Though she had never met those six Silver Masks, they¡¯d lost their lives because of her orders¡ªhow was she not to grieve their fate?

    Madame Liao stepped forward with her men. One of them handed her a sword. ¡°Those underlings of yours were certainly difficult to shake off,¡± she said as she approached the princess consort. ¡°If they hadn¡¯t caught on to what we were up to, more of our brothers would still be with us today.¡±

 Chapter 462: Traitor (II)

    <h4>Chapter 462: Traitor (II)</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s pupils constricted slightly as she noted quietly, ¡°Those six had no grudge or enmity with you. I¡¯ve always viewed the alliance as an ally of justice, one that meted out righteousness and protected the people. To me, the alliance seemed made up of kind, merciful heroes. But no, even you harm others in pursuit of money!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk like you¡¯re so high ss.¡± Madame Liao flushed beet-red and raised her voice. ¡°You had everything in life the moment you were born! What do you know about the hardships of usmoners? The trash emperor didn¡¯t give a rat¡¯s ass about our lives and raised a pack of filthy Silver Masks instead¡ªthey did all his dirty work for him! They¡¯re just dogs that the trash emperor kept for fun, they should¡¯ve died a long time ago!

    ¡°And what the hell are you, hmm? Dare you admit that you epted Azure Justice because you wanted to use our strength? Dare you im to be any nobler than the trash emperor after you took in his stray dogs?

    ¡°All of you are the minions and pawns of that bastard emperor. All of you are equally repulsive! Now you pull a disgusted expression and interrogate me about harming others and stealing wealth? You just wanted to use us to get the treasure for you so you can build up your husband¡¯s army! You too are harming others and plundering wealth!

    ¡°Don¡¯t treat us all as fools. On what basis do we risk our lives while you make off with all the goods?!¡± Madame Liao advanced with an unsheathed sword in hand.

    With a grave face, Cao Yuqing kept Qin Yining firmly behind her. The two backed away, covered by Jingzhe and the others.

    Madame Liao however, was in no rush to im their lives. She walked up to the chests and hefted a silver ingot.

    ¡°This silver is all dirty money! That bastard emperor traded the lives of the people for it! Alliance Head, didn¡¯t you surrender to Great Zhou when your old man did so? Why aren¡¯t you being loyal to your liege and instead sending people out to look for the treasure? Look at you, being a traitorous thing!

    ¡°All this wealth was umted because so many died for it, but you want it all for yourself. So how much nobler than me does that make you, hmm? How much nobler are you?!¡±

    The madame roared her fury in the end, her voice reverberating furiously in the empty cavern. Some dirt and loose pebbles were actually shaken loose, but not one paid any attention to that, given how tense the situation was.

    ¡°I took over the position because the former Alliance Head passed it on to me. You all didn¡¯t ept my authority, and I''ve never tried to order you around. In fact, I tried to help you with my status at court whenever you ran into trouble. There were times when you even wanted me to take the fall for you.

    ¡°I can say with a clear conscience that I haven¡¯t wronged Azure Justice in any way. You betray your alliance head for a sum of silver and turn your backs on morality and justice. What difference is there between you and the trash emperor? Do you realize you¡¯re no longer worthy of the inherent meaning of honest and impartial in ¡®Azure¡¯ Justice? I think you¡¯d better change the name.¡±

    Madame Liao flushed hotly from the response; embarrassment shed across her face, only to turn into satisfied cackling in the next instant.

    "You don¡¯t need to try to poke at us with those sorts of words! Our brothers risked their lives to seize the treasure not for ourselves, but for the people! The trash emperor of Great Yan was a bastard, and the trash emperor of Great Zhou isn''t any better!

    ¡°The earth dragon turning over killed and injured countless numbers of citizens, but the Zhou bastard only knows to set his eyes on the treasure. He didn¡¯t spare a thought for rescue, and dragged his heels for two months after the disaster.

    ¡°When he finally sent someone, his ambassador came empty-handed! Was he sending someone to count the bodies? The treasure can¡¯t fall into the hands of a heartless bastard like this! Azure Justice is always worthy of being viewed as honest and impartial! We¡¯ll save this treasure and use it to overthrow the Zhou bastard! As for you, you and your Silver Masks can watch from the underworld just how we do it!¡±

    Qin Yining scoffed coldly. ¡°My, my. What high-falutin¡¯ words. You actually do sound more noble than anyone around.

    ¡°I only know the Alliance Head looks down on a ragtag group like us,¡± sneered Madame Liao. ¡°The six you sent were all elites, all elite dogs for a bastard emperor. They were loyal enough, but at ourplete mercy after eating powdered thorn apple flower!¡± 1

    The princess consort¡¯s eyes widened with horror as she flew into a fury. ¡°You really killed them after drugging them?¡±

    The Silver Masks trusted Azure Justice so much because of her! If this really had happened, then there was no end to her sins!

    Madame Liao led her people up to Qin Yining. ¡°I don¡¯t mind telling you¡ªthat bunch really was well trained. They fought off the drug quite well, so we only managed to kill three at first. The other three that got away kept following the group escorting the treasure, like wolves on the hunt. We wouldn¡¯t have veered off course if it wasn¡¯t for their dogged chasing.

    ¡°We didn¡¯t know how much they¡¯d told others, so could only go to you to frame them. We also wanted to see if they¡¯d revealed the treasure location to you.

    ¡°Our worst case scenario was that they had indeed leaked the location, but who would¡¯ve thought they would be a bunch of idiots? When we finally caught the three, we realized they hadn¡¯t told anyone at all.

    ¡°Alliance Head, Princess Consort of the First Rank, you understand everything now, don¡¯t you? Now, we only need to kill you to ensure that no one else will know we possess the treasure, and we won¡¯t have to worry about anyone exposing our identities. We just need to change our names and wait for the best opportunity.

    ¡°Whereas you, you were targeted by the bandits on your way back to the capital, you poor thing. They specialize in robbing and killing the weak. If the princees to smoke them out, then why, he¡¯ll have done a good deed for the locals! Wouldn¡¯t you say we¡¯re terribly concerned with the fate of the nation?¡± Her tone suddenly turned severely and she pointed at the dozen of people behind her, ¡°Kill them all!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The men whooped and hollered as they charged forward.

    Qin Yining and Bingtang had long taken positions in the back to prevent themselves from getting in the Silver Masks¡¯ way. A wrathful Cao Yuqing had burned with the fires of vengeance long ago, while violent auras rose from Jingzhe and the others, ready to avenge their fallen brothers.

    No fresh blood would join the Silver Masks anymore, each loss was permanent. They could die in the course of a mission, but they couldn¡¯t die as victims of a petty plot from petty viins!

    Weapons nged and sparks flew in the cavern. The alliance had patently sent expert fighters this time; the dozen of them actually managed to fight the five Silver Masks to a standstill.

    Just as pitched battle raged, the thunderous chorus of footsteps shook the air. Men d in Dragon Rider armor charged into the cavern.

    ¡°Hoi! What have we here?¡± shouted their leader. ¡°What nonsense about the princess consort being sick? She¡¯s here for the treasure! Pang is a traitor through and through! Brothers, take them all!¡±

    The soldiers rushed forward without another word.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------

    1. A type of narcotic that would knock out the user.

 Chapter 463: Life or Death (I)

    <h4>Chapter 463: Life or Death (I)</h4>

    Qin Yining¡¯s pupils contracted violently. She knew there would be trials ahead, but never did she expect to be the mantis stalking the cicada, while Li Qitian yed the role of the oriole, lurking behind them undetected!

    She had imed she was returning to the capital due to illness, but not only was she not en route, Dragon Riders had found her inside a cavern of treasure chests while facing off Azure Justice.

    It would be very difficult to exin what had brought her here.

    She could say that Azure Justice had set a trap for her, but would Li Qitian believe her? Even if that were the truth, he was more likely to believe what he wanted to believe.

    Her being in danger meant Pang Xiao¡¯s hands were tied as well!

    Standing in the wide space of the cavern, all she could hear was the ringing of weapons shing and the angry shouts of men fighting.

    Spacious as it was, the cavern could only hold so many people. The entrance was blocked off by imperial reinforcements. There wouldn¡¯t be enough space to amodate them all if they pressed in closer, much less provide ample space for battle between Azure Justice and the Silver Masks!

    The two factions were previously fighting each other to the death¡ªnow, they had amon enemy.

    However, it seemed that Li Qitian had sent the elite of the elite. Not only did they have exceptional martial arts skills, their formation gave them the upper hand at eight people per squad.

    If one squad was losing, the second squad woulde forward to take their ce; if the second squad fell back, the third squad would rece them and continue charging without mercy.

    This rotational strategy served the Dragon Riders well, what with their high stamina. Azure Justice and Silver Masks had already expended much of their energy inbat earlier¡ªthey were no match for these tactics.

    Qin Yining watched the entrance where the Dragon Riders stood guard. An eight-person squad that had just fallen back was resting while cheering on theirrades.

    If this continued, she feared they would suffer a crushing defeat and be captured alive by Li Qitian and his men.

    If she was taken in for questioning, it wouldn¡¯t be a question of whether Pang Xiao and her father would be dragged down with her or not¡ªLi Qitian wouldn¡¯t hesitate to frame Pang Xiao with high treason!

    Qin Yining clutched Bingtang¡¯s hand tightly as Jiyun and Cao Yuqing fought with everything they had to protect her.

    They were sorely outmatched in numbers and skill. It wasn¡¯t long before half of the Azure Justice had fallen under the des of the Dragon Riders. Even the Silver Masks were sustaining injuries from the skirmish.

    Qin Yining and Bingtang squatted down and held each other, shrinking into a corner against the chests and cavern wall.

    ¡°Bingtang.¡± Qin Yining gripped Bingtang¡¯s hand, anxious words spilling from her lips. ¡°We won¡¯t be able to hold out if this continues. This might be it for us.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, I-I-I''m not scared!¡± Bingtang trembled uncontrobly from the stench of blood and murderous cries of the battleground. Yet even as her voice betrayed her, she shielded Qin Yining with her fragile, tiny body as a final line of defense.

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes burned¡ªeven in the darkness, she didn¡¯t miss the tears that welled up in her maid¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Silly girl.¡± The princess consort sniffled a few times before lowering her voice. ¡°Hide yourself behind the chests while everything¡¯s a mess.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t......¡±

    ¡°Let me finish: Azure Justice most likely didn¡¯t notice your presence, disorderly as they are. You don¡¯t know how to fight, nor do you pose any sort of threat. What¡¯s more, they were fighting the Silver Masks when the Dragon Riders arrived, which makes it all the more likely they didn¡¯t notice you. I am the princess consort, so it¡¯s useless for me to try and hide. They might not even harm me¡ªat most, they¡¯d imprison me so they can either ckmail His Highness or convict me of some crime. Whatever happens, staying with me won¡¯t end well for you.

    ¡°Jiyun has already joined the fight and attracted their attention. It¡¯s toote for her, but not for you. We left home together, so it won¡¯t do if we all perish here.

    ¡°Bingtang, you must hide. As soon as the skirmish ends, don¡¯t wait for them to haul away the chests. Follow the sound of water and hide in that corner. You might even find a way out.¡±

    Bingtang¡¯s face was covered in tears and she shook her head furiously. ¡°I can¡¯t leave you! I¡¯ve been your maid ever since you took me under your wing from the Prince of Ning, yet you treat me as if I were your little sister. I know you¡¯re my mistress, but I see you as my sister too! I don¡¯t have any other family! I don¡¯t want to be without you!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart ached terribly at her words. Only by clenching her teeth tightly and taking a deep breath did she manage to keep her own tears from falling as well.

    ¡°Bingtang, I can¡¯t get away from this. There are so many people who have their eyes on me. Everyone else can run away, but not me. If it were within my power, I would have everyone here get out so they won¡¯t have to needlessly throw their lives away, but that¡¯s not possible.

    ¡°Therefore, we must cut our losses while we can, even if it''s just one person who makes it out of here. If someone manages to escape, at least that person can bring a message to the prince and tell him to be prepared.

    ¡°Right now, his thoughts are on disaster relief. He¡¯s even provided funds out of his own pocket. And yet, those who distrust him have sent people to spy on him. They¡¯ve even gone so far as to intercept me. If he¡¯s unaware that something has gone wrong on my end, how is he to protect himself from what is toe?¡±

    Bingtang continued to weep amid the thundering roars of the battleground. Just then, a Dragon Ridercerated Cao Yuqing¡¯s arm with a sh of his de.

    Seeing this, the maid cried out in rm, her tears pouring even harder than before. Even Cao Yuqing was getting injured¡ªwhat about the people she couldn¡¯t see?

    The enemy was far stronger than they were. Qin Yining¡¯s intent could not be more clear: if even Bingtang couldn¡¯t bring word to Pang Xiao, wouldn¡¯t that leave him defenseless against those conspiring against him?

    ¡°Alright. I, I will definitely let His Highness know what has happened.¡±

    Qin Yining patted Bingtang on the head. ¡°Above all, you must live,¡± she murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t throw your life away.¡±

    ¡°I understand.¡± Bingtang wiped away tears and snot, sniffling as she nodded.

    The battle had reached a climax. Azure Justice was down to half their original number; the Silver Masks were under immense pressure as their opponents pressed closer. Jiyun and Cao Yuqing were already injured.

    Suddenly, someone knocked over thentern that Azure Justice had brought with them, extinguishing the only source of light within the cavern. It was too dim for anyone to immediately adjust to the darkness, leaving them all temporarily blinded. Qin Yining promptly pushed Bingtang, indicating for her to hide.

    Bingtang had already figured out her escape route¡ªshe mbered over the chests and hid in the pocket of space between the boxes and the cavern walls.

    The skirmish paused for but a moment before it resumed.

    Qin Yining pressed herself against the corner, but out of nowhere, a sword nicked at her shoulder. She cried out and fell to the ground, feeling as if she had been set on fire.

    Cao Yuqing had an acute sense of hearing and instantly noticed Qin Yining had been injured, but she didn¡¯t dare call for her. Qin Yining might be giving away her location if she answered. All she could do was double down on the enemy¡¯s advances.

    The Dragon Riders guarding the entrance prepared a torch and lit a newntern. The cavern was now bright enough for everyone on the battleground to see each other.

    The Silver Masks were wounded and bleeding, yet their eyes shone brightly with determination and the murderous intent of angered, feral wolves.

 Chapter 464: Life or Death (II)

    <h4>Chapter 464: Life or Death (II)</h4>

    Azure Justice was in much worse shape. Having never received special training, they had no experience with developing an indomitable will. They gathered together in collective pursuit of profit, so when surrounded on all sides by highly trained soldiers, the desire to retreat blossomed in many of them.

    Once the notion to withdraw urred at such an important juncture, their fighting spirit dissolved as well. Add to that injuries suffered from the previous fight, that left only two loyal followers at Madame Liao¡¯s side who could barely hang on. The rest were either injured or dead.

    In the gloom of the cavern, Qin Yining¡¯s bloodstained back came into clear view. The leader of the Dragon Riders roared, ¡°Look sharp, everyone! The emperor''s orders are to take the princess consort alive! We won¡¯t be able toplete our mission if she dies!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The men shouted back.

    Jingzhe and the others were caught up in battle frenzy. Their attacks grew ever more reckless and desperate when they saw their mistress injured. They would do anything possible to carve out a path for her.

    People like them lived on the edge of a de to begin with. If it hadn¡¯t been for Qin Yining saving them when they¡¯d identally injured an official¡¯s son, and then using Li Qitian¡¯s obsession with the treasure to keep all of the Silver Masks safe, Jingzhe alone would¡¯ve been brutally interrogated many times, to say nothing of the others.

    Though their rtionship was that of mistress and servant, Qin Yining had always shielded and protected them, and saved Jingzhe¡¯s life in particr. Now that the enemies were numerous and strong, and they few and weak, they wouldn¡¯t stand for their mistress losing her life in front of them. Momentary carelessness had already led to her back injury. This was the line in the sand, the enemy would cross it over their dead bodies!

    Of one mind with Jingzhe, Cao Yuqing, Xiaoxue, Xiaoman, and Dahan red with intense battle spirit and grimly threw themselves into the fray.

    Cao Yuqing specifically felt this even more than the others. She loved Qin Huaiyuan more than life itself, and she didn¡¯t think that he was such a lump of wood that he wouldn¡¯t perceive any of her sentiments at all. He¡¯d undoubtedly sent her to protect Qin Yining because he believed she would do everything in her power to protect his only daughter.

    If anything happened to Qin Yining while in her care, Cao Yuqing would rather die than face Qin Huaiyuan again! She could die or never see him again, but she couldn''t stand to see him sad.

    Qin Huaiyuan had only this one child, and it¡¯d been such a long and hard road for Qin Yining to return to his side. Cao Yuqing knew full well how important this daughter was to him, and how much he loved her.

    Even setting him aside, Cao Yuqing herself wouldn¡¯t bear for anything to happen to the girl. Qin Yining hadn¡¯t returned home all that long before being dragged into trouble after trouble. If she did fall to their enemies, Cao Yuqing didn¡¯t dare imagine how heartbroken Qin Huaiyuan would be.

    My life is cheap and meaningless to begin with, so why should I drift along and live in disgrace? Qin Yining is suffering right in front of me!

    The guard captain hacked and shed with ferocious gusto, forcibly hewing a way to the princess consort¡¯s side. She grabbed the girl¡¯s arm and shoved Qin Yining behind her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Auntie Cao will protect you!¡±

    Pain darkened the scene in front of Qin Yining eyes and her lips were ghastly white fromck of blood. She shook and shivered, but she grimly hung on and nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not afraid. They won¡¯t kill me, so leave while you all can!¡±

    ¡°What kind of nonsense is that? What good are any of us for if we leave you to them?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness, we swear to protect you to our deaths!¡± roared Jingzhe and the others.

    The Dragon Riders threw their heads back withughter to see this and jeered, ¡°This is the only bit of time left in your pathetic little lives. Make good use of it! Say your goodbyes, you won¡¯t be able to run your mouthster when you fall to our des!¡±

    The provocation inspired the other soldiers resting at the mouth of the cavern to howl withughter. Their raucous braying reverberated in the enclosed space, making the hearts of their enemies tremble from enormous fear and pressure.

    Ji Zeyu had trained his Dragon Riders personally. Given the prince consort¡¯s reputation being on par with Pang Xiao¡¯s, it was easy to imagine that his men would be on the same level as the Valiant Tigers. Whether it came to individual skill and strategy or psychological attacks, these men deftly employed it all.

    In the face of their enemies¡¯ absolute advantage in strength and the mental barrage, even someone as coollyposed and unafraid of death as Qin Yining shrank back and hesitated a bit. Perhaps she really wouldn¡¯t make it out of here alive.

    She sighed softly, but was no longer afraid. Life and death were preordained, what was the use of fear? It was better to keep a clear mind to evaluate the situation and possibly identify a way out. Otherwise, she¡¯d beying her neck down on the guillotine.

    New developments urred at this moment as several muffled grunts sounded from the cavern entrance.

    Distracted, the two squads charging at the front looked back to see a group of armed men d in gray, ughtering theirrades resting at the entrance. The neers then made for the Dragon Riders in the field!

    A bit of warmth returned to Qin Yining at this sight, was it Pang Xiao? Pressure instantly lightened on Jiyun, Cao Yuqing, Jingzhe, and the others. They slowly fought their way back to Qin Yining¡¯s side.

    The sneak attack from the men in gray scattered the unprepared Dragon Riders, but a familiar figure emerged from the throng. Escorted by the men in gray, it held antern aloft and rushed to Qin Yining.

    ¡°The Lu second master?¡± It was Lu Heng, the poor soul who¡¯d been tricked by her fake map and apparently buried underground when the earthquake hit!

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Lu Heng rushed up to her with a face full of worry. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    Qin Yining swayed on her feet, remaining upright only through the help of the equally injured Jiyun and Cao Yuqing. She shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m alright, what are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a long story, I¡¯ve only just learned that you¡¯re trapped here and immediately came with my people. The emperor¡¯s men are outside, but I¡¯ve restrained them. Let¡¯s hurry and get to the surface. We can talk more then!¡±

    Qin Yining nodded wearily. ¡°Alright, get Bingtang and we¡­¡±

    A deep rumble sounded before she finished speaking,bined with the sounds of rock fragments crumbling to the ground. The ground beneath their feet was shifting!

    All sounds of fighting immediately ceased as everyone looked at each other, then peered around their surroundings with terror.

    After a brief moment of quiet, an even louder rumble sounded out like a p of muffled thunder. The ground shook violently, knocking everyone in the cavern helter-skelter.

    ¡°The earth dragon¡¯s turning over!¡±

    ¡°Run, get out of here!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    Furious roars echoed and rang by her ears. Qin Yining didn¡¯t know who¡¯d grabbed her hand to sprint ahead and had no idea who gave her a helping hand when she stumbled and almost fell.

    The wound on her back burned with a fiery pain, and the sticky, warm sensation was her blood.

    Already fading in and out of consciousness to begin with, Qin Yining came to the end of her tether in the face of such violent geological movement. The shrieks of horror and groans of fissuring earth sounded further and further away from her, reced by an ufortable ringing in the ears and an increasingly foggy consciousness.

    Thest thing she remembered seeing was Cao Yuqing hanging tightly onto her hand.

    ¡°Auntie Cao, go. Go now. Just leave me,¡± was thest thing she said before losing consciousness.

 Chapter 465: Interrogation

    <h4>Chapter 465: Interrogation</h4>

    The woods in the mountains were nketed in darkness as rain poured from the sky. Roads sabotaged by the earthquake were now reduced to mud. Massive thunderclouds loomed overhead as if pressing down on their hearts, disquiet devolving to panic.

    Pang Xiao raced posthaste to Qin Yining¡¯s location with Huzi and four other Elite Tigers.

    ¡°Highness, slow down, the princess consort will be fine!¡± Huzi urged anxiously.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s lips were pressed into a fine line, his jaw tight and every knuckle on his clenched fists as prominent as could be. ¡°Is the report we received to be trusted? Was the princess consort really kidnapped, taken to a cavern, and encountered another earthquake?¡±

    Huzi swallowed hard. ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, yes.¡±

    Pang Xiao punched the air viciously, ovee with the urge to strike himself dead. He shouldn¡¯t have let Qin Yining risk herself. So what about the treasure? Was it more important than Qin Yining? Forget the silver¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t trade her away for anything, not even the entire nation!

    If Qin Yining was to be taken in exchange for such trivialities, Pang Xiao had half a mind to take his own as punishment!

    He and his entourage quickly arrived at the location mentioned in the tip.

    The downpour had flooded the roads, making it impossible to make out any footprints. At present, there were also a group of Dragon Riders clothed in silver and white digging away at the copsed cavern.

    Beneath arge, golden umbre stood Li Qitian dressed in deep blue casual attire, his hands crossed behind his back. Shielding him from the wind and rain was head eunuch Li Guanwen, standing upwind with an oil paper umbre.

    The sound of horses galloping caught the emperor¡¯s attention. He and his men looked up to see who was approaching.

    Seeing that it was none other than Pang Xiao, Li Qitian frowned involuntarily. His pupils contracted ever so slightly as he met the prince¡¯s eyes, unable to suppress his apprehension and dread.

    Wait, he was the emperor¡ªwhat had he to fear?

    Li Qitian straightened his back once again.

    Pang Xiao and his entourage were now before him.

    The prince pulled Thundercloud¡¯s reins to a sharp stop, eliciting a protesting whinny from his steed. He unmounted his horse with a flourish, rainwater spraying from his soaked robes.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Pang Xiao and his men knelt before the emperor without any regard for the muddy ground.

    Li Qitian helped Pang Xiao to his feet with both hands and addressed him as if deeply pained. ¡°I only received word when I arrived that n¨¦e Qin was on her way to the capital when she happened upon a fissure. After burrowing her way in, an earthquake struck.¡±

    This kind of description...

    What, was the princess consort a mole? Would she just burrow into any hole she came across? His Majesty truly knew no shame!

    Pang Xiao¡¯s countenance remained impassive, but Huzi and the other Elite Tigers behind him were a hair away from throwing punches.

    The prince¡¯s voice dropped an octave when he spoke again. ¡°After the previous earthquake, disaster relief funds and supplies never arrived. Driven to desperate measures, some took to robbing those passing through the mountains. N¨¦e Qin was only assigned four guards and two maids to escort her back to the capital. If she were to be kidnapped by said bandits, who knows what would be of them.¡±

    It was as if Pang Xiao¡¯s imposing presence had sproutedrge hands to squeeze the life out of someone¡¯s throat.

    As emperor, Li Qitian shouldn¡¯t have felt fear¡ªyet, Pang Xiao¡¯s cutting re had him standing even straighter.

    Though he felt a twinge of guilt, a voice inside him screamed that allnd beneath the heavens belonged to the emperor, all men who walked the earth were his subjects. Be it riches or the lives of his subjects, everything was his for the taking.

    As the saying went, there was no escaping death for whomever the emperor wanted dead.

    Qin Yining was but a mere woman¡ªif he ordered Pang Xiao to die, the prince wouldn¡¯t dare to disobey. As something who belonged to Pang Xiao, it went without saying that the same went for Qin Yining.

    There was no deep love between Pang Xiao and his wife. When she¡¯d just arrived at Great Zhou, he hadn¡¯t shown her any mercy. Didn¡¯t he carry her off and abuse her within an inch of her life?

    Now that she was dead, it was the perfect opportunity for him to get a new one. He should consider himself fortunate.

    These thoughts gave him a boost of self assurance and confidence, assuaging his guilt and unease. As a matter of fact, he very much wanted to ask Pang Xiao why Qin Yining suddenly decided to return to the capital¡ªwas she truly unwell, or was she feigning illness?

    Did they secretly n to take the treasure for themselves, which was why she just so happened to get herself buried inside that hole?

    In the span of a single breath, Li Qitian¡¯s thoughts spiraled a thousand times over.

    By then, Pang Xiao had already led Huzi and his four Elite Tigers to the hole and joined in the digging efforts. Seeing theirmander take action, the twenty Dragon Riders searched for tools to help as well.

    Li Qitian raised his voice to call to the prince. ¡°Pang Xiao,e here. Leave the manualbor to them.¡±

    Pang Xiao turned a deaf ear to his words and continued digging.

    Seeing him ignore the emperor so brazenly, Li Guanwen rushed forward the prince and held his umbre high to shield Pang Xiao from the rain. ¡°Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to have a word with you. Why don¡¯t you take a break? Leave the heavybor to the others.¡±

    Pang Xiao ced a foot on his shovel to stamp it into the earth. He didn¡¯t even lift his head as he replied, ¡°I must ask gonggong to thank His Majesty for his kind intentions. However, just as a raging fire must be put out as soon as possible, time is of the essence when ites to saving lives, and every man counts. If His Majesty wishes to speak with me, he can wait until I¡¯ve rescued these people.¡±

    Having been rejected in a roundabout manner, he scanned Pang Xiao¡¯s profile with conflicted emotions beforeing back to his senses and returning to Li Qitian.

    Though the emperor hadn¡¯t heard what Pang Xiao said, it was evident that the prince meant to disobey his orders.

    Li Qitian¡¯s face darkened as he moved to reprimand the prince when Li Guanwen interjected, ¡°Your Majesty, the roads are muddy and the weather frigid with humidity. You are of good health, but this can¡¯t be good for you. Might I suggest you return to the carriage to rest and warm yourself with hot tea?¡±

    Chilly winds happened to sweep by, leaving Li Qitian shivering from the cold. His hands also felt icy to the touch.

    ¡°Very well.¡± He turned back to his carriage, his face a storm.

    Pang Xiao saw Li Qitian leave out of the corner of his eye and turned all of his attention back to the task at hand.

    Darling Yi, darling Yi, where are you?

    Are you buried inside?

    If so, that can only mean.......

    No, no, no, she couldn¡¯t have died.

    She¡¯s so young¡ªhow can she be dead?

    He was only digging with all his might to prove she wasn¡¯t here!

    ¡°Your Highness!¡± Just then, Huzi gave a panicked cry.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart jolted. Throwing down his shovel, he rushed over to take a look. He was greeted by the sight of a dismembered arm, frightfully pale and dripping with fresh blood......

    It was the hand of a man, not Qin Yining.

    Even so, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t rx.

    Having confirmed there were indeed people beneath them, he led the group onward and furiously dug like a madman, using shovels and their own bare hands.

    The rain stopped.

    Being drenched in rainwater, sweat, dirt and mud left Pang Xiao feeling rather ufortable, so he stripped himself of his clothes up to the waist like the other men. As the line of corpses grew, his face fell further. As his despair grew, so did Li Qitian¡¯s rage.

    ¡°These are all Dragon Riders I¡¯ve ordered to search for the treasure! Why are they here, dead?¡±

    A shadow crossed Pang Xiao¡¯s face. ¡°Does His Majesty expect this subject to have the answers? This subject would very much like to impose a question of his own¡ªwhy have your Dragon Riders kidnapped my wife?!¡±

 Chapter 466: Excavation

    <h4>Chapter 466: Excavation</h4>

    Li Qitian never would¡¯ve fathomed that Pang Xiao would dare talk back at him like this. I am the emperor, the most noble of all living beings! All of the heavens belong to me! Pang Xiao is just a subject, how dare he adopt this tone in front of me! Does he want to rebel!

    Feeling that imperial dignity had been affronted, Li Qitian leveled a furious finger at the prince. ¡°Do you know who you¡¯re talking to! Do you know who you¡¯re using! Would We possibly send men to kidnap your wife!?¡±

    Pang Xiao briefly underwent a titanic struggle with his emotions and ultimately seeded in not hacking the man in front of him into two.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± He raised a cupped fist salute, a smooth motion from rain-drenched and mud-sttered muscles. Scars,rge and small, criss-crossed honey-colored skin¡ªsouvenirs from battles gone by and records that evoked respect from others.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t as shrill as the emperor¡¯s. Rather, he continued in a calm, measured pace, ¡°My wife kept mepany through hardship and pain in the disaster zone. She went hungry everyday in incredibly poor conditions, and spent her energy worrying over the people. Though she is just a woman, she possesses a benevolent heart that cares deeply for the people. Her only thought is to somehow do something for them, so she neverined in front of me.

    ¡°When she saw that that people had no food or medicines, she sold off her dowry to buy provisions. She even diverted all of the production from her farms to the soup kitchens and refused to ept payment for the goods.

    ¡°Her help relieved much of the pressure on me and saved many citizens from the prospect of death. I say this not to unt her achievements as Prefect Gong, Magistrate Li, and the people of the old capital and Yang County all know this.

    ¡°She refused to set aside her work in the disaster zone even when she fell ill. I was the one who forced her to go back to the capital for recovery. She¡¯s weak and frail,pletely different from a rough and tumble man like me. I¡¯m tough and can handle falls and beatings, but how can a fragile woman like her endure the cold, hunger, and destitute surroundings of the disaster zone?

    ¡°But I was wrong, truly wrong. If I¡¯d known that letting her take this route would have her meet with kidnapping from the Dragon Riders and then being buried underground, I¡¯d rather her stay sickly and feeble by my side. She¡¯d at least be alive then. People call me a good man for helping Your Majesty conquer the world and being the sharp sword in your hand, but despite that, I couldn¡¯t even protect my wife.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s head hung and liquid dripped from his disheveled hair¡ªno one knew whether it was rain or tears. It also slid down the hard angles of his handsome face, dribbled from his chin, andnded on his well-defined chest.

    His words elicited pity and sympathy from all those present. Here stood a hardy man with striking battle aplishments, but he hadn¡¯t even been able to protect his sweet, new wife. Those unearthed from the cavern were the Dragon Riders that Li Qitian had sent to search for the treasure. Who would believe that the emperor had nothing to do with the princess consort¡¯s circumstances?

    Li Qitian¡¯s lips vibrated with fury, but he had no idea what to say. Just who did Pang Xiao think he was fooling with this act of ardent love? If the prince really worried about n¨¦e Qin¡¯s health, why had he brutally carried the girl off in the very beginning and created trouble for her at every turn?

    The emperor quite suspected that Pang Xiao was involved with the treasure disappearing in the first ce and had sent Qin Yining to her death in a y to generate sympathy, so as to cover up his own shady deeds!

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be this sad,¡± the emperor rumbled. ¡°We will refrain from determining your responsibility for the time being. The excavation shalle first. Discussion of this matter can wait until the truth has been uncovered and the situation made clear.¡±

    ¡°So Your Majesty means to say you¡¯re certain that I sent out a woman to fight for the treasure?¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s expression darkened. Indeed, no man would leave such an important task to the hands of a woman. He knew that the Qin girl was highly intelligent and different from a typical noble girl, but this wasn¡¯tmon knowledge.

    His purposeful disy of temporary leniency in exchange forter recrimination showed him as overly wily and harsh. In fact, it seemed rather low and base behavior in front of so many Dragon Riders.

    ¡°Forget it, We understand your dejection at losing your princess consort. We will pursue your impertinence no further, but you must be more mindful.¡± Li Qitian put one hand behind his back and pointed the other at Pang Xiao.

    The prince couldn¡¯t care less about debating the emperor. Rationally speaking, he knew that he shouldn¡¯t argue with Li Qitian in front of others as well. Thus, he raised cupped fists in return and went back to digging at the cavern.

    The soil was loose after the cave-in and continued digging slowly exposed the bodies of the Dragon Riders and Azure Justice. The men uncovered a few chests at the very end; the faint sheen of silver could be seen inside.

    Li Qitian¡¯s eyes lit up and he hastily ordered the chests be hauled away for inventory. Meanwhile, Pang Xiao discovered an opening in the wall not too far behind the chests. The faint sound of dripping water traveled out from it. He poked his head in and then turned back to call out to Huzi, ¡°Bring me antern!¡±

    The bodyguard roared up to the people on the surface to pass him antern and handed it over to the prince, who was stooped on the ground. Pang Xiao peered into the opening again. ¡°Is anyone there? My dear?¡±

    Rustling sounds traveled back from the hole and a weak, female voice answered. ¡°Your, Your Highness? Is that Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s me! Is it Bingtang? Where¡¯s the princess consort? Come on out, who else is inside?¡±

    Bingtang huffed back weakly, ¡°I can¡¯t move because my leg¡¯s broken. Jiyun¡¯s also with me. She¡¯s hurt too.¡±

    The highly anxious Pang Xiao hopped in with Huzi and rescued Bingtang and Jiyun. Jiyun was covered in sword wounds and fainted from too must blood loss, whereas Bingtang¡¯s leg was more likely than not broken, as her face paled with pain everytime she moved.

    Having heard that survivors had been found, Li Qitian approached them with his hands behind his back.

    Pang Xiao grabbed one of Bingtang¡¯s arms. ¡°The princess consort? Where¡¯s your mistress?¡±

    Tears trickled down the maid¡¯s face. ¡°I, I don''t know either. Someone came after us and the princess consort hid me behind the chest. She told me to find a way out, so I kept hiding. I saw someone dressed in a Dragon Rider uniform sh the princess consort and open a huge wound on the back of her shoulder. She bled so much. It was such a chaotic battle in the cavern.¡±

    Bingtang snuck a look at Li Qitian then and changed the topic. ¡°Her Highness and we were traveling along just fine when we ran into a group of bandits. They were even dressed like Dragon Riders! They took Her Highness and her guards swore to fight to the death, but they were outnumbered in the end. We don''t know if the princess consort is alive or dead¡­¡±

    When he heard that Qin Yining had taken a blow and bled profusely, terror-stricken panic filled Pang Xiao¡¯s heart. He had no mind to spare for considering which of Bingtang¡¯s words were real and which were fake. Is my wife alive or dead? She had Bingtang hide, but she didn¡¯t hide herself. Bingtang and Jiyun are my darling¡¯s shadows in normal times, so where is she if the two of them hid in that hole?

    Had his darling been killed or buried here?

    When his thoughts travelled here, Pang Xiao had nothing to spare for anything else. He hopped in frantically and continued digging out the cave-in. Huzi arranged for men to take care of Bingtang and Jiyun and went off to find doctors and medicine for them.

 Chapter 467: Clues

    <h4>Chapter 467: Clues</h4>

    At this point, those excavating the hole had been working in the rain for the entire afternoon. Everyone was tired to the bone, cold and famished.

    Yet Pang Xiao refused to stop, diligently clearing away the muddy water with pursed lips. He hunted for any clues he could find in the dim candlelight, leaving no stone unturned. Seeing him suddenly, meticulously hone in on the ground, the Elite Tigers knelt down beside him to join his investigation.

    ¡°Your Highness, are we no longer searching for survivors?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to confirm whether any pieces of my dear¡¯s jewelry is around here,¡± the prince replied hoarsely. ¡°Search carefully as well¡ªnot only must we look for the person, but anything that will give us clues to go off of, no matter how small.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± The four Elite Tigers followed their orders to the letter, rifling through muck with critical eyes.

    After listening to Pang Xiao¡¯s conversation with Li Qitian and witnessing the prince¡¯s absolute devotion, the previously exhausted Dragon Riders suddenly felt rejuvenated and warmed up. They came forth to help out of their own volition.

    Meanwhile, Li Qitian watched as his men counted the silver stored inside therge chests they¡¯d just lifted out, deting considerably when he learned they were entirely empty save for one upper shelf.

    There was no treasure to be found here!

    He had no qualms about sacrificing such a great number of Elite Tigers if it meant finding it, yet his search proved to be in vain. Not only did he expose his true intentions, he¡¯d likely earned Pang Xiao¡¯s animosity!

    The spectacle of Pang Xiao turning the cavern inside out with a one track mind had Li Qitian clenching his teeth, apprehension washing over him in waves.

    They¡¯d once fought side by side; Li Qitian very much understood the kind of man Pang Xiao was. Losing the princess consort might mean nothing in terms of affection and feelings, but he wouldn¡¯t let go of anything that marred his dignity and reputation.

    Finding Qin Yining was the favorable oue, as Li Qitian could then take her in for thorough questioning. However, if she really was dead, dead men told no tales¡ªwhat¡¯s more, it would mean he had caused the death of his subject¡¯s wife in his search for the treasure.

    Additionally, Qin Yining¡¯s father was Qin Huaiyuan¡ªa man whose abilities he had long desired to make use of. If bad blood arose between him and these two men¡ªsuch an oue would be catastrophic.

    Regret overwhelmed as he considered this. If only he had investigated more thoroughly before making his move! The cavern copsing meant there was no one alive to testify, leaving him without any excuse for what he had done and open to condemnation.

    However, he noticed that these silver sycees were indeed made by Great Yan upon closer inspection, which improved his mood. This was proof that the silver came from that stash of treasure. Perhaps the true treasure was close by.

    Hesitating no further, Li Qitian waved his hand and ordered the Dragon Riders to spread out and search the surrounding area instead of focusing on the cavern.

    After two hours of tireless and meticulousbor, the cavern was fully cleared out. There was no treasure, only bodies clothed in Dragon Riders uniforms and peasant clothing.

    A headcount showed Li Qitian he¡¯d lost all of the Dragon Riders he had sent!

    Not only were they unable to locate the silver, he lost so. many. men! He found himself breathless with disappointment and rage, and pped the fake treasure chests next to him. Such a dismal amount of silver was of little use for the ailing national deficit. It was like trying to put out a cart of burning firewood with a cup of water!

    From what he¡¯d heard, Pang Xiao had contributed fifty thousand taels to the disaster relief efforts? A prince had donated such a great sum while the emperor neglected to send provisions and funds¡ªhow would this look to outsiders!

    Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t found Qin Yining¡¯s body when clearing the cavern, which alleviated his anxiety somewhat. At least, this proved Qin Yining was possibly still alive.

    He immediately issued newmands to his Elite Tigers and Huzi. ¡°Deploy more men to surround the perimeter. Leave no stone unturned¡ªwe must find the princess consort!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Huzi and the Elite Tigers answered in a low voice, then went off to execute their orders.

    Li Qitian finally couldn¡¯t stand the sight of Pang Xiao covered in muck with a bare chest . ¡°Come up and take a break. Warm yourself with some hot tea. You have yet to find n¨¦e Qin, no? Maybe she¡¯s still alive and upied with some urgent business. If you want to find her, you must look after your own wellbeing first and foremost.¡±

    The emperor came to his own conclusions before Pang Xiao had a chance to respond. Qin Yining might have gone off in search of the treasure!

    Pang Xiao required close supervision after all!

    Not having the heart to rest, the prince politely declined and continued searching around the cavern with his men. He even inspected the hole where Bingtang and Jiyun had hidden themselves, but to no avail.

    Pang Xiao expanded the search area to conduct a nket search with a few men borrowed from the Dragon Riders. They inspected every de of grass and tree they came across in hopes of gleaning any sort of clue from them.

    An entire day had passed when Pang Xiao found the gravely injured Jingzhe, Xiaoxue, Xiaoman and Dahan.

    The four unconscious men had evidently been moved inside the cavern by another party, their wounds also looked like they¡¯d been cursorily tended to.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart pounded with the desire to know what events had transpired, but Bingtang and Jiyun had yet to awaken, while these four Silver Masks remainedatose.

    Then, the disaster relief supplies finally arrived.

    They weren¡¯t much, but many of the refugees had already died, so there was enough to support those who had survived. From then on, Pang Xiao removed himself from the disaster relief efforts to focus entirely on finding Qin Yining.

    But when Bingtang and Jiyun came to and recounted what had happened in the cavern, Pang Xiao felt his heart drop and fear overtake his senses.

    ¡°She was shed by a sword?¡±

    ¡°Yes. To protect me, Her Highness had me hide behind the chests. She said since she had no way of escaping, I had to survive and find you to warn you.¡±

    Pang Xiao closed his eyes, feeling as someone had plunged a knife into his heart and was twisting it.

    The frail Jiyun recalled the events that had transpired in great detail. ¡°They were fiercer than even the Lu second master¡¯s deathsworn,¡± she concluded. ¡°We were all injured, and because of the cave-in, it was too dark to see anything. I wanted to rush over to where the fight had broken out, but the ceiling had copsed and everything was blocked off.

    ¡°Bingtang called out to me then and pulled me over to hide behind the chests. When the ground gave way, we had no choice but to crawl into the adjoining cavern. There was air and water inside, but we had no way of getting out until Your Highness arrived to rescue us.¡±

    By now, Jiyun¡¯s tears poured down her cheeks. ¡°This useless servant was unable to protect Her Highness. I have let Your Highness down.¡± She knelt on the floor and kowtowed again and again, deeply ashamed of herself.

 Chapter 468: Defying Orders

    <h4>Chapter 468: Defying Orders</h4>

    Pang Xiao shook his head and gestured for Jiyun and Bingtang to rise. ¡°My darling shouldn¡¯t be under this rubble,¡± he deduced. ¡°We can safely assume she¡¯s been abducted along with Azure Justice and Lu Heng. Your four Silver Mask escorts are still unconscious, but Guard Captain Cao is nowhere to be seen. Knowing her, she must be doing all she can to catch up with the kidnappers.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. The guard captain remained next to Her Highness and never backed down even once. Together, the two of us shielded the princess consort behind us, but my fighting skills are less than the guard captain¡¯s. She charged forward with utmost ferocity and should be more heavily injured by the skirmish than myself,¡± Jiyun asserted.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°In other words, those four unconscious Silver Masks were most likely rescued by Guard Captain Cao, and she may very well be chasing after the kidnappers as we speak, in spite of her wounds.¡±

    Jiyun and Bingtang¡¯s eyes brightened. ¡°So that means Her Highness should be alright!¡±

    The prince breathed out a small sigh. ¡°At least she was still alive when the earth dragon turned over again. As for what happened to her after she left, I can¡¯t say.¡± He frowned once more out of worry. ¡°After all, she was injured and had taken ill not too long ago. She must¡¯ve lost quite a lot of blood once again from her wounds. I don¡¯t know if...¡±

    He found himself unable to continue speaking.

    A bloody, kidnapped Qin Yining was an impossible thing to imagine. The thought of her in such straits left him wanting to visit death and ughter upon everyone who had allowed such suffering to befall her, including himself!

    Not only was he mired in self doubt, but also regret.

    If only he hadn¡¯t clung onto Qin Yining so persistently! Even if she was wed to a lowly peddler, she still could¡¯ve lived a happy and fulfilling life. It wouldn¡¯t have been difficult for someone of her abilities to run a sessful business. A peaceful life would wrap itself around her, and not one inundated with all these disasters and suffering!

    Back then, he had thought he should live his life to the fullest¡ªif there was something he wanted, he shouldn¡¯t give up on it. He never fathomed that would ensnare her in the filth of politics and cause her so much pain.

    Jiyun and Bingtang could understand Pang Xiao¡¯s inner turmoil and how harshly he was chastising himself. However, there was nothing they could do other than offer a few words offort. After all, they med themselves with aching hearts as much as he did. They had been unable to do anything to save her.

    If the worst had befallen Qin Yining at longst, there was nothing left for them but to follow her in death.

    ¡­¡­

    Even as Li Qitian oversaw the disaster relief efforts, he continued sending out men to search for the treasure, but to no avail. It was as if all that gold and silver had vanished into thin air.

    He couldn¡¯t prolong his stay in Yang County¡ªsomeone might capitalize on his absence to stir up trouble. Therefore, he elected to return to the capital and ordered his men to keep searching.

    Before he left, he summoned Pang Xiao. ¡°Come back to the capital with Us. You have been away for so long, surely you¡¯ve umted many duties that require your attention. You won¡¯t be of much assistance here, and affairs of the nation are of greater importance. We have already ordered some of my men to search for n¨¦e Qin. You need not worry.¡±

    Pang Xiao only smiled wryly at this. ¡°Return if you must, Your Majesty. Your men can¡¯t even find inanimate objects¡ªhow is this subject to entrust them with finding the living? I will search for my wife myself. As for government affairs, Your Majesty is more than capable. Seeing how you have so manypetent subjects at your disposal, my absence will not be missed.¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s face flushed beet red, his blood boiling at Pang Xiao¡¯s words. ¡°Pang Zhixi, who do you think you are addressing?! Your impertinence is toeing the line of treason!¡±

    ¡°This servant is unworthy of such high praise.¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s smile wasced with disdain, his words dripping with sarcasm. ¡°If I had even the slightest heart for treason, I would not be in these shoes,cking even the manpower to search for my own wife!¡±

    If he still hadmand of the Valiant Tigers, never mind searching for a person¡ªhe could¡¯ve tracked down even an ant nest. Now, he had neither manpower nor military power. Even if he disregarded Li Qitian¡¯s disapproval and surveince and summoned every one of the Elite Tigers, that still meant only one hundred of them.

    Li Qitian¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°You dare ce the me for your grudges upon Us!¡±

    Pang Xiao raised his voice in turn. ¡°This subject has not the energy nor the heart to me anyone. I only wish to find my wife. If I can find her, then all the better. I trust Your Majesty has questions for her as well. However, if I cannot find her, who knows what I will do?

    ¡°What has she done wrong? She only wished to return to the capital to recover from her illness. Not only was she kidnapped on her way back, every one we have dug up was one of Your Majesty¡¯s Dragon Riders!¡±

    ¡°Enough with such baseless spection.¡± A twinge of guilt pulled at Li Qitian.

    ¡°This subject is not grasping at straws, merely restating the evidence before us! I have put even my life down on the line for Your Majesty, yet Your Majesty would have my wife die!¡±

    ¡°You! Pang Zhixi, how dare you! Do you really think We wouldn¡¯t dare kill you?!¡±

    ¡°Everything beneath the heavens belongs to Your Majesty¡ªis there anything you wouldn¡¯t do?!¡± Pang Xiao seethed, his usual calm and intellectual demeanor reced by tyrannical violence.

    Something had sucked his soul out of his body when harm had befallen Qin Yining. He felt iplete. Unless he found her, he really didn¡¯t know what acts of lunacy he wouldmit. His desire to protect his nation was gone¡ªin its ce was the desire to destroy this empire. Human lives meant nothing to him.

    The prince was one who¡¯d drawn actual blood from his enemies on the battlefield; he needed only to steel himself for the air around him to freeze. Superiority always wrapped around Li Qitian when Pang Xiao disyed subservience, and he found himself truly afraid of provoking an incensed Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Fine, have it your way!¡± Li Qitian knew better than to fight when the odds were against him¡ªit was best not to have Pang Xiao snap and injure him in the process.

    Pang Xiao saw right through the emperor¡¯s reservations and couldn¡¯t help but snort inwardly. When Qin Yining was with him, all was right with the world. Come what may, the future was something to look forward to.

    With her gone, he was left in agony as he searched for her. Now he understood his blissful days of peace were all tied to a single person. If that person no longer existed, what use did he have for bliss or peace?

    He might as well destroy everything!

    After Li Qitian returned to the capital, he sent Pang Xiao a letter every four or five days urging him to return. However, the prince pretended not to see them and continued his tireless search around the old capital for clues, covering more ground with every passing day.

    Three months had passed in the blink of an eye. The old capital was already nketed in snow.

    Pang Xiao defied twenty-three royal decrees and was censured for misconduct by other officials over fifty times, yet Li Qitian never spoke a word. It was a gesture of endless indulgence that never seemed to end.

    This was the first for such a thing since the founding of the nation.

    As Pang Xiao fervently searched for Qin Yining, a caravan was threading their way with great difficulty through a vast Tatar desert in the bordends north of Great Zhou.

 Chapter 469: Desert

    <h4>Chapter 469: Desert</h4>

    The smoothest part of the road from Great Zhou to the Tatar capital wasn¡¯t as harsh as this. However, trouble was inevitable along the way, what with all the thieves and bandits that sprouted out of nowhere. They were left with no other choice but to proceed through the desert.

    The coarse fabric of Qin Yining¡¯s clothes were so covered in filth that its original colors were indiscernible. Her head wrapped in thick cloth and a thick, curved branch in hand, she arduously trudged along with the group.

    Her wounds were fully healed, but she was still considerably weakened. It had been ten days since they entered the desert. If they hadn¡¯t had the misfortune of running into a sandstorm, their circumstances wouldn¡¯t have be so dire. At least they¡¯d brought enough food and water with them.

    Sadly, the heavens seemed to love toying with them so.

    Never did Qin Yining expect the Tatars to trek thousands of miles to Great Zhou in search of treasure; it seemed they¡¯d been at it for quite some time.

    When the world itself shook from the earthquake, she and her group had almost reached the entrance of the cavern, only to be stopped by Siqin, consort to the Tatar khan.

    Siqin had the appearance of a handsome schr and a genteel bearing that seemed to set him apart from the typical Tartar. Yet beneath that sophisticated fa?ade was a merciless man who killed without a thought.

    He hadn¡¯t spared a single Dragon Rider. Afterwards, he had Lu Heng and his men dragged into the desert, along with Qin Yining and Madame Liao¡¯s remaining group of three. After they entered the desert and encountered the sandstorm, he promptly left all of Lu Heng¡¯s men behind.

    They weren¡¯t killed¡ªinstead, they were driven into the yellow haze of sand and abandoned there to perish.

    Their current merry band consisted of Tatar khan consort Siqin, twenty of his deathsworn, Madame Liao, her two Azure Justice subordinates, Lu Heng, and Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining¡¯s legs felt like lead, her parched lips cracked beyond repair. She was so thirsty that she couldn¡¯t utter a single word.

    They werest allowed water at the crack of dawn, each person only given one sip to wet their throats. Qin Yining had held that sip in her mouth for as long as she could before swallowing to assuage her thirst. Yet try as they did to conserve water, there wasn¡¯t enough.

    ¡°Halt.¡± Siqin stopped the group.

    Qin Yining panted harshly as she leaned on her stick for support and waited to see what Siqin was up to. He walked straight to Madame Liao and her two subordinates, addressing them fluently in thenguage of Great Zhou. ¡°We do not have enough water. You will tell me where the treasure is, or I shall leave you here.¡±

    Madame Liao remained silent. The two Azure Justice members were on the verge of tears, their willpower long since crushed. They had already been given the least amount of water to begin with¡ªnow they were to be abandoned here?

    ¡°Tell him, just tell him already!¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Why are you still holding back at a time like this?! If you don¡¯t talk, we¡¯re goners!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s more important, our lives or the treasure?! You¡¯ve already sent so many of our brothers to their deaths! Are you sending us to ours now?!¡±

    The two were so parched that their hoarse voices grated on the ears of everyone present, yet they exerted thest of their strength to plead with Madame Liao.

    Haggard as Madame Liao was, her cheeks sunken in, she continued to smile with utmost confidence. ¡°I''ll be frank with you¡ªI¡¯m the only one who knows where the treasure is. If you let me die, you¡¯ll never find it for as long as you live.¡±

    Siqin adjusted his scarf and responded without so much raising a brow. ¡°So? In other words, you will not speak?¡±

    ¡°I will not, unless you agree to my terms.¡±

    Hearing this, Siqin cocked a brow and smirked. His handsome face dimpled slightly, giving him the appearance of a friendly and agreeable man.

    ¡°Truth be told, we don¡¯t covet the treasure. I will let you live if you speak. If you don¡¯t, then we can do without the treasure.¡± He summoned two stout men with a wave of his hand, who dragged the boneless Azure Justice members a hundred steps backward before throwing them onto the sand.

    The two took in a mouthful of yellow sand each, yet they didn¡¯t dare stay there. With great difficulty, they crawled to their feet and stumbled back to the group even as they spat out the sand.

    Seeing the two return, Madame Liao¡¯s smile grew even more self-assured. ¡°The emperor of Great Zhou, the past emperor of Great Yan¡ªall of you need and want to take the treasure for your own. You say you don¡¯t covet it, but I don¡¯t believe you. How do you deign to prove you don¡¯t care for it?¡±

    Siqin found himself tickled toughter by Madame Liao¡¯s words. ¡°You¡¯re an interesting woman. Even without the treasure, my army remains under mymand. It makes no difference to me. If you wish to remain silent, so be it. We shall continue onward, but you will not be given any more water or food. You are on your own from now on.¡±

    Finished, he nodded smilingly at Madame Liao before turning to lead the group onwards.

    Did he truly not mean to obtain the treasure? Qin Yining very much doubted this.

    The treasure had been hidden by Madame Liao. Apart from those tasked with transporting it¡ªwho had undoubtedly been permanently silenced¡ªit was very possible that she was the only one who knew where the treasure was. Was it a bluff to threaten to leave Madame Liao behind?

    Madame Liao had thought she could negotiate terms for herself with the treasure, yet he was outright stating that he did not want it!

    In all the time Qin Yining had spent observing him, Siqin was a truly bizarre person. He had the appearance of a schr, yet his fighting skills were superb. He wasn¡¯t weak in the slightest.

    ording to the soothsayer¡¯s prophecy, the Greedy Wolf of the three violent stars was among the Tatars. Considering Siqin¡¯s military achievements and the rumors surrounding him, he was very likely the general Li Zeyu had battled for so many years.

    When the young Tatar regent prince that Anari ced on the throne died of illness, the princess followed the wishes of the people and stepped in as the female Khan, Siqin bing her consort.

    Even so, Siqin continued overseeing all matters concerning the Tatar military. He only had to keep Anari happy to retain the freedom of doing whatever he pleased. This treasure hunt and his kidnapping of all these people was one example of that.

    This was precisely why Siqin giving up on the treasure seemed so odd. Did he not need to procure more army provisions to keep his soldiers fed?

    However, Qin Yining had no desire to speak up as she wanted to conserve her strength.

    In the meantime, Siqin kept true to his word. Madame Liao and the two Azure Justice members trailed behind thepany, stumbling with every step they took, as if they would copse any second.

    However, Siqin didn¡¯t give them a single drop of water, nor did he give them even a morsel of food. Finally, the three fell behind and could not keep up any longer.

    Qin Yining wanted to save them. However, she had neither water nor food.

    The manner in which Siqin rationed the remaining water had Qin Yining seeing him in a whole new light.

    He would first have his twenty deathsworn drink. Exercising considerable restraint, he would then take a single sip from what was left. Only then was rest proportioned to the hostages. Lu Heng was given the most, as Siqin valued him the most. Qin Yining was second after him.

    Now that Madame Liao and her two subordinates had been left behind, she would likely be next if they didn¡¯t exit the desert soon. Qin Yining knew this with extreme rity, prompting her to calm down even further to consider her next move as she walked.

    She was so silent, obedient, and resilient that Siqin felt himself drawn to walk beside her time and time again.

    ¡°You were severely injured before you came with us into the desert. How have you endured until now?¡± He inquired with a smile.

 Chapter 470: The Khan

    <h4>Chapter 470: The Khan</h4>

    Qin Yining absolutely didn¡¯t have energy for idle conversation. She¡¯d already bled quite a bit from her injuries, further draining her wane strength, and now she¡¯d been kidnapped. She hadn¡¯t had a moment of respite to recover.

    Presently, she was incredibly frail. If she hadn¡¯t persevered by telling herself not to rx and forcing herself onwards, she might¡¯ve already been deemed a burden that was better off left behind.

    ¡°Nothing, really. I only wish to live.¡± She couldn¡¯t even describe how dry her throat was. Having no desire to mince words, she gave him curt response without even sparing Siqin a nce.

    His interest in her was piqued even further by her cold answer. ¡°Most women would be trying their best to ingratiate themselves with me so they can receive better treatment. You¡¯re different.¡±

    Qin Yining stared fixedly at him. ¡°You¡¯d be wise to talk less and conserve your strength.¡±

    Siqin wasn''t angered in the slightest by the disrespect andughed as he continued to walk alongside her. There was genuine amusement in the mirth that escaped his scratchy throat, turning the heads of the deathsworn walking in front of them before they looked back to resume whispering among themselves.

    Despite their arduous journey through the desert thus far, Qin Yining¡¯s beauty remained untarnished in their eyes. It was a different beauty from tall and strong physiques of Tatar women¡ªshe was an exquisite piece of jade fished out from the waters of the Jiangnan River. To them, she was so exotic.

    Were she not the princess consort of Pang Zhixi, they would¡¯ve wanted to have their way with her. However, Siqin had forbidden them from touching her. After seeing himugh, they understood why¡ªit seemed the great khan consort had fallen for this beautiful woman.

    Though Anari Khan was also a sight to behold, they had long grown tired of her looks because of her savage ways and tyranny. This fragile beauty, however, was the very antithesis of her. As the men walked, they promised to themselves to help Siqin cover up his tracks, should he try anything with this woman.

    Yet just as these thoughts solidified in their minds, a cloud of dust before them drew near. A horse caravan was approaching them from far away!

    ¡°Sire, look!¡± The men shielded their eyes to squint off into the distance. ¡°It¡¯s our people!¡± they shouted, ecstatic. ¡°It¡¯s the khan! The khan has arrived!¡±

    ¡°It really is the khan!¡±

    ¡°Sire, we¡¯re saved!¡±

    ......

    The men shedded their low spirits from earlier and began yelling excitedly. Siqin also wore an expression of joy as he hurried forward to greet Anari.

    Qin Yining leaned on her stick and stood in ce, meeting the eyes of the equally haggard Lu Heng. There¡¯d been almost a dozen of them when they had been abducted¡ªnow, only the two of them were left.

    Joy of reaching the calm after the storm and uncertainty of what the future had in store for them shone in their eyes. Neither of them could guess how Anari would treat them.

    Siqin had already strided to the front of the group. ¡°Anari, you¡¯vee.¡±

    A well-built woman d in bright-red riding attire and a cloak lined with a white arctic fox pelt cor steered her horse in their direction. Her features were nothing extraordinary, only passably easy on the eyes. However, there was amanding air of strength about her that permeated her every movement.

    A smile spread across her face when she saw Siqin. She pulled her horse to a stop and jumped off, quickly making her way to him like a young maiden seeking affection. ¡°It was no easy feat tracking you down. You went away for so long without so much sending word¡ªI¡¯ve been worried sick.¡±

    Siqin held Anari¡¯s hands, a gentle smile upon his handsome face. ¡°How did you think to search the desert?¡±

    ¡°I traveled down the road with some of my men to receive you, but you never came. I heard a caravan had switched course for the desert after being raided by bandits, so I was worried you had run into trouble. I wanted to head into the desert to look for you, but my subordinates proposed that I may as well follow the road back to the capital and meet you in the desert from there. Otherwise, we would¡¯ve also gotten ourselves caught in the sandstorm.¡±

    Siqinughed and stroked Anari''s cheeks. ¡°You are so good to me.¡±

    Anari¡¯s face burned with bashfulness. ¡°I must do everything I can to ensure your safety. Did you have fun in Great Zhou?¡±

    ¡°Somewhat. I was unable to obtain the treasure, but I¡¯ve got some people with me. We didn¡¯t have enough water, so I left some of them behind. These two are what¡¯s left of them.¡± Siqin pointed behind him.

    Anari followed the direction of Siqin¡¯s finger and met the gaze of Lu Heng and Qin Yining. Even a fairy descended from the heavens would be hard-pressed to maintain a beautiful appearance after braving the stormy winds and scorching sun of the desert. What¡¯s more, Qin Yining and Lu Heng were clothed in coarse cloth, the filthy scarves wrapped around their heads covered in sand and their hair in matted disarray.

    The Tatar khan spared them a cursory nce. ¡°Who are these people?¡±

    ¡°The one¡¯s the second son of the prestigious Lu family of Great Zhou. That one¡¯s the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank. I also originally brought what was left of the Azure Justice, but they refused to tell me where the treasure was. Allowing them to remain with us would have only wasted our water and food, so I threw them all away.¡±

    ¡°Mn, well done.¡± Anari ordered her subordinates to distribute water sks and dried food among the group. She and her consort sat off to the side, speaking to each other in low voices andughing.

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng were each given a half-empty water sk and a dry t cake.

    Fearing yet another setback on the road, the princess consort didn''t dare eat all of it at once; she took a few bites of the tasteless cake and swallowed it down with cool water.

    Lu Heng¡¯s brows furrowed as he ate. ¡°This must be hard on you,¡± he murmured, ¡°especially considering your weakened state.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°I¡¯m fortunate enough to have survived it at all,¡± she replied quietly. ¡°If the khan had arrived anyter, I would¡¯ve been the next to have been left behind.¡±

    Lu Heng gave a sardonic grin of his own. Neither of them would¡¯ve anticipated ending up in these straits aftering in search for the treasure. They still didn''t know how Anari would treat them once they arrived at the Tatar capital.

    Anari and Siqin watched Qin Yining and Lu Heng as the two conversed.

    Siqin murmured, ¡°The second young master of the Lu family and the daughter of Minister Qin are truly something. Let¡¯s take them back with us and house them for some time. Even if we can¡¯t get any information out of them concerning the treasure, we can get arge ransom from the Zhou emperor from them. I think they¡¯ll be worth infinitely more than whatever the treasure is.¡±

    Anari smiled. ¡°Very well. It shall be as you say then.¡±

    ¡°You always indulge me so that I feel guilty about it.¡± The khan consort replied, his cheeks red.

    Anari gazed at Siqin¡¯s handsome face, her own face flushing. ¡°We are husband and wife. Should it not go without saying that I support you? What is this indulgence you speak of?¡± She gave Qin Yining a sidelong nce and continued half-jokingly, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t fall for that vixen, anything is fine.¡±

 Chapter 471: Intentions

    <h4>Chapter 471: Intentions</h4>

    Siqin¡¯s face tightened and he responded gravely, ¡°How could I ever do that? The heavens and earth bear witness that my feelings for you are true. A marvelous woman as the khan is so much more charming and captivating than a pretty vase! My love and respect for the khan has never wavered or changed in all these years!¡±

    The consort¡¯s ardent gaze burned a flushed red onto Anari¡¯s cheeks. She looked back at him with bashful delight, murmuring, ¡°Of course I trust my consort¡¯s character.¡±

    Siqin grasped Anari¡¯s hands with great emotion, bending over and slowly closing the distance between the two. The khan looked down with embarrassment, her eyes fluttering shut in anticipation of a kiss.

    The men around them busied themselves with eating, drinking, and hiding their smiles. The khan consort is really something! He¡¯s good looking and talented. Only a man like him can thoroughly conquer a woman as fierce and unreasonable as the khan!

    Perhaps out of consideration that there were too many people round them, Siqin opted to rub his forehead against Anari¡¯s instead of a kiss. However, such an intimate gesture was even more heart pounding than a kiss.

    Thoughts of everything else flew out of Anari¡¯s mind when she was treated so tenderly. She was melting into a puddle of water into Siqin¡¯s tenderness. What suspicions from earlier? All of that was cast beyond the horizon.

    However, when a sidelong nce caught sight of Qin Yining¡¯s beauty despite the griminess of her face, Anari still felt a knot of ill will stuck in her chest. That vixen is annoying just to look at!

    The group rested for a while longer before setting back out. With sufficient water, rations, and a proper direction set, their morale was a marked difference from the dejection of earlier. Spirits lifted and minds grew easy as they would be able to leave the desert soon.

    However, Qin Yining and Lu Heng weren¡¯t assigned horses, being the captives that they were. They continued to follow behind the horses on foot.

    The princess consort tried her best to even out her breathing. At least I have food and water now, and I don¡¯t need to worry about them throwing me away in the desert. If Pang Xiao had been here, she would¡¯ve fainted away with peace of mind. But with no one around that she could rely on, she had to rely on herself.

    Finally, after another continuous day of walking, the group saw greenery at the edges of the desert.

    Though it was dusk, it was no mirage. They¡¯d finally exited the desert and set foot on Tatar territory!

    They stopped at a nearby vige for some rest. When the tribesmen heard that it was their khan and khan consort, the vige leader immediately offered up his biggest, cleanest tent and sent in the tastiest bits of roasted meat and kumis.

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng could finally wash away the dust of the road and change into clean Tatar clothing. The vige leader offered them his most exquisite selection.

    Qin Yining¡¯s hair was deftly swept up by a maid who merrily chattered at her in the Tatarnguage. Since she couldn¡¯t understand what the maid was saying, Qin Yining responded with a polite smile.

    The maid garbled another sentence before fetching a pair of soft, red boots detailed with leather tooling.

    The princess consort thanked her and slipped the boots on, much to the excitement of the beaming maid. The maid looked at her for a long time, and said something else unintelligible before running out with her face in her hands.

    Brows knit together slightly, Qin Yining wearilyid on her side on the wood tform next to the window. She didn¡¯t dare really fall asleep, given her high level of alertness, but the fatigue of a journey through the desert really wasn¡¯t something that any ordinary person could endure. Not to mention, she¡¯d just healed from her injuries and hadn¡¯t had anything to eat.

    Sleep slowly, gradually ovee her. Siqin walked into the tent not long thereafter; the sight of a beauty on her side in front of the window was the first thing he saw. Agate pearls and tassels draped across her forehead while one pale, tender arm pillowed her cheeks. The other delicate army across her was it, while the form-fitting robe and sleeveless vest fully entuated the dips and peaks of her curves because of her sleeping position.

    Siqin stared off in a daze by the door, the purpose of his visit not urring to him even after a long while.

    It wasn¡¯t until the kindling in the fire pit crackled that he was startled back to his wits. Great Zhou really is a wonderful ce. The earth and waters are fertile, resources are plenty, and even the women are pale and tender. Their skin looks as soft as tofu.

    This was why he was so fixated on thend to the south. Compared to a nomadic peoples like the Tatar in constant search of pasture, a country that relied on field cultivation like Great Zhou was patently more suited for the long term development of a country.

    Siqin walked quietly to Qin Yining. His footsteps were very light, like a cat stalking its prey, as he approached the side of the bed. He reached out with his right hand, upon which an agate ring could be found. Just when he was about to touch Qin Yining¡¯s cheek, the eyes of the beauty on the tform snapped open.

    Their eyes met, and Siqin was so arrested by a sharp look that he forgot what he was doing.

    Frowning, Qin Yining pped his hand away and stood up with a piercing gaze. Her voice was cold as she demanded, ¡°What is the khan consort doing?¡±

    Siqin¡¯s hand burned from the p, which he ced behind his back in a balled fist. He smiled gently, ¡°A bonfire¡¯s been made up front. They¡¯re preparing to roast a wholemb, so I¡¯vee to bring you to supper.¡±

    Qin Yining narrowed her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t understand your meaning.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t understand? What¡¯s there not to understand?¡± Siqin¡¯s line of sight honed in on her parted lips.

    ¡°The khan consort treated me the same as the other captives on our way here. Apart from an asional word of ordinary topics, the two of us had no further interaction. You are the lofty khan consort, and your wife the ruler of all Tatars. I am just your prisoner. In this scenario, not only do I not have the right to eat a roastedmb, but there is no need for the consort himself toe with an invitation even if I was allowed to partake. And what was that gesture just now?¡±

    Siqin¡¯s eyes glinted as a hint of a real smile slowly floated onto his face. ¡°You really are a smart girl. I hadn¡¯t thought you¡¯d be this perceptive.¡±

    The princess consort responded with a look that brooked no nonsense. ¡°Anyone can discern something is off with such a noticeable difference in treatment. Or is the khan consort so confident that you think all women will be utterly bespelled by you just because you show them a handsome look?¡±

    Siqin¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed dangerously when he heard this, killing intent flooding out of them!

 Chapter 472: A Complete Act

    <h4>Chapter 472: A Complete Act</h4>

    Qin Yining was all too clear what his true motives were.

    Siqin¡¯s behavior had struck her as odd from the start. As she¡¯d just said, his attitude toward her in the desert was worlds away from how he was now after seeing the khan. The manner in which he treated others aside, Siqin initially hadn¡¯t the slightest interest in her¨Cwhy act deeply smitten with her now?

    She wasn¡¯t so naive as to believe there was a chance for genuine attraction to form between them. There was definitely something fishy going on.

    If one set aside Anari, his authority inspired the most obedience from the Tartars, but his true self was hardly the pure and loyal front he disyed.

    Furthermore, she knew two other men of equal notoriety¨Cher husband and Ji Zeyu, and she understood what kind of people they were better than anyone. As such, she wasn''t about to buy Siqin¡¯s deception.

    As a stranger in foreign territory, it was imperative that she stayed vignt, lest she find herself ensnared in someone¡¯s traps. These thoughts unfolded in her mind in the mere span of a moment.

    The ice in Siqin¡¯s eyes also receded instantly, as if that previous murderous intent couldn''t have possiblye from him. ¡°You sure know how to tell a joke, Your Highness. The Faithful Prince of the First Rank evidently treats you very well.¡±

    Qin Yining gave him a wordless smile.

    ¡°There is no need for concern,¡± he continued. ¡°Since you know you hold a special position in the prince¡¯s heart, you must also realize that he¡¯ll agree to anything we ask of him and that we will keep you alive. Your life will not be endangered.¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help butugh at that. ¡°It seems that a word of thanks are in order for sparing my life then, Your Majesty.¡±

    Siqin didn¡¯t seem at all angered by her words. In fact, he found himself enraptured by the bright gaze of her response. He couldn''t resist touching those watery eyes of hers and promptly acted on this urge.

    He stepped forward and raised a hand to stroke Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks, only for her to turn away. All he managed to touch were the strings of agate trailing from her hat. The beads clinked against each other, tinkling melodiously as they swayed.

    Siqin dropped his gaze to study her face, which was clearly written with brazen rejection and disdain across her indescribably handsome face.

    "No need to get cross with me. If you must, direct your anger toward your man for failing to protect you. He allowed you to travel alone and exposed you to so much danger, and even allowed me to spirit you off to Tartar.

    ¡°You should also know that it was I who had people see to your grievous wounds. That¡¯s how you managed to crawl back to the world of the living. With all the texts on virtue you Great Zhou people read growing up, are you that unfamiliar with the word ¡®gratitude¡¯?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s temper red at his words. She jerked her head up to fix Siqin with a furious re and answered coldly, ¡°Should I feel gratitude toward my kidnapper? Why do you presume I needed to be saved by you? I would have rather died on Great Zhou soil and leave my body to my husband, if it meant sparing him from ceaselessly searching for me like a headless fly. Furthermore, I wouldn''t have had to grovel to live and be a hostage you can ckmail others with!¡±

    An inferno seemed to ignite in her eyes, fanning the mes of desire in Siqin¡¯s own heart.

    He grabbed Qin Yining by her neck, forcing her to look up at him and face his venomous re. His voice was so tight it sounded as if he was forcing it out from a crack as narrow as a toothpick.

    ¡°You better not be joking with me. I take everything quite seriously. If you say things like that, I won¡¯t be able to resist the desire to kill you!¡±

    His grip around Qin Yining¡¯s throat was so tight that she could hardly breathe, but she refused to give in to him. ring straight back at Siqin, she choked out, ¡°I take everything quite seriously as well. I will be disappointed in you if you don''t kill me!¡±

    Siqin had never met a woman who had no fear of death like her! Perhaps he had, but none of them held a candle to Qin Yining¡¯s unforgettable brilliance. Not only was she noble-born, beautiful, and smart, she had quite a fiery temper.

    How Siqin envied Pang Xiao¡¯s luck with women¡ªwhy didn¡¯t he have the fortune to have such a likeable wife?

    ¡°What are the two of you doing?!¡±

    Qin Yining had already closed her eyes and was waiting for death, when she heard the sudden furious roar from the door.

    Anari rushed inside. From the doorway, it looked to her as if Siqin and Qin Yining were caught in an act of intimacy, what with how close together the two were standing. Her mind buzzed with rage as she unleashed a howl, dashing forward to give Qin Yining a piece of her mind.

    Yet when she drew near, she realized the two weren¡¯t touchy-feely at all¡ªSiqin wanted to kill the Zhou princess consort!

    Anari disliked Siqin touching other women, but her anger died down regardless. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± she inquired, confused. ¡°Didn¡¯t you n to use her to talk terms with the prince of Great Zhou? If you kill her on a whim now, we¡¯ll lose half of our hold on them.¡±

    Anari¡¯s voice seemed to snap Siqin back to reason. Fuming, he slowly loosened his grip.

    As soon as he let go, Qin Yining wobbled and fell to the ground in a coughing fit.

    Siqin sped his hands behind his back and looked at her. ¡°On behalf of the khan, I will spare you. If you anger me one more time, you will not be let off so easily!¡±

    His threats delivered, he turned to face Anari. His demeanour instantly shifted to one as gentle as amb. His smile curved his eyes, and his breath oozed with the sweetness of sugar.

    ¡°My apologies for rming the khan.¡± Siqin tugged at Anari¡¯s hand.

    Anari squinted at Siqin with a rebuke in her eyes. ¡°I wasn''t rmed,¡± she replied without hiding the displeasure in her voice. ¡°I was merely angered, as I thought this vixen had you entranced you just by changing into a fresh set of robes.¡±

    Siqin¡¯s features instantly grew severe at her words. ¡°The khan must not joke like this ever again. Do you still not know what kind of person I am? In all the time that we have been in love, have you ever seen me flirt with another? Not only is she nothing extraordinary, my love for you is so strong that I wouldn''t exchange you for any number of fairies who descend straight from the heavens!¡±

    Anari was so moved by Siqin¡¯s speech that tears sprang into her eyes. She snuggled against Siqin¡¯s chest and nuzzled at him like a docile kitten.

    The khan consort wrapped his arms around Anari and hugged the woman tightly, his low voice dripping with indulgence as he cooed, ¡°My khan, your loveliness knows no bounds. Noble blood flows through your veins, a descendent of the most superior of bloodlines. Not only do you possess an unequivocal beauty, you have a smart head on your shoulders and an acute eye for observation.¡±

 Chapter 473: Something Afoot

    <h4>Chapter 473: Something Afoot</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of women your age, but I¡¯ve never seen one who isn¡¯t afraid of the enemies¡¯ des. On that day when you saved me, when you protected me at all costs without thought of your own safety, I only had eyes for you.

    ¡°No other woman is as exceptional as you. Those younger or prettier than youck your talents and courage. Those with courage do not bear a true heart toward me as you do.

    ¡°My dear khan, what is there to be unconfident about? You are my goddess, and so precious to me that I wouldn¡¯t trade you for all the world.¡±

    Siqin¡¯s words were low and measured, every word marked with sincere affections. Anari blushed violently from the emotions expressed, so embarrassed that she wanted to burrow deep into her beloved¡¯s embrace and nevere back out.

    ¡°What are you talking about? How am I that good? I¡¯m not pretty and I have a bad temper. As the most genteel and superb man of the Tatars, I¡¯ve always known that you¡¯re getting the worst deal with the two of us being together.

    ¡°Siqin, don¡¯t me me for being paranoid. I¡¯m really afraid of losing you. You are so wonderful and I am so unworthy¡­¡±

    ¡°Silly girl.¡± Siqin ced a finger on Anari¡¯s lips. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare look down on yourself like this. You are the ruler of the Tatars and my wife. Above all, you are my mistress. How are you unworthy of me? It is I who is reaching above my station and the unworthy one. It¡¯s all my fault that you feel so insecure. Beat me, Anari. Anything as long as you are no longer sad.¡±

    ¡°How could I ever bear to do so?¡± The khan lifted her head and nted a loud kiss on Siqin¡¯s cheeks.

    Moved by the straightforward and heartfelt gesture, the khan consort grinned and bent over to kiss her back.

    ¡­¡­

    Slumped on the ground, Qin Yining had been subjected to more than a healthy dosage of loving murmurings. Her goosebumps had goosebumps, and she suspected Siqin even more so.

    Sweet nothings were normal between a loving couple, but between those two, it was in to see that Anari was in the waker position. Siqin had tofort and coax her so that she could spend her days peacefully.

    In fact, his words were tooforting, almost like they¡¯d been rehearsed endless times before finally delivered. He felt like he was reading off a script.

    But why was Siqin treating Anari like this? Was it just out of love for his wife?

    Qin Yining lowered her head, her longshes fluttering rapidly and her mind painting endless possibilities. She went through all of them carefully, then discarded each one as invalid. Who knew how much of what he said was true? It it were up to her, she wouldn¡¯t believe him at all.

    The truest test of one¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t in the words, but in the actions. Though Siqin painted a pretty picture, it was undeniable that he¡¯d visited a woman¡¯s tent of his own ord.

    Oh, he¡¯d done so to interrogate the captives? Who would believe that?

    Probably only someone as trusting and straightforward as Anari.

    Qin Yining made up her mind to thoroughly investigate the Tatar power structure during her stay here. Siqin was overly wily and Anari too honest. It was too easy for Siqin to set up trap after trap for his wife. He was only a khan consort, so no matter how splendid he was, others would still think he¡¯d slept his way to the top.

    Maybe there was some unpleasantness between the two! That would be the perfect opening to make her escape.

    Her scalp suddenly tightened in this moment.

    When Qin Yining came back to her senses, she realized that Anari had grabbed ahold of her hat and had yanked it upward along with the hair within. She was forced to stand from the strength in the khan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You slutty fox! Stay away from my man in the future! If you really are so hungry that you can¡¯t stay away from men, don¡¯t me me for sending in a dozen soldiers to serve you!¡±

    When had Qin Yining ever suffered such humiliation in her life? She was one of those who¡¯d rather die on her feet than live on her knees. How would she possibly take this kind of treatment lying down, especially after hearing those disgusting words??

    Qin Yining grabbed Anari¡¯s hand and forced the khan¡¯s fingers opened, standing to jeer, ¡°I¡¯ve long since heard that the ruler of the Tatars was a woman now, and was quite curious and respectful of you when I heard how you handled your people¡¯s affairs as regent.

    ¡°But I hadn¡¯t thought that the venerated regent would turn into someone else entirely after being khan. And just look at how unconfident you are, spending your days pouncing at paranoia, worrying that your husband will like another woman!

    ¡°If you really are that wonderful andpetent, then you should be confident that your husband will have eyes for none other than you. But just look at you now, ming others because you didn¡¯t leash your dog properly!

    ¡°As a fellow woman, don¡¯t you dishonor your upbringing to voice such disgusting words?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s voice was clear and resonant, her perfectly enunciated words delivered so quickly that there was no way to interrupt her.

    Livid with rage, Anari pointed at Qin Yining and was at aplete loss for words. ¡°Who, who are you calling a dog!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me clearly the first time? That¡¯s strange, there¡¯s actually people in this world who like to be cursed at. Do you want me to say it again so you can have a good listen?¡±

    ¡°sphemy! Look at you trying to swing the situation with perverted logic! It was you who used your looks to seduce someone else¡¯s man. You tried to seduce my man because you¡¯re afraid of death! How high-principled are your actions!¡±

    ¡°Which of your eyes saw that I was trying to seduce him? It was your man who barged into my tent. Even though I¡¯m a captive, you still need me to ckmail Pang Zhixi. Aren¡¯t you worried that he¡¯ll take revenge in a fit of fury if I don¡¯t make it back to him alive?¡±

    In the throes of her rage, Anari still managed to calm herself down. It wouldn¡¯t do to yell and stomp at this vixen, it would only make her lose face in front of her consort. Instead, she opted to titter madly like she¡¯d heard an incredible joke.

    ¡°Fascinating, how fascinating! I¡¯ve never seen such a stubbornly willful captive like you! It looks like you don¡¯t care about your life and don¡¯t care if we kill you or not!¡± Anari¡¯s fingers were still smarting from Qin Yining¡¯s grip. A tide of envy threatened to erupt like a volcano as she noted the Qin princess consort grow even more beautiful in her anger. She unsheathed an exquisite dagger in her boot, its hilt embedded with jewels, and waved it at Qin Yining''s face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you seduce men without that face of yours!¡±

 Chapter 473: Something Afoot

    <h4>Chapter 473: Something Afoot</h4>

    ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of women your age, but I¡¯ve never seen one who isn¡¯t afraid of the enemies¡¯ des. On that day when you saved me, when you protected me at all costs without thought of your own safety, I only had eyes for you.

    ¡°No other woman is as exceptional as you. Those younger or prettier than youck your talents and courage. Those with courage do not bear a true heart toward me as you do.

    ¡°My dear khan, what is there to be unconfident about? You are my goddess, and so precious to me that I wouldn¡¯t trade you for all the world.¡±

    Siqin¡¯s words were low and measured, every word marked with sincere affections. Anari blushed violently from the emotions expressed, so embarrassed that she wanted to burrow deep into her beloved¡¯s embrace and nevere back out.

    ¡°What are you talking about? How am I that good? I¡¯m not pretty and I have a bad temper. As the most genteel and superb man of the Tatars, I¡¯ve always known that you¡¯re getting the worst deal with the two of us being together.

    ¡°Siqin, don¡¯t me me for being paranoid. I¡¯m really afraid of losing you. You are so wonderful and I am so unworthy¡­¡±

    ¡°Silly girl.¡± Siqin ced a finger on Anari¡¯s lips. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare look down on yourself like this. You are the ruler of the Tatars and my wife. Above all, you are my mistress. How are you unworthy of me? It is I who is reaching above my station and the unworthy one. It¡¯s all my fault that you feel so insecure. Beat me, Anari. Anything as long as you are no longer sad.¡±

    ¡°How could I ever bear to do so?¡± The khan lifted her head and nted a loud kiss on Siqin¡¯s cheeks.

    Moved by the straightforward and heartfelt gesture, the khan consort grinned and bent over to kiss her back.

    ¡­¡­

    Slumped on the ground, Qin Yining had been subjected to more than a healthy dosage of loving murmurings. Her goosebumps had goosebumps, and she suspected Siqin even more so.

    Sweet nothings were normal between a loving couple, but between those two, it was in to see that Anari was in the waker position. Siqin had tofort and coax her so that she could spend her days peacefully.

    In fact, his words were tooforting, almost like they¡¯d been rehearsed endless times before finally delivered. He felt like he was reading off a script.

    But why was Siqin treating Anari like this? Was it just out of love for his wife?

    Qin Yining lowered her head, her longshes fluttering rapidly and her mind painting endless possibilities. She went through all of them carefully, then discarded each one as invalid. Who knew how much of what he said was true? It it were up to her, she wouldn¡¯t believe him at all.

    The truest test of one¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t in the words, but in the actions. Though Siqin painted a pretty picture, it was undeniable that he¡¯d visited a woman¡¯s tent of his own ord.

    Oh, he¡¯d done so to interrogate the captives? Who would believe that?

    Probably only someone as trusting and straightforward as Anari.

    Qin Yining made up her mind to thoroughly investigate the Tatar power structure during her stay here. Siqin was overly wily and Anari too honest. It was too easy for Siqin to set up trap after trap for his wife. He was only a khan consort, so no matter how splendid he was, others would still think he¡¯d slept his way to the top.

    Maybe there was some unpleasantness between the two! That would be the perfect opening to make her escape.

    Her scalp suddenly tightened in this moment.

    When Qin Yining came back to her senses, she realized that Anari had grabbed ahold of her hat and had yanked it upward along with the hair within. She was forced to stand from the strength in the khan¡¯s hand.

    ¡°You slutty fox! Stay away from my man in the future! If you really are so hungry that you can¡¯t stay away from men, don¡¯t me me for sending in a dozen soldiers to serve you!¡±

    When had Qin Yining ever suffered such humiliation in her life? She was one of those who¡¯d rather die on her feet than live on her knees. How would she possibly take this kind of treatment lying down, especially after hearing those disgusting words??

    Qin Yining grabbed Anari¡¯s hand and forced the khan¡¯s fingers opened, standing to jeer, ¡°I¡¯ve long since heard that the ruler of the Tatars was a woman now, and was quite curious and respectful of you when I heard how you handled your people¡¯s affairs as regent.

    ¡°But I hadn¡¯t thought that the venerated regent would turn into someone else entirely after being khan. And just look at how unconfident you are, spending your days pouncing at paranoia, worrying that your husband will like another woman!

    ¡°If you really are that wonderful andpetent, then you should be confident that your husband will have eyes for none other than you. But just look at you now, ming others because you didn¡¯t leash your dog properly!

    ¡°As a fellow woman, don¡¯t you dishonor your upbringing to voice such disgusting words?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s voice was clear and resonant, her perfectly enunciated words delivered so quickly that there was no way to interrupt her.

    Livid with rage, Anari pointed at Qin Yining and was at aplete loss for words. ¡°Who, who are you calling a dog!¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me clearly the first time? That¡¯s strange, there¡¯s actually people in this world who like to be cursed at. Do you want me to say it again so you can have a good listen?¡±

    ¡°sphemy! Look at you trying to swing the situation with perverted logic! It was you who used your looks to seduce someone else¡¯s man. You tried to seduce my man because you¡¯re afraid of death! How high-principled are your actions!¡±

    ¡°Which of your eyes saw that I was trying to seduce him? It was your man who barged into my tent. Even though I¡¯m a captive, you still need me to ckmail Pang Zhixi. Aren¡¯t you worried that he¡¯ll take revenge in a fit of fury if I don¡¯t make it back to him alive?¡±

    In the throes of her rage, Anari still managed to calm herself down. It wouldn¡¯t do to yell and stomp at this vixen, it would only make her lose face in front of her consort. Instead, she opted to titter madly like she¡¯d heard an incredible joke.

    ¡°Fascinating, how fascinating! I¡¯ve never seen such a stubbornly willful captive like you! It looks like you don¡¯t care about your life and don¡¯t care if we kill you or not!¡± Anari¡¯s fingers were still smarting from Qin Yining¡¯s grip. A tide of envy threatened to erupt like a volcano as she noted the Qin princess consort grow even more beautiful in her anger. She unsheathed an exquisite dagger in her boot, its hilt embedded with jewels, and waved it at Qin Yining''s face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see how you seduce men without that face of yours!¡±

 Chapter 474: Two-faced

    <h4>Chapter 474: Two-faced</h4>

    Qin Yining hadn¡¯t thought Anari to be someone who acted before thinking¡ªand certainly not someone who pulled a knife just because of a perceived slight. Her reflexes weren¡¯t too shabby, so she quickly took a step back and dodged the tip of the de.

    Yet nimble as Qin Yining was, she didn''t have any fighting skills.

    The enraged khan had her heart set on making Qin Yining pay¡ªeven if she couldn''t kill the girl right here and then, she wanted to carve a few bloody lines into the princess consort¡¯s face and turn her into a hideous creature.

    Anari swung her de at Qin Yining with everything she had, every sh aimed for her face.

    Qin Yining dodged agilely, but she was just barely able to keep up. Her body had been in a weakened state for such a long time that her strength and stamina were no match for someone of Anari¡¯s strong stature; it wasn¡¯t long before sweat poured down her face. She tripped over herself and fell to a sitting position.

    Anari¡¯s eyes shone as she immediately seized the opportunity to plunge the dagger at Qin Yining. Meanwhile, Siqin had finally had his fill of themotion. He stepped forward to grip Anari¡¯s wrist.

    ¡°Alright, please calm yourself, my khan.¡± His gentle voice seemed to have the power to dissipate her homicidal tendencies as Anari settled down a notch.

    ¡°Why are you stopping me?! Let me cut up her face! We''ll see how she ns on seducing men once I¡¯m through with her!¡±

    Siqin took the dagger from Anari with a smile and took her hand instead. ¡°Silly girl, have you forgotten how I n to use this woman? Do you know of the feud between the Qins and the Faithful Prince of the First Rank?¡±

    Anari considered this for a moment, then nodded. ¡°Her father devised a plot to kill the prince¡¯s father.¡±

    ¡°Correct. Her father killed the father of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, yet His Highness was willing to marry a woman who has his father¡¯s blood on her hands. Why do you think that is?¡±

    Anari gradually understood. ¡°You mean to say, for her looks?¡±

    Siqin nodded and smiled. ¡°Suffice it to say that Pang Zhixi fancies her because of her face. If you ruin it, you destroy the only quality that redeems her in his eyes. What if he refuses to pay the ransom then?¡±

    Though his line of logic was correct, Anari still felt discontent. However, the thought of all the potential gold and silver they could get from Qin Yining¡¯s ransom lifted her spirits somewhat.

    ¡°Very well.¡± Her anger dissipated slightly and she smiled apologetically. ¡°Forgive me. I let my emotions get the better of me and disregarded my consort¡¯s ns as a result.¡±

    ¡°Think nothing of it. I know you do this because you care for me.¡± Siqin tugged at her hand, swinging it to and fro.

    ttered and appeased, Anari¡¯s face flushed. She chattered andughed with Siqin like a young maiden, then happily headed off to attend a roastedmb bonfire party. It was almost like the one waving a knife to kill just moments before was a different person entirely.

    Qin Yining dabbed at her forehead with her sleeve as she thought about what a brainless lunatic Anari was!

    Watching Siqin console Anari as if she were a child, it was clear the khan¡¯s anger was just a joke in Siqin¡¯s eyes. With how simple it was for him to sooth her with his words, Qin Yining came to another definitive conclusion.

    There was definitely something wrong with this Siqin!

    The khan consort smiled. ¡°You see now, do you not?¡±

    ¡°See what? How the consort coddles his khan?¡±

    Siqin''s features were tinged with satisfaction as he drew near Qin Yining once again, murmuring, ¡°In Tatar, the one the khan listens to the most is me. I haveplete confidence that I can convince her to do anything I ask her to.¡± He raised a hand to caress Qin Yining¡¯s cheek. ¡°If you submit yourself to me, I will persuade the khan to release you immediately. How about it?

    ¡°You lose nothing from this transaction. You¡¯re already married. Even if something happens between us, no one will know if I say nothing. Even if your man pays the ransom to get you back, your virtue will still count as untarnished if neither of us tell him, and you remain exclusively his......¡±

    Smack!

    Qin Yining whacked Siqin hard across the face. She breathed heavily, her chest heaving as she seethed in rage. ¡°Who do you think you are?! You think someone like yourself is on the same level as my husband? What an insult to his name! You call yourself a man? Despicable!

    ¡°Let me tell you, I am a virtuous woman who will not serve a second husband! I will never submit to you! Kill me or slice me to ribbons¡ªdo what you will! But if you mean for me to live without dignity as your mistress, forget it, I will not!¡±

    Her p left Siqin with a split lip. Blood slowly trickled from his mouth and his cheeks stung terribly with immediate swelling.

    His ears rang from her strike¡ªhe didn''t anticipate a woman who looked as gentle as calm waters would be so savage when angered. The nerve of her, pping someone like him!

    ¡°Do you really want to die?!¡± Siqin spat the blood pooling in his mouth.

    Qin Yining smirked frostily. ¡°As I said before, I do not fear death. If you kill me, then you¡¯d only be granting my wish!¡±

    Siqin pursed his lips and red at her. People who feared and wanted nothing were the most difficult to deal with. They had no inhibitions, rendering any threats against them useless.

    If there was nothing he could use against her, he had no way of intimidating her. As for coercing her with an incentive, nothing came to mind.

    Scaring her with the threat of death was also useless, as she seemed not to care about the prospect of being killed. The only thing that seemed to concern her was whether she was a burden to Pang Zhixi or not.

    She was a beauty who followed her heart, yet that heart didn''t belong to him. The thought of that was rather depressing. However, Qin Yining likely cared very much whether Pang Zhixi woulde rescue her or not, no?

    From the reactions Siqin had elicited from Qin Yining thus far, he deduced that such a woman who¡¯d devoted her heart and soul to her man naturally wished for her feelings to be returned in kind. If Pang Zhixi didn''te for her or went through the motions of it, that would break her heart then, wouldn¡¯t it?

    Though Qin Yining didn''t say so, Siqin had his way of knowing how she felt. Women were creatures of emotion¡ªAnari was this way, so the same could be said for Qin Yining.

    He poked at the corner of his mouth with the tip of his tongue, filling his mouth with the taste of blood. He spat in disgust before turning to make his leave.

    Qin Yining coldly watched him exit out the door, then rxed her clenched fists and fell back to sit on her cot. At least she had managed to emerge victorious this round.

    She rubbed her slightly swollen neck. Her face was the pallor of exhaustion, both physical and mental.

    Lying down once more, she pulled the nket over herself. She was stuck on Tartar soil with the brainless lunatic and a scumbag who loved to y pretend. They might barge in at any second, so Qin Yining thought it best to rest up when she could so she could to restore the energy needed to deal with urgent situations at the drop of a hat.

    She slept vigntly. Even if she only got a light sleep, it was better than wandering aimlessly through the desert.

    The next morning, the servant girl who¡¯d helped her wash and get changed the day before came back. As she helped the princess consort get dressed, she wore a smile on her face as she chattered at her in the Tatar tongue.

    The servant girl also seemed troubled. Her eyes lit up when inspiration struck. She tugged at Qin Yining¡¯s hand and pointed outside the tent.

 Chapter 475: Provocation

    <h4>Chapter 475: Provocation</h4>

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to go, but it was a rare opportunity to take in they of thend. Whether or not she eventually came up with an escape n, it was better to be familiar with the surroundings.

    The maid lifted the door curtain and respectfully helped the Zhou princess consort out.

    A verdant, grassy in greeted her eyes. Round, white-roofed tents were arranged in neat rows and colorful pennants fluttered in the wind. A great many citizens were gathered in a spot five hundred paces away, whopping and hollering at a group of mixed gender horse riders.

    The riders were hunched over their steeds, reins in hand and legs mped tightly around horse bellies. Rider buttocks raised slightly as dashing horses sped across the field like arrows loosed from bows. Every pass they made in front of the crowd resulted in raucous cheers, the loudest of which were reserved when Anari galloped past, her red riding outfit brilliantly offset by her white horse.

    ¡°Yeah! Yeah!¡±

    ¡°Our khan is mighty!¡±

    ¡°The khan is a hero among women!¡±

    ¡°The khan is the best women in the Tatars!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The crowd bubbled with excitement, a hubbub apanied by the drumming of horse hooves. A delightful sense of free spiritedness rose from one¡¯s heart. Even a hostage like Qin Yining felt her spirits lifted by the scene.

    The maid pointed at the riding range and murmured something. She looked at the princess consort with a merry expression, evidently waiting for a reply.

    Now Qin Yining understood. The maid wanted her to go look at the horses. She expressed her thanks with a nod and a smile. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go with your suggestion. Thank you for telling me how lively it is outside.¡±

    The maid didn¡¯t understand Great Zhou speech, but a blush crossed her face nheless when she looked back at the princess consort¡¯s gentle smile. She is so stunning when she smiles! Eyes sparkling, the maid said something and pointed again at the riding range, tugging Qin Yining in that direction.

    The princess consort looked to her left and right, affirming that though there had been people surveilling her since she left the tent, none of them made a move to stop her. This obviously was out of the purview of a little maid, so Siqin must¡¯ve sanctioned her freedom of movement.

    Just how confident is this man? Isn¡¯t he worried I¡¯ll take advantage of this to escape?

    Qin Yining followed the maid¡¯s footsteps, slowly padding over the grassy in to the range. The scent of grass and livestock wafted into her nostrils as she breathed. It didn''t make for a bad odor, but rather rxed the body and mind. Even the sky and white clouds here seemed further away than normal.

    As Qin Yining made her way closer, many tall and stocky men watching the horses noticed her.

    Though she was tall and limber for a Jiangnan woman, she was of middling height in Tatar. However, she was much wispier and frailer than most Tatar women, and crucially on disy were the manners and gestures she¡¯d learned from strict teachers. She walked with a natural elegance that was wholly different from what the simple, honest Tatar girls showed on a daily basis.

    An innate bearing of nobility flowed from her very bones, plus she had a stunning face that was difficult to describe or draw.

    The men on the outskirts stared dumbly at her and parted to the sides. As more people saw her, all came under her spell, no matter their gender and they too parted way before her. The constant whoops and cheers from the crowd abruptly died down.

    Qin Yining was a bit difited by the attention. Whether in Great Zhou or Great Yan, she¡¯d always worn a hat with a veil when she ventured outside in recent years. Though she¡¯d had to be in the public eye when she was young, no one had stared at her like this. With the simple honesty of the Tatar people, they directly expressed their likes and dislikes. Their gazes upon her were hardly restrained, and the fervor of their looks made her wholly ufortable.

    But even so, she couldn¡¯t reveal any fear.

    Expressionless, she smoothly made her way to the riding range and observed the hanging horses from behind a wooden tted fence. She pretended to be engrossed in the horses, but her gaze was surreptitiously scanning the terrain in the distance.

    Anari adored receiving her people¡¯spliments and cheers. The repeated cries of awe and des brought her great satisfaction. It spurred her to new heights in disying her riding skills, so that even more people would praise her. It also served to tell her people that though she was their first ever female khan, she was in no way inferior to men.

    But for some reason, the heart-pounding hurrahs and apuse suddenly grew weak. Confusion crossed her mind, as well as some displeasure.

    She hauled her horse around to where the people were gathered and shed a confident grin, but saw instead a charming figure in the middle of the crowd, obviously out of ce in a group of herdsmen.

    She drew her brows together with irritation and yanked on the reins. The white horse protested with a long whinny to be suddenly yanked to a stop, reared back on its hooves, then stomped fretfully a few times on the ground.

    Anari perched primly on her horse, casting a look of supercilious disdain down on Qin Yining. She raised an eyebrow and lifted her chin. ¡°Who let you out? This khan has not permitted an ugly thing like you to walk around the campground!¡±

    Qin Yining responded with a faint smile. ¡°No one stopped me from moving around and with how weak I am, I would never make it out of your campground. I hear that the Tatars are a warm and hospitable people. Surely the khan still respects the customs of your ancestors?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Anari had noeback to that. She frowned grumpily, then burst intoughter. ¡°Everyone knows you¡¯ve got a silver tongue and can talk your way out of any situation. You just use your looks to make life easy for you, and go around seducing any man you see.¡±

    Qin Yining frowned ferociously. As a fellow woman, how could this khan treat her show this kind of attitude and voice such vicious things in public? The crimes she mentioned werepletely baseless and based off her spection!

    This khan had obviously been spoiled in childhood and continued to get her way in everything after marriage. And someone with such a straightforward temper had a very extraordinary consort.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to stick her nose where it didn¡¯t belong and didn¡¯t care to warn her enemy either. She only knew that she couldn¡¯t lose here and be made a fool of.

    ¡°Why does such a young and beautiful khan say such atrocious things? I¡¯ve always thought that only women who suffered from low self-esteem would doubt their husbands like this. Besides, I have a husband, and he happens to be a hero who shakes the heavens. I studied Admonitions for Women and the Domestic Lessons when I was a child, as well as Biographies of Exemry Women. I understand the logic of a woman not serving a second husband. I would never do something like that that brings dishonor upon my ancestors. If the khan wishes to make up a crime for me, it¡¯s best to find one that¡¯s worthy of your station.¡±

    Though there wasn''t a single curse word in her response, Qin Yining managed to mock everything about Anari from her education to moral character to worldview.

    The herdsmen whispered to each other, wondering who this girl was. The buzz of the crowd added fuel to Anari¡¯s mes of rage, and she pointed at Qin Yining with her whip.

    ¡°You Great Zhou people only know how to p your lips! We Tatar women don¡¯t follow your tricky twists and turns. You can only strut around when ites to words!¡±

 Chapter 476: Declaration of War

    <h4>Chapter 476: Deration of War</h4>

    Qin Yining shed a smile brilliant enough to take one¡¯s breath away.

    ¡°The khan quite knows how to jest. To persuade others, you must present them with concrete facts and logic. If one is unable to win a debate, it simply means their views don¡¯t make sense or that they can¡¯t think in a logical manner.

    ¡°The khan should not belittle all of Tatar women. Women of Great Zhou follow certain rules and manners due to the traditions in which they were raised. Likewise, Tatar women learn many incredible things thanks to their nomadic lifestyle. As long as women are able to carry out their duties and make a living, there is no question of who is more superior.

    ¡°Different environments call for different ways of life and different fields of expertise¡ªthat is all there is to it. The khan is a formidable woman in her own right, no less than any man. You must not downy your own merits.¡±

    The philosophies Qin Yining spoke of were too deep for Anari to wrap her head around. She red at the repulsive face, itching to carve a few lines into it to let off steam. How dare a hostage challenge her in front of her subjects!

    ¡°Stop ying up your little bit of learning! Of course I am no less than any man¡ªI just don¡¯t hide behind men like a parasitic flower, the way you do! If you really have anything real about you, bring it out and show me! All you know how to do is speak with flowery words. What¡¯s so impressive about that?¡± 1

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°What does the khan think a noble, official daughter of a Great Zhou minister and a princess consort should possess, then?¡±

    ¡°You! Don¡¯t brag about your father or your man if you have the guts to! How about you and Ipete against each other, fair and square?¡± Anari had her mind set on embarrassing Qin Yining. She looked left and right before flicking her whip. ¡°A horse-ridingpetition!¡±

    Qin Yining arched an eyebrow, her eyes looking around as she politely declined. ¡°The khan is a master equestrian. How can I hope to be your equal? Perhaps this is not a good idea.¡±

    Her soft words were spoken with the gentleness unique to the woman of the south. Those who understood the tongue of Great Zhou tranted her words to others around them.

    The crowd thought the delicate youngdy sounded sincere enough.

    The khan had been riding horses since she was a child¡ªhow could a rich young miss from Great Zhou ever hope to best her? They¡¯d even heard many Great Zhou noblewomen had to cripple themselves by binding their feet; that was what those people thought to be beautiful. How could women who could hardly stand without falling over ride a horse?

    Thinking about this, some of the more forward nomads attempted to look at Qin Yining¡¯s feet out of curiosity. Unfortunately, they were obscured by her long robes, so no one was able to get a good look.

    Anariughed with satisfaction and jeered, ¡°In other words, you¡¯re just a useless vase who only knows how to run her mouth. If you don¡¯t want topete, that¡¯s fine. I will take that to mean that the women of Great Zhou are just pretty faces with nothing underneath. It¡¯s one thing for themon woman to not know how to ride¡ªI just didn¡¯t expect the Wise Pan An to raise such a spineless daughter who doesn¡¯t even have the guts to answer a challenge.¡±

    She shook her head in mock regret. ¡°I truly feel sorry for Wise Pan An. His great legacy is going to be destroyed in your hands.¡±

    By now, everyone could figure out what was going on¡ªthe khan despised this Great Zhou woman with every fiber of her being. The reason was likely because there was something going on between this beautifuldy and the khan¡¯s consort.

    Above all, married women hated it when their husbands hung around young and pretty girls. They understood all too well why Anari scrutinized Qin Yining relentlessly. They began stirring up a ruckus, saying if Qin Yining didn¡¯t ept the challenge, she was a disgrace to all the women of Great Zhou.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t want topete against her. Whether she won or lost, challenging someone in their own territory left her open for denunciation regardless of the oue. What¡¯s more, she knew her wounds and ordeal through the desert left her much weaker than she used to be¡ªshe didn¡¯t possess her previous stamina at all.

    However, she¡¯d never been one to give up easily.

    Anari¡¯s taunts had seeded in getting to herpetitive nature. She would rather lose than tap out without even fighting! Otherwise, she had no right to call herself the daughter of the Wise Pan An or the wife of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!

    ¡°Very well.¡± Qin Yining took a few steps forward and circled around a gap in the wooden fence to stand before Anari. ¡°However, I do not have a horse.¡±

    With a wave of her hand, Anari ordered one the menpeting in the long-suspended horse race to bring forth a chestnut horse.

    From its tall, stocky stature and its long mane, one could tell it was a feral stallion. Those who recognized this horse began breaking out in a cold sweat for Qin Yining.

    This was a feral horse they¡¯d taken in only because it had been injured. When it recovered, attempts were made at taming the stallion, but it took the finest rider of them all three months just to get it to bow its head to him. It had a fiery temper and only recognized the one who tamed him as his master¡ªno one else could even touch him.

    Anari had seen the horse in action in the horse race earlier, so she knew all too well how wild it was. She shot Qin Yining a mocking smirk. ¡°This one will be your ride then.¡±

    The man led the horse over to Qin Yining and threw her its reins and a whip. Those in the know held their breaths as the dainty girl walked toward the chestnut.

    ¡°Your Highness, you must be careful.¡± Lu Heng hade with Siqin and joined the crowd without her noticing. He fretted as he watched her approach the chestnut. ¡°If you can¡¯t do it, just admit defeat. There will always be wood to burn so long as the hills remain green¡ªthere¡¯s no need to get yourself hurt just to prove yourself.

    tant worry was written all over his elegant features, having watched from the sidelines for quite some time as the scene unfolded. As a hostage, his life was helplessly grasped in the hands of others; all of his men were already long dead. Qin Yining was the woman he fancied, and they were both of Great Zhou¡ªhe couldn¡¯t help calling out to her.

    Qin Yining looked back at Lu Heng and nodded with a smile, but deep down, she didn¡¯t agree with his words at all.

    Admit defeat?

    She¡¯d never admitted defeat to anyone from the moment she was born!

    When she had encountered wild beasts as a child living in the mountains¡ªespecially wolves¡ªshowing any sign of fear toward them would¡¯ve meant being devoured until nothing remained.

    The best way to deal with a feral animal was to be even more ferocious than it was! She held the whip in one hand and pulled its reins with the other.

    Displeased, the chestnut¡¯s nostrils red as it huffed, stomped its hooves, and defiantly shook its neck hard, refusing to be led by the human.

    However, Qin Yining''s fighting spirit red up in full force. Eyes zing bright like two infernos, shepletely forgot about how weak her body was. Yanking its reins hard, she stepped into a stirrup and flipped herself onto its back with a flourish.

    The chestnut screamed a long whinny and immediately kicked its hind legs into the air in an attempt to throw off the unwanted rider.

    The crowd gasped in horror, the more timid women and children covering their eyes fearfully.

    Qin Yining¡¯s hat of red agate beads flew away andnded far away, her raven ck hair flying in the wind.

    1. The khan is referencing Cuscuta chinensis, a parasitic flower native to China.

 Chapter 477: Conquer

    <h4>Chapter 477: Conquer</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The portrait painted was so impactful that words such as ¡°beautiful¡± or ¡°ugly¡± weren¡¯t enough to describe the scene. The ferocity and tenacity in her bones moved onlookers to their core¡ªthough she was too delicate and slenderpared with the feral stallion, the power she exuded was no less than the strength of the beast she was wrestling with, hair in disarray.

    Lu Heng was long enraptured by her visage.

    Siqin also squinted slightly, astonishment coloring his features.

    Anari bit her lips¡ªwho knew this vixen could bewitch men just by taming a horse! She wanted nothing more for that fox to fall off so that the wild beast would step on her and break her bones.

    s, Anari wished in vain.

    Qin Yining tightly pulled back on the reins, clutching the saddle as she wrapped her entire body around the horse¡¯s back. She held no fear of the chestnut¡¯s viciousness¡ªferal horses were no strangers to her, and she¡¯d even ridden the head stallion of a wild herd once. Even if he had no wish to follow her when Qin Yining left, she genuinely loved and respected these wild, sentient animals. As such, she had her ways to tame them.

    She had decided she wouldn''t surrender under any circumstances, and the feral stallion was equally stubborn-willed. As neither party was willing to back down, the chestnut realized it wasn¡¯t able to throw her off. With a furious whinny, it began galloping around madly.

    The princess consort was caught off guard¡ªeliciting rmed gasps from her audience¡ªbut she reacted quickly and corrected her posture immediately, letting herself go along with the rowdy stallion as it bolted around the arena, fast as lightning.

    Hair streaming out behind her, she lowered her center of gravity and focused on keeping herself steady as she attempted to control the horse. They¡¯d already made a circle around the riding range, leaving a storm in their wake. Before the surrounding crowd could get a clear look at the expression on her face, she whizzed straight past them in a sh.

    Their speed was much faster than Anari¡¯s when she was racing the others.

    After all, that¡¯d been a friendly match with the khan¡ªthose men cared not for winning, but for making the khan happy.

    By contrast, Qin Yining was taming a horse, so her top priority was to let it run to its heart¡¯s content.

    There was no question which of the two women was more genuine and possessed greater riding skills. The khan had actually lost the match as soon as she¡¯d chosen a feral horse for Qin Yining, in hopes of the princess consort falling off to her death.

    Anari¡¯s grip on her whip tightened as she watched Qin Yining gallop in circles before her, clenching her teeth so hard that they nearly cracked to pieces in her mouth.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining sensed the chestnut was submitting to her¡ªnot only did it slow down, it was no longer dashing around recklessly. It even epted hermands.

    After taking the chestnut around the range for nearly a dozenps, Qin Yining attempted to lead it to the crowd and halt it in front of them. To their surprise, it gave another long whinny and stopped.

    Her audience cried out in amazement, admiration and adoration filling the eyes of many young men.

    Sitting primly atop her steed, she dimpled at Anari. ¡°Let us begin our match, khan.¡±

    What was there topete?

    Qin Yining had tamed her own horse in an awe-inspiring disy of her superb riding skills. If Anari went up against her and lost, wouldn¡¯t that be a ridiculous embarrassment?

    With a scoff, she jerked her chin up and sneered, ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood.¡± With that, she walked toward Siqin.

    The princess consort blinked a few times with a gentle smile, as if indulging a headstrong child. ¡°Very well, then.¡± She gracefully unmounted and passed the reins back to the man who had led her the horse.

    What they didn¡¯t expect was for the stallion to snort and toss its head over to nudge at Qin Yining¡¯s cheek and nuzzle her neck. No one would have imagined this docile creature was the same tyrant that¡¯d wanted to fling her off its back to her death just moments earlier.

    The man was rather straightforwardughing, he formed thenguage of Great Zhou in a choppy and thick ent. ¡°Horse, yers.¡±

    Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°Thank you for allowing me to borrow this horse.¡±

    "No no, horse, likes yeh. Yeh tam-med hem, so horse, horse is, yers!¡±

    Those who were more fluent in thenguage of Great Zhou kindly piped up to help trante. ¡°Miss, what Sangda is trying to say is that the horse is yours. You tamed it, and since it has taken a liking to you, it naturally belongs to you.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t do,¡± Qin Yining replied in a hurry. ¡°I was merely borrowing it.¡±

    ¡°Actually miss, Sangda found this horse in the wild. It took three months of training for it to allow him to ride on its back, yet you tamed it in no time at all. We of the grass ins also believe in fate, and you seem to have a greater destined bond with this one.¡±

    The other nomadsughed and nodded with genuine smiles upon their faces, as if they had all forgotten how Anari had tried to embarrass her. That was what was so charming about themon people¡ªthey were honest and kind people who didn''t regard others with malice and upheld their traditions in a straightforward manner.

    Qin Yining did wish to ept their gift.

    Without a doubt, she didn''t wish to remain here forever¡ªshe couldn''t be a weakness that others could use to manipte her father or Pang Xiao. Rather than resigning herself to her fate, she might as well make her move. Having a horse greatly improved her chances of escaping.

    Yet even if she did ept, Anari would do anything in her power to take something away from a lowly prisoner. As the khan, she couldn''t directly seize possessions by force due to considerations of dignity. Thus, her best option was to have the horse die.

    Then, the horse would be renderedpletely useless.

    With this in mind, Qin Yining smiled and replied, ¡°I epted the match under the khan¡¯s invitation, so I must respect her wishes. What¡¯s more, I don''t have anyone in my service. So if the khan agrees to help look after this fine stallion, I can ept your kind offer then.¡±

    Finished, she fixed a look on Anari.

    Anari nearly spat on that hateful face right then and there¡ªthe nerve of her!

    If she agreed, did that not ce the horse¡¯s wellbeing under her responsibility? Why did she have to help Qin Yining take care of it?

    ¡°What ce does a lowly prisoner have to talk terms with me?¡± Anari smiled coolly, silencing the crowd with a single sentence.

    Qin Yining shed a faint smile and inclined her head. ¡°As you say. I was so moved that the khan was willing topete with someone below her station that I forgot my ce.¡±

    With that, the princess consort made her way to her tent, leaving the crowd with the image of her retreating silhouette.

    When Anari watched her go, she gnashed her teeth to the point where she could almost taste blood. She turned her head, only to see Siqin¡¯s gaze fixated on Qin Yining¡¯s back. There was a predatory look of a man¡¯s lust toward a woman in his eyes that had Anari¡¯s heart thumping in her chest.

    Her worries were not unfounded after all. That was a vixen through and through!

    The knuckles of Anari¡¯s clenched fists cracked loudly. This woman was a great threat to her¡ªshe had to find a good reason to do away with Qin Yining!

 Chapter 478: Unreconciled

    <h4>Chapter 478: Unreconciled</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Seeing that she had fallen asleep, her assigned servant girl decided not to disturb her and quietly slipped out. When she lifted the door p of the tent, the khan consort unexpectedly greeted her. He¡¯d been standing right outside the doorway with his hands behind his back.

    She froze at the sight of Siqin, then moved to curtsey. Just as she was about to open her mouth in greeting, the khan consort made a hushing motion and waved a dismissal.

    The servant girl felt her heart lurch when she remembered how the khan had attacked the woman earlier in the tent. Judging from the look on the consort¡¯s face, she¡¯d really discovered something incredible!

    Thedy she waited on was so beautiful that even she couldn¡¯t help stealing a few nces her way, nor could she suppress her desire to offer attentive care. If she found the woman this attractive, what did this mean for the men whoid their eyes on her?

    If the khan¡¯s consort was truly attracted to the woman, one misstep could very well mean the maid¡¯s permanent end!

    The servant girl lowered her head and hunched over as she made her leave. As she walked away, she wondered whether she should report this to the khan or not.

    She blinked, then rejected the notion. Who didn¡¯t know how deep the khan¡¯s infatuation with her consort ran?

    If someone with apetitive streak found out that her husband fancied another woman¡ªand learned of it from a servant girl, no less¡ªit was likely the khan would kill her to ensure her silence.

    Even if she didn''t die by the khan¡¯s hand, the khan consort probably wouldn''t show her any mercy once he learned who tattled on him. All she could do now was pray that the khan never discovered this. Well, it was also crucial to think of her testimony in advance if the truth got out and the khan came to question her.

    By this point, the servant girl found herself on the verge of tears.

    Siqin slowed his gait as he approached Qin Yining¡¯s cot. He lowered his head to stare at her slumbering face and stayed still for a long while. It wasn¡¯t the first time he felt himself irresistibly drawn to her.

    He¡¯d always been a highly disciplined person who knew what he wanted and how to get what he wanted. Yet, the sight of Qin Yining abruptly struck him with a fervent desire to possess this woman.

    It wasn¡¯t that he¡¯d never seen beautiful women before, but it was the first time he had ever seen someone with her looks. Unlike the women of Tatar, she was like spring water¡ªpliable, yet tenacious. Her every move embodied grace, every scowl and smile a marvel to behold.

    Even if he kept her by his side withoutying a finger on her, the mere sight of her gave him pleasure. Why had such a person appeared sote to him?

    It seemed the Soothsayer had spoken truly. He was fated to squander this life away, and the things he desired wouldn''t reveal themselves to him easily¡ªhe would have to work hard in order to attain them.

    Pursing his lips, Siqin gently took a seat along the edge of her cot. He knew Qin Yining had keen senses, so he elected to visit when she was tired. He withdrew his aura as much as possible and refrained from continuously staring at her to make himself less noticeable.

    Gazing upon her delicate features, he was ovee with the urge to touch her. He gently reached out with his right index and middle finger to stroke her cheek.

    The princess consort seemed to sense something¡ªher eyes snapped open, hastily batting away the outstretched hand that came into view.

    As soon as she struck Siqin with a crisp p, he withdrew his hand, brows furrowed.

    Qin Yining leapt to her feet at once. Though her vision went ck from getting up so suddenly, she showed no sign of weakness as she fixed the khan consort with a sharp re. She slept fitfully to begin with¡ªshe was in enemy territory, after all. No matter how tired she was, she forced herself to stay vignt. If she hadn¡¯t wasted so much energy on taming the stallion, she would¡¯ve noticed Siqin long before he reached out.

    Siqin slowly stood and stared into her guarded eyes. He rubbed his fingers together as he strode forward. ¡°A very good idea suddenly urred to me.¡±

    ¡°None of your ideas are good in my eyes.¡± Qin Yining stared coldly at him. ¡°The khan¡¯s consort would be wise to treasure the life he has now. Even if your khan is not the brightest woman, her love for you is genuine. Do you not fear retribution if you betray her?¡±

    ¡°Retribution?¡± Siqin looked as if he had just heard an absurd joke. ¡°Yes, yes, you are correct. Look at your man¡ªhis punishment for killing countless people is losing his woman to me!¡±

    He raised his voice, his deep voice radiating with fury strong enough to make people tremble.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart lurched, but she wasn¡¯t afraid. She stared back at him with ice in her eyes.

    She was half cloaked in shadow in the dim light of the tent. Faint light radiated off her tousled hair in a pale golden halo, her shining eyes reminding Siqin of the packs of wolves that hunted the grasnds.

    Bespelled, he reached out with a tut, ¡°Why does a woman of your looks have such eyes? You...¡±

    ¡°What are the two of you doing?!¡±

    Siqin¡¯s murmurs were interrupted by an angry roar from the doorway.

    Anari furiously stomped forward and dragged Siqin two steps backward by the cor, then flung her hands away. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you had something important to attend to?! So that ¡®something important¡¯ wasing to this vixen¡¯s tent??¡±

    Siqin took in the sight of Anari¡¯s ruddy face and eyes of zing fury. With great effort, he managed to suppress how much his heart dropped from disappointment. ¡°My khan, you misunderstand.¡±

    ¡°Misunderstand? The two of you are alone in a room and you won¡¯t let anyone serve you. You expect anyone to believe you haven¡¯t been entranced by this temptress¡¯ good looks in the slightest?!¡± Anari screeched, enraged.

    ¡°My khan, you are overthinking the situation,¡± Siqin beseeched. ¡°I came to ask her about the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. She still refuses to talk, but we might still be able to glean some clues about him, no? Even if the khan does not trust her, surely you trust me? What kind of person do you take me for?¡±

    Hearing this, Anari looked back suspiciously at Qin Yining. It was true she trusted Siqin very much. In all the years she¡¯d known him, she¡¯d never seen him show interest in any other woman. Heplied with everything she asked of him.

    She¡¯d always held herself in high esteem. Not only was she royalty, her horse-riding skills and way with a bow were second to none. As a khan that had the trust of her people, everyone who knew her had nothing but respect and admiration for her. It went without saying that Siqin treated her as his only mistress. And he¡¯d always done so, which only had Anari enjoying the feeling of relying on him more and more.

    Yet here he was, actively pursuing a beautiful woman!

    How she dearly wished to tear Qin Yining into pieces and feed the remains to the dogs!

    Anari had always loved Siqin. Though she would yell at him from time to time whenever she grew impatient, she couldn''t lift a hand against her own husband. It wasn¡¯t just because she didn¡¯t have the heart to¡ªit had taken so much effort to help Siqin build his reputation. If they didn''t present a united front, outsiders would jump at the opportunity to worm their way into the power vacuum they left behind.

    With this in mind, Anari threw everything to the back of her mind, except that she was not to turn to violence. She lowered her voice. ¡°Come with me, husband,¡± she warned. ¡°If you need to ask her anything, have one of your subordinates do that for you. We return to the capital tomorrow. If you continue to pay her so much attention when we return, I¡¯ll kill her!¡±

 Chapter 479: Khanbaliq

    <h4>Chapter 479: Khanbaliq</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The next morning, before the sun or Qin Yining had risen, the door curtain to her tent was pushed aside for dawn¡¯s autumn wind to burrow in without mercy. Qin Yining shivered her way awake and swiftly sat up to watch the doorway, raising her guard.

    Her visitor was a stocky, middle-aged woman donning indigo, narrow-sleeved robes under a ck vest. Her hair was sleekly tied up behind her head. tant contempt colored her features when she saw Qin Yining, and the woman scoffed at her in an ented rendition of the Great Zhou tongue.

    "It looks like you slept very well. The khan has ordered me to supervise you. She and the consort have already risen to prepare for departure, but a prisoner such as yourself is still shamelessly sleeping in! Get up and get dressed!

    Qin Yining understood at once¡ªAnari could no longer stand the sight of her livingfortably, so arranged for a granny servant to torment her. As for the maid whose eyes sparkled whenever she looked at her, it seemed Qin Yining would never see the attentive girl again.

    The princess consort remained silent as she rose to groom herself. After washing her face with cold water, she haphazardly rubbed some lotion onto her face, then did her hair in a simple updo and put on her hat of red agate tassels

    As she was all by her lonesome, she didn''t have any belongings to take with her save from her medication, which she packed into a small bundle.

    "Let us go." Now ready, Qin Yining turned to address the maid and exited the tent.

    The old maid hadn''t expected the princess consort to be so adept at caring for herself¡ªnot only did the girl not try to bargain for better treatment, her movements were quick and efficient. She waspletely unlike the expected vixen, the one who¡¯d dared seduce the khan''s consort in exchange for days offort.

    For a moment, the older woman couldn''t keep up with her thoughts, but still remembered the khan''s orders full well and chased after Qin Yining with long strides.

    "Hurry up, don''t dawdle! Who do you think you are? What ce does a prisoner have strutting around arrogantly before the khan?" A hard push emphasized her words.

    Qin Yining stumbled and nearly fell to the ground. When she regained her bnce, she turned around angrily and drew back her hand, promptly pping the maid across the face.

    "And what do you think you are? How dare you address this princess consort like this!"

    The old maid spun around in ce from the force of the p and fell dizzily to the floor. Astounded, she cupped her check and looked up at Qin Yining. "How, how dare you strike me?!"

    "You are a servant, and I am your superior. Why should I not p you for insubordination to your betters?! I am a guest of your khan''s consort, yet you, a lowly servant, steppletely out of line. Do you think this will be overlooked when you Tatars speak with Great Zhou?!" Qin Yining did not yell, nor did she speak quickly, but the threat in her voice was extremely clear.

    Those hustling with preparations outside drew close to see what themotion was about. Seeing the granny servant scolded after a failed attempt to teach Qin Yining a lesson, the people muttered and gossiped amongst themselves.

    Qin Yining continued to berate the maid, "If you will not attend to me properly, then go back to wherever you came from and send someone who knows their manners! I¡¯ve always heard the Tatars prided themselves on their hospitality and spoke reason. The excellence your people have to offer is tarnished by insubordinate things like you who bully the weak!"

    Among those who understood thenguage of Great Zhou, some thought Qin Yining spoke too severely while others thought the old mama was out of line and had angered their guest.

    The flurry of conversation among the bystanders grew louder.

    Just then, Anari rushed over in a bright scarlet cape, whip in hand. She flew into a rage at the sight of the person she¡¯d arranged on the ground with a swollen cheek. "How dare you, disying such impudence on my territory!"

    "Khan." Qin Yining addressed Anari with utmost formality. "As a woman, I am ignorant on many fronts. However, I still know of how one should treat guests.

    "For a woman as well-educated and far-sighted such as the khan, a servant¡¯s disrespectful conduct will only serve to unjustly tarnish your good name. Some will know that a servant is responsible for their own misconduct, but those who do not will think the servants are acting on the khan''s orders to abuse a helpless guest."

    Seeing the swollen handprint on the maid''s face, Anari''s face grew white with anger. "How thick-skinned you are! You dare call yourself helpless after hitting someone''s face like that?!"

    Qin Yining looked at the leather whip in Anari''s hand and smiled. "Khan, I respect you as a heroic woman. Though your consort forcibly brought me to your country to be your guest, I am still Great Zhou¡¯s Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank, and the daughter of the Minister of Rites. You can kill me, but you may not insult me!

    "I am a person of little patience and a bad temper. What''s more, I am quick to act on my impulses. If any of your people tries to disrespect me again, I shall end myself instead of subjecting myself to your torment. I will not be able to guarantee that you will seed in discussing terms if ites to that."

    "How dare you threaten me?! Let me tell you something, Tatar''s forces are strong in numbers and well-fed. It would be as easy as breathing to stomp all of Great Zhou¡¯s chicken-hearted cowards into the ground! Go ahead and die. You can die. We won''t negotiate anything¡ªI will lead my warriors in a charge and kill your people without leaving anything behind!" She swung an arm into the air as she spoke, her servants cheering her on.

    Worry wed at Qin Yining.

    She could now say with certainty that there was something wrong with Siqin and Anari''s rtionship. Anari seemed so sure of herself that she didn¡¯t seem particrly concerned about the prospects of going to war¡ªin fact, she seemed to wish for it.

    When it came to Great Zhou, Pang Xiao was already in an awkward predicament. Knowing him, he would certainly rally his troops to avenge her should the worst happen to her. The question of whether the emperor would give him the authority to do so or not aside, the amount of suffering that war would bring wasn¡¯t something she wished upon anyone.

    Shifting her thoughts, Qin Yining showed no sign of backing down. "The khan has many people to do her bidding and a loud voice, I have no wish topete with you in these regards. Did you not say we were to return to your capital? I will be going to my carriage, then.¡±

    The princess consort nodded, then headed straight toward a tbed cart. Lu Heng was already seated inside. Seeing Qin Yining approach, he smiled and moved aside to make space for her.

    "You best not aggravate them," he muttered, "or they may physically retaliate. It seems to me their motives for kidnapping us aren¡¯t as simple as obtaining ransom."

    "You¡¯ve noticed as well?" Qin Yining murmured back.

    They wordlessly came to the same conclusion. It seemed that Lu Heng had already grasped some of their situation, thanks to his sharp wits.

    Seeing Qin Yining fawn over Lu Heng as soon as she boarded the cart, Anari¡¯s suspicions about the integrity of the girl¡¯s character grew. With a dark look, she announced their departure. No one was allowed to rest throughout their day-long journey, and they finally reached the gates of Khanbaliq after nightfall.

    Out of habit, Anari turned her head back to brag, "We Tatars have a long history¡ªit''s almost unfairpared to your tiny nation. Today, I shall broaden your horizons."

 Chapter 480: Reminder

    <h4>Chapter 480: Reminder</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    When the khan''s convoy arrived at the city gates, the guards standing watch immediately bowed. The crowd of civilians on the street also parted ways and bowed, passionately weing the khan in the Tatarnguage.

    Looking at the lively crowd from their cart, Qin Yining and Lu Heng couldn''t help but nce at each other.

    Back in Great Zhou, Li Qitian would¡¯ve never chanced such a public appearance in front of his people. Such rambunctious gatherings would leave him wide open for assassination.

    Apparently, Anari was held in considerably high regard by the general popce and often engaged with them in normal times¡ªtheir honest enthusiasm warmed even the hearts of outsiders like the hostages.

    "Are you thinking what I''m thinking?" Lu Heng muttered into Qin Yining''s ear.

    Qin Yining knew what he was about to say. She nodded. "Those who possess true skill have nothing to fear, I suppose."

    Anari was a formidable force to be reckoned with on her own, but Tatar''s war god, Siqin, also stayed closely beside in protection. Her bodyguards were even more diligent in ensuring her safety. It would¡¯ve been strange if someone as who enjoyed showing off as much as she did took the care to hide herself.

    The convoy set course for the magnificent historic beauty that was the Tatar royal pce. Yet as soon as they turned a corner, two teens dressed in rags ran out from the crowd and dropped to their knees before the entourage.

    Anari raised a hand to bring them to a halt. The surrounding crowd looked in their direction, equally curious.

    "What is it now?" Anari sneered. "I let you offst time, but youe back looking to die?"

    ¡°Great khan, we beg you to spare our aav and eej! Please spare our aav and eej"

    "I already let you off once, how dare youe to me again? Your parentsmitted serious crimes, so it serves them right to be ves! The same goes for the rest of your tribe!"

    "No, the Minuo tribe already submitted to the khan''s rule when you were still regent, yet the khan showed us no mercy. We were once a great tribe of over twenty thousand, but we have been massacred to where less than four thousand of us remain¡ªour elderly, sick, women and children. Our father and mother already serve you, so why does the khan continue to persecute us?"

    "It''s what your people deserve!"

    ......

    Anari proceeded to recount all of the times the Minuo tribe had obstructed her rise to power.

    The scene was dead silent, save for the bickering between the khan and the two young teens.

    Qin Yining had no idea what they were saying because they were speaking in the Tatarnguage, but she noticed Lu Heng appeared to understand.

    "Do you know the Tatarnguage?" Qin Yining whispered.

    Lu Heng met her bright gaze and nodded with a smile, then murmured a brief summary of their quarrel in her ear.

    Qin Yining fell deep into contemtion.

    The people of Tatar were different from that of Great Zhou in that most lived grueling lives as nomads. Though they appeared united under the khan, they were a fragmented nationprised of several tribes.

    The Minuo tribe once had a poption of twenty thousand people, making it an exceptionallyrge Tatar tribe. However, power struggles had that number cut down by Anari''s hand to the current four thousand elderly, vulnerable and disabled.

    Qin Yining also knew full well how political conflict was a survival of the fittest¡ªshowing weakness meant forfeiting your life.

    Despite this knowledge, her heart hadn¡¯t hardenedpletely.

    As she watched the fight escte to where Anari pulled out her whip to rush at the two teens, she couldn''t help speaking up. "Khan, is this the nned demonstration of your famed hospitality for outsiders such as myself?"

    All eyes turned toward her when she opened her mouth. As she spoke thenguage of Great Zhou, most of the spectators didn¡¯t understand her.

    However, Anari did.

    She spun around angrily and met the subtle taunt in Qin Yining''s otherwise indifferent gaze, shouting, "What do you mean?!"

    "I mean exactly what I said. The khan is very fluent in thenguage of Great Zhou, so I trust you understand."

    Anari dropped her inclination to beat the two youths with her whip and instead turned to stomp over to Qin Yining, fuming.

    Concerned, Lu Heng put himself between Anari and Qin Yining. In the Tatar tongue, he said, "Her Highness spoke out of consideration for the khan. There is no need to take her words to heart. Killing someone is but removing their heads. The khan has already persecuted so many of their people and captured their parents¡ªwhy go through the trouble of beating two children in front of a crowd?"

    Though Qin Yining was grateful for Lu Heng''s support, she didn¡¯t have a habit of relying on others to finish the fights she started. In thenguage of Great Zhou, she continued, "The khan is a hero and the leader of a nation. You have a great army and numerous talents on your side, yet you refuse to spare a tribe that has already bowed down to you. Now, you mean to harm two filial and innocent youths¡ªdo you not care if others think you heartless?"

    Anari flew into a rage and viciously cracked her whip. "Who do you think you are?! How dare you point fingers at me! The Minuo tribe rebelled and lost, so they are my ves to kill or slice them up as I please. Since when do I need to exin myself to the likes of you?!"

    "As you say, as you say, you are free to do as you please." Qin Yining waved a hand with the air of tolerating a child throwing a tantrum, and sighed. "However, are you not concerned with the sympathy for one of your kind? Look at your subjects¡ªare you certain killing the weak is the only way to disy your authority as the leader of a nation?

    "Khan, I have always considered you a female hero with wit and method. However, it now appears you are nothing more than an upstart social climber blinded by her own power.""What did you say?! Who are you calling an upstart social climber?!"

    "Are you not, though? True rulers with ss don¡¯t unt the little power they hold, nor demonstrate their authority at the expense of the innocent. You are already the khan, why do you remain so quick to show off? You embarrass yourself by sauntering around like a new money upstart showing off their big hairpin, made of three catties of gold. And yet, youck actual wealth. This only hurts your image, and I fail to see the heroism you wish to disy."

    Each word stabbed at Anari''s heart like knives. Cheeks ruddy with humiliation, she made a move to use her whip, only to see the civilians gathered around them staring quietly at her. Qin Yining''s words echoed again in her head¡ªif she didsh out, she would only be proving the princess consort right.

    It was at this moment that the two pleading teens slipped away in the crowd, their movements as nimble as pond loaches.

    Slow to react, the guards cried out in rm before pursuing them.

    Anari looked back to see the two had already run far away and the guards chasing them had knocked the crowd helter-skelter. Her frustration grew even further.

    Qin Yining shook her head. "To repay the khan for hosting us free of charge, I shall offer you these words of wisdom: ''The ruler is the boat, his people the water. Water can carry the boat, but it may also overturn it. Thus, rulers would be wise to take caution, for it is this awareness that will nullify the risk of being overturned.''

    ¡°I rmend ''Xunzi'' for the khan to read in your leisure time. I am sure the khan''s consort will understand any passages that elude you and would be amenable to exining them to you."

    She spoke with a smile, but her words held a reminder¡ª if Anari could find it in herself to swallow her pride in the slightest, she would¡¯ve understood Qin Yining''s implications.

 Chapter 481: Going Down

    <h4>Chapter 481: Going Down</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    He slightly resented her impulsiveness and was even more worried that she¡¯d be dragged into the conflict. As expected, Siqin moved in front of Anari and looked at Qin Yining with eyes that glittered malevolently.

    However, the princess consort hadn¡¯t run her mouth without thought¡ªa lot of consideration had gone into what she¡¯d said. If the rulers of Tatar were a united front, what good was that for Great Zhou? It¡¯d be best to set Anari and Siqin at odds with each other, leaving them no leisure to consider invasion.

    She¡¯d gleaned by now that Siqin was a man with a heavy craving for power. If Anari kept bumbling through her days, she would sooner orter be on the receiving end of a coup. If Siqin became the Tatar master, then this people¡¯s pace to invade the south would only quicken. Great Zhou¡¯s coffersid empty, what strength could they muster to resist attackers?

    Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu would have long and arduous battles ahead of them, not to mention the scores of soldiers whose blood would dye the fields and untold innocents who would die in war.

    War was thest thing Qin Yining wanted to see, so it was best to keep Anari and Siqin busy fighting each other. She stared back fearlessly at Siqin and smiled faintly. ¡°Does the khan consort also think my words make sense?¡±

    ¡°It seems the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is well read. There is a saying in Great Zhou that asserts the greatest virtue of a woman is to be without talent. Are you not departing from your culture¡¯s rules and manners to be a rebellious heretic?¡±

    Anari quite agreed with her husband. ¡°I can just tell from this tramp¡¯s looks that she¡¯s not one to be content with her ce.¡±

    Qin Yining could tell from the khan¡¯s expression that her kind reminder was a waste of effort. She shook her head and sighed at Anari¡¯s furious, yet envious re. ¡°The khan would be well served to think of your status when you speak.¡±

    Anari finally recalled that they were still out in public. She was the khan of Tatar! So many pairs of eyes scrutinized her word and move. Such vicious jealousy would indeed be a source of consternation. She immediately turned back to her retinue, ¡°We return to the pce.¡±

    The soldiers announced their understanding and moved ording to their new directions. The crowd scattered when the entourage set course for the pce, recovering their earlier enthusiasm.

    Qin Yining took her seat in the cart again, prompting Lu Heng¡¯s whispers, ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking, but you also need to think of your own safety. You need to stay alive until we return to Great Zhou. You don¡¯t want to lose your life here for no reason, do you?¡±

    The princess consort knew that her fellow countrymen was truly worried about her. ¡°I know, but Siqin won¡¯t kill me for now because he still wants to make use of me. I just think that he has a deeper scheme in ce. You need to be careful too. Though you¡¯re a Lu, who knows what¡¯s happened back home given how long you¡¯ve been missing? You should keep a contingency n in mind when you negotiate terms with them. Don¡¯t ce too much trust in your n.¡±

    Qin Yining was one to return kindness from others. She and Lu Heng were in the same boat and the Lu scion genuinely cared about her wellbeing. Of course she would offer sincere suggestions in return.

    Though it was a bucket of cold water dumped over his head, such heartfelt attention still warmed Lu Heng¡¯s heart. He naturally knew what else might be in y here.

    The Lus were an aristocratic house with a hundred years of history. Its web of rtionships wasplex and interwoven, and it was also hardly one united strand of rope. He¡¯d departed the family residence so long ago and was now ¡®missing¡¯; perhaps familial factions were already shuffling the cards of power around. Though Siqin showed him mercy for now because of his daily background, the khan consort wouldn¡¯t hesitate to swiftly change his mind if the Lus showed an inclination to give up on Lu Heng.

    To be honest, the two Great Zhou citizens were both in the same predicament.

    ......

    The architectural style of the Tatar pce was atplete odds with that of Great Zhou¡¯s pce. Buildings here traded details of exquisite craftsmanship for notes of grand magnificence. Rows of servants lined up neatly to greet the return of their khan.

    Nicely worked up, Anari leveled a finger at Qin Yining the moment she returned to familiar surroundings. ¡°Throw her into the dungeon and keep a close watch on her! No one is to let her out without my orders!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Guards rushed up to take the princess consort into custody, but a raised hand from Siqin stopped them.

    ¡°Khan, we still need to make use of these two. The dungeons are dark and damp, easily leading to sickness if women are kept in them. That will affect our ns then.¡±

    Anari looked at Siqin with narrowed eyes, drawing close to grab his cor. ¡°Can¡¯t bear to see her thrown into the dungeon?¡±

    The khan consort had more than had enough of Anari¡¯s domineering attitude along the way. Her continued theatrics and tantrums now continued to stoke his anger. Keeping control of himself with great effort, he responded, ¡°Khan, please do not continue to talk like this. We are husband and wife, not enemies. Do you still not know my feelings for you after all these years? I am well aware of how much you care for me and am very touched by it, but I am equally saddened by how you continuously misunderstand me.¡±

    Born with genteel looks and holding himself with a refined, schrly air, Siqin¡¯s stance of his hands behind his back with furrowed brows exceeded a natural bearing of persuasiveness.

    Her feelings for him did run very deeply and the two of them had supported each other to where they were now. Anari both loved and worshipped this man. His words made her heart thump painfully, and some regret crept in when she thought of what she¡¯d said and done.

    However, her pride as khan didn¡¯t permit her to capitte. She stubbornly bit her lip and said nothing.

    Siqin sighed and turned to the servants. ¡°Take our two guests to separate halls to rest. Arrange servants to take care of them.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Maids led Qin Yining and Lu Heng off in different directions.

    Casting an assessing eye at the two senior servants leading her, Qin Yining noted that their footsteps were light and they looked well trained. They were surely well versed in martial arts.

    Setting aside thoughts of how Siqin would calm down Anari this time, the princess consort made careful observation of the residences on either side of the covered hallway and the various towering, rugged buildings they passed by. She diligentlymitted the surroundings and their route to memory.

    Her temporary amodations were a spacious side hall, and a gust of cold air greeted her as soon as they set foot through the door. A red carpety atop a floor neatly tiled with stone. Two circr windows on the side walls were shut tight, and a sizable sitting tform was set up behind a divider. A square floor furnace was set in the floor in front of the tform, the fire within not yet lit.

    ¡°Please rest here, madame.¡± Fluent in Great Zhou, the servant¡¯s voice echoed in the empty hall. Her counterpart walked forward to light the fire.

    Qin Yining nodded and took a seat on the tform, reaching her hands out to the warm mes.

    Some more maids came in with a delivery of nkets and fur linens. Instead of politely holding herself back, the princess consort wrapped herself into the nkets and shoved her face inside, breathing out a long sigh as she slowly warmed up.

    Tatary further north than the Great Zhou capital. At this time of the year, the Great Yan capital would be alternating between autumn rains and biting cold. Here, the northerly wind scraped across skin like knives whenever it blew.

    Qin Yining shivered until she fully warmed up, thenid down to rest. A maid brought in a message at this time. ¡°The khan orders that the madame be present for the morning hunt tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 482.1: The Hunt (I)

    <h4>Chapter 482.1: The Hunt (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Things were definitely not as simple as that. Anari was drunk with jealousy¡ªin fact, she looked like she¡¯d fallen into the entire vat of it just now. What''s more, Siqin was obviously angling to use her to achieve something. Hidden motives must lurk beneath the sudden scheduling of a morning hunt. When Qin Yining had left, the two were still in the throes of a vigorous spat.

    The princess consort¡¯s featheryshes fluttered as she looked down in silent thought, while the servant awaited an answer from the charmingly seductive face half hidden in the animal pelts. A fiery orange glow from the furnace highlighted that gentle elegance.

    Even my heart melts at the sight, and I¡¯m a woman. What¡¯s it like for men toy their eyes upon her? The khan¡¯s hostility and wariness of the foreigner seemed much more understandable now.

    "Madame?" ventured the maid. She was here on Anari''s orders, so she had to return with a report on her instructions.

    Qin Yining very much wished to decline, as her ailing health and the tolls of travel had utterly exhausted her. If they were presently in the Great Zhou capital, she would take time to fully rx and recuperate. She would engage in nothing but bed rest, eating and drinking in bed, sleeping her fill until she recovered, and perhaps even fall ill for a round or two.

    However, being a lowly prisoner at present left her no room for self-indulgence. Likewise, she wasn¡¯t in the position to decline or oppose Anari''s wishes.

    Frankly, these dire straits demanded her strength and resilience. With how things were now, she could either grit her teeth andst another round, or bare her neck and submit like amb to the ughter.

    "Very well. Please notify the khan I will attend."

    Only then did the servant nod before taking a few steps back and circling around the divider to exit the side hall.

    The door closed shut with a creak; silence nketed the hall once more save for the popping of the burning firewood. Qin Yining, however, didn''t let her guard down.

    Though she couldn''t see anyone else present in her quarters, she sensed there were at least two people watching her every move, and from two different locations at that. They were likely twockeys of no great importance, since spying on a weak woman didn''t require anyone highly trained. Considering theyers of security outside the hall, there was no worry about her running away.

    Qin Yining rolled herself more firmly into the nket and bundled herself into a ball, curling up on the tform before the fire.

    I miss home in the Great Zhou capital. I miss Pang Xiao, my parents, n¨¦e Ma, and n¨¦e Yao. I wonder if Bingtang and Jiyun made it out? She also wondered if the heavily injured Cao Yuqing was alive or not.

    She and Pang Xiao had been apart for more than three months by now. How anxious he must be knowing that she¡¯d disappeared...

    Her eyes and nose burned when she closed her eyes, tears welling up immediately. It took an enormous effort to keep herself from crying.

    Tears made a person weak, something she couldn''t afford to be right now. If she wanted to escape Tatar alive and survive Siqin''s scheming and Anari''s jealousy, she couldn''t afford to show any sign of weakness¡ªfear and cowardice were also out of the question. The moment she disyed such weak emotions was the moment she consigned herself to utter ruin.

    Locked away and kept under watch in a ce where safety was in scant supply, Qin Yining slept fitfully that night. She was on constant alert in case anyone came back for her, making a peaceful sleep impossible.

    Yet when she rose early the next morning, she appeared as high-spirited and selfposed as usual.

    Her servant girl, Uyahan, was the same one who had attended to her the day before. Based on Qin Yining''s observations, Uyahan was most likely trained in martial arts as well. The servant walked soundlessly and often appeared behind her without warning.

    Uyahan was decently likeable, and answered all questions within certain bounds of propriety. She also pointed out surrounding architecture trivia and taught Qin Yinin some of the local customs. The servant served the princess consort with sufficient care.

    "Madame, it is about time."

    "Very well." Qin Yining epted the proferred cotton cloak and wrapped a gray rabbit pelt around her neck. Slipping into warm boots, she followed Uyahan outside the hall.

    When they exited a side gate of the pce, an entourage of bodyguards and warriors greeted them. The guards were ready for departure in outfits of animal hides and equipment of long bows and quivers full of arrows.

    In contrast, those tasked with leading the horses and readying the carriages were bedraggled ves in disheveled condition. Universal expressions of anguish and woe on their faces, there were even children aged around eight years as well as wizened old men and women.

    Furrowing her brows, Qin Yining followed her servant.

    Uyahan pointed at a group of ves. "Madame, the khan has ordered for you to wait here."

    The princess consort understood Anari meant to humiliate her, but she was a lowly prisoner to begin with. Furthermore, the thought of being above a ve never quite crossed her mind. Everyone was born as a human being¡ªwhat designated one as lowly from birth? Considering Anari, it was likely these ves were merely ordinary nomads from tribes that¡¯d lost to her in battle.

    She took a spot amongst the group of ves, thinking little of it. Heads drooped and bodies slightly hunched over, the ves didn''t even dare look up to see who had joined their number. Qin Yining''s calm demeanor, however, colored Uyahan impressed.

 Chapter 482.2: The Hunt (I)

    <h4>Chapter 482.2: The Hunt (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Lu Heng''s heart immediately went out to her with a scrunch of his brows.

    "Great General Siqin," he implored in a low voice, "the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is of noble status. Even if she is a prisoner like myself, she should be treated with a certain degree of respect. How is it proper for her to be treated like a ve?"

    Siqin very much enjoyed being called by such a title and followed Lu Heng''s line of sight with a serious mentality. Seeing Qin Yining standing with ves, he couldn''t help agreeing with hispanion¡¯s opinion.

    "This is indeed an oversight on my part." He waved a hand to summon Uyahan. "What are you waiting for? Bring the princess consort over here."

    "I forbid it!" Lu Heng''s plea for leniency on Qin Yining''s behalf quickly irritated Anari. When Siqin agreed without hesitation, the khan flew into a rage and moved to stop the change. "I ordered her to stand there! That¡¯s the ce for base, loathsome wenches!¡±

    Lu Heng quirked a brow and looked at Anari, baffled. "Is my understanding of the Tatarnguage socking? How is it that the consort of amon-born prince is referred to with ¡®base¡¯ and ¡®loathsome¡¯ in Tatar? I must ask, how many of the Tatar royal family hold simrly low ranks?"

    "You!" Anari red at Lu Heng. "Don''t forget that you, too, are a prisoner! I only have to give the word to kill you, so you..."

    "I see. General Siqin said I was a friend of the Tatarsst night, and it goes without saying that friends should stand by and help each other. Since I am a prisoner in the khan''s eyes, shall I go and join Her Highness then?" Highborn and of an honorable disposition, Lu Heng appeared even more authoritative than Anari. The displeasure written across his handsome features stoked the mes of Anari''s rage even hotter.

    Provoked, she pulled out her whip and moved tosh him. However, Siqin reached out just in time, gripping Anari''s hand with a backhand. "Calm yourself, khan."

    She stared at Siqin with disbelief. "You''re standing up for that whore again!"

    Siqin glowered darkly. "My khan, you must watch your words! You put me in a difficult position if you doubt me thusly."

    Taking in Siqin¡¯s very real fury, Anari felt wronged and irritable with anger. So many of their subordinates were watching them, which only added to the humiliation. She wanted tosh out and finish going over their fight fromst night, but Siqin''s angry stare reminded her of her wet nurse''s words: "You shouldn''t be so paranoid, my khan. The consort isn¡¯t that sort of person, but if you continue to doubt and me him, you will only steer his heart further toward other gentle, affectionate women."

    Gentle? Affectionate?

    Anari couldn''t help a nce at Qin Yining. The hateful woman was still at ease and beautiful as ever even in a group of ves! Despite that, she forcefully brought her temper under control.

    I¡¯ll get her killed during the hunt today! So what about cooperation or transaction¡ªthe Tatars could work with the Lu family alone. This woman deserved death!

    Siqin''s anger died down a fraction when Anari fell silent. "Is this how you guide your charge around?" he barked at Uyahan. "How could you lead Madame Qin to the ves?"

    As Uyahan had only been following Anari''s orders, she felt quite aggrieved. However, she knew her mistress could only piece her pride back together by pushing the me off onto her. Hence, she got to her knees and kowtowed. "This servant has erred. Please punish me as the khan''s consort sees fit."

    "Beg forgiveness from Madame Qin. If she won''t spare you, there''s nothing I can say either." Siqin said this in thenguage of Great Zhou and looked at Qin Yining.

    They¡¯d bickered for a long time in unintelligible chatter to Qin Yining¡¯s ears. Even so, she could guess from the looks in their eyes they were arguing because of her, so the subject of their debate was most likely the issue of her standing with ves.

    She hadn''t anticipated Lu Heng speaking up for her and was immensely gratified. Though she didn''t know what he¡¯d said, the sight of Anari''s blotchy face cheered her up considerably. Siqin''s words rified the situation and she actually found his little plotting quite amusing.

    If she went ahead and punished Uyahan, would life get any better if a different servant girl was assigned to her, much less how viciously Anari might enact revenge? Uyahan had just been following orders, after all, and she¡¯d looked after Qin Yining with considerable care.

    The princess consort waved her hand. "You may rise. You were just following orders."

    Since she spoke in thenguage of Great Zhou, the ves didn¡¯t understand her. However, Uyahan was very fluent, and though she feared Anari would take out her anger on her, she felt very grateful toward Qin Yining. She bowed with a hand to her chest before standing.

    The ves only spoke thenguage of Tatar. Despite not knowing what the foreigner had said, they¡¯d heard every word of the argument between the khan, her consort and Lu Heng. The princess consort¡¯s mercy had them thinking even more highly of her.

    The ves were all once nobility in their own tribes. After being enved by Anari for a long time, they were very sympathetic to Qin Yining''s plight. What''s more, this was a woman with the looks of a fairy! Even if she was the princess consort of the Great Zhou war god, that didn¡¯t change how they now viewed her.

    Qin Yining was invited to stand beside Lu Heng. Anari tamped down the mes of fury inside her and ordered the girl be given a horse and her own bow and arrows. Eager to depart, she shouted, "Onward!"

    After they entered the mountains, she more than had her ways of killing that loathsome bitch!

 Chapter 483.1: The Hunt (II)

    <h4>Chapter 483.1: The Hunt (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Hunting wasn¡¯t an activity that would stump the princess consort. In her early days up the mountain, hunting was how she¡¯d eked out survival. She¡¯d approached things by first trapping small animals and identifying wild herbs and vegetables, then taking wild fungus and herbs to sell at the market when she was older. When she learned that furs sold for more money, she picked up some basic hunting skill and knowledge from local hunters.

    Though she hadn¡¯t wanted for food or clothing over the past three years, she hadn¡¯t forgotten her acquired skills. Granted, shooting from the back of the horse was a bit difficult. It¡¯d be much easier if she was standing on ground.

    However, she didn¡¯t want to show off anything; her existence was cause enough for Anari to submerge herself in a vat of jealousy. Disying any hunting prowess would likely anger the khan to death on the spot. Therefore, Qin Yining only picked up the bow for self-dense.

    Lu Heng patently had the same thoughts as her. He too cradled the bow loosely, holding the reins with his other hand and staying by Qin Yining¡¯s side.

    A boundless grassy in greeted their eyes after leaving Khanbaliq. The weather of the tenth month of the year bestowed ayer of frost onto yellowed grass, interspersed by the asional copse of pine trees. The trees were both neatly arranged, but few in numbers. Clouds dotted the skies, forming a thinyer of fog in the far-off peaks. Even the air they breathed in seemed particrly humid.

    The group flew along the ins, reaching the foot of arge mountain an hourter. Pine and cypress trees unique to the hintends of the north forested the mountain. They were much taller and bigger than the scattered bunches of trees the group had seen along the way.

    Anari waved the group to a halt. ¡°We hunt here! Let¡¯s see who bags the most kills!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The hunters, soldiers, and ves still panting from the forced run followed their khan into the forest. Smaller groups naturally splintered off from therger entourage, dismounting from their horses to travel on foot.

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng naturally joined Siqin¡¯s retinue.

    Ruddy-faced with how the shameless princess consort was at sticking to Siqin, Anari changed to not being in a hurry to seek out her prey. Instead, she turned to stay by Siqin¡¯s side.

    The Great Zhou princess consort quietly observed the terrain, making not a move. Meanwhile, Anari seemed to be showcasing her skills¡ªshooting down a wild chicken here, tracking a wild rabbit there. Boredom set in after a short jaunt through the pine trees. ¡°Our luck is bad today to find only these animals. Why don¡¯t we take the horses outside?¡±

    Siqin was only here to coax the khan into a better mood, so whatever she said was hismand. He whistled to signal the group to gather outside of the woods and return to where the ves were keeping watch over the horses. Everyone mounted their steed and set course once more for the ins.

    A group of wild Tibetan gazelles came into view after rounding a slight slope. Interest seized Anari and she whipped her horse forward. Startled, the gazelles scurried away after seeing that humans had found them.

    Anari adored a chase and led her men onto the hunt. Whooping and hollering, the gazelles unexpectedly panicked and scattered in all directions after they crested another hill.

    ¡°A herd of wolves! Khan, it¡¯s a herd of wolves!¡± The men shouted.

    ¡°Perfect! I was just thinking it¡¯s boring to hunt gazelles, so let¡¯s catch a few wolves for some fun!¡±

    An idea suddenly struck her and she pulled her horse to a stop. Standing in a high vantage point, watching the wolves drive off the gazelles, she smiled at Qin Yining. ¡°I¡¯ve long since heard that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank is brave and valiant, a war god of Great Zhou. Even his princess consort is a hero among woman and an invaluable talent. I¡¯m sure the princess consort has learned much from your husband. Why don¡¯t you go down there and show us your skill.¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s expression shifted drastically when he heard this and darted in front of Qin Yining before she could respond. ¡°Please retract your order, great khan! The customs of Great Zhou are different from that of Tatar¡¯s, our women are not skilled in riding or shooting. The princess consort is a noble daughter and would never be able to defeat a wild wolf. Even some of our men might not be able to take down a herd of them, much less Her Highness. The khan¡¯s order might be misinterpreted as the intent for premeditated murder.¡±

    That was precisely what Anari wanted to do! Anyone could see that, but that was what she wanted to do, regardless! She was the ruler of this country and what she said wasw. Whoever she wanted alive would live, and wanted dead would die!

    Irritation crept over Anari to see Lu Heng jump out so nervously to Qin Yining¡¯s rescue. Herughter shrilled coldly, ¡°You again! Lu, what is your rtionship with the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank? Why is your nose in all of her business?¡±

    The khan purposefully raised her voice in surprise, ¡°Aiya, are the two of you, that kind of rtionship? Qin, you really think highly of yourself huh? Look at you flirting and seducing another man in public. You may not want any face, but your husband sure would like some!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s fist tightened painfully around her bow, her grip so firm that her knuckles were white. Anari had ndered her again and again, she really couldn¡¯t take it anymore!

    The princess consort abruptly drew out two arrows with an adroit movement, took two steps forward to fix her aim, and drew back the bow in a full draw.

 Chapter 483.2: The Hunt (II)

    <h4>Chapter 483.2: The Hunt (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining pointed her arrow tip at the alpha male and took a breath to steady her focus, releasing the arrow with decisiveness.

    With his keen senses, the wolf instantly sniffed out the danger. He jumped to the side to evade, but Qin Yining¡¯s arrow had already arrived and sank into his hind leg.

    Whimpering, the wolf limped two steps forward before viciously looking in the direction of the arrow¡¯s origin. He bared his fangs at the sight of the human pulling back on the bow and yipped a few times.

    However, her second arrow arrived at this moment and connected with the alpha again, sending the murderous wolf copsing to the ground with a trickle of blood.

    ¡°Nicely done!¡±

    ¡°Wonderful shooting skills!¡±

    Lu Heng and Siqin shouted with praise despite themselves. Even the guards and ves following them looked probingly at the princess consort. Who would¡¯ve thought that such a charming beauty, as pretty as a jade sculpture, would take down the alpha in two arrows?

    Ruddy-faced with anger, Anari wanted to feed Qin Yining to the wolves. The khan had wanted her to dismount and take on the wolf herd herself¡ªwho would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d be this slippery!

    ¡°Khan.¡± The princess consort smiled. ¡°The alpha is injured. Please create an opening and allow the rest of the wolves to leave.¡±

    ¡°Who the hell do you think you are to direct this kahn¡¯s actions? I happen to want to kill them all! You!¡± A glowering Anari pointed at the group of ves behind them and coldly shifted her finger to the wolf herd. ¡°Go and capture all of those wolves alive!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brows knit together with an almost audible click. ¡°What does the khan think her people are? Animals to be treated as such? Look at them, there¡¯s elderly, sick, women, and children among them. How can you bear to have them capture wild wolves? You¡¯re sending them to their deaths!¡±

    Towering rage built in Anari and she red back at Qin Yining¡¯s furious eyes, waving a hand at her soldiers.

    The men immediately grasped their liege¡¯s intentions and charged into the group of ves, cracking their horse whips to drive the ves into the wolves. Some who refused to go were killed on the spot.

    Shrieks of terror and despair abounded. The ves could only close their eyes and haphazardly charge downwards, as if choosing to end their desperate and hopeless lives in this fashion.

    Another wolf had already reced the alpha¡¯s position. Champing at the bit to avenge their previous leader, no fear sprouted when they saw such a mass of humansing at them. They ignored the gazelles and dashed at the ves, howling and whining with savagery.

    The ves werepletely unarmed and typically worked to the bone on insufficient food. No matter what lofty status they had before or privilege treatment they previously enjoyed, they were all skin and bones now. Add to that having followed the group on bare feet, they were already on the dregs of their energies.

    Casualties soon appeared with the maddened wolves¡¯ attacks. The frightened gazelle herd bounded away to safety in all directions.

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart broke to pieces. ¡°Khan, please take back your order! Do you not want to umte good karma? Are you not afraid of heaven¡¯s judgment in harming your people like this??¡±

    ¡°Judgment? I upy my position with heaven¡¯s will¡ªwhat judgment will there be? And I don¡¯t care, even if there is any! Look for yourself if these people die innocent deaths. Of course not! There¡¯s so many of them, but they can¡¯t even handle some wolves! How are they supposed to serve under my banner? They¡¯re lowly ves alright, utterly unfit to serve me! They deserve their deaths!¡±

    Qin Yining ground her teeth with wrath. ¡°You should really repeat this for all of your people to hear! Is the khan going to imitate tyrants in enjoying life and not caring about the people?¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Anari angrily cracked her whip and snapped it at Qin Yining¡¯s face.

    The princess consort reacted as soon as the khan lifted her hand, but her condition wasn¡¯t the besttely and her energy levels low. Her body refused to listen to hermands and almost dumped her to the floor instead of avoiding the whip.

    Seeing the whip about to connect, Lu Heng threw caution to the wind and grabbed it with one hand.

    ¡°Please calm down, khan!¡± Born of a noble household and the illustrious Lu aristocracy, Lu Heng had thought he¡¯d seen all manners of people in his years ofmerce. However, it was his first time seeing someone so ruthless that they were inhumane.

    Anari tugged firmly on the whip, but Lu Heng had no intention of rxing his tight grip. Many ves were being torn to pieces and bitten, their cries and wails deafening to the ear.

    Anari wanted to tell Qin Yining that this was what happened to whomever didn¡¯t obey her in her territory, and more than anything wanted to turn the princess consort into wolf food. She¡¯d never anticipated that Lu Heng would stand forth at a crucial moment in an act of public defiance!

 Chapter 484: Tyranny

    <h4>Chapter 484: Tyranny</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Lu Heng let go of the whip but still firmly shielded Qin Yining behind him, responding lowly, "There¡¯s no need for concern¡ªI only wish to remind the khan that those the wolves are devouring are your people, as are the people watching from the sidelines. If you disy such brutality before your own people, do you not fear they will sympathize with those you oppress? Do you have no concern for destroying your benevolent reputation to the point where no one will follow you out of genuine loyalty?"

    Anari snarled, "Is it your ce to lecture me about my actions?"

    "I would never dare so. I mean only to offer a few words of advice. The khan''s consort and I havee to an agreement, so we consider each other friends. You two are husband and wife, so you are family. What kind of person would I be if I were to ignore my friend''s familial problems when they arise?"

    "Complete nonsense!" Anari pointed at Qin Yining, jeering, "You obviously have eyes for this vixen, so you¡¯re trying to cozy up to her! Lu Heng, stop these kinds of tactics if you¡¯re a real man. If you fancy her, then fancy her. If you want to sleep with her, then sleep with her. You have so many opportunities now that you are away from your country, so what have you to fear? Mind your matters between you and her and stop interfering in my issues with her!"

    Having his unrequited feelings mocked in such a light had Lu Heng flushing with anger. "If the khan will not listen to my advice," he growled, "then there is nothing left for me to say. I only hope the khan will note to regret the immorality of your actions!"

    "Who do you think you are?! Am I obliged to submit to your maniption?"

    ......

    Qin Yining didn''t understand Anari''s rapid-fire words, and since Lu Heng argued with her in the Tatarnguage, she had no idea what they were bickering about either. She truly felt morose and sullen, especially when ves were being ughtered without mercy by a pack of wolves not far down the hill.

    It was impossible to disperse the thick stench of blood that permeated through the air; their shrill screams cut into her heart like sharp knives. Anari had created this living hell with just a few words, yet she had absolutely no awareness of this and thought it to be the way things were supposed to be. What was the meaning of having these dictators who didn''t care for their people? How was Anari any different from the trash emperor of Great Yan?

    Qin Yining circled around the bickering pair and drew her bow once more, taking aim at the wild wolves.

    She¡¯d been able to aim urately at first because there were no people around them. However, the wolves were now tearing through the crowd¡ªQin Yining could very well hurt a human by ident, which had her nerves on edge.

    Seeing her take aim without firing a single shot, Siqin eventually spoke up. "Do you mean to kill the alpha wolf again? Are you certain you won¡¯t hurt the people instead?"

    Qin Yining nced back at Siqin andughed coldly. "Shouldn¡¯t the khan''s consort be thinking of a way to convince the khan to spare those ves right now?"

    However, Siqin sped his hands behind his back. "You do know these people are all criminals charged with treason? If them dying makes the khan happy, then their deaths have value."

    Qin Yining brought her bow to full draw. However, not only was she unable to take clear aim, she couldn''t loosen her bow carelessly without the risk of hurting her arms. As she fretted, Siqin''s words set off her temper¡ªher willowy brows knit together, she whirled around and aimed a sharp arrowhead straight at Siqin''s nose.

    He stared at Qin Yining unmovingly.

    Startled by Qin Yining''s actions, Anari and Lu Heng forgot all about arguing with each other. Drawing their knives and swords, the surrounding bodyguards surrounded Qin Yining, looking like they¡¯d only be satisfied if they hacked her to pieces.

    Siqin, however, showed no sign of fear. His eyes brightened further, the corners of his lips betraying hints of amusement. "What are you doing?"

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. A gust of wind carrying the scent of blood rustled the hair framing her face and the strings of red agate hanging above her brow. "Order them to save the people. Kill the wolves. Otherwise, I''ll kill you."

    "You want me to give themand? The khan''s wish is for them to die¡ªwhatmand can I give? Isn''t there a saying in Great Zhou that says if the emperor wishes for his subjects to die, then his subjects must die?"

    "You are the war god of Tatar. You control the military and your authority is indisputable¡ªwill these people not listen to you? You simply don''t care whether the ves live or die. You have beenpared to my husband, who¡¯s also led men into battle. I know his hands are stained with the blood of the countless people he had killed, but I know that even if he yed the role of executioner, he remains merciful at heart.

    "But you? Your mercy has long been devoured by the dogs, has it not? I feel ashamed for you to bepared alongside my husband despite theck of principles!"

    "Shut up!" Siqin''s eyes grew dark; every word Qin Yining uttered stabbed straight into his heart.

    Anari, on the other hand, was so enraged that her hair seemed to be standing straight. "Someone take her down!"

    At her words, the bodyguards swarmed her. Lu Heng frantically stomped his feet and stepped up to protect Qin Yining. He pulled at her, pleading, "Why are you being so reckless? Hurry and aim away from him!"

    Qin Yining looked back at the remnants of the ves down the mountain and gritted her teeth, showing no signs ofplying.

    The guards came forth and grabbed the hand she used to grip the nock of the arrow, forcing her to release in a direction devoid of people. As soon as her hold on her bowstring loosened, her arms were immediately forced together behind her back.

    In a low voice, Anari dered, "This person attempted to assassinate the khan''s consort, an offense punishable by death. Off with her head this instant."

    "Understood." The guards moved to pull Qin Yining to the side.

    Little did they expect Siqin, who had remained silent up to this point, to cough and wave his hand casually. Seeing this, the guards immediately forgot Anari''s orders and let go of Qin Yining.

    It was at that moment that Qin Yining understood Siqin was truly the final authority in Tatar.

    Anari shrieked, "Why are you sparing this scheming vixen?! We haven¡¯t had a day of peace since she came! If we get rid of her today, we can rid ourselves of this cmity!"

    A sound akin to dogs barking could be heard traveled down the mountain.

    Qin Yining looked back, only to see the guards chase the wolves away from bloodied ins littered with bodies. She closed her eyes¡ªever since she had to endure Anari''s pettiness, pent-up frustrations flooded her mind, making every word with the other woman a tormenting ordeal.

    Siqin made yet another hand gesture. Guards immediately came forth to escort Qin Yining and Lu Heng off to the side.

    Siqin turned and pulled Anari to an empty patch ofnd, walking until they could no longer smell the stench of blood from down the mountain. With no one around to hear them, he lowered his voice. "Khan, so many people are dead. Have you calmed down yet?"

 Chapter 485: Demanding Their People

    <h4>Chapter 485: Demanding Their People</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°My dear khan.¡± Siqin squeezed out the three words from the cracks of his teeth. He grabbed Anari¡¯s wrist and pulled her in front of him, almost nose tip to nose tip. ¡°Have you vented enough of your temper?¡±

    The tassels on Anari¡¯s hat swayed and chimed against each other, her wrist aching from Siqin¡¯s grasp. However, she didn¡¯t have much effort to spare for other thoughts at the moment. Her entire mind was preupied by a gravity she¡¯d never seen before from Siqin.

    "I am the khan! I have a n for everything I do, and you say I¡¯m having a fit of temper??¡±

    Siqin ground his teeth together. ¡°You are the ruler of a nation and your people watch your every move and word. Acting like such a shrew and not controlling your emotions in public at all, do you still care for your dignity with all these tantrums you¡¯ve been throwing? What about losing face in all of this? What about my face?¡±

    ¡°Enough! What about your face? You¡¯re only thinking about that vixen right now, you don¡¯t care about how I feel at all! Why am I acting like this toward her? If you really love me with one heart and soul, if there wasn¡¯t room for any suspicion and hurt¡ªthen why would I be like this?!¡±

    Anari didn¡¯t care about face or no face. Siqin had purposefully kept his voice down so as to not attract attention, but who cared about that? She was suffering! She¡¯d bottled up so much irritation and grievance! And there was absolutely nothing wrong with her actions!

    Thus, her shrill tones traveled far and wide, drawing the attention of everyone in the area. It seemed like she wouldn¡¯t rest until the entire world learned of what was going on.

    Though Qin Yining didn¡¯t understand what they were talking about, she frowned with distaste at the sight of Anari ranting and raving.

    The khan happened to turn back at this moment and meet the princess consort¡¯s gaze. Her face burned hotly, like someone had pped her a few times. She was the great khan, the most noble of Tartar women! But her husband was acting roughly to her, and on behalf of another woman as well!

    Furious and humiliated, she struggled free of the vice-like grip and forcefully smacked Siqin¡¯s face.

    The crisp p rang out and the man¡¯s head snapped to the side. No flicker of emotion registered on his face, but the surrounding guards and soldiers all quieted down. They turned to look silently in the ruling couple¡¯s direction.

    Regret set in as soon as Anari pped her consort. Siqin was an outstanding and great man, the antithesis of petty characters who curried favor for power and profit. Their marriage was a result of her initiative¡ªSiqin hadn¡¯t wanted to be a consort at first. After all, any man with talent and ambition wouldn¡¯t want abel of well, sleeping his way to the top.

    As the khan consort, he would only ever be Anari¡¯s essory. No matter how hard he worked for all his achievements, there would still be those who said he¡¯d only aplished those because of his woman.

    Anari knew all that and knew that a knot of exasperation had slowly built in Siqin from all the years of repeated skepticism. It was precisely because of all this that she was insecure and obsessive, vowing to keep a close eye on him so that he would have no chance to leave her.

    But what had she done now?

    She¡¯d pped this proud man in public view!

    Frantic, Anari groped for Siqin¡¯s hand. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that, it was just the heat of the moment...¡±

    The man flung her hand away before she had a chance to finish. He turned and raised his voice, ¡°Return to the pce.¡±

    Four simple words sent the guards scurrying around in solemn action.

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng traded a nce, reading deep meaning from each other¡¯s eyes. It seemed that their guesses were right, that Siqin¡¯s authority in Tatar army was the same as Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu¡¯s in the Valiant Tigers and Dragon Riders of Great Zhou.

    Would such a man be content to take a ce behind a woman and fall beneath her helm?

    It seemed that Anari¡¯s bodyguards and soldiers all highly respected Siqin, and she in turn was very used to the situation. This meant that it was actually Siqin who held the reins of power in Tatar, and that very few people rankled at the arrangement.

    When it came to Anari, Siqin¡¯s sess knew no bounds. No matter how formidable the khan may be outside, she turned into a capricious little girl when it came to her husband. She disyed all of her wants and fears without reservation, making it easy for Siqin topletely grasp her.

    That didn¡¯t matter much for a woman in love, but it was a bit too dangerous for a woman wielding power.

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng followed the guards to their horses, and a cold-faced Anari followed behind them.

    On their way back, Lu Heng kept close to Qin Yining and steered his horse next to her so he could whisper, ¡°Our situation is very dangerous, so you better be even more careful. Check all the food you eat and be on your guard around the servants. With how badly they¡¯ve fought, the khan might even me it all on you in the end.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°You need to be careful too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, I can still work with them, but you¡¯re different...¡± Lu Heng sighed. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten embroiled in this for no reason at all.¡±

    The princess consort shook her head with a wry smile. ¡°There¡¯s no point in thinking too much now. We can only look ahead to the future.¡±

    The gentleman nodded and stared at for a moment before murmuring, ¡°A character like yours is most precious.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Hooves clopping and the sounds of travel drowned out the soft murmur. Qin Yining could only vaguely make out that he¡¯d said something.

    Lu Heng abruptly came back to his senses and shook his head. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Upon seeing him like this, she didn¡¯t ask further.

    Coming back empty-handed after a hunt but feeding all the ves to the wolves¡ªif it weren¡¯t for Anari already losing her mind from rage, Qin Yining rather wanted to mock her and ask if she¡¯d gone hunting or to feed the wolves?

    The group flew past the city gates and headed for the pce when they saw the two youths appear in the distance again. They quickly stopped their horses, and Qin Yining finally got a good look at the two in the light of day.

    Both young men sported handsome features, deeply set eyes, and rags for clothes. Though it was a chilly day, they were barefoot like the group of ves from earlier.

    The two knelt on the ground and respectfully kowtowed, asking reverently with their foreheads on the ground, ¡°Great khan, please release our aav and eej!¡±

    Already sullen with anger, Anari couldn¡¯t control her temper when these two miscreants showed up to block her way. She cracked her whip andnded it on the bigger youth. ¡°Out of my way!¡±

    The young man cried out in pain, but didn¡¯t dodge the blow. ¡°Please release our aav and eej! The Minuo tribe submitted to the khan long ago, we are your people! Why do you not pardon us?¡±

    Completely out of patience, Anari roared, ¡°They¡¯re all dead! Now get out of my way!¡±

 Chapter 486: Old Friends

    <h4>Chapter 486: Old Friends</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Anari sneered back, "They were trash who lost in battle! They''re all dead. It''s their fault for being so useless. They apanied me on my hunt, yet they got themselves eaten by wolves. I have nothing else to say about these sorts of people. Stand aside, or I''ll feed you to the wolves so you can join your aav and eej!"

    Eaten by wolves?

    The two teens paled, their eyes nk with shock. The older of the two stared dumbly at Anari as the younger strained his neck to search the group, evidently hoping that their khan¡¯s words were a joke. The surrounding crowd of Tatar citizens grew, each and every one clueless about what was going on.

    Qin Yining, however, already knew everything thanks to Lu Heng''s exnations. Looking at the two youths who¡¯d lost their parents, her heart filled with grief. Anari was too cruel¡ªthere¡¯d been no need for those ves to die.

    She was no saint herself; she also knew full well that sess was built on a foundation of sacrifice, just as the Great Zhou Dynasty was built atop countless corpses. If the mountains crumbled and the rivers swallowed the earth, then disced citizens were obligated to join the final stand. Even if ves who lost their lives on the battlefield were dead all the same, their deaths were still honorable in that manner. Qin Yining wasn¡¯t opposed to such a heroic way of dying.

    However, there was no honor in the way these ves had died; they were merely Anari''s ythings. The only meaning to their deaths was to provide her with temporary amusement.

    What kind of a leader was this? Anari''s absurdity was almost on par with that of Great Yan''s trash emperor!

    While Qin Yiningmbasted Anari in her mind, Siqin reached out to stop Anari from cracking her whip again. "Your parents have indeed passed," he sighed. "You must live on well, as the Minuo tribe still looks to you as their leader."

    The two brothers stared vacantly at Siqin, whose eyes were tinged with pity. Ovee with sorrow, big, fat tears trickled down their faces.

    Irked by their crying, Anari made a move tosh out at them, only to be restrained with a tight grip around her wrist by Siqin. The two had only just argued, so he showed no intention of loosening his grip. He looked as if he meant to break her arm, which fanned the mes of Anari''s rage even further.

    Yet she didn¡¯t wish to lose Siqin. She had to exercise restraint, lest she continue to lose his face for him. Thus, she allowed her husband to pull at her wrist and made no further attempt to punish the two teens.

    The remaining four thousand of the Minuo tribe were all elderly, weak, ill, or disabled. Without a leader acting as their pir, the only thing the tribe could do was submit to her in servitude. There was no need to rush into killing them all. Wasn''t it even better if they became ves like the rest?

    Her killing intent dissipated, Anari gave word to continue their journey. The entourage thus pressed onward and did nothing but walk around the two teens.

    When Qin Yining walked past the two, the tears and despair in their eyes had her grieving along with them. And yet, her situation wasn''t much better than theirs. As much as she wished to help them, there was nothing she could do when she could hardly save herself. Her primary concern was, in truth, what would be of her after returning to the pce.

    Considering Anari¡¯s animosity toward her, one false move could very well mean forfeiting her life.

    When she returned to the room that served as her prison, she noticed that all of her guards and servant girls had been changed. Anari was indeed thorough. How was Qin Yining to escape, as a physically weak woman who wasn''t proficient at martial arts or the Tatar tongue? Anari didn''t even allow her the opportunity to bribe those watching over her.

    In any case, Qin Yining thought little of it¡ªshe only needed to keep an eye on what she ate and used while exercising caution outdoors.

    She didn¡¯t have the faintest idea how Anari and Siqin worked things out upon returning to the pce, but when she saw them three dayster, they seemed to be as close as they had always been. In fact, it seemed that they were more intimate with each other than before.

    What astonished Qin Yining most, however, wasn''t the fact that Anari and Siqin made up, but a familiar face before her.

    Seated on the red wooden chair across from her and merrily smiling back was none other than the Soothsayer, Priestess Liu! She wore dark blue Taoist robes and appeared virtually unchanged, despite how long it had been since theyst meant. Her flushed face beaming with vitality bore testament that life had been treating her well.

    Standing behind the soothsayer was someone she also knew very well: Mu Jinghu, a man who had once protected her and saved her life.

    The sight of the soothsayer raised a few rms, but Mu Jinghu was a different story. Though the soothsayer was officially Mu Jinghu''s uncle-master, she was also his actual master. It went without saying that master and disciple were extremely close.

    The sight of them bolstered Qin Yining hopes of escaping. If Mu Jinghu was willing to help, she could go home. She had been away for so long; she truly worried how her family was faring.

    The soothsayer spoke freely with Anari and Siqin, but she equally had no inhibitions about speaking to Qin Yining.

    "Miss Qin, we meet again," she greeted. "It seems my calctions were correct, that the propitious star governing marriage did indeed move in your favor?"

    Qin Yining flushed at her words; if it weren''t for growing a thicker skin, she wouldn''t have known how to respond to that. "It¡¯s been quite some time since west met. Priestess Liu seems as lively as ever. I didn''t expect we would meet again at a ce like this."

    "Heh, I''m someone who goes with the flow, so of course I go wherever the living is good." The soothsayer chuckled. "With the khan and her consort taking care of me, I live in much greaterfort than I did in Great Yan. How about you? What are your thoughts on bing a princess consort?"

    "My thoughts?" Qin Yining nearly snapped at her. Was she, a prisoner, supposed to recount the heartbreak she¡¯d endured after being forced apart from Pang Xiao?

    The soothsayer smiled. "It''s fine, if you don''t want to speak, then don''t. But you needn''t worry¡ªfate continues to smile upon you. I reckon a bit of your husband''s luck has rubbed off on you, seeing as your good fortune has yet to run out. Just take it easy and look after yourself. You seem much weaker than you were before marriage."

    Whatever her motives were, at least thatst statement was made out of genuine concern. It seemed they were indeed old friends who had met each other in foreignnds by chance.

    The first time she met the soothsayer was by her maternal grandmother''s introduction. Thinking of her grandmother''s home in the south, Qin Yining wondered if the women there were well. She dearly wished to return to Great Zhou, but she had absolutely no way of doing so.

    Seeing Qin Yining and the soothsayer chat amicably with one another, Anari¡¯s heart filled with jealousy. "It appears the soothsayer knows her well then."

    Dimpling, the soothsayer replied, "We have crossed paths a few times. She is destined for greatness beyond words. Not unlike the khan, might I add."

 Chapter 487: Slander

    <h4>Chapter 487: nder</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Anari was a sensitive sort and highly strung when it came to Siqin, keeping a very close eye on her husband. Qin Yining felt nothing for the man and never tried to approach him, but that in itself was already enough for wild spections from the khan. What would happen to all the delusions of seduction plots once the Soothsayer¡¯s words were thrown into the mix?

    The priestess was renowned for her uracy in divining the futures of others.

    Qin Yining furrowed her brow and looked thoughtfully at the other woman, meeting Mu Jinghu¡¯s eyes by ident. He smiled apologetically at all.

    Anari reacted just as the princess consort expected. Her face sank and she growled, ¡°It¡¯s quite rare to meet another with the same destiny as this kahn. I hail from noble origins and knew what my future held even when I was a babe. Does the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank feel the same way?¡±

    Qin Yining responded with a smile that irked the khan. ¡°I naturally cannot measure up to the khan. Not everyone shares a fate with the mandate of heaven.¡±

    The Soothsayer looked merrily at the princess consort, then cast a nce at Anari¡¯s belligerent assessment. ¡°This humble nun is never wrong. The two of you have a simr destiny¡ªyour childhoods are difficult, but then you see an eruption of umted fortune. Both of you are destined to marry true men with talent in both the martial and civil subjects.¡±

    Anari¡¯s eyes moved rapidly back and forth, some more paranoia sprouting when she looked at Siqin beside her. Given the Soothsayer¡¯s words, there was a very real possibility for something to develop between Qin Yining and Siqin, right?

    This was a persistent fear that weighed on Anari¡¯s mind. She knew that her looks didn¡¯t hold a candle to Qin Yining¡¯s, and that all men loved beautiful women. Ever since Siqin appeared in front of her with the princess consort in tow, he¡¯d never treated her with the same gentle tenderness that he always showed her. They¡¯d grown up together, but it would appear that she didn¡¯t upy nearly the same position in his heart as the Great Zhou princess consort did.

    She¡¯d been thinking that Siqin favored Qin Yining¡¯s looks, but now that she thought it about it, it was much more likely because of their simr destinies! Did Qin Yining mean to first take her consort and then her position?

    Cold sweat broke out all over Anari¡¯s figure when her thoughts traveled here. Her pupils contracted violently when she met the priestess¡¯ all-knowing gaze and the pity hidden within it. More fear, more anxiety.

    No, she wouldn¡¯t resign herself to death. She wouldn¡¯t just wait for Qin Yining to steal everything from her!

    Looking at Anari''s expression, Qin Yining knew that the khan waspletely barking up the wrong tree. The princess consort had met Priestess Liu back in Great Yan, and there seemed to be some sort of patron rtionship between the priestess and prince. Why was she falsely incriminating Qin Yining now?

    She really couldn¡¯t fathom when she¡¯d offended the Soothsayer and why these words were being uttered. Unfortunately, she had no control over what the priestess wished to say. She could only find the silver lining in that all this was happening right in front of her. That was forewarning enough for preparations, so that sudden developments wouldn¡¯t catch her off guard.

    The Soothsayer lifted her tea cup and took a delicate sip, smiling so merrily that her eyes creased to slits in her round face. No one could clearly identify the emotions in her eyes.

    ¡°Servants,¡± summoned Anari. ¡°Escort the princess consort back to her quarters. She¡¯s tired.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s maid answered and hauled her up on her feet.

    Mu Jinghu took a worried step forward when he saw the princess consort forcefully tugged away, but a singr nce from his master stopped him in his tracks.

    The corner of Qin Yining¡¯s eye caught the man¡¯s movements, putting her more at ease. At least Mu Jinghu still cared about her safety, which meant that his rtionship with Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t soured. Perhaps she could ask the man for help in the future.

    The eyesore taken away, Anari smiled at the Soothsayer. ¡°Is the priestess free today to join me in a walk?¡±

    Simply dressed and not in the mood to chat, Siqin rose as well. ¡°Enjoy your walk, khan, I will take my leave as I happen to have some duties to attend to.¡±

    Anari nodded with a smile but still didn''t want to let her consort leave on his own. She looked meaningfully at a follower, who followed the khan consort out of the hall.

    ¡°Honored priestess, I understood what you said earlier. Is it true that Qin and I have the same destinies?¡±

    ¡°Naturally,¡± the Soothsayer responded amiably. ¡°This humble nun has read the faces of many people and never made a mistake. Does the khan not trust me?¡±

    ¡°Of course I do.¡± Anari was quick to reassure. ¡°The futures you divined for Li Qitian, Ji Zeyu, and Pang Xiao were very urate, and so were your lots casted for the khan consort. How would I doubt you? It¡¯s just that I must exercise more caution when ites to my happiness for a lifetime.¡±

    The priestess smiled warmly at this, like she were a benevolent elder.

    ¡°This humble nun understands the khan. You and your consort are very much in love and don¡¯t wish for the intrusion of a third party.¡±

    Anari bobbed her head rapidly. ¡°You are very right, honored priestess. We share a love that stems from our youth and only made it to today through supporting each other all this time. I really don¡¯t want any unpleasantness to develop between us, and don¡¯t wish for there to be anyone else in his eyes.¡±

    ¡°But the destinies of people areid down by heaven. Though your origins are noble, you hardly have a unique destiny. It¡¯s one thing if two people with simr destinies are physically separated, but if they meet... who knows who will end with all the good fortune?

    ¡°In this humble nun¡¯s view, though the khan and princess consort are born of different stature and countries, and are different ages, your paths of fate when ites to the khan consort are exceedingly simr.¡±

    ¡°So, that means Qin might very possibly take my husband away from me?!¡± Anari stared wildly with outrage, gnashing her teeth. ¡°My husband is wholeheartedly devoted to me and our rtionship is something that no outsider can ever intervene in. If there really is such a day, then it¡¯s Qin trying to seduce my husband!¡±

    The Soothsayer shook her head with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re going off on a tangent, khan, n¨¦e Qin isn¡¯t frivolously wanton like that.¡±

    ¡°Are you defending her?¡±

    ¡°Not at all, khan, this humble nun is just speaking the truth. However, though n¨¦e Qin isn¡¯t licentious like that, her looks are an original sin. She may not take action, but others will approach her of their own ord.¡±

    ¡°So you meant that the khan will like her??¡± Anari shot to her feet, staring anxiously at the Soothsayer, but received no response in return.¡±

 Chapter 488: Destiny Realized

    <h4>Chapter 488: Destiny Realized</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    No wonder her rtionship with Siqin had been so fraught with tensiontely! She could already feel the distance grow between them. But who was someone of her status topare to the likes of Qin Yining? How could that girl even hope to rival her greatness?

    Luck?

    As if the dead had any to speak of!

    The Soothsayer observed Anari with a smile for a good while before finally inquiring, "Noble khan?"

    Anari came back to her senses with a smile. "Thank you for your counsel."

    "There is no need to thank me.¡± The Soothsayer bowed solemnly and answered gently, ¡°It is not my ce to receive your gratitude. The khan''s destiny is one blessed by the heavens. With your extraordinary fortunes, you are sure to achieve greatness. Everything that is happening now is but a fork in your road to sess¡ªyou need only step around it. You are no meremoner, so you need not allow unrted persons to obstruct your footsteps."

    Warmed to the cockles of her heart, Anari replied with great sincerity. "Many thanks to the honored priestess. I know as the irreceable leader of Tatar, I shoulder the responsibility of my nation''s safety. Should a pebble get in my way, I need only kick it aside."

    "This lowly nun is truly in awe of the khan''s great ambitions."

    The two strolled about and chatted about inconsequential matters for a few moments more before Anari excused herself, saying she had state affairs to attend to.

    Only when they werepletely alone after the khan¡¯s departure did Mu Jinghu frown at the priestess. "Uncle-master, what did you mean by what you just said? Your words may cause the khan to hate n¨¦e Qin!"

    The Soothsayer yawned and wiped away the moisture that had sprung to the corner of her eyes.

    "I know," she answeredzily. "You are on good terms with Pang Zhixi, who you''ve helped and also protected his wife. However, you helped him not out of the goodness of your heart, but because you owed him. After you gave him your assistance, you ceased to owe that lot any favors. Your current mission is to protect me¡ªwhy ask about redundant matters? Don''t tell me you''ve developed a soft spot for n¨¦e Qin and want to help her escape?"

    Mu Jinghu worried at his lips as he stood by the Soothsayer''s side. He opened and closed his mouth several times before finally responding, "Not once have I disobeyed uncle-master''s orders. However, Pang Zhixi is my friend. Though I initially helped him because I owed him a favor, that wasn¡¯t my only reason for doing so. If that were the case, it would¡¯ve been a transaction, not a friend helping a friend."

    "I''ll just take you as an obedient blockhead¡ªeven Pang Zhixi calls you that." The woman gave Mu Jinghu a sidelong nce. "Who knew you had such a loyal streak in you?"

    The young man bit his lips and lowered his head, not knowing how to respond.

    She slowly walked up to Mu Jinghu, her voice turning frosty. "Remember what you call me. You are of my sect. Should your actions go against my ns, you betray your master."

    Head bowed, Mu Jinghu looked up at the Soothsayer and nodded slowly.

    "I''ve read your fortunes¡ªyou sticking with me will ensure your safety. I don''t keep you around me entirely for my own benefit. Whether ites to public or private affairs, you must listen to me. Understood?"

    Mu Jinghu''s lips vibrated, but he remained silent.

    In a grave tone, the Soothsayer repeated, "Have youmitted my words to memory?"

    After a long while, Mu Jinghu nodded. "I have, uncle-master, but n¨¦e Qin..."

    "You''re afraid Pang Zhixi will not be able to handle her death?"

    The young man fell silent while the Soothsayer sped her hands behind her back and paced back and forth. She then made a few calctions with her hands before the smile returned to her face.

    "Don''t you wish to see the golden age of a united nation in which the people are happy? Living in peace without the threat of war looming over their heads or starving and freezing to death... There would be no question then of which nation to which you belong¡ªTatar, Great Zhou, or Southern Yan would serve the same emperor. Do you look forward to such a prosperous era?"

    Drawn to the blueprints of the Soothsayer''s words, Mu Jinghu''s eyes filled with longing. "Of course I wish for theing of such a world. I''m certain all the people hope for the same. But uncle-master, what do your actions have to do with this golden age?"

    "They''re all rted. Everything I do is to reverse wrong and restore order. So long as Seven Kills sits at the top and the Purple Star is left bowing to others, the destiny ordained by the heavens will not be realized, and these times of turmoil will never cease. I have always worked toward the revival of a new golden age of peace that willst at least a century."

    "Uncle-master, you mean Great Zhou... you speak of helping that Purple Star restore order, but I only see you stirring the storms of trouble and provoking unrest within nations, as if worried the world isn¡¯t chaotic enough as it is."

    "If my machinations remain a mystery even to someone who¡¯s with me every day, then how is the rest of the world to understand?" The Soothsayer put her hands behind her and stood up straight with a sigh. "Mountains and seas of dead bodies merely serve as the bedstones of the road to realizing this era of peace. Every sacrifice is worth the price. Otherwise, wouldn''t our lives have no meaning at all?"

    Mu Jinghu stared at her back, swallowing his many questions. He knew even if he asked, no answers would be forting. He¡¯d always respected his master and followed her everymand, but his bond with Pang Xiao was never far from his mind. It made no sense for him to not lift a single finger to help his wife in her times of need.

    He found himself stuck between a rock and a hard ce.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining returned to her quarters, only to be met by two more old mamas tasked with keeping a sharp eye on her. If she wasn''t summoned by the khan, she wasn''t allowed to venture outside, never mind speak to anyone.

    Being a hostage meant she was barred from going out, so stay in her quarters she did.

    Though Lu Heng attempted to visit her several times, the guards kept him outside every time. His restlessness and worry continued to grow, as he had no way of knowing how Qin Yining was faring if he couldn''t see her. Knowing Anari''s temper, Qin Yining was good as dead should she be bullied or injured to the point of falling ill.

    Since he wasn''t allowed entrance, he shouted at Qin Yining from behind her door. "Your Highness, are you well? This is Lu Heng speaking. I havee to see you."

    In truth, Qin Yining had already heard Lu Heng earlier. However, he always spoke in the Tatar tongue, the rapid-fire delivery of his words making it clear to her that he was arguing with someone. She couldn''t have interjected even if she wanted to.

    This time, however, he addressed her in thenguage she was familiar with. She sprang to her feet at once and walked around a room divider to call out at him. "All is well with me. Many thanks to Second Master Lu for his concern."

    Hearing the frailness in her voice, Lu Heng sighed, "You must hold on while I think of a way to free you from house arrest."

    As he finished, Anari piped up behind him in a menacingly dark tone. "Not bad. You¡¯re still able to tempt people despite being locked up.¡±

 Chapter 489: Out for Blood (I)

    <h4>Chapter 489: Out for Blood (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Lu Heng suppressed in his anger and raised a cupped fist salute. "Khan."

    "I hadn''t expected that bitch to be capable of drawing you here despite being locked up for two days. Don''t you know she''s a ravaged flower whose beauty is only superficial? Don''t you feel it beneath your status to be seduced by someone like that? Are her good looks all you care about?"

    "We have a saying in Great Zhou: those who keep flowers in their hearts will see flowers everywhere they turn,¡± replied Lu Heng with an icy look. ¡°The khan sees a man speak a few words with a woman and assumes the presence of illicit affairs. What is the meaning of these most malicious and filthy usations?"

    "You!" Anari''s eyes narrowed in anger, her voice low as she retorted, "Are you saying this khan¡¯s heart is malicious and filthy?"

    Lu Heng declined to grace her with a response, save for a cold smirk. Even if he didn''t answer, his mockery was clear as day.

    Anari''s face turned ruddy with rage. Just as she was about to yell back, Lu Heng forestalled her.

    Though his words were delivered in a slow, gentle manner, he wielded them like knives. "Great khan, you have a good head on your shoulders, so you should know what the people of Tatar need the most. Or is it that the khan assumed the throne not to bring prosperity to her people, but to show off your own greatness?"

    "How dare you! Who do you think you are, speaking to me in such a manner?!" Anari flew into a rage. "What the people of Tatar need is for me to determine! Do you mean to say Tatars will suffer because you''ve been offended? Don''t get ahead of yourself, Lu!"

    Her guards drew their swords and pointed them at Lu Heng.

    Though Lu Heng knew a thing or two about fighting, he only practiced martial arts to keep himself fit. If he were to go up against people wielding actual weapons, he would only get himself killed. What''s more, how would someone of his status, who employed bodyguards for years, ever have had the chance to get into a real fight?

    The men of Tatar were tall and strong with widened eyes as bright as copper bells, looking for all the world like they couldn''t wait to eat their enemies alive. It would be a lie to say that his heart didn''t tighten at the sight of gleaming swords pointed at him.

    Despite the threatening aura, he didn''t back down¡ªhe stepped forward instead, pressing his chest against the tip of the sword held by the guard at the forefront of the troops. If he moved another inch forward or if the guard¡¯s hand shook, then blood spurting from his chest would be the next development.

    The guard met Lu Heng''s eyes. Dumbstruck, he didn''t dare make a move.

    The Lu second master addressed Anari in a low voice. "If you aren''t worried you will disrupt your consort''s ns, feel free to give the word. However, I still wish to impart some words of advice to the khan: though power is held in the hands of the one who wields the sword, the heart does not necessarily recognize that. If the khan keeps with her barbaric ways and draws her sword on others without a second thought, I find it very difficult to imagine the future she will create for Tatar."

    His eyes narrowing, he continued, "Why not take a page from your consort''s book? Not only is the khan''s consort an adept schr and a soldier, he is a benevolent man who cares a great deal about the well-being of his people. He would never allow his impulses to dictate his actions, like the khan currently is. Take a look at yourself, then reflect upon your consort''s conduct andpare¡ªare you not concerned you will lose the support of your people?"

    Anari''s face slowly turned purple as she listened. Her thoughts in a turmoil, shepletely forgot her purpose foring here. Was the people''s adoration toward Siqin truly greater than their love for her?

    Making her way to the throne had been no easy feat. Anari was trying to hold onto what she had, but Lu Heng''s words could also mean her consort was capable of recing her at any time.

    No no no, that was impossible!

    Siqin wasn''t that kind of person!

    They¡¯d grown up with each other¡ªthe years of their friendship couldn''t have been erased by a few words from an outsider! Lu Heng said those things because he was from Great Zhou and thus jealous at how close she and Siqin were! He sought to drive a wedge between her and her consort!

    Anari took in a few deep breaths, eventually pushing down the fear in her heart. However, Lu Heng''s words had nted a seed of doubt in her.

    "I am the leader of a nation. The way I rule my nation is my own business¡ªI hardly need a puny aristocrat like you to advise me!"

    Lu Heng was adept at reading people and had a general grasp of what was going on in her mind from her expression. "The khan is indeed the leader of a nation. No one can deny this fact, but even the leader of a nation would be wise to mind their public image. You mustn''t allow jealousy to mar your respectability."

    He flippantly pushed aside the sword pointed at his chest. Seeing that their liege¡¯s anger had died down, the guards sheathed their swords.

    Lu Heng stepped closer to Anari to stand before her and raised a cupped fist salute. "Please consider what I said just now," he said in a polite tone. "It would serve you well."

    Finished, he took his leave and walked away, seeming as if he wasn''t at all concerned about what had just happened and didn''t care to stay any longer.

    Anari watched Lu Heng''s retreating form, her grip on her whip growing tighter with each passing moment. In the end, she was unable to control her temper and kicked Qin Yining''s doors. "Open up!"

    As the doors were bolted shut, the chains jangled from the force of Anari''s kick. The thudding of the wooden doors startled Qin Yining and her two mamas. Someone opened the doors from the outside.

    The two old mamas rushed to greet Anari and bowed with their hands to their chests. "Great khan."

    Anari fixed Qin Yining with a re of pure fury, her red lips slowly tightening into a thin line. She carelessly waved her hand, dismissing everyone in the room. Not daring to defy her, they made themselves scarce.

    Qin Yining''s brows pinched together as she watched Anari approach step by step, her hands slowly clenching tightly behind her back. "How may I help the khan? Please speak directly."

    "You have some nerve indeed." Having sized up Qin Yining, Anari hadn''t expected that not only did the woman''s confinement do nothing to dull her wits, she had in fact grown thinner, emphasizing the charm of her willowy stature.

    The khan smirked coldly as she drew near. She lifted Qin Yining''s chin with her whip, forcing her to look into Anari''s burning eyes. "N¨¦e Qi, you indeed have a way with turning your charms on men. Why don''t you impart your ways to me?"

    Qin Yining had long grown weary of Anari''s petty jealousy. "The khan nders me again and again, and it can only be because youck confidence in your hold on your husband''s heart. You know full well I bear no ill intent toward the esteemed khan. If you must doubt someone, you should be directing your suspicions toward Siqin! As a woman myself, I would give you a word of warning: refrain from hurting others and guard yourself against those who wish to hurt you! It would appear the khan has it the other way around though!"

    Her words hit the nail on the head and drove straight into Anari''s heart. Infuriated, the khan¡¯s brows snapped together and she raised a hand to bring her whip down on Qin Yining. "I can''t stand slutty foxes like you who seduce men, yet im otherwise without a shred of shame! People like you are an affront to all women!"

 Chapter 490: Out for Blood (II)

    <h4>Chapter 490: Out for Blood (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining''s grip was like a vice. Infuriated, Anari yanked her whip back several times, but to no avail. Their struggle over the whip brought the two even closer.

    "Let go!" The khan hissed, teeth gnashing.

    "Khan, as a woman, it¡¯s normal to invest parts of yourself and feel jealous of others in the name of love. This I understand.¡± Qin Yining''s beautiful eyes bore into Anari. ¡°However, the khan is no ordinary woman. What''s more, you are Tatar''s master. Now that you upy the throne, your nation muste first above all else. You can no longer spend all of your time indulging in the matters of your heart.

    "I can tell you this: there is something very wrong with your consort. He has no interest in me, yet he continues to set me up to be misunderstood by you. His poprity among themon popce of Tatar also prevails over your own. As for what his intentions are, do you really need me to break them down for you sentence by sentence?"

    Anari''s pupils contracted violently, her voice shaking as she shot back, "Vile nder!"

    "I¡¯m not speaking nonsense and the khan knows this all too clearly. My words strike you in the heart precisely because you feel the same!" Qin Yining voiced the bald truth, but it wasn''t out of mercy for Anari, who was the enemy of Great Zhou.

    Truthfully, she pitied this tyrannical, emotionally-paranoid woman. Anari was too simple-minded and no match for Siqin. Through the duration of Qin Yining¡¯s stay in Tatar, she¡¯d seen through the khan consort¡¯s motives. After putting two and two together about the history he and Anari shared, she genuinely felt sorry for the khan. s, Anari was blinded by love, her heart filled with jealousy. Siqin''s moves behind her back escaped herpletely.

    Should Anari heed Qin Yining''s warnings and raise her guard against Siqin, that would render Pang Xiao''s enemy as less of a threat. The Great Zhou couple stood to lose nothing from such a turn of events, and it might even help this woman. So there was nothing bad in it for Qin Yining.

    But if Anari insisted on going down this wrong path and continued to grant Siqin this much power, then there was nothing she could say.

    Anari''s lips trembled as she fixed her re on Qin Yining, her eyes so widened that it looked as if her skin would rip apart. "Don''t even think about driving a wedge between me and my consort! You think you can make him yours and rece me like this? Dream on! Tatar belongs to me, and so does my consort! Who the fuck do you think you are?!"

    As soon as she finished, Anari tossed her whip away and grabbed Qin Yining by the throat.

    Caught off guard, Qin Yining ignored the whip and scrabbled to make Anari loosen her grip. The whip had pierced the tender skin of her palm earlier¡ªher right hand left arge patch of warm, slippery blood on Anari''s arm.

    Startled by the sudden sensation of Qin Yining''s touch, Anari''s hold on the other woman''s neck faltered. The princess consort saw her opportunity to strike¡ªshe kicked Anari away in one hurried motion!

    Taking a blow to her stomach, the khan gasped in pain and stumbled back a few steps before falling on her behind. Meanwhile, Qin Yining coughed uncontrobly, the blood from her hand dying her cor and sleeves crimson¡ªeven the front of her jacket and skirts were speckled in blood.

    Anari burst into wrathful rage, shrieking before rushing at Qin Yining once more to grab her neck again. The princess consort hastily reached out a hand to stop her.

    At this very moment, the gently closed door to Qin Yining''s quarters was pushed aside. Siqin entered in long strides, only to see the women in mid-scuffle. The sight of the two with bloodied hands and clothes left him astounded.

    "Khan! Calm yourself!" Siqin quickly strode forward and swept Anari up in a hug from behind.

    Anari swiped her arm out to scratch Qin Yining¡¯s face,pletely mad. "Bitch! You bitch!"

    Qin Yining blinked a few times, the sarcastic smile she directed at Siqin''s performative actions not even reaching her eyes. This cunning man continued to wear a mask of utter devotion. How could someone like him bepared with the likes of Pang Xiao and Li Zeyu? What an insult to their names!

    "I beseech Consort Siqin to take good care of the khan." Qin Yining tapped a bloody finger against her temple. "She seems to be not quite right up here," she continued dryly. "Perhaps you should have your best doctor take a look at her."

    "You! How dare you continue to provoke me! Siqin, kill her for me!" Anari thundered as she shoved Siqin.

    Her shrill shrieks stabbed into Qin Yining''s eardrums, the look of insanity contorting her features sending chills down one¡¯s spine. Was someone with an easily-triggered temper like Anari really suited to be the khan? Didn¡¯t that mean she would be led by the nose for the rest of her life?

    Qin Yining made sense out of everything that had just transpired; she even suspected Siqin was employing certain nefarious methods to make Anari act this way. Normal people weren¡¯t nearly as vtile as she was.

    Siqin drew Anari into his arms and inspected her hands. Seeing that she was unharmed, he heaved a sigh of relief. Instead of meeting Qin Yining''s look, he murmured, "Khan, you must remember your noble status. If your subordinates see you like this, rumors will spread like wildfire. What will be of your reputation then?

    Already enraged, Anari''s fury zed even hotter at his words. She growled, "If you want me to feel better, then kill her this instant!"

    "Khan, didn¡¯t I tell youst time? We can¡¯t kill this woman yet."

    "You continue to stand up for her?"

    "Khan, I am doing no such thing. Calm down."

    Anari lost control of her temper, screeching, "You''ve fallen for her after all! Everything you said to me before wasplete lies!"

    "Khan!"

    ......

    Qin Yining didn''t understand what they were saying, but there wasn''t much else they could have been arguing about, so she had an inkling of what was going on.

    In the end, Anari was so riled up that she stormed out, taking the troop of guards at the door with her as she left.

    Only then did Siqin look at Qin Yining. Seeing the blood dripping from her hand, he turned back to address the old mamas tasked with watching over her. "Call for a doctor."

    The granny servants were there on Anari''s orders, but having seen the spat between the consort and the khan, they followed hismands without question and immediately went to locate a doctor.

    Siqin spoke no further. Arms crossed, he stared as the doctor cleaned Qin Yining''s bloodied hands and dressed her injuries, leaving only after her wounds were bound. He didn¡¯t speak a single word to Qin Yining, not even sparing her a nce. She could tell Siqin didn''t care if she lived or died in the slightest. However, it seemed Anari had immediately caught wind of her husband calling a doctor for the foreign princess, for her doors were locked once again.

    Sitting by the fire, Qin Yining wrapped a nket around her and fell into deep thought. If this continued, her life would be very much endangered. Siqin was intentionally provoking Anari to send her to her demise!

    Things were exactly as she thought.

    After midnight, Qin Yining had just fallen asleep when her doors were suddenly pushed open. A swarm of guards seized her, muffling her with a tattered rag and binding her with ropes before carrying her out without breaking a sweat.

    Standing outside her quarters was none other than Anari, She gave a dryugh, thenmanded, "Take the slut away!"

 Chapter 491: Out For Blood (III)

    <h4>Chapter 491: Out For Blood (III)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    As she struggled, a chance nce at the khan¡¯s eyes slowed her movements. Those were the eyes of looking at someone as good as dead.

    I guess it¡¯s going to be difficult for me to escape death tonight.

    Anari hated her guts and Siqin¡¯s repeated acts had sessfully painted the misleading picture that Qin Yining yearned for the khan consort. Not only did Anari flounder in a vat of jealousy, but the humiliation of someone stealing her husband¡ªshe, the most powerful in thend!¡ªpped at her face.

    Add to that the Soothsayer dering that the two women had simr destinies, and who knew what else after Qin Yining left that day¡ªall thisbined to result in current affairs.

    Soothsayer wants me to die?

    Why?

    Isn¡¯t she under my husband¡¯s banner? Why isn¡¯t she helping me and in fact harming me instead?

    She¡¯s doing harm to me now and my husband doesn¡¯t know her true nature. If he continues to blindly trust her, will he be her next victim?

    Livid and anxious, Qin Yining¡¯s struggles proved futile. A gag was shoved into her mouth the next time she tried calling for help. Though she wanted to leave clues for Pang Xiao, nothing was forting. There was no other way out but to travel outside in the form of a human package.

    With their khan in the lead, the pce guards quietly opened any door she demanded entrance to. Her group left the pce not long after.

    Once out on the streets, it waste enough that there weren¡¯t many citizens walking around. Thrown onto the front half of a saddle on the back of a horse, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t struggle at all since her hands were tied behind her. It was a challenge to even keep herself on the horse. It was only when the man who¡¯d tied her up jumped into the saddle and pressed down on her lower back that her downward momentum was halted.

    Anari led the group down a collection of quiet streets.

    Left, right, right, left. A spacious front yard soon came into view.

    Qin Yining was lifted off the horse, carried into the yard, and dumped as a heap on the floor of the main house.

    Anari stalked in with her hands behind her back, throwing her red cape aside the moment she walked in. She wore only a narrow-sleeved, sorrel satin robe beneath. The khan lifted her hand and whipped Qin Yining a few times, the merciless action quickly biting through thick outer-robes to draw blood. The whip was studded.

    Qin Yining quivered from pain, cold sweat pouring down her body. s, bound hands and feet kept her on the ground. She could only curl in on herself and bury her face in her knees.

    Anari vented her fury with each whip, cursing loudly in Tatar, ¡°Bitch! Slut! How dare you solicit my husband! I¡¯ll kill you, I¡¯ll kill you!¡±

    Even if the princess consort didn¡¯t normally understand thenguage, she knew full well what was going on now. It looked like her earlier guess had been right. Something had set the khan off and driven her to drag out a prisoner in the middle of the night.

    The flogging didn¡¯t stop until Qin Yining¡¯s flesh was a bloodied mess. Throwing down the whip and bending over to catch her breath, Anari jeered in the Great Zhou tongue.

    ¡°Well? This khan is personally rxing your muscles and stimting your blood cirction. How does it feel?¡±

    Qin Yining could only re viciously at her captor.

    Highly pleased with the princess consort¡¯s condition, Anari knelt down and grabbed a handful of hair. ¡°Know this well, you are in Tatar, mynd! You may live if I allow you to live, you will die if I wish you to die. Proud of your slutty strutting in front of my consort, hmm? Want to take my throne, hmm? ¡°If you die here today, you die with a whimper and no one will know! Are you something and so mightily noble? Here, kowtow to me. I might allow you to live if I am satisfied. How about it, hmm?¡± Anari covered her mouth as peals ofughter broke out. The more gaily she roared, the more the dejection of this past period seemed to be swept clean.

    Qin Yining maintained the fetal position from her earlier whipping, her eyes appearing even more bright and sharp in a face stained with her own blood and dirt. She seemed to be able to see through every heart and every thing.

    Kowtow?

    She wouldn¡¯t disgrace herself even if she were to die!

    Anari insulting her was to insult her father and husband. Being alone in Tatar, anything embarrassing she did would only inspire dirty gossip of all Great Zhou women.

    She was in Anari¡¯s hands, anyhow. Ever since her capture, Qin Yining had been prepared to lose her life on this little jaunt. All she had to respond to the khan¡¯s gloating was just a sigh. She didn¡¯t want to satisfy Anari with a kowtow.

    When the princess consort remained unmoved, Anari furiously yanked a handful of hair and dragged the woman up.

    ¡°Do you not beg for mercy?¡±

    Though gagged, the look in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes spoke volumes. She wordlessly expressed her contempt of the khan, further provoking Anari.

    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of death? Oh, I remember. You are the daughter of Wise Pan An and the wife of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. You think highly of yourself and nothing of death. In fact, you care least about death, so you won¡¯t beg for mercy, won¡¯t you!¡±

    Qin Yining narrowed her eyes. At least you¡¯ve got a brain about you.

    Anari snorted coldly and widened her eyes with inspiration. ¡°If you¡¯re not afraid of death, are you afraid of bing a ything for others?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s pupils contracted violently.

    The khan pointed to the eight strong men behind her, like a child who¡¯d found a new toy. ¡°We don¡¯t have many girls with tender skin like you in Tatar. My men are all brave warriors and have never experienced this before. Kowtow and I¡¯ll spare you from them. I¡¯ll make your end swift and painless, and keep your body whole. How about it?¡±

    Twin mes burned in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes, so hot they could burn Anari straight through. How could a fellow woman use such filthy tactics to humiliate her!

    ¡°Do you submit or not?!¡± Bizarre irritation rose at the look from the princess consort. ¡°If you apologize to me, I will preserve your corpse! Otherwise I¡¯ll gift you to them and let them have their way with you!¡±

    Qin Yining sniffed derisively and closed her eyes, the dismissive attitude thoroughly enraging Anari. She threw the princess consort away and turned to her men. ¡°She¡¯s yours now! y with her as you will. If she dies, that¡¯s on her. I will not fault you.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Lust had crept up to the eight long ago. A stunning beauty theirs for the taking! It didn¡¯t even matter that they had to share with each other.

    Qin Yiningy limply on the ground, watching the eight advance on her.

 Chapter 492: Out for Blood (IV)

    <h4>Chapter 492: Out for Blood (IV)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Be as that may, her body shuddered uncontrobly. As she kept wriggling in her struggle to move backward, the coarse ropes chafed her arms and wrists, tearing open her skin in several ces. Compounded with the wounds she¡¯d acquired from the whip, her face went white from the pain.

    However, it was almost frightening how bright her eyes remained, her beauty untarnished by the blood all over her body and her disheveled state.

    The excitement of the eight warriors grew with every passing moment. Shrieking and hollering, they rushed Qin Yining.

    Anari hugged her shoulders as heartyughter burst out of her; she was exceedingly pleased with herself. "Let''s see how you''ll keep up that big ego of yours from now on! Sit back and enjoy the show¡ªTatar men are far stronger than your Great Zhou men! Hahaha!"

    As she had a rag stuffed in her mouth, Qin Yining couldn''t even curse out loud¡ªall she could do was whimper, her eyes red with anger.

    The men had drawn close, the two who arrived first looking incredibly eager. One of them took off their shirt while the other untied the ropes binding Qin Yining''s legs together.

    Qin Yining gritted her teeth as they held her down, rendering her struggling useless.

    As soon as the ropes around her leg loosened, she aimed a vicious kick at the nearest man¡¯s tender regions. s, the move she put all her strength behind was caught by her opponent''s hand.

    Those men were Anari''s highly capable bodyguards while all Qin Yining had was raw strength. Having never been trained in martial arts, there was nothing she could do to fight back.

    Despair slowly wormed its way into the princess consort¡¯s heart. Though she kept persuading herself to think it as being bitten by a dog, what woman wouldn''t be affected by this kind of predicament?

    Her widened eyes gradually welled with tears. How she wished Pang Xiao would suddenly appear and kill everyone here!

    But she also knew this was impossible¡ªhow could he sneak into Tatar and make it just in time to save her, what with Ji Zeyu and Li Qitian monitoring Pang Xiao''s every move? There was also everyone in the Qin and Pang ns to consider. Pang Xiao didn''t have the liberty of acting on his own, lest he endanger both their families.

    Qin Yining understood all that, yet she couldn¡¯t hold back her tears.

    The sorry state of the princess consort pleased Anari to no end, who was all too eager to spectate a great performance.

    The leader of the men grabbed a fistful of Qin Yining''s clothes. As the sound of ripping cloth rang out, a gust of wind blew the wooden doors open. A ck, shadowy phantom drifted inside.

    Anari''s jaw dropped, dumbfounded. Before she could even process what she saw, the eight men were left sprawling on the floor, the room painted in their blood.

    Behind her, someone pressed a dagger against her neck and mped his hand over her mouth. In the Tatarnguage, they said, "Don''t move, khan."

    Anari stared as the masked man clothed in ck untied Qin Yining. The voice of the person behind her seemed awfully familiar, shocking her into silence. It was none other than Lu Heng!

    Qin Yining was freed from her bonds before she could recover from her shock and terror. Her clothes were bloodied from the whip and torn by the men. Every movement hurt¡ªshe was truly aplete mess.

    In spite of herself, her heart jolted as the man untying her tossed the ropes aside and moved to stand. She already had her answer for his true identity.

    Lu Heng kept his hold on Anari. "If the khan agrees to remain silent, I will not kill you," he stated in a low voice. "If you start shouting, I''ll have the entire royal n follow you to your grave!"

    Anari''s slips twitched as she reached to pull on Lu Heng''s arm.

    Lu Heng knew she wanted to speak, but didn''t let go to prevent her from screaming the moment he removed his hand. "If you promise you will not make an uproar, I will let go and allow you to speak. Otherwise, I will end you in one move. We can see if your men are faster than my dagger. If you agree to my terms, nod your head."

    Despite her immense displeasure, Anari nodded.

    Lu Heng rxed his hand slightly, but drew his knife closer to Anari''s neck, forcing her to tilt her head back. Not daring to cause a ruckus, she hissed, "You people from Great Zhou are despicable!"

    "Despicable? You tter us¡ªour methods don''t even hold a candle to the khan''s."

    "You won''t be able to escape! When Siqin finds out I¡¯m missing, he¡¯ll dispatch a search party! You won''t be able to fly away from all the guards in the pce even if you sprout wings!" At this, Anari regained herposure somewhat. She nced at the masked man who had already helped Qin Yining to her feet. "A shame you followed the wrong master. Otherwise, someone of your prowess would¡¯ve been a valuable asset for our military forces. I would¡¯ve promoted you to a high position."

    Lu Heng drew his dagger across Anari''s neck, leaving a faint line. "Sarcastic as ever. Evidently, you don''t fear death."

    Anari trembled from the pain, but she refused to surrender. "If I die, none of you will make it out of Khanbaliq!" she spat. "My consort will avenge me, so prepare to go down with me!"

    Lu Heng pressed his dagger against Anari''s neck at any sign of her raising her voice, scaring the khan into abrupt silence. Conquests and greatness awaited her future¡ªwhy was she to meet her end here?

    Face still pale, Qin Yining adjusted her clothes so that her modesty was at least preserved. She walked to a window and looked out to see a small courtyard, where a few peopleid scattered about. It seemed they had just been dealt with.

    She endured the pain of walking to stand before Anari. "Does the khan insist on acting tough at a time like this?" she murmured. "I know you care for your consort deep down, and I know you dearly wish me dead. However, your consort''s public image is more important, no?

    "The khan knows that your consort has been discussing a possible coboration with the Lu n. If you let us go, not only will I never appear before your consort again, but the negotiations with the Lu n will not be affected by what you''ve done. You could kill two birds with one stone. What does the khan think?"

    Anari''s face grew ruddy with anger and she lost all rational thought.

    "What do I think? How dare you ask me that, you slutty fox?! How were my ns for tonight foiled?! I will end you no matter what! If you have it in you then kill me now. We''ll see how you can get past my Tatar warriors, you whore!"

    At this, Qin Yining couldn''t help a wry smile with a shake of her head. "Nearly a dozen of your esteemed warriors have lost their lives thanks to khan''s impulsive behavior. Do you still refuse to count your blessings?"

    "Was I the one who killed them?! Spare me your crocodile tears! I will never let you go! Either cut me down now or face my wrath!"

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. Just as she was about to reply, Lu Heng suddenly raised a hand and hit Anari hard at the base of her skull. The khan¡¯s eyes lost focus before she crumpled to the floor.

    "What did you do?" Qin Yining cried out.

    "I knocked her out," Lu Heng replied. "She never shuts up and we can''t afford to let her waste our time."

 Chapter 493: Fresh Blood

    <h4>Chapter 493: Fresh Blood</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The man stiffened and responded woodenly, ¡°You, I...¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to conceal yourself. We¡¯ve known each other for a certain spate of time now, how would I not recognize your body and eye shape? You¡¯ve kept this rescue operation a secret from your uncle-master, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Mu Jinghu pulled down his ck face covering, looking guiltily at Qin Yining and not knowing what to do with himself.

    ¡°This is no ce to linger,¡± offered Lu Heng. ¡°We should leave and find a hiding ce.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± The three followed Mu Jinghu¡¯s instructions out of the yard.

    At the same time, Anari blearily opened her eyes and was startled into full wakefulness by the enormous pain at her neck. Just as she was about to struggle to a sitting position, she noticed the men¡¯s boots in front of her.

    The khan lifted her head to see a brocade wearing Siqin standing in front of her.

    ¡°My consort, you¡¯vee!¡± Anari rose, rubbing her neck with one hand and tugging on Siqin¡¯s robes with the other. ¡°Did youe looking for me after discovering my disappearance in the pce? That bitch Qin Yining seduced a random man to help her escape! She even injured me! My neck hurts so much!¡±

    Siqin smiled sympathetically and pulled her into an embrace with his long arms. He massaged her neck and murmured lovingly, ¡°Is this the spot?¡±

    Anari closed her eyes and butted her forehead against Siqin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s it. That Lu Heng grabbed my arms and knocked me out. He also has a very skilled martial artist with him, his servant¡¯s stronger than my...¡±

    Her words abruptly cut off.

    She looked down incredulously at the bloody hole in her chest. It¡¯d been formed by a dagger now dripping with blood.

    A dagger wielded by the man in front of her, the man she deeply loved.

    ¡°You!¡±

    Another brutal stab, this time to her stomach.

    Tremendous pain blossomed; shock crashed into her like a lightning bolt. Eyes widened, blood dribbled out the corner of her lips.

    ¡°Siqin, we have such a good life together. I love you so much, so why...¡±

    Another stab.

    After the third strike, Siqin slowlyid Anari down on the ground. Boundless tenderness in his eyes, his voice rasped softly, ¡°Go in peace. I will rule Tatar and unite the world. I will also avenge your death at the hands of Great Zhou.¡±

    Fresh blood continuously streamed out of her as Anari¡¯s body convulsed. Her staring eyes screamed with rage and sorrow. She never thought that she would die at the hands of this man.

    She suddenly recalled the repeated hints that Qin Yining had dropped, some subtle, others more overt. The princess consort had once mentioned that Siqin¡¯s poprity with the people was too high, that he grasped too much power. Had the girl seen something then?

    What a shame that she, the fool in love that she was, never gave Qin Yining¡¯s words the full consideration they deserved.

    ¡°Ba, bastard!¡± Bloody froth bubbled from Anari¡¯s lips as she red viciously at Siqin. ¡°You. will. die. like. a. dog!¡±

    Siqin hugged himself and stooped in front of Anari with a chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re dying, so it¡¯s not up to you how I die. Let¡¯s call it even after enduring your temper for so many years and fighting for you all this time. If you don¡¯t think it too much of a bother, go ahead and hate me.¡±

    Anari opened her mouth and struggled to lift her arm, but didn¡¯t manage it in the end. As endless darkness and cold swallowed her, thest sight etched into her eyes was that of her consort¡¯s relieved smile, a burden finally off his shoulders.

    Siqin¡¯s grin grew bigger when he saw the khan spasm painfully for herst breath. Her body went ck, leaving only a pair of unfocused eyes still staring widely.

    He plonked himself down on the ground and leisurely wiped off his dagger on Anari¡¯s clothes, tucking it back into his boot. He then clutched the grimyte khan to his chest, like he was holding a sleeping child. Siqin ran one hand over her eyes, closing them as tears flowed from his.

    ¡°Khan, my khan! I will avenge you!¡± His sobs grew louder and louder as he wailed and howled with grief.

    His followers disposing of the guards¡¯ bodies in the yard came rushing in. The scene of the khan consort dyed red from the blood of his beloved, weeping for the end of his world greeted their eyes.

    Anguished keening rose and fell, as if he were a wounded beast on the brink of despair.

    His followers knelt and lowered their heads, saluting their fallen khan.

    Siqin abruptly lifted his head and gnashed his teeth. ¡°The Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank, n¨¦e Qin, and the official son of House Lu, Lu Heng, conspired to kill the khan. All of you are to go out into the city immediately and capture these two alive! Also, have all of the officials immediately enter the pce for a court session!

    ¡°Understood!¡± His followers boomed back in ringing tones and dashed off to carry out their orders.

    Siqin refuse to let go of thete khan¡¯s body and carried her back to the pce, wailing with broken-heartedness all along the way. An untold number of citizens came out to investigate the disturbance. They too fell into the throes of sorrow when they saw the bloody figure of the khan consort.

    ......

    Qin Yining, Lu Heng, and Mu Jinghu were hiding in an abandoned shack in the depths of a narrow alleyway. Though no one knew when it¡¯d been deserted, roof tiles speckled with weather and time and an enormous hole in the roof bore testament that it¡¯d been empty for a very long time. Bunches of weeds called a corner home, already withered in this season. Meanwhile, only cracks and wooden windows devoid of window panes called the walls home.

    ¡°The southern gate is the closest way out,¡± Mu Jinghu whispered. ¡°Shelter here for a bit while I prepare clothing, food, and water for you. Think of a way to get out when the city gates open at dawn.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°Alright, thank you so much. I was very surprised and happy to see you today.¡±

    The young man shook his head. ¡°I just happened to bump into the Lu second master tailing the khan¡¯s men. I followed because I was curious. I had no idea I would see the khan kidnap you in the middle of the night.¡±

    ¡°The khan¡¯s long disliked me for a suspected rtionship between me and her consort. Add to that the Soothsayer saying we have simr destinies... well, I knew she would want to kill me.¡± The princess consort shook her head with a wry smile. ¡°I have a prior rtionship with the priestess, I hadn¡¯t anticipated that she¡¯d want to harm me.¡±

    Mu Jinghu lowered his head, hiding an expression full of awkwardness. Even he, someone who spent all his days with the Soothsayer, had no idea what his uncle-master was brewing. Why did she have to set the khan at odds with her consort, and then provoke the khan into killing Qin Yining?

    Uncle-master can¡¯t be bothered to share with me, maybe because I¡¯m not smart enough.

    But Mu Jinghu treasured his friendship with Pang Xiao at the end of the day, and also felt that Qin Yining was a good person. She shouldn¡¯t lose her life here¡ªwhich was what urged him onto night reconnaissance for peace of mind.

    Then they¡¯d actually run into some things happening.

 Chapter 494: From Spark to Flame (I)

    <h4>Chapter 494: From Spark to me (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    He was an honest man. Since he¡¯d already received orders from his grandmaster¡ªhis true master¡ªto protect the Soothsayer, he would never go back on his word. In truth, he¡¯d already taken a substantial risk by defying her toe rescue Qin Yining.

    Judging from the Soothsayer''s actions, she was certainly greatly valued by the Tatar royals. There was no telling what would happen if she knew Mu Jinghu had squandered the favoritism she had earned. The priestess didn''t stand a chance against Mu Jinghu''s superior martial arts skills in a fight, but Mu Jinghu was far too honest for his own good. There was no way he could raise a hand against his uncle-master.

    Qin Yining could tell from the priestess¡¯ nature that she wouldn''t spare Mu Jinghu any mercy.

    With this thought in mind, she urged, "You best hurry back. I fear it wouldn''t be good if your uncle-master found out what you''ve been up to. Second Master Lu and I will manage on our own. We¡¯ll figure out a way to slip out once the city gate opens."

    Mu Jinghu shook his head. "Forget it. I fear the khan will immediately start searching for you once she wakes up. I''ll go scout around outside and find you two some food and clothes. And medicine for your injuries¡ªit would be troublesome if you fell ill now."

    "I¡¯ll be alright. These are mere flesh wounds. My body recovers quickly, so they won¡¯t hinder me."

    In truth, Qin Yining''s body ached terribly, but their abnormal circumstances called for endurance of the pain. Mu Jinghu had already gone against his sect by saving her, so his obligation toward the wife of his friend was no more. She had no wish to cause him further trouble.

    Mu Jinghu, however, shook his head. "You should still be careful," he insisted. "You will surely suffer once you leave Khanbaliq. It¡¯s not certain you¡¯ll have the chance to recover from your wounds, so you should at least procure some medicine and basic necessities for your journey."

    Finished, he made a hand gesture indicating for Qin Yining to stop arguing with him and promptly turned to exit through the door.

    As Lu Heng watched Mu Jinghu disappear into the distance, he sighed, "We are indebted to this hero. Were it not for him, I couldn''t have fended off the khan''s bodyguards on my own. It seems that birds of a feather do indeed flock together¡ªa good friend of Pang Zhixi would naturally be skilled at martial arts like him."

    Qin Yining seated herself atop the worn old wooden recliner and heaved a long sigh.

    "He is an old friend of His Highness and his uncle-master is the Soothsayer. I daresay the priestess did something to provoke the khan into going after my head so aggressively."

    Lu Heng nodded. He didn''t probe into the rtionship between the priestess and Pang Xiao, but the way she¡¯d provoked Anari was highly suspicious indeed. "An esteemed hermit like the Soothsayer wouldn''t waggle her tongue arbitrarily. She must have had a reason for doing so."

    Qin Yining nodded and wearily leaned back against the wall. "She certainly isn¡¯t someone who would stir trouble without good reason. However, this matter is all the more perplexing should this be the case."

    "Indeed. That¡¯s why I think she¡¯s plotting something," Lu Hengmented with a touch of helplessness. "No use in overthinking things though. Our main priority as of now is to make it out of here alive. If we breathe ourst here after surviving the earth dragon turning over, a trek through the desert, and all these days of suffering, wouldn''t you say that would well, really suck?"

    Qin Yining couldn''t help but admire how Lu Heng still had it in him to crack jokes despite how the odds were stacked against them. Perhaps there was a certain fragility to those who attained a status simr to that of Lu Heng. It wasn''t that they didn''t feel fear or terror; rather, they were merely adept at controlling their emotions and keeping their cool. Because they were able to maintain a level head, their judgement remained unimpaired.

    In truth, Qin Yining had felt genuine fear today. In the heat of the moment, she¡¯d been able to put on a brave front and convince herself to think of it as dog bites. However, when she thought back to how she¡¯d been surrounded by Anari and her bodyguards, the looming despair she¡¯d felt at the sight of their leering faces squeezed her heart tightly.

    If they¡¯d actuallyid a hand on her, even she didn''t know what drastic measures she would have resorted to.

    These thoughts shed through her mind but for an instant; a carefree smile still shone brightly on her face. "Well spoken. We¡¯ve already survived the worst of the tempest¡ªit would suck indeed if we fell down here."

    Lu Heng gazed at Qin Yining''s profile, his eyes warm with gentle admiration. "As you say. You should rest awhile, considering how you¡¯re injured."

    Qin Yining dimpled. "Very well. You should rest for a while and conserve your strength. We may have rendered the khan unconscious and escaped, but we don''t know what kind of tantrum she¡¯ll throw once shees to. She may very well dispatch her entire army to capture us."

    Finished, Lu Heng promptly seated himself three meters away from Qin Yining.

    Seeing how there was only the one old wooden recliner in this shack, Qin Yining didn''t particrly mind sharing it with Lu Heng. They were running for their lives¡ªwhat was the point of concerning themselves with propriety? Furthermore, Lu Heng was a man of honor. She had nothing to worry about.

    Qin Yining then closed her eyes and fell into a light slumber.

    Lu Heng, however, didn''t sleep. Through the holes in the roof, he stared at the twinkling stars scattered across a pitch ck sky. In his mind, he couldn''t stop mapping out their escape route. If they were to go around the desert they¡¯d passed through, what direction should they head in?

    Just as Qin Yining rested and Lu Heng fell into deep contemtion, Mu Jinghu suddenly sidestepped inside. His voice was hushed with anxiety as he eximed, "Something¡¯s gone wrong!"

    Qin Yining opened her eyes with a start and a frown. "What is the matter?"

    Lu Heng''s brows also pinched together in a grave expression.

    "The khan has been assassinated," Mu Jinghu exined. "People are being told that the two of you worked together to murder her. Her consort has already called for a meeting with all the officials to discuss the matter. All of the city guards have been sent out. The entire city is searching for you as we speak!"

    Lu Heng gaped at him, dumbstruck. "But we did no such thing! I only knocked her unconscious!"

    "Everyone is saying how they saw with their own eyes her consort carrying a bloody khan. Rumor has it she was stabbed three times andpletely bled out. The civilians are in a state of panic and anger."

    Qin Yining pressed her lips into a thin line as she considered Siqin''s treatment toward her, Anari''s jealousy, and the Soothsayer''s actions. Once she connected the dots, the answer became clear as could be.

    "I''m afraid Siqin and the Soothsayer probably made a pact to drive Anari insane with jealousy of me. The priestess¡¯ words to Anari that day were the final straw. Even if the two of you didn''te to my rescue today, Siqin most likely wouldn''t have killed me off because his target was Anari all along!"

    Lu Heng figured everything out as well. "Has he gone mad?!" he hissed angrily. "Anari is his childhood friend! They were fond of each other from a young age! Yet he murdered his own wife in his lust for power!"

 Chapter 495: From Spark to Flame (II)

    <h4>Chapter 495: From Spark to me (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°He wanted her to die to begin with! We didn¡¯t hurt her out of consideration for the diplomatic rtions between our two nations, but Siqin¡¯s original goal was to shift the me to us.¡±

    The more Qin Yining thought things through, the more horrified she became. Siqin¡¯s deep machinations reached unfathomable depths of incredulity. It was more than likely that he¡¯d traveled to Yang County and kidnapped them during the earthquake so he could set into motion the situation of today.

    Lu Heng¡¯s brow was knit tightly. ¡°It¡¯s not good if things progress this way. Once Siqin ascends to the throne, it¡¯s highly likely that his next move will be to make demands from Great Zhou, using Anari as an excuse.

    ¡°But what should the two of you do?¡± Mu Jinghu¡¯s expression grew increasingly uglier.

    He was a pure-hearted man who valued loyalty and rtionships. Not only could he not even fathom Siqin¡¯s inhumane and perverse n, but he could barely bring himself to harm others. He would never kill a woman who deeply loved him out of pursuit of power and the throne! What kind of person did this?!

    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here. If they search the city, they¡¯ll find us soon enough,¡± Lu Heng worried.

    Mu Jinghu nodded and ced therge bundle in his hands in front of Qin Yining. ¡°Apply medicine to yourself first and change into these clothes. It¡¯ll be more convenient for you to be dressed as a man.¡± He turned to Lu Heng. ¡°Let us leave for now.¡±

    The Lu scion nodded and followed Mu Jinghu outside the door, hashing out their next steps in murmured conversation.

    Qin Yining disrobed and wetted the old clothes to wipe off the majority of her bloodstains. She cleaned her wounds and quickly dressed them with medicine and fine cotton. Slipping into the male outfit, she swept her hair up in a neat hairstyle and slipped a leather, winter Tatar hat over her head.

    She rolled up the discarded silks and brocade into a ball, intending to burn themter. She called the two back in after repacking the water pouches, dry rations, medicines, and others.

    ¡°I went out scouting just now and found that soldiers are already searching this neighborhood,¡± Mu Jinghu said urgently. ¡°Let¡¯s leave, right now.¡±

    Qin Yining bobbed her head and followed behind the taciturn man, Lu Heng at her side.

    When the three reached the mouth of the alley, they heard far-off sounds of soldiers yelling and people gasping, children crying and adults yelling as their abodes were searched. It was utter chaos.

    Qin Yining could tell what was being said even with thenguage barrier. The soldiers must be asking if anyone had glimpsed the Great Zhou visitors. Mu Jinghu tugged on her wrist and gestured at Lu Heng to follow.

    The three quietly backed up and ran off in the other direction.

    The streets twisted and turned, their panting and footsteps the only sounds to be heard in the deep of the night, as well as the continued search conducted by the soldiers.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be caught sooner orter,¡± Lu Heng whispered. ¡°They¡¯re searching the houses one by one. They¡¯re even looking into the wells.¡±

    ¡°The city gates are closed now.¡± Mu Jinghu¡¯s expression was very solemn. ¡°Our pursuers are right in front of us. We really will be caught sooner orter.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any other hiding ces in the city?¡± asked Qin Yining.

    Mu Jinghu shook his head with a trace of shame. ¡°I usually live in the pce with my uncle-master. I¡¯ve never thought about moving out, so I naturally don¡¯t have any real estate to my name.¡±

    ¡°With this situation, it wouldn¡¯t matter if you did have any.¡±

    Hunkering down in a corner, Mu Jinghu¡¯s forehead was knitted together in a tight frown. Given the situation, he might not make it out unscathed even with two highly trained experts by his side. Lu Heng at best knew a bit of basic horse riding and shooting, and Qin Yining was a woman covered in injuries.

    The three looked awkwardly at each other when Mu Jinghu suddenly rose to his feet. ¡°I¡¯ll go draw those men away.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Qin Yining caught his robes in a rice grip. ¡°I know you¡¯re very skilled in martial arts and that none of them can put up a proper fight to you, but can you kill them all? Even if you¡¯re a te of hammered steel, how many nails can you suffer? We can¡¯t be brash, we need to rely on smarts.

    ¡°If we look at this from a holistic perspective, we don¡¯t need to worry even if we¡¯re recaptured. They won¡¯t kill me or the Lu second master. With Siqin¡¯s personality, he won¡¯t rest until he¡¯s squeezed everyst drop of value from our bodies. They¡¯ll use us to negotiate with Great Zhou.¡±

    Mu Jinghu shook his head. ¡°He¡¯ll use you to negotiate, but with Pang Zhixi¡¯s current standing in the nation, what ability does he have to persuade the emperor of Great Zhou? Won¡¯t the two of you die if his emperor doesn¡¯t allow it? It¡¯s better for me to draw the men away and you to think of a way out.¡±

    Lu Heng also pulled Mu Jinghu back. ¡°No, you¡¯ll expose yourself if you go and you might even lose your life. If our lives are built upon the foundation of your sacrifice, then we won¡¯t rest easy for the rest of our lives.¡±

    ¡°Sir Mu, you weren¡¯t a part of this affair to begin with and you¡¯ve done everything called for by humanity and duty in saving us. Hurry on back before the soldiers catch up to us. The Soothsayer must¡¯ve deduced that something is afoot with all the great disturbance. If she discovers you¡¯re gone, she¡¯ll absolutely suspect you. Wouldn¡¯t you be a traitor to your sect then?¡±

    Being a loyal person, Mu Jinghu frowned deeply when he heard the word ¡®traitor¡¯.

    ¡°Go on, and pass a word onto Pang Zhixi if you¡¯re able to. Tell him that me and the Lu second master are still alive. Don¡¯t do anything else, lest you bring down trouble upon your head.¡±

    Mu Jinghu thought deeply for a while with lowered head, but still stubbornly shook his head. ¡°No, I¡¯m keeping youpany. With me present, I can force a way out if ites down to that. If the two of you are captured, then there¡¯s really nothing more to be done.¡±

    They wove in and out of alleyways as they spoke, sometimes pausing to avoid the soldiers. But based on the sounds around them, it was apparent that the distance between the two groups was narrowing.

    ¡°Go now, Sir Mu. The window is closing for you to leave,¡± Qin Yining urged.

    Mu Jinghu clenched his teeth and shook his head again, pulling Qin Yining and Lu Heng along in the continued chase of cat and mouse.

    They were now in the most impoverished part of the neighborhood, home to the poor and ves. The alleys were narrow and crisscrossed in a mad web, and many ended in dead-ends.

    Mu Jinghu pulled them left and then right, panting as they advanced to the depths of an alley. When they found it was a dead-end, they quickly turned back, but the sounds of footsteps and conversation between soldiers had drawn near. In fact, torch light could be seen from where they¡¯de from!

 Chapter 496: Turnabout

    <h4>Chapter 496: Turnabout</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining subconsciously held her breath, eyes wide with fright. Her heart raced so fast that it felt as if it was about to leap out of her chest.

    As the sound of footsteps drew near, the red-orange glow of the torches grew ever brighter. Qin Yining clutched her bag of belongings, knuckles growing white as she tensed in apprehension.

    As the soldiers were about to enter the alley, Mu Jinghu prepared himself for battle. Suddenly, a scrawny youngster quietly pushed open a wooden gate beside the three and frantically waved in their direction.

    "Hurry, in here!" he whispered in the Tatarnguage. The three rushed in his direction. As they did, the soldiers turned and raised their torches to look into the alley. They didn''t spare the unassuming wooden gate a second nce as they¡¯d just searched those houses from the front doors. There was no point in entering again through a side door.

    They walked to the end of the alley and reached a dead end. Convinced it was impossible for someone to conceal themselves here, the soldiers moved on to search elsewhere.

    Only after they left did Qin Yining, Lu Heng, and Mu Jinghu finally heave sighs of relief. They turned around to bow to express their gratitude at the young boy who had let them in.

    "Many thanks to you, young man. If not for your assistance, I fear we would already be dead. Rest assured, we will not overstay our wee. Once those people are far away enough, we will leave. We shan''t cause you any trouble."

    The young boy nodded. Features obscured by the darkness, all they could make out was his skinny body and two bright big ck eyes. In a hushed voice, he whispered something that caused Lu Heng to tense and mp his mouth shut.

    Sensing that something was off, Qin Yining murmured, "What did he say?"

    Lu Heng answered, "He asked me if we were the brave warriors who killed the khan."

    The little boy''s excitement grew as he regarded Lu Heng. Speaking rapidly in the Tatar tongue, he tugged at Lu Heng''s sleeve to pull him into the dwelling.

    Qin Yining grew nervous. "What¡¯s going on? Perhaps we should leave."

    However, Lu Heng responded, "He says he¡¯s from the Minuo tribe. He saw us with the hunting group that day when Anari was stopped in the streets. If we were the brave warriors who killed the khan, we are the heroes of the Minuo. That is why he allowed us to hide here."

    "But we aren¡¯t..."

    "One moment." Lu Heng went along with the boy and entered the house, leaving Qin Yining and Mu Jinghu no choice but to follow.

    Before they entered, Qin Yining pointed at the cloth hanging beneath Mu Jinghu''s chin. Suddenly remembering he needed to conceal his identity, he quickly covered his face and shed Qin Yining a grateful smile.

    They entered a spacious brick house. The grand hall was lit by torches, where thirty odd weak and elderly, thin as twigs, convened in ratty clothes.

    Seeing the boy enter with Qin Yining and her twopanions, the hall fell silent as all eyes looked toward them. A teen slightly taller in stature came forward with scrunched brows. "Harbhara, what kind of people have you brought inside?"

    Lu Heng turned his head back to murmur, "So this child''s name is Harbhara. That means ''ck tiger'' in the Tatarnguage."

    Qin Yining nodded.

    "They''re the brave warriors who killed the khan," Harbhara replied. "I bumped into them as they were being pursued by her dogs, so I let them in."

    "But we have the weak and elderly of our tribe here. If we¡¯re discovered... and how do you know they were the ones who killed the khan?"

    Harbhara''s brows pinched together as he stuck his hands on his hips. "Caganbar, don''t tell me you''re getting cold feet? You were the one who said whoever can avenge our aav and eej will be the new chief of our tribe, am I right? Everyone heard you loud and clear! Was I supposed to turn a blind eye to our chief in their time of need?"

    "That''s right, but..." Caganbhara objected.

    Harbhara pped his hands. "Then it''s settled. Those soldiers outside were saying a man and a woman killed the khan, and that they''re from Great Zhou. Well, we happen to have seen them before, and they are the same visitors from Great Zhou who were living in the pce. How can I be wrong?"

    "But they are from Great Zhou. How can they be the new chief of the Minuo tribe?"

    "You didn''t say Great Zhou people can''t be chief back then. Anyway, whoever kills that monster is a warrior and a hero. They¡¯re someone who has avenged the blood debt of the Minuo tribe''s dead warriors and families. If we let them get caught by guards, how will we face our aav and eej in heaven?"

    "Fine, my good brother, you''re right." Caganbar pped Harbhara on the shoulder. "I''m just overthinking things. Since they''re the ones who''ve avenged our aav, eej and the rest of our people, they can lead the Minuo tribe."

    The conversation between the two boys were heard clearly by all, both young and old.

    Qin Yining couldn''t understand a word while Mu Jinghu was only able to grasp half of what had been said. Lu Heng understood everything; a calcting glint shed through his eyes, but he didn''t interrupt.

    Just like that, Qin Yining peered at the crowd of weak and elderly who followed the boys'' lead, putting hand to chests as they bowed at the Great Zhou citizens. The crowd murmured something lowly.

    Lu Heng turned and exined what the two brothers had said. "They already recognize us as the new chief of the Minuo tribe," he added.

    Qin Yining''s jaw dropped. "That... can¡¯t be right."

    "Strength in numbers. If we are to leave Tatar, perhaps they can help," Lu Heng replied. "Now that they have recognized us as their chief, they will not change their minds. It will only sadden them further if we were to turn them down."

    "But we don¡¯t meet their requirements," Qin Yining objected.

    "Since they think we have, it means Siqin has told the public the same thing."

    The princess consort understood at once.

    Once everyone had been properly introduced, Harbhara and Caganbhara lead Qin Yining, Lu Heng, and Mu Jinghu to their seats, eagerly asking how they heroically defeated the khan. Unable to converse in theirnguage, Qin Yining remained silent and listened on with a smile.

    Though she was dressed as a man, anyone could tell she was a beautiful woman from her exquisite features. The tribesmen found themselves unable to tear their eyes away from her elegance.

    Taking advantage of themotion, Qin Yining addressed Mu Jinghu. "You should leave soon. We¡¯re safe here and can find a way to leave by ourselves. Hurry back to your uncle-master, lest you get into any trouble. All I ask is that you do not forget to pass Pang Zhixi a message on my behalf."

    Troubled, Mu Jinghu''s brows knit together at that. A moment passed before he replied, "Very well, as you say."

 Chapter 497: Turnabout (II)

    <h4>Chapter 497: Turnabout (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    No, that wasn¡¯t the proper course of action even with how much they needed someone of his talents at the moment.

    By now, Lu Heng had employed fluent Tatar and superb socialization skills to cement a favorable impression with the Minuo tribe. During a lull in the conversation, Qin Yining whispered her desire to allow Mu Jinghu to go back.

    The Lu scion made a smiling exnation, which was answered with understanding smiles from the crowd. Though she didn¡¯t understand thenguage, Qin Yining found herself able to heave an enormous sigh of relief.

    Lu Heng turned back to speak to Mu Jinghu in thenguage of Great Zhou, ¡°Since your family elders need your care, hurry on back. Thank you for your help today,¡± he concluded with a bow.

    Mu Jinghu returned the courtesy. ¡°I feel quite guilty at not being able to continue to protect you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve already helped us so much, why feel guilty? If anyone¡¯s to feel guilty, then it¡¯s us for dragging you into this boundless quagmire of chaos and confusion.¡±

    Unused to conversation, Mu Jinghu was even less equipped with pleasantries. He shed a bashful smile and bid his farewell again.

    Caganbhara rose and showed him out the side door, while Harbhara brought Lu Yun and Qin Yining to a room in the back of therge house.

    ¡°We have too many people here and have split the rooms up between the women and children. The rest of us bunk together in the front where the fire is. But I think the two of you aren¡¯t used to sharing rooms with others, so sleep here for the night. I¡¯ll figure out a way to contact the rest of the tribe and get out of here together.¡±

    Lu Heng smiled. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll follow your arrangements.¡±

    Harbhara left with a smile.

    Qin Yining had started burning with a fever by this point. The various shallow and deep whip marks on her body had progressed past the stage of fiery pain to the depths of where even lifting a finger might tug on a wound. Pain kept her brow tightly knit together. She¡¯d been able to gird her loins and put on a calm facade in front of others, but now left alone, there was no need to keep up the act.

    Seeing the princess consort¡¯s face twist with pain, Lu Heng knew that her wounds must be acting up. Hovering helpfully as she made her way to a bed of dry grass on the ground, he looked on worriedly while Qin Yining lowered herself to old bedsheets. ¡°Are you alright? Are you running a fever?¡±

    Trembling from cold, the princess consort hugged her bundle to herself and curled up in a chilly corner. She squeezed out a smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine, the wound¡¯s infected, so a fever is normal. I¡¯m in good health to begin with, so I¡¯ll be fine after some rest.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go ask them for some more firewood and build a fire here. I¡¯ll heat some water for you.¡± Lu Heng made to rush out of the room. However, Qin Yining quickly tugged on his hem. ¡°Don¡¯t bother, Anari tormented the Minuo tribe to no end¡ªthey¡¯re barely hanging on. Didn¡¯t you see the three dozen people huddled around one fire-it in the front hall? Firewood and kindling seem to be in short supply for them.¡±

    ¡°This won¡¯t do, you¡¯re gravely injured and running a fever. We can¡¯t treat this lightly. You¡¯ve got to at least have clean hot water to drink. We finally made our escape after all this time, it won¡¯t be worth it at all if you lost your life for this minor detail.¡±

    Qin Yining could no longer control her shaking and chattering teeth; even her fingers were so cold that she balled them into a fist for warmth.

    Seeing her grow weaker, Lu Heng rushed out to discuss with Caganbhara and Harbhara.

    The two teenagers shook their heads woefully when they heard that thete khan had whipped their savior. ¡°We don¡¯t have any medicine here. All of our men were killed and the rest served that witch as her ves. We¡¯re insulted and beaten for any reason at all. A lot of people have died from wound infections and other illnesses... I¡¯ll find a way to get more firewood for you. But we don¡¯t have a doctor here and no way to hire any.¡±

    Their faces were scrunched up from worry.

    ¡°It¡¯ll already be a great help if she can have some hot water. There are soldiers outside looking for us because we killed the khan. Hiring a doctor would be too conspicuous anyway,¡± reassured Lu Heng.

    The two boys nodded and grabbed a handful of fire stuffs, building a fire in the room and erecting a stand with a broken porcin jug to boil water.

    Qin Yining was delirious at this point, trying to turn herself into an ever tighter ball in the corner. Employing the light of the fire, Lu Heng noted the cold sweat on her forehead, unnaturally flushed cheeks, and pale lips. Greatly anxious, he put all thoughts of decorum outside his mind and reached out to feel her forehead.

    It¡¯s so hot!

    Qin Yining had hastily packed her wounds just now; she hadn¡¯t had time to properly apply her medicine. The wounds also needed to be cleaned and redressed. When his thoughts traveled here, Lu Heng once again to seek help. Thankfully it was all women, children, and the elderly here. Some grannies with experience handling injuries volunteered to help.

    Lu Heng stayed outside while the grannies did their work in the room. Caganbhara sidled up to him and whispered, ¡°I thought you were a couple with that fairy-likedy. I can tell you like her a lot, so why don¡¯t you take advantage of this opportunity to take care of her? You can get closer this way and have her be grateful to you.¡±

    The Lu scion shook his head with a wry grin. ¡°She¡¯s actually married and only here because Anari and Siqin captured her. Though I like her, she is a noble and virtuousdy,pletely loyal to her husband. I also don¡¯t want to take advantage of someone¡¯s difficulties and nor do I want to force her. If I stayed to take care of her, she would indeed be grateful, but she¡¯d also pull away from me.¡±

    Caganbhara chuckled at the exnation. ¡°You guys sure have a lot of rules! If it was in the Minuo tribe, anyone can pursue a girl or warrior they like. If two people aren¡¯t happy together, they can ask the chief to separate them. They¡¯re free as a bird after separation and can seek someone else. I hear that girls in your country have tomit suicide if someone even touches them?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not that severe. There aremon women who work and do business as their means of livelihood. We¡¯ve just emerged from the fires of war ourselves and have barely known two years of peace. Those kinds of high and mighty rules are for the high and mighty. Usmon folk can¡¯t be tied down by them, so we ce greater importance on ethics and morals.¡±

    ¡°Morals, that¡¯s right. Only those of us suffering at the bottom think like this. High and mighty people like the female khan never think about ethics or morals when they do stuff. They only care if they¡¯re happy or not.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, thankfully the witch is dead.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, and it¡¯s all thanks to you two.¡±

    Lu Heng and the brothers smiled at each other.

    After suffering an agonizing night, Qin Yining¡¯s fever finally broke at dawn of the next morning. Lu Heng finally heaved with relief to see her temperature ease.

    They remained in the Minuo house over the next couple of days. With the heavy guard presence in the streets, they didn¡¯t dare walk around. Gradual probing for information was the only thing they could do.

    Capital of Great Zhou, Manor of Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    Pang Xiao started shaking as he read the note in his hand. ¡°Alive, she¡¯s alive! Do you see that, she¡¯s alive!¡±

 Chapter 498: Squabble (I)

    <h4>Chapter 498: Squabble (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Huzi, Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue rushed forward, ignoring all decorum as they tightly packed together to read the note. They studied it twice over before shouting with joy. "It really is Her Highness! Who would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d be taken away to Tatar!"

    "Sir Mu''s letter came at a most opportune time! If we keep going without a word about Her Highness''s whereabouts, His Highness might¡¯ve been driven insane!" Huzi teased,ughing.

    Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue also wore smiles of relief on their faces, the immense weights on their shoulders finally gone.

    As Pang Xiao had lost much of his appetite and slept fitfully, he¡¯d lost much weight, rendering his handsome features exceptionally angr. He looked abnormally unkempt, what with his messy hair and stubbled chin.

    After defying thirty odd royal decrees, his search still proved unfruitful, leaving him no choice but to return to the capital. Since then, Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t had a day of peace¡ªLi Qitian''s paranoia intensified to where he would humiliate the prince in court by angrily denouncing him on more than one asion.

    But Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t care less. All he wanted was for Qin Yining to return.

    He despised his past self. Why had he bear to let Qin Yining investigate the treasure''s whereabouts alone? Though the treasure was important to them, how could itpare to the importance of Qin Yining''s safety?

    Pang Xiao didn''t have the faintest idea how he got on once he returned to the capital, much less face Qin Yining''s parents. He grew violent, unable to control his temper. It got to the point where even seeing Li Qitian filled him with murderous rage.

    If he¡¯d killed Li Qitian, would his darling have been spared from mishap? Would she have been spared from bing a sacrifice in their power struggle?

    All of those negative emotions dissipated into the wind with this one note.

    "Prepare my horse at once!" Pang Xiao finally had the courage to see Qin Huaiyuan.

    Huzi¡¯s affirmative grunt floated in the air; he¡¯d already dashed out to prepare Pang Xiao''s steed.

    Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi had an inkling of what Pang Xiao was about to do. "Your Highness," they inquired hastily, "do we inform the grand-lord, grand-madame and old madame?"

    Pang Xiao pped his forehead. "I almost forgot. I shall leave it to the two of you to notify them, then. Tell them I have gone to discuss ns with my father-inw."

    N¨¦e Yao hadn¡¯t been particrly ruffled by Qin Yining''s ident. Instead n¨¦e Ma and Yao Chenggu were the most anxious. They had once worried their rebellious, obstinate grandson would live out the rest of his days alone. Then, the heavens bestowed him with a good-natured wife whose beauty outshone flowers and precious jade. Never did they expect their joy to be short-lived¡ªthe newlyweds were forced to travel to the disaster zone, and only one returned.

    N¨¦e Ma had devoted her days to reciting Buddhist scriptures and even abstained from meat, entreating the bodhisattvas for Qin Yining''s safety with sincere prayers. She immediately beamed from ear to ear as soon as Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi came with news of Qin Yining. She hurried to light incense to thank the gods.

    Yao Chenggu also heaved a sigh of relief. "It would be a great injustice for a good girl like her to lose her life. This is good news indeed. The heavens help the worthy atst."

    "As you say, Grand-Lord. Things are finally clearing up. Otherwise, His Highness will soon rip ayer of his own skin off!" Xie Yueughed heartily.

    Xu Weizhi was a touch more attentive than Xie Yue. He remained quiet as he observed the reactions of Pang elders. He rested his gaze on n¨¦e Yao, whose features were tinged with unease.

    "Old Madame, is something on your mind?" Xu Weizhi smiled with his hands raised in a cupped fist.

    N¨¦e Yao blinked, she hadn''t expected Xu Weizhi to single her out. Xu Weizhi and Xie Yue were considerably aged¡ª enough to be Pang Xiao''s elders¡ªso she saw no need to hide her thoughts from him.

    "To be honest, I am thinking about those barbaric Tatars. Despite the years Prince Consort Ji spent in Tatar, he didn¡¯t emerge victorious over them. All of the returning soldiers talk of how dauntless and ferocious the Tatars are. N¨¦e Qin is a beauty with the countenance of flowers and the moon itself¡ªI can hardly imagine how much she must have suffered after being spirited away by the Tatar khan''s consort."

    Her words were obscured indeed.

    As Qin Yining''s mother-inw, one could interpret n¨¦e Yao''s worries as heartache over Qin Yining''s suffering.

    Someone who could read n¨¦e Yao as well as Xu Weizhi, however, detected her true concerns. What could those "dauntless and ferocious" Tatars do to her "beautiful as flowers and the moon" of a daughter-inw¡ªnamely, Qin Yining''s chastity.

    Xu Weizhi was at a loss for words. He considered Qin Yining''s quick wit, her understanding of the prince, and the ways she¡¯d helped him. Pang Xiao had been so ashamed of his failure to bring Qin Yining back that he hadn¡¯t dared face Qin Huaiyuan, yet the prime minister remained understanding through it all without breathing down Pang Xiao''s neck.

    The Qins were far too forgiving, both father and daughter. Xu Weizhi greatly admired that about the two of them. He had no love for n¨¦e Yao''s pettiness though.

    "It is just as the old madame says. Though if I may say something unpleasant," he couldn''t help retorting, "someone with the status of Minister Qin''s daughter could¡¯ve easily lived a peaceful life. Who would¡¯ve thought that she¡¯d encounter such misfortunes shortly after marrying His Highness? She may still be alive, but her situation doesn¡¯t look particrly optimistic."

    Xu Weizhi''s words were equally vague¡ªat a nce, it would appear that he agreed with n¨¦e Yao¡¯s pity for Qin Yining. In truth, however, he meant to say: if Minister Qin''s daughter hadn''t married your son, she wouldn''t have had to suffer like this. Yet you¡ªher mother-inw¡ªonly care about nonsense trivialities. You evidently have no love for anyone who is not of your own blood if you¡¯re only concerned about Qin Yining''s chastity.

    Though n¨¦e Yao and Xu Weizhi didn''t speak quite so inly, neither of them were fools.

    Yao Chenggu was the first to understand. He shot his daughter a frowning nce before taking out his pipe to fill it with tobo.

    N¨¦e Ma had to think for a moment before she understood the underlying exchange. Her eyes widened immediately, but it wasn¡¯t her ce to chastise her own daughter in front of Pang Xiao''s strategists. She held her tongue, hands shaking as she forced a smile.

    Seeing that the atmosphere had been shattered, the astute Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi took that as their cue to excuse themselves. Out in the courtyard, they shared a look and couldn''t help sighing as they made themselves scare with hurried steps.

    Once n¨¦e Ma deemed the two far enough away, she mmed a hand on the stove. "You stupid girl, what were you thinking? Have you no conscience?"

    "Mother! What are you saying?" Indignant, N¨¦e Yao rose to her feet and looked back at n¨¦e Ma.

    "Do you think I didn''t understand what you were saying?" said n¨¦e Ma. "Even if I¡¯m fool enough to not understand, did you think your implications would escape the notice of people as intelligent as Sirs Xu and Xie? You really are... how do I even describe you? Do you not care whetherss Yi lives or dies because she is not your child?"

    "Who says I don¡¯t care? I¡¯ve also been so worried that I can hardly eat and sleep. How can I not be concerned, especially seeing how distraught Dafu has been?"

    "Yet when you find outss Yi is alive, you express no guilt over how that brat of yours has dragged Minister Qin''s wonderful daughter into his troubles. Not only did you neglect to ask how she is, your primary concern is her chastity!"

 Chapter 499.1: Squabble (II)

    <h4>Chapter 499.1: Squabble (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "Don''t talk back to me, you heartless brat!" An agitated n¨¦e Ma grabbed a shoe sole she¡¯d just ced inside her sewing basket and began beating n¨¦e Yao with it. Thetter scrambled about frantically to dodge the blows.

    N¨¦e Ma, however, was well versed in martial arts¡ªshe wasn¡¯t about to let n¨¦e Yao off the hook so easily. She pressed her daughter against the stove and beat her vigorously on her buttocks.

    "M-mom, stop! Stop hitting me! Stop!" N¨¦e Yao began to cry from the pain, despite the adult that she was.

    N¨¦e Ma angrily tossed the shoe sole aside, suddenly ovee with grief.

    "I shouldn''t have let you experience the world! You gained experience and knowledge after joining a rich family, but you lost even the most basic of morals! We agreed on working for two years before returning home, and understanding how the world is would make it easier to find a proper match for you. But you climbed into your lord¡¯s bed and came back with a child in your belly!

    ¡°Fine, so parents can¡¯t control the lives of their children, and thankfully Dafu is indeed a good child. We epted responsibility that we failed to teach you properly, but just look at you now¡ªis there even a shred of virtue left in you?! What have you learned in the Pang household?

    "You don''t even care if your daughter-inw is alive! All you care about is whether her chastity remains intact! Youck even the most basic of kindness¡ªyou¡¯re just selfish! You worry only about yourself! How are you any different from that Madame Pang you speak of, huh? How is it that I¡¯ve acted right and proper my entire life, only to raise such a damn crooked wench like you?!"

    N¨¦e Yao scrambled to her feet, her hair in disarray. Hairpins askew, her makeup was now a mottled mess from her tears. The way her mother dredged up the past stabbed into her heart as tears of sorrow trickled down her face.

    Yao Chenggu smacked his lips in between pulls on the pipe and watched as mother and daughter bickered and sobbed. He gave a resigned sigh. "Yuping, you¡¯re in the wrong here. You mustn¡¯t let others know your true thoughts. If Sirs Xu and Xie were to pass them on to Dafu''s ears, do you think you¡¯d have any chance at getting closer to your son then?"

    That statement touched upon n¨¦e Yao''s deepest fear.

    Her previous conflicts with Qin Yining had already caused a rift between her and her son. The past period of suffering her son had undergone only further deepened her resentment of Qin Yining. She knew how devoted he was to his wife¡ªif he knew what n¨¦e Yao truly thought of her, the distance between mother and son would only grow.

    Yao Chenggu tapped his pipe against the ashtray on the stove. "Your concerns aren¡¯t without reason. If you worry that the grandchildren will be tainted, you only need to bring in two untouched maidens from prestigious families as concubines. Why this ugly squabbling?"

    Enraged, n¨¦e Ma flipped the stove-side table and jabbed a finger at Yao Chenggu.

    "You Yaos are born rotten when ites to rtionships!" she yelled. "Are your grandchildren the only ones who matter? Do the children of other families not count as people?"

    Yao Chenggu blinked, exasperated. "Do calm down. I didn''t say that Dafu should divorce n¨¦e Qin. Whether Dafu takes concubines or not is his decision. There were once so many women under our roof, but not once was he interested in any of them."

    "Is that so?!" N¨¦e Ma stuck her hands on her hips, absolutely livid. "Then I ask you this, Yao: what if you had a daughter whose husband dragged her to suffer in a disaster zone a few days after their wedding? An area with gue running through it? And she uses her own dowry to support your son-inw? And doesn¡¯t evene back because that son-inw lost her?? How would you feel then?!"

    Tongue-tied, Yao Chenggu had to admit that the Qins had truly behaved splendidly in this regard. Not once did they give Pang Xiao a hard time regarding n¨¦e Qin.

    "That¡¯s not even the worst of it!" n¨¦e Ma continued. "Let¡¯s assume it¡¯s your daughter who went missing because of your son-inw. But not only does his family show no guilt, they¡¯re only concerned if anyone else has slept with her, if she¡¯s clean, and if she¡¯s still worthy of bearing children for their family. How would you react if you were thess¡¯s father? Don''t fucking run your mouths with that high and mighty bullshit! You Yaos and your double standards! You¡¯re all fucking selfish, that¡¯s what all of you are!"

    With a hand on her hip and the other angrily punctuating her words, n¨¦e Ma warned, "In all my time traveling the world, what I could never stand were those with no moral standards to speak of¡ªin other words, the two of you. If you weren¡¯t my own husband and daughter, I¡¯d beat the two of you to death! I don''t want to hear either of you say these things ever again. Otherwise, you can get the hell out of this house and stop calling me your wife or mom!"

    "Mom, please don''t be like this. Dad and I don¡¯t mean to divorce n¨¦e Qin or cut her off. We¡¯re just talking about the matter, aren¡¯t we? Nothing¡¯s been done. It¡¯s only natural for people to consider such things out of self interest, no? There is nothing hard to understand about that, right? Don¡¯t you feel sorry for your grandson?" N¨¦e Yao''s expression filled with helplessness and indignity.

    N¨¦e Ma sniffed coldly. "I do. But I also know Dafu is a right and proper man who understands the ways of this world. He knows what can and cannot be done.

    "I may not be as educated as the two of you, nor do I have the same ability for mind games, but I¡¯m well aware that people should do no evil and have a clear conscience. Otherwise, it¡¯s only a matter of time before you face karma for your actions. I have nothing further to say if you can¡¯t ept this. I know you think I¡¯m crude and unrefined, so if you don''t change your repulsive ways and continue to meddle in Dafu''s household, don''t me me if I beat you to death!"

 Chapter 499.2: Squabble (II)

    <h4>Chapter 499.2: Squabble (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "Alright, alright, let¡¯s all of us settle down. Don¡¯t we all have Dafu''s best interests in mind? We¡¯re just talking, there¡¯s no twists or turns about this. All in all, if n¨¦e Qin manages to return, she is still the princess consort. Even if Dafu takes a hundred concubines, none of them will ever rise above her."

    White with fury, n¨¦e Ma red at Yao Chenggu, not knowing what to say.

    "It¡¯s normal for a man to have multiple concubines and bed warmers, no?¡± Yao Chenggu patted his wife on the shoulder to console her. ¡°Don¡¯t you wish for a few more grandchildren to spoil?"

    "I do, but there¡¯s a time and ce for that! It would be normal for Dafu to marry other girls he fancies or ifss Yi arranged marriages for him. I don¡¯t care about official or concubine-born children, any child of his will be my dear grandchild. But if you look upon thess with disdain just because she was kidnapped, that¡¯s betrayal!¡±

    N¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu exchanged looks, silently agreeing to cease arguing with n¨¦e Ma. The matriarch¡¯s obstinance meant there was no getting through to her in certain matters. Furthermore, it was too early to borate upon the subject.

    The two fell silent and listened to n¨¦e Ma nag for half a day.

    Meanwhile, Pang Xiao had raced to the Qin residence on horseback and was waiting in the front hall.

    "Please wait momentarily, Your Highness. Milord is currently attending to the old dowager¡¯s illness. This servant will send someone to inform milord of your visit and ask him toe meet you." The steward leading him around the estate bowed respectfully.

    "Is your esteemed old dowager unwell?" Pang Xiao inquired with a hint of worry. "Has she seen a royal physician?"

    "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. The old dowager has caught a cold, and a doctor has been by already."

    Pang Xiao''s brows knitted even closer together. He waved a hand, indicating for the steward to send the messenger. Unlike young folks who could make a full recovery from a cold, the elderly had weak bodies. Someone of the old dowager¡¯s age was a ripe melon waiting for the heavens to pluck her from the vines. Considering Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s filial piety, it went without saying for him to attend to the old dowager on her sickbed.

    Qin Yining''s disappearance coinciding with the old dowager¡¯s illness had taken a great toll on Qin Huaiyuan. Pang Xiao couldn''t help but feel even guiltier. He lowered his head to look at the note''s contents again.

    Perhaps Mu Jinghu had been worried that the note would fall into someone else''s hands, for his words were rather vague. However, they got the main idea across: Qin Yining and Lu Heng had been captured by Siqin and they were alive. No further details were provided.

    That simple statement had Pang Xiao¡¯s worried thoughts spiraling down several possible oues.

    If Mu Jinghu was in Tatar, that meant the Soothsayer was as well. The priestess was a wily one who kept her cards close to her heart¡ªthere was no telling whether she would scheme against Qin Yining and Lu Heng or not.

    Though Mu Jinghu didn''t specify the circumstances of his encounter with Qin Yining, he was the Soothsayer¡¯s bodyguard. ording to Pang Xiao''s understanding of the priestess, it was very likely she was currying favor with Siqin and staying in the Tatar royal pce.

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng were held captive at the pce, so clearly Anari and Siqin wanted to use them to negotiate with Great Zhou.

    However, Pang Xiao knew that Li Qitian''s fear of him was growing. If the Tatars merely sought to use the two of them as ckmail, there was no way Li Qitian would agree to any of their terms. The emperor cared most about keeping up with appearances¡ªhow could he possibly allow barbarians to threaten him?

    But Qin Yining was his life, as little as that mattered to others. Ever since he¡¯d lost her, he felt like he¡¯d lost his soul with her. Disobeying more than thirty royal decrees was grounds enough for an execution, but Li Qitian had seen how driven to distraction Pang Xiao was. Fearing that outsiders would criticize him for treating meritorious subjects harshly, Li Qitian opted to leave him alone.

    How Pang Xiao wished he could sprout wings so he could fly directly to Tatar and bring Qin Yining back!

    "You Highness." Just as Pang Xiao lost himself in thought, a girl called to him gently from the doorway.

    Following the voice to its source, he was met with the sight of the eighth miss, Qin Baoning. Dressed in a pink cotton jacket and a matching eight-panel skirt, she walked up to him holding a ck tray to serve him tea with a smile.

    "Here is your tea, You Highness."

    Pang Xiao didn''t have much of an impression of Qin Yining''s younger cousin. He didn''t dislike her though, so he inclined his head in thanks. He didn''t take the tea, nor did he strike up a conversation; he was evidently waiting for the eighth miss to put the tea down and make herself scarce.

    Gingerly cing the tea set on the table, Qin Boaning hugged the ck rectangr tray to herself and nervously lowered her head, her eyes flicking up shyly to steal a nce at Pang Xiao.

    Perceptive as he was, Pang Xiao noticed something was off about her. However, he was preupied with thoughts of his darling''s safety¡ªhe couldn''t care less about what a little girl he hardly knew was thinking, so he cut to the chase. "Do you have any other business here?"

 Chapter 500.1: Treacherous Heart

    <h4>Chapter 500.1: Treacherous Heart</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Pang Xiao sniffed at the eighth miss'' retreating form and cut to the chase. "Who sent you?"

    The eighth miss stopped in her tracks and looked back in both rm and embarrassment.

    "It is impossible for the Qins to not have any maids around to serve tea. You, at the very least, are a Qin daughter. Whose idea was it for you toe to the front hall and wait upon me?"

    Pang Xiao had yet to rein in his imposing aura¡ªhis temper was already vtile as ofte, punctuated by his haggard appearance and the hostility tinging his features. His chilling re seemed as piercing as arrows, sharp enough to strike terror in even big, burly men, much less a little girl like the eighth miss.

    She scrambled back until her back was pressing against the wall by the doorway and stammered, "It w-wasn''t anyone''s idea."

    "Lies." Seeing how terrified she was, Pang Xiao didn''t bother borating. "Whoever sent you clearly doesn¡¯t know their ce. Though you may be concubine-born, your senior uncle is still the Minister of Rites. This alone makes you eligible to be another man''s official wife, yet the person ordering you to attend to trivial matters means to make you a concubine. You are no longer a child, so I shall offer some words of advice as your brother-inw: don¡¯t listen to just anyone from now on. You would be wise to think for yourself more."

    Finished, Pang Xiao waved his hand. "You are excused."

    Not only was the eighth miss'' face ruddy, but her eyes were red as tears streamed down her cheeks. She turned to leave, only to immediately run into Qin Huaiyuan as soon as she reached the covered hallway. She had no idea how much he had overheard of her encounter with Pang Xiao.

    The eighth miss felt so ashamed that she couldn''t bring herself to look up. She hastily curtsied with her head down as she addressed her senior uncle.

    "Tell the old dowager she should focus on her health," Qin Huaiyuan remarked. "She will not ovee her illness if she continues meddling with the affairs of others."

    The eighth miss nodded, her tears pouring even more freely. She ran away, sobbing.

    Qin Huaiyuan had taken to dressing himself more simply than usual¡ªhis inky blue Taoist robesplemented his slim physique perfectly, entuating his otherworldly elegance. When he was greeted by a slovenly Pang Xiao, he couldn''t help but sigh. This period of time hadn¡¯t been easy on the prince either.

    "You''vee."

    "Father-inw." Pang Xiao knelt before Qin Huaiyuan and raised a cupped fist salute.

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed as he helped Pang Xiao to his feet. "We are family, so there¡¯s no need for such formalities. Does your sudden visit imply there is news regarding my dear daughter?"

    The minister¡¯s wit was as sharp as ever.

    Pang Xiao didn''t beat around the bush, either. He passed the note to Qin Huaiyuan and replied, "This is a message from Sir Mu, Mu Jinghu. He is currently in Tatar, where he spotted Yining."

    Qin Huaiyuan carefully reread the note several times, looking as if he was rearranging every written character to ensure he wasn¡¯t seeing things. "Are you certain this is from Sir Mu?"

    "Yes."

    Qin Huaiyuan''s shoulders instantly rxed, the news of his daughter''s safety assuaging his tense nerves. "This is good news indeed." He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes.

    Qin Yining was his only daughter. When he first learned of her disappearance, he¡¯d been so frustrated at how he was unable to personally conduct a search. When Jingzhe returned with the others and briefed Qin Huaiyuan on what had happened in the cavern, he felt the situation grow ever bleaker. Now that he learned that Qin Yining had made her way to Tatar¡ªwhat was there not to understand about what that entailed?

    "It appears the Tatars infiltrated Great Zhou to find the treasure, and had been tailing you for quite some time."

    "Indeed, father-inw. It was my carelessness that allowed this to happen. If I had taken care to set up necessary precautions, I wouldn¡¯t have been so oblivious to their presence that I didn¡¯t even realize they were here." Pang Xiao was torn with regret¡ªif he had the chance to do things all over again, he would have rather disobeyed orders than bring Qin Yining with him.

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled as he consoled Pang Xiao. "You¡¯re not the one at fault. How could you rush to take action with His Majesty setting up troops around the old capital? What''s more, the disaster zone was in a dire state. The peoplecked ess to medical care and government aid didn¡¯t arrive in a timely fashion. You also had to deal with the possibility of riots at any given time. You had so much to consider that you couldn¡¯t have anticipated this turn of events."

    Qin Huaiyuan had described the situationpletely, but at the end of the day, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t forgive himself for losing his wife. The minister reached out to p the prince on the shoulder. "Don¡¯t shoulder all the me for what had happened."

    Pang Xiao''s heart clenched and swelled, his eyes reddening. He would¡¯ve preferred it if Qin Huaiyuan beat him within an inch of his life and yelled at him. The more understanding the man was, the more his guilty conscience gnawed at him.

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with a sigh, "Alright. Since you and my daughter are married and you call me your father-inw, I consider you my son.

    "If I¡¯m to bepletely honest, even if the worst were to happen to my daughter, you¡¯re still half my son. That is the indisputable truth. If I were to lose my dear, I cannot go on to lose my son. Wouldn¡¯t that be a terrible loss for an old man like me? Even if you remarry, you would have to continue calling me your father-inw, regardless.

    "Fortunately, we can rejoice over the fact that darling Yi is well, so you shouldn¡¯t me yourself any further. What happened to her was not your fault to begin with. Our priority now is to discuss how to ensure her safety going forward."

 Chapter 501: The Search

    <h4>Chapter 501: The Search</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    As they ran, Lu Heng asked anxiously, "Have soldierse for us?"

    Harbhara nodded. "Instead of searching door to door likest time, they''vee straight for us. It''s possible they are already aware you are among the Minuo tribe."

    Lu Heng pulled at Harbhara to a stop. "If that is true, I fear they already have us surrounded. If we leave from a side alley, we will be captured on the spot."

    Harbhara jolted and surveyed their surroundings, his face stark white.

    Qin Yining didn''t understand what he was saying, but judging from Lu Heng and Harbhara''s expressions, she could tell their situation was bleak. She quietly inquired Lu Heng about their predicament. After receiving his exnation, she agreed they were in a tight spot.

    "I fear there¡¯s more to our situation than what meets the eye. If the soldiers truly make straight for this location, Siqin must¡¯ve already secured his grasp on authority and now has the time to contemte where we might have gone. The city gates defenses are airtight, so it will be difficult to escape them. Siqin must know escaping will be no easy feat for us, which is why he¡¯s certain someone has taken us into hiding."

    "You¡¯re correct. Anyone who would dare risk hiding us is sure to be a sworn enemy of Anari, thus making a Minuo tribe the prime suspect." Lu Heng''s face paled from anxiety.

    In such a critical moment, neither he nor Qin Yining could think their way out of this even if they had the brightest of minds. When the soldiers found them, that would mark imminent arrest.

    They¡¯de so far¡ªthe prospects of being captured after the lengths they¡¯d gone to was greatly disappointing. What''s more, Siqin was the one in power now. If they were sent back to him, little good awaited them after he used them as bargaining chips with Great Zhou.

    Harbhara gritted his teeth, torn by indecision. If only I hadn''t taken these two in...

    No, no, the people of the Minuo tribe weren¡¯t so soft that they''d throw in the towel before putting up a good fight. They weren¡¯t hypocritical, chicken-hearted bastards.

    Since he¡¯d already sworn that whoever avenged his aav and eej would be appointed their new chief, his words were nailed into ce as soon as they left his mouth. There was no room for second thoughts.

    If worst came to worst, the most that could happen to him was death!

    With these thoughts in mind, Harbhara tugged Lu Heng by the hand. "When we make a run for it, I''ll hold them off so you can escape!" he asserted firmly.

    "I refuse!" Lu Heng shot him down sternly. "I can¡¯t allow you to take such a risk alone. Listen: if the search party doese, pretend you didn¡¯t know who we are. Just tell them we came here on our own ord, so you didn¡¯t stow us away willfully! If we¡¯re taken, it is likely they aim to use us to negotiate terms with Great Zhou, so we¡¯ll probably not be killed. But if you rebel, you will face a certain death!"

    "No! You two are the current chiefs of Minuo. It¡¯s unheard of for our people to allow our chief to put themselves in harm''s way!"

    "But you still have the rest of your tribe to consider! Not just the thirty odd elderly and weak living here¡ªthere are still more than four thousand of your Minuo brothers out there waiting for you to rescue them. If anything happens to you, it may mean the end of the Minuo!"

    Harbhara stubbornly pulled at Lu Heng. Though fear bubbled in his heart, he refused to stand down.

    Qin Yining didn''t know what they were arguing about. Just as she was about to ask what they were discussing, Caganbhara practically flew out of the house. He pulled them over to a hut full of firewood in a corner without a word. Brushing aside some of the sticks, he revealed arge vat. After patting around the inside of the vat, he ended up removing its bottom.

    "Go in quickly, hurry!" Caganbhara urged.

    Harbhara took the lead, followed by Lu Heng and Qin Yining. Below the vat was a rather spacious cer.

    After recing the bottom of the vat, Caganbhara covered it with arge pile of firewood. Then, he picked up an armful as if he hade outside to gather wood and turned to return indoors. Little did he know that as soon as he stepped in front of the doorway, he would be greeted by the search party.

    "Where are they?! Answer us, where did you hide them?!"

    Caganbhara was so terrified that he nearly dropped his firewood. He shook his head in rm. "What are you talking about? What people?"

    "Don''t y dumb with me! Those two Great Zhou people, a man and a woman! Where did you hide them?!"

    "Sir, I really don''t know. We''re just barely getting by, and ever since something terrible happened in our city walls, we can hardly fill our own bellies. Would we have the provisions to spare for two outsiders we don''t know?"

    The officials glowered so intently that his re could¡¯ve drilled two holes into Caganbhara¡¯snky body.

    "Don''t think we don''t know what''s going in your brains! The brilliantte khan was godly on the battlefield, and she culled the Minuo tribe. Then, your aav and eej were eaten by wolves during a hunt, so you begrudge her. For all we know, you''ve been waiting for your chance to take your revenge! Now that the two criminals who killed Anari have escaped, would you not want to help them?"

    "Good sir! Please have mercy and don''t me us for something we didn''t do!" Helpless and hapless, Caganbhara threw down his firewood. "The only thing going through our minds is how we are to feed ourselves and stay alive. Would we have the energy to consider anything else? The khan''s ident has been hard on us as well, but you can''t pin such a grievous crime on us just because you can''t catch her murderers!"

    "Milord, why are you wasting your breath on them? Let''s just search the premises!" A member of the search party piped up when he noticed their conversation escting.

    Fed up with his verbal tug-of-war with Caganbhara, their leader immediately ordered the men to search the premises.

    Caganbhara lowered his head, looking like the very picture of someone who¡¯d been used unjustly. In truth, he was so nervous that he could hardly think straight. His heart skipped a beat when the soldiers drew near the hut of firewood. He rxed slightly whenever they walked away, and tensed up again when they came back.

    He tried to control his emotions, not daring to arouse suspicion in the slightest.

    He watched as the group poke at the firewood with their swords and scattered them around in a mess. Though they realized no one was hiding inside, they moved all the wood aside in one swift motion. In the corner was a big, fat vat.

    "Sir, there''s a vat here, but it''s empty."

    Empty?

    The men stepped forward to inspect and were indeed met with the sight of a dusty vat that hadn¡¯t seen use for some time. It was a rather anticlimactic discovery. Considering how heavy it was, it wasn''t likely for someone to move it once it had been set down in the corner.

    Uninterested in the hardbor it would have taken them to move the container, the members of the search party fanned out around the perimeter to have a look. Not seeing any other hiding ces, they couldn''t help feeling dejected. Some of them even gave the vat a good kick, but it still didn''t budge.

    Caganbhara was about to break out in a cold sweat, but he continued putting on an unperturbed front.

    Meanwhile, Lu Heng, Harbhara and Qin Yining were beside themselves with nerves in their hiding spot in the cer. If they were discovered here, all three of them would be dragged off then and there.

 Chapter 502: The Devout

    <h4>Chapter 502: The Devout</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Not having the patience to direct their attention toward a shabby vat, the search party vented their anger by hurling a rock at it. With a crisp ng, the vat shattered into pieces. The soldiersughed loudly, as if they¡¯d found something worth celebrating.

    The Minuo dwelling was only so big¡ªthey¡¯d searched every nook and cranny, but hadn¡¯t seen any spaces capable of hiding people. The leader of the search party had no choice but to leave with his men.

    In the cer, Qin Yining, Lu Heng and Harbhara heard the receding footsteps with slow sighs of relief. Despite this, they didn''t dare move a muscle¡ªthey continued to hold up the bottom of the vat, not daring to show any sign of their presence.

    Outside, Caganbhara frowned and saw the soldiers out with a pained expression. Small fry like him didn''t darein about a vat being smashed, or being searched for no reason at all, for fear of stirring up even bigger trouble.

    The soldiers took even more pleasure from Caganbhara''s look of cowardice, seeing it as a great achievement.

    Caganbhara didn''t dare return to the backyard even after the men had left far away. Instead, he huddled with his people in the front hall for warmth and quietly reminded everyone not to reveal their secret under any circumstances.

    In the cer, Qin Yining asked Lu Heng in a low voice, "What were the people outside saying?"

    The cer was spacious and well-ventted. In the north, autumn was about to transition into a Tatar winter, so it was actually much warmer underground than it was outside.

    Lu Heng couldn''t see Qin Yining clearly in the dark, but he felt his way to draw closer to her and murmured a summary into her ear.

    Qin Yining listened attentively and scrunched her brows. "I don''t think things have ended quite yet. Someone as careful and crafty as Siqin likely already has traps set up outside. They didn¡¯t find us only because they didn''t expect the Minuos to have an underground vault. Once Siqin finds himself backed up in a corner, they¡¯ll make their move."

    "I think the same. If we rashly leave the cer now, we may be spotted by spies that¡¯ve stayed behind. Caganbhara isn¡¯t in a position to check if the search party haspletely pulled back."

    "Then we wait here," Qin Yining replied, "and figure out how we are to leave after nightfall."

    Lu Heng assented with a nod.

    Because Harbhara didn''t quite understand what they had said, Lu Heng tranted their conversation for him in a low voice. "We can¡¯t prolong our stay here," he concluded. "If we don''t find a way to leave, Siqin will likely catch us. If that happens, the Minuo tribe will be in danger."

    Harbhara bit his nails nervously, looking as if he wasing to some sort of decision. After a long moment, he finally spoke up. "When the nightes, let''s find a way to sneak out and leave Khanbaliq."

    "You mean to leave Khanbaliq with the rest of your people?" Lu Heng inquired, concerned. "There are many whom you must protect. Should you go against that wily, merciless fox Siqin, I fear it will only end in death for you all. I urge you to be careful, ensuring everyone''s safety is the most important matter at hand."

    Moved by his words, Harbhara smiled. "I knew I didn''t rescue the wrong people," he gushed sincerely. "I knew you two were righteous people who wouldn''t abandon us just to ensure your own safety."

    Lu Heng couldn''t help rolling his eyes. "This is no time for joking. Were it not for your help, we would have been caught long ago. We¡¯ve been through so much together that we¡¯rerades whose bonds are close as blood brothers¡ªwould we still have the right to call ourselves human if our actions harm the Minuo tribe?"

    Harbhara was so moved that he sniffled hard.

    To be perfectly frank, he and his people hadn¡¯t known Lu Heng and Qin Yining for long. He did feel a pang of regret when the soldiers had arrived to search for the two. In fact, he had initially thought if they were indeed found, they would have found a way to escape without caring about whether the lives of the Minuo were jeopardized or not.

    And yet, reality was that the two foreigners continued to hold fast to their sense of morality.

    In the years that Tatar had established trade with Great Zhou, the people of the other nation left a bad taste in his mouth¡ª he thought them all to be devious, crafty, and not to be trusted.

    Now, he saw things clearly: people of integrity did exist in Great Zhou, just as vile folks like Anari could also be found in Tatar.

    Huddled inside the cer, the three quietly listened for signs of activity outside and conversed with each other in low voices. As Qin Yining and Harbhara didn''t speak the samenguage, Lu Heng acted as their trantor. All in all, things were peaceful.

    Before long, night had descended upon them Just as Qin Yining and Lu Heng were considering if they should make their way out, they suddenly heard Caganbhara''s quiet voice. "It¡¯s clear now. Hurry out, the patrols have already left."

    The three immediately ducked low to move to the cer entrance. Moving the bottom of the vat aside, they emerged with faces covered in dust. Taking in the moist air and scent of hardened mud, Qin Yining shivered as the cold midnight winds hit her.

    Caganbhara pulled them indoors with quick strides.

    As they gathered around the fire and sat down, they were served bowls of piping hot rice soup and dry t cakes.

    Qin Yining took a few bites of soup and t cakes, then murmured, "We still don''t know how strict the city curfew is. If it¡¯s been rxed even in the slightest, we should make haste and slip out quietly. We can make further ns after we leave Khanbaliq."

    Lu Heng nodded and tranted her words for the rest to hear. The people of the Minuo tribe fell into contemtion¡ªHarbhara and Caganbhara most of all.

    They had sworn in front of the ancestral tablets that whoever avenged their tribe would be the next chief.

    Naturally, the brothers weren''t cowards who feared death¡ªthough they weren''tpletelyfortable with epting two Great Zhou citizens as their chief, they¡¯de to a thorough understanding of Lu Heng''s character and methods after all the time they¡¯d spent together. The brothers genuinely trusted them.

    Even if it meant their numbers wouldn''t thrive as they once did or roam over ownership of beautiful grassy fields of waterweeds, the remnants of the Minuo should still be able to live good lives if such intelligent and experienced people were their chief.

    "Second Master Lu, it''s as I said before: we of the Minuo tribe never go back on our words, nor do we ever regret the vows we make. Since Second Master Lu and Her Highness are now our chiefs, we entrust our future to you!"

    This was the first time Harbhara and Caganbhara were so agreeable with each other. Usually, certain degrees of contempt and annoyance colored their treatment of one another. All they wanted in this moment was to repay Qin Yining and Lu Heng for avenging their parents by killing Anari.

 Chapter 503: Fleeing

    <h4>Chapter 503: Fleeing</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°I understand your good intentions and feel your sincerity, but wouldn¡¯t it turn the Minuo tribe into a vassal of Great Zhou if we¡¯re your new chief? We¡¯re Great Zhou citizens, after all. We¡¯re friends and brothers, so this is something I¡¯d never be able to do to the Minuo. Our friendship can span generations and we can support and give aid to each other, but you two are the real masters of the tribe. I¡¯m sure that your parents in heaven will agree with such a decision.¡±

    His words quite moved the crowd, while Harbhara and Caganbhara grew teary-eyed at the thought of their dead parents. But a decision was a decision, not something they could go back on. This was a matter of principle and dignity.

    Qin Yining waspletely lost by the rapid-fire pace of their words. If they¡¯d spoken just a little slower, she might¡¯ve been understood a few simple words and made some guesses.

    When Lu Heng discussed his trial of thought with Qin Yining, she agreed with his decision. They were foreigners, after all, and given the lessons learned from Azure Justice, she no longer dared easily take over any organization. Even greater danger came hand-in-hand with profit.

    ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to discuss this. We need to think about how to get out. The soldiers came searching today, which means Siqin has enough free time on his hands now. We won¡¯t get away as easily next time there¡¯s a full-scale search, and the Minuo will be dragged in as well. The more frightening consideration is that the consequences will be disastrous if the tribe is targeted.¡±

    Lu Heng nodded with a frown. ¡°That¡¯s very true. The problem is, we¡¯ll have soldiers on our tail even after we make it out of the city. We won¡¯t have an easy time of making it to the border between Great Zhou and Tatar.¡±

    The princess consort thinned her lips. ¡°Must we enter the desert once more?¡±

    Lu Heng couldn¡¯t suppress the shudder that ran through him when he thought of the difficulties they¡¯d suffered on the way here. But upon further consideration, if they really did make it out of Khanbaliq, it¡¯d be impossible to leave no trace behind. They were up against Siqin¡¯s wits and the Soothsayer¡¯s predictions. Large amounts of soldiers would absolutely be sent after them. They¡¯d be easily caught if they stuck to the official road.

    On the flip side, if they ventured into the desert with sufficient preparation, that would greatly heighten their chances of escape. With the days growing colder, any trek through the desert would be fraught with difficulty and peril. Their preparations must be thoroughlyprehensive.

    Lu Hengpressed his lips and decided to keep discussing with the two brothers, who frowned upon hearing the proposal. However, they too agreed that if the desert would be their greatest aid in escaping if they made it out of the city.

    ¡°Since this is the case, then let¡¯s get busy. I¡¯ll head out of the city tomorrow and quietly contact the tribespeople outside. I¡¯ll ask if they¡¯re willing to migrate with us. Once we leave Khanbaliq and reach the border, there will be few people spread out over arge amount ofnd. We¡¯ll be able to eke out a survival, somehow. We need to make full preparations if we want to enter the desert,¡± said Caganbhara.

    Harbhara frowned ferociously. ¡°That¡¯s easy enough, but how are we going to sneak you guys out without anyone discovering?¡±

    Qin Yining tightened her pale lips and thought for a moment. ¡°We¡¯ll create a diversion.¡±

    Lu Heng nodded with a smile. ¡°Great minds think alike.¡±

    ......

    Thete-khan¡¯s funeral was grand and ceremonious, but at the same time rather crude because of how unexpected it was. Tatar¡¯s royal family had been heavily demolished back when Anari was the regent, and now there was no living member at all. Combined with Siqin¡¯s benevolent and valiant reputation¡ªthe officials unanimously voted for him to take the throne.

    After a short preparatory period and a solemn coronation ceremony, Siqin didn¡¯t need to do much to consolidate the rest of Tatar political authority. He exercised a firm grasp on military power in the first ce.

    His first act upon enthronement was to decree the title of his reign as ¡®Jianan¡¯. Since his surname was Utkin, he was hailed as Khan Utkin. Such was the name on his first official promation, vowing vengeance for Anari andmanding that the entire nation be on the alert for her murderers. He also sent an official denunciation to Great Zhou, scathingly rebuking the nation for assassinating Anari and dering that the price must be paid in blood.

    Fires of fury and hate thoroughly fanned, the people grimly promised vengeance for theirte-khan and immense appreciation of Khan Utkin¡¯s merciful policies. The nation was as united as they¡¯d never been before, and everyone sang the praises of their noble and mighty khan.

    After another day of public adoration and favor, Siqin received a report around dusk. His men sent word of having located Qin Yining and Lu Heng, and having already surrounded their premises. The new ruler of Tatar immediately gave his orders, ¡°Have them brought back alive. This khan will have them die from a thousand cuts tofort Anari¡¯s soul in heaven!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± His man turned to leave when Siqin objected, ¡°Wait, this khan will go myself!¡±

    He changed into light robes and made quick time with his men to where the two were. All of his guards and followers were silently moved by the great love between their khan and thete Anari.

    They arrived at an out-of-the way residence in the southern part of town. Seeing that only his men were present and all lights out in the house, Siqin sneered and kicked his horse forward.

    ¡°Bring out those inside.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± A contingent of men leapt forward with overwhelming momentum and crashed into the house. A woman¡¯s shriek sounded shortly thereafter, and two figures were shoved out into the moonlight-dappled yard.

    After long periods of running from ce to ce, though one could just make out that their clothing was made of the finest silks, all was ripped and stained, and even their hair a bedraggled, knotted mess.

    Siqin called out in the Great Zhounguage, ¡°Second Master Lu, this khan had thought you someone to be friends with and trusted you a great deal. Who would¡¯ve thought that you¡¯d be unappreciative and ungrateful to double-cross us for a woman! You are such a disappointment.¡±

    Lu Heng kept his head down and he shook slightly. Siqin narrowed his eyes, feeling that something was off. He jumped down his horse and ran forward to grip a handful of the princess consort¡¯s hair, bringing into view the face of a middle-aged woman covered in scars.

    Hate zing in her eyes, she pulled out the dagger hidden in her sleeves and stabbed downward with it.

    Flying into a rage, Siqin immediately understood that he¡¯d fallen for a trap. He kicked out viciously at the woman¡¯s chest, caving it in before the dagger touched his skin. She flew out six meters, spewing out blood before falling down dead.

    Lu Heng¡¯s trembling became even more pronounced and he tumbled to the ground. Siqin hauled him up by his cor and discovered the man was an elder roughly sixty years old, and blind in one eye.

    ¡°You Minuo tribe! Quick, send men to the city gates at once!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± His followers sprinted to the four city gates, as if wild beasts were after them.

    It was time for the gates to be closed, and the guards on duty hadn¡¯t noticed anything out of ce all day. They didn¡¯t recall who¡¯d entered or left, and could only resolve to be even more strict from now on.

    Siqin gave another order when he heard the report back. ¡°Go the Minuo campground outside of Khanbaliq and arrest them all!¡±

 Chapter 504.1: Faith

    <h4>Chapter 504.1: Faith</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    When the messenger reported back to the khan, he deeply feared for his life. Under Anari''s rule, her vtile temper meant that calling for her subordinate''s head when angered was nothing out of the ordinary. Though the new khan was benevolent, who could say for certain if he would change once he took the helm of the nation?

    Siqin, however, assuaged his worries. It was just as the rumors had said¡ªthough the Minuo treason angered him, he didn''t take out his displeasure on those beneath him. He even offered warm words of thanks. "The times have been rough. I thank you all for your diligence."

    This greatly warmed the hearts of all those who¡¯d lived under Anari''s tyrannical rule. For the lofty khan to speak to them in such an approachable manner moved them beyond description.

    Fueled by gratitude, the search party doubled down on their efforts and dug nine meters into the grounds of the Minuo tribe''s dwelling. Eventually, they discovered a cer beneath the broken vat.

    The group wrung their hands; they¡¯d smashed that big vat to pieces that day, yet they didn''t think to inspect what was underneath. If they¡¯d been more careful, perhaps they would have already caught the two killers!

    All of the entire Minuo tribe had vanished.

    Once they had confirmed this intelligence, Siqin ordered the search party to withdraw.

    "There''s no need in continuing to search the city. They must¡¯ve escaped with the Minuo. It¡¯s impossible for such arge group to vanish into thin air, and very few of them are able-bodied.

    ¡°They¡¯re mostlyprised of elderly, women, children and the weak, thus limiting their mobility. Furthermore, four thousand people moving in such cold weather are sure to leave traces behind. Keep an eye out for such signs, and don¡¯t let any clues go unnoticed!"

    The more forgiving the khan was, the guiltier these hotblooded men grew. His graciousness shamed them, as it was their oversight that¡¯d allowed Anari''s murderers to escape. But the khan didn''t hold it against them. They couldn''t answer to their guilty consciences if they didn''t step up their game.

    While Siqin scoured thend for the Minuo tribe''s whereabouts, Qin Yining led them through the snow-covered wilderness with Lu Heng, Harbhara and Caganbhara.

    "It¡¯s impossible for such arge group not to leave any tracks," Qin Yining noted to Lu Heng, worried. "I only hope they won¡¯t catch up too quickly."

    Lu Heng trudged onward, snow crunching with every panting step.

    "Siqin¡¯s just assumed the throne, so he¡¯ll surely get to the bottom of this. We¡¯ve be a convenient scapegoat for him. If he orders his army toe after us when his anger gets the better of him, I fear none of us will escape with our lives. I¡¯ll discuss with the brothers when we make camp tonight. It¡¯s understandable why they would want to move away, but it is far too risky for them to run away with us fugitives."

    "In other words, we got them involved in our troubles." Qin Yining felt rather guilty.

    "They¡¯ve also been driven to desperation due to Anari''s oppression," Lu Heng replied. "Even if we weren¡¯t around, they would¡¯ve to move regardless."

    "That may be so, but they¡¯re in more danger because they¡¯re with us. Siqin has probably sent soldiers after us. If they leave us now, the soldiers are unlikely to go through the trouble of chasing down a group of elderly and weak people."

    "That is true." Lu Heng found Qin Yining''s reasoning rather logical, so he immediately sought out Harbhara and Caganbhara to confer with them.

    After repeating Qin Yining''s analysis, he added, "My primary concern is dragging you down with us. If we go our separate ways before we enter the desert, you only need to tell the soldiers that we abandoned you a long time ago. I trust Siqin won¡¯t hurt you to maintain his reputation as a just ruler, seeing as he¡¯s just assumed the throne.

    "But if you stay with us for the entire trip through the desert, we''ll lose at least half of our number. You already have many feeble in health. How much of the tribe will make it out of the desert with their lives? Furthermore, a group thisrge travelling and living together will be a greater target. The soldiers will likely catch up with us, which will mean the end of the entire Minuo tribe."

    In truth, Harbhara and Caganbhara were quietly discussing this very issue among themselves when Qin Yining and Lu Heng brought it up. They¡¯d summoned all the strength they had to take their people away from Khanbaliq so that the Tatar royals could oppress them no longer. Once they left, they would have a chance to recuperate outside of the city; had they stayed, they would¡¯ve been devoured one by one.

    But of the four thousand members of the tribe, most were elderly, weak, women or children. Only a few of them were men, and even then, some of their number were disabled from past injuries.

    The Minuo didn''t have many horses, nor did they have sufficient supplies. They moved at an inconsistent pace; the physical condition of each person differed, so those who could walk quickly had to wait for the slower ones. Even then, the elderly and the weak had started to fall behind.

    If they were to ensure no one was left behind, it wouldn''t take long for Siqin''s men to catch up with them. But if they abandoned thosegging behind in the desert, those people were sure to be thoroughly investigated by Siqin, most likely via torture.

    The skies had already darkened. Winds of the barren fields howled into the night, stirring delicate flurries of snow into an icy storm. The cold winds scraped their faces like knives.

    The group shivered from the cold. Qin Yining and Lu Heng were fairing rtively well¡ªthough they weren¡¯t garbed in fanciful robes, at least their clothes were made of cotton. Even as they were pelted by ice, they grit their teeth and managed to endure their ordeal.

    Behind them, however, were women and children who¡¯dbored under Anari for over a year and were only clothed in a singleyer of rags. Some were still wearing their straw sandals, their toes and skin red and blistering from frostbite. How were they to survive the desert like this when the temperature changes between night and day were so drastic?

 Chapter 504.2: Faith

    <h4>Chapter 504.2: Faith</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Caganbhara nodded, his tongue practically frozen stiff. "How about we set up camp for the day and build a fire so that everyone can get warm. Then we can calm down and think of our next course of action."

    In truth, it would''ve been better if they had pressed onward instead of stopping. But if they continued like this, they would lose a good number of their weak and elderly before their pursuers even caught up with them. Their hearts ached at the thought of their people dying in such a manner.

    More importantly, the morale of the group would take a heavy hit if so many died. Who would still have the courage to rebel if they then had to stand up against Siqin?

    They were truly stuck between a rock and a hard ce. To ensure the majority would live, they had no choice but to stop and make camp. They used what simple supplies they had to set up tents.

    The four thousand of them threw themselves into a frenzy. Though they were starving and freezing amidst a blizzard, they got straight to work as soon as they heard they could rest.

    Qin Yining, Lu Heng, Caganbhara, Harbhara, a few elders and a former battalionmander who¡¯d lost an arm gathered in Harbhara''s tent. Silence fell as they huddled around a campfire.

    As Qin Yining couldn''t speak the Tatar tongue, she had to leave the talking to Lu Heng.

    Lu Heng coughed into his fist several times, face turning red from the exertion. "What I mean is that we can¡¯t have the tribespeople throwing their lives away for nothing. Things will go wrong even if we attempt such a major move sufficiently prepared. Furthermore, we still have the soldiers in pursuit to consider."

    "My thoughts exactly," said Alham, the amputee. "It''s nearly impossible to get everyone to charge across the desert. I''m suggesting we leave some of our able men behind to protect the weak and elderly who can''t keep up. They can find a vacant ce and temporarily move in. Then, they wait for our good news."

    Harbhara nodded. "I agree with Uncle Alham''s proposition. A majority of us can traverse the desert together and find sanctuary within Great Zhou''s borders. Once we''ve settled in, we cane back for the others."

    "But won''t the others feel like we¡¯ve abandoned them?" Caganbhara piped up, concerned. "We finally made it through everything. If they¡¯re left behind just like this, won¡¯t they feel hurt?"

    "But if we bring them along, I fear their deaths will be a certainty. If they stay behind, perhaps the new khan will take pity on the women and children, and thus spare their lives." Lu Heng nced at Qin Yining, who¡¯d stayed quiet, and tranted their conversation thus far.

    Qin Yining pondered. "To be honest, I don¡¯t think resentment will arise because those of us crossing the desert are doing so to seek out a better life for everyone. The Minuo once stood tall and strong and could provide for themselves, but they now live as ves that are lower than even swine and dogs. Even one of Anari''s horses is worth more than a person.

    "If those people stay behind, perhaps we''ll be able to survive. But is a life of crawling in the dust truly what everyone desires? Is the revival of the Minuo tribe not what everyone really cares about?"

    Of everyone else in the tent, no one understood Qin Yining save for the amputee, Uncle Alham.

    In a stilted rendition of the Great Zhou tongue, he replied. "As you say. We can''t be khan''s ves forever. Minuo tribe is big tribe. If we go down like this, and disappear, we have no face to meet ancestors when we die."

    Qin Yining dimpled and nodded. "Uncle is quite right. We must be able to breathe freely, not struggle for our lives face down in the dirt. If we fold now, our descendants will have to live under the khan''s oppression as ves for their entire lives, which will continue for generations. If that¡¯s the case, it would be so awful for our descendants.

    "We¡¯re fighting back for that breath of fresh air so that our future generations may stand tall and hold their head high!

    "Men, women, the elderly, children¡ªeveryone must be present if a tribe is to beplete. Every person embodies the hope of their tribe. Though I would advise those who aren''t physically capable to remain outside the desert¡ªthat means most of the elderly, women and children. But they are the tribe¡¯s greatest asset when the timees for us to rebuild our home.

    "I trust that if we tell them this, they will understand. After all, those of us journeying across the desert do so as courageous warriors who fight for the greater good of the tribe."

 Chapter 505.1: Denouncement

    <h4>Chapter 505.1: Denouncement</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    While he and the princess consort had conversed, Uncle Alham conveyed their gist to the Caganbhara brothers and others who didn''t understand the Great Zhou tongue.

    They all nodded, agreement on their faces and gratitude in their hearts. Worries and concerns had filled all their hearts. Scurrying around outside and being herded like rats didn¡¯t impart a future full of hope. What awaited ahead of them was an even harsher desert, and they the woeful souls caught between a rock and a hard ce.

    They were worried and frightened, thoughts all snarled up with trepidation. Qin Yining¡¯s clear analysis at this time cleared away all of the fog andid out the most optimal path for the tribe to proceed on.

    All of them were the hope of the Minuo. They shouldered the task of revitalizing the tribe and keeping everyone alive. Now wasn¡¯t the time to sacrifice the weak, the elderly, the women and children. Bringing them into the desert would be an act of hubris that would ultimately cost their lives.

    The group discussed a bit longer before splitting up to their respective tents and spreading the word.

    Putting thought of how the tribesmen would take their decision out of her mind, Qin Yining asked after Lu Heng when everyone else was gone. ¡°You¡¯ve been coughing all day¡ªyou must¡¯ve caught a cold while we were running. I have some of anti-fever and cooling medicines that I took a while ago. You take that first so your cold doesn¡¯t get worse. We still need to make it past the desert, and your body won¡¯t make it through if you fall sick.¡±

    She opened her bundle as she spoke, rifling through it for the medicines.

    As Lu Heng watched Qin Yining¡¯s yet-thin form despite heavy cotton clothing, the look in his eyes grew deep and soft. She cared about him, which delighted him.

    He was a shrewd person and had built everything he owned today from scratch, adopting a bit of a businessman¡¯s mindset in the process. At the same time, he possessed an upright moral character with a clear bottom line of what he would or would not do.

    Qin Yining¡¯s looks had caught his attention the first time he saw her, and he¡¯d beenpletely captured by her intelligence, methods, wits, and decisiveness when he got to know her more. He hadn¡¯t hated her at all even when he¡¯d fallen for her fake treasure map. On the contrary, he¡¯d been amused and felt the thrill of meeting an opponent in stratagems.

    Lu Heng knew her heart was imed by another, and he himself had held back because she was married. But though he could control himself to not set a toe over the line of friends, he couldn¡¯t control his feelings from slowly developing.

    As fugitives, she¡¯d never onceined despite the bleak harshness of their difficulties. Her heartfelt stubbornness had never once wavered when she faced Anari¡¯s spite and verbal abuse. Even when injured, even when facing death, she¡¯d never once cowered.

    And now, her faith yet remained strong when the crowd once again raised their concerns in traversing the desert.

    His heart uncontrobly flitted ever closer to her. It would be a happy memory to be friends, even if they were never more than just that.

    When Qin Yining found the medicine, she turned back and caught Lu Heng¡¯s overly gentle gaze, highlighted by the orange-red mes of the bonfire. Her thoughts on a proper path, she didn¡¯t think much of it and smiled.

    ¡°I found it. I¡¯ll go scoop up some clean snow and melt it to brew your medicine. Don¡¯t worry either. Since we¡¯re taking a break to regroup, you can take advantage of this time to rest with peace of mind.¡±

    Lu Heng nodded smilingly. ¡°I¡¯ll do everything you say, thank you for going to the trouble.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite,¡± Qin Yining dimpled. ¡°We¡¯re friends that have gone through life and death together. I haven¡¯t even thanked you for saving my life. If it wasn¡¯t for me, you¡¯d already settled on your cooperation with Siqin and wouldn¡¯t be in these straits right now.¡±

    Lu Heng shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t think like that. I actually hadn¡¯t talked any concrete terms with him. Though we¡¯re deep behind enemy lines, I know where my roots are. How could I possibly give him any major concessions? I used ambiguousnguage to hold his interest, making so that he wouldn¡¯t touch me for now out of hope for potential deal. As for him making use of Anari¡¯s death like this, neither you nor I thought of this possibility.¡±

    ¡°Who would¡¯ve had the same idea as a wife-murdering aberration? Siqin will be visited with karma sooner orter. He might be proud of himself now, but I quite look forward to when he falls from grace.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. I also believe that he¡¯s not necessarily the prince¡¯s match in the battlefield, and he¡¯ll have no hope of victory at all if Prince Consort Ji is in the mix.¡±

    Longing surged like the floodwaters when the conversation mentioned Pang Xiao, but Qin Yining never allowed these things to make her weak. She had to grin and bear it. All this would pass, and she would see her husband soon again. She knew that he and her father must be thinking of ways to save her, that her family wouldn¡¯t give up on her.

    She wasn¡¯t wrong, but Pang Xiao and Qin Huaiyuan had run into trouble.

 Chapter 505.2: Denouncement

    <h4>Chapter 505.2: Denouncement</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The letter so infuriated the Great Zhou emperor that he flung it to the floor and summoned the bedridden Patriarch Lu, Qin Huaiyuan, and Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Look at the fine grandson and daughter the two of you have raised! They ran off to Tatar to assassinate the khan! Beloved subject Lu, you are one of Our most experienced subjects. We trust you and the Lus so much, and suspected you not one iota even when Lu Heng schemed toy im to the treasure himself. Just look at what your precious grandson¡¯s done now!

    ¡°Would he have been captured if he didn¡¯t covet the treasure?! And he doesn¡¯t know to keep his ce even after being taken. He assassinates Anari before Our ambassador can negotiate with them! Does he think Great Zhou is too stable and at peace??

    ¡°And beloved subject Qin, look at that wonderful daughter of yours. It is indeed pitiable that she was kidnapped, but she can¡¯t go about raising storms and kicking up a fuss in Tatar! A woman should be remaining quietly in ce and awaiting rescue, but she borrowed a lion¡¯s heart and killed her captors¡¯ ruler!

    ¡°She is such a sted troublemaker, we don¡¯t even dare contemte howcking in her womanly virtues she must be!¡± With thatst censure, Li Qitian smashed the teapot that¡¯d been sitting on the study table.

    The porcin shattered with a piercing loudness, frightening the eunuchs in the study to their knees¡ªLi Guanwen included. Their foreheads touched the ground in mute reaction, ignoring the fact that they might cut by broken porcin.

    Patriarch Lu was also on his knees and panting heavily, shaking all over from emotion. However, no one knew if it was out of difort from an illness beyond recovery, out of anger from that unfilial Lu Heng, or indignation from Li Qitian¡¯s words.

    Qin Huaiyuan struck a prim and proper posture on the ground, head down and eyes on the floor in carefree leisure. No one could tell what he was thinking, but no one thought that he felt the slightest bit of guilt.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s back was ramrod straight, his head high and eyes on a straight course to the table next to Li Qitian. Two high stacks of petitions were the object of his focus, and no one knew what the silent prince was thinking about either.

    The treasure was lost, the nation¡¯s coffers were empty, and Tatar¡¯s new khan would very likely use current events as a pretext for war. Such a mess of circumstances irked the hell out of Li Qitian like none either.

    He¡¯d thought that with a disy of temper, Pang Xiao, Qin Huaiyuan, and Patriarch Lu would be sure to kowtow and admit to their faults. He¡¯d be able to take a step back then and have the three of them take care of the issue. Whether it was contributing money or ideas, at least someone else would shoulder the burden for him. But none of them were picking up the line of conversation!

    Surreptitiously grinding his teeth, Li Qitian cursed inwardly and struggled more to keep his temper under wraps. What a bunch of wily foxes!

    ¡°We truly regret having agreed to beloved subject Qin¡¯s request, knowing full well that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank disliked n¨¦e Qin! Look at what that gue of a woman¡¯s brought upon us all! Assassinating the Tatar khan, inciting war between two nations. Who knows how many innocent citizens on the border will die if war truly breaks out! This is all n¨¦e Qin¡¯s fault! Beloved subject Qin, you say what should be done!¡±

    The emperor¡¯s voice rose in pitch until it was almost shaking dust down from the rafters in the end.

    Qin Huaiyuan remained his cool, unruffled self, but Pang Xiao shot to his feet.

    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± he rumbled. The prince had lost a great deal of weight during this time and looked quite the degenerate with a face full of beard stubble. The cold glint in his phoenix-shaped eyes couldn¡¯t be concealed, neither could how handsome his increasingly angr face was. Whenbined with his deeply resonant voice, his sudden motion made everyone in the study jump.

    Likewise startled by the sudden address, Li Qitian flew into a rage. ¡°Pang Xiao, are you looking to rebel?!¡±

    Hands balled into fists, the prince looked Li Qitian evenly in the eyes. ¡°Please choose your words carefully, Your Majesty! You know as well as I just how n¨¦e Qin was captured! No one present is a fool, and no one is a traitor, including my wife. She¡¯s also an innocent victim!

    ¡°How many of the imperial court¡¯s holes has she filled throughout the course of disaster relief? How many lives has she saved? If it hadn¡¯t been for her silver and father-inw helping, that would¡¯ve been the site for rebellion long ago! Would Your Majesty have the silver to put down a rebellion if that had happened? Has Your Majesty forgotten all of her achievements!

    ¡°Not to mention, are we to believe everything Siqin says when ites to the assassination? Without personal inspection, we can¡¯t confirm that our people killed Anari. Siqin is cunning and shrewd, and hecks not for schemes. He¡¯s also hotly ambitious¡ªhis thirst for power is why he spent so many years suffering by Anari¡¯s side.

    ¡°He gained her favor first as a nameless soldier, then became prince consort, then helped her coup, and finally killed her in the end. To be frank, Anari is just aunching step for Siqin to take the throne himself, she was just a pawn. Your Majesty must be aware of such a simple logic, so why speak such unreasonable words in a fit of anger!¡±

 Chapter 506.1: Chiming in One After Another

    <h4>Chapter 506.1: Chiming in One After Another</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    His dignity as an emperor had been vited! Li Qitian strode forward angrily and grabbed Pang Xiao by the cor. He leaned in and snarled next to the prince¡¯s ear, ¡°Pang Xiao, are you rebelling?!¡±

    This prince looked at Li Qitian calmly and responded in a deep voice, ¡°If this subject had such intentions, why would I be in the circumstances of needing to be the scapegoat for my wife being kidnapped?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by that?!¡±

    Li Qitian red hotly, venom spewing out of his eyes. Pang Xiao was clearly saying that if he harbored mutinuous intentions, he¡¯d be the one sitting on the throne!

    This was a truly insubordinate remark, and to add insult to injury, anyone with a discerning eye could tell that it was the truth. All of the eunuchs and two old officials in the study had heard him loud and clear. This was a tant p across the face!

    Li Qitian flushed beet red with anger. Hands that were crushing Pang Xiao''s cor trembled, and he couldn''t utter a single word for a very long time.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s tones took a sad turn. ¡°Eldest brother, you and I are sworn brothers. Would you not know what I¡¯m thinking of? I could overlook my father¡¯s murder and ept n¨¦e Qin simply because I love her. If I didn¡¯t love her, why would I ept an enemy¡¯s daughter into the family and address an enemy as my father-inw?

    ¡°This is all in the past and I don¡¯t want to dwell on it anymore either. We¡¯ve been through hell and high water for all these years and have finally won some peace. I too want to live a quiet life, but my wife was snatched from my arms just after our wedding. And now, out of the blue, that mutt Siqin is using n¨¦e Qin of murdering Anari!

    ¡°That¡¯s just what he says, are we to ept it as incontrovertible evidence? Well I don¡¯t, and I don¡¯t believe it!¡± Pang Xiao looked like a child who¡¯d been driven into a corner by his bully. He slumped to the ground with reddened eyes and looked like he was about to cry.

    Li Qitian was baffled by the sight.

    The ruthlessly domineering man known as a ¡®violent demon¡¯ by others, yer of countless enemies on the battlefield, was now a helpless child. Li Qitian didn¡¯t know how to react to the stark contrast. If he continued to me Pang Xiao while he was in this state, then he would appear a heartless ruler.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s weakness at this moment shocked even Li Guanwen and the rest kowtowing on the ground. So it would seem that even the most valiant of heroes will fall to a beauty. Someone as tyrannical as the Faithful Prince of the First Rank could also find himself in circumstances in which his valor didn¡¯t win out.

    Qin Huaiyuan nced at his aggrieved son-inw out of the corner of his eye, then flicked a nce at Li Qitian. Amusement crept into his heart, but the expression on his face remained clear of expression.

    Such was Pang Xiao¡¯s modus operandi. Sometimes he¡¯d throw his weight around like the most uncivilized barbarian and even swear in front of Li Qitian. If he decided to defy an imperial decree, there was no changing his mind. Other times, he would show the most tender of his vulnerabilities, particrly when Li Qitian was irked to the point of wanting to kill someone. Thus winning sympathy from others, Li Qitian wouldn¡¯t be able to punish him then, out of consideration for his reputation. Such flexibility carved him the greatest space to maximize his gains.

    Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed at an impable timing, then spoke earnestly, ¡°Your Majesty, please quell your anger. The Faithful Prince of the First Rank spoke rashly only due to his heightened temper from all his worries as ofte. Please overlook his tantrum for the sake of his devotion toward his wife.¡±

    Li Qitian seethed through clenched teeth. Tantrum? The man was in his twenties;moners his age were the father of multiple children already. This was supposed to be the fretting of a child??

    But if he were to hold Pang Xiao ountable for this, then wouldn¡¯t that make him someone who argued with a child? If he did that, his subjects would surely perceive him as immature as well.

    In any case, Li Qitian had also calmed down after losing his temper.

    Since he was a noble and wise emperor, he couldn¡¯t ignore his reputation and take Pang Xiao to ount for this. Moreover, the Tatars intentions to invade the south were more than obvious. There was no telling when he might need Pang Xiao to go to battle.

    Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu were valuable assets of the Great Zhou court. He felt more confident with the two generals by his side. Factions abounded in his enormous court, and the imperial treasury sat empty. Lacking the treasure, how was he to continue upying the throne if he didn¡¯t even have at least a capable general to fight Siqin?

    Furthermore, even if the sight of Pang Xiao irritated him to the point of wanting the prince¡¯s death, his intention¡¯s couldn¡¯t be obvious on the surface. He¡¯d run the risk being judged for murdering a meritorious official. There were many ways he could take Pang Xiao¡¯s life, so it would only be wise to strike when no one knew it.

    With this in mind, Li Qitian put his arms around Pang Xiao and helped the prince up. He then turned to Qin Huaiyuan and Patriarch Lu. ¡°You may all rise, We acted too much in haste just now. Li Guanwen, fetch some seats.¡±

 Chapter 506.2: Chiming in One After Another

    <h4>Chapter 506.2: Chiming in One After Another</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Li Qitian continued, ¡°Regardless of whether there truly was an assassination, the information spread by Siqin is already quite detrimental to Great Zhou when ites to public opinion. Thus, We think that Siqin has another ulterior motive.¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty is noble and wise.¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood up and bowed. ¡°In this old subject¡¯s humble opinion, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯s analysis from earlier makes sense. Siqin might be guiding a disaster elsewhere and leveraging this to stir up conflict. His ambitions are not limited to Tatar.¡±

    Li Qitian nodded. Recalling Siqin¡¯s journey to the top, he¡¯d been able to climb to his current position through his own schemes. He used Anari as a springboard to get to a high position, then rid himself of her in the end so that he could be seated alone on the throne.

    Perhaps Lu Heng and Qin Yining just had the most unfortunate timing of bing scapegoats.

    Even if the two of them hadn¡¯t been captured, Siqin might have had some other ways to frame Great Zhou and stir up trouble from there. The war was a perfect excuse. All of the evil deeds had beenmitted by others. Not only did he be khan in the end, he also earned a sterling reputation for loving his wife.

    Even Li Qitian had to admit that this man was highly shrewd.

    ¡°Well then, beloved subject Qin, what is the next course of action?¡± Li Qintian looked at Qin Huaiyuan.

    Qin Huaiyuan lowered his gaze and thought for a while before speaking, ¡°No matter who murdered Anari, Siqin is ready to throw the dirty water at us. This old subject thinks that it¡¯s now time for us to prepare for Siqin¡¯s next steps. I agree with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank that he might seize the opportunity to invade south. With two war gods in Great Zhou, there is naturally nothing to fear about Siqin. Yet, this old subject knows that Your Majesty dearly loves the people.¡±

    Li Qitian instantly nodded, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words spoke to his heart. Not only was he worried about the people, more importantly, the nation was too poor to meet their enemies!

    Great Zhou was glorious on the outside, but quite hollowed out on the inside. Money was required to mobilize an army and rations to keep it going. Where could he possibly find the silver to do that? He wouldn¡¯t have to worry if they¡¯d found the treasure, but no one knew the whereabouts of the treasure anymore.

    Li Qitian¡¯s mind was so upied by both the treasure and potential war that he momentarily pushed Lu Heng and Qin Yining to the back of his head. He pulled Qin Huaiyuan, Patriarch Lu and Pang Xiao into a long discussion, finally releasing them when it was veryte into the night. When they left, he immediately gave an order to Li Guanwen, ¡°Go summon Prince Consort Ji into the pce.¡±

    Nowadays, Ji Zeyu was Li Qitian¡¯s most trusted person.

    Outside the pce gate, Patriarch Lu was being lifted into a carriage. Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao respectfully saw Patriarch Lu¡¯s vehicle off before heading to their own respective carriages.

    Pang Xiao seized the opportunity to whisper, ¡°Father-inw, we have to find a way to save my darling. From what I see, His Majesty is very likely to shift all the me to her and Lu Heng once news gets out about the assasination. After all, sacrificing two people and a bit ofpensation is much cheaper than starting a war.¡±

    ¡°I think so too. It is unfortunate that Jingzhe and the rest are under surveince, along with the other Silver Masks after returning to the capital. I have no one to use for the time being.¡±

    ¡°What was your n, father-inw? I have some people avable on hand. All the one hundred Elite Tigers are my weapons who can be trusted.¡±

    ¡°Then please send your men to Tatar. Find my daughter and protect her, but don¡¯t let theme back to Great Zhou. They are to wait in Tatar for the time being and see what develops with the situation.¡±

    ¡°It shall be done as you¡¯ve instructed.¡± Pang Xiao nodded, then looked lost. ¡°How I wish I could go there myself. I just don¡¯t feel reassured if it¡¯s someone else going.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan pped Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Stay calm. The more critical the moment, the calmer we must be. If we lose our heads, my daughter would be even more at a loss out there, wouldn¡¯t she?¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded after hearing that. ¡°You are right, father-inw.¡±

    They climbed into their respective carriages, not daring to leave together and headed off in different directions instead.

    As soon as Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s carriage returned to the Qin Manor, he went upstairs to look in on the sick old dowager.

    ¡°Mother,¡± Qin Huaiyuan bowed.

    The old dowager was leaning against arge cushion and wet her throat with a spoonful of wood ear soup from Qin-mama before speaking. ¡°You¡¯ve returned, but are you going to be busy with work again?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing crucial. Are you feeling better, mother?¡±

    ¡°Yes, much better.¡± The old dowager nodded merrily. ¡°The imperial physician that came this time was highly skilled. You should express your gratitude to himter too, Meng¡¯er.¡±

    ¡°Your son understands,¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded with a smile.

    Off to the side, the second madame and second wife joked in their capacities as caregivers, ¡°Old Dowager has greatly recovered after just seeing senior uncle. Naturally, she has fully recovered now after being examined by the imperial physician.¡±

    ¡°You two little rascals.¡± The old dowager chuckled delightfully, then turned to Qin Huining and Qin Baoning, who were standing attentively at the side. ¡°Granddaughter Hui and eighthss, you two should go rest. Don¡¯t stay here lest you get sick yourselves.¡±

    The girls immediately understood that the old dowager didn¡¯t want them to stay because she had something to say.

 Chapter 507.1: Support

    <h4>Chapter 507.1: Support</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    When they arrived at the covered hallway, Qin Huining tugged on the eight miss'' hand and murmured, "Do you know what Old Dowager wishes to discuss?"

    Thinking back to when the old dowager had instructed her to serve Pang Xiao, the eighth miss flushed red. The memory of how the prince¡¯s handsomely unbridled face was barely marred by his disheveled appearance made her face burn even hotter.

    Noting the reaction, Qin Huining had an inkling of what the eighth miss was thinking about. An indescribable sense of resentment and envy exuded from her bones. As the former favorite daughter of the family, she¡¯d once lived in thep of luxury. Now, she was left in the dust while watching others attain their happiness.

    Though she and Qin Yining were of the same age, Qin Yining had gotten to marry a brave hero. Meanwhile, there wasn¡¯t even a whisper about her own marriage, nor did she see the family elders draw up any ns. How was she not to feel any resentment or jealousy?

    Qin Huining took a deep breath and with heroic effort, schooled her expression into one devoid of any dissatisfaction or bitterness.

    Her numerous shes with Qin Yining had long obliterated her previously good reputation among the family. Even when Qin Yining went missing, conversation among the household remained in her favor despite her absence.

    N¨¦e Sun especially had never disyed much fondness toward her daughter in the past, yet now spent every day weeping inconsbly and refusing to eat, growing thin from her loss of appetite. Every so often, she sobbed about how sorry she was toward her daughter.

    Qin Huining hated seeing n¨¦e Sun so teary-eyed the most, what with the current state of affairs. It reminded her of how the mother who¡¯d once treasured her deeply had abandoned her long ago.

    She admitted she had made mistakes in the past. However, wasn''t it too heartless for n¨¦e Sun to abandon her and pretend not to see her despite the two of them living under the same roof?

    Sensing that Qin Huining hadn¡¯t paid her much mind for a good while, the eighth miss looked at the foster girl out of curiosity. The unmistakable venom in her eyes had the eighth miss'' heart jolting in fear, her face paling instantly.

    Remembering what Qin Huining had done in the past, the eighth miss surreptitiously took two steps back. "I am a bit tired. Big sister Hui should rest as well." With that, she hastily curtseyed and turned in retreat.

    Qin Huining gritted her teeth for a moment before spitting out, "Brown-nosing bitch!"

    She had seen many of these grovelling sorts before. She was used to the sight of them.

    Since she¡¯d learned of Qin Yining''s disappearance, she knew it was very likely for the family to send another daughter to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, so she had to make ns for herself. As of now, the only daughters of marriageable age were herself and the eighth miss¡ªif she didn''t take advantage of this fifty-fifty chance, even the heavens wouldugh at her weakness.

    While Qin Huining stood outside in deep thought, the old dowager had already pulled at Qin Huaiyuan''s hand to speak with him heart-to-heart. "Meng¡¯er, your mother knows your heart aches with panic from not being able to find daughter Yi. You only have this one daughter¡ªwho in this family wouldn¡¯t feel anxious over such a tragedy? However, you must also think of the Qin family."

    Qin Huaiyuan stared unwavering at the old dowager for a moment before inquiring, "What do you mean, mother?"

    "Daughter Yi''s disappearance has left the Faithful Prince of the First Rank without a woman to take care of the household. Considering how highly His Highness thinks of our Yining, he won¡¯t dislike the other Qin daughters. I¡¯ve been thinking, perhaps we should send the eighthss to them to be a concubine. Though she is low-born, she is pretty, kind and good-natured. Daughter Yi was also closest to the eighthss before her marriage.

    "If she returns, the two sisters would get along well. If... the unthinkable truly befalls her, then the eighthss will ascend from concubine to second wife and secure the position of Princess Consort. That would greatly benefit the house of Qin."

    The old dowager smiled as she tugged Qin Huaiyuan''s hand. "This concerns the future of the Qin family, Meng''er. You mustn¡¯t reject this idea out of concern for daughter Yi."

    Though the old dowager acted as if she were merrily consulting Qin Huaiyuan, she clearly had alreadye to a decision.

    The second madame remained silent, evidently disinterested in being drawn into the mire of this affair. The eighth miss was a daughter of the third branch of the family, after all, and the third branch currently didn¡¯t have a matriarch. Since neither the third elder master nor the second wife was speaking up, it wasn¡¯t her ce as the second aunt toment either.

    The second wife, however, smiled at this point and said, "I think what Old Dowager says makes sense. My sister-inw is a fine youngdy who is pure of heart, and senior uncle is aware of this. She could keep Yiningpany, as those two sisters get along swimmingly."

    Qin Huaiyuan dropped his gaze without responding immediately. N¨¦e Sun, on the other hand, had heard enough¡ªshe flipped over a nearby side table.

    With a loud crash, the tableware hit the floor. The sound of shattering porcin was so ear-piercing that it gave a fright to the ones who were happily plotting away. The old dowager clutched at her chest, dumbstruck. The second madame and second wife also took a few steps back.

 Chapter 507.2: Support

    <h4>Chapter 507.2: Support</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Huaiyuan stood to hold n¨¦e Sun back and consoled her gently. "There now, don¡¯t be angry. If you hurt yourself, you¡¯ll be the one to suffer. You must take care of yourself in order to help our daughter in the future, no?"

    N¨¦e Sun looked at Qin Huaiyuan, her harried breaths finally evening out. Tears sprang to her eyes at once. Qin Huaiyuan busied himself with gently patting n¨¦e Sun on the back.

    Seeing Qin Huaiyuan console the crazed harlot, the old dowager''s face fell immediately. "Meng''er, you......"

    "Mother." Qin Huaiyuan interrupted the old dowager in a cid, weary tone. "I ask you not to make any more decisions in the future on daughter Yi¡¯s behalf. I will arrange for daughter Hui and niece Bao''s marriages when it is time. However, under current circumstances, now is not the time to discuss that.

    "As for having sisters be wife and concubine to the same man, I must ask mother to refrain from bringing up such a proposal ever again. Daughter Yi is alive, and she is the only one in my son-inw''s heart. As her grandmother, why must you waste energy on such displeasing arrangements?"

    The old dowager hadn''t expected to be scolded by her own son. Her eyes went round with anger and she stammered in disbelief, "You, you say I am wasting my energy on displeasing arrangements? You are looking down on an old woman like me!"

    "Mother, the situation at hand is truly fraught. Work has been so exhausting that I haven''t the energy to attend to household affairs. I ask mother to save yourself the trouble. Let us keep things at the current status quo. As for my daughter''s marriage, no one is to interfere. I will not allow it." Finished, Qin Huaiyuan held the tearful n¨¦e Sun as he helped her outside.

    Beet red with anger, the old dowager watched as Qin Huaiyuan left with his wife and mmed her hand against the mattress.

    "Utter insolence, such impertinence! He forgets his mother when he has a wife! What a ck-hearted wolf of an ingrate! Thankless bastard! I doted on him the most, yet he denounces me for a damned brat!"

    The old dowager broke down into tears, weeping about the injustice of the heavens, her husband''s premature death, her son''sck of filial piety¡ªin other words, how the entire world was against her.

    The second madame and second wife found themselves slightly exasperated, but they couldn''t just watch as the old dowager cried herself sick. All they could do was persuade her to cheer up, but the more they tried, the louder she wailed. She frequently peeped at the door through her fingers, as if expecting Qin Huaiyuan to return, console her, and admit his wrongdoings.

    Qin Huaiyuan seemed to not hear a single hint of the old dowager''s wailing and continued to hold n¨¦e Sun. "Don¡¯t concern yourself with mother''s words. I still have sway over daughter Yi''s affairs. If I forbid it, no one can bully our dear daughter."

    N¨¦e Sun nodded and choked out, "I¡¯m the one who did wrong by that child. I have yet to treat her properly as my daughter. If the worst is to truly befall her, how could I live with myself?"

    "It won¡¯t. Rest assured, our daughter is a blessed child. Even if she encounters a setback, she can surely turn the tides to her favor. Furthermore, I¡¯ve just received word that she is alive and well in Tatar. Don¡¯t let your imagination trouble you."

    "Truly?" N¨¦e Sun''s tears were forgotten as she cried out in surprise, "My lord, do you speak the truth? Surely you¡¯re not only saying this just to make me feel better?"

    "Why would I deceive you like that?" Qin Huaiyuan led n¨¦e Sun to their bedroom and ced his hands on her shoulders. "I am no hero, but I consider myself noble of character. I would not lie to you."

    "I know, I know. I¡¯m just too happy! Daughter Yi is alive? Really alive?"

    "Indeed, she is alive. Though she¡¯s run into some trouble, rest assured. She has me and our son-inw. Nothing will happen to her." Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t disclose the details of her predicament as he didn¡¯t want to worry his wife, and the second to keep her tongue from wagging. Certain matters needed to remain discreet, and were thus unsuitable for careless conversation, lest troublee knocking on their door.

    N¨¦e Sun''s tears were now reced with a smile. "So long as she lives. If she is alive, hope remains. Our family has never done evil, so the heavens would not be so cruel to us."

    "Indeed. Therefore, you shouldn¡¯t cry any longer. If you fall ill, I won¡¯t be able to exin myself when our daughter returns and thinks I¡¯ve been mistreating you."

    N¨¦e Sun''s grief became happiness at his words. She lightly batted at Qin Huaiyuan''s shoulder before leaning into his arms. Qin Huaiyuan held his wife, his furrowed brows of worry going unseen.

    ......

    After a night''s rest, the Minuo were finally able to replenish some of their energy. The ones in charge had already passed on Qin Yining''s words during idle conversation with othersst night.

    At the crack of dawn, Harbhara and Caganbhara gathered their tribesmen together again and repeated their ns to all.

    Though the weakest of the lot felt fear at their vague future, at least they knew they weren¡¯t being left behind.

 Chapter 508.1: The Desert

    <h4>Chapter 508.1: The Desert</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    There were also mothers and children, as well as married couples, among their number. However, most able-bodied men and women willing to take up arms did so because they wanted to fight for the future of their people. Even if it meantying down their lives. To those who remained in the desert, these people were warriors and heroes¡ªthe hope they held of restoring their tribe to its former glory.

    If all that remained of the Minuo were the elderly and the weak, they would have no choice but to be enved, dooming their descendants to oppression.

    After preparing water and dried rations for the trip, Qin Yining''s group of nearly one thousand ¡ªwhich included a few who excelled at finding water sources¡ªset course for the desert. Their journey was unlike her previous trip. Siqin had been unprepared for their travels then, as they had been chased into the desert by pursuing soldiers. Their group was in no ways small, but their supplies were limited. Thus, he had discarded the hostages one by one as they went. Even the Azure Justice members who knew the treasure''s location had been left for dead.

    This time, however, Qin Yining entered the desert with a n, and the Minuo had made ample preparations for their travels. Though the hardships of the journey left them exhausted, at least the one thousand of them could rest assured that none of them would die of dehydration.

    Meanwhile, the Utkin Khan''s soldiers had already caught up with the other Minuo group.

    However, they had all agreed to insist they didn¡¯t know where their other brethren were. Just as Lu Heng and Qin Yining predicted, Siqin didn¡¯t lift a finger against those who had stayed behind in order to uphold his benevolent reputation. He only ordered them to remain where they were, provide for themselves and not to disturb the other tribes. They were also forbidden from entering any of the neighboring cities and viges.

    Siqin already knew with certainty that Qin Yining and her people had entered the desert. "The nerve of them indeed. I seem to have underestimated them both!"

    He had thought the people of Great Zhou were all lily-livered chickens who were too cowardly to do anything despite their highly developed brains. Never did he expect the two to have the courage to lead the Minuo¡ªa group of strangers¡ªacross the desert!

    Seeing the look on his face, his entourage of soldiers fell as silent as cicadas in winter out of fear. Even if Siqin was a just ruler who always forgave his subordinates for their shorings, everyone knew the khan and Anari were a young couple who had shared a deep bond that dated back to their childhood friendship.

    Though they knew where Anari¡¯s killers had gone, they had yet to catch up with the murderers. They could only imagine how infuriated the khan was. They were so used to Anari Khan''s ruthlessness that they feared Utkin Khan all the same, even if they knew he was not the same as here.

    Their leader was an elderly man who had followed Siqin since the khan''s time in the army and was thus more familiar with his character. He knew Siqin wasn¡¯t one to take out his anger on others. As the only one who dared to speak up, he inquired, "Khan, do we continue our pursuit?"

    Siqin pursed his lips and contemted for a moment. "Entering the desert will prove to be a difficult endeavor. It is far too dangerous, for one, and the climate so harsh that it wouldn¡¯t be easy to keep our bearings. I will not have my men throwing their lives away."

    "As you say, khan." As men of war, they weren¡¯t inclined to continue their pursuit under such harsh conditions so as to avoid needless losses.

    When training his soldiers, Siqin also often told them to "use their best steel for the cutting edge of their des". Sending his warriors to their deaths for no reason wasn¡¯t a wise course of action.

    Siqin rose to his feet, his head nearly touching the roof of the tent due to his tall stature. He walked over to a simple wooden table and carefully studied the mapid across the surface, hands sped behind his back.

    His men followed suit, with the more thoughtful of the group carryingnterns to him. The map depicted the mountains and rivers of Tatar''s grasnds and deserts. A finger callused from years of gripping a sword glided across the desert before stopping near a few locations near the borders of Great Zhou.

    "Station soldiers outside the desert close to Great Zhou''s borders, focusing on these ces. Capture the ones who leave the desert and immediately bring them back."

    "Yes sir!" His subordinates jolted into action and shouted back unanimously.

    Seeing how Siqin didn¡¯t let his desire to avenge Anari blind him to the lives of his soldiers, the admiration his men felt toward their new khan grew even more.

    In the army, Siqin had won the unflinching respect of those beneath him through his decorated achievements on the battlefield and exemrymand. As a ruler, he was calm, wise and just, which gave everyone a heightened sense of stability.

    The men all agreed Siqin''s rule was indeed better than that of Anari¡¯s, even if it was disrespectful to thete khan to say so.

    In the short time he had taken power, Tatar turned over a new leaf overnight. They no longer feared they would be executed for no reason, for the new khan wasn¡¯t a tyrant who didn''t care for their lives. As long as they carried out their duties with due diligence, they would be treated well. Under this new khan, they could be at ease and focus on performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.

    With renewed gusto, the men hurried to carry out Siqin''s orders.

 Chapter 508.2: The Desert

    <h4>Chapter 508.2: The Desert</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining looked over Lu Heng, who had wrapped his cotton robes around his shivering form andid beside her, eyes squeezed shut and lips pale. She couldn''t help but pinch her brows out of concern.

    They¡¯d taken utmost care throughout their journey, yet still progressed slower than before; Lu Heng had caught a terrible cold that they hadn¡¯t been able to attend to in a timely fashion. With their scarce medical supplies, he was greatly hindered by his illness.

    As someone ustomed to being waited on hand and foot, Lu Heng had never experienced such great misfortunes, nor did he ever have to suffer hardships. Since fleeing from Khanbaliq, the tightly-bound cord that¡¯d kept Lu Heng together seemed to have snapped abruptly. He was no longer able to muster the energy he needed; considering the trials they had faced on the run, it was only expected that he would fall terribly ill.

    The group had initially thought Qin Yining would have been the first to be ill, but they¡¯d guessed wrong. Lu Heng¡ªwho looked significantly healthier¡ªwas the one to be taken out by sickness.

    Qin Yining, Harbhara and Caganbhara became responsible for looking after him.

    Ever the attentive one, Qin Yining gave Lu Heng her horse and pulled it along by the reins. She took very good care of him, leaving only certain tasks to Harbhara and Caganbhara out of propriety.

    They¡¯d initially thought Qin Yining to be an exquisite but spoileddy. Her decision to give up her horse already surprised them enough. What was even more astounding was how she was able to persevere through the desert on foot. Though she didn¡¯t have the best stamina, not once did she encumber herpanions, nor did she throw any fits. She always exercised great restraint when drinking water, making sure no one was left without their sip because of her.

    This beautiful woman was truly someone to admire, and the free-spirited peoples of Tatar especially found themselves enraptured by such a beautiful and strongdy.

    Her strength was unexpected and admirable, her intelligence and cool-headedness also inspiring much confidence. Even though the tribe knew she was a married woman, quite a few of the youngds fancied her. They were even willing to give her a share of their own dried rations and water, but she never epted their offers.

    Qin Yining felt their kindness in full, but she was never one to seize that which belonged to others. To survive in the desert, water and food was of utmost importance. If she ate or drank from the others, they would be at greater risk for dying. That wasn¡¯t something she could ever bring herself to do.

    Lu Heng''s illness worried her greatly. They¡¯d been through much together, after all, and he had saved her life. This friend had done all he could for her, so she wanted to repay him in any way she could. Abandoning him wasn¡¯t open for consideration. However, there was presently very little she could do owing to their circumstances, and they had to hurry through the desert. It was impossible for Lu Heng to recuperate, which only worsened his predicament.

    The other problem was that Qin Yining was unable tomunicate with the others.

    She only knew a few simple phrases such as to eat, rest, bathroom break and so on. Anything moreplicated than that was beyond her capabilities. As long as Lu Heng remained unconscious, conversing with the others was her greatest problem.

    Because he¡¯d been slipping in and out of consciousness, he often missed important matters that Qin Yining had to take over for, but most of the group didn¡¯t understand her instructions.

    Luckily, Qin Yining was able tomunicate with the amputee Uncle Alham as long as she spoke in simple statements, who then spoke to his fellow tribesmen. Using easy words, he also tranted what the group said, which made it much easier for her to receive updates and issuemands.

    "He still has a fever," Alham fretted. "What should we do if he doesn''t get better? None of us are doctors, and he doesn''t look very strong."

    Equally worried, Qin Yining wrapped Lu Heng''s cotton robes around him even more tightly. It would¡¯ve been best if they could ce a cold wet handkerchief on his forehead or wipe down his body with alcohol, but their situation meant they had to ration every drop of water so they didn''t die of dehydration; likewise, giving Lu Heng a wet handkerchief was out of the question.

    They were all at death''s door¡ªthere was nothing Qin Yining could do buty her own hand, frozen stiff from the cold, across his forehead. He looked slightly morefortable at that. "Cold," he muttered with pale chapped lips as he rubbed against her palm.

    Qin Yining''s brows furrowed out of helplessness. If she let Lu Heng lose his life, she would be letting him down.

    If Mu Jinghu and Lu Heng hadn''t sensed that something was wrong that day and broken her out¡ªwith Lu Heng throwing away everything he had negotiated with Siqin to help her¡ªshe probably would¡¯ve been humiliated and then killed.

    She would absolutely thank Mu Jinghu for his kindness, but she had yet to repay her debts to Lu Heng¡ªhow could she let him die in the desert before that?

 Chapter 509.1: Deeply in Love

    <h4>Chapter 509.1: Deeply in Love</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    However, it was still extremely improper for the women of Great Zhou and Great Yan to touch the foreheads of men whom they were not married to.

    It was already the dead of the night; many of them were huddled against each other for warmth and had fallen asleep against one another, exhausted as they were. With her hand pressed against Lu Heng''s forehead, Qin Yining curled up against his side. Before she knew it, she fell into a very light slumber.

    Gales of wind swept across the desert at irregr intervals, the cold cutting against their skin like knives. Qin Yining knew not how the others were faring, but she, for one, slept fitfully.

    In her dreams, she saw shes of a vast, grassy in. There, Pang Xiao dashed across the terrain on his warhorse with its glossy, jet ck mane, his scarlet cape billowing in the wind behind him. Backlit by the brilliant sun, he steered his steed toward her,ughing heartily as he called out to her. "My darling!"

    Qin Yining couldn''t help smiling. She gently called, "Highness."

    Then the scene shifted; she found herself in an ancient temple atop a mountain surrounded by trees. A scene of chaotic carnage greeted her eyes.

    Blood sprayed as battle cries shook the heavens. An archer had scaled to the rooftop of a building across from her and was aiming an arrow at her. However, she couldn''t run, for behind her was her mother and maternal grandmother.

    At that moment, Pang Xiao appeared before her like a god descended from the heavens and swept her into an embrace to block the arrow with his body. Hot blood sttered all over her face as she screamed with horror, yet Pang Xiao merely snapped off the shaft of the arrow with his bare hand and dashed at their enemies. She could see the remaining half of the arrow stuck in his shoulder shift with his movements as blood poured from the wound.

    Frantic, Qin Yining cried, "Highness!"

    "Your Highness, wake up, wake up." Feeling as if someone was gently nudging her, Qin Yining''s eyes flew open.

    She was greeted by the sight of Lu Heng, who was lying down on his side with his face toward her. The two of themy on the desert floor with their ratty baggage cushioning their heads. The starry sky above them twinkled in reminders of where they were.

    Her waking thoughts seemed to have followed her into her dreams¡ªshe missed Pang Xiao, which was why she dreamed about past memories of them.

    They¡¯d been parted for too long; what''s more, her perilous predicament had instilled in her a fear that she wouldn¡¯t live to see Pang Xiao again. This fear crept up on her in the quiet of the night when she was at her weakest.

    Qin Yining wasn¡¯t made of stone¡ªshe also felt fear and other emotions. It was just that her childhood had taught her how to be resilient. Most of the time, she was able to keep a cool head and remain aware of what she could and had to do.

    The way things were presently, she didn''t want to show weakness in front of others so as not to garner their pity. She tucked away her sorrows and smiled politely at Lu Heng. Sitting up, she tested the temperature of his forehead.

    "Your temperature has gone down a notch, Second Master Lu. How are you feeling?"

    Lu Heng stared at Qin Yining. Her expertly-concealed weakness hadn''t escaped his notice, but since she didn''t wish to discuss her feelings, he didn''t ask. Chuckling briefly, he replied, "Well enough. And how are you feeling? I noticed you¡¯ve been sleeping fretfully."

    In truth, he was aware Qin Yining had just had a nightmare from the way she murmured "Highness" in her sleep. He had no one to speak to about his destion, and his wishes were to remain unanswered. The pain of not even being allowed his wishful thinking was about to drown himpletely.

    Having been in herpany for so long, his infatuation with her grew greater the more time he spent with her and witnessed her disys of bravery and maturity. Most of all, her wit had him bowled over in admiration. It wasn''t just him that felt this way¡ªher indomitable tenacity had inspired the entirety of the Minuo to grit their teeth and persevere as they pressed onward in the search of hope.

    When they first met, Lu Heng had taken a liking to her because of her beauty. But after spending so much time together, he found himself attracted to her character. They hardly had enough water for drinking in this desert, much less for washing up; and yet, this calico kitten''s eyes continued to gleam with hope and reflect the stars above amid the endless yellow sand! Such a sight left him believing there was hope for the future.

    Lu Heng knew he ought to admit he had no chance and cut his losses. In truth, he hadn¡¯t been unconscious moments earlier; he was just in too much pain and felt too exhausted to utter a single sentence. Thus, he¡¯d closed his eyes to rest and attempt at sleep, since falling asleep would¡¯ve alleviated his difort.

    Then, she ced her hand over his forehead.

    How wonderful her cool touch had felt upon his head!

    This was perhaps the closest they¡¯d ever been in proximity with one another. Even if he knew she¡¯d done so to save his life, his heart sang and leapt with joy all the same. If such a woman was willing to be with him, he was truly willing to offer up all he had to her¡ªeven his own life¡ªif she would just return his feelings.

    Sometimes, Lu Heng wished he were a lesser man who was vile enough to take her by force.

    However, his reason told him this was the closest he would get to her in this lifetime; he could only be her friend, for she was a woman with principles and upstanding morals. Once married, she wouldn''t fall for any other men, nor would she give other men any reason to get close to her.

    Her decision filled him with both admiration and resignation. Only when she fell asleep did he dare to stare so brazenly at her.

 Chapter 509.2: Deeply in Love

    <h4>Chapter 509.2: Deeply in Love</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "It¡¯s nothing, really. I merely had a nightmare." Qin Yining shed a wry smile. "Thankfully they were dreams and nothing more. Fortunately, reality is nowhere as scary."

    Lu Heng chuckled and dropped the subject, even if he envied Pang Xiao for having her heart.

    "Are you feeling better? Have some water." Qin Yining retrieved the water pouch and supported Lu Heng''s head with one hand as she helped him drink.

    Lu Heng only had a sip before he turned his head away. "I¡¯m not thirsty and feel much better already. You should drink some."

    "You¡¯re ill, so you need to drink more water. Just a few more sips." Qin Yining fed him water again.

    However, Lu Heng twisted his face away and refused. "I¡¯m really not thirsty. You drink some."

    "I¡¯ve already drank enough today." Qin Yining pursed her lips as she dimpled; if she smiled too wide, her chapped lips would crack.

    Lu Heng took in the sight of her hair filled with sand, wanplexion, and cracked lips. Heart aching, he urged, "Your lips have ripped apart. Isn¡¯t there a saying that women are flowers who need to be nourished by water? I¡¯m really not thirsty, so you have some."

    Qin Yining helped Lu Heng sit upright and forced him to take a couple more sips before carefully resealing the water pouch. She hung it on his belt with great care in merry spirits.

    "You must¡¯ve also heard people say that women are made of water. Since I am already water, I naturally don¡¯t need to drink that much."

    Her lips were so dry that she daren''t smile too wide, yet Lu Heng found her appearance most beautiful in this moment.

    Now that he had wet his burning throat, he felt slightly better. "Get some more sleep," he suggested. "We still have a ways to go. You waste a lot of stamina walking on foot since you gave me your horse. If you don¡¯t get enough sleep, your body won¡¯t be able to take the stress. I know you aren¡¯t much stronger than I am."

    Qin Yiningughed at his words, thenid down on the sand. "You should sleep as well," she replied. "Rest well so you may recover. There are so many of us and we¡¯re looking after one another. Our situation is already a massive improvement from when we first arrived here. Rest assured, I will not leave you behind. We will be alright."

    With the words "I will not leave you behind", she struck him in the softest part of his heart.

    Under such trying circumstances, not even blood siblings could reliably depend on one another. And yet, Qin Yining made Lu Heng such a promise.

    A bittersweet sensation flooded his heart as it filled with happiness and heartache. He grunted in response, then forced himself to close his eyes and sleep. If he prolonged the conversation, he feared he would let his hidden feelings rear from the depths of his heart, thus rming her into distancing herself from him.

    He fantasized he was lying in his ornate bed at home, and with Qin Yining so close to him, of course she was on the bed with him. Bathed in the gentle amber candlelight, her brows and eyes curved as she smiled at him, her long hair spilling over her pillow.

    As he imagined this, the corners of his lips couldn''t help lifting upward. Even if it was but a daydream, there was happiness in keeping someone in your heart like this as well.

    Not long after, Lu Heng felt a small, cold hand rest on his forehead to cool him down. His frustration and resignation dissolved in an instant.

    To have had the fortune of meeting and befriending her in this lifetime, to have had herpany day in and day out as they weathered good times and hardships together, to even have had her cold hand to help him lower his fever, propriety be damned¡ªhe was satisfied with all he had.

    When the sun peeked over the horizon, the group set off once again.

    Though their journey through the desert was grueling, they had tribesmen who excelled at finding water in the desert. They even stumbled across an oasis at times, allowing them to drink to their hearts'' content, refill their water pouches, and the luxury of a quick bath.

    They kept track of the days and often had to hide from the pursuing soldiers. More than half a month into their journey, they noticed the hints of the end of the endless expanse of yellow sand.

    Withered, yellow grass and fallen snow. They¡¯d finally made it out of the desert!

    "We did it! We did it!" The tribe embraced one another and cheered. Some were so moved that they wept, tears leaving two tracks on their dirty faces.

    Qin Yining smiled as well, then looked at the emaciated Lu Heng, sprawled unconscious atop his horse. Though she worried still, she could finally breathe a little more easily. So long as they were out of the desert, there was hope for Lu Heng¡¯s survival.

    "Uncle Alham, take note of our surroundings and tell the tribe not to be so happy that they ignore what¡¯s happening around us. We haven¡¯t encountered many soldiers on our way here, so I think it¡¯s very likely the khan has his men on the outskirts of the desert, waiting for us to run across them."

 Chapter 510.1: Hope

    <h4>Chapter 510.1: Hope</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    After hearing Qin Yining speak, Alham wore a sincere look on his face as he stopped to respond, "Yes, that makes sense. I will tell everyone to be careful. We should first send someone to scout the road ahead. You''re still thinking calmly, but we''ve gotten too happy to consider these things."

    Qin Yining dimpled. "That¡¯s only normal. I¡¯m actually rejoicing as much as everyone else. However, it¡¯s during these times that we can¡¯t rx our guard. We can¡¯t let all of our efforts till now go to waste."

    "You''re right." Having observed Qin Yining the entire trip, Uncle Alham and his people had long sincemitted themselves to her. They had utmost faith in everything she proposed.

    Alham promptly turned to address his tribesmen. "We weren¡¯t heavily pursued, which proves Utkin Khan didn''t arrange for many of his men to wait for us in the desert. Someone as two-faced as him will surely be making a great show out of avenging that demon Anari, so if the soldiers pursuing us through the desert were few, that means he stationed men outside the desert."

    The group nodded at his words, with some panic percting through the crowd. "What if he really has sent soldiers after us?"

    "That''s simple. We''ll send two of our quickest warriors to scout the road ahead while the rest of us proceed slowly while searching for water. We''ll decide what to do next once the scouts return with intel."

    "Alright, as you say then!" His tribesmen assented unanimously.

    Alham then exined what he had said to Qin Yining, who smiled and nodded. "You are a war veteran with experience. I¡¯m not so informed on such matters, so I leave the arrangements entirely up to you."

    Filled with delight, Uncle Alham turned and appointed two men to scout the road ahead. The group quickly fell back into order. The one thousand of them didn''t spread out in a long line. Rather, they gathered together in a rhombus formation, ready to react to danger at the drop of a hat.

    They carefully and slowly pressed onward. Because of Alham''s words, every member of the group cautiously scanned their surroundings and listened hard, as if a wild beast were about to spring forth at any second and take a bite out of them.

    After an hour of travel, the sun had begun to set.

    The initially high-strung group rxed slightly over time; even Qin Yining wondered if she had been worrying about nothing.

    Just as she considered whether she should let everyone stop for a rest or not, they heard a sudden shout to their left, a voice gravelly from thirst scraping like a dull knife against rough stone tiles.

    "Soldiers havee for us! Soldiers havee for us!"

    Off into the distance not too far away, a group of nearly a hundred soldiers on horseback galloped toward them. Wieldingrge sabers, theyughed madly and jeered at the ¡®refugees¡¯ who¡¯d just reached the end of the desert.

    Some began to panic.

    Alham barked in the Tatar tongue, "Stay calm and sh the horses'' legs! Let''s show them what we''re made of so they know the Minuo are not made of cowards!"

    Over the course of their journey, they¡¯d devised various countermeasures for several different scenarios. Those who had battle experience had taken the time to teach the others how to fight off enemies.

    Though arge group of men dashed at them brandishing cleavers, the group that had endured the tribtions of the desert forced themselves to calm down. Instead of panicking, they changed formation to face their enemy.

    Qin Yining guarded Lu Heng and his kneeling horse with a cleaver in hand. With pursed lips, she fixed her sharp eyes on the enemy''s movements, looking so prepared to rush into battle that Uncle Alham couldn''t help nodding at her ferocity.

    Only roughly one hundred and fifty soldiers were stationed in this crucial area. Utkin Khan hadn¡¯t deployed many men here, as this exit was the furthest one from the borders of Great Zhou, ording to the calctions of the khan and his strategists. Unless these people lost their minds in the desert, they wouldn''t havee all the way here.

    It was so remote that it was the least likely ce for the group to go to, so this location wasn¡¯t as heavily staffed as the others. Never did they predict that these death-seeking madmen would actuallye to the ce they were supposed to least likely to head for.

    The soldiers leered at the Minuo as if they were scanning glittering silver sycees, frisky livestock, and an endless array of beautiful women. The khan had dered the ones who captured Anari Khan''s killers would be promoted and enjoy a life of riches; they would be awarded a thousand taels of silver and a hundred prettydies.

    They looked so giddy it was as if they had been injected with adrenaline, for the Minuo tribesmen before them cut such sorry figures that they barely batted an eye at their sorry opponents.

 Chapter 510.2: Hope

    <h4>Chapter 510.2: Hope</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The Minuo emerged victorious from the skirmish, but at a great cost. They¡¯d destroyed the one hundred soldiers and reaped their many horses, weapons, dried rations and water as spoils of war, but nearly two hundred of the tribesmen met their end here.

    "If it wasn¡¯t for the desert wearing us out with thirst and hunger, and ourck of weapons or battle equipment, we wouldn''t have had to sacrifice so many of our people," noted a teary Uncle Alham.

    Everyone mourned together. As Qin Yining watched them clean up the battlefield, she couldn''t help but droop and wipe her tears away. The only thing worth celebrating was that they had obtained even more horses, weapons, water and rations. Furthermore, they had sessfully made it out of the desert.

    After pulling themselves together and exiting the desert, they took another headcount.

    Qin Yining sipped a mouthful of water to wet her parched throat before conversing with Alham. "Uncle Alham, I''m certain those soldiers set up camp nearby. We should rest up and recover our strength, then think of a way to raid their camp. There must still be soldiers keeping watch there, but we have the element of surprise on our side. We¡¯ll also be well rested, so we have a good chance at victory. Once we defeat them, we can replenish our rations and supplies."

    Alham nodded rapidly. "We think the same. We came all this way through the desert to give our people a future. Why would we turn down provisions? What do you say, brothers?"

    "Yeah! We don''t need to feel bad about stealing from that dog of a khan!"

    "Rob them, rob them!"

    The grief they felt from losing their tribesmen turned into rage¡ªspurred on by the memory of their deceased family members who had died horrible deaths, they were willing to do anything that caused trouble for the royals.

    "Alright! Let''s put our heads together and think how we can mess them up!" Uncle Alham was a man of action¡ªhe quickly wove his way through the crowd to summon the squad leaders for a meeting.

    They came to a decision to leave the physically weaker members behind with the able-bodied women while Alham and Caganbhara led a group of three hundred to strategically ambush the camp.

    When the two scouts returned, Alham, Caganbhara and three hundred tribesmen set off for the location they described.

    In the meantime, Harbhara took charge and waited in ce with Qin Yining, Lu Heng and the other remaining members of their party. Qin Yining was concerned, but she was ultimately an outsider when it came to matters of the battlefield¡ªshe had to trust Uncle Alham''s experience.

    She helped Lu Heng off his horse with the help of two young women and proceeded to melt snow in a jar over the fire. She allowed the boiled water to cool before feeding it to him.

    Over the past few days, the weakened Lu Heng had been floating in and out of consciousness. Getting the water past his tightly sealed mouth proved to be a struggle since it kept trickling out of the corners of his lips.

    Qin Yining dried his chin with her handkerchief again and scrunched her brows in worry. If Lu Heng''s situation didn''t improve soon, he was going to be in great danger. They had to quickly get to safety and procure medicine for him.

    She located a clean handkerchief and soaked in water to wipe Lu Heng''s face. He had been in such poor health as ofte that his cheeks were sunken in; his stubble scratched at her hand as she carefully cleaned his face. Then, she washed the handkerchief clean before moving to wipe his hands.

    Perhaps it felt too cold, for Lu Heng began to stir from his slumber.

    "You¡¯re awake?" Qin Yining rejoiced. "How are you feeling? Drink some water. We¡¯ve made our way out of the desert!"

    Her voice was so full of delight that Lu Heng couldn''t helpughing as he looked at her, his voice raspy as sandpaper. "I know, I can feel that my face is clean." Why else would they have the water to spare for washing up if they hadn''t left the desert?

    Qin Yiningughed and served him warm water. "We¡¯re no longer low on water. Have some more¡ªI boiled this and left to cool. It¡¯s clean, and you¡¯ll recover quickly if you drink more."

    Qin Yining helped Lu Heng to sit up and drink, then softened rice biscuits in hot water for him to eat. He tried to stay alert as he ate and inquired about how the tribe had been faring.

    Qin Yining told him about Alham and Caganbhara leading an ambush on the soldiers'' camp, to which he smiled and nodded. "I have no need for concern if you and them are the ones in charge."

    "Is that why you passed out with nary a concern?" Qin Yining joked with mirth, which inspired an answering chuckle from Lu Heng.

    He felt considerably better after drinking plenty of water and eating warm food. Though he felt drowsy, he didn''t immediately fall asleep. Instead, he remained wrapped in his thick cotton robes and insisted Qin Yining to update him on what had happened in the past few days until lethargy finally won out.

    As the sun rose from the east, Uncle Alham returned with the goods. They¡¯d seeded in ambushing the camp and procuring an abundance of food and horses.

    When the group heard the news, they cheered and began making their way to the camp.

    As Qin Yining watched the Minuo tribesmen celebrate, she heaved a long sigh. "Let us rest for today. We can discuss our travel route tomorrow."

 Chapter 511.1: Negotiations

    <h4>Chapter 511.1: Negotiations</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Though it was still wintry outside and the stream frozen over, none of that mattered for the group that¡¯d just escaped the desert. No one cared that the premises had been a war zone moments before. Cheering raucously, they chiseled away at the frozen water surface. Some folks immediately tossedrge chunks into small pots for heating back at camp.

    Tents of varying sizes soon sprang up all over the campground.

    Qin Yining was assigned a tent for herself and left Lu Heng in Harbhara and Caganbhara¡¯s care. She ran off to chisel some ice and grabbed one of the camp¡¯s pots, intending to freshen up after boiling the water.

    To the tribe, Qin Yining was the hero who¡¯d rid them of Anari and the one who¡¯d gotten them out of the desert alive. All proper respect and obedience was her due, so when they saw that she wanted to boil some water, they all rushed to help her despite their own exhaustion. They even fetched some of the stored firewood for her.

    After trudging in the sands for half a month, this was her first chance for a hot bath. She scrubbed herself clean before washing away all the filth from her clothes. By the time shepleted her thorough ministrations, her hair was already half dry. Towelling it further, she coiled it into a simple bun and tossed on a hat, leaving her tent and walking to Lu Heng¡¯s.

    ¡°Is Second Master Lu resting?¡±

    The tent¡¯s entrance quickly lifted, permitting a rush of hot steam to escape outside. Harbhara stuck his head out, beaming at Qin Yining as he tried out some words in clumsy Great Zhou, ¡°You¡¯vee!¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. The boy shifted to the side to make space for her, giving room for the princess consort to enter the tent with a quick bend of her body.

    A wooden bucket rested on the floor, full of dirty water. They hadn¡¯t had the time to empty it out yet, but the men were all dressed neatly. Lu Heng had changed into a fresh set of clothes and his eyes were lowered as he leaned on a bed of dry hay and wooden nks. Damp hair that still dripped with water hung loosely down his shoulders.

    Qin Yining noted the sight with a frown and grabbed a towel. ¡°How can you be so careless when you¡¯re not fully recovered yet? Aren¡¯t you afraid of getting even sicker, going to bed with your hair wet like this?¡±

    She hesitated for a moment before reaching out to dry his hair.

    Lu Heng¡¯s heart raced. In fact, he had just finished cleaning up and was nning to dry his hairter. Sick people didn¡¯t have much strength to begin with, so after cleaning and changing, he couldn¡¯t even muster up the energy to lift his arm.

    He didn¡¯t expect that Qin Yining would actually do it for him!

    ¡°My thanks.¡± Lu Heng¡¯s voice was hoarse. He didn¡¯t say any superfluous words, and his tone was weak.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite. We finally managed to exit the desert and our homnd¡¯s just a few steps away. Wouldn¡¯t it be a pity if you aren¡¯t careful and worsen your illness at this stage?¡± Qin Yining swapped out the wet towel for a dry one and continued to carefully dry his hair. Since her hair was mostly dry, she took off her hat and slid out the silver tasselb from the side of her bun. She ran her fingers through his hair to smoothen it out first before carefullybing through it, delicately going strand by strand.

    Lu Heng closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle pressure from Qin Yining¡¯s fingertips as she ran theb through his hair. Even his scalp and the back of his neck tingled with pleasure as his eyelids grew heavy.

    What a wonderful feeling it was, that she would care about him. Even though he knew deep inside that Qin Yining didn¡¯t hold the slightest trace of romantic affection for him, Lu Heng¡¯s heart was still fully content.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine. We¡¯ve conquered the desert twice, I won¡¯t die like this.¡± Lu Heng said softly.

    The princess consort tidied his hair and finished it off by binding it with a ribbon. She tucked theb back into her hair before putting on her hat again.

    ¡°Indeed, we¡¯re both of tough stock. We¡¯ll be fine. When we have the chance, I¡¯ll fortify your body with something nutritious. If only Bingtang was here, you would recover so much faster!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s smile dimmed as she thought back to that fateful day of their parting. It wasn¡¯t even a certain thing if Bingtang and Ji Yun were still alive.

    Discerning her thoughts, the Lu second master gentlyforted her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, with how much the prince loves you, he won¡¯t sit on his hands and do nothing after your capture. He certainly would¡¯ve rushed to their rescue, and none of your subordinates are weak targets. They¡¯re definitely all fine.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart turned warm as she thought of Pang Xiao. ¡°You¡¯re right, they should all be fine. We¡¯ll all be fine.¡±

    She helped Lu Heng lie down and used a cotton jacket like a quilt,ying it over him. ¡°Rest well, we still need to discuss our future ns tomorrow morning. I can¡¯t speak the Tartar tongue and Uncle Alham can only understand simple Great Zhou words, so it¡¯ll be a lot easier with you as the interpreter.¡±

    Lu Hengughed softly, his features glowing with warmth. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try and recover as quickly as possible. Things really have been hard on you these days.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. ¡°As long as everyone can live peaceful, happy lives, all this is nothing.¡±

    ¡°True, nothing can be more important than life and death. Your Highness, you are a stunning woman.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s face flushed from his praise as she smiled. ¡°If I was that stunning, I wouldn¡¯t have dragged so many down with me. Alright now, you should sleep.¡±

 Chapter 511.2: Negotiations

    <h4>Chapter 511.2: Negotiations</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    When he¡¯d been bathing earlier, he overheard Harbhara and Caganbhara mention that almost two hundred tribesmen had died from the soldiers¡¯ pursuit. More had given their lives to take down this camp, and somey mortally wounded.

    The casualties also gnawed at his heart. However, in their dire straits, it was an enormous victory just for the Minuo to have defeated Siqin¡¯s soldiers. After all, not only were those soldiers cavalry, they were also specially-trained elites.

    Inparison, the Minuo troops were just ordinary herdsmen and even consisted of quite a few women. They were truly an outstanding and valiant tribe; no wonder that they had once been arge, strong tribe of over 40,000 people.

    Anari had likely persecuted the Minuos to the depths she had because she was afraid of them growing too strong and threatening her authority.

    Lu Heng truly wanted tofort Qin Yining, but right now, he was really too tired. Lead weighed down his eyelids, and even his quick mind was turning sluggish. His lips vibrated as he arduously forced out, ¡°it¡¯s not your fault,¡± before his eyes shut, sumbing to the sleep.

    Seeing him fall asleep, Qin Yining felt his forehead, tensing when she noted that it still ran a slight fever. She watched over Lu Heng until midnight before finally retiring to her own tent to rest.

    The next day, Uncle Alham gathered all of the squad leaders to the central tent for a meeting with Qin Yining, Harbhhara, Caganbhara, and Lu Heng, who was practically a ball with how manyyers he was wearing. He¡¯d gotten up early to drink a bowl of soft, glutinous rice porridge and take thest of his medicine, making him much more alert than yesterday.

    Qin Yining dimpled when she saw that he hade. ¡°What a reliable friend you are, waking up early just like you said you would.¡±

    ¡°I slept enough yesterday.¡± Lu Heng smiled.

    Uncle Alham grinned as he pped Lu Heng¡¯s shoulders, speaking in Tartar, ¡°It looks like you really are a lot better now, my boy. So it seems all the care the princess consort gave to you along the way was worth it in the end. If something had still happened to you, I¡¯m afraid Her Highness might join you in falling sick.¡±

    Uncle Alham was a blunt man ustomed to saying whatever came to mind; he didn¡¯t realize how improper his words were. However, there were many youths in the group that adored Qin Yining, as well as a number of those who¡¯d noticed Lu Heng¡¯s affections for her. Involuntary looks scanned the pair.

    Lu Heng¡¯s heart pounded furiously, thumping like a hare as his face flushed red. ¡°Uncle Alham, please don¡¯t joke around like that.¡±

    Alham looked at Qin Yining, thought of her identity, looked back at Lu Heng¡¯s reddened face, then heaved a sigh. He pped Lu Heng¡¯s shoulder again, conveying a world of meaning with no words at all.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t understand what they were saying since the words used had been tooplex, and their speed too fast. Although she¡¯d been studying Tartar recently, she could only understand basic words and phrases.

    Worry rose when she saw Lu Heng¡¯s face turn red. ¡°Are you alright?¡± She habitually reached out to take his temperature.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± An easy smile belied the turmoil of conflict, wryness, and sweetness within him. Lu Heng turned to address everyone in the Tartar tongue. ¡°You protected and helped your fellow tribesmen out of the desert, and for that, you are all heroes. I¡¯ve long known that the Tatars are an incredibly strong people, and seeing you now, I know that the rumors are true.

    ¡°Indeed, you are a people worthy of great respect and admiration! And we Minou are exemry among the Tatar! Having journeyed alongside you all, I am truly moved and amazed by what I¡¯ve experienced.¡±

    Emotion threatened to overwhelm Uncle Alham, while joy and pride flooded the rest. They were all hot-blooded men, each with a tenacious and unyielding heart. Every one of them had preserved through all kinds of trials and hardships, and was now praised and recognized by a foreigner. High spirits seized their hearts, a feeling they didn¡¯t know was called patriotism.

    Although Qin Yining didn¡¯t know what Lu Heng was saying, she could tell from everyone¡¯s expression that his words had touched their hearts. She couldn¡¯t help a sigh at Lu Heng¡¯s skill.

    He really is a very capable leader, blessed with the ability to convince others to happily follow his lead. No wonder he could leave the shelter of his family to start from scratch at such a young age, and then reach heights that no one else can contend with before telling everybody he¡¯s a Lu.

    ¡°Although we won, I know that Siqin¡¯s men will certainly make frequent rounds of these outposts,¡± continued Lu Heng, ¡°we can¡¯t stay here for long. Everything must be packed and ready to go by today. We don''t know when the outpostsst contacted each other, so if we¡¯re exposed by the next messenger, it will result in unnecessary trouble.¡±

 Chapter 512.1: Official Denunciation

    <h4>Chapter 512.1: Official Denunciation</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    These outposts on the outskirts of the desert were surely Siqin¡¯s doing. They¡¯d ran into a smaller troop division because Qin Yining had proposed for them to travel in this direction.

    Some of them didn''t even know where they were anymore and simply went with the flow. Meanwhile, the others who knew their bearings knew they were moving further and further from Great Zhou, so they thought Qin Yining''s instructions were incorrect.

    In retrospect, Qin Yining must have predicted that Siqin was lying in wait for them, like someone guarding a tree stump, waiting for rabbits toe along.

    Having just recovered their strength, their chance at victory was questionable if they were to encounter arge hoard of soldiers, much less if that happened when they¡¯d just made it out of the desert and were exhausted.

    Qin Yining''s decision to go this way had saved all of their lives. Otherwise, they would¡¯ve sacrificed a lot more than the two hundred people who died.

    Recognizing the danger of their situation, everyone came back down from the clouds of euphoria and firmly nted their feet on the ground.

    "Second Master Lu''s words make sense. Uncle Alham, what do you think we should do next?" Caganbhara asked, his brows furrowed.

    Alham pondered for a moment, then responded, "Our best option is to send people to scout the road ahead of use. Once we get a clear picture of the situation outside and confirm the location of their campsite, we''ll have an easier time hiding from them."

    Harbhara, however, shot back, "We''re not afraid of them! None of our warriors will retreat without putting up a fight if we really do run into the khan''s army!"

    Lu Heng smiled and nodded. "Indeed," he replied calmly. "The Minuo warriors don''t fear them. But if I may offer my humble opinion, unnecessary confrontation will be of no benefit to us unless we have good reason to fight them, such as the prospects of provisions and other things that will help us."

    Caganbharaughed, "Right, if we gave it our all in a fight, but are only fighting for the sake of fighting, wouldn''t that be too silly and brash?"

    The people gathered in the tentughed at that. Though Qin Yining didn''t understand what they said, she rxed upon seeing that the heavy atmosphere had lightened up once again.

    In the end, Lu Heng and the tribesmen agreed they would first arrange for parties to scout the area, while those left behind at camp tidied up their belongings so that they were ready to depart at any time.

    Once word got out, tribesmen immediately got to work without a singleint. Compared to the perilous desert, hope suffused them for the future, despite the frigid cold and the asional blizzard.

    ......

    Upon Siqin¡¯s ascension to the throne, he spent some time stabilizing his court. Eventually, his council raised the question of filling the imperial harem. Some of his officials proposed a pageant, in which every tribe in Tatar was to send their beauties.

    By the time Anari assumed the regency, the royal family had already died off almost entirely. Initially, the court thought Anari''s children would be heirs to the throne.

    Yet she¡¯d been assassinated and Siqin didn''t have any other woman by his side. If something were to happen to him, wouldn¡¯t that mean the end of Tatar royalty?

    For the stability of their nation, his officials pleaded and begged for him to host a pageant and appoint a Khatun.

    Siqin, however, sternly refuted them in morning court. "The only one I love from the depths of my heart is Anari. If I must have a Khatun, I wish for Anari to assume that position. I will have heirs. However, no woman but Anari has the right to bear the title of Khatun. I will take wives and produce children for the sake of Tatar''s royal lineage and stability. As for matters concerning the Khatun, you will cease your attempts to persuade me otherwise."

    One of his older subjects was even moved to tears¡ªhe ced a hand on his chest and bowed deeply. "I do believe Anari Khan''s soul has been moved by the khan''s devotion from where she is in the heavens."

    All of his officials bowed and shouted, "The khan''s deep love and devotion is the blessing of Tatar!"

    Regardless of whether Utkin Khan wished to appoint a Khatun or not, there was no need to fret over the heir to the throne so long as he didn''t be a monk. All would be fine if he bedded beautiful women and had as many children as possible. His officials were smart; they knew not to oppose Siqin on this matter.

    Seeing that his subjects hade to an agreement, he somberly brought up Anari once again.

    "My heart aches for the suffering Anari endured. s, the assassins are far too sneaky. I have sent so many men after them, yet their capture still eludes me, and in fact they¡¯ve gained the protection of the Minuo traitors. There would be no reason otherwise that I have yet to receive any word of their capture." Siqin''s voice rang clearly, yet he spoke calmly without a trace of excessive emotion.

    His officials, however, bowed deeply once again. "Your subjects have been ipetent."

    "Do rise at once, I didn''t intend to me you." Siqin stood and sped his hands behind his back. "No matter how fierce a warrior may be, even he cannot secure absolute victory over the slippery Great Zhou."

    Someone who was able to read between the lines of Siqin''s words stepped forward. "Khan, those two assassins must have been sent by Great Zhou''s dog of an emperor! They were able to escape because they had their emperor''s help from the shadows."

 Chapter 512.2: Official Denunciation

    <h4>Chapter 512.2: Official Denunciation</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    These words inspired a wave of discussion and spection among the crowd.

    Soon enough, everyone agreed it was the Great Zhou emperor who had sent assassins after Anari Khan, yet now refused to admit what he¡¯d done after murdering her and was attempting to help the assassins escape punishment.

    As the sound of discord grew louder, their emotions escted. Amid their disparaging, a loud voice cried out, "Those sly Great Zhou foxes are asking for Tatar hunters to teach them a lesson, so they''ll know what we''re made of!"

    That ignited the fighting spirit and blood lust of the officials. No Tatar warrior would admit to being cowards who didn''t dare exact vengeance on Anari''s behalf. What''s more, Utkin Khan loved Anari so dearly that they wanted to help avenge her. Not only would this appease the khan, it would win them his favor.

    The gathered men wordlessly came to the same conclusion and stirred themselves up. In just a moment, the court was filled with cries to volunteer for military service.

    The corners of Siqin''s lips involuntarily twitched into a faint smile, but it was suppressed as quickly as it came.

    "I thank you all," said Siqin, "but we Tatars aren''t a people who do not see reason. I will decide after discussing terms with Great Zhou. We shall give them a chance. If they continue to refuse responsibility, then they cannot me us for collecting on the blood debt owed to us!"

    His subjects expressed their unanimous approval and assented verbally with bows.

    Calls to arms written in four-six prose were immediately published after the court meeting adjourned. They recount the shamelessness of Great Zhou in great detail¡ªfor sending and then not owning up to sending assassins, they subtlyuded Utkin Khan''s wise and benevolent rule.

    These writings not only made their way to Great Zhou; but also cities and viges all over Tatar, big and small. It didn''t take long for the people tounch into heated discussion, with everyone collectively praising Utkin Khan''s heroism.

    The people of Great Zhou, on the other hand, were disgusted by their shameless words.

    Li Qitian was so infuriated that he smashed his favorite tea set and summoned Pang Xiao, Patriarch Lu, and Qin Huaiyuan to the pce for another tongueshing.

    "Tell Us, what are we to do now?! Not only did those Tatars write these calls to arms, they show great disrespect with their words. That is not even the least of it¡ªthey think themselves lions and wish to extort an obscene amount of money aspensation! These Tatars are so impoverished that they''ve gone mad!" fumed Li Qitian.

    Strictly speaking, he¡¯d seized the throne from the back of his stallion in the battlefield. War wasn¡¯t something he feared. However, their greatest dilemma wasn¡¯t that they didn''t have soldiers or horses, but that the national treasury didn''t have any spare silver to fund yet another war.

    He was already so strapped for silver that he felt as if his elbows were exposed every time he pulled on his robes, as if he were so poor that he couldn¡¯t rece threadbare clothes. And now the Tatars were trying to extort him?! How was Li Qitian not to be angered by this?

    "Please quell your anger, Your Majesty." Qin Huaiyuan was the calmest of the three¡ªseeing that Pang Xiao and Patriarch Lu didn''t move to speak, he did the natural thing and bowed. "This subject believes Siqin is using any excuse he can to extort reparations out of us. If that fails, he will have a usible reason to dere war."

    Li Qitian felt the onset of a massive headache at the mention of the word "war"¡ªwhether it was warfare or the livelihoods of the people, all of them required financial support. The government was still as chaotic and broken as it¡¯d been in the past; the tumors of Northern Ji didn''t cease to be simply because a new dynasty had begun.

    They had been hard at work trying to stabilize the nation so that Great Zhou could gradually rise and prosper.

    However, it was precisely because they had their hands full with rebuilding the country that they didn''t have the energy to spare on other affairs. Li Qitian''s worries had already turned the hair on his temples white.

    "We know full well this is the case! The problem is how we are to resolve this situation! As We said from the start, the people of Our war torn nation have suffered for years. If the people can be spared from hardship, We are willing to go through any ordeal.

    ¡°It¡¯s still uncertain if it¡¯s even our people who killed Anari! If n¨¦e Qin and Lu Heng are both captured, Tatar will swear we were the ones who did it! And now the Tatars think themselves to be a lion and open their maws to demand money from us, or else they dere war. We pity each and every one of Our citizens!"

    Li Qitian''s heart ached so much that he was close to beating his chest and stamping his feet from sheer frustration. To be emperor seemed glorious, but he was so frazzled that he couldn''t even feel his exhaustion, both mentally and physically.

    Patriarch Lu and Pang Xiao spoke not a single word, for they knew Li Qitian couldn¡¯t care less for Lu Heng and Qin Yining''s safety. If the Tatars had dered they would waive all responsibility as long as Great Zhou handed those two over, Li Qitian wouldn''t have cared if they were deceiving him or not¡ªhe would¡¯ve dly epted those terms.

    Pang Xiao was in secret contact with some of the Elite Tigers and had ordered them to infiltrate Tatar in search of Qin Yining. Though Li Qitian seemed high-strung, the nation''s affairs were so chaotic that his hands werepletely full; he wouldn''t care about Pang Xiao''s actions for the time being.

    Even if the emperor decided to press charges, Pang Xiao was willing to ept any punishment. He had already defied all those royal decrees, after all¡ªwould he care about such a thing if it meant helping his darling?

 Chapter 513: Rations

    <h4>Chapter 513: Rations</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Naturally, the officials of Tatar flew into an outrage when they received the letter. The court petitioned for Siqin to dere war. Eventually, he did as they wished and began allocating rations in preparation.

    In less than ten days, they had readied the amount they needed. Instead loudly proiming their intent to go to war, Siqin sent a group of one hundred men disguised as merchants to transport arge shipment of rations to the front lines.

    The Elite Tigers sent to search for Qin Yining arrived in Tatar and learned of this secret n to deploy rations before they could find her. When Pang Xiao received word of this, he somberly requested an audience with Qin Huaiyuan.

    "Father-inw, my men have acquired this piece of intel. I cannot say for certain whether His Majesty also knows or not."

    Qin Huaiyuan''s brows furrowed as he pondered. "Are you uncertain whether you should report this to His Majesty?"

    Li Qitian had been watching Pang Xiao''s men like a hawk¡ªif he reported this to Li Qitian, wouldn''t that mean admitting that he¡¯d sent men to Tatar? But as a citizen of Great Zhou, if he remained silent despite detecting something untoward from Tatar, soldiers would lose their lives because they missed a key opportunity to prepare themselves for battle.

    Pang Xiao pondered this. "It would be of no consequence to me if I tell His Majesty. He¡¯d always been aware of my bad temper, after all. Even if he has yet to pick up on what I¡¯ve been up to, I wager he expects me to send people to look for my darling."

    Qin Huaiyuanughed. "So you intend to inform His Majesty directly?"

    "What does father-inw think? I have no desire for innocent civilians and soldiers to needlessly throw their lives away."

    Qin Huaiyuan pped Pang Xiao on his shoulder.

    "You see the situation clearly. In truth, this is all inconsequential. If we allow ourselves to be weighed down by bureaucracy, we will easily lose sight of what is important to us. When we overturned Northern Ji''s tyrannical rule, we did so for neither fame nor glory, no?"

    Moved by his words, Pang Xiao smiled. "It is as father-inw says. You see things with great rity."

    Qin Huaiyuan smiled. "You have done well enough already. Presently, His Majesty''s primary concern is silver. He worries we don¡¯t have enough to fund the war effort, not the prospect of going to war itself. We would be doing our duty as his subjects by telling him, in any case."

    How was Pang Xiao not read between the lines of Qin Huaiyuan''s words?

    He was criticizing the hypocrisy of Li Qitian''s self-righteousness of looking out for the people when in truth, his worries were actually about money!

    Once the prince decided to let go of his concerns, his mood instantly lifted.

    "It is as father-inw says. I don¡¯t wish to be overly cautious, either. Should we go to war, I trust His Majesty will send me to the battlefield. His Majesty still values my abilities, so he won¡¯t be too critical about me sending my men to Tatar."

    "Oh?" Qin Huaiyuan sounded rather amused. "How can you be so certain His Majesty will send you to battle?"

    Pang Xiao smiled briefly. "His Majesty trusts Ah Lan considerably, and he¡¯s the master of the Valiant Tigers in addition to themander of the capital guard. The emperor will trust no one but Ah Lan with his personal safety."

    Li Qitian no longer trusted Pang Xiao, and ever since the prince had defied over thirty royal decrees for Qin Yining, that distrust had reached an all-time high. Why would such a sensitive person such as Li Qitian entrust someone he doubted with his safety?

    "There¡¯s no need to dwell too much on the matter. His Majesty won¡¯t take the initiative in dering war, but it¡¯s highly possible that Utkin Khan will. Over the next few days, you should first consider how you and the Dragon Riders are to work together, as well as battle tactics to employ. Siqin is a master of deceit, it will be no easy matter to obtain any benefits from him."

    "Father-inw is right. I will consider these matters thoroughly. I shall be informing His Majesty then?" Pang Xiao confirmed respectfully.

    "There¡¯s no need to be overly apprehensive," Qin Huaiyuan replied. "Trust your judgement."

    Pang Xiao had long been aware of Qin Huaiyuan''s keen foresight, and the nod he received only gave him more confidence in his decision. When he reported his discovery of the Tatar deployment of rations, Li Qitian stared at him with a mixed expression for a good while before waving a hand to dismiss him.

    ......

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining and her group of eight hundred were carefully making their way around two border sentry posts and were finally approaching Great Zhou''s borders.

    Everyone cheered with joy, but as they celebrated getting one step closer to sess, their scouts suddenly returned in a hurry.

    "We''ve spotted a group of a hundred people escorting a lot of horse-drawn carriages."

    "Who were those people?" asked Alham.

    "They''re dressed like merchants, but they don''t look the part judging from their body and mannerisms. In fact, they look more like... like soldiers!" These words were highly rming.

    If they truly were soldiers, it meant Siqin was very likely starting a war!

    The color drained from Qin Yining¡¯s face after hearing Lu Heng¡¯s trantion.

    "This is no small matter." She mused with scrunched brows. "When Siqin did what he did, I had my suspicions about his ambitions. I didn¡¯t think that I¡¯d guessed correctly, that his every action seems to be a step toward that goal."

    Qin Yining didn''t bring up Anari''s murder outright. However, even if others didn''t understand what she was referring to, Lu Heng knew.

    "An army marches on its stomach¡ªif Utkin Khan is truly procuring rations, I fear this means Tatar and Great Zhou will be going to war."

    As the two quietly discussed the development, the other Minuo started to cheer. "Who cares about what Utkin Khan ns to do? Look at all those provisions! We''re running out of food, clothes, and tents. Rob ''em blind first, talkter!"

    "Rob ''em! Rob ''em!" The Minuo seemed thrilled by the prospects.

    Lu Heng found their reaction humorous highly amusing. He coughed twice before turning to Qin Yining. "It seems we¡¯ve really been overthinking things."

    "What¡¯s the matter?" Qin Yining could also tell the tribesmen were excited, but she couldn''t say why.

    "The truth is often the most straightforward path," Lu Heng replied. "As the tribesmen say, who cares what Siqin''s ns are? It so happens that we¡¯re low on food and clothing, so we should just steal from them. We have so many mouths to feed, after all!"

    Having overheard Lu Heng and Qin Yining''s conversation, Alham couldn''t helpughing heartily. He turned to ry their words to the rest of the tribe. Both Caganbhara and Harbhara were ted and volunteered to lead the mission.

    Seeing the tribe''s enthusiastic reaction, Qin Yining couldn''t help but step in. "If those are truly the provisions Utkin Khan has prepared for war, we will be heavily pursued should we steal those. It¡¯s imperative that we exercise more caution."

 Chapter 514.1: Support

    <h4>Chapter 514.1: Support</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining nodded with approval, ¡°Utkin Khan really is ambitious.¡±

    The current situation was very apparent. It went without saying why Siqin killed Anari, then pushed the me onto her and Lu Heng. Since he was preparing for war, then they had to cut off his supply of army rations and fodder.

    Firstly, their own tribe wascking supplies from the start.

    Secondly, what was the point of bringing so many tribesmen if they weren¡¯t going to do anything with their superior numbers? Why would they just pass by the opportunity to weaken Utkin Khan?

    Thirdly, and most important in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes, was that the Tatars didn¡¯t seem to have much fertilend. They were mostly a nomadic group, so their reserve of foodstuffs were nowhere near as rich as the former Great Yan¡¯s. Having their supply cut off meant a very likely dy to potential war and slightly lessening the pressure on Pang Xiao.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t even need to be in the capital to know what would happen if war broke out. As long as she calmed down a little and analyzed all sides, it was an easy conclusion that no matter if conflict broke out on the north or south borders, Li Qitian would absolutely have Pang Xiao deployed to the front lines. The Great Zhou emperor trusted Pang Xiao not at all, so it was impossible that the prince would be entrusted with the capital¡¯s safety.

    Furthermore, if Li Qitian wanted Pang Xiao assassinated, it would be easier to shirk off the me if that urred when the prince was outside the capital.

    Pang Xiao was beset by danger on all sides. Qin Yining hated that she couldn¡¯t grow wings and fly back to the capital to help him. Unfortunately, right now, the only thing she could do was to forge onward to the border station.

    Amidst everybody¡¯s spirited discussions, Qin Yining seemed to just stand there in a daze. Lu Heng noticed the slight frown on her face and could guess at what she was thinking. His heart stung with jealousy.

    Even though Pang Xiao hadn¡¯t protected her properly, even though Lu Heng was the one who¡¯d weathered all these hardships with her, Qin Yining¡¯s heart would always only hold Pang Xiao and no one else. Lu Heng envied Pang Xiao¡¯s luck to receive the wholehearted devotion of such an amazing woman and also pitied himself¡ªno matter how much he loved her, his affections would never be returned.

    After a long discussion, the final decision was that they absolutely had to fight for the army provisions. With the rations, they could think of ways to gather with the rest of the tribesmen before finding a safe spot to start a new life.

    Morale was high under the anticipation of obtaining supplies. Uncle Alham led scouts in two rounds of reconnaissance missions to estimate the route of the supply trains before reconvening with everyone else to discuss the best amush sites.

    On the day of the operations, Lu Heng and Qin Yining both stayed behind in the camp. Uncle Alham and Harbhara led five hundred soldiers while Caganbhara stayed behind with the rest of the tribesmen as reinforcements, ready to provide support.

    The battlested the entire day.

    The next morning, Uncle Alham sessfully returned with the entire supply train. Because Qin Yining and Lu Heng had ensured there were no holes in their tactics, the strike seeded with only one fatality and three casualties. Not only did they manage to steal the provisions, they even wiped out all of the troops sent to guard it.

    This was an incredible miracle.

    Uncle Alham bore new levels of respect toward Qin Yining and Lu Heng¡¯s intellect. Admiration and esteem for the two foreigners rose to a peak. By now, all of the tribesmen knew that Qin Yining and Lu Heng were extremely remarkable military strategists. Their tactics were unmatched, foolproof¡ªfollowing their ns guaranteed victory at the lowest price.

    After obtaining the supplies, Qin Yining and Lu Heng discussed next steps. The group didn¡¯t loiter and rushed to the ravine they¡¯d circled around earlier on their journey. They took advantage of the heavy snowfall to cover their tracks, perfectly evading the scouts Siqin had arranged for.

    At the same time, news of the supply train being cut off quickly made its way to the khan¡¯s ear.

    ¡°What? All of the troops were wiped out? I arranged for a hundred elites to guard it, each capable of fighting off ten men! How could they¡¯ve all been killed so easily! Who did it?!¡±

    The reporting general was ashen-faced, hisplexion growing paler and paler with every one of Siqin¡¯s roars. He knelt in a grand gesture of greeting on the floor.

    ¡°May the great khan quell your anger, it is all our ipetence. With the snows sealing off the road, travel conditions outside are exceedingly poor. Your subjects... don¡¯t know who did it. When our investigation team arrived, only the bodies of our brave warriors were left. The supplies, horses, and weapons had all disappeared without a trace.¡±

    ¡°Disappeared without a trace?¡¯ Siqin squeezed out through clenched teeth. His lips ttened out again as he regained perfect control over his mood and expression. He postted in an even tone, ¡°Do the gods really disfavor the mightiness of the Tatar and do not wish for us to take revenge for Anari? Is that why such a farce has found us?¡±

 Chapter 514.2: Support

    <h4>Chapter 514.2: Support</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Indeed, noble khan. There must be some trail to the stolen supplies. This servant will immediately take people to investigate and we will find where they¡¯ve gone to! They will not disappear without a trace!¡±

    Now Siqin nodded along. ¡°This khan is relieved upon hearing that. I also believe our nation is still under the gods¡¯ care and that no witchcraft is involved in this. The supplies would not have just disappeared like this.¡±

    As the officials walked out the pce, a cold wind blew over them. The gust suddenly brought awareness of the sweat soaking their backs and that a chill ran throughout their bodies.

    Utkin Khan was truly a formidable khan! He didn¡¯t fly into a rage, but just a few of his sentences were even more frightening than the former khan¡¯s full-blown fury.

    Even though Utkin Khan wasn¡¯t in a clear temper, they still felt a tremble shake the very depths of their soul. This was the true pressure of a monarch.

    ......

    Pang Xiao soon received a messenger pigeon, detailing that a significant shipment of Tatar army provisions had vanished without a trace. Siqin¡¯s men were all currently trying to track down the supplies, making it likely for the war to be postponed.

    His heart shook when he read the message. Although he had no proof or evidence, nor had he seen it with his own eyes, he was firmly convinced that this had something to do with his beloved Qin Yining.

    Siqin was a very capable leader. After rising to power, not only did he treat all of his councilors well, but he even decreased the taxes on themon people and greatly improved the livelihood of ves. These days, all of the Tatar held Utkin Khan in great esteem.

    The cohesion of the Tatars had propelled the nation to its highest peak in the past fifty years.

    They wished to start a war to take revenge for Anari, so it was unlikely that people would be tempted to rob the army¡¯s provisions. Siqin would¡¯ve also set up a squadron of elite guards to transport the provisions, so ordinary bandits would find no sess.

    Thus, Pang Xiao was sure that the theft had been a premeditated strike.

    His wife also had the biggest motive in doing this. Dying the war would greatly relieve the burden on Great Zhou and at the same time, reduce the pressure on him.

    He had never been one to doubt Qin Yining¡¯s intelligence or ability. Just knowing that she was still alive had already filled many days with joy. Now knowing that she even had the power left to undertake such a great operation elevated the prince to the clouds.

    Pang Xiao quietly went to visit Qin Huaiyuan, whose face broke into a wide smile when he heard the news.

    ¡°That chit! Here I was worrying about all the hardships she must¡¯ve gone through outside while she¡¯s off robbing the Tatar army provisions! At least I don¡¯t have to worry about her going hungry now.¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled along for a bit before going silent, his worries returning.

    ¡°What if I¡¯ve guessed wrong and it wasn¡¯t my darling¡¯s doing? Then she might still be starving. It¡¯s also much colder in Tatar territorypared to the capital. Darling Yi grew up in the south so I¡¯m really worried that she won¡¯t be used to it.¡±

    Qin Huaiyan couldn¡¯t help a chuckle as he listened to Pang Xiao fret.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can guarantee that really was my daughter''s work. I received a message today from N¨¦e Cao on the Tatar frontier. Although she didn¡¯t confirm the news about Daughter Yi and Lu Heng killing Anari, she said they¡¯ve already left the Tatar capital with the Minuo tribe and is currently being pursued by Siqin¡¯s men.¡±

    ¡°The Minuo tribe? It used to be one of Tartar¡¯s strongest tribes. However, there¡¯s apparently not that many healthy, young men left in the tribe after Anari Khan¡¯s persecution.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, it is that tribe. No regime is perfect, there will always be holes that need to be closed. Nowadays, Utkin Khan is highly esteemed amongst his people. He took advantage of Anari Khan¡¯s misdeeds to make himself appear especially benevolent.¡±

    Pang Xiao fell silent.

    Siqin¡¯s meticulous nning and methods were truly frightening. He¡¯d started plotting from the day he approached Anari. Even when he helped thete khan seize power, he was justying the road for his own future. His sinister and methodical schemes were absolutely terrifying.

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help butpare the situation to himself.

    His wife was a very intelligent and resourceful person, but would only ever help and not harm him. Even when trapped in a dangerous situation, she didn¡¯t forget to lead people and raid Siqin¡¯s supply train to relieve some of his pressure. That didn¡¯t even mention the invaluable help she¡¯d provided at the earthquake disaster zone!

    Pang Xiao felt like his heart had been doused with honey.

    But the more he felt like this, the more uncontroble longing nibbled at his mind. If possible, Pang Xiao really wished that Qin Yining could just always stay by his side, where she would remain safe and sound. It was fine if she couldn¡¯t help him, as long as she could safely keep himpany.

    ¡°With Siqin¡¯s cunningness, it¡¯s very dangerous for my darling to be in Tatar territory.¡± Pang Xiao frowned, worry locking his features, ¡°If it was possible, I would¡¯ve personally charged into Tatar territory to bring her back myself.¡±

    Qin Huaiyan patted Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulderfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t be too worried, things haven¡¯t reached that stage yet. Daughter Yi¡¯s with the Minuo. Even though we still don¡¯t know the details, we can ascertain she is safe for the time being. We currently have a strained rtionship with the Tatars, so if you rush in impetuously, it would be no joking matter if the crime of treason is pinned to your head. Don¡¯t forget, your life no longer impacts just yourself.¡±

    Pang Xiao could only smile ruefully. It was because he knew that he still had responsibilities that he couldn¡¯t shirk that all he could do was wait helplessly for news. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve charged into Tatar territory long ago to find her.

    ......

    While the father and son inw pair were worrying about Qin Yining, the person in question was jumping with joy and wrapping Cao Yuqing in a tight hug.

    ¡°Auntie Cao! You¡¯re safe! Oh, thank goodness!¡±

 Chapter 515.1: The Situation at Hand

    <h4>Chapter 515.1: The Situation at Hand</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Her sincere concern and small, yet warm embrace almost made Qin Yining burst into tears on the spot.

    She sniffled a few times. After a good moment, she replied, "I am well. Though we were met with danger throughout our journey, we survived them all in the end. The past is in the past. Look at me, I¡¯m okay! I¡¯m just worried about all of you buried underground the day I was taken. Is everyone... alright?"

    What Qin Yining wished to hear the least was that anything bad had happened that day. She thought of everyone¡¯s lively faces; they were all still so young. If they ended up losing their lives to protect her, Qin Yining would me herself for their deaths for the rest of her life.

    Cao Yuqin sympathetically patted her on the shoulder. "Don¡¯t think wild thoughts," she consoled. "The heavens have been on our side as ofte, so we are all well. His Highness arrived on the scene with his menter on and dug the entire cavern open to save everyone.

    ¡°Jingzhe and the other Silver Masks had already run out by then, but their injuries were more serious. I prescribed them with bed rest, and they''ve mostly recovered now. Bingtang and Jiyun were rescued by His Highness when he went back, so you have no need to worry about them."

    "Good." Qin Yining heaved a long sigh. "If something really did befall anyone because of me, that guilt would¡¯ve stayed with me for the rest of my life."

    Taking note that Qin Yining fell quiet without any further questions, Cao Yuqing took the initiative to add, "I once thought His Highness liked you for your looks, but trials and tribtions reveal one''s true colors. I now see that the love His Highness holds for you is true.

    ¡°Do you know that he disobeyed more than thirty royal decrees in order to stay behind to look for you? Despite His Majesty urging him time and time again to return to the capital, he stayed put. He nearly dug up the entirety of the old capital and Yang County, and only when he was certain your body was nowhere to be found that he managed to rein in his worries somewhat and return to the capital with his men."

    Bittersweet emotions tugged at Qin Yining''s heart, with the thought of Pang Xiao bringing her back to the brink of tears.

    "Is all well with him now? Did His Majesty not take out his anger on him? What of my father and mother?"

    Cao Yuqing patted her shoulder in a soothing manner. "Rest assured¡ªeveryone is well. His Majesty still has use for someone as educated andpetent as His Highness, so why would the emperor touch him?

    ¡°Your disappearance, however, has made him so thin that it''s as if someone had stripped him of ayer of his skin. There¡¯s no need to worry about your father either. Though he worries about you, he¡¯s a man full of wisdom who knows what course of action he should be taking at any given time. He¡¯s fully capable of looking out for himself."

    Qin Yiningughed heartily at that, but smiling only squeezed more tears out of her. She dabbed at her eyes with her sleeve. "I know. All is well so long as everything is well at home."

    "I saw you being taken away right before my eyes that day, but was powerless to do anything. I then infiltrated the Tatar capital to continue searching for you, but to no avail.

    ¡°Later, I heard that Anari Khan had been assassinated, and it wasn''t long before I saw Utkin Khan''s call for arms. Only then did I learn that you¡¯d killed Anari Khan. I exchanged mail with your father, who told me it was imperative for me to find you. He also had me bring you a message."

    "What message?" Qin Yining looked at Cao Yuqing intently.

    The guard captain looked from side to side and noticed the rest of the tribesmen listening in on their conversation with perked ears; they were seated at a campfire not too far away. She looked back at Qin Yining with a questioning look.

    Qin Yiningughed in understanding. "Not to worry. I have been in everyone''s care and protection for the past days. They are all trustworthyrades."

    After Uncle Alham tranted Qin Yining''s words to Caganbhara and the others, they all shed friendly smiles. Some of the younger fellows and middle-aged individuals even appearedpletely flustered as they stole nces at Cao Yuqing and Qin Yining.

    Never had they seen such beautiful women in their lives; what''s more, two of them were present at the same time!

    Cao Yuqing understood the situation from Qin Yining''s reaction. She lowered her voice and continued, "Your father wishes for you not to return to Great Zhou yet. It will be safer for you outside because Utkin Khan wishes to dere war. You also know of Great Zhou''s current plight. His Majesty does not wish to go to war, so he is searching for the easier way to quell Utkin Khan''s anger.

    ¡°If you return, you will certainly be handed over to Utkin Khan as the culprit. Going back will be the same as endangering yourself, like amb entering a tiger''s den. Thus, your father wishes for you to stay away for some time. We can consider how to proceed depending on how the situation in Great Zhou unfolds."

    Qin Yining couldn''t help but stare nkly, at a momentary loss for words. She was finally able to see someone from her family, yet still couldn''t go home because of such reasons! She would be lying if she said she wasn''t disappointed.

    However, she also understood the gravity of the situation. She had already learned that Pang Xiao, her parents and the rest of her family were alright, so she no longer needed to fret over their well-being; that was a blessing in itself.

    "I understand." Qin Yining dimpled. "I¡¯ve been well here, so please tell my father how I¡¯ve been."

    Cao Yuqing nodded with a smile, then gave Lu Heng and the others a friendly smile before curtseying. "My Yining has been in your care for this period of time. We will surely repay you for your kindness in the days toe, should the opportunity arise."

    The others didn''t understand what Cao Yuqing had said, but Lu Heng and Uncle Alham did.

    Hearing that Qin Yining had referred to Cao Yuqing as her aunt, he treated her as her elder. He stood up and returned the curtsey with a bow of his own.

    "There is no need for such formalities. We are friends who have been together through thick and thin, so there¡¯s no need to bother with that."

 Chapter 515.2: The Situation at Hand

    <h4>Chapter 515.2: The Situation at Hand</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Looking at her, Lu Heng even surmised Cao Yuqing was younger than he was. Either she outranked him despite being younger, or she was Qin Huaiyuan''s concubine. Thus, he didn''t dare address her carelessly.

    Uncle Alham''s face had gone as red as a cut of scarlet cloth. Even though Qin Yining was beautiful indeed, he viewed her as a pretty youngdy who could¡¯ve been his daughter. Cao Yuqing''s beauty however, was a different ss of its own¡ªthough she was also young, her mature allure and elegant bearing made it hard for his heart not to race.

    He frantically waved his hand and stammered at her in his clumsy rendition of the Great Zhou tongue. "No problem, no problem, Princess is our chief, helped us avenge! We all protect her, protecting her is what we should do!"

    Cao Yuqing understood what was going on, the ghost of augh upon her lips. "My thanks are still due to you all," she replied softly before proceeding to curtsey once more.

    In this world, beautiful women tended to receive special treatment. Apart from her beauty, she also had good manners and conversed in a gentle manner. Not to mention, Cao Yuqing was a rtive of their ¡®chief¡¯, so the people of the Minuo tribe epted her quite readily.

    The two continued exchanging pleasantries as the rest of the tribe watched. Though they didn''t understand what was said, the conversation seemed pleasant, so they were happy enough with that.

    Qin Yining nced at Lu Heng and turned to ask, "Auntie Cao, do you have any news of the Lu family?"

    Lu Heng started at this and turned toward the princess consort, a gentle look in his eyes.

    Cao Yuqing acutely noticed Lu Heng''s odd behavior and understood what it meant, though she showed no visible reaction.

    "I''ve been out looking for you, so I¡¯ve beenrgely unaware about what is happening in the capital. Something¡¯s happened in the Lu family that¡¯s gotten out of hand, though, so I''ve heard a thing or two, but I can¡¯t vouch for how true the rumors are."

    "Is it that my grandfather has fallen ill," Lu Heng inquired with a note of concern, "so someone else has taken his ce as the patriarch of Lu family?"

    Cao Yuqing blinked in astonishment.

    Seeing the woman''s reaction, Lu Heng sighed. "It appears I¡¯ve guessed correctly."

    Cao Yuqing found herself abruptly reevaluating just how intelligent Lu Heng was. Curiosity got the better of her, so she asked, "How did you guess that?"

    "That¡¯s how the Lu family is.¡± Lu Heng smiled wryly. ¡°Leaving the country has already angered His Majesty. Now that there¡¯s been the assassination incident, the family will surely disown me and let me take the fall for it all. My grandfather and I are of the same faction, so... in any case, it is only natural for such a shift in power to ur due to the trouble I¡¯ve gotten into."

    Cao Yuqing nodded. "Though Patriarch Lu has yet to request retirement, his health has not been the best as ofte."

    Lu Heng''s heart couldn''t help but ache greatly at that.

    Growing up, not even his father paid much mind to him; the only one who doted after him and gave him guidance was his grandfather. He had let his grandfather down for not being a filial grandson waiting on his every need, and now his once healthy grandfather''s health had taken a toll because of him.

    He knew that Cao Yuqing had definitely softened her words. It was very likely for "his health has not been the best as ofte" to mean that his grandfather had actually fallen extremely ill.

    He well understood his family''s power struggles. Because of his incident, his uncles would seize upon the opportunity to strike and usurp his grandfather''s ce as the head of the family. Therefore, even if he did make it back to the Lu family alive, there was no ce left for him there anymore.

    Qin Yining witnessed a look of despondency cross Lu Heng''s face, an expression that she had never seen before.

    "Second Master Lu mustn''t worry," she assured. "My Auntie Cao has been out of the country, so she doesn¡¯t know the details of what is happening in the capital. Perhaps there¡¯s still something about this that we are unaware about. Even if your family is facing problems, we can think of a way to fix them together once we return. We have already braved the grueling desert twice. We only need to use our brains for these other matters, so what is there to fear?"

    Lu Heng''s frozen heart felt as if it had suddenly been ced in a hot spring, warming him from inside out. A glimmer of hope began to peek into his heart. An involuntary smile creased his lips, his eyes filling with a gentle warmth. "As you say."

    In truth, he wanted to ask Qin Yining this: are you willing to help me think of a way to face this together?

    Yet he could have guessed the answer even if he stayed quiet.

    Qin Yining would surely agree to help him because she saw him as arade and friend, certainly not as her lover.

    Twinges of sympathy assailed Cao Yuqing when she saw the look in Lu Heng''s eyes; the way he was now was incredibly simr to how she once was. Her wishes were unattainable, nor did she wish to force things that were not to be, out of fear that once she did, she would lose everything she already had.

 Chapter 516: The Plan

    <h4>Chapter 516: The n</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Yes,¡± Qin Yining added with a smile. ¡°The road ahead is long, and a moment¡¯s frustration is nothing. All will be fine.¡±

    Lu Heng nodded emotionally, expressing his thanks to them both again, especially Cao Yuqing.

    This must be what it means for birds of a feather to flock together, she really is Qin Yining¡¯s aunt alright! The princess consort was such a remarkable young woman that those gathered around her were also exceptional, with not an ordinary person among them.

    When everyone was seated again, Cao Yuqing spoke of what she had observed when she first arrived.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for me to find this valley when I first came, but that¡¯s only because I was alone. Although the roads are blocked by heavy snow outside, you¡¯ve taken quite a bit of Utkin Khan¡¯s provisions. Such arge amount of food would feed an army of a hundred thousand men for a month or two. There is no way he¡¯ll overlook this offense. Have you thought about what you¡¯ll do if he sent all his troops to search every inch of the desert, when there are less than a thousand of you?¡±

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s words hit the nail on the head.

    ¡°To tell you the truth, that¡¯s what we were discussing just now.¡± Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°We¡¯re short on food, and the group left on the other side of the desert also needs food. With our deep vendetta against Utkin Khan, we certainly weren¡¯t going to pass up an opportunity to ruin his operations. But now that the grain is in our hands, it feels a bit like a hot potato. I¡¯ve been trying to figure out what needs to be done.¡±

    Lu Heng and Uncle Alham nodded in assent. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re still undecided on the best course of action. We¡¯ve nothing to fear if it¡¯s only a few small squadrons. What¡¯s concerning is if too many of theme at once. We have so much grain and fodder to escort that our ranks will be stretched thin. When the timees, we probably won¡¯t be able to attend to the front without abandoning the rear.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just what I was thinking,¡± responded Cao Yuqing. ¡°Though this valley is very secluded and the roads are currently blocked by heavy snow, which makes it nigh impossible for someone to find your tracks, this isn¡¯t a long-term solution. This is a good hiding ce for now, but if Siqin¡¯s mene in pursuit, won¡¯t they barricade you in? In my humble opinion, it¡¯s better to map out the surroundings as soon as possible, then get out of here.¡±

    Qin Yining, Lu Heng and Uncle Alham all nodded in agreement. ¡°As you say.¡±

    We better choose a snowy day to travel in as well,¡± Qin Yining added. ¡°Although it will be more difficult for us to walk, it¡¯ll be the easiest for covering our tracks.¡±

    The others nodded again.

    ¡°We¡¯re too close to Tatar and the Great Zhou border,¡± said Cao Yuqing after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°You¡¯re liable to attract unwanted attention with whatever you do. If you¡¯re going to go, you should head towards a remote area.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, I think we should head west,¡± agreed Lu Heng.

    ¡°West?¡± Cao Yuqing considered this for a moment. ¡°To the east are severalrge cities and a main road leading directly to Tatar. In the middle is arge patch of desert, and crossing it is a shortcut for traveling to Great Zhou. There are only a few towns to the west, and after that it¡¯s no-man¡¯snd.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Lu Heng. ¡°The westernndscape isplex and very vast, so it¡¯s easier to y hide and seek with our pursuers. If in the east, we¡¯ll be easily intercepted by pursuers from the towns and provinces. If more troopse, they¡¯ll be able to surround us in a nking maneuver. We have only eight hundred in our fighting force now. I¡¯m afraid they¡¯ll ount for our full strength.¡±

    Cao Yuqing frowned and tugged at her hair.

    ¡°If only Yining¡¯s father were here,¡± The guard captain smiled ruefully. ¡°He¡¯s so smart, he¡¯d definitely have his way.¡±

    Amusement crossed the princess consort¡¯s mind to hear Cao Yuqing say so. But after smiling, the yearning for her father in her heart grew even hotter. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s understanding, patience, and love for her were absolutely unfeigned, and his teachings had also had a profound impact upon her.

    Truthfully speaking, in her time outside, wandering homeless and adrift, she missed Pang Xiao and Qin Huaiyuan the most. Even n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t rate that highly in her heart.

    Qin Yining took a deep breath and promised herself that she would be able to return home sooner orter, if only she persevered through current circumstances. When that time came, she would be able to enjoy the happiness of family and be a filial daughter to her father. How wonderful such a future would be!

    In fact, during the countless days and nights of hardship in the desert, she¡¯d relied on these positive thoughts to shine a ray of light in the darkness, to keep herself going.

    ¡°I agree with Second Master Lu. Let¡¯s go west for now, our chances of survival seem greater there,¡± continued Qin Yining. ¡°We can take advantage of this time to observe the state of affairs in Great Zhou and the situation between the two nations. If the two sides intend to fight each other, the emperor will certainly send His Highness to the front lines. When the timees, we can contact the Great Zhou army and follow Pang Xiao¡¯s path. With so much provision to trade, I¡¯m sure the people of Great Zhou will promise to shelter the Minuo tribes.¡±

    Uncle Alham smiled and nodded repeatedly upon hearing this. ¡°This is very good. If that¡¯s true, then things couldn¡¯t be better.¡±

    Lu Heng also nodded assent. ¡°If things go well, they will naturally develop in this direction, and everyone will be saved. As for how to eke out a living after going to Great Zhou, the nationis vast in territory and abundant in natural resources. There are many beautiful ces with uninhabited mountains and rivers. It¡¯s also easy to survive on the grasnds, so there¡¯s no need to worry about that. But there¡¯s another scenario we need to consider. What if we meet our pursuers first?¡±

    Uncle Alham wiped his face and pped Lu Heng on the shoulder. ¡°Ole brother Lu, my boy, can¡¯t you say something positive? If that really happens, none of us brothers are afraid of them! We Minuo raise no cowards! Anari tortured and killed our former chief, harmed so many of our people, and didn¡¯t even spare babes still in their swaddling clothes! We¡¯re going to fight them to the end, there¡¯s no question about that! When the timees, we will fight!¡±

    Uncle Alham¡¯s grasp of Great Zhou was extremely subpar, but Qin Yining, Lu Heng and Cao Yuqing felt an immediate sense of heroic pride me up in their hearts upon hearing his words.

    Cao Yuqing had always been a frank and straightforward person, and she chuckled at Uncle Alham¡¯s speech. ¡°Yes, if worstes to the worst, we¡¯ll fight them. Being afraid of them won¡¯t do!¡±

    For a moment, both Qin Yining and Lu Heng didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. Qin Yining understood Cao Yuqing a bit more than the Lu second master, so she wasn¡¯t too surprised by the deration. Lu Heng, though, regards Cao Yuqing with new heights of respect. Such a delicate beauty is actually the bold and fearless sort, undaunted in matters of life and death!

    Qin Yining responded gently, ¡°Should we encounter such a situation, of course we won¡¯t be afraid, but that¡¯s also the worst-case scenario. We must try our best to prevent such a thing from happening. The most important thing is to minimise the loss of life among our tribesmen.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± agreed Lu Heng. ¡°First things first then, let¡¯s probe the surroundings tomorrow and start moving west as soon as we can. At the same time, we¡¯ll send out scouts ahead of us to assess the situation, which should also help keep casualties down.¡±

    ¡°An excellent idea.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    After thinking it over, Cao Yuqing found it feasible. In any case, she couldn¡¯te up with a better idea, so she too nodded in agreement.

    Siqin and Uncle Alham then went to see the rest of the tribe and exin what had been agreed upon, giving the tribesmen a chance to discuss the situation as well as boost their morale.

    Meanwhile, Qin Yining pulled Cao Yuqing back to her own tent.

    It was a very simple tent, tall enough for a grown person to walk around in only if they stooped, and the floor was carpeted with animal skins and quilts. Because Qin Yining was now regarded as the chief of the Minuo tribe, the women traveling with the group had thoughtfully prepared hot water for their leader. They had also prepared a precious hot water pouch, filled with boiling water and ced under the bedding to warm the bed up.

    Qin Yining pulled Cao Yuqing down to a cross-legged position facing her, then dragged the quilt to cover their legs, the hot water pouch in the middle between their feet.

    Cao Yuqing giggled. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s so warm!¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining also half-closed her eyes infort and took Cao Yuqing¡¯s hands in hers. ¡°Auntie Cao, you must have suffered a lot looking for me out there, all by yourself?¡±

    With her hands held by Qin Yining, Cao Yuqing felt both awkward and delighted.

    Though she was married, she borne no children, and there was no one in her family¡¯s younger generation whom she particrly liked. In addition, because of her deep affection for Qin Huaiyuan, she loved Qin Yining too, and had always regarded Qin Yining as family in her heart.

    She regarded herself as a boorish person incapable of speaking pretty pleasantries, and could only dedicate her whole heart and act ording to her conscience. It was enough in this life to bear no regrets or guilt, and she¡¯d never thought that Qin Yining would take her by the hands and speak to her without resentment.

    She¡¯d never had a younger family member take her hands and speak to her like this before.

    Seeing Qin Yining¡¯s brows and eyes curved into crescents, Cao Yuqing¡¯s embarrassment faded away, leaving only joy behind. She tightly grasped Qin Yining¡¯s hands to warm them up.

    ¡°Fortunately, I¡¯ve weathered all kinds of storms in the outside world over the years, so I¡¯m not afraid to walk alone. I was just very worried before when I couldn¡¯t find you. I was injured when Siqin¡¯s men took you, and I didn¡¯t know how to tell your father what had happened. My only thoughts then were that if anything should happen to you, I wouldn¡¯t have the face to see your father again in my life, so I might as well die. But by the grace of the gods, you¡¯re safe and sound. I couldn¡¯t have been happier when I heard you¡¯d assassinated Anari Khan.¡±

    Cao Yuqing was so outspoken that Qin Yining couldn¡¯t helpughing her eyes out. ¡°Auntie Cao, thank you so much!¡±

    The girl¡¯s genuine sincerity warmed the depths of Cao Yuqing¡¯s heart, but she pretended to be angry instead. ¡°Only strangers would be so polite like this.¡±

    ¡°No, I mean it, really!¡± Qin Yining replied hurriedly, ¡°Auntie Cao, I see you as my family, so how can we be strangers? It¡¯s just that I like everything to be out in the open. I¡¯m grateful to you, so I want you to know.¡±

    Cao Yuqing couldn¡¯t help snickering, ¡°Oh you, aren¡¯t you afraid your mother will be angry that you¡¯re so close to me?¡±

 Chapter 517: Guest

    <h4>Chapter 517: Guest</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Auntie Cao, I know what you mean. I believe that with my father¡¯s smarts, he will also understand. My father must¡¯ve had a reason for doing what he did, especially since it¡¯s something between the older generation. It¡¯s only natural for my mother to feel jealous. This won¡¯t sound very pleasant, but if someone like Auntie Cao, whose appearance, talent, and character are all many times better than mine, was devoted to my husband, I would also be jealous.

    ¡°But Auntie Cao, no matter how jealous my mother is or what my father¡¯s thinking, you are a wonderful elder in my heart. In fact, you¡¯re more like my older sister to me. Even though our family¡¯s gone through so many hardships, you¡¯ve always remained steadfast by my father¡¯s side. If you hadn¡¯t been here when the prince besieged Great Yan, I fear my father would¡¯ve long passed.

    ¡°I can¡¯t do anything about the matters of love and hate between the older generation. In any case, I believe you are a loving and sincere person. I¡¯ve always felt like you and I are kindred spirits, so other people won¡¯t impact our rtionship. Auntie Cao truly treats me like your own, so how can I not love you like a real stepmother?¡±

    These words dove deep into Cao Yuqing¡¯s heart.

    She could offer up the world for Qin Huaiyuan, but s, the fortunes of life proved fickle. She¡¯d been forced into so many inevitable moves, ones that had deposited her in this current station of life after everything.

    She wasn¡¯t afraid of being alone for the rest of her life, she only feared not being by Qin Huaiyan¡¯s side. She knew Qin Huyaiyan was loyal to his own wife and children and disliked her¡ªfine, that was all right. In any case, it was she who adored Qin Huaiyuan. That was all her own business, and she¡¯d never demanded Qin Huaiyuan to take responsibility for it.

    But sometimes, in the dead of the night, she also had moments when she felt lost. When N¨¦e Sun treated her as the enemy, she felt that torturing herself like this was really quite masochistic.

    But with Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s status and that kind of environment, how could he not have somebody by his side to protect him?

    She just wanted him to live well. Even if he lived to a hundred and still just regarded her as a close friend, her life would be as sweet as honey.

    Cao Yuqing had never dreamed that Qin Yining would one day ept her with sincerity. This was a girl who valued rtionships and loyalty very much. Because of her childhood, she longed for the warmth of a family and the maternal love of n¨¦e Sun. However, she¡¯d gained maternal eptance only after experiencing untold hardships. As a result, she returned n¨¦e Sun¡¯s affections with single minded devotion and filial piety.

    At first, when given imperial orders to pretend to be Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s concubine, there¡¯d been times when she lost herself in the act. Her admiration and envy of n¨¦e Sun had sometimes been on full disy, and Qin Yining defended n¨¦e Sun zealously in those moments, like a little beast waving their ws and fangs.

    But after a long period of going through thick and thin, fire and water together, she¡¯d finally won the little beast over, lulling her into retracting her little sharp ws and fangs.

    Cao Yuqing finally felt like all the effort she¡¯d put in over the years hadn¡¯t been wasted.

    Even if she never received Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s love in return, she had Qin Yining¡¯s wholehearted eptance and had gained a family member. It had all been worth it.

    She was a strong person and wasn¡¯t the sort to cry so easily. But right now, her nose twinged and eyes burned, brimming with tears. She looked away in embarrassment, not wanting Qin Yining to see her like that.

    Her keen perception picked up on the development, but Qin Yining only wrapped Cao Yuqing in a hug without saying anything.

    ¡°Auntie Cao, I will treat you with utmost filial piety in the future. If you ever get tired, juste to my home and I¡¯ll take care of you. If I have a son with Pang Zhixiter, you can teach him martial arts. Knowing how skilled you are, I can rest easy with you as his teacher.¡±

    Cao Yuqing wiped her tears at an angle Qin Yining couldn¡¯t see, taking a while to calm down before lecturing in mock anger, ¡°You brat, you sure do dream, huh? Now you covet my martial art skills too? If we¡¯re talking about martial arts in a serious fight where I can¡¯t use poison or assassination, I¡¯d probably be defeated in less than twenty moves by your prince. You still want me to teach your child?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s different. With both you and His Highness as teachers, the effects will be better than with just one teacher.¡±

    ¡°You really are a greedy chit. Just wait until we tell your prince that, he¡¯ll definitelyugh at you!¡± Cao Yuqing chuckled teasingly.

    Qin Yining heard that and couldn¡¯t help but bark inughter, with Cai Yuqing joining in the merriment.

    The two chatted deep into the night before falling asleep together. This was the warmest and mostfortable slumber Qin Yining had in as many recent nights as she could remember.

    Early the next morning, the Minuo went to scout the path ahead. Cao Yuqing finished her morning rations before joining them.

    After ascertaining their route, the group departed from the valley and set out towards the west. Qin Yining was very happy that Cao Yuqing joined them, a feeling that seemed to transfer to a smooth journey.

    At noon on the third day, the forward scouts suddenly came back with a report. ¡°There¡¯s five people up ahead and from their clothes, they appear to be from Great Zhou. They¡¯re all on horseback. If we continue ahead, it¡¯s very likely we¡¯ll run into them.¡±

    Cao Yuqing arched a brow and tightened the reins in her hands. ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± She galloped off in a cloud of dust.

    Qin Yining observed the terrain before having everyone assemble in formation, prepared to fight at any moment.

    But just a momentter, Cao Yuqing urged her horse back. Five people followed behind her, each dressed in a cotton overcoat and a hat. From their height, they were clearly citizens of Great Zhou.

    Cao Yuqing smiled when she pulled up in front of the group. ¡°They¡¯re acquaintances, Yining, you know them.¡±

    Before Qin Yining could speak, Lu Heng eximed in surprise. ¡°Feiying, Feilian?¡±

    Hearing this, two stern-faced and wary middle aged men looked over, lighting up when they saw Lu Heng. They dismounted and rushed over, falling down into a kowtow.

    ¡°Second Master! We¡¯ve finally found you!¡±

    Lu Heng hurriedly helped them up and prevented their foreheads from hitting the snow. ¡°It really is you two!¡±

    ¡°Second Master, thank goodness you¡¯re safe!¡±

    On the other side, the three dismounted before walking to Qin Yining and bowing. ¡°Alliance Head, we¡¯ve finally found you!¡±

    ¡°How are you here?¡± Qin Yining was rather amazed.

    Their term of address rather upset her. The three who¡¯de were the three hallmasters she¡¯d seen when inheriting Azure Justice from her grandmother a long time ago. They were Liao Zhibing of the slippery dework, and the two mountain-bandit brothers, Zhao Promise and Zhao Unbreakable.

    But when she saw Liao Zhibing, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but recall Missus Liao, who Siqin had abandoned in the desert. She wasn¡¯t sure how much Liao Zhibing knew about what happened with the treasure,if he knew about Madame Liao, or how much she could even trust Azure Justice now.

 Chapter 518.1: Pursuing

    <h4>Chapter 518.1: Pursuing</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Liao Zhibing, Zhao Promise, and Zhao Unbreakable bowed to Qin Yining once again.

    ¡°We¡¯ve finally found you after so long!¡± Zhao Promise¡¯s voice rang out in delighted tones. ¡°We even heard that the alliance head killed Anari Khan. Everyone¡¯s saying that the alliance head¡¯s a real hero among women for dealing such a blow to the Tatars. All of the brothers in the alliance are honored to be in your service!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Alliance Head!¡± Zhao Unbreakable was also very happy.

    The way they addressed her drew a confused look from Lu Heng.

    Qin Yining heaved a silent sigh. But at this stage, Lu Heng was no longer a stranger, so she didn¡¯t hide anything. ¡°They¡¯re from Azure Justice.¡±

    Lu Heng wasn¡¯t surprised, having long since guessed the truth of the matter. He only smiled in reply before pulling Feiying and Feilian, the two bodyguards that had followed him for many years, to the side to talk. ¡°Where are you twoing from?¡±

    ¡°Reporting to the second master, wee from home.¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s face lit up. ¡°And how is the situation at home? How is my grandfather doing?¡±

    Feiying and Feilian shared a look, rueful smiles appearing on their faces.

    ¡°Second Master, the family fell into chaos after you were captured. The old lord¡¯s always supported you, but with your capture, those with an eye on the patriarch position started no end of trouble. After the old lord fell ill, the eldest senior master returned to help out with things at home. But since the senior master is rarely at the capital and has a sparsework there, his power is limited. He can only watch helplessly as the second and third branches seize power and strut around."

    ¡°These days, the family is under the second elder master¡¯s control. Perhaps due to worrying about imperial me, he¡¯s pushed everything about the treasure map and the Tatar khan¡¯s assassination onto you. It¡¯s not just them saying it either, but practically everyone in the family. Whenever anyone asks, they all say it¡¯s your fault.¡±

    ¡°The old lord was furious when he found out, but had to keep choking down his anger. That,bined with how the emperor kept summoning him into the pce to be scolded and how much he worried over you... Well, by the time we left, the old lord was already gravely ill.¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s eyes were shut tight as he listened, painfully tilting his head after a while to try and stop tears that threatened to spill.

    If it wasn¡¯t for him being so willful, things wouldn¡¯t have developed like this. If he¡¯d been a better grandson, his grandfather wouldn¡¯t have to suffer like this in his old age.

    This was all his fault!

    But to wallow in regret now was useless. If his grandfather really met with an unexpected ident because of this, Lu Heng would never be able to forgive himself!

    ¡°Second Master, please don¡¯t be too saddened.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Second Master.¡± Feiying and Feilian hurried tofort Lu Heng when they noticed how despondent he seemed.

    Neither two was good with words. They were so clumsy, in fact, that they could talk for ages but still fail to get the point across.

    However, Lu Heng could already sense their sincerity and smiled, pping the two¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Just being able to see you guys here already makes me very happy. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let some news ruin me. Even if it¡¯s lost, I can just take it back forcibly.¡±

    Feiying and Feilian were touched by Lu Heng¡¯s words and vowed heroically, ¡°As long as the second master gives the word, us brothers will dare to do anything.¡±

    Gripped by emotion, Lu Heng responded with a faint smile. ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll be relying on you two.¡±

    On the other side, Qin Yining brought the Azure Justice trio to a more private area to talk. She smiled at them.

    ¡°How did you find us here?¡±

    Lin Zhibing raised his hands in a cupped fist salute. ¡°Although we didn¡¯t find any traces of your whereabouts, we surmised that Utkin Khan would be pursuing you after killing Anari Khan and decided to try our luck in Tatar territory.¡±

    ¡°Your luck sure is good, we really did find each other.¡± Qin Yining dimpled.

    ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Zhibing smiled. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for this happy development, we¡¯d still be outside looking.¡±

    Zhao Promise and Zhao Unbreakable nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Alliance Head, there¡¯s something else I¡¯d like to ask you.¡±

    A bleak smile appeared on Qin Yining¡¯s face. ¡°You wish to ask about Madame Liao, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Liao Zhibing nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. I haven¡¯t heard from her for several months. I was hoping that she¡¯d be with you, but that doesn¡¯t seem to be the case.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest. After Madame Liao hid the treasure, she lured me into a fake tunnel and we ended up facing off against each other. In the chaos, the earth dragon turned over again. We all fled in disarray, but ended up captured at the hands of Siqin and taken to Tatar.

    ¡°Great Zhou¡¯s emperor greatly values the treasure and tried to track us down for the entire journey, so Siqin decided to lead our group into the desert. Dangerous as it was andcking adequate food and water, Siqin abandoned Madame Liao and two other brothers in the desert uponing up empty-handed after interrogations.¡±

    ¡°What!¡± Liao Zhibing¡¯s eyes grew round in shock, ¡°That bastard left people to fend for themselves in the desert?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Yining sighed, ¡°I waspletely tied up at that time and utterly powerless. As we continued forward, Siqin was almost about to leave me behind as well. We were lucky that Anari Khan led a group in the desert to look for Siqin and found us, bringing enough food and water for everyone. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve been the next one abandoned.¡±

    Liao Zhibing¡¯s eyes reddened as he took a few steps back, struggling toe to terms with this blow.

 Chapter 518.2: Pursuing

    <h4>Chapter 518.2: Pursuing</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The Zhou brothers saw how anguished Liao Zhibing was and supported him on both sides in gentlefort. ¡°Brother, don¡¯t feel too sad.¡±

    Liao Zhibing shook his head, speaking with difficulty, ¡°If I had just spoken a few more words to her back then and prevented her from getting involved with the treasure, she wouldn¡¯t have lost her life here.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, brother. It was sister-inw who refused to listen to you, but in any case, she¡¯s gone, so grieving over it is useless.¡±

    ¡°Furthermore, we¡¯ve lost all clues as to the treasure¡¯s whereabouts.¡±

    Qin Yining was secretly suspicious of the three, but none of it showed on her face as she listened to them talk. She didn¡¯t believe that Liao Zhibing and the others really had no clue where the treasure was. However, they didn¡¯t seem to be faking it either.

    But though she was doubtful, she kept an open mind. She¡¯d already lost so much for the treasure, there was no need to pay any more for mere worldly possessions.

    Although she no longerpletely trusted Azure Justice, she didn¡¯t think the alliance would expose their whereabouts. Azure Justice wasn''tprised of good and loyal citizens devoted to Great Zhou.

    They were a marginalized group back in the days of Great Yan and had further lost citizenship when it came to Great Zhou. They spent most of their days eking out a living on the Tatar border and basically had no sense of belonging towards Great Zhou. Without gains to be had, Azure Justice shouldn¡¯t expose their location.

    As long as nothing happened in this short period of time, all would be fine.

    Qin Yining decided to let the three stay and prepared a tent for them. However, she didn¡¯t tell them anything about their route or future ns.

    On the other side, Lu Heng treated his two bodyguards very warmly. He led them to Uncle Alham¡¯s bonfire and even introduced the two to the Minuo tribespeople gathered there.

    Since the start of their Tartar escapade, Qin Yining had rarely seen Lu Heng as happy as he looked now. As she watched his projection of genuine emotions, she ultimately decided not to remind him to be careful.

    Lu Heng was an intelligent man and had more experience than her in the vicissitudes of business. He wouldn¡¯t need her to remind him to be on guard.

    That night, Qin Yining still shared a tent with Cao Yuqing. Meanwhile, Feiying and Feilian stayed with Lu Heng.

    The next day, they continued on their journey.

    Although Qin Yining didn¡¯t care much about the new additions to their group, Lu Heng was visibly happier. However, as time passed, their group gradually started to run into the troops pursuing them.

    Therge number of wagons they had were encumbrances that they couldn¡¯t bear to throw away. Thus, everybody could only grit their teeth and sh head-on with Siqin¡¯s soldiers.

    It was fortuitous that the three from Azure Justice and Lu Heng¡¯s two bodyguards had found them. They were all incredibly strong, each capable of taking on ten people. This made their circumstances much better than if it was just the Minuo bearing the brunt of it all.

    However, the pursuing troops were in contact with each other. When one squadron found them and engaged them in battle, it was impossible to ensure that absolutely no one got away. Thus, their situation grew more and more reactive. It was bingmon that not even two days would pass after theirst battle before running into another group of soldiers.

    After being tormented like this for ten days, they were all physically and emotionally exhausted.

    After temporarily losing the soldiers, everyone hurried to set up basic tents to catch up on some sleep. However, heither Qin Yining or Cao Yuqing were sleepy. Their nerves were stretched taut with constant worries of pursuers catching up.

    Qin Yining closed her eyes and let herself rest for a while until she suddenly heard a voice outside the tent. ¡°Alliance Head.¡±

    Qin Yining abruptly opened her eyes, and asked in a hushed voice, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°Alliance Head, it¡¯s me, Liao Zhibing.¡± Liao Zhibing lowered his voice, ¡°I have something to report.¡±

    Qin Yining locked eyes with Cao Yuqing, only answering after receiving a nod. ¡°Pleasee in.¡±

    Liao Zhibing murmured a few words of courtesy before pushing open the tent p and stooping by the tent entrance, perfectly abiding by etiquette. ¡°Alliance Head, I¡¯ve just discovered Second Master Lu has run away.¡±

    ¡°Run away?¡± Qin Yining was greatly startled. ¡°How do you know? Did you see him?¡±

    The three from Azure Justice were all in tents close to her¡¯s, which was located in the female side of camp. Inparison, Lu Heng and his two guards were with Harbhara and Caganbhara, at the other end of the group.

    There were eight hundred tribesmen in the group, in addition to all the supplies they were transporting. That made for a great distance between the two ends of the camp. If Liao Zhibing personally saw Lu Heng run away, he would¡¯ve had to travel all the way to the other side. Why would he be sneaking around instead of sleeping in the middle of the night?

    When Liao Zhibing saw the suspicion on Qin Yining¡¯s face, he quietly cut straight to the truth.

    ¡°I lived in the Miao territories for a few years and learned some of their venom techniques. Those techniques are focused on raising poisonous creatures like centipedes, snakes, or scorpions. When we just arrived, I didn¡¯t really trust Lu Heng and left a tracking bug on him. Just now, I felt him leaving.¡±

 Chapter 519.1: Fleeing?

    <h4>Chapter 519.1: Fleeing?</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "Yes. The response to the tracking bug isn¡¯t as obvious if he¡¯s within close proximity, but he got too far away, so I¡¯m able to sense him."

    Deep down, Qin Yining trusted Lu Heng. Having been through thick and thin together, she¡¯d long since gained a clear understanding of his character. He was arade worthy ofplete trust.

    "Perhaps he still has matters to attend to?" Qin Yining couldn''t help rationalizing Lu Heng''s actions.

    "Alliance Head, I can sense he is headed southeast," Liao Zhibing replied, "and he¡¯s moving very fast."

    The technique was even capable of sensing the cardinal direction of his movements? No wonder it was called a tracking bug!

    Qin Yining fell into deep contemtion of these ramifications.

    Cao Yuqing ventured, "Southeast, isn''t that where the border of Great Zhou is located? Can it be that hanging between life and death by a thread because of pursuit has gotten him so anxious that Second Master Lu decided to return to Great Zhou alone?"

    "If he were simply returning to Great Zhou, then there would be nothing to worry about. I''m only worried he''ll rat us out," Liao Zhibing growled. "If he reveals our location to the pursuing soldiers and diverts their attention away from him that way, he''d be able to return to Great Zhou more easily. If so, we will truly be in danger."

    Qin Yining''s brows scrunched together even more tightly at that.

    "I still can¡¯t believe Second Master Lu would betray us. However, his sudden departure really is suspicious." She looked at Liao Zhibing. "Can this tracking bug you speak of sense his location? What¡¯s the extent of its range?"

    "The closer he is, the more urately the mother bug will be able to detect its child," Liao Zhibing replied. "After a certain distance, we¡¯ll only be able to know his general direction. As for the range," he smiled confidently, "he could travel through half of Great Zhou and there still won''t be a problem."

    Qin Yining marveled, "This is indeed an impressive technique." She contemted for a moment before continuing, "How about this¡ªlet¡¯s refrain from making this public for now and take the Zhao brothers with us. Let¡¯s pay a visit to their tent and see what the situation is there. Once we confirm he has indeed disappeared, then we pursue him."

    Liao Zhibing nodded. "That¡¯s a good idea as well."

    Qin Yining quickly got dressed, putting on a thickly padded cotton jacket and a cotton hat, then covered half of her face in a scarf. She walked to the other side of the camp with Cao Yuqing and the three Azure Justice members, a casual air about them as they made their way to Lu Heng''s tent.

    Just as they reached his tent and were about to lift the entrance p, someone poked their head out of a neighboring tent.

    "What brings you here?" Uncle Alham inquired.

    Everyone was highly vignt due to pursuit constantly nipping at their heels. Uncle Alham was staying in the same tent as the brothers Harbhara and Caganbhara, the three of them taking turns to keep watch at night. He¡¯d just woken up from a nap when he heard the sound of footsteps, prompting a quick check.

    Qin Yining put a finger against her lips in a shushing motion. Though people were talking outside Lu Heng''s tent, there was no response from inside. It seemed he was indeed absent.

    She pushed the p aside in one smooth motion to see the tentpletely empty. Not only was Lu Heng not there, but his guards Feilian and Feiying were also gone. Most importantly, their bags were also missing!

    "So he really has run away," Liao Zhibing muttered quietly.

    Now fully dressed, Uncle Alham crossed his arms as he came over to peek inside the tent. His expression changed instantly. "Where is he? Where is the chief?"

    Qin Yining furrowed her brows. "Did you hear any movement next door?"

    "No. I took a nap just now, but I''ve been on the alert. I could even hear snoring, but nomotion from his tent."

    That proved Lu Heng hadn¡¯t gotten into a scuffle when he left; otherwise, those in the tent beside him would''ve heard something.

    "He must have snuck out while everyone was resting," Liao Zhibing surmised. "The soldiers have been hot on our heels these past few days, so perhaps Second Master Lu wished to return to Great Zhou more."

    Qin Yining shook her head.

    "I don''t believe he would do such a thing," she refuted in a serious tone. "Please don¡¯t say so, Mister Liao, before we have concrete proof that he ran away. We don¡¯t need to impact the tribe negatively. Furthermore, though our situation is indeed bleak, we can¡¯t me the second master for wanting to return to his home if that were truly the case. He¡¯s free to choose whether he stays or leaves."

    Liao Zhibing''s lips twitched. In the end, he didn''t continue arguing with Qin Yining, merely asking, "Then what do we do now? ording to the alliance head, he''s free to leave, so we needn¡¯t concern ourselves with him anymore."

    Qin Yining shot Liao Zhibing a severe,manding look of disapproval. Only after he lowered his head did she continue, "No matter the reason for his departure, we should go after him and rify things with him. Even if he wishes to return, it¡¯s not like him to leave without saying farewell. We must make certain of his safety."

    "Her Highness has a point," Uncle Alham agreed. "The entire tribe sees Her Highness and Second Master Lu as our chiefs. Your wish is ourmand, Highness."

 Chapter 519.2: Fleeing?

    <h4>Chapter 519.2: Fleeing?</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "Uncle Alham, I mean that we shouldn''t rm the tribe yet. Myrade here can sense Second Master Lu''s general direction, so let¡¯s go and check on him first. As for the camp, how about we leave the brothers in charge here while youe with us?"

    Qin Yining took a few things into consideration: if she didn''t bring someone from the Minuo tribe, one misstep would have the others suspecting her of running away as well. There would be nothing to gain from such an oue. She had spent so much time with the tribe that she¡¯de to greatly respect their sincerity and passion. She would never leave without saying goodbye. Since she had no such intentions, she naturally had to prevent others from misunderstanding her.

    Uncle Alham didn''t consider quite as much, merely saying, "Then let me take a couple of brothers who don''t have loose lips. We''ll say we''re going scouting and quietly leave on horseback while Harbhara and his brother stay to manage the camp. We just have toe back as soon as possible."

    "Uncle Alham is correct. Let us do as you say, then." Qin Yining smiled and nodded in assent.

    Uncle Alham made his arrangements and found two more tribesmen to apany them, then joined Qin Yining and the others, setting off on horseback in the direction that Liao Zhibing pointed out.

    ......

    When Lu Heng blearily blinked awake, he found himself wrapped up like arge bundle and slung over someone''s shoulder. The bony part of said person''s shoulder pressed painfully against his stomach, especially when they were running; the angle at which his head was hanging almost made him vomit.

    "You..." Lu Heng coughed twice and sobered up instantly. "Feilian, Feying! Where are you taking me?"

    "You¡¯re awake, Second Master." Feilian¡ªthe one carrying him¡ªhuffed and puffed as he ran, his heavy breaths spewing from his mouth in white clouds.

    Feiying had already carried Lu Heng for some distance, so he¡¯d regained some of his strength. "Don''t panic, Second Master," he replied. "We''re only bringing you home. What good will it do for you to stay with those savages? Life is far better being a young master at home!"

    Lu Heng shook his heavy head, forcing himself to stay alert. "You drugged with my water?" he hissed in rebuke.

    "Don''t be angry, Second Master, we''re doing this for your own good. Look at how you''ve been living these past few days, eating raw meat and drinking blood like a refuge. At home, you can live infort with good food and drinks, and servants at your beck and call when you go out. You won¡¯t be hunted down like this! We''re doing this with your best interests at heart."

    Lu Heng gnashed his teeth. Despite his foggy head, he instantly deduced his current plight and where these two were really from.

    "You now follow my second uncle?"

    Feiying and Feilian''s expressions froze for a good moment before Feiying finally replied, "Don''t say that, Second Master. No matter who we follow, aren''t we all a part of the Lu family? Be it you or the second elder master, everything we do is for the sake of the family."

    "As if you really are acting in the family''s interests." Lu Heng''s chest tightened from his ill mood and he nearly coughed up blood out of anger.

    He trusted them so much and had viewed them as his own brothers over the past few days. He¡¯d been in awe of their sense of loyalty and support, seeing as they¡¯d gone through such great lengths to track him down under such grueling circumstances¡ªbut they were only doing so to take him to his second uncle!

    Indeed, his second uncle was now the master of the Lu n. As outsiders who were loyal followers of the eldest branch, Feilian and Feiying had to show proof of their devotion if they were to continue surviving in the Lu family. Otherwise, what reason did the new patriarch have to believe they wouldn''t betray him?

    By handing Lu Heng over to his second uncle, his uncle could make him the scapegoat for all of the crimes that put the Lus at a disadvantage. With him taking the fall, his second uncle could then secure his position as patriarch with legitimate reasons. He could even curry favor with His Majesty and be part of the emperor''s personal faction.

    What a thoroughly thought-out scheme!

    He¡¯d been foolish to let his emotions affect his judgment, leading him to trust the wrong people!

    He greatly regretted his inclinations; why had he ever given them his trust so easily?

    And now, he had been spirited away without a trace. Not wanting to rm the tribe, the two traveled entirely on foot without taking even a horse.

    If Qin Yining and the rest of the tribe thought he¡¯d run away to save his own hide out of fear, what would he do then?

    Lu Heng had never been a coward only interested in saving his own neck! Not only had Feiying and Feilian turned against their own master for their own good, but they trampled over his reputation and trustworthiness in the process!

    Hanging upside down in a furious and panicked fit had him seeing stars and breathing with great difficulty. As he pounded hard against Feilian''s shoulder des, Feiying noticed something off with Lu Heng''s expression.

    "Hurry, put the second master down and let him catch his breath. We can¡¯t let him suffocate to death." he urged hastily. "There will be no talking our way out if that happens."

    "Alright!" Feilian stopped amidst a small patch of trees, propping Lu Heng with his back against a tree as if he were a sack of rice. He swiped at his sweaty brow and put his hands on his hips while he panted, "I''m beat!"

 Chapter 520: Catching Up

    <h4>Chapter 520: Catching Up</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Second Master, are you alright?¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t open and his brows were tightly knit together. Lips colorless from overexertion, his chest heaved violently as he struggled to calm his breathing. His frustration and anger were as clear as day.

    Feilian and Feiying shared a nce, apology shing through their eyes. However, their determination far exceeded any of the hesitations they bore.

    Since they already decided to pledge their allegiance to the second elder master, they had to prove their sincerity. How else would they be able to win his trust? Although this wasn¡¯t quite fair to Lu Heng and they didn¡¯t know what would happen after they returned to the second elder master, everyone was out for themselves in the end. There wasn¡¯t room for them to think so much.

    The two sat down on either side of Lu Heng to take a quick break. Feiying gulped down some water and wiped his mouth before speaking.

    ¡°Second Master, don¡¯t be angry. At this point, it¡¯s not like being angry will do anything. Besides, you have to return home sooner orter, right? We won¡¯t make things difficult for you. As long as you do as we say and don¡¯t make trouble along the way, everything will be fine when we can get home safely.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Second Master, you don¡¯t have to panic. Although the patriarch is now the second elder master, maybe he won¡¯t do anything to you. After all, you¡¯re an official son and a famous one of the Lu family. Even if the emperor wants to seize you for killing the khan, I believe that as family, the second elder master won¡¯t hand you over. Really, there¡¯s nothing to worry about at all.¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s eyes were still shut tight, but the knuckles on his clenched fist whitened. ¡°You guys can shut up now.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Feiyingughed boisterously: ¡°Can it be that the second master doesn¡¯t want to hear the truth? But that¡¯s right¡ªit¡¯s only natural that you, the grand and lofty second master, the one most spoiled by the old lord and heir to the patriarch position, wouldn¡¯t want to hear the truth like this.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s just how it is right now. If the worst case happens, you¡¯ll be a prisoner when you return. What can you throw a tantrum about then? In prison, you¡¯ll be in stocks and chains and token up daily by whips and buckets of cold water. What¡¯s right and what¡¯s wrong won¡¯t matter then.¡±

    ¡°Feilian!¡± Feiying reprimanded Feilian for his increasingly outrageous words. ¡°We¡¯re just here to bring the second master back. A nobody like you can¡¯t afford to meddle in any other matters. You can¡¯t be rude to the second master!¡±

    Feilian snorted softly in response, but after further thought, he decided not to continue speaking. If they upset the second master to the point of illness, that¡¯d just be making trouble for themselves. They would be the ones to take care of him on the long journey ahead.

    Originally on the cusp of flying into a rage, Lu Heng slowly calmed down when enough time passed. After recollecting himself, he began to analyze the situation.

    He could already predict what would happen when he returned to the family. The second branch¡¯s biggest worry was not being able to build a rtionship with Li Qitian. With him being such a ready-made opportunity, would they just let it go?

    Although Lu Heng didn¡¯t fear death, he also wasn¡¯t willing to die such a stupid and cowardly death. If there was really a day he had to face death, he hoped that his death would be impactful. He wanted it to have meaning, not like this, where he was fooled and dragged back by these two for offering to Li Qitian, who would then hand him off to the Tatars like tribute.

    However, all he could do in the current situation was pretend to obediently follow these two and look for an opportunity to escape down the road. There just wasn¡¯t another n he could think of.

    Fortunately, Lu Heng was rather familiar with the two¡¯s temperaments. Making them rx their guard wouldn¡¯t be too difficult.

    The two didn¡¯t know what to do when they saw their second master just sitting there with his eyes closed, continuing to ignore them.

    ¡°Let¡¯s create some more distance from the camp,¡± suggested Feiying. ¡°I¡¯ll carry him this time.¡±

    Feilian raised a brow. ¡°Piggybacking him again? It¡¯s not like the second master¡¯s a child.¡±

    Feiying internally mocked Feilian¡¯s stupidity. Even if Lu Heng was stronger, would he use his true speed in a situation like this? Could they just let him slowly plod on and dy the whole journey? It was better to save themselves the trouble and take turns carrying him. When they arrived at Great Zhou, they could just hire a carriage, tie him up, and have their work just end there.

    Feiying was ted at these ns and stooped down, forcing Lu Heng to get up. His colleague helped thrust Lu Heng on Feiying¡¯s back so they could continue on their journey.

    But the moment the two rxed, a gust of wind suddenly whisked past them.

    Feiying turned his head to see a silhouette flicker past. By the time he realized what happened, the weight on his back had disappeared.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Feiying said angrily, ¡°What are you doing!¡±

    When he clearly saw who hade, Feiying¡¯s expression turned quite ugly. The one who¡¯de wasn¡¯t a stranger, but Cao Yuqing.

    In Feiying and Feilian¡¯s impression, Cao Yuqing was just an old mama wholeheartedly devoted to serving Qin Yining.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that this seemingly delicate woman would be so powerful and easily pilfer their captive during their short break? It was no wonder that she dared to go out alone to find Qin Yining; with her skills, there was no need to worry.

    Next, the sound of hooves sounded from the nearby forest, quickly bringing Qin Yining, Uncle Alham, the three from Azure Justice, and two Minuo tribesmen into view. They spurred their horses onward, slowing to a trot as they approached.

    This time, Feilian and Feiying were truly shocked. Who would¡¯ve fathomed that Qin Yining would actually bring people and pursue them?

    ¡°How¡¯d you know I was here?¡± When Lu Heng saw Qin Yining, his dejected face broke out in a resolute grin.

    Qin Yining blinked rapidly and didn¡¯t mention the tracking bug that Liao Zhibing ced on him. ¡°One of my people saw some shadows leave. Your tent was empty, so we decided to give chase. Are you alright, Second Master Lu?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Lu Heng shook his head with a smile. His smile was obviously forced, so Qin Yining didn¡¯t take it seriously. She also didn¡¯t probe further, choosing instead to face Feiying and Feilian.

    Cao Yuqing and Liao Zhibing nked her on both sides, staring vigntly at Feiying and Feilian.

    The two bodyguards were in no mood to appreciate Qin Yining¡¯s beauty as they watched her approach. There was an icy light in her eyes, like that of a wild animal¡¯s. All they could think of was how they could safely escape.

    Qin Yining stopped not far in front of them and looked down on them. ¡°On whose orders have youe here on? Is it your second or third elder master? Or did youe yourselves, hoping to capture the second master for a reward?¡±

    Hearing that, Lu Heng trembled with anger. Feiying and Feilian¡¯s faces were also very unsightly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk like you¡¯re some righteous saint, what reward?¡± Feilian retorted. ¡°We work for the emperor. Do you think we care about some reward when the emperor will bestow a fortune of glory and riches? If it wasn¡¯t for my lord helping you when you were with the Tatars, would you be standing here in pristine condition? What are you strutting around for?¡±

 Chapter 521.1: Silencing

    <h4>Chapter 521.1: Silencing</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Your lord? So now you¡¯re some loyal servant devoted to protecting your master? You disregarded his wishes and hauled him out here, all trussed up. You¡¯re about to use him to trade for your own future! How do you still have the nerve to say such a thing?

    ¡°Listen to you being all right and proper, working for the emperor. Do you think us all for fools? You¡¯re doing all this for your own selfish interest yet, you still have the cheek to tter yourselves like that!¡± Qin Yining slowly paced in front of the two, fixing her stare on them.

    ¡°If we talk about shamelessness, no one would dare say they¡¯re first if you guys im to be second. I have a whole new level of respect for you two! Well done, well done!¡±

    Her words made Feiying and Feilian flush with anger. They didn¡¯t expect such a soft and delicate looking woman to spit words sharp enough to run a person through, nailing them into a bloody mess.

    Feilian was the easily irritated sort and started to curse. ¡°As a woman, you should know your ce in the home instead of stirring up trouble outside! You have been surrounded by the Tatar troops, if you don¡¯t find a way out, you¡¯ll just be left in these foreignnds forever!

    ¡°Being from Great Zhou, you should think of a way to return to Great Zhou! I advise you to let us bring Second Master Lu back. Perhaps then, on behalf of your merit, the second elder master may put in a few good words and let you safely return to Great Zhou! After all, you¡¯re just a woman. The emperor won¡¯t really care to make life difficult for a woman.¡±

    Although Feilian¡¯s words were very unpleasant, his reasoning was quite clear.

    And while the two Minuo tribesmen who¡¯de with Uncle Alham didn¡¯t understand what they were saying, the elder did!

    Their current situation was just as Feiying said. Stealing the provisions had enraged the Utkin Khan, and therge number of wagons they carried painted continuous targets on their backs. Soldiers would keeping after them. They couldn¡¯t even escape because they were ultimately still of the Tatar people at the end of the day, followers of the Tatar way of life.

    However, Qin Yining and Lu Heng weren¡¯t! In fact, they really could leave at any time!

    But during this most challenging period, neither of them shrank back. They both decided to throw their lot in with the Minuo tribesmen.

    The realization quite moved Uncle Alham, and his face flushed with emotion.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t notice Uncle Alham¡¯s mental journey. She just felt that the way these two could still be so convinced of their morality after betraying their former master was truly too disgusting. ¡°Seize them.¡±

    Feiying and Feilian hastily retreated backwards, but even so, Feilian didn¡¯t forget to throw down a threat.

    ¡°Qin, I advise you to reconsider and think about your family at home! If you let us go, we really can say a few words in your favor! Don¡¯t tell me that because you¡¯re running with the Minuo now, you n on never returning to Great Zhou for the rest of your life!¡±

    Qin Yining fixed her stare on them. She didn¡¯t feel like exchanging more words and just kept silent, her face calm.

    This time, Cao Yuqing put the full extent of her martial arts on disy as she effortlessly knocked them on the ground before taking a rope from Zhao Promise, pinning their arms behind their backs and tightly wrapping them up.

    Lu Heng looked at Cao Yuqing in astonishment. The two had both been his bodyguards, yet they were subdued in just a few moves. Moreover, it¡¯d been done as easily as grabbing two chicks. Seeing this, Lu Heng couldn¡¯t help but doubt the capabilities of his former bodyguards.

    Liao Zhibing looked at the anguished expression on Lu Heng¡¯s face before looking back at the two on the floor. ¡°What do we do next? How do we deal with these two?¡±

    Qin Yining looked back at Lu Heng. But when she saw his dark expression and scrunched brows, clearly stuck in a dilemma, she sighed.

    Lu Heng pursed his lips. ¡°Just let them go.¡±

    The two had clearly just betrayed him, yet despite that, he was still magnanimous and showed leniency. This really gave Qin Yining pause. Am I being too ruthless?

    Uncle Alham didn¡¯t agree with Lu Heng¡¯s decision. ¡°If we let them go and they tell the soldiers, our location will be revealed. What do we do then?¡±

    Liao Zhibing and the Zhao brothers also nodded.

    Feiying and Feilian panicked this time. They started to struggle fiercely, appearing almost like two wiggling worms as they managed to arduously stand up, only to topple back over.

    ¡°Alright, so the benevolent Second Master Lu wants to spare you two.¡± Cao Yuqing waved her hand with a sneer. ¡°However, you two just can¡¯t tell good from bad, not only betraying your old master, but even throwing away your dignity now. Really, I just can¡¯t see why people like you deserve to live.¡±

    Feiying and Feilian¡¯s faces whitened as they started to beg Lu Heng. ¡°Second Master! Please recall how us brothers have sold our lives for you and always brave life and death on your wishes. On behalf of our previous aplishments, please forgive us, just this once!¡±

    Seeing how miserable they looked, Lu Heng couldn¡¯t help but hesitate. What might¡¯ve happened to my old subordinates after a new patriarch took power?

    Unlike trees and nts, humans had their own feelings and thoughts. Furthermore, he¡¯d never been a ruthless sort.

 Chapter 521.2: Silencing

    <h4>Chapter 521.2: Silencing</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°You guys said it yourselves that you sold your lives to him. Since it¡¯s selling, that¡¯s a transaction. Even if you died, Second Master Lu would¡¯ve provided financial support to your family and silver in exchange for your lives. So that transaction ended a long time ago.

    ¡°However, not only have you failed to aplish anything for the second master, you selfishly decided to betray your former master. You traded your master to better your prospects. Yet despite all this, you shamelessly use your rtionship to plea for leniency. What an eye-opener it is, seeing men like you!¡± Liao Zhibing¡¯s mocking truly hit where it hurt, turning the two further shades of red and purple.

    Lu Heng grew increasingly hesitant. Logically, he knew that he shouldn¡¯t let them leave. However, emotionally, he couldn¡¯t bear to watch those who used to be his men be killed.

    The rest of the group could see Lu Heng¡¯s dilemma, and all felt a little helpless.

    Cao Yuqingughed and decided to speak, her soft, pleasant voice ringing crisply through the air. ¡°But if we let such scum go, wouldn¡¯t the heavens themselves punish us?¡±

    ¡°Mercy, please mercy! We know our wrongs! Second Master!¡± Seeing that they were about to lose their lives, Feiying and Feilian kowtowed repeatedly at Lu Heng. Their hands were bound, leaving only their legs free from restraint. Because of their anxiety, blood seeped from their foreheads just after a few kowtows. The two looked quite tragic and pitiful under the moonlit night.

    In the end, he just couldn¡¯t forget how long they¡¯d served by his side. Even raising a cat or a dog would inspire affection, not to mention a real, live human.

    In this moment, emotion defeated logic in Lu Heng¡¯s mind. ¡°Just leave.¡±

    Right now, all he could feel was despair. His family already decided to sacrifice him, and his formerly trusted subordinates had betrayed him as well. His future seemed lost and nebulous; he didn¡¯t even know whether to persist on in life or not.

    Everyone looked at each other, but no one dared speak after seeing the determined, resolute expression set on Lu Heng¡¯s face.

    Feiying and Feilian¡¯s faces lit up as they hopped toward the forest, not even bothering to deal with the restraints on their arms first.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡± Lu Heng then turned back and walked to where the horses were bound.

    Qin Yining watched Lu Heng¡¯s back and shook her head with resignation before catching up with Uncle Alham and the others.

    Cao Yuqing raised a brow and shared a nce with Liao Zhibing, who nodded in reply. The pair quietly took a few steps back before using their swiftness skills, speeding through the forest like lightning.

    The two returned just a few momentster and mounted their horses, following behind the group as if nothing had happened. Qin Yining shared a horse with Cao Yuqing, giving Lu Heng the horse she¡¯d travelled here on.

    Everyone but the dazed Lu Heng knew what Liao Zhibing and Cao Yuqing had just done, especially Qin Yining. Her senses had always been sharp and although the two both put their swiftness skills to full use when they left, she could still sense that something was amiss.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t think much about what happened to Feiying and Feilian. There wasn¡¯t really much to ponder over¡ªin any case, there was no way Cao Yuqing and Liao Zhibing would¡¯ve allowed any possibility of exposing their whereabouts.

    Everyone made swift time back to camp, worried that something might¡¯ve happened in their absence. But when they drew close to the site, they noticed hoof markings in the snow. They were organized and appeared simr to tracks left by a scouting party.

    The group returned to camp and made straight for Harbhara and Caganbhara¡¯s tent.

    The brothers didn¡¯t dare to sleep deeply, getting up immediately when they heard the footsteps and sighing with relief when they saw Qin Yining¡¯s group had returned.

    ¡°How is the situation outside?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not looking good,¡± sighed Qin Yining. ¡°We found the footprints of a scout on the way back. We¡¯d better leave this ce soon.¡±

    The group¡¯s expressions turned grave, and even Harbhara and Caganbhara tensed up with nervousness.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go tell the tribe to start packing.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Harbhara led a group to wake up the people and prepare them for departure, while Qi Yining discussed their next n of action with Uncle Alham.

    Cao Yuqing nced at Lu Heng and saw that even at this critical juncture, he was still thinking about what happened earlier. Displeased by his weakness, she couldn¡¯t help but frown. She approached him and asked lowly ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that Second Master Lu is still thinking about those two traitors.¡±

    Lu Heng jumped from the sudden address and jerked his head up. When he met Cao Yuqing¡¯s gaze, his lips moved, but he didn¡¯t speak.

    ¡°You know that I¡¯ve already killed the two, right?¡± Cao Yuqing snorted.

    Lu Heng¡¯s face instantly twisted. ¡°So you actually did kill them.¡± He didn¡¯t sound surprised¡ªclearly, he¡¯d already known.

    ¡°I¡¯ve always known Second Master Lu to be an esteemed figure, sessful at a young age and talents being second to none. But seeing you dither now, I see you also have moments of soft-hearted foolery. You should know that if they¡¯d left and exposed our whereabouts, the entire tribe would¡¯ve been destroyed because of your hesitation! We are in the most critical of periods right now. Will you have time to regret when the Tatars catch up to us? Have a think about it.¡± Cao Yuqing strode away with that parting shot.

    Lu Heng just stood there, dazed from the rebuke. Only after a long while did he heave arge sigh and adjust his mood before catching up with Qin Yining and the rest.

 Chapter 522.1: Blockade

    <h4>Chapter 522.1: Blockade</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    As they knew that their pursuers had already locked onto their position, everyone was exceedingly quiet and orderly as they followed the crowd and advanced west in the wind and snow.

    As expected, a troop of almost a thousand soldiers quickly reached the spot where the Minuo had camped. The cavalry hauled back on their reins and bade their horses circle around the campground. Jumping off his horse, the leading general squatted down to inspect a spot where a campfire had burned. It was now covered with a thinyer of snow.

    ¡°What a bunch of devious scum!¡± He smashed a furious fist into the ground.

    They were only a step toote. If they¡¯d arrived just a little earlier, would these elite soldiers have failed to retrieve the provisions? Their opponents would surely fall in closebat!

    With how furious the khan was and how anxiously their superiors were pressing for results, if they couldn¡¯t retrieve the grain, none of them would have an easy time of it once the khan lost his temper!

    ¡°General, what should we do now? This snowstorm really has bad timing. Now that they¡¯ve had some time for the snow to cover up their tracks, I¡¯m afraid it won¡¯t be easy if we want to continue the chase.¡±

    ¡°We have to even if it isn¡¯t easy! I don¡¯t believe that their plodding wagons can outpace our galloping horses! Everyone, look sharp! We mustplete this task perfectly, or nobody will like the consequences!¡±

    That single statement made everybody¡¯s blood run cold. Even if the khan were an eminently wise and reasonable person, they would truly be useless if they couldn¡¯tplete a single one of the tasks assigned. Even worse, what they¡¯d lost this time were the army provisions crucial for war.

    The troops carefully inspected the tracks left behind on the snowy ground, trying to close the distance between them and the Minuo. At the same time, Qin Yining and herpanions had also received the news brought back by the scouts.

    ¡°Did you say that there¡¯s already a troop of almost a thousand calvary on our tail?¡± Lu Heng asked gravely in the Tartarnguage.

    The scout replied, ¡°Yes, I couldn¡¯t have seen wrongly. Every one of them were mounted, and they¡¯re obviously different from the small teams that we had encountered before. Chief, what should we do now?¡±

    In the hearts of the tribesmen, Qin Yining and Lu Heng were their chiefs. Because Lu Heng had been unconscious in the desert, they¡¯d depended wholly on Qin Yining¡¯s directions to endure the hardships until they found their way out. Thus, the tribesmen trusted and held Qin Yining in higher esteem than Lu Heng.

    The scout looked expectantly towards Qin Yining as he asked this question, but Qin Yining had no idea what he was saying. Lu Heng tranted what the scout had said and added, ¡°What should we do now that the situation is so tense? Should we meet them head-on or continue fleeing?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brows scrunched together into a knot with worry as she worried a hole into her lips with her pearly-white teeth.

    ¡°The situation is dire,¡± she replied seriously, ¡°Our opponents are a troop of mounted cavalry. Even though we also have horses, we are carrying many supplies and there aren¡¯t enough horses for every one of us. If we just run away mindlessly, I¡¯m afraid that they¡¯ll catch up with us before long.¡±

    How could Lu Heng not know how serious their situation was? But the Minuo were an extremely close-knit group. After travelling through the desert together, they were connected not merely by history and blood-ties, but also the fervent camaraderie. By now, it was impossible for them to leave behind any of their group. Simrly, it was impossible to make some of them ride ahead on their horses.

    ¡°About the military provisions, do you think we should...¡±

    ¡°... give up on the provisions?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. If we weren¡¯t carrying the supplies, perhaps the troops wouldn¡¯t follow us so closely and refuse to let our tribesmen go,¡± Lu Heng muttered, ¡°I wager that the troops¡¯ mission isn¡¯t truly to force us into a dead end, but more importantly, to recover the military provisions.¡±

    Qin Yining pondered over his words. ¡°I beg to differ.¡±

    ¡°Oh? What say you, then?¡± Lu Heng asked.

    Qin Yining said slowly, ¡°Having lost their provisions, it is unlikely that Siqin will refrain from persecuting the culprits even if he manages to recover them.¡±

    Enlightenment struck Lu Heng and he acquiesced lowly, ¡°I understand.¡±

    In their current situation, if they discarded the provisions and ran off without them, their pursuers would treat it as merely recovering their own lost goods. Ultimately, Siqin would still want to capture them for persecution.

    Regardless of whether Siqin¡¯s true priority was the provisions or persecuting them, his subordinate troops wouldn¡¯t know the khan¡¯s intentions; they would be concerned only aboutpleting their task perfectly and without fault.

 Chapter 522.2: Blockade

    <h4>Chapter 522.2: Blockade</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng¡¯s conversation was clearly overheard by Uncle Alham. He quietly tranted them for the Harabhara brothers and the few other key members of the tribe. As they heard him speak, their expressions also grew grave. After a round of discussion, they unanimously rejected the idea of abandoning the wagons.

    ¡°We will never hand over the provisions. We took these provisions for the future of our tribe. There are still many elderly and children waiting for us to bring these provisions back to them! We will never hand over the provisions, even on the threat of death!¡±

    Uncle Alham wholly agreed with this sentiment.

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I disagree with abandoning the provisions as well. Utkin Khan is Anari Khan¡¯s husband, and one is as tyrannical as the other. Even if we were able to obtain temporary peace, we Minuo will be tormented to death sooner orter while living under their rule. We would rather gamble with our lives now than live a life worse than death!¡±

    When Lu Heng heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but smile at Qin Yining. ¡°Looks like you still understand everyone better.¡±

    ¡°This is a choice made out of desperation.¡± Qin Yining ruefully waved off thepliment. ¡°If people can choose freely, who wishes to ce themselves in the path of danger?¡±

    Lu Heng sighed, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Since we¡¯ve decided, which direction should we take?¡± asked Uncle Alham.

    Lu Heng drew out a map from within his robes. This was one that had been roughly sketched out over the past few days, together with a few Minuo who were familiar with the nearby terrain and urately included majorndmarks and cardinal directions.

    ¡°We¡¯re here right now.¡± Lu Heng pointed at a spot in the west where Tartar bordered Great Zhou. ¡°The troops after us are cavalry and can travel very fast. Since they¡¯re not just after the provisions, they are sure to pursue us at full strength. If we just continued with our initial tactic of using the weather and terrain to our advantage, they will catch up to us very quickly.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that they¡¯d still catch us even though we deliberately chose such a deste spot in the west,¡± Uncle Alhammented. ¡°If we have to fight at close quarters, we¡¯ll definitely be at a disadvantage and have to sacrifice many of our tribesmen. Thus, we must choose a direction where they can¡¯t catch up to us.¡±

    ¡°But which direction avoids pursuit? They have horses, after all.¡± Qin Yining looked at the map and muttered, ¡°We can¡¯t escape now. Either we stay here and wait for death, or they catch us and we die, or... we choose a direction they don¡¯t dare chase us into.¡±

    ¡°Do you mean...¡± Lu Heng looked fearfully at the uninhabited area located not too far from where they were on the map, ¡°You can¡¯t mean this area?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s pale and slender forefinger tapped lightly on the spot that Lu Heng mentioned. ¡°Yes, right here.¡±

    That was a patch of barren desert, quite different from the stretch they had just passed through. Although their previous path was fraught with danger, they knew that if they walked in the correct direction, it would be a shortcut between Great Zhou and the Tartar capital. With sufficient preparation, crossing that stretch of desert would take less time than the official paths.

    However, the part of the desert Qin Yining was talking about was different. It was a true no-man¡¯snd because that area was simply too big. No one had evere out of this stretch of desert, nor did anyone know whaty on the other side. It was also unknown what awaited in the desert, or if there was any oasis within. If they barged into this barren area, they possibly would nevere out alive.

    Uncle Alham tranted Qin Yining and Lu Heng¡¯s conversation for the Minuo tribesmen, upon which they all fell silent in thought. Fear nketed them.

    ¡°I can¡¯t make the decision for everyone; this is merely a suggestion. The decision of whether we truly take this path must be made by everyone together. However, ording to my understanding of Utkin Khan, he will surely want to catch us in order to vent his frustrations, in addition to retrieving the provisions. If we¡¯re caught, the tribesmen are likely to meet with a terrible end.

    ¡°If we stay outside, it¡¯ll be very easy to catch us and the consequences will be unimaginable. Since we¡¯ll die outside anyway, why not take the risk and charge into this stretch of desert? The pursuing troops definitely won¡¯t dare follow us in; They¡¯re simply carrying out orders in the pursuit of fame and fortune, why would they risk their lives to head directly into barren desert? Perhaps we can wait for them to leave before wee out, or we might be able walk out of that stretch ofnd.¡±

    ¡°But what¡¯s more likely is the possibility that we never walk out of that desert and perish within,¡± objected Lu Yun.

    Qin Yining nodded in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s possible as well. But if we¡¯re caught, we will certainly lose our lives.¡±

    The surrounding Minuo tribesmen were silent as they listened to the two of them talk.

    Uncle Alham thought for a long while before he said lowly, ¡°You two should go.¡±

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng lifted their heads to look at him.

    ¡°You never needed to risk your lives with us. Our tribesmen will never hand over the provisions, and will fight against Utkin Khan to ourst breath because of how he destroyed our tribe. But the two of you are not Tartar to begin with. Our tribesmen are already very grateful that you were willing to travel with us up till now.

    ¡°We are right on the border with Great Zhou today and you two have experts protecting you. It should be easy for you to sneak past the pursuing troops and go home to Great Zhou. You should go back to your country and note with us any more.¡±

    Lu Heng and Qin Yining sighed as they heard his words.

    When Uncle Alham repeated his words for the benefit of his tribesmen, their expressions revealed their reluctance. Even though they were obviously reluctant, they still nodded understandingly and said words that Qin Yining could not understand, but were obviously urging for them to leave.

 Chapter 523: Staying or Going

    <h4>Chapter 523: Staying or Going</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    True enough, she could just leave and evade the Tatar pursuers. With Cao Yuqing and Azure Justice guarding her, she could find a safe ce to hide and wait for this wave of soldiers to depart before disguising herself to sneak back to Great Zhou. She could also hide herself as a Tatar and wait for a better chance to escape. If she did that, she would definitely be able to survive.

    But what about after?

    They were all bosompanions who¡¯d braved life and death together. If she shrunk back now and escaped alone in their time of need, leaving the tribesmen to shoulder the dangers, what would that make her? She would never have a clear conscience for the rest of her days.

    Qin Yining had never been someone who prioritized saving her neck at all cost. Although she attached much more importance to her own life after marrying Pang Xiao, that didn¡¯t mean she would change her bottom line.

    A man of character had things they would and would not do. Although she was a woman, her heart didn¡¯t lose out to a man¡¯s in the slightest.

    Furthermore, didn¡¯t the Minuo incur Siqin¡¯s wrath because they¡¯d helped her and Lu Heng in the first ce? Even if it was impossible for them to live under the persecution in the capital, it would¡¯ve been much easier for them to just quietly leave by themselves. Why did they have to leave with her and Lu Heng, the two biggest bundles of trouble they could¡¯ve picked up? If it wasn¡¯t for abiding by their promise and keeping their vow, who would do such a foolish thing?

    Although a multitude of thoughts had passed through Qin Yining¡¯s mind, only a breath¡¯s time had passed in reality.

    ¡°What a coincidence, I wasn¡¯t nning on leaving either.¡± Lu Heng smiled as well.

    Qin Yining looked at her friend, happening to meet his answering gaze. The tacit smile she shared with Lu Heng confirmed that they were thinking the same.

    Cao Yuqing stared at Qin Yining, lips tightly pursed, and heaved a great sigh, dejectedly lowering her eyes.

    Uncle Alham looked at them with aplicated look on his face, not speaking for the longest time. This burly hulk of a man who wouldn¡¯t shed a tear even with a de ced at his neck had his eyes redden from emotion.

    Although the listeners didn¡¯t understand what Qin Yining and Lu Heng said, they could guess most of it from the two¡¯s smiles and Uncle Alham¡¯s expression. An anxious mor for a trantion started to rise.

    Uncle Alham took a deep breath before exining what had just happened to them, his words touching them in the deepest parts of their hearts.

    Everybody urged them to leave. Although Qin Yining was stymied by thenguage barrier, Lu Heng understood full well. He just shook his head with a slight smile, indicating that the tribespeople didn¡¯t need to continue their persuasions.

    A few looked pleadingly at Uncle Alham.

    Uncle Alham tried to advise them again, but Qin Yining just waved her hand. ¡°Uncle Alham, don¡¯t try to change my mind. I¡¯ve already made my decision.¡±

    She turned to Cao Yuqing with a smile. ¡°Let¡¯s bid our farewells here. Auntie Cao really doesn¡¯t need to risk going into the desert with me. With so many tribesmen and supply wagons with me, there¡¯s sure to be no problem. Furthermore, father really needs somebody to protect him now. I don¡¯t want him to worry about my situation while I¡¯m in the desert, so I hope you can also tell him not to worry.¡±

    She then turned to Liao Zhibing and the Zhao brothers. ¡°The three of you also don¡¯t have to continue on with me. Return to the border and go back to your previous lives. I¡¯m confident that our Azure Justice members can pass each day in safety and happiness.¡±

    Liao Zhibing frowned. His mouth kept opening and closing, but in the end, he didn¡¯t voice an objection, a decision that relieved Qin Yining.

    Cao Yuqing looked deeply at the girl, her face strained.¡°I really want to knock you out and take you with me.¡±

    ¡°Auntie Cao, since you;ve said that, you definitely won¡¯t do it.¡± Qin Yiningughed, ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re so reasonable.¡±

    ¡°But you aren¡¯t being reasonable.¡± Cao Yuqing dismissed impatiently, ¡°If I let you die here, how will I be able to face your fatherter?¡±

    ¡°Auntie Cao, I¡¯m not doing this because I¡¯m being unreasonable, but because I have my own bottom line. I believe that even if father hears my decision, even if he¡¯s pained, he still wouldn''t oppose it. There are just some things that cannot be done in life. You will be forever haunted by the specters of guilt if you go down those paths. I don¡¯t want to be that kind of person. I hope Auntie Cao can understand.¡±

    Cao Yuqing tsk¡¯ed with annoyance. ¡°Little wench, if I didn¡¯t understand you, I would¡¯ve already knocked you unconscious and have you on my shoulder to bring home.

    Qin Yining knew that Cao Yuqing was in a tough spot, but her decision was final. All she could do was smile apologetically and muse further on her next steps.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble Auntie Cao with delivering a message to His Highness.¡±

    ¡°What message?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m running for my life and have long lost all of my belongings, nor do I have any keepsakes that I can leave behind for him.¡± Qin Yining spoke with a rueful dimple. ¡°Auntie Cao, please just tell him not to worry about me. I¡¯m tough and resilient¡ªnot even a wolf can eat me. I¡¯ll make it out alive. Please have him help take care of my parents, as well as look after Bingtang and Xiaozhou.

    The princess consort hesitated at this point, but drew close to whisper in Cao Yuqing¡¯s ear in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

    ¡°If there really is no ce for him at court in the future, I don¡¯t believe he¡¯ll be beaten down without a fight. If he wishes to win the trust of Northern Ji¡¯s old guard, have Xiaozhou lead him to the mountain where we first found her. Something very useful is hidden in her old residence.¡±

    Cao Yuqing stared at Qin Yining with astonishment.

    However, the girl just grinned back at her.

    ¡°Auntie Cao, don¡¯t tell him that for now. But if I¡¯m still not back after a few years and it¡¯s certain that I... By that time, he and the emperor will have a death feud with each other. If he¡¯s still that Pang Zhixi who strives to help the people, tell him then. Otherwise, let this secret die with you. You can¡¯t tell even my father. Consider this myst wish¡ªAuntie Cao, can you do it?¡±

    Cao Yuqing¡¯s heart tightened painfully when she noted the girl¡¯s indifferent manner towards life and death, and how she was calmly arranging for herst affairs.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave that for you to tell him personally,¡± Cao Yuqing snorted coolly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get dragged into your father-daughter business. Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t die.¡±

    ¡°I know. There¡¯s no time to lose. You all should hurry up and go.¡± Qin Yining urged Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, and the Zhao brothers to be on their way.

    Cao Yuqing pursed her lips and stood up, pinching Qin Yining¡¯s cheek in exasperation, ¡°You really are a worrisome child!¡±

    Liao Zhibing, Zhao Promise, and Zhao Unbreakable saluted Qin Yining. ¡°Alliance Head, we¡¯ll be going now.¡±

    ¡°Farewell, and stay safe.¡± Qin Yining dipped a curtsey in return.

    Uncle Alham and the Minuo watched as Qin Yining said her farewells. The way she was absolutely determined in her decision to remain moved the tribesmen even more.

    In their minds, Qin Yining was a woman with family and a husband who dearly loved her in Great Zhou. If she went back, she would be able to live out her days in happy splendor. Compared to Lu Heng, who currently didn¡¯t have a family to return to, her decision was much more significant. Thus, in their eyes, Qin Yining was held in even higher esteem.

    Qin Yining watched as Cao Yuqing and the rest mounted their horses and rode off. ¡°Since we¡¯ve made our decision, we should ensure we¡¯ve packed enough water and be on our way as well.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± Uncle Alham nodded before leading people to oversee the rest of the tribe. Along the way, they ryed the news that Qin Yining and Lu Heng had refused to flee for themselves.

    Within just a few moments, the entirety of the tribe knew about it, and their respect and admiration for the two swelled to new heights.

 Chapter 524.1: Token

    <h4>Chapter 524.1: Token</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Once again, all the pursuers could do was kick at the ashes of extinguished campfires to vent fits of ill temper. Just like before, they were left with finding nothing but the dust in the tribe¡¯s wake.

    ¡°General, something¡¯s wrong with those Minuo traitors! They¡¯re going toward the no-man¡¯snd!¡±

    The leading general waved his hand with a stern look, cutting off his subordinate¡¯s words. His mind had long twisted itself into knots from confusion.

    They¡¯d obviously forced the Minuo into a corner, and the tribe had decided to respond by bringing the supply wagons into that swathe of barren desert. It seemed the tribe would rather throw their lives away than hand over the supplies!

    That group of filthy ves were having a swell time with their defiance, but what about them who were ordered to retrieve the supplies?!

    It wasn¡¯t like he could just put on a sheepish expression and report to the khan, ¡°We are truly very sorry. Our calvary couldn¡¯t overtake a group of old, weak troops transporting heavy wagons. We chased them into the barren desert, and then didn¡¯t dare pursue further!¡±

    They might as well kill themselves first if they wanted to say that!

    ¡°After them! Speed up! We have to overtake them before they enter the no man¡¯snd!¡± The general¡¯s obvious frantess lit a fire under the usually calm soldiers. Rushing around with preparations, those who were taking a break and quaffing some rations were urged onto their horses to continue the chase.

    Who dared to ck off when their lives were at stake?

    However, they didn¡¯t catch a single trace of the Minuo in the whole trip from the camp to the border of the desert. Howling gales leveled massive hills of sand into t ground in the blink of an eye, to say nothing of hoof or foot prints. There were no tracks to follow!

    The battalion tightened their reins anxiously as they looked in the direction of neverending mounds of sand. Nobody dared set even half a step into the desert.

    The general¡¯s face turned an unsightly pallor as he swung a fist at the air, as if that would help vent some of the frustration in his heart.

    ¡°General, what do we do?¡± His lieutenant scanned the worsening weather and whirling sands in the deste sand dunes, gulping in fear. If they were ordered to continue chasing, he feared that there¡¯d be few who would have the courage to actually do so.

    Everybody knew how frightening the vast, barren deserts were. The climate was dreadful and thendforms were always changing. tnd could turn into sandy dunes with just a moment¡¯s notice. Just one¡¯s night sleep could leave one buried alive. Furthermore, it was impossible to know where to go here. Nobody knew how far away or what was to be found on the other side.

    Entering the desert was tantamount to stepping half way into hell. Nobody had the courage to challenge it.

    ¡°Curse those Minuo madmen!¡± The general spat angrily, gnashing his teeth. ¡°Set up outposts here and keep an eye out along the entire border of this swathe of desert. I don¡¯t believe those crazies aren¡¯t afraid of death!

    ¡°They have a simr number of people as us, so maybe, just maybe, somebody wille back out soon. If they aren¡¯t led well, we can take advantage of their internal strife! If we can bring back one of them alive, that¡¯ll be enough to get us off the hook.¡±

    ¡°The general is wise!¡± Everybody saluted, secretly heaving sighs of relief. Anything was fine as long as they didn¡¯t have to pursue the tribe into the desert!

    The soldiers split into several groups and scattered into a big around the desert border, waiting to scoop up any possible deserters.

    However, they had no understanding of the Minuo¡¯s determination and unity?

    ......

    At this moment, Qin Yining was leading the group in a bleary trek through the desert. Harsh winds found the smallest chinks in their headscarves to send grains of sand through, and sometimes the gales threatened to send her toppling over. However, she continued to persevere, forging on at the head of the group while leading on a horse saddled with jugs of food and water.

    Lu Heng also pulled along a horse as he walked by her side. During particrly gusty moments when the wind blew so hard that her delicate figure could barely move, he badly wanted to take her arm in support.

    However, his arm just hovered from start to finish and never touched her. Instead, he seemed more like a guardian with arms spread out wide to protect her.

    When Uncle Alham, Harbhara, and Caganbhara saw the two at the front, notes ofment sprung in their hearts.

    They could all see the affection that Lu Heng cherished for Qin Yining, but they also tell that the princess consort was wholeheartedly devoted to her husband. She only saw Lu Heng as arade she could trust.

    They werepanions on a journey that brought them a little closer to death with every step they took. At this point, mere matters of the heart all seemed quite superfluous. If they could exit the desert alive, it meant that the heavens wished for them to live.

    Although the icy grasp of fear closed around the tribesmen¡¯s hearts when they considered this desert that seemed to have no end to it, no one ever breathed a word ofint. If they¡¯d remained in the capital, they might have already been tortured to death in the Tatar court.

    Compared to their previous nightmare of envement, oppression, exploitation, and wanton ughter, this was much better. They now grasped life and death in their own hands, and satisfaction filled their hearts even under such desperate straits. All was fine as long as they could persevere together with theirrades.

    ......

    Just as Qin Yining led her group through the desert and pursuing soldiers set up arge around the desert border, Li Qitian glowered broodingly at Li Guanwen back in the imperial pce of Great Zhou. ¡°What did you say? Repeat it to Us once more.¡±

    Li Guanwen fell to the ground in fear, repeatedly kowtowing on the floor. ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty. This-this servant is sure I heard that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank left the city with his manor¡¯s personal guard.¡±

 Chapter 524.2: Token

    <h4>Chapter 524.2: Token</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Your Majesty, please quell your anger!¡±

    Li Qitian shot to his feet in throes of fury, furiously mming his fist on a pile of documents on the table.

    ¡°Pang Zhixi, what a great man you are, Pang Zhixi! He dares disregard Us to these depths! Defying just one imperial decree is a capital crime and grounds for execution! We showed him mercy, but he then stirs up this kind of trouble! What, does he want to rebel after running off with his private army? Men, go surround the Faithful Prince¡¯s manor! We would like to interrogate those two Yao old wretches and that slut of a mother how they raised their son!¡±

    Who dared ventured anything In the emperor¡¯s fit of anger?

    Li Guanwen hastily agreed and led a group to prepare for the emperor¡¯s trip.

    ......

    At this moment, twenty-five kilometers outside of the city gates, Ji Zeyu waited on the silver-white steed that Pang Xiao had gifted him. A zing red fox fur cape wrapped around him, his fair and slender hands grasped ck reins, at ease in the center of the road.

    Pang Xiao pulled his ck steed to a stop, a surprised smile on his face. ¡°Ah Lan? Why brings you here?¡±

    Ji Zeyu shook his reins and urged his horse closer. Although the expressions of the Elite Tigers behind Pang Xiao didn¡¯t change, their bodies tensed, ready to fight.

    The prince consort frowned slightly as he swept his gaze across the group. A wave of uneasiness swept through the soldiers, curbing the sharp pressure they¡¯d been directing towards Ji Zeyu.

    ¡°You wish to search for n¨¦e Qin? Is it that unbearable for you?¡±

    Pang Xiao frowned as well and nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve been well, I¡¯ve been quite anxious these days. I feel like if I don¡¯t go, something will happen to my wife.¡±

    Ji Zeyu frowned as he took a deep look at Pang Xiao; the contours of his friend¡¯s handsome face jutted out from all the weight he had lost. The prince consort pursed his lips as he sighed, ¡°You really care about her that much?¡±

    ¡°Ah Lan, she is my life.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you used to always say that a right and proper man doesn¡¯t worry about theck of a wife? Even if n¨¦e Qin is one in a million, she is still just one person. Can she reallypare to all the lives depending on you?

    ¡°If you hare off like this, aren¡¯t you afraid of implicating your family in your actions too? I believe that even if something were happened to n¨¦e Qin, she would hope for you to live on, to live well, to take care of your family and hers. She wouldn¡¯t want you to impulsively leave the capital in private like this. You should know that right now, your actions are crossing the emperor¡¯s bottom line!¡±

    Ji Zeyu was a naturally aloof man of few words. However, such habits always fell by the wayside when it came to Pang Xiao¡¯s matters.

    Moved, Pang Xiao jumped off his horse. His ck, sable fur cloak flew up in the air, exposing powerful, ck-d legs that had been hidden underneath his clothing. He tossed his whip to Huzi behind him and walked towards Ji Zeyu.

    The prince consort also jumped down from his horse, a deep frown on his face as he walked up to the prince. Another furrow added to the lines of his forehead, the tender fairness of his skin highlighted by the fiery cloak.

    Pang Xiao sighed as he patted his friend''s shoulder, his voice low. ¡°Take advantage of how the emperor still trusts you and prepare a way out while you have time. Don¡¯t be caught unprepared when something actually happens.¡±

    Ji Zeyu red at Pang Xiao, ¡°If you didn¡¯t let your emotions affect your judgement, you would also have the emperor¡¯s trust. I¡¯m talking about you right now, so why are you flipping it back onto me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still the same as when we were kids, always saying what¡¯s on your mind.¡± Pang Xiao smiled in return. ¡°You still never admit to doing so.¡±

    Ji Zeyu red at him again but didn¡¯t refute his friend. ¡°Are you sure you want to go?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I have to go, or I¡¯ll regret it for the rest of my life.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not the sort to let your emotions affect your decisions. Where did all those years of calm and rational action go? You say you don¡¯t want to regret it for the rest of your life, but there will always be times in life where you have to choose what you don¡¯t want. How many can really live a life without regret?¡±

    ¡°Ah Lan, I understand your good intentions. I¡¯ve already sent my maternal grandparents and mother back to the Qins so if something happens while I¡¯m gone, my father-inw will know and should help me take care of my family.¡±

    Seeing that Pang Xiao had already made up his mind and that there was no room for negotiation, Ji Zeyu could only sigh helplessly. ¡°Alright, if you want to go, go. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll also help look after everything.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded with great emotion. ¡°Be careful. Remember my words and prepare a way out for yourself.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry, I¡¯m different from you.¡± Ji Zeyu smiled faintly. ¡°You have much to worry about, but I have no family or anything else, so I¡¯m not afraid of anything.¡±

    ¡°How can I truly rx? No one would¡¯ve ever thought that us brothers would one day end up where we are now. Ah Lan, you have to stay safe. I¡¯ll try to return as soon as possible.¡±

    Ji Zeyu nodded in response to the solemn expression on Pang Xiao¡¯s face and passed the whip in his hands to Pang Xiao.

    ¡°Take this. The Dragon Riders stationed at the border are all my former subordinates and around a hundred of my trusted aids are also within that group. They will all recognize this token of mine. If you need it, just take this whip to their leader, Tao Jun. He currently holds the position ofmander and is a bit over thirty years old. He has a scar on his forehead and he¡¯s a heavy smoker. You¡¯ll be able to recognize him immediately.¡±

 Chapter 525: Settled Scores

    <h4>Chapter 525: Settled Scores</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "Then... use mine for now." He walked over to Huzi to take his own whip¡ªwhich he had used for many years¡ªand handed it to Ji Zeyu.

    Ji Zeyu took the whip and gave it a few swings. Laughing, he replied, "It''s a deal, then. I''ll take it as a gift from you. Let us make haste, it''s gettingte."

    Pang Xiao nodded. Suddenly, he spread his arms and gave Ji Zeyu a tight hug. The two were approximately of the same stature and build. Moved by his sworn brother¡¯s camaraderie, he gently patted Ji Zeyu on the back with the hand holding the whip.

    Ji Zeyu froze for a moment, then slowly raised his arms to return the embrace. A warm mirth that couldn''t be concealed blossomed in his dazzling eyes.

    "My good brother, we should go drinking after I return."

    "Sure. No one¡¯s going home until both of us are drunk." Ji Zeyu pped Pang Xiao on the shoulder.

    Pang Xiaoughed heartily and squeezed Ji Zeyu tightly again; only then did he mount his horse. He gave Ji Zeyu a lively wave. "I''m off."

    Pang Xiao''s horse whip in hand, Ji Zeyu backed up a few steps with his silvery-white Ferghana horse to make way. Following Pang Xiao, the Elite Tigers rode past Ji Zeyu. Before long, the group disappeared into the distance.

    Only then did Ji Zeyu''s face revert to his customary expressionless demeanor, his grip on Pang Xiao''s whip tightening. He mounted his horse and sped back to the capital.

    Instead of returning to his own residence, he took a detour to the Qin manor. Worried that scouts were still keeping watch, he didn''t dare show his face and elected to take a look from afar.

    Little did he know that as soon as he turned the corner, he would see a troop of men on horseback slowing down before the front door of the Qin manor at the end of the alley.

    Their leader wore a cloak and embroidered hat made of sable pelt, his steed a tall chestnut. A glowering expression upon his face, he dismounted his horse with the assistance of a grovelling person dressed in steel-grey cotton robes.

    Though it was a great distance apart, Ji Zeyu didn''t have to look hard to identify that the man was none other than the emperor who should have been meeting with his court in the royal pce¡ªLi Qitian!

    Ji Zeyu hastily dismounted and hid behind a wall, cautiously poking his head out, his brows furrowing tightly out of worry.

    Li Qitian was approaching the door of the Qin manor with his hands sped behind his back, his expression somber. Li Guanwen and a group of royal guards tripped over themselves to carefully escort the emperor from all sides.

    He¡¯d just been to the residence of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, only to find that no one was home save for their servants. Apparently, Pang Xiao''s maternal grandparents and mother had left at the crack of dawn with luggage to visit rtives, and no one knew when they would return.

    How was it that they¡¯d just so happened to go visit rtives? This wasn''t his first day of being acquainted with Pang Xiao; since when were there any members of the Yao n left for them to visit? He clearly meant to toy with the emperor!

    Very well then; even if they were visiting rtives, didn''t their inws primarily consist of the Qins? He was quite looking forward to seeing how the Qins would react to his visit! If Qin Huaiyuan was so bold as to hide things from his emperor like Li Qitian was specting him to be, then heavens help the old man!

    Li Qitian was so furious that he¡¯d lost the capacity for rational thought. In a low voice, he ordered, "Announce Our presence."

    Not daring to ignore hismand, the guard immediately responded and rushed to knock.

    They were received extremely quickly. Seeing the group of hostile visitors before the door, the doorkeeper grew so nervous that he was momentarily unable to respond. "This is the Qin Manor. Who might you be?"

    Hands behind his back, Li Qitian straightened up without a word. Li Guanwen turned back to nce at his master for instructions.

    Should we announce our identity, considering the current situation? Or shouldn¡¯t they? Since His Majesty didn¡¯t express his intent, the eunuch agonized between a rock and a hard ce!

    After some inner grumbling, all Li Guanwen could do was guess at what the emperor wished to do. "You are to receive an esteemed guest. Hurry and call for the master of the house."

    Perplexed, the servant looked at the anonymous yetvishly dressed man, then at the rich, middle-aged man who seemed to be suppressing a burning fury beneath a calm facade. All he could do was nod and reply, "This servant will do just that."

    Not daring to hesitate, he hastily turned and dashed inside. Compared to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank''s underlings, the Qins'' servants were evidently much more well-versed in the ways of hospitality.

    Li Qitian¡¯s expression remained frosty, but was slightly mollified at how nervous the servant had been just now.

    Even so, his ill temper needed to be ked. He¡¯d already ordered his men to go after Pang Xiao; if they returned empty-handed, he couldn''t guarantee he wouldn''t take out his frustration on them.

    In any case, he had to first see how Qin Huaiyuan responded.

    Footsteps soon sounded from inside. The door opened to reveal Qin Huaiyuan, dressed in a navy pongee robe that was neither brand-new nor well-worn. Seeing the visitors outside, he immediately fell to his knees in a grand gesture of greeting.

    Li Qitian made no move to stop him, epting the courtesy with his hands behind his back.

    Seeing that the emperor was in casual clothes, Qin Huaiyuan didn''t dare address him directly and merely said, "Please hurry inside."

    Although the manor servants didn¡¯t know who the visitor was, they could tell he was someone highly prestigious¡ªjudging from their master¡¯s response. No one dared ck off; they scurried off to tidy up the front hall and prepare refreshments.

    After entering the manor, Li Qitian hesitated for a moment before electing to order his guards to stay outside and only brought Li Guanwen in with him. Having read the situation, Qin Huaiyuan also dismissed his servants, so as to not disturb them.

    After Li Qitian was seated, Qin Huaiyuan kowtowed deeply yet again; only then did he dare speak. "This humble servant has neglected to properly receive Your Majesty¡¯s gracious presence at my humble abode. I ask for Your Majesty to punish me as is proper."

    Li Qitian pursed his lips as he stared at Qin Huaiyuan. "Minister Qin," he inquired in a low voice, "do you know the reason for Our visit?"

    Qin Huaiyuan knelt with impable posture, but his eyes went cloudy with confusion. After thinking a moment, he replied, "This humble subject guesses His Majesty has personally visited as an indication of empathy for his subject¡¯s efforts. To have His Majesty''s favor..."

    "Silence!" Li Qitian furiously mmed his hand on the table, then leaned forward with his teeth bared. "You wish to y games in Our presence? You know exactly why We are here, yet you continue to y dumb! Minister Qin, We have always valued your talents and have never embarrassed you despite your position as a surrendered citizen. Yet this is how you show your gratitude, hmm?"

    Qin Huaiyuan paled and hurried to kotow. "Please quell your anger, Your Majesty! This humble subject truly knows not what Your Majesty means by this. If Your Majesty has any orders for this subject, he need only say the word and I will do everything in my power to carry out yourmand. This subject has always been well aware of how Your Majesty recognizes my worth, and I have always fulfilled my duties with utmost diligence and care. This subject would not dare to go against Your Majesty''s wishes!"

    "Run your mouth all you want. We ask you this: do you know that Pang Zhixi has left the capital?" Li Qitian stared unwaveringly at Qin Huaiyuan''s face, not wanting to miss any change in his facial expression.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan''s eyes went round with astonishment. "Your Majesty means to say that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank has left the capital?" he eximed in disbelief. "Your Majesty did not order him to run any errands, yet he..."

    Li Qitian refrained from responding, instead continuing to stare at Qin Huaiyuan as if wanting to frighten Qin Huaiyuan into spilling the truth.

 Chapter 526.1: Battle Tactics

    <h4>Chapter 526.1: Battle Tactics</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Li Qitian stared at Qin Huaiyuan suspiciously.

    The look of astonishment and helplessness was no act, nor was the bewilderment and shock in his eyes. Li Qitian had never seen Qin Huaiyuan in such a state. Not when members of the court had deliberately picked on him and shunned him when he first arrived as a demoted minister¡ªnot once was he as frantic as he was now.

    Perhaps he panicked because Qin Huaiyuan also knew that Pang Zhixi''s departure meant all crimes and pressures fell on his shoulders as his father-inw?

    The doubts lurking in Li Qitian''s heart lessened. However, he still couldn''t bring himself to trust Qin Huaiyuan.

    "The servants of the Faithful Prince of the First Rank''s manor said that before he left with his soldiers, his mother and his maternal family had packed up their bags saying they were going to visit rtives. As far as We know, all of their rtives died long ago save for the Qins. We ask you this: did they note to your residence?"

    "Your Majesty, this subject dares not deceive his liege. I have remained at home as it is my day off today, so I most certainly did not see the familye to myplex. His Majesty can ask any of my servants personally or have your subordinates investigate. This subject will have no objections." He kowtowed heavily after his emotional disy of loyalty.

    Seeing Qin Huaiyuan''s sincerity, Li Qitian''s doubts lessened even more.

    Only by a slight degree, however.

    "Since beloved subject Qin is being so sincere, how can We not give you a chance to prove your innocence? If We do not order men to investigate your residence, others will say something is afoot with the Qins. How about We personally oversee a cursory search and say no more of this afterward. What say you?"

    "This subject cannot thank His Majesty enough for his benevolence." Qin Huaiyuan continued kowtowing.

    Li Qitian gave a bark of softughter, then looked toward Li Guanwen, who promptly turned to give themand to the royal guards. Soon, the modestly-sized yard grew morous.

    Because the eunuch stressed that His Majesty wasn¡¯t looking to search and confiscate since he still wished to keep Minister Qin in a position of importance, the investigating guards didn''t dare get ahead of themselves; they didn¡¯t damage the Qin family''s possessions, nor did they dare shove the women around.

    Despite their precautions, the old dowager and the other womenfolk were beside themselves with fright. They watched the royal guards conduct their search as the few servants they had attended to them.

    Though they didn''t know what had happened, the women of the Qin family had gone through so much in Great Zhou that they felt as if they¡¯d returned to the time when their family had to abandon their home to escape ughter.

    The old dowager dabbed at her eyes and sobbed, "Oh heavens,heavens above! What sins have wemitted to merit something like this yet again?!"

    The eighth miss and Qin Huining supported the old dowager from both sides.

    The second wife hid among the crowd while clutching her child. Seeing the royal guardse out of the house without taking any of their family possessions, it didn¡¯t appear that they were here to take the opportunity to ransack their home.

    Upon observing this, she summoned the courage to ask, "What are you looking for? Tell us and we may be able to help."

    N¨¦e Sun, the second madame, and the old dowager all turned their heads to re viciously at her. Was she worried these ruthless men wouldn''t take notice of the women?!

    Wilting beneath their res, the second wife promptly nudged at her husband Qin Han from behind.

    Qin Han, Qin Yu, and Qin Xian stepped forward and shielded the womenfolk with their bodies.

    Since the royal guards had special orders from Li Guanwen, they had no wish to make things difficult for the Qins. As such, they inquired, "Have you seen the Faithful Grand-Lord, Old Madame, and the Grand-Madame of the First Rank?"

    Stunned, the old dowager responded, "You are here to search for our inws?"

    "Of course we¡¯ve seen them before, but it has been a long time," said the second madame.

    The guards spoke no more with the women and went to the front hall to await further instruction.

    Seeing the outsiders exit in a single file line, the family let out sighs of relief.

    Qin Han quietly scolded his second wife. "Don''t run your mouth in the future. You might find it easy to talk since you''re a married woman, but does that mean the girls are the same?"

    The second wife flushed all the way to her ears and lowered her head, not daring to say anything more.

    Seeing that Qin Han had already disciplined his wife, the old dowager didn¡¯tment any further. She turned and quietly addressed Qin-mama. "Go quietly and take a look. What can possibly have happened? Whye to our home in search of the inws and make a fuss about it, like they came to confiscate our belongings?"

    "Understood." Qin-mama replied, then carefully made her way to the second door.

    Meanwhile in the front hall, the guards reported back to Li Qitian how those left at the Qin manor reacted more or less the same. The emperor¡¯s doubts lessened considerably; though he still had his suspicions since Qin Huaiyuan would certainly try to cover for his son-inw. But he presently didn¡¯t have any concrete proof, so it was difficult to convict the minister with any sort of crime.

 Chapter 526.2: Battle Tactics

    <h4>Chapter 526.2: Battle Tactics</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The nobles of court, on the other hand, had their eyes on Pang Zhixi and Li Zeyu. If the emperor were to take action against these two, then the nobles had to be on their guard. That oue made it all the more difficult for Li Qitian to act.

    Furthermore, the faction of surrendered officials followed Qin Huaiyuan''s lead, and ever since Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong had been sent off to the royal dungeons, those officials were growing restless. If anything happened to Qin Huaiyuan, it was possible that they would erupt in an uproar.

    On top of all that, the Tatars were eyeing them covetously like tigers, hoping to dere war.

    Li Qitian was long at his wits end. Weeks of pressure had weighed on his heart, and now Pang Xiao had gone off with his soldiers without so much as a word to anyone. He could no longer control his temper.

    However, seeing Qin Huaiyuan kneeling on the floor with his head down inpliance with imperial orders had him reconsidering the pros and cons of punishing him. In the end, Li Qitian sighed and personally helped Qin Huaiyuan to his feet with a pleasant expression.

    "This is a mere misunderstanding. We ask beloved subject Qin to not take it to heart."

    Qin Huaiyuan looked deeply moved and shook his head rapidly.

    "Your Majesty bends your efforts overseeing a myriad of affairs on a daily basis. Matters of the nation areplex, but this subject is notpetent enough to help His Majesty share that burden. I understand that His Majesty has a reason in all that you do. I only regret that I am a useless schr who cannot ease His Majesty''s worries. The Tatar dilemma is perplexing indeed, yet this subject cannot alleviate the pressure."

    Qin Huaiyuan''s words struck right at Li Qitian''s heart.

    It was indeed lonely at the top; as the emperor, his greatest wish was to be understood, not simply feared. Qin Huaiyuan''s worrisome son-inw aside, he still found this person rather agreeable.

    "Never mind that." Li Qitian gave a long sigh. "He has truly irked Us. It seems that Pang Zhixi anticipated that We would ask you about his ns, so he daren''t tell you about them, never mind where he hid the family. You have always proved to be wise, so analyze this: what is Pang Zhixi''s purpose for taking his soldiers out of the city? Can he possibly be on his way to contact the Dragon Riders?"

    Unfazed, Qin Huaiyuan thought deeply for a moment before responding, "This subject thinks His Highness does not seem to be the sort of person to do something like this without reason. I suppose such is the vigor of youth."

    At that, Qin Huaiyuan''s expression took on a bashful note.

    "Oh?" Li Qitian quirked a brow.

    "Heroes can hardly ignore a beautiful damsel in distress. His Highness is an emotional person at his core. He has always followed His Majesty''s orders to the letter, only stepping out of line where matters of the heart are concerned. It is my fault for not teaching my daughter better." Qin Huaiyuan made a move to kneel again.

    "There is no need for that." Li Qitian lightly held onto Qin Huaiyuan and ordered him to sit down.

    Only then did Qin Huaiyuan tearfully give thanks for imperial kindness before sitting down with his body turned halfway on the chair, his head lowered as he awaited orders.

    By now, Li Qitian''s ill mood had dissipated somewhat. Thinking back on things, he realized Pang Xiao''s insubordination had always stemmed from beautiful women, including the time when he disobeyed more than thirty royal decrees.

    In other words, Pang Xiao was no longer the wless, impervious person he once was; now, he had a fatal weakness that anyone could touch. To Li Qitian, this was a very good thing. He could use this against Pang Xiao, improving his grasp over his tool.

    Li Qitian sighed, "He truly is reckless. Considering the situation with Tatar, what use would his soldiers be? Does he truly think his soldiers to be sent from the heavens above? What we should be doing is figuring out how to make peace instead."

    "His Majesty speaks truly." Qin Huayuan bowed. "The Tatars are clearly using this as an excuse to invade our borders. If we go to war, the people will be thrown into a hellish pit of fire and suffering. Assuming we have the funds to support this war, we would be better off using the silver to better the lives of the people by repairing bridges and roads, building dams, or even lowering taxes. That would be better than any waste of the silver in the national treasury."

    Li Qitian nodded repeatedly. "Indeed, yet the Tatars do not think the same."

    Qin Huaiyuan and Li Qitian then delved into a discussion regarding governance.

    Qin-mama peeped at them from afar, then returned to report to the old dowager.

    "The visitor appears to be a colleague of the lord. He seemed frazzled and domineering when he came, but after he realized nothing was wrong with our household, he began discussing important matters with the lord."

    Only then were the old dowager''s worries assuaged. However, upon further contemtion, she still felt there was something off about the situation.

    "Have someone take another look at the inws'' manor and see if you can find out where they have gone. The soldiers were looking for them. Has something big happened?"

    Qin-mama immediately made herself scarce to carry out her orders.

    Not long after Li Qitian left, a frightened old dowager sent for her son and took him aside as soon as he returned to the inner quarters. Holding Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s hand, she instructed, "Under no circumstances can you pay any mind to the Pangs. Whether they live or die has nothing to do with the Qins. His Majesty is searching for them, so if we interfere, our family may be dragged down with them."

    Qin Huaiyuan had already anticipated the old dowager''s reaction. Not wanting her to think too much of the situation, he gently agreed.

    The old dowager thenunched into a discussion about the marriage prospects of the two remaining girls in the family.

    Though Qin Yining had been married for some time, there was not even a whisper about bearing children. The old dowager still wished to send the eighth miss to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank as a concubine.

    Considering their current situation, however, she feared Qin Huaiyuan would not approve.

 Chapter 527.1: Chastisement

    <h4>Chapter 527.1: Chastisement</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The only thing on Qin Huaiyuan''s mind was his daughter''s safety. He¡¯d just managed to maneuver out of a rough patch, and he didn''t know if His Majesty would dwell on recent events ande up with further suspicions. Even more worrying was whether anyone would discover where he had hidden his three inws.

    These problems already had his mind in a whirl. Though the Tatars losing their supply lines had temporarily put a stop to impending war, who was to say for certain that Tatar wouldn''t still dere war regardless?

    If Siqin thought the same and intended upon quick skirmishes on horseback, they wouldn¡¯t require excessive equipment. All they had to do was attack wherever food was stored and pige their way through Great Zhou. Wouldn¡¯t that mean certain suffering for their citizens who lived on the border?

    Grappling with these thorny problems already left him mentally and physically exhausted, yet his mother decided to bring this nonsense up after a battle of wits earlier with his liege.

    No matter how much patience he had, her selfish wordspletely destroyed it all.

    Having been chastised by her son, she cried in disbelief, "Meng''er, what is the meaning of this? How is this unbing of a grandmother? Do I not act in the interests of the entire family?

    "You¡¯re not wrong to say that Daughter Yi is my granddaughter, but she¡¯s not the only one. She¡¯s not even the most filial of them all, might I add. Should I not n out the futures of the other Qin daughters?

    "Furthermore, if this granddaughter can¡¯t secure her position as princess consort, isn¡¯t this precisely the moment that we should be sending another to them? What are you being so stubborn for?"

    Qin Huaiyuan listened with a neutral expression, calm as still water, his years of serving at court having taught him to suppress his anger while slowly letting it seep from his aura.

    Though the old dowager spoke with self-righteous conviction, the icy look in Qin Huaiyuan''s eyes struck fear within her. However, she saw no fault in her actions; he¡¯d just thrown his lot in with outsiders. Now that he had a wife and a daughter, he saw no need to care for his mother!

    The old dowager felt so wronged that she began to cry. Pounding the cushion across herp, she sobbed, "Oh, woe is me! Is this how your father taught you to be? The way I see it, you have forgotten all of his teachings! Again and again, you continue to talk back to me. You think you¡¯re ready to leave the nest now as the master of the house, so you¡¯re no longer obligated to fulfill your filial duty to your mother!"

    In the past, this would¡¯ve been the point where her son would gentlyfort and speak agreeably to cate her.

    However, this time, Qin Huaiyuan merely stood in ce without a word and looked at her with a distant look of a stranger.

    Seeing that no constion was forting as expected, the old dowager felt even more wronged and broke out bawling.

    "Such sinfulness! I don''t want to live anymore, I don''t want to live anymore! Oh my heart, my good intentionspletely squandered! You all despise me!"

    She wailed as she pounded her chest and stomped her feet. Burying her face in a handkerchief, her jade hairpin slid halfway out of ce from her exertions. Her round bun loosed, sending peppery hair messily scattering across her shoulders as if she had been assaulted.

    The second elder master, second madame, and third elder master silently watched from the sidelines as the old dowager threw a tantrum.

    The second madame had been about to step up to say a word or two; their family already had enough problems to deal with. It was unsightly for the elderly to throw a tantrum over something so unreasonable like she did.

    However, the second elder master subtly pulled her back, not allowing her to approach.

    The third elder master especially couldn''t stand the sight of his father''s official wife like this. With a quiet scoff, he turned and excused himself. Out of sight, out of mind.

    Only Qin-mama was left awkwardly standing by the old dowager, not knowing whether to mollify her mistress or make herself scarce.

    The room fell silent. The old dowager''s throat had already gone hoarse, yet no one came forward tofort her¡ªnot to mention Qin Huaiyuan didn''t even beg for her forgiveness! Her fury burned even hotter.

    "This is all your fault, you bitch!¡± She pounded her chest and leveled an using finger at the silent n¨¦e Sun. ¡°You''ve talked my Meng''er into developing such bad behavior. Out with it¡ªwhat kind of pillow talk have you been deceiving him with?!"

    Qin Huaiyuan''s face went as dark as the ckened bottom of a pot.

    N¨¦e Sun''s patience finally ran out. "What a joke!" she scoffed. I''ve talked your son into developing bad behavior? Take a look at him¡ªhe¡¯s not a three-year-old child anymore! Would he fall for any of my pillow talk? I''ve even thought of telling him to kick out everyone who causes a ruckus, but will he listen to me?!"

    "You!" The old dowager''s eyes went round with rage; she knew n¨¦e Sun''s indirect usation was referring to herself.

 Chapter 527.2: Chastisement

    <h4>Chapter 527.2: Chastisement</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "I''ve truly had enough! Old Dowager is the matriarch of the house who should be maintaining peace between her sons and daughters! Why is it always you who is instigating trouble?! What bone do you have to pick with daughter Yi that you must harm her so?!

    "First, you encourage the eighthss in fantasies of worming her way into my son-inw''s heart. Did you consider how the sisterly bond between the eighthss and daughter Yi might be affected if she fails in bing a concubine? Did you even think about how the two of them and their families are supposed to get along with one another if it did work out?

    "You are displeased? You are displeased? You think your son is not filial enough? Let me tell you something. Never mind the others¡ªas Yining¡¯s birth parents, we feel ashamed of ourselves living in this house, for daughter Yi bought it with her own money!

    "The family lost all of your possessions on the way here! Had daughter Yi not purchased this manor beforehand with her own private savings out of concern that her parents and uncles would lose face and quietly transferred ownership of this ce to us, our entire family would still be renting!

    "You do nothing to add to the family¡¯s industries while eating out of daughter Yi''s hand and living in her house. Our daughter does not seek your gratitude, her only wish being to fulfill her filial duties. And you?

    ¡°She has been kidnapped, we don¡¯t know whether she¡¯s alive or dead, yet you stab her in the back like this! The way I see it, you don¡¯t even care about whether your granddaughter lives or dies! You are her grandmother! Where is your humanity?!"

    "This, this ludicrous insolence!" The old dowager furiously pounded the edge of her mattress. "Meng''er, if you are the one I raised, you will divorce her! Divorce her!"

    "Divorce me? By all means, please do! I''ve seen through you all! When my father and brother were still alive and the Duke of Ding at its prime, who was the one who came grovelling to us to arrange a marriage? I certainly wasn¡¯t the one who was in a hurry to marry into the Qins!

    "After I carried daughter Yi in my womb for ten months and gave birth, why did she go missing? Who willpensate us for the suffering caused by fourteen years of separation?

    "You look down on me because I cannot bear you a grandson. You look down on me because my family has fallen out of power. When my family was persecuted, you were shameless enough to allow the trampress¡¯ sister to marry into the family!

    "When the entire family was left tightening their belts because of a natural disaster, my daughter did the hardbor of hunting and chores¡ªdespite starving herself! She saved all her provisions for you, but not only did you not feel for her, but you licked your chops and ate her pet rabbit! The little runt was only the size of a palm, yet you had no trouble swallowing it down! Have you no shame?!

    "You enjoy domestic bliss, but instead of treasuring what you have, you elect to incite discord among your children¡¯s marital affairs! Do you think me to be a mute just because I do not say anything? A divorce would be wonderful! My mother''s business in the south has flourished for a long while, so it isn''t like I have no home to return to! In fact, I would rather like to tell others how a grandmother like you treats her sons and daughters!" Finished with her rant, n¨¦e Sun spat harshly and turned to leave.

    Qin Huaiyuan''s brows had already scrunched into tight furrows. He pulled n¨¦e Sun back. "Don¡¯t go. It¡¯s dangerous outside, what with the war beginning......"

    "Let go of me!" N¨¦e Sun shook Qin Huaiyuan''s hand away in one swift motion, tears streaking down her face. "Qin Meng, I have been with you for so much of my life already. Through all the grievances, pent-up frustration, and danger, I have stayed by your side and endured them all with you.

    ¡°I have tolerated all that I should and should not have, yet your mother looks down on me for not bearing you a son. I have also weed one woman after another for you. Though it makes me jealous, I still care about the years we have been together as husband and wife. Since when have I ever forbidden you from taking concubines?

    "Your mother is indeed doing what mothers do and looking out for her own children and grandchildren, but I am a mother as well! I only have Yining, and I was a fool for not treating her well before. Now that she¡¯s gone missing, my heart feels as if someone has ripped it out of my chest and roasts it over an open fire!

    ¡°And now your mother seeks to sabotage my daughter''s marriage for the sake of another granddaughter! Am I to just ept that someone is trying to bully my daughter? If you¡¯re a real man, then divorce me this instant! Since you can¡¯t leave the capital, then I¡¯ll go! I¡¯ll go to Tatar and find my daughter!" By then, n¨¦e Sun was crying so hard that her voice shook too much to continue on.

    Qin Huaiyuan''s eyes were also rimmed in red. Paying no mind to n¨¦e Sun''s fierce struggles, he slowly raised his arms to draw her into an embrace.

    "Alright, alright, I am the one who did not do enough. We aren¡¯t young anymore and your health isn¡¯t worth sacrificing for all this crying. We still need to live to see our daughter have sons and daughters of her own, do we not?"

    N¨¦e Sun wouldn''t have minded it if no oneforted her, but as she clutched at Qin Huaiyuan''spels and leaned against his chest, taking in the faint fragrance of ink, she finally broke out wailing, pounding his chest hard as she did so.

    "This is all your fault! Why must you be an official?! You bend over backwards for the Qin family, but why is my daughter to be sacrificed?! My daughter isn¡¯t even seventeen. She¡¯s still so young!"

    N¨¦e Sun bawled her heart out and sobbed, venting all of the worries, grievances, and resentment she had kept bottled up for so long. Qin Huaiyuan rested his chin against the top of her head and allowed her tears to soak his cor as his eyes turned even redder.

    Watching the couple so, the second madame also grew choked up and wiped tears away with a handkerchief. She recalled the disaster that had taken family and servants away from her, unable to suppress the wave of grief that washed over her.

    The old dowager stared at them, dumbstruck. In all the years since n¨¦e Sun had married into the family, she had never acted in such an obscene manner. How dare she hog Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s chest and cry like this?!

    Her firstborn hadn''t consoled her when she was crying just now!

    The old dowager pursed her lips and began whimpering again. "Such sinfulness," she prattled on, "unfilial child, unfilial child......"

    The second elder master rubbed at his temples. Seeing that his older brother was ignoring their old mother, he braced himself and sat along the edge of the bed, handing the old dowager a handkerchief.

    "Mother, don''t be sad. You are the matriarch of our family and have crossed more bridges than all the roads we have traversed. You think of your children more than anyone."

 Chapter 528.1: Falling Ill

    <h4>Chapter 528.1: Falling Ill</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Mother, let¡¯s speak no more of splitting the family. Elder brother and sister-inw have given a great deal to the family all these years, which we¡¯re all aware of. Third brother and I are truly grateful from the bottom of our hearts. So please, don¡¯t worsen your mood with arguments, that would be distracting elder brother instead.¡±

    The old dowager was deeply hurt. She¡¯d seen the real Qin Huaiyuan today. This son of hers who she had poured all her love into, even at the cost of neglecting her second son for so many years, was no longer the filial son who showed her utmost obedience.

    Now in her spell of grief, wasn¡¯t it her second son who came to coax her? Furthermore, the second elder master¡¯s words gave the old dowager a way out of her embarrassing situation.

    She couldn¡¯t find anyeback to retort n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arguments, nor did she dare to really do anything to her eldest son. Her future was in his hands, so all she could do was suppress her anger and endure this affront.

    If she stopped speaking now, everyone would think she was being the gracious elder and letting n¨¦e Sun have her way.

    So the old dowager wiped her tears away and didn¡¯t curse Qin Huaiyuan anymore, nor tell him to divorce n¨¦e Sun. It wasn¡¯t like he would listen to her, in any case.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s strained mind finally rxed a little when he saw how easily the old dowager was coaxed. Likewise, his wife finally stopped sobbing in his arms.

    ¡°Mother.¡± Qin Huaiyuan patted n¨¦e Sun¡¯s shoulder before turning around. ¡°In your advanced age, you should spend your days rxing, not worrying. From now on, you no longer need to worry about matters of the house or the marriages of the children. All you have to do is care for yourself and live a long life, letting your son serve you filially into the days.¡±

    The old dowager¡¯s eyes rimmed with red again when she heard Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words, and she shrieked, ¡°You unfilial son! This is a betrayal!¡±

    This was a tant warning for the old dowager to remember her ce! Her son wanted her to stop recklessly meddling in the family''s affairs and keep her hands out of the family¡¯s coffers.

    ¡°Mother, this is all your son will say. If you really cannot stand to see us, then we will have no choice but to move out.¡± Qin Huaiyuan raised cupped fists. ¡°It was the emperor and his men just now, I fear he already suspects me. I am exhausted from all the stress and fear I endure at court. When I return home, I wish for simple rxation and rest. I hope mother understands my desire to not stir up more trouble.¡±

    After speaking, Qin Huaiyuan left with n¨¦e Sun.

    The news of the emperor¡¯s personal arrival and searching their residence like he wanted to charge them with crimes shocked everyone. The second elder master hadn¡¯t been at the front just now and so hadn¡¯t seen Li Qitian. This was his first time hearing the news.

    ¡°Y-Your elder brother said just now... no, that¡¯s not right, they were clearly searching for our inws, so why would the emperore search our home?¡± The old dowager trembled with fear as she clutched her second son¡¯s hand with a death grip.

    Stunned, the second elder master rose in a panic. ¡°Mother, the situation at court is truly tense. I will go talk to my brother about countermeasures. You should rest well and please, don¡¯t cry again.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, yes, go!¡± Compared to vying for influence with her daughter-inw, the old dowager naturally cared much more about her own life. She hurriedly waved the second elder master away, urging him to be on his way.

    The second elder master left with the second madame. When they stepped into the corridor, they noticed that all the courtyard¡¯s servants were standing far away. The eighth miss and Qin Huining were also huddled in a corner far away, engrossed in their conversation and not daring to approach.

    ¡°Watch over mother and don¡¯t let her get into any more trouble,¡± softly reminded the second elder master. ¡°The situation this time is unlike the ones before. I¡¯m going to go and talk to elder brother.¡±

    ¡°That, I don¡¯t dare do,¡± his wife murmured back. ¡°What if I say one thing wrong and mother tells you to divorce me too?¡±

    The second elder master rolled his eyes angrily, berating, ¡°Nonsense!¡± before turning to hasten away.

    The second madame sucked in a breath of the cool winter air and huffed into her hands a few times. Recalling how n¨¦e Sun had cursed the old dowager earlier filled her with delight.

    The old dowager¡¯s attitude had long grated on her, and n¨¦e Sun¡¯smbasting practically mirrored what she¡¯d always wanted to say. It wasn¡¯t just n¨¦e Sun who loved Qin Yining dearly, the second madame also remembered Qin Yining¡¯s grace. People weren¡¯t unfeeling nts; those as short-sighted and ungrateful as the old dowager were quite rare.

    She stood outside for a while before returning inside, only to see the second wife tending to the old dowager. Rxing happily, the second madame didn¡¯t approach them. She took a seat by the fire pit in the outer room and epted a cup of tea offered by a servant, warming her hands.

    In the study, Qin Huaiyuan, the second elder master, the third elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu were all gathered together, discussing what had happened with Li Qitian earlier.

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s voice was low as he spoke, ¡°My son-inw has led his personal forces to search for daughter Yi in Tatar. The emperor suspects him wanting to collude with the Dragon Riders to conspire a revolt. He first traveled in disguise to the Faithful Prince¡¯s manor, then grew suspicious of our household when he saw none of the family there. Thus, our manor was searched.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Qin Han said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect brother-inw to have such well-meaning intentions.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± praised Qin Yu. ¡°Brother-inw also defied a lot of imperial decrees for fourth sister.¡±

    However, the second and third elder masters weren¡¯t as rxed as the younger generation.

 Chapter 528.2: Falling Ill

    <h4>Chapter 528.2: Falling Ill</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Will the emperor believe us after this, having searched our residence and finding nobody?¡± worried the third elder master. ¡°Brother, the emperor will hardly believe you if you say you have nothing to do with it at all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Huaiyuan forced a smile. ¡°However, the emperor currently has no evidence to prove I¡¯m hiding the inws. Furthermore, the emperor won¡¯t do anything even if he catches them. At most, they¡¯d be kept in the pce as hostages.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a job well done to prevent them from being taken as hostages. That will keep my nephew-inw¡¯s mind at peace, and he¡¯ll be able to go about his business unfettered,¡± the third elder master dered soundly, ¡°Brother, you don¡¯t have to worry. With the prince¡¯s exceptional skill, he¡¯ll be able to find and bring back Yining safely. As for the emperor¡¯s suspicions, well, just let him be suspicious then. In any case, we don¡¯t have any secrets to hide, nor are we really sheltering them. He can think whatever he thinks.¡±

    ¡°Be that as it may, I¡¯m just worried that the emperor will suspect and no longer value our brother because of this,¡± said the second elder master.

    Hearing that, Qin Huaiyuan couldn¡¯t help but a chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Although the emperor doesn¡¯tpletely trust me, he still needs to make use of me. Our household is safe for now, but we should use this time to make sure we have a way out for ourselves.¡±

    ¡°A way out?¡± the second and third elder masters echoed in unison.

    ¡°Right,¡± sighed Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry. I¡¯ve learned from my past mistakes.¡±

    Collective chills ran through the group when they recalled the assassins that had killed off half their family in Great Yan. The atmosphere took a downward dip again, especially for Qin Yu and the third elder master. They¡¯d both lost their wives, with the third elder master even losing his official son in that incident.

    The general mood turned despondent.

    ¡°These are turbulent days, but we must temper our courage and continue.¡± Qin Huaiyuan heaved another sigh. ¡°Everybody must prepare themselves and support each other going forward. We will be fine. I¡¯ll carefully observe the situation and make sure everything stays under control. There¡¯s no need to worry.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I can always feel reassured with elder brother in the lead.¡±

    ¡°I as well. Uncle always chooses the best direction for our household. We all believe in you.¡±

    When Qin Huaiyuan saw the wholehearted trust his younger brothers and nephews ced in him, he couldn¡¯t help but sh the first genuine smile he¡¯d had all day.

    However, he still silently prayed to the heavens in his heart. He just wanted his daughter to be safe and for Pang Xiao to find her a little faster. It would be perfectly alright if they roamed the world forever and never returned after he found her. That was at least far better than being yet another sacrifice in theing war.

    ......

    Qin Yining, the subject of her family¡¯s concerns, was currently in dire straits.

    The terrain of the uninhabited desert was constantly changing. A hill right in front of them would havepletely leveled out when they awakened on the morrow. Furthermore, though it wasn¡¯t too hot in the days of the winter desert, it was terribly cold at night.

    Although the tribesmen had packed sufficient rations and water, their journey through the desert was still tumultuous. When Qin Yining rejected Cao Yuqing¡¯s offer to leave and stuck with the tribesmen instead, she¡¯d already resigned herself to death. Whether in body or spirit, they were both stretched to their limits.

    Upon consideration and eptance that this might be her final trek in life, it felt like a string snapped in her mind. The dogged inner strength that kept her putting one step ahead of the next slipped away, and her body grew weaker by the day. Her earlier injuries were all called to the surface again, summoned by the winter desert chill.

    The silver lining was that this time, they were in possession of carts and weapons. Constant consumption of provisions freed up space, so after Qin Yining fell sick, worried tribesmen cleared out a cart for her to rest in.

    She was bundled in a thick, cotton-padded jacket, lying in the cart alone as she drifted in and out of sleep.

    Lu Heng and Uncle Alham nked the sides of the cart. Each with a shawl covering their nose and mouth, their eyes were narrowed to resist the harsh desert winds as they asionally nced at Qin Yining with concern.

    ¡°We still don¡¯t know where we¡¯re going. If we continue on like this, I fear the chief won¡¯t be able to go on!¡± After witnessing the pair¡¯s steadfast loyalty, Uncle Alham had started to call Qin Yining and Lu Heng the chiefs in private.

    ¡°Sadly, we just don¡¯t have any other choice avable to us right now,¡± responded Lu Heng. ¡°We already gave her medicine, but the desert¡¯s climate is just too bleak and bad for her recovery.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we have the carts.¡± Uncle Alham sighed.

    Caganbhara spat out some sand that¡¯d traveled into his mouth before speaking, ¡°How about we turn back and let the chief recover outside the desert? The circumstances outside must certainly be better than here.¡±

    ¡°You think I haven¡¯t thought about that?¡± Lu Heng smiled wryly. ¡°Our pursuers were already hot on our tails when we entered the desert. Since they¡¯re following our trail, they should¡¯ve seen us enter the desert. They won¡¯t dare to follow, but they also won¡¯t dare return to the khan with a failed mission. It¡¯s extremely likely that they set up an encampment outside and are lying in wait for us toe out.¡±

    Uncle Alham nodded in agreement. ¡°Right, and it¡¯s hard to flee while carrying our chief. They¡¯re all elite calvary. As for us, even with food and water in the desert, we¡¯ve used up a lot of strength. If we run into them, it¡¯ll be extremely difficult to escape.¡±

 Chapter 529.1: Caretaking

    <h4>Chapter 529.1: Caretaking</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Anyone would lose hope if they had to trudge endlessly through circumstances in which the future was unknown, orck knowledge on when their journey would be over. Doubts of whether they would really be able to depart this patch of desert had urred to them more than once. Would the tribe be buried in this deste wilderness?

    Following by the side of the cart, Lu Heng rearranged the scarf that covered Qin Yining¡¯s nose and mouth to protect her from the dust and sand. Sorrow washed over him as he looked at her sleeping visage. Those longshes fluttered like butterfly wings with every breath, and her small face had grown even more gaunt and pale during this stretch of time.

    How should he save her? Even if she didn¡¯t love him, he didn¡¯t wish to see her die in front of him!

    His expression was so full of grief and worry that the hearts of those around him couldn¡¯t help but ache as well.

    After spending day and night with each other for so long, they were one big family andrades who had weathered life and death together. Qin Yining could have escaped on her own, but had stayed behind to weather this disaster with the rest of them in the name of fraternity. If they really had to witness her lose her life like this, no one would be able to forgive themselves.

    This was especially true for the tribesmen who¡¯d spent more time with Qin Yining and Lu Heng, such as Uncle Alham and the two brothers. They were the ones most likely to know about the depths of Lu Heng¡¯s feelings towards Qin Yining.

    The princess consort had fallen ill in such terrible conditions, and there was nothing they could do to help. Even the tribesmen felt anxious when they looked at her, much less Lu Heng who cared deeply for her. Everyone looked at each other, grief welling up from their hearts.

    Their group continued marching forward through wind and sand. Today¡¯s sunset was greeted with gratitude, that they hadn¡¯t run into a sandstorm like yesterday.

    Qin Yining slept the deep sleep of the gravely ill. When she woke, she looked around blearily and found herself in a tent brightly lit by a campfire and carpeted with soft, fine sand. Outside the triangr tent, sand filled the air, dancing from the strong gusts of wind that battered the walls of the tent.

    She shivered all over and her teeth chattered together. However, she didn¡¯t have the strength to rise or even lift her hands to tuck the nket more securely around herself.

    Lu Heng entered the tent carrying an earthenware bowl. When he saw Qin Yining¡¯s half-lidded eyes, pale face, and trembling form, his heart pricked with pain. He carefully walked forward and knelt down by her side. ¡°You¡¯re awake. How do you feel?¡±

    Qin Yining attempted to lift the corners of her lips in a smile. Her pale, cracked lips trembled, but her painfully dry throat was unable to produce any sound. After several failed attempts to speak, her long eyshes drooped in disappointment.

    ¡°Pardon me,¡± Lu Heng said softly. He raised up the shivering Qin Yining and cradled her upper body in the crook of one arm, while the other brought a spoonful of thin rice porridge to her mouth.

    ¡°Drink some of this. You will get better only if you eat and get some nourishment. This is hot and will do nicely to warm you up once you drink it.¡±

    Qin Yining felt a little ufortable with the situation, but her body was as weak as a limp noodle. The slightest movement made ck spots vie for dominance in front of her eyes. She had no energy to spare for propriety, and could only move her lips to breath out a soundless, ¡°thank you¡±, before she started sipping at the porridge.

    Her face was as white as a piece of paper and the fine hairs on her forehead soaked with cold sweat. Strands of hair stuck to her temples and by her ears, making her already thin face look even smaller.

    Lu Heng bent his head to look at the woman drinking porridge in his arms and felt like a sweetyer of honey had been brushed across his heart.

    If not for the fact that Qin Yining was shivering violently and obviously in terrible pain, he would¡¯ve wished for time to stop at such a lovely, quiet moment that belonged to only the two of them. If the two of them could keep each otherpany, he would be more than happy to discard all of his positions and wealth.

    As warm rice porridge slid past her aching throat, down her gullet, and into her stomach, the warmth seemed to react adversely to the bone-piercing cold in her body. Her whole body quivered and jerked strongly in reaction.

    Lu Heng quickly put down the empty bowl and took out a clean cotton handkerchief from his robes, carefully wiping away the cold sweat on her face and neck. Qin Yining wanted to flinch away, but had no energy to avoid the ministrations and could only close her eyes and bear it for the moment.

    ¡°How do you feel? Are you alright? Lu Heng asked worriedly.

    Qin Yining smiled ruefully. ¡°I don¡¯t, feel too good.¡±

    That simple sentence had to be split into two by a gasp before it waspleted, but was still as thready as the whine of a mosquito. Even after the moisture of the porridge, the sound that emitted from her throat was horse and grating as sandpaper on a broken edge. It was almost inaudible and barely more than a breath by Lu Heng¡¯s ear.

    His heart trembled to hear that, and his eyes burned as if tears were about to fall.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we have plenty of grain and water, I even brought you some medicine. You just have to rest well, eat properly, and take your medicine. You¡¯ll get better then.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled tiredly and nodded jerkily, then shook her head, speaking in short bursts, ¡°You don¡¯t, have to be, too stubborn. People, will always, die. Life and death, are fated, cannot be forced.¡±

 Chapter 529.2: Caretaking

    <h4>Chapter 529.2: Caretaking</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Life and death are fated, and your life will surely not end here. You are fated to enjoy luckter in life, and your family as well as His Highness are waiting for you to go home. In the future you will live a blessed life filled with leisure, children, and grandchildren. You will never need to be on the run or suffer again. Those days are not far away, so you must remain confident in yourself.¡±

    Qin Yining listened to Lu Heng¡¯s cating words, but didn¡¯t fully understand them. Her ears and mind buzzed, and his words also blended into the chaotic jumble. She only knew that the Lu scion must be trying tofort her.

    Thus, she closed her eyes wearily and softly said, ¡°Thank you.¡± She felt that she spoke quite loudly, but to Lu Heng¡¯s ears, it was almost inaudible.

    There was an instant where Lu Heng wished that he could take her out of the desert to find a physician.

    However, their route had be more obscured the deeper into the desert they traveled; he almost couldn¡¯t tell which direction they¡¯de from anymore. This was a hopeless situation that would trap them in the desert forever!

    Lu Heng took off his padded robe and tightly hugged Qin Yining, who¡¯d already fallen back asleep. He used the nket and padded robe to cover the both of them.

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks and hands were as cold as ice blocks. Even when unconscious, her entire body still shivered uncontrobly. Lu Heng wrapped his hand around both of hers, trying to pass on some of his warmth to her. However, after a while, his hands were chilled by hers, but she was still extremely cold.

    Anxiety nipping at his heels, there was no sleep forting for the Lu scion. He got up to stoke the campfire higher and adjusted the tent to make it lower. Then, he carried Qin Yining to a spot closest to the fire before lying down again. This time, he cradled both of her hands and wrapped his arms tightly around her, hoping that his embrace would help her warm up.

    In actuality, Qin Yining wasn¡¯tpletely asleep. She could no longer determine where she was, whether it was the mountains where she¡¯d spent her childhood or the noble residence that she¡¯dter moved back into.

    She was dreaming. In that dream she made a mistake and couldn¡¯t learn the rules the mama taught her, no matter how hard she tried. The old dowager and n¨¦e Sun made her kneel in punishment and even threw her books into the pond. She couldn¡¯t bear to lose them, so she jumped into the frozen pond even though it was deep winter and thest month of the lunar year.

    The water was so cold!

    She was so cold that her bones felt like they would freeze over, and her fingers were stiff and clumsy. No matter how deeply she waded into the depths of the pool, she couldn¡¯t catch up to her books. The deeper she waded, the colder it got.

    Feeling that she couldn¡¯t take it anymore, Qin Yining wanted to give up on those books. However, when she turned around, the buildings of the Qin residence had disappeared, along with everyone else around her. She was stuck in the middle of the frozen pond and couldn¡¯t find the shore to climb out!

    Almost bursting into tears from fear, she kept muttering, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t havee, I shouldn''t havee. It would have been better alone in the mountains. I shouldn¡¯t havee back.¡±

    Lu Heng had drifted into a groggy, half-awake state. He heard someone muttering by his ear, but could only make out one phrase, ¡®shouldn¡¯t havee back¡¯.

    With how much he liked the princess consort, he¡¯d naturally fully investigated Qin Yining and her past. He knew all about how she¡¯d been switched out when young and adopted by someone outside, how she¡¯d survived all alone in the mountains, found her way back to the minister¡¯s residence, and carved out a niche for herself.

    Thus, her delirious ramblings hit a soft spot in Lu Heng¡¯s heart. How could such a weak and helpless person be so strong and determined? To his eyes, every bit of Qin Yining shone with hidden qualities awaiting discovery, and she was that distant star to be sealed away for safekeeping.

    However, even the most brilliant star would someday dissipate and disappear.

    He sometimes really wished that he could turn back time. If he could, he would be the one to find the young Qin Yining first, seamlessly blend into and be part of her life, help her, and nurture her. She wouldn¡¯t have had to depend on hunting and foraging for wild fruits to survive at a young age, and wouldn¡¯t live such a difficult life.

    Unfortunately, there are no ¡®what ifs¡¯ in the world. He hadn¡¯t been destined to meet her early on in life. Stuck as he was within the wheel of fate, it seemed to be set in stone that Qin Yining would meet Pang Xiao and they would fall in love. As for him, he could only despair that he hadn¡¯t met her earlier. If he didn¡¯t want to lose herpletely, he could only silently watch over her off to the side.

 Chapter 530.1: Awake

    <h4>Chapter 530.1: Awake</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    If he hadn¡¯t met Qin Yining in this period of time, or if they¡¯d met when he was a little older, perhaps they wouldn''t have developed the mutual trust they now shared. This is what she means by ¡®life and death are fated¡¯, isn¡¯t it?

    Lu Heng let his imagination run wild just like that, his tired brows knitted tightly together, and managed to slip into a light doze after a long while.

    After some time, he suddenly felt like he was embracing an extremely hot brazier. Lu Heng¡¯s eyes snapped open, his tired face unable to hide his anxiety.

    Qin Yining was running a high fever that refused to go down.

    It wasn¡¯t appropriate for him to wipe down the princess consort in a makeshift bath. He was already crossing the boundaries in taking advantage of her unconsciousness to sleep with her in his embrace. Thus, Lu Heng went out to look for two trustworthy tribeswomen to help wipe her down and reduce her fever.

    Qin Yining¡¯s pale face was flushed sickly red from the fever. Her dry lips had split in several ces, and a persistent high fever had turned her previously icy-cold body unnaturally hot. As the women wiped her clean, they discovered that she¡¯d gotten so thin that she was incredibly gaunt. In particr, the bones of her wrist were so sharp they looked like they were about to pierce through her skin.

    Lu Heng returned after the women were finished with the dry bath and fed Qin Yining some warm water. She subconsciously swallowed a few sips, but when he continued to feed her something else, she refused to open her mouth, as if she had decided to seek death.

    Looking at how frail Qin Yining was, Lu Heng couldn¡¯t help but sigh and coax, ¡°Come on, wake up. You must drink some warm water and eat something. Look at you now, you¡¯re so different from when we first met. You¡¯ve be so thin.¡±

    Although he knew that Qin Yining was unconscious and couldn''t hear him, he persisted with his gentle persuasion for a long while.

    The princess consort alternated madly between freezing cold one moment and burning heat the next, often shoving away her nket. Right now, it was as if she were in the middle of a raging inferno;rge, pea-sized drops of sweat rolled down from her forehead.

    Lu Heng hurriedly used his sleeve to wipe the sweat away. As he looked at her sweat drenched hair, sadness suddenly overwhelmed his heart. He¡¯d never been an overly-emotional person; when someone had told him that disaster had befallen the Lu family, he faced the circumstances head-on without fear.

    However heartless he might be in other situations, the softest and most vulnerable parts of his heart were reserved for Qin Yining. She was severely ill, but he had no ability to help her at all! He hurt as badly as if someone was twisting a knife in his heart.

    If he¡¯d known that something like this would happen, he would¡¯ve found a way to abduct a physician to journey with them when they first entered the desert. If Qin Yining¡¯s cold had been treated appropriately from the beginning, she wouldn''t be in such a precarious situation now.

    Of course, the princess consort had no idea what the people around her were thinking or doing. All she knew was that she¡¯d plunged into the depths of a pitch-ck abyss, that there wasn¡¯t the slightest glimmer of light ahead of her. The bottom of this abyss seemed to be a river of magma, so hot that a single drop would be enough to melt her.

    It was so, so hot! Qin Yining whined in distress, then unknowingly fell back into a deep sleep. She didn¡¯t even realize when Lu Heng and the others bundled her up in a nket and carried her onto a carriage.

    Over the next few days, her body grew even frailer and she spent increasingly less amounts of time awake. An ominous feeling in her heart slowly grew as well.

    When she next opened her eyes after an indeterminable period of time, she was lying on a wooden cart. Howling wind filled her ears with cries of savagery. Vaguely, she felt someone help her adjust her scarf, a warm hand cover her forehead, and a sigh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, we¡¯ll walk out of this desert. We have enough rations. You don¡¯t need to be afraid of anything...¡±

    She knew that Lu Heng wasforting her again and was very grateful for the meticulous care that Lu Heng had shown her. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    When Lu Heng saw her move her lips, he moved closer. ¡°Are you awake? Drink something.¡±

    Qin Yining breathed outboriously, ¡°If I don¡¯t survive, then leave me. Let me go.¡± After that, she fell back asleep. Thest thing that she heard was Lu Heng¡¯s voice, repeating, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I won¡¯t leave you. I won¡¯t leave you...¡±

    After another bout of drifting in and out of sleep to the point where Qin Yining didn¡¯t know whether she would wake again, a small panic stirred in her heart. She still had things to tell Pang Xiao!

    When she next opened her eyes, she discovered that she was in a tall mud house. Was she still in the desert? Why would there be such a structure in the desert?

 Chapter 530.2: Awake

    <h4>Chapter 530.2: Awake</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    She was lying down on arge heated brick bed with fine cotton bedding. The designs on the cloth were extremely delicate, seeming to be mysterious yet auspicious symbols. However, none of themonly seen pictures of flowers, birds, or symbols for fortune could be found.

    Where was she? Had Lu Heng brought her out of the desert to save her life? But the deserted part of the desert was ever-changing and didn''t have easily identifiablendmarks; it was impossible to retrace the route that they¡¯d taken.

    Moreover, the style of the building and designs of household items didn¡¯t seem to resemble those of either Great Zhou or Tartar. Qin Yining twitched her fingers, feeling that she¡¯d recovered some of her strength. Her head didn¡¯t feel as muddled as before, and even the pain in her throat and her cracked lips were in a much better condition.

    Exceedingly curious and grateful that her condition had improved, curiosity flooded into the princess consort. She¡¯d thought that she would lose her life, but had unexpectedly lived on. Just as she was about to take a closer look at her surroundings, the wooden door suddenly creaked open.

    When she looked toward the sound, a tall man dressed in long red robes came into view. He seemed to be about forty years old with naturally wavy hair done up in a tidy bun on top of his head. His features were deep-set with a distinctive, high nose bridge. His robes were made of fine cotton, decorated with the sameplicated foreign design that matched those on both the bedding and household items.

    As he slowly approached, his ck eyes focused on Qin Yining, the gaze in them unwavering and adoring, as if they were staring at some priceless treasure. ¡°You''ve awoken!¡±

    Qin Yining was shocked. This person spoke thenguage of Great Zhou! The ent was even of its southern region, close to Great Yan. Was she already back in Great Zhou?

    When she only looked at him silently without replying, that man smiled. ¡°Have you not yet fully recovered yet?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for her reply, pping thrice instead.

    Two maidservants in long robes of greyish-green and neatly upswept hair walked inside the room. They curtsied toward that man. ¡°Your Grace.¡±

    ¡°Mm, go serve the goddess.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Your Grace.¡± The two maids walked slowly toward Qin Yining.

    The princess consort waspletely muddled. This one was a prince?

    She couldn''t recall any current prince of Great Zhou that was of his age and looked like this, not to mention in Great Yan. However, for the former Northern Ji, apart from the crown prince who would inherit the throne, his brothers were conferred the title of ¡®His Highness the Imperial Prince¡¯, while their children would be titled ¡®His Grace the Commandery Prince¡¯ and each given a fiefdom.

    Could this uncle be amandery prince of Northern Ji? Even stranger was that he called her ¡®Goddess¡¯! What were these people thinking? How was she a goddess?

    While Qin Yining was preupied with her thoughts, the two maids came up to her and greeted her with a curtsey.

    ¡°Goddess, we maids will help you bathe. The kitchens have prepared a meal for you, and you can eat after you have dressed.¡±

    She almost blurted out the question of why they called her a goddess, but managed to resist the temptation to immediately question them.

    Qin Yining felt sticky all over anyway, so she should first bathe before she could eat. As the two maids helped her stand and head toward the side room, the so-called prince also followed behind them.

    Noting her follower, Qin Yining wrinkled her brows and looked backwards. The prince seemed to be intimidated by her stare and slowed down his steps. However, the expression in his eyes as he looked at her remained fervent.

    She greatly disliked that overly-passionate gaze. He looked just like someone who hadn¡¯t eaten for a while and was suddenly presented with a feast of seafood and meat. To this person, she was a sacrifice ready for the ughter.

    However, given the need for rity about the situation, Qin Yining didn¡¯t dare to say anything to anger him either. She needed to continue observing the situation before deciding on her next steps. She also needed to find out where the other Minou tribesmen were. Thus, she didn¡¯t say anything and let the maids help her into the side room.

    The side room was simrly spacious with high ceilings. The furnishings were all crude but were marked with a simple elegance. Decorated by unique patterns or totems, they imparted an exotic feel to the room.

    The maids led Qin Yining behind the screens and helped her up three wooden steps. The tform held a wooden bathing tub partially sunken into the tform. Mist arose from the hot water within and a wooden dipper floated on the surface; two towels as well hung from the side of the tub.

    Qin Yining said, ¡°You may leave now.¡±

    ¡°Goddess, your body is still frail. Please allow us to serve you while you bathe.¡± As they spoke, the two maids bent down in a deep, formal kowtow.

    Although Qin Yining had once been wealthy, she wasn¡¯t the type who wasfortable receiving such great courtesy from other people. She reevaluated her current condition: she felt much better, but didn¡¯t have the strength to bathe alone. Moreover, she still wanted to ask about the situation here. Thus, she nodded in agreement.

    The two maids were extremely pleased. They quickly made another deep bow, then carefully helped Qin Yining take off her clothes and step into the bathing tub.

 Chapter 531.1: Xiyue

    <h4>Chapter 531.1: Xiyue</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    One of the maids helped scrub her body while the other washed her hair with great care. Every single one of their actions spoke of tenderness and care; when slim fingers scratched her scalp, it felt that they thought it a great offense to even cause her to lose a single strand of hair.

    Qin Yining closed her eyes for a moment to think deeply, and waited until she had gotten her bearings before she asked nonchntly, ¡°Where is this ce?¡±

    The two maids exchanged a look and the slimmer one answered, ¡°We can¡¯t me the goddess for not knowing. When you descended from the heavens with grain, you were ill. This is Xiyue, an oasis within the uninhabited region of the desert.¡±

    So she hadn¡¯t been brought out of the desert alone. It was the Minuo tribesmen who¡¯d found an oasis and taken herhere! But why did these people say that she¡¯d descended from the heavens with grain? And why did they call her a goddess?

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t bat an eyelid at that answer, and continued asking, ¡°Where are my people?¡±

    ¡°Please be at ease, Goddess. Other than that young master Lu, your other people have been appropriately settled down elsewhere outside the pce.¡±

    Outside the pce? So this was a pce? Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but sneak surreptitious looks around her. This pce was undeniably a little... too basic.

    Since they were so careful towards her, as if they feared this ¡®goddess¡¯, she deepened her voice and glowered with displeasure, ¡°Then where is young master Lu?¡±

    The maids sanswered apprehensively when they saw that Qin Yining seemed to have grown angry, ¡°Goddess, please don¡¯t be angry. It really was because young master Lu shed with the prince that he was locked up.¡±

    ¡°shed? Why did they sh?¡± Her tone became even more domineering.

    Flustered, the maids quickly dropped to their knees and hung their heads. ¡°Goddess, please don¡¯t be angry! You must have heard our devout prayers since you brought grain and seed to Xiyue! When we first arrived here, generations of tribesmen and princes have prayed for the goddess in our sacred books to bring grain to save us and deliver us.

    ¡°The sacred books decreed that once the goddess arrived at Xiyue, she must be our princess consort. However, young master Lu vehemently opposed His Grace¡¯s announcement that he would be marrying you. In a fit of anger, His Grace locked the young master up. But since he is the goddess¡¯ tribesman, no one made things difficult for him.¡±

    Qin Yining listened with open-mouthed shock. The prince that these maids were speaking of... was he that uncle she¡¯d previously seen?! No wonder he looked at her with such ardent eyes! Did he think to ask for her opinion before marrying her?

    Burying her wrath and misgivings at the bottom of her heart, Qin Yining continued to ask solemnly, ¡°So that¡¯s what happened. I¡¯d expect that it must have been over a hundred years since your tribe first came to this oasis?¡±

    The two maids nodded. ¡°The goddess speaks rightly. Us Xiyue have been here for over a hundred years.¡±

    Judging from how reverent and fearful these two were toward her inexplicable status of ¡®goddess¡¯, her manner couldn¡¯t be excessively overbearing. Regardless, she had to act in ordance to their impression of a goddess, so didn¡¯t press on with her questions.

    She could already conclude from the information they¡¯d imparted that this was still within the uninhabited region of the desert, and that the Xiyue tribe had been at this oasis for over a hundred years. The ent and customs of these people resemble that of southern Great Zhou where it bordered Great Yan, but their essories and totems also indicated that they were a minority ethnic group.

    But from what she knew, this ce had been pure desert a hundred years ago. In other words, the Xiyue were just like the Minuo; they¡¯d entered the uninhabited region and crossed the desert of their own volition, and happened upon this oasis by sheer luck.

    The Minuo had been running for their lives and only entered the uninhabited region because they had no other options.

    With such terrible surroundings whereupon it was easy to enter but difficult to exit, the Xiyue couldn¡¯t very well go sightseeing with their entire tribe in tow, could they?

    Thus, Qin Yining deduced that they must have been forced by circumstances toe here a hundred years ago. Taking into ount theplex geology of the uninhabited region, like the Minuo, they probably couldn¡¯t find their way out. Even if one knew the general direction they should move in, it would be extremely difficult to walk out of the desert.

    Besides, the fact that this oasis was able to nourish an entire tribe for a hundred years, grant them the effort to spare for constructing a pce, and were in no way miserly with their use of water indicated that this oasis should be veryrge and didn¡¯tck water.

    However, the two of them described her as a goddess that¡¯d descended from the heavens with grain. This implied that the tribecked grain; or at least, that they¡¯dcked grain when they first arrived at this oasis.

    Qin Yining understood clearly the tactics of a ruler. When grain was in short supply and they were afraid of a revolt, they would use any method they could think of to cate the masses. Therefore, they must¡¯ve created this silly legend that said a goddess would descend from the heavens with grain in order to give themoners a thread of hope.

    However, it was more a way to pull the wool over their eyes. Even if themoners didn¡¯t understand anything, the prince would surely understand this concept.

    However, the prince had still referred to her as goddess, indicating that he was also trying to push events to follow the same direction as what was described in the sacred books, intending to fashion himself into a legitimate king.

    These conclusions were what Qin Yining was temporarily able to deduce from the information at hand, and the details had to wait until she could continue investigating. Right now, the most urgent task was to find a way to meet the Minuo and rescue Lu Heng.

    Once she¡¯d decided on a course of action, she closed her eyes in repose, maintaining an air of mystery.

 Chapter 531.2: Xiyue

    <h4>Chapter 531.2: Xiyue</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    After the bath, the maids presented Qin Yining with a bright red long robe of finely woven cotton that was embroidered with theplicated totems of the Xiyue tribe and made in the style typical of those worn by the women here.

    A narrow skirt was tucked in at the waist and its ends brushed the floor, while wide sleeves afforded freedom of movement. On Qin Yining, it emphasised how her slim waist was norger than a handspan, and the curves of her body rose and fell like a mountain range.

    Her long hair was conscientiously patted dry, then half of it was coiled up and secured with a pure silver, tasselled hairpin. The remaining half was left to hang down along her back, lending her an air of otherworldliness.

    In Great Yan and Great Zhou, a half-updo like this was reserved for unmarried youngdies. Qin Yining surmised that they also had a simr practice here, but since this prince wanted to take her as his primary consort, she understood why they would do this. However, since the situation was not yet clear, Qin Yining didn¡¯t intend to correct them either. They could do just as they pleased for now.

    When they left the side room and returned to the main hall, the Xiyue prince was still in the room. He stared rapturously at Qin Yining walking in his direction, her skirts swaying in an elegant arc as she was supported by the two maids. Her wless visage further knocked every thought out of his mind.

    The Xiyue prince stood up with his face flushed red, inexplicably moved, ¡°Goddess...¡± He didn¡¯t know what to say after that and could only stare dumbly at Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining was quite disgusted by his expression, but had no choice but to ept it since she was residing under his roof. The safety of the Minuo was not yet secure and she wasn¡¯t in a position to erupt in a fit of temper either. ¡°Your Grace, I wonder where are my people? I would like to see them.¡±

    ¡°Ah! That¡¯s easy enough! However, Goddess, you are not yet fully recovered and should not leave the pce. Why not I have someone bring them into the pce? It¡¯s just that your people are numerous and it would be difficult for all of them toe here. Why not choose a few of them to see you instead?¡±

    Qin Yining raised her brows and answered lightly, ¡°That¡¯s fine as well. I would like to see my elder brother Lu Heng and my three guards Arhan, Harabhara, and Caganbhara. My maids Sur and On need to be brought forth as well.¡±

    The Xiyue prince noted them down with a nod and was about to instruct someone to call for these people, but suddenly paused. He turned to smile merrily at her. ¡°This prince will naturally agree to the goddess¡¯ requests, but I haven¡¯t yet asked the goddess for her exalted name.¡±

    Qin Yining said lightly, ¡°My surname is Pang.¡±

    The prince stepped forward eagerly, ¡°And what about your name?¡±

    Qin Yining raised an eyebrow. ¡°Your Grace can just call me Miss Pang.¡±

    The prince grew a little irate at the pushback. Perhaps it¡¯d been too many years since someone had dared refuse him, and perhaps he was much easier to enrage than most people Qin Yining had met outside. In any case, his emotions were also much more transparent.

    ¡°This prince wishes to know your name!¡±

    ¡°The prince is a well-mannered and well-cultured individual,¡± replied Qin Yining, ¡°and should know that the names of women should only be known by her family and her husband¡¯s family, no?¡±

    The prince¡¯s expression darkened, then brightened up again as he seemed to think of something a momentter. ¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t tell this prince then. This prince can tell you mine instead. My name is Zhou Meng, courtesy name Lushui. In any case, when we be family in the future, this prince will still know Miss Pang¡¯s name.¡±

    Qin Yiningpressed her lips and her eyes shed, but she kept herposure. He could say what he wished, words were cheap anyway. She hadn¡¯t gotten a clear picture of the situation yet and couldn¡¯t act blindly, so had to put up with it for now. ¡°Can you bring in the people I wanted to see?¡±

    ¡°Of course, but not young master Lu.¡± Zhou Meng replied.

    Qin Yining frowned. ¡°He is my elder brother. I must see him.¡±

    ¡°Your surname is Pang while his is Lu. How can you be siblings?¡± Zhou Meng asked sarcastically.

    Qin Yining rolled her eyes and looked at him as if he were an idiot. ¡°Does Your Grace not have cousins?¡±

    Zhou Meng stared nkly for a moment. He really had forgotten about that detail in front of her beauty. No wonder that Lu guy was so adamant about obstructing him from marrying her, he was doing it for his cousin!

    However, that was even worse, the rtionship between cousins had always been an ambiguous one!

    Zhou Meng grew even unhappier. When he thought about how the other women in his harem usually behaved, he decided to change tactics and smiled warmly. ¡°Alright gorgeous, don¡¯t be angry. This prince will bring the others to meet you and then get you some of the most beautiful jewels and freshest fruits, alright?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brows knitted tightly together when she heard that and scoffed, ¡°Your Grace, please maintain your dignity. Your Grace looks like one who is well versed in the rites and ceremonies. You should know that ording to the customs, parents decide their children¡¯s marriages and matchmakers must act as the go-between.

    ¡°Your Grace ims to desire me for your consort, but for some reason cannot ept my family. I don¡¯t think I can ept such an attitude either.¡± As she finished speaking, she turned around, showing Zhou Meng her back.

    However, this elegant and graceful back was sufficient to tickle Zhou Meng¡¯s heartstrings. He wished dearly that he could press her against the couch and have his way with her right now.

 Chapter 532: Refugees (I)

    <h4>Chapter 532: Refugees (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    As for whether there was something vile going on between her and her cousin or not, he didn¡¯t really care, even though it was a little vexing. There was nothing bad about her already having some experience in bed¡ªmaybe that¡¯d spice things up some!

    When his thoughts traveled here, Zhou Meng beamed broadly. ¡°Alright, alright, my beauty. There¡¯s no need to get angry, this prince will listen to you.¡±

    Qin Yining still didn¡¯t agree to turn around, electing to take a seat on the wooden stool at the side.

    Zhou Meng rubbed his hands, a foolish grin spreading across his face as he paced behind Qin Yining¡¯s back. He wanted to reach out and pull her towards him a few times, but ultimately repressed the urge.

    No rush, no rush, there¡¯s plenty of time. If he angered her now, wouldn¡¯t things be very boringter?

    After a round of cautioning himself, Zhou Meng refrained from any forceful moves and strategically chooschoseing to chat with her instead.

    ¡°Beauty, where does your family live? How did youe here with so much grain?¡±

    Qin Yining turned her head with a sneer. ¡°Aren¡¯t I a goddess?¡±

    Zhou Meng¡¯s whole body turned soft and pliable when he was pierced by the charming and flirtatious look in her eyes, despite her sharp words. He stood there in a daze, taking in a few deep breaths as he suppressed the agitation in his heart.

    ¡°Ai, with the way you arrived surrounded in grain, it¡¯s only natural that you¡¯re a goddess. However, even if you are a goddess, you were born in the mortal world and should have a birthce, right?

    Qin Yining nced at him coolly, not saying a word. Her first impression of him had been that of a steady, cold, and authoritative man. But now, it seemed he¡¯d only projected that because he¡¯d been trying quite hard to hide his true self.

    She knew that the more she spoke, the likelier the chances of making a mistake. Before proper countermeasures were in ce, the less she revealed about herself, the better. Thus, she propped her chin up on her hand and closed her eyes,pletely ignoring the person behind her.

    Zhou Meng put his hands behind his back as he looked at Qin Yining, his lips pursed. The ardent look in his eyes burned so hot that it was almost as if he could see through her clothes, peeking at what was avable beneath. Although he looked upright and proper, in reality, it made Qin Yining feel like there were ants crawling all over her back.

    Before long, a voice sounded outside the door, ¡°Your Grace, we¡¯ve brought the people you wished to see.¡±

    ¡°Let them enter.¡± Zhou Meng turned to the door and saw a maid lead a group of people into the spacious inner hall.

    ¡°Beau¡ªMiss Pang, the people you want are here.¡± Calling her ¡®Beauty¡¯ in front of outsiders would seem too vulgar, calling her ¡®Goddess¡¯ would elevate her to overly grand heights, so he could only address her as such.

    Qin Yining stood up. ¡°My thanks. Your Grace must be tired by now and is surely very busy. You should go about your business, there¡¯s no need to feel obligated to attend to me further.¡±

    Zhou Meng wasn¡¯t mad at all after being asked to leave. Instead, he just gave her a generous smile. The warmth in the smile seemed like it could melt ice as he spoke in pampering tones, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll listen to you. I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±

    After that, he nced wistfully at Qin Yining a few more times. When he saw she had no intention of urging him to stay, he could only depart with resignation.

    After watching him leave, Qin Yining waved to the maids, ¡°You are also dismissed.¡±

    The maids nced at each other and ultimately listened to the order, retreating with a curtsey.

    Once she was sure they were the only ones left in the hall, Qin Yining quickly walked towards Lu Heng and the rest. Although she hadn¡¯t fully recovered and was struck with a dizzy spell when she walked too quickly, the joy at meeting herpanions again made her smile.

    ¡°Is everyone alright?¡±

    ¡°Fine, we¡¯re all fine. Chief, thank goodness you¡¯ve recovered!¡± Uncle Alham said happily.

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m much better. Thank you for not abandoning me.¡±

    She also smiled at Lu Heng with specific gratitude. ¡°And many thanks to you. I saw you before I fell asleep.¡±

    Lu Heng smiled as well when he¡¯d noticed the princess consort had recovered much of her energy and no longer appeared as weak and helpless as before. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯ve recovered. I didn¡¯t trust the skill of the doctors here at first, but clearly, I was wrong.¡±

    Qin Yining urged them to sit before speaking in a low voice. ¡°Is everyone else okay? Has anything happened to the tribe? How did we end up here?¡±

    ¡°On the fourth day after you¡¯d fallen into a delirious sleep, our group glimpsed this oasis,¡± exined Lu Heng. ¡°At first, we thought it was just a mirage, but when we got closer, we were encircled by a group of soldiers in rattan armour.

    ¡°When they saw our wagons filled with rations, then you sleeping in the cart, they started saying that a goddess hade. They made such a fuss that we didn¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    Qin Yining could imagine the scene and felt awkward just thinking about it.

    Uncle Alham continued with a smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. Luckily, they do believe in a goddess here, which was what enabled us to take up peaceful residence. The tribe¡¯s all made camp here and are protecting our supplies. I scouted out some information over the past couple of days and discovered that this Xiyue tribe probably came from your country of Great Zhou more than a hundred years ago. The imperial court then had wiped out a vassal state that¡¯d colluded with a Xiyue sect. The remnants of that partnership fled here to escape punishment.

    ¡°I asked all sorts of people and heard a lot of stories. Basically, when their group first came here, they had nothing. Everything here was built from the ground up over the past hundred years. When the first arrived, the Xiyue followers were in a constant state of hunger. Fortunately, the religion they followed gave them hope, saying that one day, a goddess woulde with wagons of food for everyone.

    ¡°The Xiyue attempted to leave a few times, but the groups they sent out never seeded. Most of the time, they ended up lost in no man¡¯snd and only rarely did a few manage to return. After several generations of hard work, although they¡¯ve reached a state of self-sufficiency in the oasis, there¡¯s still a shortage food.¡±

    This was pretty much the same as what Qin Yining had analyzed of the situation earlier.

    ¡°What¡¯s the poption here? How many soldiers do they have?¡±

    ¡°I made a careful count and found that there are roughly five thousand people here, a thousand of which are soldiers,¡± answered Uncle Alham. ¡°However, the soldiers here are all young¡¯uns. These people haven¡¯t fought for several generations. If these young, unblooded soldiers see an actual battlefield, they¡¯d probably piss their pants from terror. They¡¯re no match for our tribesmen, who are all skilled and seasoned warriors.¡±

    Qin Yining and Lu Heng both nodded in approval.

    Soldiers raised and carefully sheltered in a greenhouse wouldn¡¯t evene close to soldiers who¡¯d shed blood on a battlefield. Veterans would prove the worth of their experience in the end and save them all a lot of trouble.

    So Qin Yining pondered this and came to a conclusion¡ªif fighting actually ended up breaking out, the Minuo might not necessarily lose. They had the strength to protect their supplies.

    ¡°So we still have control over the rations right now? The people here didn¡¯t make reckless moves against them?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡± Uncle Alham nodded. ¡°I believe they also don¡¯t want to start a fight, thus their leader wants to marry you.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded in understanding. Two tribes lost in the desert were likely to live together in this oasis for the rest of their lives. If one wasn¡¯t to be forcefully absorbed by the other, the best option was for the two to assimte as one through various marriages.

 Chapter 533.1: Refugees (II)

    <h4>Chapter 533.1: Refugees (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    His teeth gnashed together whenever he thought of how perversely Zhou Meng leered at Qin Yining whenever eyes wereid upon her. It was normal for one to want to sneak an extra nce or two at Qin Yining, considering her beauty, but Zhou Meng supposedly already had four consorts, more than thirty consorts, and a dozen sons. How dare someone of his age set his sights on such a youngdy; the integrity of his character was questionable indeed!

    "What do you n to do? We shoulde up with a n for all of us to stay. I worry for your safety." Lu Heng''s eyes were filled with concern.

    Qin Yining''s teeth also ached at the thought of Zhou Meng¡¯s behavior.

    "I will think of a way for everyone to stay." She pointed at the gathered individuals one by one. "You are my older cousin, the three of you are my bodyguards, and the two of you are my maids. He only let you see me because I told him that."

    Uncle Alhamughed at that. "The one who summoned us said the same. We guessed that was what you told them, so we didn''t correct them. They can''t understand ournguage, anyway."

    Qin Yining''s spirits rose at this. "All the better, then. That will make it a little easier for you tomunicate among yourselves. Have they restricted your movements these past few days?"

    "It''s either because they want to show courtesy to those beneath them or that the supplies are in our possession, but they have treated us with much respect. Many of their girls even deliver water and food to our warriors and intentionally stay behind to strike up conversation, so that they can take a look at the provisions before leaving."

    In that case, the Xiyue tribe''s intentions were as clear as day.

    They were evidently acting on their king''s orders. If not, Zhou Meng must have already ordered his underlings to spread the word that he was about to take a goddess as a wife; only then would his subordinates have disyed this kind of attitude.

    Qin Yining nodded. "I understand. I may have to circle around with him for a while. Once we figure out a clear escape route, we will adjust our ns ordingly."

    With that, Lu Heng tranted Qin Yining''s words to the gathered people behind them. They all nodded to indicate that they understood.

    "Let us first integrate ourselves into their daily lives and obtain a firm grasp of the terrain.¡± Qin Yining then lowered her voice to speak with Lu Heng. ¡°We must also formte a clear n for when we decide to leave and not act blindly. It won¡¯t be worth throwing innocent lives away for.

    ¡°The way things are now, these people recognize us as those who have also escaped into the oasis. Though they throw the word ¡®goddess¡¯ around, I doubt their prince believes the words of their sacred texts that are meant to soothe the people. It¡¯s more likely that they want to ckmail us. Let us first observe them and y things by ear as we go."

    Lu Heng nodded, a note of resignation in his voice as he remarked, "We¡¯re out of the wolf''s den and into the tiger''s mouth. It¡¯s been no easy feat avoiding danger in the desert, yet we just had to encounter these people."

    Qin Yining, however,ughed confidently. "This is nothing. As long as we are still alive, there is hope. Weck not for food or water now, and don¡¯t have to worry about being buried alive after a sandstorm. It¡¯s just a battle of wits, something you and I are old hands at. What is there to be afraid of?¡±

    Having just recovered from illness, her voice still seemed slightly feeble as she spoke, as if she was out of breath. Her face wasn¡¯t as full of vitality as it¡¯d been when they¡¯d first met¡ªthe current her was too thin. Sunken cheeks and a sickly pale face only as wide as a palm imparted one with a feeling of frailness. However, her eyes were the same as ever: bright, lively, and full of confidence.

    This person seemed to glow from within with her own light, her radiance filling those whoid their eyes on her with hope for the future.

    "As you say. When ites to battles of the wit, we need only keep calm and think things through." Lu Heng couldn''t help smiling.

    Qin Yining dimpled as well and nodded. She patted Lu Heng on the shoulder. "Many thanks."

    All this time, she¡¯d wished to thank Lu Heng for saving her life, keeping herpany and never giving up on her, not even when she fell ill.

    Instantly understanding Qin Yining''s intentions, Lu Heng couldn''t help a smile. "What are you thanking me for? When I fell ill, not only did you not abandon me, you took care of me in every possible way. When I was kidnapped, I heard from Uncle Alham that I was rescued because you insisted on tracking me down. It is I who should thank you. However, there¡¯s no point in us constantly thanking one another. We are partners, and the Minuo is our family. What is the point in such words of gratitude?"

    Uncle Alham nodded his head furiously as he listened from the sidelines. "Yes. We''re a family, so no need for thanks."

    Qin Yining''s brows and eyes curved with mirth. She nodded. "Very well, then we shall speak no more of such things. There is no need for formalities between partners."

    Lu Heng also nodded with a smile. Mentally, he took great pride in his contentment.

 Chapter 533.2: Refugees (II)

    <h4>Chapter 533.2: Refugees (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    His teeth gnashed together whenever he thought of how perversely Zhou Meng leered at Qin Yining whenever eyes wereid upon her. It was normal for one to want to sneak an extra nce or two at Qin Yining, considering her beauty, but Zhou Meng supposedly already had four consorts, more than thirty consorts, and a dozen sons. How dare someone of his age set his sights on such a youngdy; the integrity of his character was questionable indeed!

    "What do you n to do? We shoulde up with a n for all of us to stay. I worry for your safety." Lu Heng''s eyes were filled with concern.

    Qin Yining''s teeth also ached at the thought of Zhou Meng¡¯s behavior.

    "I will think of a way for everyone to stay." She pointed at the gathered individuals one by one. "You are my older cousin, the three of you are my bodyguards, and the two of you are my maids. He only let you see me because I told him that."

    Uncle Alhamughed at that. "The one who summoned us said the same. We guessed that was what you told them, so we didn''t correct them. They can''t understand ournguage, anyway."

    Qin Yining''s spirits rose at this. "All the better, then. That will make it a little easier for you tomunicate among yourselves. Have they restricted your movements these past few days?"

    "It''s either because they want to show courtesy to those beneath them or that the supplies are in our possession, but they have treated us with much respect. Many of their girls even deliver water and food to our warriors and intentionally stay behind to strike up conversation, so that they can take a look at the provisions before leaving."

    In that case, the Xiyue tribe''s intentions were as clear as day.

    They were evidently acting on their king''s orders. If not, Zhou Meng must have already ordered his underlings to spread the word that he was about to take a goddess as a wife; only then would his subordinates have disyed this kind of attitude.

    Qin Yining nodded. "I understand. I may have to circle around with him for a while. Once we figure out a clear escape route, we will adjust our ns ordingly."

    With that, Lu Heng tranted Qin Yining''s words to the gathered people behind them. They all nodded to indicate that they understood.

    "Let us first integrate ourselves into their daily lives and obtain a firm grasp of the terrain.¡± Qin Yining then lowered her voice to speak with Lu Heng. ¡°We must also formte a clear n for when we decide to leave and not act blindly. It won¡¯t be worth throwing innocent lives away for.

    ¡°The way things are now, these people recognize us as those who have also escaped into the oasis. Though they throw the word ¡®goddess¡¯ around, I doubt their prince believes the words of their sacred texts that are meant to soothe the people. It¡¯s more likely that they want to ckmail us. Let us first observe them and y things by ear as we go."

    Lu Heng nodded, a note of resignation in his voice as he remarked, "We¡¯re out of the wolf''s den and into the tiger''s mouth. It¡¯s been no easy feat avoiding danger in the desert, yet we just had to encounter these people."

    Qin Yining, however,ughed confidently. "This is nothing. As long as we are still alive, there is hope. Weck not for food or water now, and don¡¯t have to worry about being buried alive after a sandstorm. It¡¯s just a battle of wits, something you and I are old hands at. What is there to be afraid of?¡±

    Having just recovered from illness, her voice still seemed slightly feeble as she spoke, as if she was out of breath. Her face wasn¡¯t as full of vitality as it¡¯d been when they¡¯d first met¡ªthe current her was too thin. Sunken cheeks and a sickly pale face only as wide as a palm imparted one with a feeling of frailness. However, her eyes were the same as ever: bright, lively, and full of confidence.

    This person seemed to glow from within with her own light, her radiance filling those whoid their eyes on her with hope for the future.

    "As you say. When ites to battles of the wit, we need only keep calm and think things through." Lu Heng couldn''t help smiling.

    Qin Yining dimpled as well and nodded. She patted Lu Heng on the shoulder. "Many thanks."

    All this time, she¡¯d wished to thank Lu Heng for saving her life, keeping herpany and never giving up on her, not even when she fell ill.

    Instantly understanding Qin Yining''s intentions, Lu Heng couldn''t help a smile. "What are you thanking me for? When I fell ill, not only did you not abandon me, you took care of me in every possible way. When I was kidnapped, I heard from Uncle Alham that I was rescued because you insisted on tracking me down. It is I who should thank you. However, there¡¯s no point in us constantly thanking one another. We are partners, and the Minuo is our family. What is the point in such words of gratitude?"

    Uncle Alham nodded his head furiously as he listened from the sidelines. "Yes. We''re a family, so no need for thanks."

    Qin Yining''s brows and eyes curved with mirth. She nodded. "Very well, then we shall speak no more of such things. There is no need for formalities between partners."

    Lu Heng also nodded with a smile. Mentally, he took great pride in his contentment.

    His adeptness at concealing his emotions meant that no one knew his true feelings, and he¡¯d certainly never expressed them in front of Qin Yining. It was because he never put any sort of pressure on her that he was able to remain by her side as her friend andpanion.

    Perhaps that was enough.

    Since Pang Xiao was the only one in Qin Yining''s heart, him forcing things that could not be would not only result in nothing at all, but it would also mean damaging his friendship with her. He was better off burying those feelings that could never be returned, shoving them deep inside his heart as his own personal keepsake.

    He couldn¡¯t quite keep an open mind about everything yet; he stillmented at the thought of how Qin Yining would never be his. However, if his silence was the price to pay to stay by her side as a friend for the rest of his days, such a trade-off was already the best oue for him.

    Lu Heng couldn''t helpughing at himself as he considered this.

    At the end of the day, he was still a merchant who constantly sought to maximize the benefits of everything he did. If he were truer to his own heart or a person who felt more intensely, he would¡¯ve rather died honorably as a fractured piece of jade than live disgracefully as a broken tile¡ªsuch was the heroic thing to do. However, all he did was calcte his gains and losses.

    As he dwelled upon this, the sounds of people conversing outside traveled into the room.

    He recognized their ent to be that of the south. If they¡¯d spoken any more quickly, he wouldn''t have been able to discern what they were saying. Therefore, someone like Uncle Alham who was only passable in thenguage of Great Zhou, wouldn''t understand them at all.

    Qin Yining, however, found the dialect they spoke to be simr to that of the tongue of Great Yan, so she had no troubleprehending them.

    "The Prince of Xiyue has brought people here." Qin Yining murmured before hurrying to take a seat off to the side. The others moved to their own ces and acted as if they¡¯d just been idly chatting away.

    Qin Yining even went so far as to ask those outside about the local customs. "How are the sights around here? Is it winter in this oasis, or is it summer? How is it that I feel it is colder here than in the desert?"

    Zhou Meng''s voice drew nearer¡ªperhaps drawn by the sound of Qin Yining speaking¡ªhis words tinged with mirth as he replied, "To be honest, Xiyue tends to be quite a bit colder than it is outside the oasis. It is also much windier here, but we have the Xiyue Lake to thank for feeding the entire oasis and watering the trees, flora and greenery that keep the sandstorms in Xiyue small."

    It seemed that the tribe had imed the oasis as their own after they came across the ce.

    Qin Yining stood and continued, "It is rather warm in the pce, yet my guards seem to be dressed for colder weather."

    Zhou Mengughed heartily. "That is because the pce incorporated heated walls and brick beds when it was built. Since Miss Pang is still recovering from your illness, of course we must choose the warmest quarters for you to stay in."

    "Many thanks to Your Grace, then." Qin Yining nodded.

    Zhou Meng sped his hands behind his back, his eyes shining as he stared at Qin Yining. Seeing that color had returned to her face after seeing her own people, he found himself feeling content.

    It seemed that to please beautiful women, one had to do as she wished. When pretty women were in good spirits, their smiles were also pretty, which pleased him all the more.

    Where was the harm in coddling a delicatedy as beautiful as she?

    Having made up his mind, Zhou Meng leaned down a bit closer with his hands behind his back. "I have arranged for your guards to visit you every day. Is that to your liking?" he asked with a smile.

    Qin Yining elected to serve him tea at this moment, her body conveniently angling away from Zhou Meng''s advances.

    "Wonderful tea!" Zhou Meng looked at the tea she served him, the glee in his smile growing as he took it for a sip. This green tea¡ªwhich he usually found to be nd and tasteless¡ªseemed full of sweetness.

    From what Qin Yining could tell, Zhou Meng''s mood had improved a great degree. Only then did she add sweetly, "Your Grace, I have wandered to a foreignnd far away from my home and miss my hometown dearly.

    ¡°Of course I am delighted that Your Grace is kind enough to permit my people to visit me every day. However, I do not know anyone else in this pce, so it is a bit awkward to ask servants to do my bidding. Could Your Grace permit my people to stay here? I see that there are quite a few empty halls to spare, so it would require no extra effort to house them. I will also restrict their movements so that they cannot wander around your pce as they please."

    Zhou Meng''s eyes narrowed slightly as he slowly put down his tea.

    "I should not refuse Miss Pang''s wishes. However, the pce is the home of not only this prince¡¯s wives and concubines, but also my sons and daughters as well. It would be rather inconvenient if outsiders were allowed inside."

    At the sight of despondence and disappointment filling Qin Yining¡¯s watery eyes, Zhou Meng immediately assumed that he had spoken too harshly and added, "How about this: I will allow them to visit everyday for four hours at a time, and I can also arrange for servants to apany you for walks. What do you think? I should mention that my daughters and wives all greatly admire the goddess and they are all gentle people. You will not feel lonely if they keep youpany."

    Qin Yining pursed her lips. "Very well. I ask that Your Grace not go back on his word. And about my cousin¡ªhe is only too concerned about me, so I ask that Your Grace set him free."

    The sight of such a beauty furrowing her brows and pursing her lips was just too heart-wrenching¡ªZhou Meng practically wanted to immediately call for all of his most precious fruits and best-looking garments to cheer her up. Her wish was hismand, and such a request wasn¡¯t that unreasonable. They would all be family once she married him, anyway.

    Thinking of this, Zhou Meng put on an air of generosity. "Though your cousin spoke quite out of turn and offended me, I will pursue the matter no more since Miss Pang has pleaded for leniency in his stead. Let him return to your people, then."

    Only then did the hint of a smile grace Qin Yining''s lips. "Many thanks to Your Grace."

 Chapter 534.1: Currying Favor

    <h4>Chapter 534.1: Currying Favor</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    If only he could just marry her right then and there! Just thinking about obtaining her, blowing out the red candles, and tossing and turning all night beneath the bridal chamber curtains...

    A hot current spread throughout his body and Zhou Meng crossed his legs, worried about exposing his indecency. ¡°Is there anything else you aren¡¯t ustomed to here? If you ever want something, just tell this prince directly.¡±

    He then looked at Lu Heng, Uncle Alham, and the rest standing behind Qin Yining, his gaze benevolent like he was gazing upon charity cases. ¡°Your nsmen may also make requests. I will arrange them ording to my discretion.¡±

    The particr mix of arrogance and condescension especially grated on the ear, but Qin Yining continued to remain calm and collected. ¡°Your Grace¡¯s prior arrangements were already more than enough. There is nothing weck.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all one big happy family here, so if there¡¯s anything you want, don¡¯t be afraid to name it. Don¡¯t do yourself a misfavor, hmm?¡± Zhou Meng dragged thest word out and involuntarily leaned closer to her.

    Qin Yining lowered her head, hiding the disgust in her eyes as she nodded.

    It felt like his own heart was tickled by the long, silky locks sliding across her shoulders when she nodded. Zhou Meng ached to pull her into his embrace and pour his love onto her.

    However, thoughts of his identity were still foremost in his mind. He shouldn¡¯t act too hastily in front of outsiders. The oasis was his domain, and the Xiyue had vainly searched for a way out of the uninhabited area of the desert for over a hundred years with no results. Even if Qin Yining¡¯s group wanted to leave, there¡¯d be nowhere to go. They were all stuck here for a lifetime¡ªhe¡¯d eventually get his beauty!

    The days ahead were long!

    Furthermore, the beauty had already warmed up a lot more to himpared to her chilly attitude when they¡¯d first met. That was probably because she rxed after seeing her people again, right?

    A multitude of thoughts swirled around in Zhou Meng¡¯s brain, but only a moment passed in reality. He sat back down and struck up an idle conversation with Qin Yining. They appeared to be chatting about random nonsense, but every sentence fished for information about her. He wanted to know why their group had entered the desert, why they had so many provisions with them, and how they¡¯d passed through the no man¡¯snd to find this ce.

    Qin Yining was vignt in her replies, putting careful thought behind every word and skirting around actual answers every time. After nearly an hour of chatting, not only did Zhou Meng not receive a single piece of useful information, but instead revealed quite a bit about his family and the Xiyue. Furthermore, he waspletely satisfied with Qin Yining¡¯s answers, continuing to chat with increasing enthusiasm.

    Qin Yining¡¯s health still hadn¡¯t made a full recovery. After a long round of battling wits, she grew exhausted and intentionally hinted she was tired.

    Wanting to curry favour with the beauty and better their rtionship, Zhou Meng couldn¡¯t bear to let Qin Yining feel unwell. He immediately summoned an imperial physician to assess the goddess¡¯ condition.

    Qin Yining grew even more impatient when she saw that he still wouldn¡¯t leave. Those listening behind them were annoyed as well, but everyone kept a firm grip on their emotions. Nobody dared to act impulsively.

    While they were waiting for the imperial physician to arrive, a maid¡¯s shout suddenly sounded outside. ¡°Your Grace, the fourth princess consort is about to enterbor. The imperial physician says the situation is very dangerous and urges you to take a look.¡±

    Zhou Meng¡¯s face changed and he paid close attention to Qin Yining¡¯s expression, not knowing whether to sigh with relief or disappointment when the goddess didn¡¯t appear angry or jealous.

    ¡°Send for the imperial physician if there¡¯s a problem. There¡¯s no point ining to me. What would a prince know about delivering a baby?¡±

    ¡°Giving birth is a tremendous event for a woman. Isn¡¯t the fourth princess consort your wife?¡± Qin Yining frowned, the connotations clear.

    She was faulting Zhou Meng for being heartless. His own woman was about to enterbor, yet here he was, dallying around with a new fancy. Even when the imperial physician said the situation was dangerous, he still didn¡¯t care enough for a look.

    Zhou Meng naturally picked up on the remonstration and hastened to exin, not wanting Qin Yining to get the wrong impression that he didn¡¯t care about his women.

    ¡°It¡¯s also because I¡¯m very busy and have to meet with a lot of chancellorster. With that being said, beau-Miss Pang, I shall make a visit since you say so. I will send the imperial physicianter to you as well. You must make sure to take your medicine and rest properly. This prince wille visit you when there¡¯s time, mm?¡±

    Qin Yining had long had enough. Good gods, you¡¯re finally leaving! I don¡¯t think I could¡¯ve refrained from getting violent if you¡¯d stayed any longer!

    ¡°Our respectful farewells to Your Grace,¡± she curtsied. Lu Heng and Alham also took the lead in a salute.

    Zhou Meng looked back with every step, reluctance dogging his heels as he left.

    When he was far away, Qin Yining could finally release a sigh of relief. There were still Xiyue maids in the hall, so they couldn¡¯t talk freely. However, she could also feel everybody heave simr sighs of relief as well. She called over the maid who had helped her bathe earlier. ¡°Is the forth princess the prince¡¯s imperial consort?¡±

    The maid trembled in fear when she heard the question. The prince evidently wanted to marry the goddess. What would they do if the goddess heard the truth, grew jealous, and refused to marry him? Would the goddess just leave with all the food?

 Chapter 534.2: Currying Favor

    <h4>Chapter 534.2: Currying Favor</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Goddess, please don¡¯t be angry. The goddess only descended to Xiyue after a hundred years of praying. The prince didn¡¯t know the goddess would arrive, so to prevent the tribe from dying out, he had no choice but to wed and take concubines. If the prince had known earlier that the goddess would arrive, he definitely would¡¯ve waited for you!¡±

    Qin Yining was dumbstruck by her reply, torn betweenughter and tears.

    It seemed that the Xiyue tribe deeply revered their religion, sacred texts, and goddess. Compared to that lecherous prince, ordinary Xiyue likely grew up with the belief that a goddess would descend from the skies with food, and thus believed it without doubt.

    So from this, it was clear that this oasis really needed crop seeds!

    Qin Yining frowned and pretended to sigh worriedly. ¡°You may rise. What is your name?¡±

    ¡°In response to the goddess, this servant is called Biyu.¡±

    ¡°Mhmm. There¡¯s no need to be so nervous, I won¡¯t do anything. Since I¡¯vee to Xiyue, I won¡¯t leave so easily or rashly take the supplies away. I just want to understand the situation here and I hope you can tell me more.¡±

    Biyu grew even more nervous when she heard that. Saying that she wouldn¡¯t leave so easily or rashly take the supplies away meant that there was no guarantee she wouldn¡¯t! They had to serve the goddess well and make her want to stay!

    ¡°Goddess, this servant will exin everything.¡± Biyu bobbed her head rapidly. ¡°There is the first princess consort, second princess consort, third princess consort, and fourth princess consort by His Grace¡¯s side. The fourth consort was just granted her titlest year.

    ¡°There are also thirty-seven concubines, some newly bestowed. Some of them are old concubines who have given birth to young masters and misses. So far, the prince has yet to sire a crown prince.¡± That meant if Qin Yining married the prince and bore a son, her son would be the crown prince.

    It appears thatpetition to be a concubine or princess consort was actually quite fierce in Xiyue?

    The characters used for their titles, apart from how there were four princess consorts, all seemed to have been taken from Northern Ji. Whether it was princess consort, concubine, crown prince, master, or miss, they were all terms of address from when Northern Ji was split up between the various princes.

    So the people here must hail from Northern Ji. It was likely that for some reason, one of the old princes had to flee and ended up bringing his people here.

    While Qin Yining asked further questions, a shout suddenly sounded outside.

    ¡°Imperial Physician Wang has arrived.¡±

    ¡°Cousin, you should let the imperial physician look over you,¡± Lu Heng interjected. ¡°You must take care of your health.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile before taking a seat on the heated brick bed. Lu Heng, Uncle Alham, and the rest naturally clustered around her.

    Imperial Physician Wang looked around fifty years old, walking with a slight slouch that made his back appear hunched over. His face was covered in wrinkles, making him appear like a pitiful old man crushed by grief.

    After going through all of the courtesies, he carefully took Qin Yining¡¯s pulse. ¡°The goddess¡¯ cold is much better now. However, your body is still weak and needs to be carefully nursed with tonics.¡±

    Biyu and another maid, Xinyu, hurriedly asked what medicine Qin Yining needed. She took advantage of the distraction to wink a few times at her people.

    Lu Heng couldn¡¯t help but nod with a smile. Under the imperial physician¡¯s care, the best medicines, and the best treatment, her health would surely improve. This was an immensely reassuring development.

    As the sky slowly darkened, an imperial bodyguard summoned Biyu to pass on a message. ¡°The prince said to invite the goddess¡¯ people back to rest.¡±

    Qin Yining frowned with reluctance.

    ¡°Are you afraid of spending the night here?¡± Uncle Alham asked softly.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. Everything is still under discussion, so I¡¯ll be safe here. You all should go back, the tribespeople will be uneasy in the evening.¡± Qin Yining smiled at Lu Heng again. ¡°Cousin, you should go back and rest as well.¡±

    Lu Heng understood Qin Yining¡¯s intentions. She wanted him to take strict control of the tribe when he returned and take note of their surroundings to form a precise n.

    It was a good thing they could now meet everyday and exchange information to plot out countermeasures. Separating now would make it convenient to scout the situation outside the pce.

    Apart from fear of Zhou Meng harming Qin Yining, everything else coincided with Lu Heng¡¯s intentions. Although he was worried, in their current situation, Lu Heng¡¯s group had no choice but to leave.

    Qin Yining told Biyu to send them off while she took medicine with Xinyu¡¯s help.

    When the sky was mostly dark, oilmps red to life in the pce halls. Biyu and Xinyu carried dinner over from the kitchens. A soft, thick bean porridge made up the staple of the meal, apanied by a few pickled dishes for appetizers and a dark green apple as dessert.

    Beans were amon sight in the north. She was in the imperial pce and the Xiyue prince wanted to curry favor with her, so he definitely would¡¯ve ordered the servants to treat her well. Despite all that, the food they served were the same beans seen in amoner¡¯s meal, without anything like rice or tbread. It was clear that they were trulycking in foodstuff.

    Biyu and Xinyu watched Qin Yining stared at the beans without picking up her chopsticks and grew a little nervous.

    The wagons the goddess brought along had held rice, maize, and even wheat. Although most of it was beans as well, with the goddess¡¯s identity, she probably wasn¡¯t used to eating beans or liked the food item either.

 Chapter 535: The Princess Consorts

    <h4>Chapter 535: The Princess Consorts</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Furthermore, she had never been much picky about food. Without food, how would one be healthy? Eating was the important thing, whatever it was didn¡¯t matter.

    After Qin Yining ate her fill and rinsed her mouth, she gave orders for an outside stroll, but a gaggle of women called upon her as soon as instructions were given.

    ¡°...we are princess consorts and naturally have the right to meet the goddess! What, is the goddess so ugly that she can¡¯t be seen?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, so hurry up and get out of the way or I¡¯ll have the prince cut off your heads!¡± Their delicate voices could bepared to the birdsong of orioles and swallows. If it weren¡¯t for how domineering their words were, their voices would sound exceptionally pleasant to the ear.

    Biyu was a bit worried as she reported lowly, ¡°Goddess, the consorts are here.¡±

    Qin Yining rubbed the center of her forehead before getting up and moving to the outer hall, taking the center seat. ¡°Have them enter then.¡±

    Biyu nodded and was about to greet them when the women sashayed into the hall with snooty airs.

    A woman of about thirty years old led the group. She had a tall and ample figure with clear-cut features set into a long face and square jaw. Hair swept up in a high bun, it was held in ce by a pair of gold, ruby-encrusted tasseled hairpins. Peonies bloomed on her outer coat while safflowers on her skirt hearkened to the rubies in her hair. They glittered a little too brightly from themps within the hall.

    Behind her were twodies in the fullest blossom of their beauty at roughly twenty-four. The taller one had a more slender body, while the other possessed an average height. Both were dressed in a riot of color and adorned with shimmering jewels. Although their robes were crafted from finest cotton rather than silk, their high status was clear enough through the elegance and designs visible on their clothing.

    Biyu whispered in Qin Yining¡¯s ear. ¡°Goddess, the one wearing the peony embroidered blouse and wrap-around skirt is the foremost princess consort, the one in the blue skirt is the second princess consort, and the third princess consort is the one in floral.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded slightly to acknowledge her words before raising a brow, watching the three princesses and their maids enter.

    The three consorts and their maids stopped in their tracks as soon as they saw Qin Yining, their gazes looking off in a daze.

    As the saying went, a beauty under a light looked better the longer one stared.

    Under themps¡¯ orange glow, the inky locks of the red-d Qin Yining appeared even more raven ck and her skin glowed with the powder of freshly fallen snow. The most stunning were her exquisite features and noble temperament. Even if she just sat there and looked at them silently, she inspired a reverence that was not to be imposed upon.

    Only after a long while did the third princess finally cough, breaking the room¡¯s silence.

    ¡°Aiya, so it turns out the goddess is such a beauty! No wonder His Grace bestowed upon her the best pce and even visits her twice in one day.¡±

    Qin Yining just raised a brow and continued to remain silent. It would appear that these consorts didn¡¯t have a strict upbringing. Despite their status, the way they spoke sounded more like harlots fighting in the market.

    Seeing how the goddess refused to speak, the second princess adjusted her light blue cloak. ¡°The third consort¡¯s words are a bit excessive. Since the goddess has descended from the heavens to bring us provisions just like the sacred texts predicted, she is also bound to be His Grace¡¯s official consort. Such are the sacred texts¡¯ decree, so how would our lord disobey?¡±

    Oh heavens, these words are so hysterical! The second consort was much more shrewd than the third consort; her real implications were that the Xiyue prince only granted her special attention due to the sacred texts, not because he really cared about her.

    The eldest consort adjusted her gold hairpins and chuckled gently, ¡°The second princess consort is right.¡±

    She slowly walked up to Qin Yining and extended fair, lily-white hands like she wanted to stroke thedy¡¯s face. ¡°Tsk tsk, your skin looks so luminous. It sure is nice to be young.¡±

    Her frivolous words made Qin Yining frown and she moved her face, avoiding the hand. ¡°Is something the matter for you all to havee here?¡±

    Hand left hanging in the air, the eldest consort frowned with annoyance.

    At the side, the third consort covered her mouth andughed. ¡°Aiya, I told you to not bother trying to cozy up with her. She¡¯s a goddess, how could she bear to be touched by ordinary mortals like us? Haven¡¯t you seen how enchanted our prince is by her?¡±

    The eldest consort ignored the provocation and spoke only to Qin Yining. ¡°Although you¡¯re a goddess, you¡¯ll soon be one of our lord¡¯s consorts. You¡¯ll be the fifth consort and as we¡¯re all the lord¡¯s women, we¡¯ll be sisters. We¡¯ll be together for a long time, so shouldn¡¯t we all get to know each other?¡±

    As she said that, she sat down intimately by Qin Yining¡¯s side and poured a cup of tea for herself. ¡°Come, tell me, where did youe from? Are you really the goddess as is said in the sacred texts? When do you n to consummate your marriage with the prince?¡¯

    Qin Yining had to choke back the giggles burbling deep from within herself. It looked like the Xiyue princess consorts were just the same as their prince¡ªoverinted senses of self worth mixed in with a heavy sprinkling of hubris.

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t be bothered with a reply and looked at Biyu. ¡°I¡¯m tired, help me rest.¡±

    She stood up, indicating for Biyu to lead the way to her inner chambers for sleep.

    The eldest consort¡¯s expression changed drastically. She wouldn¡¯t stand for being slighted by a feral brat that¡¯d just dropped out of nowhere! There was no such thing as a goddess in this world! Other people might believe it, but not her!

    The prince had just fallen for another woman. Usually, that was fine, but if he wanted to get a beauty¡¯s favor, why couldn¡¯t he have just made up some other excuse? Why¡¯d he have to say she was some goddess and even n on making her the official wife!

    Simply preposterous!

    The eldest consort had borne three sons and two daughters to the prince. In the future, the position of crown prince had to belong to her son! She would never tolerate a random brat appearing at this juncture and lording it over her!

    She could feel her position being shaken. After all, she was no longer young and there were plenty of young, beautiful girls in the pce just begging for the prince¡¯s favor. However, if it was just the usual pretty girls, she wouldn¡¯t really care. It wasn¡¯t that she was confident in herself, but because she knew that the prince who easily grew bored with new toys. Even if they gained his favor, it wouldn¡¯t be for long.

    But when she saw Qin Yining with her own eyes, she was no longer as self assured. She even had a feeling that if this so-called goddess really married the prince, none of the other women would have a good ending.

    As she watched Qin Yining¡¯s back retreat into the inner chambers, a crazy idea suddenly flourished in her mind. Everything would be perfect if this woman disappeared now!

    She gnashed her teeth and nced at the maid in gray and blue beside her.

    Understanding her mistress¡¯ hint, the maid hesitated for a moment before gritting her teeth and dashing up to push Qin Yining.

    ¡°How can you be so rude! Don¡¯t you hear the eldest consort talking to you?!¡±

    Qin Yining hastily evaded the oing movement when she sensed someone behind her, but the force the maid used was too great and Biyu wasn¡¯t so lucky. The maid crashed into the wooden cab in the corner, opening up a gash on her head and sshing blood everywhere.

 Chapter 536.1: Picked On

    <h4>Chapter 536.1: Picked On</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    pping a hand on her forehead, blood seeped out through Biyu¡¯s fingers. Her voice shook in fear as she mumbled over and over, ¡°Thank you, Goddess. This servant is alright, it¡¯s alright.¡±

    Qin Yining handed Biyu over to the nearby Xinyu. ¡°Dress her wounds first, we¡¯ll find the imperial physicianter.¡±

    Biyu and Xinyu both shook their heads as they repeated, ¡°This servant doesn¡¯t dare.¡±

    Well, since I haven¡¯t recovered yet, that prince will definitely arrange for the physician to visit me again. I suppose he can look at us both then.

    Qin Yining turned to the offending maid. ¡°What is your name?¡±

    The terribly sharp, icy light in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes cowed the maid into lowering her head. ¡°This, this servant...¡±

    Her mistress stepped in and pulled her maid aside. Raising her chin, the princess consort demanded, ¡°What, are you going to put on airs like you¡¯re an actual goddess? It¡¯s you who disrespected me first, my maid only wanted to protect her mistress. It¡¯s not like you were injured, so we¡¯ll just let it all go.¡±

    Qin Yiningughed from anger, dimples deepening on her cheeks as her eyes turned even frostier. She spoke in a measured, even pace, ¡°You ordered your maid to assault me and just because it didn¡¯t seed, you want to act like nothing happened?¡±

    ¡°Wh-what do you want to do about it?¡± Qin Yining both scared and dazzled the foremost princess consort.

    Scared, because the look in the foreigner¡¯s eyes was so sharp. When one met her gaze, one couldn¡¯t help but want to avert their eyes.

    Dazzled, because her current mood set her face alight in a vivacious manner. It was as if a ck and white picture scroll had suddenly been sshed with an array of colors. Although it was fiercely intimidating, one also couldn¡¯t help but want to stare more at this bright and mesmerizing face.

    With such stunning beauty, it¡¯d be a disaster if she joined the imperial harem!

    However, the foremost princess consort had upied her position for many years. How would she possibly put herself down at this critical juncture?

    She furiously strode up to Qin Yining, their noses almost touching as she spat out her words through clenched teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t think that just because His Grace cares about you now means you can do whatever you want! You¡¯ll need to live with us after you enter the harem, and the days ahead are long!

    ¡°If you have any brains about you, you¡¯ll let the events of today slide. If you never mention it again, when the dayes and you lose favor, I¡¯ll spare you and ensure you have a bite to eat for your obedience. If you don¡¯t possess any good sense, then don¡¯t me us sisters for being merciless! The prince may be master of the pce, but he won¡¯t be with you during every waking hour!¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help a grin when she looked into the contorted expression on the princess consort¡¯s face.

    ¡°It looks like one really will think themselves special after sitting at the bottom of a well for so long, and only seeing the skies from that tiny vantage point,¡± her red lips enunciated softly.

    ¡°You!¡± The princess consort¡¯s eyes widened as she shouted angrily, ¡°Speak clearly, what do you mean by that?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m insulting you, don¡¯t you understand? Do you need me to break even that down and exin it bit by bit to you?¡± Qin Yining sneered, ¡°You are a mind to harm me. Whether or not you seededst night does not change this fact. And today, you injured my maid. A fitting exnation best be forting.¡±

    ¡°How dare a little girl like you run your mouth like this! This is the pce! You¡¯re just to be a concubine, how dare you be so uppity! What can you do to me if I don¡¯t give you an exnation!¡±

    Qin Yining called out to the imperial guards, now hovering by the doors as they¡¯d noticed themotion. ¡°Send for the imperial physician, my maid is injured. I will also have to trouble you to take me back to my people.¡±

    Sending for the imperial physician was fine and dandy. After all, the goddess hadn¡¯t made a full recovery yet and needed the physician¡¯s attention. But leaving the pce? The guards didn¡¯t have the authority to decide that!

    But she was the goddess who¡¯d brought arge quantity of supplies to Xiyue! If they offended her, she might well decide to withhold the supplies from the tribe!

    Flustered and panicked, one messenger was sent to fetch the imperial physician, while another was dispatched to the prince.

    Qin Yining paid no more attention to the foremost princess consort as she pulled Biyu to the side for a seat, gently dabbing at the blood seeping from the maid¡¯s wounds with a clean handkerchief.

    Teary with gratitude, Biyu anxiously shook her head and cast meaningful looks at Qin Yining. She murmured, ¡°Goddess, please don¡¯t be angry. This servant is fine. Even if this servant died, it would be nothing. You mustn¡¯t be angry.¡±

    ¡°The wound on your head is no small matter. I dragged you into this, so of course I should make sure you are well. Don¡¯t be afraid, and don¡¯t say anything like your death not being anything. Whose life is worth more than another¡¯s? We¡¯re just all sacks of skin in the end.¡±

    Her words were straightforward and another jab at the three princess consorts behind them.

    They were just concubines of the local tyrant, dressed in cotton dresses embroidered with flowers, ruling over a popce of less than five thousand. Yet they really took themselves as some sort of superior personage?

    What a joke!

 Chapter 536.2: Picked On

    <h4>Chapter 536.2: Picked On</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    They were simply impervious to reason, and she couldn¡¯t be bothered to quarrel with people like that. She wasn¡¯t interested in being some ¡®fifth princess consort¡¯ in either case. But at the same time, that didn¡¯t mean she¡¯d take any maltreatment lying down. Qin Yining hadn¡¯t been afraid of Great Yan¡¯s trampress and her decrepit father, so how would she fear trash like these princess consorts?

    Qin Yining¡¯s noble and lofty attitude only made her seem all the more displeasing to the three princess consorts. The second and third princess consorts were well enough, but their leader itched to scratch Qin Yining¡¯s beautiful face to shreds.

    ¡°Stop it with that act! You¡¯re just a bunch of refugees who found your way here and now want to leech off of us to survive! Leaving? Where will you go? Leave the pce? As if you¡¯d really bear to do so! I¡¯ve seen my share of sluts like you! You¡¯ll do anything possible to climb up thedder. This ruse you¡¯ve been putting on is just an act to get the prince to act on your behalf. Leave if you have the ability to! Don¡¯t even think of using your wicked looks to harm our kindhearted prince!¡±

    The senior princess consort flew into a fury, stomping her foot and unleashing a torrent of malicious invective. The more she screamed, the more sense her words made. This vixen was simply too conniving!

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t care less about arguing with someone like her. It¡¯d only lower herself to the level of this shrieking shrew. She calmly watched Xinyu clean up Biyu¡¯s face. If possible, she wanted to take the two maids with her so they wouldn¡¯t bear the brunt of the princess consort¡¯s ire when she left.

    While she was lost in thought, a flurry of footsteps sounded outside and an imperial guard saluted at the door. ¡°Goddess, the imperial physician has arrived.¡±

    ¡°Send him in.¡±

    It was the same Imperial Physician Wang from earlier. He hurried in with his medicine box and hastily bowed when he saw the three princess consorts were also present.

    The second and third princess consorts both nodded at him, while their leader snorted.

    ¡°Have the imperial physician take a look at that little bitch of yours. If he finds something wrong, you¡¯ll finally have an excuse to go to the prince andin about me, hmm?!¡±

    One had no choice but to bow one¡¯s head when under the roof of another. With Qin Yining¡¯s temper, if she¡¯d had her trusted people about her, this princess consort would¡¯ve been thrown out onto the streets long ago.

    She ignored the harlot¡¯s shrieking for now. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to trouble the imperial physician to check my maid¡¯s injury.¡±

    Imperial Physician Wang bowed, startled and ttered by the courtesy. He quickly responded in the affirmative before approaching to inspect Biyu¡¯s wound.

    After a careful onceover, the physician reported, ¡°This is a result of blunt trauma to the head. After dressing the wound, some medicines will be needed for recovery. If dizziness appears, further rest will need to be taken.¡±

    ¡°I shall have to trouble Imperial Physician Wang to prescribe some medicine for her.¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t be done, Goddess, that can¡¯t be done! I really am fine!¡±

    In Xiyue, medicine was scarce and treasured, servants like them didn¡¯t have the right to make use of it. In ordinary households, they didn¡¯t receive medicine even if they were ill. Whether they lived or died was up to heavens¡¯ will.

    People like Biyu who could serve in the pce were already favored by the gods, a tremendous stroke of good luck as it was! ¡°I just hit my head, I¡¯ll be fine after resting for a few days. There¡¯s really no need for medicine.¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head with a smile, ¡°Just take it. Your medicine will be charged to the bill for my illness, and I¡¯ll pay it back with suppliester on. You did your utmost to serve me and was dragged into my troubles, even being injured for it. If you don¡¯t ept this arrangement, then I¡¯ll think that you¡¯re ming me for your injury.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no. I don¡¯t me the goddess, truly!¡± Biyu protested anxiously.

    Qin Yining patted her arm in aforting manner. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I know. Just listen to me.¡±

    When the goddess faced her, her smile was as warm as the sun, atplete odds from the demeanor she¡¯d disyed to the senior princess consort. Biyu¡¯s heart flooded with emotion and she ducked her head.

    As Imperial Physician Wang applied medicine to Biyu¡¯s wounds, the foremost princess consort crossed her arms with a cold sneer. ¡°What a pretentious, fake act.¡±

    Still deaf to the incessant yapping, Qin Yining waited patiently for news from the outside.

    The Xiyue prince would never let her go, so she only wanted to see how he would punish the senior princess consort. Since she couldn¡¯t leave for the time being, she had to establish her authority to ensure that the days ahead were as peaceful as they could possibly be. If she reacted weakly after being bullied and didn¡¯t even dare talk back, the mistreatment would only increase in magnitude. Being ground down until nothing was left would be the only fate for her if she turned the other cheek.

    Although there weren¡¯t many in the Xiyue tribe, the level of ruthlessness with which women fought couldn¡¯t be underestimated.

    After the imperial physician treated Biyu¡¯s wound, he took Qin Yining¡¯s pulse and gave her another list of things to take note or be careful of. Having been ignored all this time, the three princess consorts shifted with impatience.

    Being a more mature and conscientious sort, the second princess consort appeared a little calmer. Meanwhile, the third princess consort continuously rolled her eyes, sending countless res at Qin Yining.

    The senior princess consort felt caught between a rock and a hard ce. She wouldn¡¯t win anything if she kept arguing, but if she just turned and left now, others might think she was afraid of Qin Yining. In that case, where would her authority in the pce go?

    As she hesitated, a mess of jumbled footsteps sounded outside.

    The Xiyue prince paced in with a flourish, surrounded by an entourage of guards, servants, and maids. He swept straight past the curtseying princess consorts to Qin Yining¡¯s side. His voice was soft as he asked throbbingly, ¡°Miss Pang, why do you wish to leave? Has your stay here been unsatisfactory?¡±

 Chapter 537.1: Success

    <h4>Chapter 537.1: Sess</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    She had been at the prince¡¯s side for seventeen years and had never seen him treat anyone with such tenderness and careful attention. Even when she¡¯d been the youngest and most favored consort, the prince had always been a lofty and untouchable god that she didn¡¯t even dare look at directly. Despite having borne him children and living together for so long, she still never dared hint at anything that might anger him.

    The second princess consort was just as startled, but only for a moment. She noticed the dazed expressions on the senior and third princess consorts¡¯ faces with internal contempt and quietly took a few steps back.

    Qin Yining rose and used her greeting curtsey to prevent Zhou Meng from drawing too close.

    ¡°Your Grace, what brings you personally here?¡± She paused. ¡°I cannot thank Your Grace enough for saving me, but my health is far better now. I do not want to trouble Your Grace any further and it¡¯d be much more convenient for me to stay with my people. As a gift of gratitude for saving me, I will¡ª¡±

    ¡°Where is thising from?¡± The Xiyue prince anxiously interrupted Qin Yining before she could finish. ¡°Wasn¡¯t everything fine this afternoon? Weren¡¯t you quite happy that I allowed your nsmen to visit you in the pce every day? Why are you regretting it now?¡±

    ¡°Nothing¡¯s happened.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°It¡¯s just not quite seemly for me to be living in the imperial harem.¡±

    Zhou Meng knitted his brows together tightly as he studied Qin Yining, then turned and looked around the room. His face darkened ominously to see one of the goddess¡¯ maids now with a bandaged head and clothes stained with blood. Noting the imperial physician¡¯s presence as well, his expression grew even more foreboding.

    Everyone ducked their heads when his line of sight reached them, especially so for a maid standing in a corner, trembling so hard that it seemed as if the sky would cave in on her in the next second.

    ¡°You,e over here and exin what¡¯s happened.¡± Zhou Meng growled as he pointed at the trembling maid, standing near the senior princess consort.

    The maid¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she dropped into a kowtow with an ashen face. ¡°Your, Your Grace, please quell your anger. This maid didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I just slipped and identally pushed the goddess¡¯ servant. She wasn¡¯t standing firmly in ce, so she hurt her head. The goddess grew angry and quarrelled with my mistress. This, this maid was just eager to protect my mistress.¡±

    A fine sheen of cold sweat covered her forehead. In the throes of desperation, she couldn¡¯t pay heed to how much of her words were true or if her logic made any sense. Right now, the only thing on her mind was to absolve herself of all me. She didn¡¯t know if her mistress would protect her.

    Hearing the incoherent order of her words and seeing the way her eyes darted around, Zhou Meng grew even more suspicious.

    ¡°A mere wretch of a maid having the guts to lie to this prince! You sure are brave, hmm?¡± He dragged thest word out, the threat clear.

    A shuddering ball on the floor, the maid kowtowed madly. Tears she could no longer suppress mixed with the cold sweat dripping down her face. ¡°This maid was, was, f-following orders...¡± she choked out.

    ¡°Shut up, bitch!¡± Seeing that the idiot was about to expose her, the senior princess consort charged up for a vicious stomp thatnded right in the middle of the maid¡¯s back, causing her to sprawl out on the floor with a cry of pain.

    ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t listen to her nonsense. She clearly pushed Miss Pang¡¯s maid on purpose. Perhaps they have some enmity with each other.¡±

    Zhou Meng sneered coldly as he pointed at his temples. ¡°Who do you take this prince for?¡±

    A lost expression floating onto her face, the senior princess consort didn¡¯t understand the question. ¡°Your Grace...¡±

    ¡°My head isn¡¯t some empty shell! This is just a maid. Even if they hold a grudge against each other, she wouldn¡¯t have the courage to take revenge right in front of her mistress! How would she dare do anything unless she was ordered to! It looks like neither of you two n on speaking the truth!¡± He pointed at the second princess consort. ¡°You, exin this!¡±

    The second princess consort sighed to herself. It was one thing if this would dethrone the senior princess consort in one fell swoop. Otherwise, if she spoke the truth now, wouldn¡¯t that just irritate this mad dog and have it all bite her in the rear endter?

    Zhou Meng grew angrier still when the second princess consort remained silent. He was about to point at someone else when the third princess consort piped up.

    ¡°Your Prince, things happened like this. The senior princess consort told us today that Your Grace had taken a fancy to a girl and wanted to make her the fifth princess consort. Us sisters were all very curious and came to have a chat with our new fifth sister. But who would¡¯ve known that she would have such a temper! She didn¡¯t respect the senior princess consort in the slightest and mouthed off with hurtful insults as quick as you¡¯d like. Big sister¡¯s maid couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch, so she wanted to protect her mistress¡¯ honor. Then she, she...¡±

    She slowly swallowed thest of her words under Zhou Meng¡¯s re.

    ¡°Is that what happened?¡± The prince turned to Qin Yining.

    She shed him a mocking smile. ¡°It seems the prince treats his harem quite well.¡±

    She meant that it was quite surprising that people here had the nerve to repeatedly try and fool their prince.

    The first and third princess consorts lifted their heads incredulously. What was vicious and savage? This was vicious and savage! Just one sentence was enough to ruin them all!

 Chapter 537.2: Success

    <h4>Chapter 537.2: Sess</h4>

    The prince¡¯s face turned beet red as fury brewed in his eyes.

    ¡°All of you dare lie to this prince¡¯s face now, hmm?!¡± his voice thundered in his rage. ¡°Do you think this prince has no one to ask about what all of you have done and said today?! Asking you is to give face, but it seems you don¡¯t know what¡¯s good for you! Very well then, this prince will grant your wishes! Guards!¡±

    The imperial guard outside the door answered, setting down his pike as he knelt on one knee. ¡°Your Grace.¡±

    ¡°Tell this prince what happened here earlier!¡±

    The imperial guards looked at each other. They¡¯d all been outside the hall, so how could they have known what had happened?

    The guard captain could only brace himself and reply, ¡°In response to Your Grace, we were outside and only vaguely heard the sounds of a dispute. We were too far away to hear what specifically happened, so we aren¡¯t sure.¡±

    Zhou Meng almost fainted from anger.

    Qin Yining lowered her head, the derision in her heart growing even stronger. It seemed that not only was this Xiyue prince led by his lust, he was also short-sighted and arrogant without any real ability.

    If such a thing had happened in her prince¡¯s manor, a single nce from Pang Zhixi would¡¯ve scared everyone witless and spilling the truth. There would be nothing like this, where people had to be prodded into answering just the question at hand and nothing else.

    The more of what she saw, the more Qin Yining missed Pang Xiao. Her mood, originally unaffected by today¡¯s incidents, took a downward turn as an impatient frown formed on her face.

    Noticing the beauty¡¯s displeasure, Zhou Meng thought it a mark of dissatisfaction with his performance today. Face scalding, he¡¯d felt like he¡¯d lost all face. The lofty and imposing image he¡¯d created for himself might just have all been destroyed this one evening.

    In the throes of rage and humiliation, all he could think about was how he should punish these useless fools!

    Off to the side, the second princess took stock of the situation. She noticed how twisted Zhou Meng¡¯s expression had be, as well as how his face, neck, and ears were all flushed red. If she didn¡¯t take the initiative now, she might very well be dragged down with the other princess consorts.

    Giving her thigh a vicious pinch, the second princess consort squeezed out a few tears as she stepped forward with a sob.

    ¡°Your Grace, Your Grace, please don¡¯t be angry. This concubine will speak. I-I was just afraid of my lord growing angry at my sisters, so I didn¡¯t dare speak earlier.¡±

    The senior and third princess consorts turned to angrily re at their brethren.

    ¡°Speak,¡± Zhou Meng demanded angrily.

    The second princess consort truthfully recounted everything and ended it with a grand gesture of greeting on the floor.

    ¡°This concubine is useless and cowardly. I was afraid of incurring the senior and third princess consort¡¯s enmity, so I didn¡¯t dare to say anything. However, this concubine cannot stand seeing my lord being deceived. Miss Pang is kind natured and isn¡¯t the type to start a quarrel with others. She suffered from being continuously bullied tonight and said she wanted to leave the pce only when she just couldn¡¯t stand being wronged any longer. She had no ce she could go to ask for justice.¡±

    In the end, she even threw in some ttery for Qin Yining because she knew that the prince was infatuated with the goddess. Since a new addition to the imperial harem was inevitable, would she be so stupid as to badmouth the goddess now and incur the prince¡¯s fury?

    Thanks to the other fools¡¯ idiotic bullying of the goddess, if she did the opposite and spoke good of her, not only would the goddess would remember the favor, but the prince would also understand whose side she was on.

    When Zhou Meng heard the true nature of things, he flew into such a rage that he kicked the senior princess consort to the floor. ¡°You bitch! Who gave you the nerve!¡±

    Sharp pain red in the senior princess consort¡¯s leg and she burst into painful sobs, begging for forgiveness. ¡°Please don¡¯t be angry, Your Grace! This concubine didn¡¯t do it on purpose, it just happened in the heat of the moment! Although I bickered with Miss Pang, I didn¡¯t want to actually hurt her! The one who tried to hurt her was that lowly maid, she did it out of her own volition!¡±

    Qin Yining grew increasingly impatient with the situation and rubbed her forehead. ¡°Your Grace, I don¡¯t mind these things. It doesn¡¯t matter if the senior princess consort did it intentionally or not. I believe that all the princess consorts took impulsive action today out of a misunderstanding. To avoid the appearance of impropriety, it would be better for me to return to my people. My condition is improving by the day, so it wouldn¡¯t be right if I continued to stay here.¡±

    She was truly tired by now. Her face appeared as white as snow beneath the lights and the slight quiver of her brows highlighted her delicate appearance.

    The prince couldn¡¯t possibly bear to let her leave in these straits and hastily interjected, ¡°This will not do, you are to treat this ce as your home. Didn¡¯t we agree on this before?¡±

    ¡°Your Grace, this ce truly isn¡¯t conducive to my recovery.¡±

    Qin Yining wanted to go, but Zhou Meng was firm in his stance. As the two discussed the matter, the senior and third princess consorts on the floor ground their teeth in anger. Her acting like this would only enrage the prince further, but they would be the ones to bear his wrath, not her!

    The second princess consort snickered inwardly when she saw how the other princess consorts trembled like leaves.

    The beauty quite obviously hates the pce and what happened tonight really is a result of those in the pce. Such a fragile and delicate beauty must¡¯ve been terrified by these stupid, brutish hags!

    If Zhou Meng forced her to stay, she¡¯d likely bear a grudge against him. In any case, Xiyue was only so big. There was only desert to be found in all four directions, so she had nowhere to run off to even if she stayed with her people. Besides, wouldn¡¯t she have toe back when he married her?

    Zhou Meng could only agree with a frown when his thoughts traveled here. ¡°Alright then, this prince will escort you there.¡±

 Chapter 538: Asking For Her Hand (I)

    <h4>Chapter 538: Asking For Her Hand (I)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    No matter what ns Zhou Meng might have, she would take things one step at a time.

    Qin Yining rose to ready her departure, then nced at the injured Biyu and the trembling Xinyu. She was worried that the senior princess consort would vent her anger on the two after she left.

    ¡°I still have one more request, Your Grace. My two maids, Xinyu and Biyu, have served me wholeheartedly. Will the lord allow me to take them with me?¡±

    Zhou Meng was fretting that he¡¯d have to escort the beauty out after losing face in front of her. Although she¡¯d still be in Xiyue territory and couldn¡¯t escape him, he still didn¡¯t feel reassured of things.

    However, Qin Yining asking him for people alleviated some of his apprehensions. Didn¡¯t this mean that she no longer saw him as a stranger?

    ¡°Naturally. Miss Pang¡¯s request isn¡¯t much at all, why would I refuse?¡± Zhou Meng hastily took two steps forward. ¡°How would just two maids be enough to serve you? How about I arrange a few more?¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your good intentions, Your Grace, but I already have my own maids. These two caught my eye, so I couldn¡¯t help but make a presumptuous request. Just them in addition to my current entourage is enough.¡± Qin Yining performed a curtsey of thanks.

    Her figure was willowy and graceful, and she had specially studied etiquette under the imperial mamas in Great Yan. Thus, this bout of courtesy was something Zhou Meng had never seen from a woman in his entire life. It was indescribably delightful, making even the three princess consorts by the side spontaneously ashamed of their inferiority. Every movement of theirs was simply too crude to bepared.

    For a moment, the prince fell into a trance. By the time he scrambled forward to help her up, Qin Yining had already risen and walked away.

    Regret brimmed at the lost chance to touch her, but to protect his dignity, he could only act like it didn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°No one here is allowed to leave. Remain kneeling for questioning when I return.¡± He pointed at Biyu, Xinyu, and Imperial Physician Wang. ¡°Follow me.¡±

    The two maids and imperial physician immediately bowed and fell into step behind their lord.

    The three princess consorts all bore looks of despair as they fell to sitting positions on the ground. They¡¯d thought it would all be over with the girl¡¯s departure. They¡¯d served the prince for so many years, so after his anger, the issue should¡¯ve been let go.

    Who would¡¯ve thought things were far from finished? The prince really did n to punish them over this!

    Regret overwhelmed the senior princess consort. If she¡¯d been gentler or more subtle, she wouldn¡¯t have incurred the prince¡¯s anger like this. There would¡¯ve been plenty of chances to slowly deal with that vixenter on. Weren¡¯t things just great now? Not only had she revealed her intentions and elicited the prince¡¯s hatred, but that vixen had even gotten to escape her zone of control.

    Once that vixen was out of the pce, dealing with her would be harder than scaling the skies. Furthermore, from what she¡¯d heard just now, that vixen would be staying with her nsmen.

    It wasn¡¯t just the senior princess consort berating herself. The other two princess consorts were also secretly grumbling about their sister¡¯s foolishness.

    By now, Qin Yining had put on a cotton cape and a warm hat, and climbed into a horse-drawn carriage to leave the pce.

    The pce appeared crudely magnificent in the evening darkness. It appeared that the structure was constructed of wood and mud; most likely conditions here didn¡¯t allow for a more remarkable pce to be built.

    A veryrge za greeted the eyes upon exiting the pce, the high tform in the middle seeming to be designated for ceremonial use. After passing through the za, one set foot on a spacious street with rows of houses crowding both sides.

    As the carriage rolled on, Zhou Meng took a seat by Qin Yining and introduced every sight that came into view through the carriage windows. She earnestly mentally recorded everything and casually agreed with whatever the prince said, putting him in delighted spirits.

    Qin Yining carefully observed everything to be seen about the journey and found that a city was starting to form in the oasis. The tallest structures included the pce she¡¯d just left and some three-storied buildings. The streets were all dirt roads and buildings made of either wood or mud bricks.

    Night had fallen, but the streets still bustled with people, showing no signs of a night curfew in ce. Commoners were dressed in clothing embroidered with their characteristic totemic designs and all looked virtually the same.

    When they saw the chariot approach, some even saluted and greeted the inhabitants. Quite satisfied with this development, a hint of cockiness appeared in Zhou Meng¡¯s tones.

    They traveled unimpeded to the southeast of the town. This was a very deste locationpared to the locale they¡¯d just passed through. Although the desert still couldn¡¯t be glimpsed here, looking for all intents and purposes like an ordinary neighboring town, one only needed to ride out for an hour to reach the edges of the oasis.

    The Minuo had been arranged to camp here.

    Zhou Meng had offered everybody houses, but the Minuo had declined his good intentions. All of their wealth was tied to their supplies. If they rxed their guard and something happened to the provisions, they would have no way to survive.

    So when Qin Yining and Zhou Meng¡¯s carriage neared, the outermost guard watched them on high alert. He shouted in Tatar, ¡°Who goes there?!¡±

    Qin Yining alighted from the chariot. She could understand some very basic Tatar, so she understood what the tribesman was saying and shed him a smile. ¡°I¡¯vee back.¡±

    The tribespeople keeping watch outside were overjoyed when they saw Qin Yining. Some went in to report her arrival, while others remained put, taking advantage of the chance for a detailed observation of Zhou Meng.

    The prince struck a lofty attitude. ¡°You have trained your tribesmen well. They¡¯re all very obedient to you.¡±

    ¡°They do this of their own free will, not because I trained them. It¡¯ste, you should go back and rest, Your Grace. I¡¯m sure you still have a lot of very important things to do,¡± said Qin Yining.

    Zhou Meng was very reluctant to leave, but, since he¡¯d already escorted the goddess back to her people, forcibly sticking around wouldn¡¯t look too good. Fortunately, she couldn¡¯t run away and the days ahead were long.

    ¡°Indeed, I still have things to do, so I¡¯ll be going. May you rest well here.¡± The prince adopted a gracious attitude and turned to the imperial physician. ¡°Remember this location. From now on,e here every day to look after the goddess. You are not to shirk your duties.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Imperial Physician Wang gave a hasty bow to show he understood.

    Lu Heng, Uncle Alham and the rest hade out by now, and general delight and worry spread when they saw Qin Yining had really been returned to them.

    Lu Heng asked eagerly after Zhou Meng¡¯s carriage left, ¡°Are you alright? Did they bully you?¡±

    Qin Yining heaved a long sigh before speaking. ¡°Something did happen, but it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± She turned to introduce Biyu and Xinyu to Lu Heng, exining their situation before concluding, ¡°I hadn¡¯t thought that Biyu would be dragged down by me and hurt her head like that.¡±

    Lu Heng was also worried about her. ¡°Good thing you were clever and used that toe back to us.¡±

 Chapter 539.1: Asking For Her Hand (II)

    <h4>Chapter 539.1: Asking For Her Hand (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Lu Heng understood and called two female tribesmen over, telling them to take Biyu and Xinyu elsewhere to rest.

    When there were no further outsiders, Lu Heng asked, "Are you worried they''re spies?"

    "Although we aren''t familiar with each other, Biyu did end up getting hurt because of me. If I can help them a little, I might as well. However, that doesn¡¯t mean we should lower our guard. The amount of provisions we have here is simply too eye catching. I¡¯m worried that the Xiyue prince might grow impatient and a fight will break out over the supplies. It will cause unnecessary loss then.¡±

    "It¡¯s as you say." Lu Heng inspected their surroundings in passing as he walked around the camp with Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining narrowed her eyes involuntarily and stuck her hands under her armpits when the frosty night winds came howling at them.

    ¡°We must prepare for everything though. Although that Xiyue prince isn¡¯t very shrewd, a person like him is also unpredictable and can do preposterous things.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. We can¡¯t understand his way of thinking with logic, so we have to be even more cautious,¡± Lu Heng continued, ¡°The tribe has greatly rxed and recovered during our time in the oasis, so general health is much better now. The Minuo is a fiesty tribe to begin with, and we have many skilled with the bow and cavalry.

    ¡°After all they¡¯ve suffered and repressed under Anari¡¯s persecution, even the womenfolk bear an undying will unafraid of death. Compared to the unblooded children in the oasis who have never seen blood, our numbers and fighting strength mean that we won¡¯t be at a disadvantage.¡±

    ¡°But both sides will suffer casualties if a fight breaks out. I¡¯m not afraid of a battle, but I also don¡¯t want needless injuries and fatalities. We only live once, and we can¡¯t disregard other people''s lives when we make our own decisions.

    ¡°Back home, Pang Zhixi often said that everyone was born equal and no one¡¯s life is more precious than anybody else''s. That¡¯s why, when soldiers and generals die in the battlefield, that is a fulfillment of their duties. However, to drag the people into war is an absolutely cruel act of heartless brutality. Most of the Minuo tribesmen with us aren¡¯t soldiers, and I don¡¯t want them to throw their lives away because of us.¡±

    A faint sourness couldn¡¯t help but emerge in Lu Heng¡¯s heart when he heard the pride and softness that had unconsciously appeared in Qin Yining¡¯s tone when she mentioned Pang Xiao. However, he was now at the point where he¡¯d ignore these moments of frustration and jealousy, instead focusing on analyzing the meaning behind Qin Yining¡¯s words. He was in fact gaining a new level of understanding of Pang Xiao.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know the prince was such apassionate man. It looks like the rumors aren¡¯t true at all.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled, ¡°Of course you can¡¯t trust everything the rumors say. There were quite disgusting rumors about me in the gossip mill in the past.¡±

    ¡°Nothing else matters as long as one holds a clear conscience about their actions.¡± Lu Heng couldn¡¯t help butugh when he heard that.

    ¡°Yes, especially with our current situation.¡± Qin Yining tilted her head toward the sky. There wasn¡¯t even a single star in the night sky tonight. It was like a pitch ck curtain had blocked all the light. From the heavy, overcast clouds, it seemed like a great snowfall would soon ur.

    Lu Heng also looked up at the sky with her, silent for a long time. ¡°I¡¯ve already secretly arranged for the tribes to carry a portion of provisions with them at all times and prepared enough water. If something unexpected happens, we¡¯ll take as much of the supplies and horses with us when we escape. Even if we can¡¯t bring the wagons and have to leave on just the horses, it won¡¯t be as bad as starving.¡±

    ¡°Mm, I was thinking of doing that too. Good thing that you¡¯re here and already arranged for it.¡± Qin Yining stopped walking and shed a grin. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t allow a situation like that to happen.¡±

    Lu Heng naturally knew of Qin Yining¡¯s stubborn temperament. Once she decided something was her responsibility, she would grit her teeth and persevere until the very end.

    But the Minuo tribe wasn¡¯t originally her responsibility. He didn¡¯t want her to take so much pressure onto her shoulders.

    ¡°Ah well, let¡¯s just rest well tonight.¡± Qin Yining smiled, ¡°Now that I¡¯ve returned, I can finally sleep peacefully, surrounded by our people.¡±

    Lu Heng quickly bobbed his head, knowing she was still ill and certainly exhausted after that bout in the pce earlier. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll escort you to your room.¡±

    Lu Heng gave his warm mudbrick house to Qin Yining, while he himself went to bunk up with Caganhbara and Harbhara. The other tribesmen had just set up tents like they¡¯d done countless times while fleeing in the desert. They took turns keeping guard, not daring to rx in the slightest.

    Reassured, Qin Yining entered thend of dreams.

    Perhaps due to her fragile state, she fell into a deep sleep. The tribesmen all knew the state of her body so nobody came to call her up, just allowing her to rest. But just after noon, the guards on duty came back to Uncle Alham with a worrying report.

    ¡°There¡¯s a group of people outside, and they seem to be led by that prince who escorted the chief back yesterday.¡±

    Uncle Alham was rmed when he heard the news. He ran to call Lu Heng, not daring to tarry.

    Lu Heng hummed with contemtion immediately heading out to wee them, cupping his hands in greeting when he saw the man draped in a ck cotton overcoat.

    ¡°So it¡¯s Your Grace! Please pardon me for not havinge out to greet you.¡±

    Zhou Meng arrogantly raised his chin, indicating Lu Heng could dispense with the courtesies. ¡°This prince hase, but why haven¡¯t Miss Pange out to greet me?¡±

 Chapter 539.2: Asking For Her Hand (II)

    <h4>Chapter 539.2: Asking For Her Hand (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°My cousin hasn¡¯tpletely recovered, and with the fright she received yesterday, her illness has only worsened. She even ran a fever yesterday, so she¡¯s been in a deep all day. I hope Your Grace understands.¡±

    The meaning behind his words was very clear: if it weren¡¯t for the harpies in your pce, Qin Yining¡¯s illness wouldn¡¯t have worsened. Despite that, you still have the face toe see her?

    Sure enough, the cocky expression on Zhou Meng¡¯s face turned stiff as awkwardness and worry colored his voice. ¡°Then is she alright? Shall I summon the physician to look in on her?¡±

    ¡°Many thanks to Your Grace, but we¡¯ve already asked the physician toe. If you have any instructions, please tell me and I will pass it on.¡±

    Zhou Meng couldn¡¯t help but frown. If Lu Heng kept using this as an excuse, wouldn¡¯t that mean he wouldn¡¯t be able to see his beauty in the future?

    However, the prince also wasn¡¯t at leisure to debate this irksome cousin out in the open air.

    ¡°There will be a banquet tonight, thrown to celebrate the birth of my newborn daughter. I specifically came here to invite Miss Pang to attend.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that might be difficult. The birth of a royal is certainly a momentous event, but my cousin is quite ill. It may be inauspicious if she attends.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? This prince hardly thinks so.¡± Zhou Meng narrowed his eyes dangerously at Lu Heng, his expression turning into a sneer. ¡°Miss Pang is the goddess who brought us food, the goddess the Xiyue tribe reveres. My newborn daughter will be blessed with health and good fortune only if the goddess attends the banquet. Do all your obstinate and vehement refusals mean that you don¡¯t trust this prince?¡±

    So this fellow actually has some self awareness about him! Of course I don¡¯t trust you!

    Lu Heng repressed his curses and smiled faintly. ¡°What could Your Grace be talking about? I am eternally grateful for your aid in sending the godly physician to my cousin¡¯s side. How would I not trust Your Grace?¡±

    ¡°Hmpth! This prince won¡¯t bother talking about such nonsense with you!¡± A threatced Zhou Meng¡¯s words. ¡°You better prepare Miss Pang for the banquet tonight, or I won¡¯t mind personally bringing troops to fetch her!¡± With that, he rode away with his entourage of guards.

    Harbhara and Caganbhara couldn¡¯t understand what Zhou Meng was saying, but his repugnantly smug attitude already elicited their dissatisfaction.

    Uncle Alham pulled Lu Heng over. ¡°What do we do? Should we go or not?¡±

    ¡°Of course we should go and have a look.¡± Qin Yining¡¯s voice rang out behind them.

    The group hastily turned around and saw Qin Yining standing behind them, looking much healthier and dressed neatly with her loose hair pulled into a simple bun.

    ¡°When under someone else¡¯s roof, we unfortunately must do as they say. I fear that his intentions are hardly to invite us to a banquet though,¡± Lu Heng fretted.

    ¡°I know.¡± Although Qin Yining hadn¡¯t heard what Lu Heng and Zhou Meng had discussed earlier, it was more than clear what Zhou Meng wanted. ¡°Even if we avoid it for now, we can¡¯t avoid it forever. It¡¯s better to just see what he wants. As long as we¡¯re prepared, we can respond with the initiative. However, everyone needs to reach into the depths of their courage.¡±

    Although emotionally speaking, Lu Heng didn¡¯t want Qin Yining to take risks, on a rational level, he knew Qin Yining was right.

    The Minuo viewed both of them as the tribe chiefs and had spared no effort to rescue them from Khanbaliq, evading Siqin¡¯s pursuit all this time. There was no earthly way that the two of them could abandon the tribe now.

    Lu Heng couldn¡¯t help but sigh.

    Qin Yining took some medicine and rested for a little as she conversed with Lu Heng, Uncle Alham, Harbhara, and Caganbhara. Before long, the sky started to darken.

    While they talked in Uncle Alham¡¯s tent, a mix of jumbled footsteps grew outside, sounding almost like the continuous p of the ocean waves.

    Qin Yining was just about to send someone to take stock of the situation when a panicked tribesman on guard duty rushed into the room. His voice was anxious as he shouted, ¡°Not good, not good! There¡¯s a lot of people outside and our camp ispletely surrounded!¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s face changed when he heard the report, tranting it for Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression also turned grave as she stood up. ¡°I¡¯ll go have a look.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t, it¡¯s too dangerous. It¡¯s better if I go.¡± Lu Heng blocked Qin Yining from moving forward.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s go together.¡±

    Lu Heng stared at Qin Yining for a moment before nodding helplessly. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go together.¡±

    A light flurry of snow had fallen in the night, highlighting their brightly lit camp in the dark of the night. The crowd of young soldiers surrounding their camp were all stone-faced as they stood in formation.

    The youths gave way when they saw Qin Yining and Lu Heng emerge. Zhou Meng walked up with his hands behind his back.

    ¡°Let¡¯s be on our way, the banquet¡¯s about to begin. I was worried that Miss Pang wouldn¡¯t know the way there, so I came to escort you there.¡±

    Qin Yining looked around and raised her brow with a sneer. ¡°Is such an extravagant disy necessary for bringing me to a banquet?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s so bad about an extravagant disy?¡± Zhou Meng waved behind him as soon as he finished speaking.

    Seeing the gesture, the general behind them unsheathed his sword with a ringing swing, campfire light glittering on his de. The other soldiers also drew out staffs and swords, weapons gleaming as they stood there threateningly.

    Qin Yining¡¯s voice turned ominously sullen. ¡°I¡¯m afraid such a disy is hard for me to enjoy.¡±

 Chapter 540.1: Asking For Her Hand (III)

    <h4>Chapter 540.1: Asking For Her Hand (III)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Zhou Meng was equally startled, but his heart surged not so much with fear, but a fierce possessiveness. He¡¯de to a deep-seated realization the moment he¡¯did eyes on this woman that he¡¯dpletely squandered the past decades of his life!

    Though he possessed many women, they were all trite trollops who didn''t hold a candle to this unyielding camellia of zing beauty and talent.

    Ten thousand of those other run-of-the-mill women paled inparison to this one before him. Like a prized possession or a good book, she enticed one to continuously caress and savor her. The more one meticulously understood her, the harder it was to hide the infatuation in their heart. Every encounter left him with a maddening tingle inside.

    This woman¡ªhe was determined to obtain her!

    Zhou Meng stood with his hands sped behind his back, disying a dominance that he had never shown Qin Yining before. "The banquet will begin shortly. Miss Pang should walk with this prince now."

    The surrounding soldiers raised their weapons as soon as he finished speaking, their cold glint directed at the grim Minuo tribesmen.

    Qin Yining didn¡¯t stand down in the slightest, fixing the eyes of a hungry tiger on Zhou Meng. She couldn''t help chuckle sarcastically, "To see someone invite guests in such a manner is a first for me."

    This prince didn¡¯t seem like he was holding a dinner party in celebration of new life; rather, it appeared as if he were dering war.

    "The prince was speaking pleasantly just this afternoon," Lu Heng chimed in. "Why the sudden change in demeanor? I¡¯d thought the prince to be an enthusiastic and considerate individual whom I sincerely wished to befriend, so I find myself rather disappointed at the present."

    Zhou Meng felt quite unsettled by this.

    At first, he¡¯d treated Qin Yining with gentle regard because he wished to win the beauty over, and since he¡¯d arranged for her to be cared for in the pce, there was no escaping from him.

    But look at how things were going now: the beauty had been bullied by a few of those foolish harlots and took the opportunity to leave the pce. He¡¯d regretted her leave the moment he granted it¡ªwhat if these people fled in the dead of the night?

    If something like that truly happened, didn¡¯t that mean he would lose the provisions and the prettydy? If that were the case, he might as well have struck first to gain the upper hand. The rest could wait after he had her for himself!

    "There¡¯s no need for disappointment. I brought so many with me so to not neglect Miss Pang. Even if you all attend the banquet, my own soldiers will be standing guard, so there¡¯s no need for excessive concern." Zhou Meng''s brows scrunched together. "Or might it be that all of you don¡¯t trust me?"

    "Of course not," replied Lu Heng. "If we didn¡¯t trust the prince, we would have long since taken our leave. Why would we have befriended the prince with such sincerity instead?"

    Zhou Meng gave a coldugh¡ªtake their leave? He quite wanted to see if anyone could leave this no-man''snd alive! If the Xiyue couldn''t escape the vast desert after a century of trying, it was impossible for these people to do that!

    Qin Yining studied the prince''s expression. Combined with how he had the Minuo tribe surrounded by his soldiers today, she had a good sense of what he was thinking. The situation was developing in a direction she wished least to see, and it was her mistake for eliciting this pervert''s predatory side.

    Seeing Qin Yining''s brows slightly scrunched together with a worried look in her eyes, Lu Heng was beside himself with anxiety and wished even less for her to attend this red wedding of ulterior motives.

    Before he could respond, however, Qin Yining beat him to it. "Didn¡¯t you say there is to be a banquet? Let us go."

    She then called for Uncle Alham, Surnaa, and n. "I am allowed to bring servants and maids with me to the banquet, correct?"

    Since he was forcing a youngdy at swordpoint to attend a banquet in public view, Zhou Meng felt it would further reflect badly upon him if he didn''t even permit her to bring a guard and two maids.

    "Naturally, yes," he replied in a magnanimous manner. "There is no request Miss Pang can make that would be inappropriate." The favor in his voice made it seem like Qin Yining was a one-of-a-kind treasure.

    Regardless of how the others perceived them, Lu Heng, Alham and everyone else who understood what Zhou Meng said shuddered in contempt.

    Lu Heng helped Qin Yining put on her hat.

    "You must be careful," he murmured. Though he dearly wished to apany her, that would leave the Minuo leaderless like a pile of loose sand without anyone toe up with a n, should anything happen.

    Qin Yining dimpled. "Worry not, things will be fine. I will make ensuring my safety a priority."

    "So you say, but who doesn''t know how obstinate you are?" Lu Heng sighed.

    So obstinate that she was willing to throw her life away! She was so unyielding, yet his heart ached for her all the same.

    Qin Yining smiled in aforting manner, then called Alham, Surnaa and n to walk with her to Zhou Meng.

    The Xiyue soldiers surrounding the Minuo promptly stepped aside, parting for Qin Yining just as the sea once did for Moses.

    Zhou Meng''s dark eyes looked deeply at Qin Yining, barely able to conceal the anticipation zing in his eyes. After clearing his throat, he announced in a hoarse voice, "Let us go."

    Qin Yining nodded and followed behind him.

    After they left, the Xiyue troops reassembled around the tribe instead of stepping down.

 Chapter 540.2: Asking For Her Hand (III)

    <h4>Chapter 540.2: Asking For Her Hand (III)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    "If we can¡¯t outwit them, all we can do is go all out," replied Lu Heng. "However, she won¡¯t allow that. Just yesterday she said she wouldn¡¯t let anyone of the tribe lose their lives for no reason."

    Harbhara and Caganbhara were deeply moved.

    Having weathered numerous storms together, they trusted each other with their lives. Not only did Qin Yining refuse to abandon them at a critical moment, but she even conquered the no-man''snd of the desert with them. And now, she was entertaining that old man''s empty gestures of goodwill for their safety. They felt both moved and guilty at this.

    While Lu Heng and the tribe floundered in worries, Qin Yining''s horse-drawn carriage was ¡®escorted¡¯ to the courtyard outside the pce gate by Zhou Meng''s soldiers.

    Through the gaps between the curtains, she was surprised to see a sizable crowd of Xiyue citizens gathered in the yard. People both young and old chattered enthusiastically amongst themselves and strained their necks to peek at the approaching line of soldiers.

    "Long live the prince! Long live the prince!" Upon seeing Zhou Meng atop his horse, everyone knelt in a gesture of greeting.

    Zhou Meng was deeply pleased; as the supreme prince of Xiyue, there was nothing that could escape his control. Whatever he wanted, he would get.

    Full of confidence, he looked at the carriage carrying the goddess.

    They slowed to a stop once the carriage arrived at the gate. Surnaa and n stepped forth to help Qin Yining off while Uncle Alham stood by with a somber look.

    As soon as she stepped off the carriage, Zhou Meng swiftly dismounted and strode toward her. To the citizens gathered behind him, he announced, "This is the goddess of our Xiyue legends, the goddess who shall bring us supplies and hope!"

    Though night had fallen, the courtyard was lit as bright as day. The people were greeted with the sight of a slim yet curvaceousdy cloaked in red. Though half of her face was under her hood, there was no concealing the refined aura emanating from her entire being.

    The people were already aware that the goddess hade to Xiyue bearing provisions. Hearing their prince announce her arrival thusly, the gathered citizens cheered in delight. "Long live the goddess! Long live the goddess!"

    Their cheers roared as loudly as the sea, resounding with an intensity that surpassed even their greeting to Zhou Meng. It was clear enough how highly revered the goddess of the Xiyue legends was by the people, as well as how much they desired the provisions.

    Even Uncle Alham''s brow broke out in a cold sweat at such a reception, while Surnaa and n''s faces went white from shock.

    After a moment of hesitation, she removed her hood from her head.

    Back in Great Yan, she had once declined to be a part of Yuchi Yan''s imperial harem. Having thus incurred his wrath, he bestowed her the title of Spiritual Master Xuan Su and assigned her to be a nun at a royal estate, along with a hundred other actual nuns.

    She¡¯d also once been the ¡®holy girl who safeguarded the country¡¯s fortunes¡¯ to escape the oppression of the trash emperor and trampress, a title which then caused the suffering citizens of Great Yan to flood into the estate for aid and sor. That scene had been considerably bigger than the one now before her.

    Thus, Qin Yining wasn¡¯t intimidated in the slightest. She adopted a certain aura of mystery and nobility; even the way she walked and her posture was different than usual.

    She lifted her chin slightly and addressed the crowd in a cold, yet gentle manner. "This goddess wishes the people of Xiyue prosperity and peace. May thends of Xiyue be gued by famine no longer!"

    After freezing for a moment, the crowd immediately dropped to their knees and frantically cheered wildly. "Long live the goddess! Long live Xiyue! Long live the prince!"

    Uncle Alham, Surnaa and n found themselves utterly dumbstruck by the sudden shift in her bearing.

    Zhou Meng stared at her silhouette from behind, mixed emotions he couldn''t quite put into words stirring inside. Perhaps her beauty had blinded him into only seeing her as a beautiful face to possess. Now, however, seeing her address such arge crowd without any fear or weakness and putting forth the due bearing of a goddess, winning over the people with a single concise statement... well, it left him with a very sour aftertaste.

    He was the true ruler of thisnd, yet now it seemed as if the people revered the goddess even more than they honored him!

    Pursing his lips, Zhou Meng called for Qin Yining and led them all to the main hall. As they did, the crashing waves of the citizens'' cheers continued.

    Inside the main hall was a long table with seating cushions and other smaller tables on either side. Dozens of court officials and their families were already kneeling beside the table to greet the prince.

    Qin Yining was seated right next to the prince of Xiyue, with Uncle Alham and her two maids standing behind her.

    The final thing she noticed was the fact that Zhou Meng had more than twenty of his guards subtly encircle half of the room, surrounding her and Zhou Meng.

    As the court officials curiously sized Qin Yining up, the banquet began.

    Though it was supposedly a party, Xiyue admittedly didn¡¯t have much to offer in terms of cuisine, as they didn¡¯t grow a wide variety of food there. Qin Yining took only a few cursory bites and thrice declined a toast from Zhou Meng.

    "I have received the prince''s good intentions, but I truly am unwell. What¡¯s more, I cannot quite hold my liquor."

 Chapter 541: Asking For Her Hand (IV)

    <h4>Chapter 541: Asking For Her Hand (IV)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    In Xiyue, his word wasw, especially when it came to women. No woman in the oasis would ever reject bing his. Hence, Qin Yining¡¯s repeated refusals left him with nothing but mounting frustration.

    He¡¯d wanted to be gentle and charming, but continual failurepletely sapped his patience. An abrupt return to his overweening, tyrannical ways was in order.

    ¡°Fine then, since you don¡¯t want to drink or eat. However, this prince invited you to this banquet tonight as there is a matter to be exined to you in front of all of the officials.¡±

    The hall stilled into utter silence the moment his voice rang out. Fully aware of the situation, families of the court officials tactfully withdrew, leaving only Zhou Meng and a dozen or so officials in addition to Qin Yining and the three people she¡¯d brought.

    Meanwhile, Zhou Meng¡¯s two dozen soldiers ced their hands on their sword hilts, spreading themselves out in a semicircle around Qin Yining, seemingly ready to spring into action at any time.

    Qin Yining¡¯s bright eyes took a look around before she smiled. ¡°Pray tell, Your Grace.¡±

    Zhou Meng didn¡¯t beat around the bush. ¡°Your arrival was just as described in our sacred texts, so everyone truly believes you are the ¡®goddess¡¯ who can bring us food and a plentiful harvest. I don¡¯t refute that notion, but there¡¯s no denying that for some explicable reason, you and your tribesmen were chased into this no man¡¯snd. This is a truth that no one can deny, am I right?¡±

    Qin Yining only chuckled softly. ¡°The truth is whatever you choose.¡±

    ¡°Then I will be frank. Our tribe has upied thisnd for a hundred years and we have always worried that the oasis¡¯ resources are finite. Sooner orter, we will consume all of what thisnd has to offer. Because of that, we¡¯ve always been searching for a way out.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been at it for a hundred years to no avail, so what are your chances when you¡¯ve just arrived? So, I¡¯ll say something that probably no one wants to hear: I¡¯m afraid that you and your tribesmen will never be able to leave.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart pounded fiercely. She knew that Zhou Meng was speaking the truth. When they¡¯d been harried into the no man¡¯snd by the Tatars, she¡¯d already known that it was likely she¡¯d never be able to leave or see her family again. Although she understood that, it was still different when someone actually said it aloud.

    She¡¯d been numbing herself to the future. Ever since waking up, she¡¯d forced herself not to think about things, to just take each day as they came.

    Zhou Meng had just brutally thrown back the curtains to allow the harsh rays of truth to pierce into her heart. The despair that she¡¯d kept carefully under wraps rushed out uncontrobly like the tides. It was like she¡¯d been suddenly tossed into the frigid ocean. The freezing chill around her and drowning suffocation made her feel it was better to just die.

    However wracked with pain and suffering, she couldn¡¯t reveal any of it. She would never give them any leverage they could use.

    Her only outward reaction a slight smile, Qin Yining rebutted, ¡°Your Grace¡¯s analysis is only one side of the story. Just because you can¡¯t doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that we can¡¯t.¡±

    Zhou Meng gave a loud, mockingugh. ¡°Stop trying to act calm, no one here¡¯s an idiot. You won¡¯t be able to leave this desert!¡±

    Zhou Meng rose and strode down the stairs before abruptly turning around, his long robes flourishing open behind him as he spread his arms wide.

    ¡°You say you can walk out of the desert? If you can, why would you have aimlessly run here? I tell you, every year this dested ce ims at least a dozen of our tribespeople! Those who are lucky enough to return say that thendforms outside change in the blink of an eye. tnd one moment and sandy dunes the next!

    ¡°Furthermore, the environment is hellish. Sandstorms whip up at the drop of a hat, turning the world into such a blur that not even the color of the sky can be seen! The wind will force you to shut your eyes tightly and when you reopen them, you won¡¯t be able to tell which direction you came from. There is no such thing as a sense of direction!

    ¡°You will have no food, no water, and no direction! All you¡¯ll have is an aimless wander in a vile environment. Are you unafraid yet? You¡¯ve already experienced it once and nearly lost your life, but now you have the courage to boast you can leave the desert? How truly admirable, ahaha!¡±

    Qin Yining knew that everything Zhou Meng said was true. The expression on her face didn¡¯t change, and her cape hid how her hands had clenched into fists so tight that her fingernails dug into her skin to form crescent-shaped marks.

    It was because she knew this odious prince was speaking the truth that each and every sentence stabbed into her heart. What she¡¯d said about leaving the desert was indeed a boast, an attempt to raise her own spirits.

    She just couldn¡¯t believe that she would be forever separated from her family like this, forced to spend the rest of her life in an oasis isted from the rest of the world.

    When Zhou Meng saw Qin Yining¡¯s face as indifferent as before,pletely unmoved, he immediatelyunched into his next spiel. ¡°You are their chief, so you are responsible for their lives? Since you can¡¯t leave, you are foreordained to stay here for a lifetime. Why not consider my proposal from earlier?

    ¡°The best way to connect two tribes is through marriage. The only way to have my tribesmen ept yours and share the desert¡¯s resources is by us marrying first. You won¡¯t disregard your tribesmen¡¯s lives just for your own selfishness, will you?¡±

    After saying that, Zhou Meng suddenly threw a meaningful look at the soldiers behind Qin Yining. The twelve immediately unsheathed their sharp swords and struck a stance, ready to fight.

    n and Surnaa cried out in fear but still dashed in front of Qin Yining to shield their chief. Uncle Alham¡¯s stance was even more clear as he prepared to wrest a weapon for himself by force. His weapons had been confiscated when they entered the pce.

    ¡°You¡¯d best agree right now. Otherwise, my soldiers will raid your tribe¡¯s camp and the three by your side will be killed.¡± Zhou Meng struck a pose with his hands behind his back, loftily looking down at Qin Yining.

    A frosty gaze red at her from the side, but Qin Yining actually turned calm in the face of a crazed Zhou Meng.

    ¡°So Your Grace means for me to marry you?¡± Her voice was soft and gentle, aplete contrast to the tense, hostile state of the pce hall.

    Zhou Meng¡¯s face lit up as he nodded. ¡°Precisely. If you marry me and be my princess consort, your tribespeople will further intermarry with mine and our two tribes will fuse into one. We will live and thrive in the oasis together while searching for a way out. This way, we will no longer have to guard against one another and jointly share all the resources here together. Even if we can¡¯t leave, the supplies you brought is enough to continue farming here and be self-sufficient. That would be just as well!¡±

    If Qin Yining wasn¡¯t already married and didn¡¯t love Pang Xiao, such an arrangement would indeed be the best way to maximize gains. This was because she used to hold the notion that marriage was something arranged for by the parents and matchmaker. It wasmonce to not know if one¡¯s husband would be a hero or an idiot before the wedding day. If one ended up marrying a brute, that was just bad luck. That¡¯s why she¡¯d never really cared about who she was going to marry.

    But now the problem was that she had someone in her heart. No proper woman would serve two men, so how could she just marry somebody else?

    Refraining from an immediate reply, she asked, ¡°Your Grace makes sense, but you already have four consorts. Your sacred texts say that the ¡®goddess¡¯ is to be the princess consort. Shouldn¡¯t that mean being the official wife?¡±

    Zhou Meng was delighted to see that she was actually considering it. ¡°That¡¯s easy! If you agree to marry me, I don¡¯t want any of them! I¡¯ll drive those four and all of the concubines out, how¡¯s that?¡±

    All of the officials in the hall drew in a sharp breath. They hadn¡¯t expected the prince to go so far just for a woman! He was going to disband the harem for her!

    Goosebumps arose on Qin Yining¡¯s skin when she noted Zhou Meng¡¯s ardent stare, and she forced the disgust off her face with great effort.

    Seeing Qin Yining remain silent, Zhou Meng suddenly sneered.

    ¡°You can refuse, but let me go one step further with the truth. Your tribe¡¯s camp is surrounded and I¡¯ve already arranged for an ambush. I¡¯m also ready withrge quantities of oil to burn it all to the ground! Why else do you think I arranged the most deste campsite for you?

    ¡°I will call it off if you agree to my proposal. If you don¡¯t agree, I¡¯ll make your tribe pay the price. I¡¯ve never run into any trouble in my life and always get whatever I want! There¡¯s no need for me to continuously bow my head and fawn over you. I¡¯d rather forgo those supplies of yours and rather that none of you ever appeared!

    As he said that, Zhou Meng took a few steps forward and ced his hands on the table in front of QIn Yining to lean forward. ¡°Try it if you don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    The soldiers behind Qin Yining also brandished their swords forward, nearly stabbing into n and Surnaa¡¯s bodies.

    Large beads of anxious sweat rolled down Uncle Alham¡¯s face as he shouted angrily, ¡°You bastards! I¡¯ve never seen a man so shameless as to threaten a woman to marry him!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better keep that mouth of yours clean! All of your lives are in my hands!¡±

    Mouth open for another retort, Qin Yining stopped Uncle Alham from speaking further. She was analyzing the present situation.

    Zhou Meng was mercurial and ustomed to being overbearing and arrogant. He was certainly used to everyone falling in line and the world catering to his whims. He was the center of his world, and from the two days she¡¯d known him, he was the type to dig in his heels for a moment¡¯s petnce and care not a whit for the bigger picture.

    In order words, he really would kill numerous people and burn down all the supplies to obtain her. Even if it would make the people suffer, he would still be the grand and stately prince. As long as he could go through his days happily, he wouldn¡¯t care if others lived or died.

 Chapter 542: Dashing Grace

    <h4>Chapter 542: Dashing Grace</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    If she tried to oppose him now, they would immediately break out into open hostilities. Disregarding how their chances of sess weren¡¯t nonexistent with Lu Heng leading a stubborn defense, what if themon people of Xiyue suddenly decided to make a move on the supplies? What then?

    If that happened, they wouldn¡¯t just be facing a thousand soldiers, but the entire insatiable Xiyue tribe. The consequences would be unthinkable. Furthermore, it was impossible for Uncle Alham to protect all four of them here into a safe retreat.

    If she resisted, regardless of how Lu Heng¡¯s side fared, the small group here tonight would be in dire straits. At the same time, it would lead to a massacre and a raid on the Minuo.

    If she agreed, no matter how she truly felt, at least the innocent Minuo would be safe.

    At this point, Qin Yining was ready to make her decision. She could see that Zhou Meng wanted her more than the supplies. Could she really throw away the tribe¡¯s lives for herself?

    She shut her eyes. When she opened them again, they were filled with resolve and determination.

    ¡°I understand Your Grace¡¯s intentions. However, marriage is a momentous event and Your Grace forcing me to make a decision now is simply too much. You must give me some time to think it over.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to think over? This prince is the best candidate.¡± Jubtion seized Zhou Meng¡¯s heart. Qin Yining¡¯s response meant she had alreadye to terms with the situation! But when he saw the beauty¡¯s brows knit, a sliver of pity for the fairer sex finally crept into his heart.

    ¡°Alright, alright, this prince won¡¯t force you to agree immediately. However, you¡¯d better not spend years thinking it over. I won¡¯t wait that long. How about this: I¡¯ll disband the imperial harem and make you my only consort. In return, you will give me a reply tomorrow morning. If you still haven¡¯t thought it over by then, then I¡¯ll order an attack on your tribe. You don¡¯t want your people to die because of you, right?¡±

    Qin Yining faced Zhou Meng with a slight smile, but a cold, mocking look was in her eyes. ¡°Be at ease, Your Grace.¡± This prince really deserves to die!

    The farce of a banquet had been tidied away at some point. Zhou Meng swept out of the room with swaggering grace, taking his guards with him and leaving Qin Yining¡¯s group of four alone in the grand hall.

    Qin Yining remained where she was, her mind spinning as she analyzed the situation. She wanted to take advantage of this time to figure out a feasible solution, but even as she turned over everything in her brains until dawn, she still couldn¡¯t think of a better countermeasure apart from agreeing to Zhou Meng¡¯s demands.

    Thus, the only possible way forward was to agree. However, how could she ever marry another man?

    She stood up and stretched her limbs, stiff and tired after sitting all night. Behind her, Uncle Alham asked anxiously, ¡°How about we run away? I¡¯ll make sure you can escape safely!¡±

    She shook her head, ¡°I can¡¯t flee and drag the innocent tribespeople into this. Besides, it¡¯s not really all that bad marrying this prince.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not! Just look at how calcting and brutal he is, he¡¯s not a good man at all!¡± After so much time together, Uncle Alham had truly epted Qin Yining as his chief and even more so, his own family. How could he possibly watch such a delicate girl be married to somebody as vile as Zhou Meng?

    ¡°Uncle Alham. We have no choice right now. If hostilities break out, the Minuo will absolutely suffer the worst of it. Think of how difficult it was for us to get here and how much energy it took to preserve the tribe. We can¡¯t let it all go to waste.¡±

    ¡°But you...¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Qin Yining gave a slight smile, ¡°Doesn¡¯t he want to marry me? Then he can marry me.¡±

    In any case, she¡¯d already decided she wouldn¡¯t yield to another man. If worst came to worst, she¡¯d just go down with Zhou Meng! Even if she died, the Minuo would still continue to prosper in Xiyue territory. She wouldn¡¯t have let them down.

    Qin Yining was resolved to die.

    In fact, she¡¯d been prepared to risk her life long ago. She¡¯d given up struggling against life the very moment they entered the no man¡¯snd. Since then, she considered every day alive to be another day cheated from fate.

    Although she could never see Pang Xiao, her parents, or her family ever again, Pang Xiao would surely take care of her parents even if she passed away. Furthermore, he was still young. Surely, with sufficient time, he would slowly forget about her. Perhaps in the future, he woulde across a good girl and they could live together, birth and rear children...

    When she thought of this, her nose twinged and eyes stung, tears rushing to the fore. She bit firmly down on her lip and screwed her eyes shut, struggling to hold back the floodwaters.

    No one had forced her to do anything in all of the events preceding this. Her own decisions had led her to this point. She didn''t me anyone else for her circumstances, nor did she regret anything. Being Pang Xiao¡¯s wife brought her great happiness, even if only just for a little while. Her life hadn¡¯t passed by ordinarily and she¡¯d lived it with purpose. From start to finish, she had never betrayed her own conscience.

    Uncle Alham stood behind Qin Yining, watching her put up a brave front. His hands were clenched with enough force to crush bone. No one present was an idiot. They all understood that right now, in the current situation, Qin Yining marrying Zhou Meng was indeed the best choice. But how could he simply watch such a heroic girl sacrifice her life for the Minuo? How could he remain unmoved?

    ¡°If I¡¯d known this would happen, I would¡¯ve forced your aunt to take you away.¡± Uncle Alham thought of Cao Yuqing, possessing beauty was on par with Qin Yining and also incredible martial arts skills. He sighed, ¡°Why did we just listen to you?!¡±

    Qin Yining had made up her mind. She wouldn¡¯t waver no matter how much pain and anguish wracked her heart, and would regret her actions even less so.

    She realized how Uncle Alham was ming himself and tried to console him. ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t think too much. Everything I did was after careful thought and nning. I choose to do this, it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with anyone else.¡±

    Uncle Alham¡¯s lips pursed tightly. The calmer Qin Yining acted, the more his heart hurt.

    A creak sounded at this time as therge wooden doors to the hall were pushed open. Zhou Meng led his group in, lifting his chin up arrogantly. ¡°So, have you finished your thinking?¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. ¡°I agree, but Your Grace must promise me an official, legitimate wedding and a guarantee that my people will have equal status with the Xiyue in the future. They can¡¯t be discriminated against. Furthermore, my tribe should have their own chief and listen to his orders, just as before. My people will not surrender and pledge fealty to Xiyue. We are just friendly, neighboring tribes.¡±

    Uncle Alham¡¯s eyes rimmed with red, struggling to hold back his tears as he listened to how Qin Yining continued to fight for the Minuo¡¯s best interests even now.

    Zhou Meng frowned and contemted briefly before smiling, seeming to have figured something out.

    ¡°Alright, I do promise you. Then we¡¯ll hold our wedding this afternoon and I¡¯ll publicly dere our agreement then. After our bridal night, your people may live ording to your demands.¡±

    Qin Yining had a slight smile as she nodded, but her eyes were cold as ice. Zhou Meng couldn¡¯t be permitted to live. She believed that with Lu Heng¡¯s strength, as long as the man in front of her died, he would be able to lead the Minuo to wrest control of this area!

 Chapter 543.1: Dashing Grace (II)

    <h4>Chapter 543.1: Dashing Grace (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    There was no rush, no rush at all. She would be his tonight!

    ¡°Go and tell all of the princess consorts to get out of the pce, now!¡±

    Now that he¡¯d achieved his goal, he reverted back to currying favour with everything he had. After giving orders to his attendants, he turned back to look at Qin Yining with a face full of love. ¡°From here on, you will be my only princess consort. I don¡¯t need any other woman!¡±

    Qin Yining sneered inwardly. These women that he¡¯d just thrown away like useless rags had apanied him for many years and bore him children. The fourth princess consort in particr had just given birth to a little princess. Was she to be driven away before she even recovered? Those wives of Zhou Meng were truly pitiful!

    ¡°Your Grace.¡± Qin Yining lowered her head and responded bashfully. ¡°I made that demand before only because I wanted to test the depths of Your Grace¡¯s affections. I now see that Your Grace is truly devoted to me. I don¡¯t actually mind having other sisters around, so Your Grace mustn¡¯t drive them away. Otherwise, I won¡¯t even have anyone to talk to in the pce.¡±

    Startled, Zhou Meng blinked before breaking out in chuckles, the look in his eyes turning even more gentle as he looked at Qin Yining.

    ¡°Miss Pang is truly knowledgeable and knows to consider the bigger picture. However, I cannot renege on a promise given. I said I would disband the harem for you, so I will disband the harem for you.¡± With a wave of his hand, his attendants epted the order and were about to set out.

    Qin Yining hastily objected, ¡°Your Grace, please do not do so. Since I¡¯ve agreed to marry you, that means I ept everything of yours, including your family. They are all women who have made your family fruitful and have aplished the great deed of producing heirs.

    ¡°If the people hear of Your Grace¡¯s action, there will surely be somebody who doesn¡¯t understand Your Grace¡¯s sentiments and spreads vile rumours. Wouldn¡¯t I then be Consorts Daji and Bao Si of old, the women who caused the downfall of their nations? Your Grace, please retract your order.¡± She bent her knee with her request.

    How could Zhou Meng possibly be willing to let her curtsey? Hands outstretched, he hastily helped her up.

    Qin Yining avoided him out of modesty and lowered her head, shyly taking a step back. ¡°Could Your Grace please grant my request?¡±

    Zhou Meng looked down on Qin Yining¡¯s raven hair, the adoration in his heart growing stronger. He held back a smile and ¡®reluctantly¡¯ eded. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll grant it. However, I don¡¯t know your name even now. We¡¯re about to get married¡ªit can¡¯t be that you¡¯ll only tell me when we enter the bridal chambers, right?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s voice was soft. ¡°Your Grace, don¡¯t say that. My name is Little Creek, a reference to babbling brooks and bubbling streams.¡±

    Her foster mother had found her by the creek when she was young, so Little Creek had be her name. Qin Yining didn¡¯t want to use her real name at all, so she casually tossed out her childhood nickname.

    ¡°Little Creek? Little Creek...¡± Zhou Meng rolled over Qin Yining¡¯s name on his tongue and felt that such a tastefully chosen name truly suited her. ¡°As beautiful and gentle as water. Your name is truly as beautiful and soft as you yourself.¡±

    Qin Yining was already close to throwing up from disgust. She kept her head ¡®shyly¡¯ lowered so that Zhou Meng couldn¡¯t see her true feelings.

    Aplicated expression floated onto Uncle Alham¡¯s face as he watched the two of them talk. His fists were tightly clenched and he itched to charge up and kill the perverted Zhou Meng once and for all.

    However, he also worried that if he killed Zhou Meng, the four of them here would be immediately executed. The rest of the tribe back at camp would also have to face the Xiyue army and the people¡¯s looting.

    Qin Yining was sacrificing so much for the Minuo. How could he let a moment of impulse destroy all of that?

    But he also couldn¡¯t stand it if he did nothing at all. His conscience would never allow such a pure girl to serve a bastard like Zhou Meng!

    A group of maids walked in bearing brand new wedding robes and jewelry.

    ¡°Your Grace, we need to help Miss Pang change. Your Grace should also get ready as well.¡±

    Seeing that the hour was growingte and preparations for the wedding already started, it put Zhou Meng in an even better mood knowing he would soon be holding the beauty in his arms. He was especially lenient towards the maids, nodding with a smile before heading off to his own arrangements.

    Qin Yining gave Uncle Alham a meaningful look before turning to the newly-arrived maids, ¡°You are dismissed. I have my own people here.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The maids didn¡¯t dare to object and immediately curtsied before departing.

    When they all left the hall, Qin Yining swiftly turned Uncle Alham. ¡°The ceremony will begin soon. Now¡¯s the chance for you to quietly slip off with Surnaa and n to return to the tribe.¡±

    Uncle Alham grew worried, ¡°What about you?!¡± His voice was over loud in his anxiety.

 Chapter 543.2: Dashing Grace (II)

    <h4>Chapter 543.2: Dashing Grace (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°You...¡± Uncle Alham wasn¡¯t dumb and guessed her intentions with just a nce. He immediately shook his head. ¡°No, no, you can¡¯t do this.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any other choice right now.¡± Qin Yining said calmly, ¡°When I do things, I always seek the path with the greatest benefits for the lowest price. Just do as I say and don¡¯t make things difficult for me.¡±

    Seeing the firm, decisive look on Qin Yining¡¯s face, the words that Uncle Alham had prepared to change her mind were suddenly stuck in his throat. He knew Qin Yining¡¯s words were true: there was no better way to resolve the situation at hand. He too couldn¡¯t bear to see the innocent tribespeople lose away their lives because of this.

    Uncle Alham shook his head, filled with self-loathing. In the end, he too was selfish. He would rather have Qin Yining, an outsider, sacrifice herself than most of the tribe.

    The guilt in his heart was like an ever-expanding pool of water, threatening to drown him whole.

    Seeing that Uncle Alham still refused to move, Qin Yining changed tack.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say before that whoever killed Anari would be the new Minuo chief? Lu Heng and I are your chiefs¡ªare you disobeying your chief¡¯s orders?¡±

    This was the first time she was using her position to demand obedience. But even still, she was doing so to ensure the Minuo¡¯s survival, instead of her own gain.

    Tears welled up in Uncle Alham¡¯s eyes as he clenched his teeth with a nod. ¡°Yes, Chief. No matter what happens, we¡¯ll never forget you. You¡¯ll always be our chief.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled when she saw him finally nod. ¡°Alright, remember your words. When you return, you should also tell Lu Heng what I said.¡±

    After saying that, she called Surnaa and n to help her dress.

    The wedding robes prepared were bright-red formal robes of fine cotton. The style didn¡¯t differ too much from Great Yan or Great Zhou, but the embroidery on it was very simple. It looked like something scrounged up at thest minute as there wasn¡¯t even time to rush a new job through. In contrast, the jewelry was pure gold and precious gems. Though the craftsmanship was a little rough, the totem motif added a clear Xiyue touch to it.

    Qin Yining coiled her hair into a bun and chose only the golden phoenix pendant for the middle of her hairstyle. She abstained from the rest, then turned to a small mirror to do her makeup.

    If nothing unexpected happened, this would possibly be thest time she¡¯d ever work on her appearance in this life. Even if she were to die, she would do so with dignity.

    She looked at her blurry reflection in the mirror and realized that she had really lost a lot of weight from her illness. Her eyes looked even bigger than before due to her gaunt appearance, and herplexion was terrible.

    She put on makeup, shading in her slender brows and dabbing on a little rouge on her lips. Her face was finally a more presentable shade.

    Although Surnaa and n didn¡¯t understand what the topic of conversation had been about earlier, the sorrow and decisiveness that revealed itself from time to time in Qin Yining¡¯s eyes as she drew her brows gave them an foreboding feeling. They both felt terrible.

    At this time, gates set in the pce¡¯s mud walls slowly creaked open. A group of pce servants walked out, swiftly decorating the pce gates and setting up a tform in the za in front of the structure.

    Passersby who didn¡¯t understand what was happening approached with curiosity. Servants brimming with excitement answered, ¡°Our prince is about to marry the goddess!¡±

    ¡°Really? Really?!¡± Joy and delight crossed their faces. The sacred texts of their tribe denoted that a goddess woulde bringingrge quantities of grain and seeds, and be their princess consort.

    That the goddess had agreed to marry their prince meant that he really was Xiyue¡¯s true prince, and that the supplies would be theirs!

    The news spread like wildfire. Shortly thereafter, arge and lively crowd assembled in the main za.

    Back at camp, the Minuo were still surrounded by soldiers. When the surroundingmoners gathered up their friends and left, puzzlement descended upon the Minuo.

    Lu Heng frowned worriedly, a bad premonition striking him. The Xiyue people were treating something with grave importance and everyone was so delighted that it looked like New Year celebrations had arrived early. That meant something wonderful for them was about to happen.

    What did the Xiyueck here if not for grain and seeds?

    Were the people happy because they thought they were going to be receiving grain? What would make them think so?

    It was hard for Lu Heng not to connect it with the prophecy in the Xiyue¡¯s sacred texts. With that thought, all the blood suddenly drained from his face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me...¡± Qin Yining¡¯s agreed to marry Zhou Meng?!

    Lu Heng swiftly analyzed the current situation and Zhou Meng¡¯s character, instantly guessing that Xiyue prince had used the Minuo to threaten her.

    Qin Yining was both intelligent and kindhearted. She would never let others die for her sake. That meant the only oue was that Qin Yining had agreed for the tribe¡¯s sake.

    Were these people all going to attend the ceremony?

    Lu Heng¡¯s head spun with thoughts, already having a handle on the approximate situation. He forced down his fury and worry before turning to face the Xiyue soldiers with a smile. ¡°I see a lot of people are happily going somewhere. Are we having some sort of holiday today?¡±

 Chapter 544.1: Dashing Grace (III)

    <h4>Chapter 544.1: Dashing Grace (III)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Something good? What else could that ¡®something good¡¯ be?

    Although Lu Heng felt like his heart was on fire, he only disyed a look of delight on his face. ¡°Can it be that my cousin and the prince are really getting married?¡±

    The soldiers traded nces with each other. Seeing how happy he looked, this guy probably also wanted his cousin to marry the prince, right?

    He was about to be the prince¡¯s brother-inw!

    When the guards thought of that, they immediately lowered their swords so the atmosphere was no longer so threatening.

    ¡°We¡¯ll all be one tribe in the future,¡± responded a soldier with a smile.

    Lu Heng bobbed his head happily. ¡°That¡¯s right! Could I trouble one of you to see what¡¯s going on? If my cousin¡¯s really marrying the prince, I have to start preparing her dowry!¡±

    Dowry?

    The soldiers couldn¡¯t help but stretch their necks and peer at the faraway wagons. There were so many supplies there that theycked, who didn¡¯t want a share of them? Maybe if they helped Lu Heng, they could get some as a reward!

    The general immediately ordered a soldier to scout the za.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the soldier returned in merry spirits. ¡°Whew, it really is something very good! The prince ns to marry Miss Pang today at noon, and the public za is already bustling with people.¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s hands were clenched tight inside his sleeves. Though his nails dug so deep that his palms started to bleed, he still couldn¡¯t feel the pain.

    So it was true. Qin Yining really had sacrificed herself for the Minuo. In confirming that, Lu Heng was also able to guess much of what Qin Yining nned afterwards. That silly girl might not live past tonight.

    In that moment, he felt a thousand arrows pierce his heart. How he truly hated himself for not being proficient with martial arts. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve just charged in to rescue Qin Yining and escape with her!

    They were surrounded by the desert on all sides. After entering the endlessnd of sand dunes, there would be no way to know which direction Great Zhouy. Furthermore, the heavens hadn¡¯t been merciful enough to bless him with a strong body skilled in martial arts.

    They were foreordained to die here, in a distantnd away from home.

    Qin Yining had chosen the most desperate and decisive strategy, sacrificing herself to protect the entire tribe.

    All Lu Heng could feel was the violet pain stabbing into his heart. A sweet and salty taste rose in his throat as a bout of coughing came to the fore. He couldn¡¯t control it and coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

    ¡°Oh no! What¡¯s happened?!¡± The Minuo rushed up to support Lu Heng.

    Harbhara anxiously asked Lu Heng in Tatar, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Let¡¯s go find that Imperial Physician Wang!¡±

    Lu Heng just waved him away. Pale as a sheet of paper, he drew a handkerchief from his sleeves and calmly wiped the blood off his lips. He gave the Xiyue general a smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine, it¡¯s just an old illness.¡±

    The general looked at Lu Heng doubtfully, but couldn¡¯t make anything out of Lu Heng¡¯s expression. Although he didn¡¯t dare to offend their prince¡¯s future brother-inw, he also didn¡¯t dare to lower his guard and no longer chatted with Lu Heng.

    Lu Heng looked towards the za, a deathly-still look on his face.

    Maids escorted Qin Yining to the wide castle gates. When she stepped into the za, the crowd of Xiyue citizens burst into raucous cheers.

    ¡°Goddess! Princess Consort! Goddess! Princess Consort!¡±

    Prince of Xiyue, Zhou Meng, stood on the tform. d in red robes with a golden headpiece, his excited voice boomed out. ¡°We Xiyue are protected by the heavens and favored by the goddess. I am the lord selected by the heavens! After a hundred years of devoted prayers from our pure and kindhearted people, the goddess has finally descended, bringing grain to Xiyue. Today, she will be my consort!¡±

    ¡°Hurrah! Hurrah!¡± themoners cheered spiritedly.

    People at the front of the crowd whispered quietly as they watched a woman under a red veil walk out with the help of her maids.

    ¡°Do you guys see the goddess? I just saw her!¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s so beautiful! She¡¯s just as I imagined, and even more beautiful than described in the sacred texts!¡±

    ......

    Zhou Meng could no longer suppress his delight as he turned to face Qin Yining. The Xiyue officials were also present and they cheerfully stood to both sides of the path, watching Qin Yining make her way to the stage.

    The crowd¡¯s cheers grew even louder and the din assaulted Qin Yining¡¯s eardrums, but her heart was as cold as ice.

    When she married Pang Xiao, she had been dressed with the stately magnificence befitting the asion. All propriety, rites, and courtesies had been duly observed. Was she to marry somebody else on this day?

    No, she wouldn¡¯t allow herself to serve two men!

    Lips painted bright red, Qin Yining pursed them tightly. A red veil covered her eyes, so all she could see was a sea of red. This made her hearing exceptionally sharp, allowing her to make out the faint sound of horse hooves drumming amongst all the cheers.

    The sound that had suddenly appeared seemed to be getting closer and closer.

    Was it just a figment of her imagination?

    It somehow reminded her of Pang Xiao, which further brought to mind him and his troops. Qin Yining smiled ruefully as she stepped onto the tform with the help of the maids.

    And then, the unexpected happened!

 Chapter 544.2: Dashing Grace (III)

    <h4>Chapter 544.2: Dashing Grace (III)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The crowd gasped and cried out. Before she could react, a slim arm tugged at her elbow and pulled her away, throwing her down from the tform.

    Qin Yining was tossed into the air like a fundle, her red wedding robes fluttering in the air as her veil floated down to the ground. Her eyes couldn¡¯t immediately adjust to the bright light and could only vaguely make out a familiar figure on the back of a ck steed with his arms outstretched.

    Dazed, it seemed to take forever to fall through the air. In fact, it felt like she was dropping into the abyss. Instead, she fell into a warm and strong embrace. A familiar, refreshing fragrance enveloped her.

    ¡°My darling, my darling, I¡¯ve finally found you!¡± Warm lips touched her forehead as a pair of strong arms encircled her, hugging her tightly.

    ¡°You...¡± Qin Yining sat sidestaddle in front of Pang Xiao, a hand clutching his arm as she raised her head to look at him.

    He¡¯d lost a great deal of weight and his facial contours were much deeper than before. Framed under long, sword-like brows, his phoenix eyes were shot through with blood. Complete with rough stubble on his chin, he looked absolutely weary and beaten down.

    However, his eyes were incredibly bright, and her image reflected in his pitch-ck pupils. When their eyes met, Qin Yining¡¯s vision was blurry from tears.

    It really was him!

    He¡¯d found her in the desert!

    Cao Yuqing had been lying low in the crowd until she spotted an opportunity to throw Qin Yining to Pang Xiao. Task aplished, she wielded her soft sword and charged forward on her horse, leading Liao Zhibing and the Elite Tigers against Zhou Meng and his officials.

    Born and bred in Xiyue, Zhou Meng had never experienced any hardship or fighting in his life. He had never seen such formidable cavalry before! Each of the enemy was like a tiger from the mountains, all of them brandishing swords and charging with ferocious roars. The monsters were here to eat the people!

    Zhou Meng¡¯s grandeur evaporated as he stumbled back from terror, falling off the tform with a shriek. Fortunately, there were a number of guards below the stage who hastily reached out to catch him. They frantically dragged him back towards the pce gates.

    ¡°Protect the prince, protect the prince!¡± Soldiers who¡¯d never experienced true battle before only knew to pull Zhou Meng and the other officials back to the pce gates in a bolt for safety.

    The Xiyue broke and ran, scattering off into the distance like the receding tides. Quite a few slipped and fell to be trampled on by the others, with many more losing their shoes as they frantically pelted off.

    ¡°Here you were, acting like some kind of hero while forcing my dear Yi to marry you. What wonderfully amazing trash!¡± Cao Yuqing sat primly on her horse and watched them frantically close the ce doors before turning to look at the backs of the fleeing Xiyue. A sneer curled her lips as she resheathed her soft sword.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right! He needs to get a look at his reflection in a load of his piss first!¡± The young man next to Cao Yiqing pulled down the ck bandana covering his face and shook off the sand and dust on it. It was Huzi!

    Qin Yining was still dazed and gripped by shock. Pang Xiao hade to save her? He¡¯d travelled through the dested desert toe save her?

    Pang Xiao drew her in and reverentially ced another kiss on her forehead, his stubble prickly as it rubbed against her skin. ¡°My dear, I¡¯m here.¡±

    Sound and feeling was slowly returning to Qin Yining. Stiffly moving her neck forward, she slowly ced her head on his shoulder, like a traveller finally returning to their loved one¡¯s embrace after an arduous journey. She was like a little pet who¡¯d finally found their owner after being bullied outside.

    Her hands gripped Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder in an equally slow trajectory and her face turned toward his chest. One muffled sob sounded before her tears finally came flooding out.

    Pang Xiao hugged her tightly, his eyes reddening as he listened to her weeping. He buried his face in her shoulder and gently patted her back.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright now, don¡¯t cry. It¡¯s all my fault, I shouldn¡¯t have lost you. Don¡¯t cry... look at how much weight you¡¯ve lost, you must¡¯ve gone through so much. It¡¯s all my fault...¡±

    When she had no one she could lean on, Qin Yining had had to be stronger than anyone else. She didn¡¯t cower even in the face of certain death. This was because she was so clear of what she should do that even when things looked dire, she would pick the correct path with logic and reason, even if it meant descending into the abyss.

    Now that Pang Xiao was here, she finally had a loved one and someone to depend on again. She no longer had to carry everything on her shoulders alone. Strained heartstrings suddenly rxed and the light of a long awaited dawn finally touched her. She could only cling to him for dear life as all strength left her limbs, the only recourse left to her was to bury herself in his chest and wail her umted grievances.

    All the feelings and stress she¡¯d bottled up from recent times finally burst through the dam. Now that she had an embrace she could trust, it was finally safe to give full vent to her feelings.

    The fifty-man troop of Elite Tigers was covered in sand and their lips dry and cracked. But they too sat ramrod straight on their horses, not drooping even after going a long time without food. Smiles crossed their faces and mirth filled their eyes as they watched their respected prince grip their sobbing princess consort in a tight hug.

    Tears welled up in Huzi¡¯s eyes before he hastily wiped them away with a sleeve.

    Cao Yuqing was also very gratified and dimpled at Liao Zhibing beside her. ¡°Brother Liao, we owe all of this to you this time. Without your tracing bug, I don¡¯t know what we would¡¯ve done.¡±

    Liao Zhibing waved a hand with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m d I could help our alliance head. However, it¡¯s not good to stay here for long, the people above the walls are all watching us. How about we find a ce where we can set up camp?¡±

 Chapter 545.1: A Good Beating

    <h4>Chapter 545.1: A Good Beating</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Zhou Meng and some of his officials happened to poke their heads out over the walls at the same time and met with Pang Xiao¡¯s eagle-like stare, scaring them into uniformly withdrawing their heads back in.

    ¡°Bunch of lily-livered rats!¡± Pang Xiao sneered.

    Zhou Meng also felt his instinctive reaction to be rather shameful and immediately painted a solemn expression onto his face, straightening up as he rested his hand on the castle wall. He bellowed, ¡°Who are you to dare rashly intrude on my territory and steal my fianc¨¦e?!¡±

    The joy of reuniting with Qin Yining was still lingering in Pang Xiao¡¯s heart, but itpletely transmuted to rage at Zhou Meng¡¯s words. Who would tolerate having their wife stolen away?!

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t be bothered wasting words with Zhou Meng. He opted instead to grab his bow and shoot an arrow at the Xiyue prince.

    Great Zhou¡¯s prince was too fast. By the time anyone reacted, all they could hear was a ¡®whoosh¡¯ through the air. Zhou Meng¡¯s face paled as he scrambled to duck and dodge.

    The arrow pierced right through the small gold crown on his head, causing him to stumble back and fall to a sitting position on the ground. The sharp arrowhead drilled deep into the earthen wall behind Zhou Meng, nailing him tightly to the spot.

    ¡°Your Grace, Your Grace, are you alright?!¡± His officials nearby were terrified and hastily rushed over to pull out the arrow and help him up.

    Zhou Meng¡¯s mind was still spinning. He gingerly felt the top of his head¡ªthe crown holding his hair up waspletely pierced through, scattering his hair over his shoulders. In fact, much of it has been cut from the sharp keenness of the arrowhead; arge chunk of hair came away with his exploratory touch...

    If he hadn¡¯t dodged that arrow in time, it probably would¡¯ve gone right through his skull! At the thought of that and the enemy¡¯s savage stare, a tremor ran through Zhou Meng¡¯s body. His legs started to shake and suddenly, he felt a warmth in his trousers¡ªhe had just pissed himself.

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t be bothered with Zhou Meng anymore. That useless fool didn¡¯t have to die right this second. That would preserve the status quo for a bit longer and prevent the people from rising up in fury.

    He lowered his head and couldn¡¯t help himself from kissing Qin Yining again. It didn¡¯t matter that they were in public! ¡°My dear, is there anywhere we can stay for a bit?¡±

    Qin Yining had stopped sobbing, but all the tears had given her a headache. Her face flushed at the public disy of affection and she coughed to conceal her embarrassment and bashfulness.

    ¡°The Minuo I came with have made camp in a remote spot to the southeast. However, the Xiyue prince has deployed soldiers to encircle the area in order to keep the tribe under control. From what I heard, he sent out roughly four hundred soldiers.

    Pang Xiao tousled her long hair with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s nothing to be afraid of when the enemy is at this level. It¡¯ll take a hundred of them just to match one of my Elite Tigers. Even if this is a spot of paradise, that also means they¡¯re sopletely isted that they¡¯ve probably never seen outsiders or engaged in actualbat before. Just giving them a fright is enough to scare them off.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. They searched everywhere until they finally saw Uncle Alham, Surnaa, and n.

    ¡°Your Highness, this is Uncle Alham. He speaks thenguage of Great Zhou the best out of all the Minuo tribespeople, and it¡¯s thanks to their care that I am alive today. When I fell delirious from sickness in the desert, they didn¡¯t abandon me and brought me here for treatment.¡±

    Hearing that, the pain in Pang Xiao¡¯s heart only grew further.

    When he next looked at Uncle Alham and the rest, it was a look brimming with gratitude and appreciation. He patted Qin Yining on the shoulder before jumping off his steed, quickly walking up to Uncle Alham and cupped his hands with a deep bow.

    ¡°Uncle Alham, thank you so much for your kindness to my wife!¡±

    Uncle Alham had sighed inwardly when he saw Qin Yining sobbing in Pang Xiao¡¯s embrace earlier. Now that Qin Yining¡¯s husband hase in search of her, Sir Lu has no chance.

    However, he was also very moved.

    He knew a little bit about Pang Xiao¡¯s identity. Before him stood a prince of Great Zhou who¡¯d left behind his riches and glory to head into Tatar territory, who¡¯d braved the dangers of the desert and traversed all of no man¡¯snd to reach Xiyue¡ªall to search for his wife.

    Such courageous deeds left Uncle Alham no choice but to admit this was truly a man worthy of respect.

    ¡°Prince of Great Zhou, you are too courteous. The princess consort and Sir Lu helped us kill that she-devil, Anari, and avenge the Minuo. They are our tribe chiefs, and not only did the princess consort show us great grace all this time, she also stood by us with steadfast loyalty. How can the little things we do for our tribe chiefs count for anything inparison?¡±

    Although the rtionship between Tatar and Great Zhou had always been strained, the Minuo had beenbelled traitors by Utkin Khan. The Tatars had prosecuted them again and again, leaving them destitute and homeless, yet those of Great Zhou protected the tribe from harm and even endured hell and high water with them. At this point, Uncle Alham no longer cared about nationality.

    Qin Yining had also dismounted and wrapped her arm around Cao Yuqing¡¯s. She smiled at Liao Zhibing, having already grasped everything. ¡°Auntie Cao is so very smart. How did you think of using the tracing bug?¡±

    Cao Yuqing poked Qin Yining¡¯s forehead with resignation.

    ¡°You mule-headed chit. You don¡¯t listen to anyone when you get stubborn. You were determined to stay, so what could I do? Without any other options avable, I talked with Mister Liao, who happened to have ced a tracing bug on Sir Lu earlier. You would definitely be travelling with him, so after you entered the desert, only Mister. Liao could determine where you went.

    ¡°At first, I wanted to go to the capital to ask your father for help. Fortunately, when I entered the Great Zhou border, I ran into the prince and his troop of Elite Tigers on his way to find you. After making preparations, we rushed into the desert.¡±

 Chapter 545.2: A Good Beating

    <h4>Chapter 545.2: A Good Beating</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Mister Liao, thank you.¡± She solemnly offered her appreciation to Liao Zhibing.

    Liao Zhibing hurriedly shifted to the side, avoiding her curtsey. ¡°Alliance Head, there¡¯s no need to be so polite.¡±

    Uncle Alham was a forthright man and Pang Xiao used to army culture, so it was easy for the two to make a connection. By now, they held a mutual admiration for each other.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go storm the camp.¡± Uncle Alham decided to change the topic.

    Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. ¡°A wonderful idea! Journeying through the desert has been a great warmup to loosen our muscles, so it¡¯s the perfect time to get some exercise!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The Elite Tigers¡¯ imposing manner astonished and awed as their shouts threatened to shake the heavens.

    Pang Xiao jumped back on his horse and reached out to Qin Yining with a smile, who also smiled in response and ced her hand in his without hesitation. A quick tug from the prince helped Qin Yining up and take a side-saddle position in front of him.

    The group sped southwest, kicking up clouds of dust in their wake. Hiding in their houses, the Xiyue shook and trembled, asionally venturing a nce through windows or doors to peek at the group of ck-clothed people on horseback. Every single one of these strangers was inly very fierce and strong, so none of the people dared to venture out at all.

    In the Minuo camp, Lu Heng¡¯s face was as white as a sheet of paper. He stood by a carriage with a cotton overcoat draped over his shoulders. He¡¯d already given secret orders to Caganbhara and Harbhara that the tribespeople must be prepared to fight.

    For some reason, themoners who¡¯d headed off the za to celebrate the wedding hade streaming back, fearfully shutting their doors tight in a panic. They were clearly terrified out of their minds.

    Lu Heng guessed that something momentous must¡¯ve happened.

    The general of the troops surrounding the Minuo wore a solemn look on his face, keeping a tight watch on the camp. However, his soldiers were all youths born and raised in Xiyue. They had no idea what the current situation was and if their family was safe. Heads constantly swivelled back in the direction of the pce in hopes of glimpsing anything to rify the situation.

    The surrounded Minuo bristled with menacing intimidation, whereas the soldiers surrounding them looked much more like ants on a hot te. Suddenly, everyone heard the din of hoofsteps drawing closer and closer, evidently approaching at great speeds.

    The din startled the general, who hastily ordered everybody on alert. Lu Heng also frowned, looking off into the distance.

    A group of ck d men on horseback came into view, storming toward the Minuo camp like brewing thunderclouds. The cold sheen of their weapons glinting in the sun made for a terrifying sight.

    When the neers drew close enough to reveal that their leader was Pang Xiao, and that Qin Yining was tucked away in his embrace, Lu Heng broke into a broad smile.

    ¡°Wonderful, simply wonderful!¡± He turned back and called out in Tatar, ¡°Be ready to fight. The group in ck is our allies!¡±

    Caganbhara and Harbhara sprang into action, immediately leading the tribe toward the Xiyue soldiers.

    Pang Xiao led his men into a charge and shouted loudly, ¡°Your prince has fled and abandoned you! You should look out for yourselves and go home to see if your family is well! Don¡¯t throw away your lives for a coward!¡±

    When Lu Heng heard Pang Xiao¡¯s words, he immediately changed his tactics. ¡°Don¡¯t kill anyone, just scare them off!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Loud cries soared up to the heavens.

    The two sides met in battle with the Elite Tigers and Minuo executing a perfect pincer movement. Though the Elite Tigers were dusty and weary, they were all the cream of the crop¡ªelites who¡¯d undergone stringent training. In optimal condition, each of them could best a hundred enemies. Although they had orders not to kill, the strength behind just simple punches and kicks was still terrifying.

    The Minuo had both numbers and teamwork on their side. Morale ran high at the sight of reinforcements, and they answered in kind.

    On the contrary, while the born and bred Xiyue soldiers were young, they were frogs at the bottom of a well. Setting aside their poor martial art skills, they¡¯d never even seen a true battle before. Their minds were a morass of fear and panic, and they had no idea what they should do.

    The battle waspletely one sided. The Xiyue soldiers quickly fled in disarray, leaving behind a whimpering few on the ground that¡¯d suffered more serious injuries. Pang Xiao ignored them, leading the Elite Tigers to camp before they neatly dismounted together.

    Uncle Alham, Surnaa, and n ran forward, happily reuniting with their people. Qin Yining walked over to Lu Heng, her happiness clear to all with the curves of her eyes and crinkle of the brows. ¡°Is everyone alright?¡±

    Lu Heng¡¯s heart stung with bittersweet feelings, making it difficult for him to speak. He was very d that Qin Yining didn¡¯t have to marry trash like Zhou Meng, but he also couldn¡¯t help but feel a little forlorn at seeing Qin Yining returned to Pang Xiao¡¯s embrace.

 Chapter 546.1: To Speak Softly of Love

    <h4>Chapter 546.1: To Speak Softly of Love</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Pang Xiao was a true, honest man who was utterly devoted to his wife.

    The average person might be oblivious to the inner workings of court, but having been born into the Lu family, Lu Heng had spent many years in its midst and was clearer than anyone about theplicated web between the nobles and the imperial family.

    Pang Xiao must have endured untold hardships to pass through the no man''snd to locate Qin Yining in Tatar. In addition to the excruciating pressure he was under, it was likely that he willingly handed over leverage that could be used against him to do so. At the very least, his family had been exposed to danger by his departure from the capital.

    Furthermore, he¡¯d left the country with just two dozen of hisrades and headed into enemy territory, then put his life on the line by entering the desert to search for Qin Yining.

    Desert terrain constantly shifted around, and with sandstorms, danger lurked in all directions. They were very likely to send themselves on the road to the afterlife before they even found who they were looking for.

    For Pang Xiao to rescue Qin Yining at the most critical hour despite all the odds stacked against him was proof enough of his deep dedication toward her.

    Lu Heng was happy for Qin Yining, for she had someone like that to treat her with such genuine sincerity. Had the prince not made it time, Qin Yining would¡¯ve met her end today. The thought sent another wave of fear through him.

    "Why did you agree to the Xiyue prince¡¯s insolent request?" Instead of replying to Qin Yining''s questions, Lu Heng responded with a rhetorical one. "If the Faithful Prince of the First Rank hadn¡¯t arrived in time, what would you have done? Would you truly have gone through with your wedding to that sorry excuse of a prince?"

    "Of course not," Qin Yining retorted with a hint of embarrassment. "I was.. I was prepared to kill him."

    "So you¡¯d kill him, then get yourself killed by his guards? How could you do that to your family and friends?" Lu Heng frowned ferociously as he couldn''t help rebuking, "I told you long ago that so long as you think about yourself, we will be understanding of anything you choose to do. Yet you chose to sacrifice yourself! If you really did that, do you think the Minuo would be able to live with themselves?"

    Somewhat bewildered by his scolding, the sight of Lu Heng''s deathly pallor and Uncle Alham''s tear-filled eyes made Qin Yining sigh. "I apologize. All I wanted was for as many of the tribe to stay alive as possible. I didn¡¯t consider that much."

    "Because you thought you would never see your family again in this lifetime, so you decided to put it all on the line, even if it meant dying, is that it?" Lu Heng''s question was razor sharp, his attitude forceful.

    His words precisely echoed Qin Yining''s inner thoughts, but having her intentions revealed in front of Pang Xiao and his subordinates in this manner left Qin Yining rather flustered.

    She had never been the sort to express herself candidly and would never casually murmur sweet nothings, much less confess her sentiments directly to Pang Xiao.

    Now that her husband knew that she¡¯d decided to end matters with her life because she¡¯d thought returning to Great Zhou was no longer possible, it all felt... well, things were rather awkward.

    Pang Xiao, however, only felt a bittersweet sensation well up in his heart, as if a little featherthered in honey had gently brushed against it. The thought of Qin Yining suffering so much had his heart aching beyond description. He only wished he could turn back time and tie himself to her side so that she would never have to risk herself or suffer any humiliation ever again.

    Pang Xiao sighed as he wrapped an arm around Qin Yining''s shoulder. The rare sight of her rendered speechless like a child who¡¯d been scolded had him stepping in to lighten the atmosphere. "Brother Lu, well met. It has been a while."

    Having said his piece, Lu Heng felt it inappropriate to continue this emotional disy in front of Pang Xiao and cautiously reined himself in before raising a cupped fist salute.

    "Your Highness, I must apologize for my outburst. Her Highness and I have be good friends during this time as we¡¯ve been through so much together. I couldn¡¯t help myself when I saw her risk herself like that."

    Sharp as Pang Xiao was, he¡¯d already seen through Lu Heng from afar when he brought Qin Yining back to the campsite. Previous rumors and his own ongoing observations had already led Pang Xiao to confirm that the Lu scion had developed deep feelings for Qin Yining.

    If he were to say he wasn¡¯t jealous, that would¡¯ve been a lie.

    But Lu Heng had kept himself in check, and it seemed he hadn¡¯t overstepped his boundaries. Qin Yining seemed oblivious to everything, and he¡¯d never doubted her loyalty to him. As men, there was no need to develop a grudge and denounce someone''s character over something like this.

    Though Lu Heng fancied Qin Yining, he had held himself back and acted rationally. That was actually quitemendable.

    Such thoughts shed through his mind but for a moment. He returned the salute with great sincerity. "Say no more, Brother Lu. I understand. My wife''s safety was ensured entirely because Brother Lu spared no effort in protecting her. I will be sure to repay you for this great favor in the future!"

    Seeing Pang Xiao salute Lu Heng so seriously, the Elite Tigers saluted together as well. "Many thanks to Second Master Lu!" they thundered in unison.

    Such a disy was both stunning and intimidating.

    Though a sour note remained in Lu Heng''s heart, he forced himself to take it all calmly as he¡¯d alreadye to terms with his feelings.

    "There¡¯s no need for such courtesy, Your Highness. Though we weren¡¯t close acquaintances before, I now see that Your Highness is a man of great magnanimity. I deeply admire that. I didn¡¯t do anything particrly worthy of note, either. It¡¯s only right for fellow citizens of Great Zhou to help one another in the face of danger in foreign territory."

    Pang Xiao couldn''t help giving a subtle nod. In front of all his Elite Tigers, Lu Heng credited his actions to "fellow citizens of Great Zhou helping one another", which meant he had Qin Yining''s virtue in mind. He found himself rather impressed by the other¡¯s thoughtfulness.

    "No, Brother Lu is the one whom I admire. There are no words that can fully express my gratitude, so I can only say that I will be sure to repay you for this one day!" Eyes filled with sincerity, Pang Xiao saluted once more.

    He and Lu Heng were both smart individuals; they needn''t exchange any more words to understand the other¡¯s intentions.

 Chapter 546.2: To Speak Softly of Love

    <h4>Chapter 546.2: To Speak Softly of Love</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    While the two conversed, Qin Yining had already gone to Uncle Alham to discuss having the tribe draw water so that the Elite Tigers could eat, drink, rest, and wipe themselves clean.

    Uncle Alham nodded and quickly delegated tasks to the people. The camp quickly blossomed into a flurry of hectic activity. When everything was ready, the entourage was sent to wash up while the Minuo kept careful watch against the Xiyue.

    Pang Xiao excused himself from Lu Heng after a while and went to Qin Yining to help her set up her tent.

    When Lu Heng watched the two enter the same tent, he turned around with a quiet sigh and went off to help with the cooking stations.

    ......

    Someone had already ced arge tub of hot water and a big bucket of cold water inside the tent.

    Setting aside thoughts of everything else, Pang Xiao immediately got to quenching his thirst. After many deep gulps, he finally tossed the woodendle aside and smiled at Qin Yining. "My darling, help me wash my hairter. I feel as if my scalp is covered in sand."

    Qin Yining nodded and stepped forward with a smile to help take off his coat. "It¡¯s too chilly these days. Just wipe your body clean with water and wash your hair so you don¡¯t catch a cold. You get to washing your hair first, and I¡¯ll......"

    Before she could finish, Pang Xiao pulled her into his arms and captured her lips in a kiss. All of her words lodged in her throat.

    Nimble tongues intertwined and danced with each other, while Qin Yining''s hands clutched the front of his robes tightly.

    That familiar kiss and that familiar breath¡ªshe couldn''t hold her tears back. Her head tilted upward as she allowed her tears to flow freely from the corners of her eyes into the hair at her temples and sides of her face.

    "Don''t cry, there now, no more crying." Deep kisses turned into doting pecks. His eyes also red, Pang Xiao kissed away her tears with a precious, reverent air.

    "My dearest, this is all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have let you investigate the treasure''s location by yourself... I felt as if the sky had fallen in when you disappeared and wanted to die from regret! I don¡¯t care about silver or power! I only want you by my side. When you were gone, I was so beside myself that I wanted to kill Li Qitian the moment I saw him...¡±

    Qin Yining buried her face into his chest, so choked up that words failed her.

    Pang Xiao kissed the top of her head again and again. "Thank goodness you were still alive, thank goodness you live! I set off with my men and met Captain Cao at the borders. I could¡¯ve flown to the moon when she told me you were still alive!

    ¡°Fortunately, the Azure Justicerade capable of using tracking bugs was with her, so we followed him into the desert. My heart was in my throat the entire way here. I was terrified and so worried that something had happened to you!

    "You weren¡¯t in good health to begin with when I sent you to investigate and take the opportunity to return to the capital. After being kidnapped to Tatar, you wandered around in the wilderness and suffered endless hardships. I worried you would fall ill or that you¡¯d be bullied... My darling, I will never let you go again. Be it in life or in death, we must be together. At least, we must live and die together......."

    Pang Xiao held onto her like a drowning man clutching at driftwood as he babbled on and on about the uncertainty and longing he¡¯d felt all this time.

    As he did, Qin Yining reached out and held tightly onto Pang Xiao''s strong, slender waist. She nodded firmly. "It was the same for me, quite the same. I really thought I would never see you again. That Xiyue prince lied and imed I was the goddess of their sacred writings. ording to the legends, the goddess is to be his consort.

    "After some observation, I noticed that although the Xiyue oasis is nourished by the innerke and the soil rtively fertile, the number of nts that grow here is limited. They fled here a century ago, sometime during the rule of Northern Ji. At that time, they didn¡¯t bring enough seeds with them, so their diet consists mainly of beans.

    ¡°Therefore, they greatly covet the provisions we have with us. He forced me to marry him, then had his soldiers stationed at the tribe campsite. I only agreed because I was afraid the Minuo would needlessly die because of me."

    Qin Yining lifted her head to look up at Pang Xiao. "I didn''t really wish to marry him. I was going to kill him once he rxed his guard."

    Pang Xiao kissed her eyelids. "You don¡¯t need to exin, I understand everything. He must have had a de pressed against your neck. If you hadn''t agreed, he would''ve executed both you and the Minuo tribe."

    Qin Yining nodded, then pulled Pang Xiao over to the tub to help him wash his hair and wipe off his body.

    It was only after he took off his inner garments that she realized how thin Pang Xiao had be. The sight of his skinny behind andnky, powerful legs had Qin Yining sniffling hard once again. She wasn¡¯t the only one who¡¯d suffered during this period¡ªnot a day had passed in peace for Pang Xiao.

 Chapter 547.1: Strategy

    <h4>Chapter 547.1: Strategy</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Averting his eyes from his legs, she pointed elsewhere. ¡°Go put on your clothes and take a seat. I¡¯ll help you dry your hair.¡±

    Pang Xiao looked down at a certain magnificent area of his before smirking broadly. Landing a loud smack on Qin Yining¡¯s red face, he ran off in a splendid mood.

    Qin Yining tossed Pang Xiao¡¯s old clothes in the bathwater before taking a clean towel to tousle his hair. Her slender fingertips rubbed his scalp with just the right amount of force, sending shivers down Pang Xiao¡¯s body. With a firm tug, he pulled her into a seated position on hisp and kissed her deeply.

    Qin Yining¡¯s grip on the towel tightened as her breath was taken away. It took a while for her to realize his state of mind wasn¡¯t quite right, and she hurriedly ducked away with a beet red face.

    But Pang Xiao caught her slim waist and pressed her little butt back against his legs. He drew her in tightly and buried his face in the crevice of her neck, his voice hoarse. ¡°My dearest, don¡¯t move. Just let me hold you.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart pounded like a drum, her face flushed with emotions and her heartpletely soft. She stayed still, not daring to move a finger.

    When she saw that he¡¯d calmed down after a while, she smiled teasingly. ¡°Be a good boy, Dafu, and stop moving. Your hair¡¯s not dry yet, so be careful, you might catch a cold.¡±

    Pang Xiao snickered at Qin Yining¡¯s words, rubbing her face with his stubble. ¡°Bad girl, do you think you can just call me Dafu like this? You should be calling me my good brother!¡±

    Qin Yining snorted softly, ¡°You¡¯re so full of it.¡±

    Pang Xiao closed his eyes, rxing into her ministrations with a silverb. ¡°How is calling me my good brother being full of it? It¡¯s not like I told you to call me my good dada.¡± [1]

    This guy can joke about anything!

    Qin Yining twisted his ear, but found the fingerful she¡¯d grabbed was unexpectedly soft. She couldn¡¯t help but rub it some more. It was so soft! ¡°Who knew you were such a doting, loving husband?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, have you only just noticed? The entire world knows that I¡¯m a henpecked husband and crazily in love with my wife!¡± Pang Xiao¡¯s answer was bold and confident, delighting Qin Yining.

    While Pang Xiao used a knife to shave himself in her mirror, Qin Yining carefully gave his clothes a thorough washing.

    ¡°Won¡¯t His Majesty be furious for you leaving the capital like this? Have you already made arrangements for the family?¡±

    Pang Xiao assessed his chin in the mirror and rubbed it a few times. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I left my grandparents and mother in father-inw¡¯s care. When I left, Ah Lan also promised to help me take care of them. They¡¯ll be fine, but your parents have been frantic with worry since your disappearance.

    ¡°Your mother took it especially badly and can¡¯t stop crying. Your old dowager tried to cause trouble a few times and even wanted to arrange a marriage between me and your eighth sister. I vehemently refused on the spot and stormed out. If your mother were to learn about it, she¡¯d definitely kick up an enormous fuss with the old dowager.¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s heart stung with mncholy and concern whenever she thought of her family. However, knowing how capable and resourceful her father was, she wasn¡¯t too worried. He had the power to protect the family. But since Pang Xiao had mentioned Ji Zeyu...

    ¡°Prince Consort Ji is truly loyal to you.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± After Pang Xiao shaved off his stubble and tidied up, he rolled up his sleeves and walked over to the barrel, shifting Qin Yining aside. ¡°Let me wash it, I don¡¯t want you to hurt your hands.¡±

    Hisrge, slender hands were filled with strength, making for an easy time with the garments.

    Seeing this, Qin Yining didn¡¯t object to the change in responsibilities and took a seat beside him, cupping her face as she watched. ¡°Do you trust Prince Consort Ji?¡±

    Pang Xiao didn¡¯t raise his head. ¡°I trust him. Don¡¯t worry, I have a good eye for people. Although we fight at times, face off against each other, and even make some harmless schemes against each other, it¡¯s all just an act. We still have a mutual understanding with each other. When ites to something important, I trust him.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded in response; she naturally trusted Pang Xiao¡¯s judgement. What she left unspoken was that although Ji Zeyu treated Pang Xiao as a true friend, he waspletely hostile towards her. He didn¡¯t like her or approve of her marriage with Pang Xiao. However, there was no need to say that and stir up hostilities between her husband and his friend.

    Before long, the clothes were scrubbed clean and Pang Xiao casually found somewhere to hang them to dry. With the basin in one hand and barrel in the other, he asked Qin Yining to hold the tent p open so he could pour out the water.

    She wanted to help carry some of the weight, but ended up giggling with empty hands when Pang Xiao walked out effortlessly with the wooden basin and barrel.

    By now, cooking fires were lit around the camp.

    ¡°We¡¯ve cooked porridge, but we don¡¯t have any other dishes.¡± Lu Heng walked over with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s only some pickles and broad bean sauce that some Xiyue sent over the other day.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s plenty enough.¡± Pang Xiao smiled broadly. ¡°It¡¯s already a big improvement from gnawing on hard tbread in the desert.¡±

    The Elite Tigers had also tidied up and were in high spirits; they chuckled when they heard the prince¡¯s words.

    Huzi was even more lively as heughed, ¡°Right, the tbread was hard enough to break our teeth! We definitely crave something warm and soupy after leaving the desert. Porridge hits the spot!¡±

    Lu Heng called everyone over to the steaming iron cauldron and handed each of them a coarsely-made y bowl filled with fragrant, steaming brown rice porridge. A bowl of pickled vegetables and broad bean sauce was also passed around for everybody to share.

    The group of more than fifty men all sped their bowls tightly, slurping down the food with gusto. Pang Xiao put away two bowls in a sh before gargling his mouth with water.

    1. this is a reference back to when PX tricked QYN into calling him dada, a nickname for beloved, when they hadn¡¯t cemented their rtionship yet.

 Chapter 547.2: Strategy

    <h4>Chapter 547.2: Strategy</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Harbhara and Caganbhara helping us hide in the Tartar capital, we probably would¡¯ve been discovered and arrested. I also have the Minuo to thank for sheltering us and giving me the chance to recover. Otherwise, I don¡¯t know if I would¡¯ve been able to press forward to where we find ourselves today.¡±

    A vein in Pang Xiao¡¯s forehead throbbed with anger when he heard Qin Yining¡¯s recounting how Anari wanted her guards to defile Qin Yining. He ground his teeth painfully. ¡°Anari deserved that death a thousand times over!¡±

    Lu Heng took up the reins of conversation. ¡°Since Anari fed the Minuo chief and some of their leaders to the wolves at the hunting grounds, Harbhara and Caganbhara vowed that whoever killed Anari would be the new chief. It was sheer coincidence that Her Highness and I happened to be at the right ce at the right time.¡±

    Since Uncle Alham understood Lu Heng¡¯s speech, he quietly tranted it for the two brothers off to the side. They nodded along and added in Tatar, ¡°That¡¯s right. The chiefs are very responsible toward us and take great care of us, so we¡¯re all very grateful.¡±

    Despite the free-flowing conversation, Pang Xiao could tell that Lu Heng was holding something back. He¡¯d wondered from the beginning if there was some other exnation behind Anari¡¯s death anyhow, so didn¡¯t point out anything in front of the tribespeople.

    Instead, he turned to the two brothers and responded in kind. ¡°We¡¯re allrades and family here, there¡¯s no need to be so polite. I still must thank you all for taking care of my wife!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes turned round with astonishment when she saw Pang Xiao how fluently spoke Tatar. Delighted by the turn of events, Uncle Alham and the Harbhara brothers chatted up a storm with the Great Zhou prince. It felt that their ethnicity andnguage were being orded proper respect with this kind of response.

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but shake her head with a sigh. It was clear now that she was the dumbest of the bunch. She¡¯d been with the Tatars for such a long time, but had only picked up a few basic phrases for everyday use.

    The group ryed everything to Pang Xiao, from how they¡¯d waid and then stolen the supply convoy, how they¡¯d fought off and evaded their pursuers, why they¡¯d entered the no man¡¯snd in the desert, and their current amodations in the Xiyue oasis. They especially emphasized the local people¡¯s culture and customs, as well as the situation with the Xiyue prince.

    Pang Xiao listened attentively before frowning at thest bit.

    ¡°Thest part is a bit tricky. Although these people aren¡¯t very strong, they¡¯re desperate for supplies. If we were just fighting the Xiyue soldiers, winning wouldn¡¯t be a problem. But if all of themon people charged us, things would be much more difficult. For the time being, we should try to avoid conflict and absolutely refrain from turning the entire Xiyue popce into our enemies.¡±

    ¡°His Highness is right.¡± Lu Heng nodded in approval. ¡°However, your group has already disrupted the wedding and even forced the Xiyue prince to take shelter deep within his pce. We¡¯re only safe for now because the people of Xiyue haven¡¯t fought in a very long time. They¡¯re bewildered and caught on the backfoot. When they return to their senses and rally their troops, things will be much more difficult then.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded, ¡°I was thinking that as well. However, I have an idea that can settle this matter without a single casualty. It¡¯s just... well, a little bit shameless.¡±

    ¡°What idea? Let¡¯s hear it,¡± Qin Yining asked curiously.

    Pang Xiao grinned and lowered his voice, repeating his idea in both thenguages of Great Zhou and Tatar.

    Stifled chuckles echoed around the tent.

    Lu Heng smiled broadly. ¡°Such devious tactics befit he-who-makes-all-tremble-at-his-name¡ªthe great war god himself! You have my deepest admiration.¡±

    ¡°Brother Lu isn¡¯t making fun of me, are you? There¡¯s nothing honorable about such tactics.¡± Pang Xiaoughed heartily.

    ¡°Although His Highness¡¯ idea is deceitful, it¡¯s one that will result in the least loss to both sides. It¡¯s the most merciful solution, and I think it feasible.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled and turned to Qin Yining. ¡°My dear, what do you think?¡±

    ¡°I too think it¡¯s feasible.¡± Qin Yining nodded.

    Uncle Alham, Harbhara, and Caganbhara all nodded merrily.

    ¡°Alright then. My dearest, please ask Guard Captain Cao for her help. Matters like these are best left to the professionals. We can make other preparations.¡± Pang Xiao ended the meeting.

    ¡°Alright!¡± The group split up to get to work.

    Soon enough, before true night fell, the Elite Tigers set out to distribute fliers that everyone had hastily scribbled out.

    Since those of the Xiyue who could read could understand the characters written on the fliers, general curiosity grew at the sight of ck-clothed men popping up to hand them out. As the ck-clothed men were congregating in the goddess¡¯ camp and notmitting any evils, the people¡¯s courage grew a little greater.

    Some of their most bold walked out to mingle with the strangers. When nothing untoward happened, the people further rxed and turned their attention to the fliers¡¯ contents. Groups of people went visiting house by house to chat about what they¡¯d read.

    ¡°Tomorrow at noon, the goddess¡¯ wedding to the Xiyue prince will be held on the tform at the general za. After the grand wedding, grain and seeds will be distributed to all of the Xiyue people. Everybody is invited to attend and bear witness.¡±

 Chapter 548.1: Harvest

    <h4>Chapter 548.1: Harvest</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The written announcement of marriage between the ¡®Prince of Xiyue¡¯ and ¡®Goddess¡¯ had him clenching his fists and mming them against a wooden table beside him. The tea set atop the table wobbled from the disturbance.

    ¡°This is utter bullshit! This prince is right here and my marriage has been foiled. Who is this Prince of Xiyue?!¡±

    The maids and guards beside him lowered their heads at once. They¡¯d never seen Zhou Meng cut such a sorry figure. Ever since he was born, he¡¯d been the ruler of Xiyue by divine right and had been revered as such. His existence was the greatest blessing bestowed upon the people, and he was the master of Xiyue that all the denizens venerated.

    Whatever he desired, he received; even the beautiful Miss Pang had agreed to be his consort. There wasn''t a single one of his imperial concubines, children, and subjects who didn¡¯t revere him like a god.

    But today, this unshakable position of his was wavering due to a bunch of outsiders. Stricken, he¡¯d been forced back to the pce, not even daring to open the gates. Their brute of a leader had even shot an arrow through his topknot, shaving off a considerable amount of his hair.

    Though he was able to cover up his ¡®bald spot¡¯ bybing his hair over it, he couldn''t shake the feeling that his maids, wives, and concubines were allughing at him. The subjects who were there when it happened were another story entirely¡ªthey¡¯d seen how he was pinned to the wall with their own eyes!

    Zhou Meng¡¯s pride had been trampled like it¡¯d never had before. The only thing in his mind now was revenge! He was going to capture the brute who¡¯d spirited away his goddess, nail him to the execution stage, and whip him senseless! Then, he would butcher him slice by slice!

    ¡°Such insolence, utter insolence!¡± Zhou Meng furiously crumpled the flyer into a tattered ball and tore it to shreds, then threw the pieces onto the ground for some firm stompings.

    ¡°Send for the great general! I¡¯d like to see what kind of trouble those outsiders can stir up! They think to distribute provisions to the people? Who dares touch my provisions without receiving word from me prior?!¡±

    The maids were already frozen in fear from Zhou Meng¡¯s outburst. As soon as they received their orders, they rushed to make themselves scarce.

    Zhou Meng summoned the great general to the court and asked after the situation with the Minuo tribe. Upon learning that they were still stationed at their camp without any intent to expand their operations, he rxed.

    ¡°Gather our soldiers and horses tomorrow and teach them a good lesson! The provisions are the priority here¡ªwe mustn¡¯t let them be pressured into touching a single bag. You will bring the provisions to me without leaving a single grain behind!¡±

    ¡°Understood, please be at ease, Your Grace!¡± The general raised a cupped fist salute as he received his orders.

    Zhou Meng waved his hand in dismissal.

    As night fell that day, the Xiyue prince didn¡¯t summon a single one of his wives or concubines, nor did he allow his bodyguards to take even half a step away from him. He arranged for more than a hundred guards to keep a tight watch around his sleeping quarters. Only then did he feel at ease enough to fall into slumber.

    The guards also diligently carried out their duties, patrolling outside his chambers in groups of ten without a moment¡¯s rest. There was nothing out of the ordinary for the first half of the night, but they still didn¡¯t dare let their guard down.

    None of them noticed a shadowy figure slip into the prince¡¯s chambers as quick as a phantom, before leaving through a blind spot between the patrols. The figure entered and left with grace, departing the pce without a sound.

    The next day, the servant girls noticed that their prince had yet to rise, even though it was already past the hour of the dragon. They called out gently to him from outside the curtains of his bed, but realized something was wrong when no response was forting.

    They pushed aside the curtains to see the lord lying perfectly straight on his back with his hands folded over his stomach, yet his face was stark white with a green tint andpletely bloodless. No matter how they called him, he did not react.

    One of the servant girls summoned the courage to gently touch Zhou Meng¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Your Grace, Your Grace, you......¡±

    He was ice cold to the touch!

    ¡°AHH¡ª¡ª¡± Piercing screams rang out.

    Startled, the guards frantically rushed inside. When they went to their liege¡¯s bed to check his condition, they found themselves dumbstruck.

    ¡°Send for the imperial physicians! Call for the princess consorts! Hurry, hurry!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t long before the grand princess consort, second princess consort and third princess consort hurried over. The three of them crowded around the bed, only to see that Zhou Meng had indeed ceased breathing! Sobs and wails rang out in a noisy din to see their husband having departed the world.

    The grand princess consort hastily ordered, ¡°Summon all the senior officials to the pce and get to the bottom of this! And you, examine him carefully. Find out how exactly the prince died!¡±

    Hands trembling, the two imperial physicians shook as they came forth to examine the body. Not only did they find no wounds, there wasn¡¯t any trace of poison!

    ¡°Ah, the prince bears no external wounds, nor has he been poisoned. He was not suffocated to death either, he just, just, died of natural, natural causes, like he simply fell asleep, and then suddenly passed away......¡± The imperial physician¡¯s voice quivered uncontrobly.

    ¡°Utter drivel!¡± Angered, the grand princess consort kicked the physician. ¡°The prince is in his prime. How could he have died in his sleep? It must be that you¡¯re too ipetent to figure out what¡¯s happened!¡±

    The great general and other senior officials were beside themselves with shock at the imperial physician¡¯s verdict. They rushed forward to take a look as well. It was just as the physician had said¡ªthere were no physical wounds, nor did the prince seem as if he had been poisoned or asphyxiated

    ¡°This, the passing of the prince is indeed odd. Can it be, can it be he was summoned by the gods......¡±

    ¡°It must be that Pang witch! It must be her!¡± the third princess consort suddenly screeched, ¡°She¡¯s not a goddess, but a witch! She''s the one who killed the prince! She must be the one to kill the prince!¡±

    Her screams had everyone¡¯s eardrums throbbing.

 Chapter 548.2: Harvest

    <h4>Chapter 548.2: Harvest</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°The marriage foretold hasn¡¯t happened only because of this unexpected development. I would believe it if it were said you¡¯re a fake princess consort, but never if you say the goddess is not who she is. No one in Xiyue would believe that, either!¡±

    ¡°Indeed! If she weren¡¯t the goddess, how could she have traveled such a wide expanse of the desert to bring provisions to Xiyue soil?!¡± The officials piped in one after another, each with exceedingly serious expressions on their faces.

    The second princess consort frowned slightly before agreeing, ¡°This princess consort also believes the incident to be unrted to the goddess. However, the prince¡¯s passing is indeed peculiar. It does seem as if he passed away naturally, so perhaps, he was indeed summoned by the gods?¡±

    The senior princess consort turned around and jabbed a finger at the second and third princess consorts. ¡°You two must have been the ones to murder the prince!¡±

    The death of the prince meant an heir had to be selected, and that heir had to be her son! These two bitches had to die!

    Those who saw the situation clearly knew full well what the senior princess consort was plotting.

    When it came to transference of power, she didn¡¯t have the effort to spare for the one she shared a bed with¡ªnow mysteriously dead¡ªbut had more than plenty if it had to do with seizing power for herself.

    Dumbstruck by the usation, the third princess consort first stared nkly, then flung herself at the other with a wail. She clung to the senior princess consort¡¯s robes and cursed, ¡°nder! You lie! You¡¯re the one who killed the prince! You¡¯re the murderer!¡±

    Giving tit for tat, the two women tangled together and fell to the ground in their struggles, kicking and hitting each other as they rolled around on the floor.

    The rowdy and ludicrous scene had officials shaking their heads with pinched brows. As the most level-headed of them all, the second princess consort frowned at them. ¡°What is everyone doing? Pull the princess consorts apart!¡±

    The maids hadn¡¯t dared touch their masters, and they hurried to separate the two women only after receiving their orders.

    Not caring how the other two women reacted, she immediately continued, ¡°Now is not the time to fight over this. The most urgent matter at hand is to get a hold of the situation. I hear another fifty of the goddess¡¯ tribesmen have arrived, all of them clothed in ck and all of them tall, strong, brave, and skilled at fighting as if they were soldiers and generals descended from the heavens. Are they currently camped with the rest of the goddess¡¯ tribe?¡±

    Seeing the turn of events, the officials nodded. Compared to the nonsensical tantruming of the senior and third princess consort, the second princess consort¡¯s steady temperament had their eyes shining with approval.

    ¡°It is as Her Highness says¡ªroughly fifty guards came to Xiyue in the name of the goddess yesterday at noon,¡± responded someone. ¡°It was those guards in ck that spirited the goddess away. One of them shot an arrow at the prince and nearly killed him. The man cut off a significant amount of the prince¡¯s hair.¡±

    Fear filled the second princess consort¡¯s heart at the sound of this. ¡°Who do you think those men are?¡± she asked in a hurry. ¡°Are they truly subordinates of the goddess? What do they intend to do in Xiyue? Did the prince send anyone to investigate?¡±

    These things had never crossed the senior and third princess consort¡¯s minds; they listened on, dumbstruck.

    General respect for the second princess consort grew. ¡°In response to Her Highness,¡± officials hastily replied, ¡°if those people are indeed subordinates of the goddess, perhaps they didn''te here with the intent of being with us.

    ¡°The prince left soldiers stationed around the perimeter of the goddess¡¯ camp after demanding her presencest night. When the goddess¡¯ guards arrived and engaged our soldiers in battle, they clearly overpowered us. However, they didn''t kill a single person.¡±

    This greatly surprised the second princess consort. ¡°They didn¡¯t kill anyone? Not a single one?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Not only did they not kill our soldiers, they didn''t ransack the dwellings of our people either. They kept to themselves to the campsite and left once to hand out flyers.¡±

    ¡°Flyers?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The official produced a flyer from his sleeve and presented it to the second princess consort with both hands.

    She quickly scanned its contents, her eyebrows rising. ¡°The Prince of Xiyue and the goddess will be holding a wedding today at noon, and they will also be distributing seeds to the people of Xiyue?¡±

    Everyone collectively looked at the stiff body on the bed. The man was already dead, how did they intend to hold a wedding?

    ¡°They¡¯re not killing anyone and also giving seeds to the people. They evidently bear us no ill will, but what is this wedding they speak of?¡± After a moment of silence, the second princess consort continued, ¡°I feel that since they don¡¯t mean us harm, we shouldn¡¯t take military action lightly. We might incur the wrath of the goddess if we do so, and they will decide not to give us a single seed. If that happens, the people are the ones who suffer for our deeds.¡±

    ¡°As Her Highness says,¡± the officials agreed, finding the second princess consort to be even more dependable than the prince.

    The senior and the third princess consort snatched the flyer out of their peer¡¯s hands to take a look; the contents confused them even further.

    Meanwhile, the worried second princess consort issued further orders. ¡°Have our soldiers prepare for battle, but don¡¯tunch an offensive. Let¡¯s remain in the pce and see how events unfold. As for the prince¡¯s funeral, I know little of what must be done, so I think it best for the senior and third princess consort to oversee it.¡±

 Chapter 549.1: Fury of the Gods

    <h4>Chapter 549.1: Fury of the Gods</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Our prince has passed and the Xiyue cannot go a day without a ruler,¡± the senior consort said solemnly. ¡°We need to start nning who will inherit the throne.¡±

    The officials nodded, finding this quite reasonable.

    However, the second consort frowned, her slender fingers gliding across the words ¡°Prince of Xiyue¡± on the flyer. ¡°Let¡¯s not be hasty, we should determine the situation first.¡±

    Her caution was answered by a sneer, the senior consort hardly appreciated the input. ¡°Regardless of backing or seniority, your son will never be the new prince. Save your thering.¡±

    Everybody looked at each other. They all knew about the senior consort¡¯s temper, so any son she¡¯d raised might not be a good ruler. But no matter how one looked at it, the second consort¡¯s son was simply too young to be in the running.

    The senior and third consort busied themselves with funeral arrangements, calling their children over to grieve and hold vigil. The morning passed in the blink of an eye.

    In the afternoon, the guards atop the pce walls noticed suddenly how people were suddenly gathering in the za. As time went on, the crowd seemed to be growingrger. Faces turning pale with the development, they hastily went inside the pce to report on the happenings.

    Before long, the princess consorts, officials, and Zhou Meng¡¯s children had all received the news. They gathered at the pce walls, peering out curiously. The crowd continued to grow until it seemed like all the people in Xiyue were assembled!

    When everyone was present, arge entourage appeared in the distance. They seemed to be protecting wagons in their midst. Everyone held their breaths as they watched the procession slowly approach to the point where they could clearly be seen.

    More than fifty ck-d cavalry escorted the group. A beautiful woman dressed in red sat alone on her horse, galloping shoulder to shoulder with a handsome young man in ck. Heavily burdened wagons trundled forward behind them, protected by nearly a thousand men.

    Silence reigned at the scene. When the Xiyuemoners saw the disy of military strength, the Goddess¡¯ celestial bearing, and the provision they brought, the crowd naturally parted to the sides to make way for them. One after another, they knelt and kowtowed with loud shouts, ¡°Goddess! The Goddess has brought seeds to us! Long live the Goddess! Long live the Goddess!¡±

    The cheers of thousands of people rose and fell like tidal waves, shaking the earth and quaking the heart!

    The princess consorts, officials, and young heirs on the walls even seemed to feel the bricks tremble beneath their feet. An ashen second consort clutched her sleeves tightly, poking her head out for a good look.

    The procession slowly came to a stop when they entered the za, enabling the red-clothed goddess and imposing young man to ascend to the stage. An ominous feeling brewed in the second consort¡¯s heart.

    Qin Yining pursed her lips and slightly pressed her arms down to indicate for silence. Surprisingly, the people actually did follow her gesture and quieted down.

    She cleared her throat and spoke crisply, ¡°People of Xiyue! The gods have heard your devout prayers and sent me here to bring you provisions and seeds!¡±

    ¡°Wonderful! Wonderful!¡± The people immediately broke into raucous cheers. Those at the front passed on the goddess¡¯ words to those who couldn¡¯t hear clearly at the back. Emotional apuse broke out, and some elders and children even dabbed at their eyes.

    Qin Yining raised her hand again, gesturing for silence. The crowd immediately calmed down again, but faint sobs could be heard this time.

    ¡°Although I am here on behalf of the heavens, the situation in Xiyue was truly unsatisfactory. The heavens decreed that I am to descend with provisions and marry the Prince of Xiyue. However, Xiyue¡¯s prince was a fake!

    ¡°Many of you saw what happened yesterday. The reason why I didn¡¯t marry Zhou Meng was because he is not the prince that the heavens have selected for Xiyue.¡±

    Dazed horror mmed into the people.

    ¡°How can our prince have been a fake?¡±

    ¡°Impossible, our prince was born and grew up here. He can¡¯t be a fake!¡± The revtion sent the crowd into a frenzy. Exmations and retorts rose and fell, everyone talking over each other in their agitation. Qin Yining just listened quietly to their reactions.

    When the discussions died down somewhat, she chuckled softly. ¡°There has been a mistake made in the inheritance of Xiyue¡¯s royals. Otherwise, the heavens wouldn¡¯t have waited almost a century to send an emissary to you.

    ¡°You all believed in the wrong prince. Only after seeing the true Xiyue prince and receiving heavens¡¯ decree did I learn that Zhou Meng was actually an imposter.¡±

    Pausing for emphasis, Qin Yining stepped aside and pointed at Pang Xiao beside her. ¡°ording to the appointment of the heavens, this man is the true heir to Xiyue¡¯s throne.¡±

    Pang Xiao regarded the crowd loftily. His hands behind his back, he wasn¡¯t shy about disying his handsome appearance to anyone who looked at him. His noble bearing imparted an unapproachable aura to his figure. Compared to the Xiyue prince they knew, this man¡¯s princely aura was a hundred times stronger.

    The look of someone whomanded an army and campaigned year round on the battlefield would naturally be different from an ordinary person¡¯s. It held a natural strikingness that spoke of domineering ruthlessness.

    One after another, the people fell silent as they considered Pang Xiao. Under this man¡¯s gaze, they could think about nothing but kneeling down in deference. No one could find any words to speak.

    The officials on the pce wall looked at each other, dumbfounded by the development. Color drained from the second consort¡¯s face at the implications of these events.

 Chapter 549.2: Fury of the Gods

    <h4>Chapter 549.2: Fury of the Gods</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The second consort¡¯s heart skipped a beat when she heard the senior consort¡¯s screeching. She secretly cursed her peer¡¯s stupidity as she hastily pulled herself and her two sons off the pce walls.

    Sure enough, the senior consort cursing the goddess as a witch and even a bitch attracted everyone¡¯s ire. An undercurrent of dissatisfaction and rebellious murmuring ran through the crowd.

    There were also some who eximed in surprise, ¡°The prince is dead?¡±

    The senior consort didn¡¯t care about anything else at the moment. Her ears buzzed loudly and she couldn¡¯t hear what people beneath the walls were saying. All she knew was that her husband was dead and her son naturally to inherit the throne, but some random goddess was saying that the prince had been an imposter!

    If Zhou Meng was a fake, wouldn¡¯t that mean her child would never be able to inherit the throne?

    She knew that Zhou Meng¡¯s affection for her had faded away long ago, but she didn¡¯t feel all that deeply about him either. Even though the prince was now dead, she didn¡¯t find too much grief in her heart.

    But she would never stand for someone stealing her son¡¯s throne and robbing her of the riches and glories that should¡¯ve been hers for the rest of her life!

    ¡°You witch, you didn¡¯te here with good intentions to begin with! I can see through your n to steal the throne! No one believe this witch! She already killed our prince! You¡¯re out of your mind if you think you can make some random stranger a prince by spewing some drivel!¡±

    The senior consort¡¯s words drew much support, especially from Zhou Meng¡¯s concubines and some of the princes old enough to be eligible for the throne. Fingers wagged indignantly at Qin Yining as agreements with the senior consort took an uglier turn.

    Pang Xiao listened with a frown, but didn¡¯t immediately react as to avoid ruining things.

    Qin Yining looked down expressionlessly at the people. She ignored all of the malicious denouncements and raised her voice to ask them instead, ¡°Do you truly believe I am a fake goddess?¡±

    The crowd was greatly flustered by all the chaos, particrly those standing in the back since they could barely hear what was going on in the front. As such, everyone kept silent.

    ¡°Alright then.¡± Qin Yining nodded. ¡°If the people of Xiyue do not believe the guidance from the heavens, I can only leave with my tribespeople and provisions. But I must warn everyone that he who pretended to be Xiyue¡¯s prince will be punished. He has already been summoned by the gods for his sentencing.

    ¡°As for who is to rule Xiyue, since you have decided to follow the fake prince, there is nothing further that I can do. You will be on your own after this.¡±

    She turned around, preparing to leave. Pang Xiao and the troops behind them also shifted to join Qin Yining¡¯s departure.

    This shook the dazedmoners out of their spell and they hurried to beg her to stay. ¡°Goddess, please quell your anger! We don¡¯t have such ideas at all. Of course we believe your words!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Goddess! Please don¡¯t be mad!¡±

    ¡°The ones who bullied you were all rted to that false prince! They have a guilty conscience, that¡¯s why they spew obscenities at you!¡±

    Themoners were in aplete panic.

    The wagons filled with bundles of tightly-wrapped grains were a magnificent sight for their sore eyes. For themoners of Xiyue, familiar with the constant presence of hunger, there was nothing more important than filling their stomachs.

    The adults could bear it. In any case, that¡¯s how they¡¯d lived their entire lives. But what about the children? They could settle for life as it was now, but if things continued like this, their offspring might not even know what rice or noodles taste like.

    They couldn¡¯t be considered well-off under Zhou Meng¡¯s rule. Although their poption was small, they were also heavily exploited.

    When they had no choice, they could only put up with it. Furthermore, their religion stated the prince was selected by the heavens, imparting the Zhou family a mysterious air. Their faith made everything they¡¯d suffered before tolerable.

    However, all was different now.

    That the goddess had fulfilled the prophecy in the Xiyue sacred texts went without saying, and now she was clearly pointing out that fake prince Zhou Meng had been summoned by the heavens for questioning. The senior consort had already said Zhou Meng was dead, which was an even greater confirmation of the people¡¯s conjecture¡ªthe heavens had punished Zhou Meng for pretending to be Xiyue¡¯s prince! The senior consort and the rest were panicked only because they¡¯d no longer be able to enjoy the riches and glories of the past, so they¡¯d decided to nder the goddess!

    Emotions ran high and the people grew fervent. They didn¡¯t dare to block the goddess¡¯ entourage and could only crowd the road, kneeling and begging for her to stay.

    A few of the more hot-tempered raised their heads and jabbed fingers at the senior consort and the rest, raining down insults and curses. They seemed ready to charge through the pce gates at any second and tear them to shreds.

    Everyone on the pce walls was frightened by the growing tide of condemnation. Somebody softly whispered, ¡°It¡¯s true¡ªthe prince didn¡¯t die from injury or poison. It was like he was summoned by the heavens. I think the goddess is right!¡±

    ¡°I think so too. Think about it: the goddess is inly from another world and brought provisions to us. The prince really did die suddenly, mysteriously. Will the heavens punish us if we protest further?¡±

 Chapter 550.1: Treason

    <h4>Chapter 550.1: Treason</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Zhou Meng¡¯s passing had already been determined as divine punishment; if they spoke carelessly and angered the gods, they might possibly meet the same end! The prospect of a sudden death like that with no forewarning had their hairs standing on end.

    The senior consort¡¯s expression twisted even further.

    Never once had she imagined that when the opportunity she¡¯d waited for so many years presented itself, it¡¯d develop into the situation as it was now.

    Of all the women in the harem, she held the longest tenure by Zhou Meng¡¯s side. Her son was the most qualified of them all to inherit the prince¡¯s position! If anyone wanted to stop her from living the rest of her life in thep of luxury, she would fight them to the death!

    ¡°You fools! Utter stupidity! That witch is ensnaring your hearts and misleading you all on purpose, and you actually believe her! She¡¯ll devour you till not even your bones remain! I''ll mmph.......¡±

    The rest of senior consort¡¯s poisonous jabs were muffled by the second princess consort¡¯s maids.

    ¡°You may die yourself if you so desire,¡± the second consort hissed through clenched teeth, ¡°but you will not drag us all down with you!¡±

    A number of the officials were already fed up with the senior consort¡¯s uncouth ranting. Upon seeing the second consort gave orders to bind her arms, drag her away and muffle her, their respect for the second consort grew even further.

    However, the goddess had already been enraged, and the people probably didn¡¯t have the courage to steal the provisions. If the officials didn¡¯t bend to the will of the people, they would likely be torn to pieces and eaten alive!

    They¡¯d spontaneously agreed to fulfill the people¡¯s wishes¡ªotherwise, they could very well drown to death if everyone decided to spit just once at them, what with howrge the poption was!

    Everyone present directed their attention at the second consort. Even Zhou Meng¡¯s sons, now scared senseless, looked to her in hopes that she coulde up with an idea.

    The second consort pulled her two sons to her side, her hands tightening involuntarily.

    In the past, the second consort would¡¯ve rejoiced over having so many people look up to her.

    But now, all she felt was how their stares pricked at her like needles, sending chills through her body and causing goosebumps to dot her skin. However, she was different from the senior and third princess consort¡¯s recklessness.

    An astute individual, she¡¯d been born to a family of schrs. As such, she perceived things more deeply than the other two and was the most adept at reading the room. Whether Zhou Meng¡¯s death was divine punishment or not, the people believed it to be so. Even if that were not the truth, it was now.

    In other words, even if she talked until her lips bled, she would never change their minds. If the ruling ss wanted to live, they had to go with the flow. Their only option was to follow the hearts of the people!

    Quietly, she expressed her thoughts to the officials, young princes and princesses. Finding her analysis reasonable, everyone agreed. As for the senior consort, she¡¯d been bound and gagged. Her sons and daughters were simrly treated to prevent any trouble from developing.

    Thus agreed, the group left the pce walls and went to open the gates. The creaking of the wooden doors caused a brief lull in the citizens gathered in the za.

    Everyone turned to the gates to see the second consort at the head of a group of officials and Zhou Meng¡¯s children. When they reached ten steps from Qin Yining, they got on their knees and kowtowed.

    The second consort pressed her forehead to the ground. ¡°O Goddess above, please ept our worship! We believe all that the goddess spoke of, and the prince has indeed gone to his final rest.

    ¡°He did not sumb to illness, and he did not suffer any physical wounds. He wasn¡¯t murdered, nor did he take his own life. The gods took him away, and they sent the goddess in turn to bring prosperity to the people of Xiyue.

    ¡°The senior princess consort should not have affronted the goddess, so we¡¯ve tied up all those who expressed dissent. From now on, we are at the goddess¡¯ beck and call! Goddess, we beseech you, please grant the people of Xiyue your provisions as per the ns of the gods.¡±

    Though her voice wasn¡¯t loud, all of the surrounding citizens heard her quite clearly. Touched by her actions, they felt sincere gratitude toward those who¡¯d opened the gates to plead on the people¡¯s behalf.

    They kowtowed to Qin Yining once again, everyone babbling at the same time, ¡°Please have mercy, Goddess!¡±

    Qin Yining had anticipated this oue, and her eyes welled up withpassion for a quiet reply. ¡°Very well. Seeing the sincere hearts of the people of Xiyue, how can I not follow the mandate of the gods?¡±

    She then introduced Pang Xiao to the crowd. ¡°This man is the true prince of Xiyue. The sacred texts also hoped that I may join the true prince in marriage. Today, with the witness of all those present, we shall hold a simple wedding. Afterward, I shall distribute the provisions as dictated by the sacred writings.¡±

    Listening silently, the people burst out cheering at the end. Some of the more boisterous of the children even danced with joy, ecstatic as if the New Year hade.

    The second consort bowed from her position on the ground. ¡°As the goddess says. The goddess is acting with the guidance of the gods, so your decisions are naturally correct. It¡¯s just that we didn¡¯t know Zhou Meng was posing as the false prince, which means the first prince was an imposter from the start. We were unaware of the specifics and allowed Zhou Meng to lead us astray. We can only beseech the goddess to show us mercy.¡±

    In saying so, not only did she extract herself from the situation, she even made it appear as if the officials and citizens of Xiyue were also innocent.

    As her exnation benefited the greater good, the second consort won herself much approval. The citizens promptly echoed her words, saying that they¡¯d acted the way they did because they had been deceived.

 Chapter 550.2: Treason

    <h4>Chapter 550.2: Treason</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°One cannot be held responsible for their actions if they were not in the know. The will of the gods is to bring seeds to the people of Xiyue. Naturally, that includes each and every one of you.¡±

    ted, the second consort kowtowed repeatedly. There was no possible chance of her continuing to be a princess consort, but if they could obtain the seeds, provide for themselves and live together with family, then she saw nothing bad about such an oue.

    Evidently, many shared the second consort¡¯s sentiments. Everyone present collectively thanked the goddess.

    Qin Yining and Pang Xiao¡¯s wedding this time around was a simplistic, yet grand affair as they joined hands amidst the cheers of the Xiyue. Soon after, they ordered their people to distribute the provisions and seeds, everything proceeding exactly as Pang Xiao had nned.

    Three days passed before they ensured that every Xiyue citizen had been given food and seeds and everything documented.

    The Minuo no longer had to stay confined to their campsite and were free to move about as they wished. They were always greeted passionately whenever they encountered citizens of Xiyue. Even the soldiers previously stationed around the campsite acted warmly to them; some of them even approached to apologize.

    Zhou Meng, on the other hand, was buried after simple funeral proceedings.

    As for the senior consort and other equally uncooperative parties, Pang Xiao handed them over to the Xiyue officials and allowed them to handle the situation as they saw fit. His own standing was rather awkward, after all¡ªno matter what he did, someone would have something to say about it, so he was better off letting the people of Xiyue deal with the situation themselves.

    In the afternoon, everyone gathered inside thergest tent in the Minuo campsite.

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± said Lu Heng, ¡°what do you n to do next moving forward?¡±

    Uncle Alham and the others all looked at him as well.

    Pang Xiaoughed heartily. ¡°Truth be told, I dide here without permission. His Majesty refused to allow me to leave the capital, I trust everyone knows why that is without needing an exnation. However, I worried that something would happen to my darling, so I stole out on my own with my subordinates. My actions angered His Majesty, so by the time I left the country, His Majesty had already charged me with treason and announced it to the entire nation.¡±

    His words had everyone furrowing their brows. Qin Yining¡¯s brows could have crushed a fly to death from how tightly they were pinched together.

    ¡°How can this be? Why didn¡¯t you mention something as serious as this until now?¡± Lu Heng sucked in a breath, tsking. ¡°His Majesty is truly... How hard has His Highness worked for all of Great Zhou? One can even say that without His Highness, Great Zhou wouldn¡¯t exist. Who knows if we could¡¯ve sessfully defeated Northern Yi without you!

    ¡°Furthermore, the princess consort had just killed the previous khan of Tatar then, yet he says that you¡¯vemitted treason? How treacherous could you be? Is he trying to make peopleugh until their teeth fall out?¡±

    His words aggravated everyone present and stirred them up into righteous anger. Qin Yining was also furious; however, her anger left her with a sense of rity and helplessness.

    Her husband¡¯s many achievements left his liege feeling threatened¡ªsuch was the near inescapable dilemma of aplished subjects and aristocrats of all nations from all dynasties throughout history.

    She didn¡¯t wish for history to repeat itself with Pang Xiao, but how could anyone escape its heavy wheels when it came barreling their way?

    Seeing Qin Yining scrunching her brows wordlessly, Pang Xiao patted her shoulder in a reassuring manner. ¡°It¡¯s of no concern to me, this isn¡¯t my first time being scolded. Didn¡¯t the Yan citizens used to invoke my name to stop children from crying through the night? Yet here I am, alive and well, very much in one piece. A man of honor sees the bigger picture and cares not for hollow prestige.¡±

    ¡°Is being so scary that you stop children from crying something to be proud of?¡± Rendered speechless, Qin Yining rolled her eyes at Pang Xiao, though her anger and stress did alleviate considerably.

    Lu Heng had been observing them closely all the while. Pang Xiao didn¡¯t seem to care about his predicament in the slightest, nor did he me the troubles he¡¯d gotten into on Qin Yining. On the contrary, he thought extremely little of such pretenses.

    This disy of magnanimity and loyalty elicited great respect from the Lu scion. Though they were rivals in love, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to hate Pang Xiao at all.

    ¡°If that is the case, I fear returning will be dangerous,¡± Lu Heng mused, brows furrowed. ¡°His Majesty is a paranoid person, and he is especially mistrustful toward you. Now that you¡¯ve been branded with the crime of treason, I''m afraid you will face arrest and interrogation upon your return. Not only will you be in trouble, your families may not get off easily either.¡±

    How would Pang Xiao not understand such a thing?

    However, he couldn¡¯t not return, as his family and Qin Yining¡¯s were still in the capital. Even though Li Qitian didn¡¯t dare take action lightly, that didn¡¯t mean that he wouldn¡¯t fly into a rage and take out his anger on their families.

    Neither of them were people who could sacrifice their families for the sake of their own happiness, so returning to Great Zhou was non-negotiable.

 Chapter 551: A Way Out

    <h4>Chapter 551: A Way Out</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The only one who seemed perfectly at ease was Pang Xiao, who acted as if Li Qitian dering him a traitor and announcing that to the entire nation wasn¡¯t a big deal at all.

    ¡°Alright, there¡¯s no need to worry about this, everyone. There¡¯ll be a solution to the problem one way or another.¡±

    Uncle Alham greatly admired someone as manly as Pang Xiao. Since he was the husband of Qin Yining¡ªto whom the Minuo tribe owed a great deal¡ªhe felt especially worried for the newest member of their group.

    ¡°If there isn¡¯t, why not stay here? Your emperor won¡¯t be able to find you all here. There¡¯s enough here for everyone to be able to provide for themselves,¡± Uncle Alham said this all in the Tatarnguage. Beside him, Harbhara and Caganbhara bobbed their heads rapidly in full agreement.

    ¡°What good would it do for you to go back, anyway?¡± they urged. ¡°Your emperor is probably even jealous of you for being better than him! Just like how the she-demon Anari envied our aav and eej, she ended up plotting their deaths at the very end. We used to be a big tribe, yet our numbers dwindled down to a few thousand because of her persecution. When we fled into the desert, all of our women, children, and elderly had to be left behind outside.¡±

    This saddened a number of the Minuo as well. Thoughts of family members who¡¯d met gruesome deaths, as well as wives and daughters who¡¯d been left outside the desert, floated to the forefront of their minds.

    They still wished to go back for their families, but the no man¡¯s area of the desert remained the biggest obstacle standing in the way of their reunion. They didn¡¯t feel that they possessed the requisite abilities to cross the desert again, find their people, and sessfully bring everyone to this oasis all while being pursued by Utkin Khan.

    Perhaps there truly was no chance that they would ever see their separated kin again. Morale dropped, even Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help heaving a sigh.

    ¡°Just as you cannot part with your people,¡± he responded in the Tatarnguage, ¡°My darling and I have our parents and rtives in the capital. If we do not return, they will pay the price with their lives. Can we allow others to charge in front of us to sacrifice themselves, so that we can live infort here? Other matters aside, we would simply die from our guilty conscience.¡±

    Hearing this, Uncle Alham and the others nodded in understanding.

    ¡°When you put it that way, we get it. Can you find your way back home once you leave the desert?¡± In truth, Uncle Alham asked this because he still harbored a shred of doubt. Once the Minuo had entered the desert, their fates had been up to the heavens. Truth be told, they¡¯d just wandered around aimlessly until they happened upon the oasis.

    Pang Xiao, Cao Yuqing and the others, however, had rushed here just in the nick of time; it was as if they¡¯d known where they were going.

    Cao Yuqing chuckled and came forward to exin. ¡°With regards to this, we have Mister Liao of the Azure Justice to thank.¡±

    She described how Mister Liao had arrived with Lu Heng¡¯s subordinates and nted a tracking bug on him. Then, she exined how they¡¯d detected Lu Heng¡¯s kidnapping,

    determined where he¡¯d gone, and rescued him.

    ¡°Because the tracking bug in Second Master Lu had yet to dissipate and its range was extremely wide, I kept this in mind when Yining decided to follow you all into the desert. I made certain discussions with Mister Sir Liao and the other Azure Justicerades, then left the group together.

    ¡°In other words, it was by pure happenstance that we ran into His Highness, but His Highness was only able to find his way here because of Mister Liao¡¯s tracking bug. Whether you¡¯d found the oasis or not, we¡¯d all decided to go in the direction of the tracking bug into the depths of the desert.¡±

    Hearing this, Lu Heng¡¯s eyes went round with astonishment. ¡°I have something like that in my body?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Liao Zhibing smiled. ¡°However, Second Master Lu has no need for concern. This bug¡¯s life expectancy is three years at the most. It will disappear on its own, and will not affect your body in any way.¡±

    Lu Heng nodded in understanding. ¡°Who knows what would¡¯ve be of me when I was taken if not for this bug, so I suppose it saved my life.¡±

    Cao Yuqing couldn¡¯t help nodding. Lu Heng¡¯s character was noble indeed, but Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t bad himself either.

    Thinking this, Cao Yuqing looked at Qin Yining and smiled. ¡°So it seems, Yining, that His Highness cares very much for you.¡±

    After all, not many would¡¯ve willingly put themselves into danger like that¡ªdespite knowing there was no going back once they entered the desert, he still went after her out of his own volition.

    Qin Yining flushed at the sudden mention of her name, a sweet and bashful sensation fluttering in her heart. Rather than look at Pang Xiao¡¯s expression, she elected to reply to Cao Yuqing in a sincere manner. ¡°Thus, I am grateful to Auntie Cao for being willing to take the risk and enter the desert to find me. The same goes for our Elite Tigerrades.¡±

    Qin Yining stood and faced Huzi and more than fifty Elite Tigers. ¡°For following His Highness through thick and thin, you are all men of indomitable spirit in my heart. Many thanks to you all!¡±

    Everyone present had seen how Qin Yining stayed calm in the face of the Xiyue threats and executed their n wlessly. Thus, such praise from her lifted their hearts even higher than it might have originally.

    ¡°Your Highness exaggerates our aplishments,¡± Huzi replied mirthfully. ¡°Our lives belong to His Highness. We¡¯d go to hell and back again so long as His Highness says the word, so Your Highness has no need for formalities with us.¡±

    All of the Elite Tigers nodded as well. ¡°It is our honor to have been selected by His Highness.¡±

    Pang Xiao turned back and threw his head back inughter with hisrades. He felt deep contentment to have such passionate brothers-in-arms with him. Their enthusiasm was so infectious that Uncle Alham, Harbhara and Caganbhara also felt their blood boil with excitement.

    Uncle Alham pped his thigh. ¡°When Second Master Lu and Her Highness killed Anari for us, we took them for our chiefs,¡± he dered in the Tatarnguage. ¡°Since Her Highness will be going back to Great Zhou with His Highness, of course we are willing to escort Her Highness and lend her our strength.¡±

    Uncle Alham turned his head and repeated his words to the two brothers, who solemnly nodded to indicate they were going to apany the Great Zhou group.

    Pang Xiao tranted their words to Qin Yining.

    Qin Yining, however, smiled in mollification. ¡°Uncle Alham, I understand your good intentions and I am extremely grateful for your kindness. However, His Highness and I will be facing extremely harsh trials on our way back to Great Zhou. I cannot allow the tribe to take such a risk with me.¡±

    ¡°No Minuo has any fear of death!¡± Uncle Alham pressed anxiously. ¡°Each and every one of our warriors are capable of putting their lives on the line for our friends and people!¡±

    ¡°I know, I know that well,¡± Qin Yining responded soothingly. ¡°Having lived together, I have be close friends and family with the Minuo. The solidarity and bravery of the tribespeople is something I seldom have the chance to see, and that is an indisputable truth.

    ¡°However, we went through so much struggle and hardship just to get here. Here, there is no tyranny of Tatar, nor are there any who will persecute our tribe. There is enough in the oasis for the tribe to live and thrive. No longer will you have to live as ves, the provisions and seeds we brought is sufficient for everyone to survive on.

    ¡°The Minuo has endured so many struggles, and for what? We all put our lives on the line so that we may someday live freely and with dignity, didn¡¯t we?

    ¡°We¡¯ve achieved our goal now. Staying here and prospering is the best choice for the Minuo tribe. Under no circumstances can I allow the tribespeople to undergo such dire perils by traveling to Great Zhou with me and His Highness for our sakes.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded as well. ¡°I agree with my darling. Everyone must see the bigger picture here. The tribe staying here to live out your days is the best decision.¡±

    ¡°But!¡± Uncle Alham found his heart stuck between a rock and a hard ce.

    In truth, his first choice was also to stay here. Thus, he¡¯d first tried to convince Qin Yining and Pang Xiao to stay instead of returning to Great Zhou. However, he immediately thought of how much Qin Yining had done for the tribe. He couldn¡¯t cower away from death during her time of crisis, which is why he proposed for everyone to escort her to Great Zhou.

    Harbhara and Caganbhara were on the same page as Uncle Alham. Though they yearned for the freedom thisnd granted them, they would lead the tribe to apany Qin Yining and the others to Great Zhou without a second thought so long as she gave the word.

    ¡°Uncle, listen to me,¡± said Qin Yining. ¡°Though you three are in charge of the tribe, their lives should not be decided by us. We are the minority. If there is a way to ensure everyone¡¯s survival, why let everyone endanger themselves thusly? Furthermore, it isn''t as if I will never return here if you stay. Perhaps one day when His Highness and I can¡¯t take the capital anymore, this ce will be our final retreat.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very right,¡± Pang Xiao agreed. ¡°I also don¡¯t agree with the idea of risking innocents by taking them with us. I imagine the majority of the tribe wants to live in peace more. Henceforth, the heavy responsibilities of the development and prosperity of the Minuo rest on your shoulders. The people have endured so much hardship to see the arrival of this day, which means even the heavens do not wish for the Minuo tribe to disappear from this world. Therefore, I definitely can¡¯t take these friends with me into the maw of danger.¡±

    Seeing Pang Xiao and Qin Yining disy great determination, Lu Heng sighed, ¡°Live here in peace, everyone. Perhaps one day when we cannot stand our lives outside, this ce may be ourst retreat.¡±

    ¡°Sir Lu is also leaving?¡± Uncle Alham eximed in astonishment.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining both looked at Lu Heng.

    Lu Heng shed a wry smile. ¡°I, too, have unfinished business outside.¡±

    Everyone present fell silent, mncholy spreading through their hearts manifesting in their tight expressions.

    Qin Yining sighed, then turned to Liao Zhibing. ¡°Mister Liao, would it be possible to teach the tracking bug technique to the tribe? When we were fleeing for our lives, we had split up into two groups. I want to use the tracking bug to help everyone find the others.

    ¡°What¡¯s more, although this is an oasis, that doesn¡¯t mean everyone has to be forever confined here as if in a dungeon. Over the past century, the people of Xiyue have tried and tried, but failed to leave the desert. I don¡¯t wish for the Minuo tribe to suffer the same fate, they should have the right to choose for themselves.¡±

 Chapter 552.1: Parting Ways

    <h4>Chapter 552.1: Parting Ways</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°It¡¯s a little difficult to raise the little guys, but it¡¯s not impossible.¡± Liao Zhibing smiled. ¡°How about this¡ªchoose someone smart and I¡¯ll mentor him for a while. I¡¯ll wait for him to master it before I leave.¡±

    Uncle Alham kept nodding, deeply grateful to Liao Zhibing.

    Qin Yining could tell from the expressions of Uncle Alham and the others that they¡¯d agreed on staying. Seeing how they no longer strongly proposed being an escort to Great Zhou, she could finally rx taut heartstrings.

    Pang Xiao and her were in a perilous situation themselves, so how would they guarantee the tribe¡¯s safety if the tribe really did follow them to Great Zhou? Furthermore, if the Minuo really became embroiled in the matters of Great Zhou, the situation would turn even moreplicated.

    She didn¡¯t want to make things even more difficult for Pang Xiao either, nor did she want the tribe to follow them into danger. If the Minuo stayed here, they wouldn¡¯t have to suffer under Siqin¡¯s persecution and could start a new, carefree life. For them, this was the best choice.

    She rose, pulled Pang Xiao with her, and called over Lu Heng. The three of them quietly walked away, leaving the area for the excited tribespeople.

    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to breathe air with such freedom in itback in Great Zhou,¡± Qin Yining heaved a deep sigh.

    Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help but sigh with her, his big hand patting her shoulder. Nothing could ease the guilt and gentleness in his eyes. If she wasn¡¯t married to him, Qin Yining would¡¯ve been able to live a rich andfortable life. She wouldn¡¯t have to struggle like this, eking out survival as a desperate nomad, suffering all sorts of horrors, with a home she couldn¡¯t return to.

    Although he didn¡¯t speak, Qin Yining could feel her husband¡¯s regard and gently patted his hand.

    Her fair hands ovepped with Pang Xiao¡¯s, brushing against the clearly defined joints on his hands. The two hands, one soft and one firm, made for a strong contrast.

    Lu Heng moved his gaze away from Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder, pursing his lips as he looked into the distance. A gust weed his shift in attention, fluttering his hair and making his paleplexion even more evident.

    ¡°Brother Lu, you already know about what happened in your family, correct?¡± asked Pang Xiao.

    Lu Heng nodded, his expression grave. ¡°I heard from Captain Cao earlier, but I¡¯m not sure about the most recent happenings.¡±

    ¡°Patriarch Lu fell quite ill and the situation isn¡¯t looking good. House Lu¡¯s power is now grasped in the hands of the second elder master. However, Brother Lu needn¡¯t be too worried. I believe your patriarch is tenacious by nature and won¡¯t give up that easily. Brother Lu can be at ease. Don¡¯t me yourself too much, your own health is still the most important.¡±

    Pang Xiao could tell that Lu Heng¡¯s health was just like Qin Yining¡¯s¡ªat the bottom of its dregs. It was very clear how arduous their days wandering outside had been.

    Although Lu Heng was worried about his family, he¡¯d grown up in the thick of things. He was ustomed to matters such as power struggles and other machinationsmonce inrge families. In fact, what tormented him the most was his forbidden feelings for Qin Yining.

    However, since Pang Xiao had misunderstood, Lu Heng saw fit to roll with the punches. Although he would never receive Qin Yining¡¯s love, he had her friendship and surely, a spot in her heart, no matter how small. This was the best possible ending that he could¡¯ve strived for.

    What Lu Heng wanted to do was to be able to stand by her side and protect her forever. As such, he naturally couldn¡¯t let Pang Xiao misunderstand him and it was even more important not disturb the couple¡¯s rtionship.

    However, thoughts of family were truly painful. Whenever he recalled his grandfather¡¯s high hopes for him and the love and care showered upon him since childhood, it felt like mes of anxiety licked at his heart.

    ¡°It¡¯s all my fault.¡± Lu Heng hung his head with guilt.

    If he hadn¡¯t dug out the treasure map and stubbornly pursued it to the end, none of this would¡¯ve happened. His grandfather had spent so many years raising him to be the new patriarch, but with one mistake of his, the entire n had been ruined. Years of preparation had been wasted and even left his grandfather at death¡¯s door. The pain that stabbed at Lu Heng¡¯s heart was even greater than what could be caused by an actual dagger.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining both understood his despair, but Qin Yining wasn¡¯t sure how tofort Lu Heng. Finally, Pang Xiao thought of something.

    ¡°All of it has already happened, so there¡¯s no use ming yourself now. It¡¯s more important to think of a solution for the situation at hand. With Brother Lu¡¯s years of experience in business, a lifetime of being groomed as the family head, and all your connections and skills, I believe there¡¯s much more to you than what you¡¯ve shown thus far.¡±

    Lu Heng raised his head and looked at Pang Xiao. When he saw how spirited Pang Xiao was even in such a plight and his optimistic view of the future, he immediately felt that his earlier attitude was far toocking for a man.

    He took a deep breath. ¡°You¡¯re right. If we¡¯re to talk about tidying up and taking back control of the family, I naturally have the confidence to do so. However, there are some things that You Highness doesn¡¯t know. For instance, there are certain rules and customs that must be observed in our family. After all, we are a n with a hundred years of legacy.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°The Lus are a well-established aristocratic family with a century of history, and parts of its traditions even stretch back to the founding of Northern Ji. It¡¯s only natural that you have a robust set of rules that you operate by.¡±

 Chapter 552.2: Parting Ways

    <h4>Chapter 552.2: Parting Ways</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    When Lu Heng mentioned ¡®imperialists¡¯, Pang Xiao immediately understood. Their n¡¯s notion of protecting the emperor didn¡¯t mean supporting whoever was the emperor, but flocking to the banner of whoever had the best chances of bing the emperor.

    ¡°So basically, the Lus have a good eye for choosing people.¡± Pang Xiao smiled.

    Lu Heng nodded approvingly. ¡°Of course Your Highness understands. Though there¡¯s been all sorts of changes in the pce throughout the years, our n has always been able to choose the right faction to support. We¡¯ve continuously enjoyed imperial trust, allowing our family to take root and be a strong tree, growing ever stronger.¡±

    Listening to the two, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°So what you mean is that the problem with your current situation is because of your family¡¯s traditions, and not because youck the ability to vie with your second uncle?

    ¡°Since you¡¯ve lost the emperor¡¯s favor, the family has discarded you. As an abandoned son of the family, you have to know your ce. Just like a gecko with a severed tail, you must keep silent and refrain from obstructing the other factions in the family?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Lu Heng sighed, ¡°In face of the family¡¯s interests, I¡¯m not that important at all.¡±

    Hearing that, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining both nodded in understanding.

    Lu Heng¡¯s way of thinking was very proper. The Lus owed their current survival and prosperity to the presence of many who thought in the same manner as Lu Heng, generation after generation.

    ¡°Since it¡¯s like that, it¡¯s actually better for you to stay here. If you return to Great Zhou, you¡¯ll be faced with winds of violence and rain of gore. At that time, you¡¯ll have to face not only pressure from court, but also pressure from your family and the emperor. Since your n has such rules and you agree with them, wouldn¡¯t staying here and starting a new, leisurely life be better?¡±

    ¡°I understand what Your Highness means, but I can¡¯t shirk my responsibilities. If I remain here, it might haunt my conscience for the rest of my life.¡± Lu Heng¡¯s words resonated strongly with Pang Xiao and Qin Yining.

    Their circumstances were identical to Lu Heng¡¯s. Even though they knew they could live free and leisurely lives by staying here, and would no longer have to wrack their brains in a dog eat dog world, they still wanted to return to Great Zhou. Despite all the dangers, they just couldn¡¯t leave the terrible mess they¡¯d made for their elders to deal with.

    ¡°What are you nning to do once you return?¡± asked Pang Xiao.

    Lu Heng pursed his lips with thought, pondering for a long while before his reply. ¡°Perhaps behind the downfall of everyrge n is a person like me, one who causes trouble and refuses to look at the bigger picture.¡±

    Qin Yining and Pang Xiao exchanged a nce, already understanding what Lu Heng was implying. He wasn¡¯t nning on giving up the patriarch¡¯s seat to his second uncle.

    Seeing guilt and conflict war in his face, Qin Yining gave him aforting smile. ¡°Nobody is certain about the future. If one faction holds all the power in the family, who can guarantee that your second uncle¡¯s choices are correct? With two forces checking each other, it doesn¡¯t matter which faction chooses right. Either way, House Lu will have one surviving branch. This is a much more dependable strategy than throwing all your eggs into one basket.¡±

    Startled, Lu Heng¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°You¡¯re right. I was too short-sighted earlier and became muddle-headed.¡±

    All of his pent up stress and anxiety had unexpectedly been dispelled by a single word from Qin Yining. He¡¯d always been confident in decision-making abilities, but after wandering around homeless in a dpidated manner for so long, his confidence had been exhausted and there were no foundations to rebuild from.

    However, when he thought of the situation in the capital and the grandfather who loved him so much, he pulled himself together. There were certain times when the situation wouldn¡¯t allow him to shrink even the slightest step back. He had to press on forward.

    Although Lu Heng¡¯splexion was still a little wan, his smile was resolute. The boulder weighing him down finally seemed to have rolled away, allowing him to breathe freely.

    ¡°Since you¡¯ve made your decision, once we leave the desert and arrive at a safe area, I¡¯ll ask Captain Cao to secretly take you into Great Zhou,¡± pondered Qin Yining. ¡°If people see you traveling with us, they may grow suspicious of you.¡±

    Lu Heng didn¡¯t want to separate from the one he liked. However, Qin Yining had already reunited with Pang Xiao, so there was no point in always lingering by their side. Furthermore, he also wasn¡¯t someone who couldn¡¯t let things go. There were more important things waiting for him right now. The only way he could help Qin Yining and Pang Xiao was to get stronger himself.

    When his thoughts traveled here, Lu Heng no longer hesitated and nodded instead. ¡°It is indeed better to split up and move separately. Let me thank you for making you go to the trouble then.¡±

    You and I arepanions who¡¯ve gone through life and death together.¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°Thanking me would be treating me as an outsider.¡±

    Qin Yining was aboveboard and forthright by nature, so her tone and smile were both very open. It actually made Lu Heng feel even worse that his thoughts were wandering in other directions, as if any deeper affections would only be spheme of her friendly regard.

    Thus, he nodded and conceded with a smile, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

 Chapter 553.1: The Way Home

    <h4>Chapter 553.1: The Way Home</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Brothers Caganbhara and Harbhara had already undergone the formal master-disciple ceremony at this point in time. With Uncle Alham as their trantor, a few of the Minuo tribe learned how to raise and control tracking bugs.

    In the days toe, everyone threw themselves into preparation work¡ªthe Minuo made arrangements for their permanent settlement in Xiyue, the brothers continued learning the tracking bug technique, and Lu Heng was in charge of negotiating with the Xiyue officials on behalf of the tribe.

    However, as Pang Xiao was the heaven-appointed Prince of Xiyue and the goddess as his consort, the court officials were rather obedient to their new liege. Therefore, negotiations proceeded quite smoothly for Lu Heng and Pang Xiao¡¯s subordinates.

    First and foremost, Pang Xiao made arrangements for Zhou Meng''s wives and children. Instead of taking out his anger on them as they¡¯d feared, he summoned all of the officials before him and announced that the former imperial harem would not be dealt with harshly.

    ¡°There is no reason why others should shoulder the me for wrongsmitted by the Zhous. The women and children are innocent. They are also people of Xiyue and do not deserve to be dragged down into the muck of his actions.¡±

    He received unanimous approval from the officials for his decision. Most of them were able to mentally heave a sigh of relief¡ªif the newly-coronated Prince and Princess Consort of Xiyue were willing to show mercy to even Zhou Meng¡¯s wives and children, there was even less reason for them to be hard on innocent officials.

    After the people of the Xiyue and Minuo tribes partitioned their settlements, they decided to each govern themselves and live together in peace. Pang Xiao then focused on selecting whom to ce in charge from among Xiyue¡¯s officials.

    Finally, he chose a thirty-four year old official named Li Ru.

    The man¡¯s ancestors had migrated to the oasis with the Xiyue tribe, and both his father and grandfather had been high-ranking officials in Xiyue¡¯s court in the past. His ancestors had also been provincial officials in Northern Yi.

    Though he had a good head on his shoulders, his intelligence and experience didn¡¯t make him any less loyal or kind. After questioning and testing the man at length, Pang Xiao came to the conclusion that he was an incredibly suitable candidate and summoned him to the pce for a secret talk.

    As to what exactly was discussed, Qin Yining wasn¡¯t present and thus didn¡¯t know. When Li Ru left the pce, however, his eyes shone like he was filled with hope for the future.

    Smiling, Qin Yining served Pang Xiao a cup of tea. "What did you say to him? Why is he so excited?¡±

    "I merely appointed him in charge of the affairs of court in my stead,¡± Pang Xiaoughed. ¡°I informed him of the current situation outside and revealed my true identity to him.¡±

    Astonished, Qin Yining eximed, "He knows who you are? Then doesn¡¯t that mean he knows you¡¯re no heaven-appointed Prince of Xiyue? Why is he still so excited?¡±

    ¡°Though the people of Xiyue all follow their religion, there¡¯s no harm in thinking more deeply on certain matters.¡± Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Li Ru is a man of reason¡ªafter all is said and done, the people didn¡¯t live particrly well under Zhou Meng¡¯s reign.

    ¡°The royal family merely used one of the legends written in Xiyue''s sacred texts to give the people a shred of hope, to draw them an enormous pie for their imagination. It was just throwing them a bone, and their patience would run out sooner orter.

    ¡°The people believed the legend of the goddess so fervently because their situation was dire. When someone with a powerful background like me promises to help them leave this no man¡¯snd if they so please, that no one will go hungry, and to eventually establish trade with Great Zhou, Xiyue will no longer be bound to this ce as if they¡¯re prisoners. They can leave whenever they¡¯d like, and with so many benefits, of course Li Ru would be excited.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled and nodded before leaning on Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulder. "Truth be told, I quite like this ce. If only our families coulde and settle down here¡ªwe could live out our lives in peace, never again to be troubled by the turmoils of the outside world. Even if we wouldn¡¯t have the luxuries of beautiful clothes, exquisite cuisine, or servants who wait on us hand and foot, we would still be quite happy living as ordinary people.¡±

    Pang Xiao wrapped out a long arm around her shoulders and drew her into his arms. He kissed her forehead, the look in his eyes bing especially firm.

    ¡°Such days wille. Once there are no longer people who threaten us and our families, we can live out our days in simple, uneventful joy.We won¡¯t have to think about anything other than how to have two children within three years.¡±

    Hearing this, Qin Yining¡¯s face flushed beet red.

    Although she and Pang Xiao were married, they¡¯d only spent one month together after their wedding. After that, they wandered here and there on this matter or another. Handling disaster relief had been especially mentally and physically taxing, leaving them positively haggard. As for how to "have two children in three years", she actually had yet to look deeply into the matter.

    Pang Xiao saying something like this had Qin Yining wishing she could burrow into the ground. She punched him on the shoulder and muttered, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°How is that ridiculous?¡± Pang Xiao absolutely loved how charming she looked with her cheeks glowing red like the sunset. He pinched her chin and stole a kiss before murmuring, "I, for one, think this is a very important matter.¡±

    Though Qin Yining wanted to refute him, she ended up swallowing her words into her belly; all she could do was copse into his arms and let him have his way with her.

 Chapter 553.2: The Way Home

    <h4>Chapter 553.2: The Way Home</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Having sessfully learned the tracking bug technique, Caganbhara and Harbhara further decided that they would pass on the techniques to future generations. If they were to continue living in this oasis, the tracking bug was their best way of getting in and out of Xiyue.

    At the crack of dawn, Li Ru headed a dozen Xiyue officials, and the brothers led the Minuo to see off Qin Yining and the group at the edge of the oasis.

    Uncle Alham stared at Qin Yining and Lu Heng, vision going slightly blurry. ¡°Come back if you run into any trouble out there,¡± he said with difficulty. ¡°The Minuo tribe will always be your bulwark.¡±

    Harbhara and Caganbhara nodded as well. ¡°You will always be the chiefs of the Minuo!¡± they proimed in the Tatarnguage.

    Pang Xiao tranted the brothers¡¯ words to Qin Yining. Looking at the tribe who¡¯d stuck with her through fire and water together, tears welled up in her eyes as well.

    ¡°Take care, everyone. Even if we are parted forevermore, it will be as if we are still together if we keep each other in our hearts.¡± She raised a hand in farewell.

    Compressing his lips, Uncle Alham forced his tears not to fall. He pounded his chest and nodded forcefully.

    On the other hand, the Xiyue officials didn¡¯t have such a deep bond with them, but after Li Ru and Pang Xiao¡¯s negotiations, they saw Pang Xiao as Xiyue¡¯s greatest hope; therefore, they also gave him and Qin Yining a solemn send-off.

    ¡°May His and Her Highness return soon.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded with a smile and pped Li Ru on the shoulder. ¡°A sessful ruler will never rush to exclude outsiders or exile those of a different ethnicity. Rather, he would seek to strike the most marvelous bnce between different parties and ethnicities. Such is the way of checks and bnces. You are a smart man, Minister Li, I hope you can remember this prince¡¯s words.¡±

    Instant enlightenment struck Li Ru; he involuntarily looked back at the Minuo tribesmen who were saying their goodbyes to Lu Heng and Qin Yining. His wavering considerations settled down in that moment.

    ¡°Rest assured, You Highness, I understand. Thisnd is prone to sandstorms, but it will not split down the middle. What the people of Xiyue need most is not war, but peaceful development. I will not do anything that is detrimental to the people.¡±

    Seeing that Li Ru understood his intentions with just a hint and even promised not to take military action on the Minuo tribe, Pang Xiaoughed and patted him on the shoulder a few times. ¡°Be well.¡±

    ¡°Be well, Your Highnesses.¡± With Li Ru at the helm, he and the officials bowed once again.

    Qin Yining fastened her head scarf securely. Waving at the Minuo tribe, she left Xiyue together with Lu Heng, Cao Yuqing, Liao Zhibing, Pang Xiao, and the Elite Tigers. Gradually, they disappeared into the desert.

    Uncle Alham and the others watched until their silhouettes slowly shrank into a small ck dot. Only then did they reluctantly turn around and return to camp.

    Caganbhara and Harbhara¡¯s eyes were rimmed with red, and Uncle Alham¡¯s nose also twinged. They had been through thick and thin together, after all¡ªthe bond between them was far from any normal rtionship.

    ¡°Alright, we shouldn¡¯t keep feeling sad. Let¡¯s think about how we¡¯re going to use the tracking bugs, find the rest of our people and children, and bring them all here!¡±

    Before them rose an expanse of blue skies and white clouds, the taste of freedom in the air, and a peaceful environment. The Minuo tribe had finally broken free of the Tatar royals, and were no longer to be oppressed and enved. Here, they could continue to grow in number and thrive, and the future seemed filled with hope. Cheering up, Harbhara and Caganbhara both smiled contently.

    ......

    Though Qin Yining, Pang Xiao andpany encountered quite a few snags as they left the desert, they were sufficiently prepared and had Liao Zhibing as their guide. Everything went smoothly overall.

    Taking the shortest route, they finally made it out of the desert seven dayster and arrived in a remote patch of wilderness within Tatar borders.

    It was currently midwinter; snow covered the wild terrain and mountains in the distance. The group chose to set up camp in the downwind side of the slopes, whereupon they discussed what to do next.

    ¡°I believe,¡± said Qin Yining, ¡°that we are a few days away from the border between Great Zhou and Tatar if we keep moving forward. When we reach the border, we should separate from Sir Lu. We would be too big of a target if we stay together, so it¡¯s more convenient for Sir Lu¡¯s ns if he sneaks into the country.¡±

    Lu Heng nodded as well. ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Qin Yining then looked at Cao Yuqing with a smile. ¡°Auntie Cao, do you ept what I discussed with youst time?¡±

    The older woman couldn¡¯t help pinching Qin Yining¡¯s cheek. ¡°You imp. Am I unneeded now that you have your husband?¡±

    ¡°How is that even possible?¡± Qin Yining blushed at Cao Yuqing¡¯s words and coughed before continuing. ¡°Not only is Auntie Cao highlypetent, you are also the most adept at disguises, going undercover and more. It would be a walk in the park for you to disguise Sir Lu so that he can enter the country.¡±

    Cao Yuqing put on a resigned air. ¡°Alright, alright. You call me auntie, after all. I ept. Leave the matter of escorting Second Master Lu into the capital to me.¡±

    Laughing, Qin Yining hugged Cao Yuqing¡¯s arm and swung to and fro. ¡°Many thanks to Auntie Cao.¡±

    Cao Yuqing''s fondness of Qin Yining was genuine. Chuckling, she gently flicked the girl on the forehead. Meanwhile, Lu Heng stood and saluted gratefully to Cao Yuqing. ¡°Many thanks to Guard Captain Cao.¡±

 Chapter 554.1: Entourage

    <h4>Chapter 554.1: Entourage</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    In fact, she rather sympathized with Lu Heng. Watching him care for what he could never have, stalwartly bearing his loneliness, and even pretending he didn¡¯t care at all in front of Qin Yining and Pang Xiao reminded Cao Yuqing of well... herself. That¡¯s why she agreed to escort Lu Heng back to the capital. In any case, now that Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were together, there was nothing to worry about further.

    Compared to when Qin Yining and Lu Heng led the Minuo tribe to escape the Tatar soldiers, Pang Xiao¡¯s Elite Tigers were old hats at this kind of undertaking. Returning to Great Zhou would be a walk in the park, as easy as eating or drinking.

    Duties were cleanly divvied up. Scouts had their scouting duties, and guards had their guarding duties. As a result, they weren¡¯t intercepted by Tatar soldiers a single time in their entire journey through Tatar territory back to Great Zhou.

    The day before arriving at the border station, Cao Yuqing pulled Lu Heng aside. ¡°Be ready, we¡¯ll be splitting up today to find another chance to enter the city.¡±

    Hearing that, Lu Heng¡¯s heart pounded. He truly didn¡¯t want to part from Qin Yining.

    After being together for so long, just staying by her side and watching over her was enough to satisfy him. How could it be that there was no choice avable to him now but to leave first? The unbearable anguish of separation was simr to a knife carving apart his flesh.

    When Cao Yuqing saw Lu Heng¡¯s expression, she couldn¡¯t help a sigh.

    ¡°Second Master Lu, you must learn to let it go. Don¡¯t find suffering for yourself and end up holding yourself back in other ways.¡± She didn¡¯t say anything more, only turned around and left the tent.

    Standing outside and taking in a deep breath of cool air, Cao Yuqing finally felt a little better. Although her circumstances were the same as Lu Heng, she¡¯d already found happiness in a life in which she¡¯d offered all that she had and asked for nothing in return. Qin Yining was a good child and had sincerely epted her. Simply having Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s friendship and trust, and obtaining a niece as obedient and filial as Qin Yining was already the best oue. This was much better than her forcing the issue and losing everything.

    Very soon, Lu Heng finished tidying up his simple belongings. He didn¡¯t reveal any inappropriate emotion when he stood in front of Qin Yining and Pang Xiao, bidding his farewells with a smile. ¡°Goodbye for now, until we meet again in the capital.¡±

    Pang Xiao also raised his hands in a cupped fist salute. ¡°I believe that Brother Lu will be able to resolve all of your difficulties. We await your good news.¡±

    ¡°I as well. Take care of yourself and farewell.¡±

    ¡°Until we meet again.¡±

    Lu Heng nced at Qin Yining once again. She wore a ratherrge ck mink overcoat, and matched it with a hat of simr material. It was clear from a quick nce that it was Pang Xiao¡¯s.

    The lush, ck fur wrapped snugly around her, burying half of her small face in the cor. Her face had fleshed out a little and she looked much healthier. Their eyes met, a gentle smile in her limpid eyes.

    ¡°You must be careful.¡±

    ¡°I will. Farewell.¡± Lu Heng firmly pushed down the reluctance in his heart. Qin Yining was with Pang Xiao, so she would definitely be safe. There was nothing more for him to worry about.

    After making up his mind, Lu Heng turned and leapt onto his horse, leaving with Cao Yuqing and Liao Zhibing.

    Pang Xiao watched Lu Heng leave, his lips pursed for a moment before returning to a carefree grin. He took Qin Yining¡¯s small hands hidden under the overcoat and wrapped them in hisrge palms, huffing on them gently to warm her up.

    ¡°Are you cold? Let¡¯s go back to the tent and rest a bit.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile, carefully picking up the hem of the overcoat so that it wouldn¡¯t drag in the snow and pick up mud. With her other hand firmly in Pang Xiao¡¯s warm, dry grip, she followed after him wherever he went.

    ¡°When do we enter the city?¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°We need to raise some sort of fuss that¡¯ll attract everyone¡¯s attention in order to facilitate Brother Lu¡¯s group sneaking into the city. After lunch, I want to order men to bring a message to the city saying I¡¯ve returned with my princess consort, and that they should open the gates and kneel on both sides in wee.¡±

    Qin Yining giggled at that. ¡°His Majesty¡¯s definitely already arranged his men in the capital. The whole world already knows you¡¯vemitted treason and run off to Tatar to find me. There¡¯s bound to be people monitoring you, waiting to arrest you as soon as you return, and you want them to kneel in wee? Don¡¯t tell me you mean kneeling in fear?¡±

    Pang Xiao was indifferent. ¡°Whether it¡¯s us beating them into kneeling, or them kneeling in fear, it doesn¡¯t matter as long as we¡¯re not the ones kneeling.¡±

    He gently patted her head. As his hat was a bit big for her head, his motions scattered her upswept bun and sent the hat falling over her eyes. It made for a truly adorable scene.

    Qin Yining red at him, using her hand to steady the hat. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    However Pang Xiao firmly kept the hat over her head, blocking Qin Yining¡¯s line of sight as he stooped down and softly bit her lips before his nimble tongue darted in, winding and dancing with her own.

    Without her sight, Qin Yining¡¯s other senses were much sharper. She felt like she was about to erupt in mes. Breathing in his breath, even her entire body was surrounded by his fragrance. Perhaps due to theck of oxygen, but for a moment, even her knees went weak.

    When she came back to her senses, she discovered Pang Xiao that ced her on the simple wooden tform in the tent. His body covering her¡¯s, he lifted himself up with a hand by her cheek. Fires seemed to ze in his eyes as he stared at her, mes that couldn¡¯t be stopped and zed into an inferno, engulfing her as she too burned up.

    Qin Yining naturally ended up sleeping through lunch.

 Chapter 554.2: Entourage

    <h4>Chapter 554.2: Entourage</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining shot him a fierce re as she rubbed her sore waist.

    Pang Xiao smiled and kissed her hand. ¡°You¡¯re awake? Do you still feel ufortable? We can rest once we enter the city and arrive at the ry station, alright? Be good, we have to get up now.¡± He pulled her up as he talked, almost like he was coaxing a small child.

    Qin Yining flushed with annoyance. ¡°I¡¯m not a child, there¡¯s no need to be so sappy.¡±

    ¡°Sappy? How was that sappy? Darling? Baby? Dearest baby? Baby sweetheart?¡± Pang Xiao deliberately lowered his voice and murmured into her ear with a deep, maic voice. The whispers made her heart pound wildly and her face turn even redder.

    ¡°Who¡¯s your baby sweetheart! You¡¯re the baby sweetheart!¡±

    When Pang Xiao saw how ming red her cheeks were, he couldn¡¯t help but pull her onto hisp and rock her like he would a young child.

    ¡°Say, why do I like my darling so much? I¡¯m speaking the truth. You are my darling, my sweetheart. I feel anxious and miss you so much without you by my side. I didn¡¯t feel so intensely like this before.

    ¡°Oh, of course I would miss you, but it wasn¡¯t like how things are now, where I can¡¯t bear to part from you for a single moment. After this incident, if you aren¡¯t in my line of sight, my heart seizes up in fear that someone had taken you away from me again.¡± At this, he lowered his head and kissed her forehead. ¡°Tell me, when did you steal my heart?¡±

    Qin Yining buried her face in Pang Xiao¡¯s chest, exposing only the tips of her red ears. Her voice was muffled, ¡°Utter nonsense, who taught you to say such things?¡±

    Noticing that Qin Yining was truly in a fit of shyness, Pang Xiao didn¡¯t continue his line of flustering promations. He helped her change, put on her socks and shoes, and evenbed through her hair with his rough, clumsy hands. Although his handiwork wasn¡¯t that skilled and in fact hurt her scalp from all the tugging, the finished bun was quite pretty.

    He finished off his attentions with the ck mink overcoat and carefully sorted out her cor before smiling, ¡°My darling is truly beautiful,¡± andnded a loud kiss on her cheek.

    Qin Yining¡¯s face flushed beet red, a shade even brighter than her rouge. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look straight at Pang Xiao, just ducked her head and obediently followed him out the tent.

    Huzi and the rest of the Elite Tigers were already ready. When they saw Pang Xiao and Qin Yining emerge, they led their horses into formation and stood at attention, arranging in orderly rows.

    When everyone had tidied up their belongings, Pang Xiao shouted, ¡°We ride!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± With that order, the group mounted their horses and rushed to Skyzone Pass, the northernmost gate between Tatar and Great Zhou territory.

    Great Zhou¡¯s northern border was guarded by four citadels: Skyzone Pass, Skywolf Pass, Skyaxis Pass, and Skygates Pass. Amongst them, the closest to the front lines was Skyzone Pass. It was the same area that Ji Zeyu had once led the Dragon Riders to defend.

    Although the Dragon Riders were still stationed here, theirmander-in-chief had undergone quite a few changes. They were currently led by Kang Qiong, one of Li Qitian¡¯s men, but he wasn¡¯t getting along with his new captains and lieutenants.

    Ever since the Faithful Prince of the First Rankmitted treason, things at court were as if hot oil had beendled into hot water. Everything was inplete chaos, and since Li Qitian knew that Pang Xiao brought his estate guards to Tatar, he arranged for a trusted general to take a hundred men to Skyzone Pass so that Pang Xiao could be arrested on sight.

    The official dispatched was called Yi Binghu, a twenty-nine year old fifth-rank General of Militant Loyalty. Although currently affiliated with the barracks of the Metropolitan Region, he had a connection to the Valiant Tigers.

    As wasmon knowledge, Pang Xiao¡¯s Valiant Tigers was a hundred thousand man cavalry who had all undergone stringent selection and training. Even if they entered the troop, it wasn¡¯t a guarantee they would forever stay. Examinations were conducted every once in a while to determine who continued to make the cut.

    Yi Binghu had once been a member of the Valiant Tigers but had only stayed for a month before failing to pass the examination. He¡¯d to bribe the overseeing officer, but had been caught by a passing Pang Xiao and was thoroughly reprimanded in front of the men.

    Yi Binghu¡¯s n hailed from Northern Ji and had produced many government officials. Since young, he¡¯d always thought of himself as a noble son of the heavens, so being publicly humiliated by Pang Xiao had resulted in a strong grudge.

    After being expelled for a string of minor offenses resulting from his scheming and plotting, he¡¯d employed his family¡¯s connections to snag a position in the capital¡¯s barracks. However, resentment seethed toward the prince afterwards.

    Li Qitian knew about their history, which was why he¡¯d arranged for Yi Binghu to guard Skyzone Pass in case Pang Xiao really returned. It wasn¡¯t just Yi Binghu either¡ªthe hundred men he led were all soldiers who¡¯d been expelled from the Valiant Tigers.

    The emperor was making use of their resentment and giving them a chance for revenge. This way, he didn¡¯t need to worry about his men helping Pang Xiao or making things easy for the prince.

 Chapter 555.1: Bastard

    <h4>Chapter 555.1: Bastard</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    A man more than forty years old quickly followed, d in a suit of golden armor and mounted on a horse. A burly, middle-aged man followed behind him, the capital barracks¡¯ armor he donned particrly eye-catching.

    Pang Xiao grabbed the reins of his horse and Qin Yining¡¯s with one hand, and toyed with his whip in the other. He raised a brow with a smile. ¡°Not bad, you¡¯ve prepared a great crowd to greet this prince. I am quite pleased.¡±

    Yi Binghu¡¯s face purpled from anger and he nearly fell off his chestnut horse. He urged his mount forward, rebuking, ¡°Tch! How dare a treacherous bastard like you to babble nonsense here!¡±

    Pang Xiaopletely ignored his would-be captor and urged his horse forward with a grin, raising a cupped fist salute to Kang Qiong in greeting. ¡°Grand Marshal Kang, long time no see.¡±

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± Kang Qiong hastily returned the gesture and smiled as well. ¡°Your Highness must be weary from the journey, so please enter the city to rest and recover. This junior official has already ordered servants to prepare the best rooms for you to freshen up. Hot water and alcohol have all been readied, along with a weing banquet. All that awaits is Your Highness¡¯ presence.¡±

    ¡°My thanks for Grand Marshal Kang¡¯s arrangements.¡± Pang Xiao nodded, smiling as he led Qin Yining and his brothers into the city.

    Seeing this, Yi Binghu blew up from rage. With a sharp kick to his horse¡¯s sides, he charged up and blocked Pang Xiao¡¯s path.

    ¡±Absolutely not! A traitor like you cannot enjoy such honored treatment! You should possess a bit of shame since you still know to return to your nation. You betrayed Great Zhou and nowe back as a criminal! You should already be thankful that you aren¡¯t in shackles, and now you even dare sit down at a weing banquet?¡± Yi Binghu unsheathed the sword at his waist with a ringing swing, pointing it straight at Pang Xiao. ¡°Arrest this traitor on the orders of this general!¡±

    Silence reigned.

    Further silence echoed.

    Whether it was Kang Qiong¡¯s Dragon Riders or Yi Binghu¡¯s men from the Metropolitan Region barracks, no one moved. Each of the Elite Tigers was expressionless, their eyes chilly as frost as they stared down at Yi Binghu, almost as if they were looking at a dead man. The hair on the back of Yi Binghu¡¯s neck rose from fear.

    A cold wind swept by, highlighting how ridiculous his readied stance was.

    ¡±Do something! Wei Erbao! Li Daniu! All of you!¡± Yi Binghu turned around, angrily pointing at his men.

    Pang Xiao snorted as he urged his horse forward again, not minding Yi Binghu¡¯s leveled sword in the slightest. He called out each of the soldiers¡¯ names as he passed through the group of soldiers from the Metropolitan Region.

    ¡°Wei Erbao, did you gain weight again?¡±

    ¡°Li Daniu, stopughing, look at that mouthful of ckened teeth you have! I told you a long time ago to cut back on the smoking!¡±

    ¡°Qian Dong, just look at yourself. Did Wei Erbao steal all your food again?¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk, Wu Xiaogui, howe you still look like a skinny monkey?¡±

    ......

    Pang Xiao urately called out the name of every person he passed and engaged in some teasing banter with each soldier. It was clear that even though these men had failed to remain in the Valiant Tigers, the prince still remembered every single one of them. He even clearly remembered their likes and personal circumstances.

    When these people saw Pang Xiao, their eyes all lit up with admiration. There wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of resentment or bitterness.

    Li Daniu guffawed before covering his mouth in embarrassment. ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s too hard to give up smoking. Wait ¡®til I¡¯m done training and try out for the Valiant Tigers again. If I make it, take me in please!¡±

    His straightforward answer elicitedughter from the crowd.

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°That won¡¯t do. The currentmander of the Valiant Tigers is Ji Lan. I¡¯ll chat with himter. If you¡¯re good and manage to get his approval, I¡¯ll have him ept you.¡±

    ¡°Ah! Your Highness, many thanks!¡± Li Daniu¡¯s reply was loud and resounding.

    The Ji Lan that His Highness mentioned was the son-inw of the emperor, Ji Zeyu, and the formermander of the hundred thousand man Dragon Riders. He was a hero equally as famous as His Highness, andmanders with such prestige in this era could be counted on one hand. If he could earn Ji Lan¡¯s approval, it would be just as well too!

    Pang Xiao chatted amiably with everyone, fostering a casual and lively scene. Rather than Yi Binghu leading his men to intercept the traitor, it looked much more like a reunion between Pang Xiao and former members of the Valiant Tigers.

    By now, Yi Binghu was in aplete daze. He looked at the men who were supposed to be arresting Pang Xiao, yet were talking to him with faces full of admiration and worship. They clearly didn¡¯t have the slightest intent of arresting him, a realization that both worried and infuriated Yi Binghu.

 Chapter 555.2: Bastard

    <h4>Chapter 555.2: Bastard</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Yi Binghu was ready to tear his hair out from fury. In fact, his hair had puffed up so much that it looked like he already had, and his howls of outrage would be enough to cause an avnche on the snowy peak far away.

    However, none of the people closest to him were listening to him! Although he was here on imperial orders, it¡¯s not like his own orders were an imperial edict. If no one was willing to listen to him, what could he do alone?

    This was brought to light even more since Pang Xiao¡¯s group was currently stabbing into him with the force of their res. He was willing to bet that if Pang Xiao gave the order, his private soldiers and entourage would throw caution to the wind and charge him to go down in a fiery ze of mutual destruction.

    When his thoughts traveled here, a chill ran down Yi Binghu¡¯s spine. He was still young and had his entire life ahead of him. He didn¡¯t want to meaninglessly lose his life here!

    Therefore, he didn¡¯t dare continue shouting after receiving no response. He could only gnash his teeth and refrain from saying anything that might infuriate the other side.

    Off to the side, Pang Xiao exchanged some more greetings with old acquaintances before turning to Yi Binghu. ¡°You came with good timing. This prince is just about to return to the capital to see His Majesty, so you may escort me there. Open the gates.¡±

    Escort?

    Could they escort him in a prisoner¡¯s carriage, please?

    Yi Binghu clenched his jaw, able to speak only after a long moment. ¡°If Your Highness wishes it so, how would we dare refuse?¡±

    In any case, the closer they were to the capital, the more of the emperor¡¯s men there would be on the roads, decreasing the chances of Pang Xiao¡¯s group escaping. It would be much easier toplete his mission that way.

    However, Kang Qiong offered a timely interjection, ¡°Your Highness has arrived at Skyzone Pass after enormous difficulty, so you must at least share a drink with your brothers before leaving. Besides, the banquet¡¯s already prepared. It would all be a waste if Your Highness passed it by? The brothers with Your Highness must also be in need of a few cups to warm up their bodies, and I¡¯m sure Her Highness would like to rest as well.¡±

    Yi Binghu clenched his teeth and red at Kang Qiong, secretly finding him to be an incredible busybody. None of this had anything to do with him, so what was he sticking his nose into things for!

    Scanning the strained look on Yi Binghu¡¯s face and having enough of his nervous antics, Pang Xiao kindly let him off the hook. ¡°If this is the case, how can I disappoint Grand Marshal Kang¡¯s kind intentions?¡±

    Hearing that, Kang Qiong smiled broadly. ¡°Your Highness, this way, please!¡±

    ¡°Grand Marshal Kang, I¡¯ll be in your care.¡±

    Kang Qiong and Pang Xiao both dismounted, heading into the city together. Yi Binghu was left hanging on the side¡ªout of sight and out of mind. As Pang Xiao and his men followed the defenders of Skyzone Pass into the city, Li Daniu and the rest by Kang Qiong watched with growing anxiety.

    In fact, even if they entered the city, they didn¡¯t possess the qualifications to feast with Pang Xiao. However, theypletely worshipped the prince and seemed to believe they could partake in his aura if they followed him closely. When they saw Yi Binghu stay silent, impatience shifted their feet.

    Yi Binghu could clearly sense just how great Pang Xiao¡¯s prestige and poprity were in the army. It seemed like all of the soldiers in this border station revered him like a god, and the general¡¯s earlier actions only served to make him look like a clown.

    Embarrassment and anger flooded his mind as he once again cursed that old fox Kang Qiong for being such a bootlicker. He clearly knew how much his subordinates adored Pang Xiao and had seized the chance to invite the prince to a banquet. What a truly wily old fox!

    Head spinning with thoughts, only when he saw the city gates about to close in front of him did Yi Binghu call out to those around him. ¡°What are you guys staring for? Waiting for your precious prince to personally escort you in?¡±

    Yi Binghu dug his heels into his horse¡¯s stomach and sent it bolting forward. His subordinates looked at each other, lips curling in disdain as they followed theirmander into the city.

    Qin Yining was led to the rear wing of the manor, whereupon Kang Qiong¡¯s wife, n¨¦e Chen, showed her one of the best rooms.

    ¡°Your Highness must be very tired from the journey. The pass is bitterly cold and cannotpare to the capital, but we do have plenty of warm rooms. I hope Your Highness finds it to your liking.¡±

    ¡°Madame Chen is too courteous, this is already wonderful. There¡¯s no need for Madame Chen to clear out the main room for me. His Highness and I are just here for a short stay and will soon leave for the capital, so there¡¯s no need to go to all this trouble.¡±

    N¨¨e Chen was rather happy to hear the princess consort refer to her as Madame Chen. Many people called a married woman by only her husband¡¯s surname, but some with their own businesses or an exceedingly good reputation would still be called by their maiden names. By calling her Madame Chen, Qin Yining was treating her with utmost respect.

    N¨¨e Chen looked at Qin Yining¡¯s face again and thought about the princess consort¡¯s social deftness. She truly is Wise Pan An¡¯s daughter, someone far different from any other woman! It was no wonder that the prince was so enamored that he would continue to search for her, even in the face of defying 33 imperial edicts. He didn¡¯t hesitate to bear the crime of treason in order to go deep into Tatar territory to search for her.

    There was likely no woman beneath the skies who didn¡¯t envy Qin Yining after hearing how devoted the God of War was toward his consort.

    After meeting Qin Yining face-to-face today, n¨¨e Chen understood. Sure enough, she was an outstanding woman. Otherwise, the hard-tempered steel that was the God of War wouldn¡¯t have melted into soft glue in her hands.

    The two shared a mutual admiration for each other and chatted merrily as they entered the main room together. N¨¨e Chen ordered for hot bathwater and servants to stand by the ready, carefully gave another onceover to the room¡¯s charcoal, bedding, and so on, and only took her leave when she made sure all was in ordance.

    Qin Yining soaked herself in the tub of hot water and closed her eyes, enjoying the rare moment of leisure. Looking back on everything now, it almost seemed like everything she¡¯d gone through, being kidnapped by the Tatar and the painful experiences in the desert, was all just a dream.

 Chapter 556.1: Anticipation

    <h4>Chapter 556.1: Anticipation</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    She was deeply concerned that Li Qitian would put Pang Xiao under strict investigation, and also worried that the emperor would send her out for peace talks, which would further heighten tensions between Pang Xiao and Li Qitian.

    It seemed there was nothing they could do against imperial power.

    But then again, returning to the capital meant she¡¯d be able to see her family whenever she wanted to. With how intelligent her father was and Pang Xiao not far behind, the two of them would definitely be able to think of a solution.

    When she thought of this, Qin Yining rxed, feeling a burden shift off her shoulders. Compared to when she had to have a firm grasp of the situation, and her every decision carried the weight of the entire Minuo tribe, the feeling of being able to depend on someone else was such a balm for her heart.

    Her tense mind slowly rxed and her eyelids grew heavy; she drifted off to sleep unknowingly. Since she didn¡¯t allow anybody to serve by her side, the maid that Madame Chen had arranged for her didn¡¯t know to enter and wake her up.

    When Pang Xiao returned from the feast and didn¡¯t see anybody in the front hall or bedroom, a sudden fit of panic beset him. He rushed into the bathroom to be greeted with the picturesque scene of a beauty within a dense fog.

    Her head drooped to one side as she slept, hair loosely pulled together and features hazy in the steam. Delicate shoulders and a jade-like neck were visible above the water, and a few strands of wet hair stuck to her skin. Her snow-white skin held the lustre of jade, with only a silhouette of her curves visible.

    Such a sight was more arousing than if she had nothing at all covering her.

    The wine he¡¯d drunk spontaneously turned into heat and rushed downwards as he reached with his arm to carry her out.

    Fast asleep, sudden cold stole over her body when Qin Yining was suddenly lifted in the air. Yelping with shock, it took a moment for her eyes to focus and realize it was Pang Xiao holding her. Her face flushed red with embarrassment when she recalled that she¡¯d just been bathing and she covered her face with both hands. ¡°W-When did you get back?¡±

    ¡°Just now.¡± Pang Xiao swiftly wrapped her in a towel and put her on the sitting tform.

    Qin Yining clutched onto the towel tightly, ¡°You, you...¡±

    Pang Xiao stood by the couch, grinning as he undressed. ¡°Marshal Kang¡¯s wine was most excellent. I enjoyed it, but it¡¯s a pity you couldn¡¯t attend the banquet and missed out.¡±

    Qin Yining blinked her wetshes as she couldn¡¯t help but be drawn by the hard muscle on his abdomen. When she realized what she was staring at, she hastily averted her face with a soft ¡°oh¡±.

    It absolutely delighted Pang Xiao to see her like this and he deftly hopped on the tform. ¡°Would you like to try their wine?¡±

    Qin Yining felt the ardent desire to distract herself, so the wine Pang Xiao mentioned fit her intentions perfectly. She nodded along, ¡°Sure, why don¡¯t you ask them to send you some more?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need, I have some here...¡± Pang Xiao had cupped his hand around the back of her head as he spoke, drawing her close and entwining their lips together. There really is a faint fragrance of wine and tea, Qin Yining thought dazedly. Whether it was due to the richness of wine or Pang Xiao¡¯s passionate murmurs as he embraced her, she felt like she was drunk too. She fuzzily mused that if they continued like this, they would probably have a child very soon.

    Kang Qiong was very thorough in his hospitality, so Qin Yining and Pang Xiao very much enjoyed their stay. The princess consort wasn¡¯t in the best of health after enduring so many hardships outside, so the next day, Pang Xiao asked n¨¦e Chen to find a doctor to help his wife recuperate.

    The doctor was an old man with grizzled hair and a beard. After examining Qin Yining, he also looked over Pang Xiao and wrote a prescription to fortify their bodies. The prince handed the prescription to one of the Elite Tigers proficient in medicine, ensuring that there were no problems before they took it.

    At the same time, Kang Qiong brought Pang Xiao around to tour the Dragon Riders¡¯ barracks.

    Given his title as the God of War and his close friendship with Ji Zeyu, the formermander of the Dragon Riders, his visit caused quite a stir of excitement. Although there were rumors of discord between him and Prince Consort Ji, some even saying that the two hadpletely broken off ties, just his personal charisma was something the Dragon Riders couldn¡¯t resist.

    Those who already revered Pang Xiao worshipped him even more after seeing him in person. Those who didn¡¯t were convinced after a quick round of sparring.

    Furthermore, with Pang Xiao¡¯s own frank and generous nature, it proved easy for him to mingle and sincerely interact with the soldiers and military officers. He lectured when he had to, punished when he was supposed to, and offeredpliments and rewards when it was appropriate to.

    With that, he quickly found easy familiarity with everyone after a few fights andmunal meals in the barracks.

    While Pang Xiao and Qin Yining leisurely enjoyed their days, Yi Binghu was as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof.

    His mission was to arrest Pang Xiao and bring him to the capital. However, with how freely Pang Xiao spent his days and the number of people supporting him continued to grow, Yi Binghu felt likepleting his task in Skyzone Pass was absolutely impossible.

    Even if he failed his mission, he wouldn¡¯t let himself be the only one on the hook.

    Yi Binghu immediately drafted a secret message to the emperor, listing how Pang Xiao had thrown his weight around after the two met and spicing it up with a detailed recounting of how the prince was buying popr support. Signing his name with a flourish, he ordered someone to send it at full speed that very night.

    ¡°Master,¡± Huzi reported with a smile, ¡°That Yi Binghu¡¯s sent a secret message to His Majesty. Shall we intercept it?¡±

 Chapter 556.2: Anticipation

    <h4>Chapter 556.2: Anticipation</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°I don¡¯t even need to look to know what he wrote. Just ignore it, let it go.¡±

    ¡°Understood. However, won¡¯t the situation only grow more chaotic if Your Highness allows him to spread whatever falsehoods he wishes?¡±

    ¡°In our current situation, it doesn¡¯t matter who¡¯s the one sowing discord.¡± Pang Xiao gently thwacked his horse whip against his palm; it was the ck whip that Ji Zeyu had given him when he left the Great Zhou capital. ¡°Various criticisms and censure have long filled that one¡¯s heart. Adding to the pile or exaggerating things won¡¯t make much of a difference.¡±

    Huzi had followed Pang Xiao for many years and seen with his own eyes how much Pang Xiao had sacrificed for Great Zhou. In light of that, outrage and fury bubbled in his heart.

    ¡°When the dynasty was first founded, the imperial court didn¡¯t have enough silver to pay the army, but pushed the me to you, iming that you refused to pay them. That caused the soldiers to misunderstand you for a very long time.

    ¡°At the height of shes with Northern Ji¡¯s court, you had to do all the heavy lifting while he kept his hands clean. You¡¯ve done so much for the country, fighting so many battles that you¡¯ve been bathed in blood more times than once! You captured Great Yan almost single-handedly, but he sent a decree at thest second and prevented you from epting their surrender. He denied you all of your credit!

    ¡°And now, he treats you like this. I really do think that enough is enough. It pains all of us brothers to bear witness to this.¡±

    ¡°Alright now, let¡¯s not mention such things again.¡± The smile clung to Pang Xiao¡¯s face from start to finish of his bodyguard¡¯s irate vent. ¡°I know our brothers care for me and can¡¯t stand to see injustice done to me, that¡¯s all I need. If these things traveled into that one¡¯s ears, I¡¯d be afraid of dragging you into this mess even if none of you are simrly concerned.¡±

    Huzi pursed his lips disagreeably before finally heaving a sigh.

    Pang Xiao just changed the subject with a chuckle. ¡°Alright, stop worrying about all of this. I see you and Miss Tang share feelings for each other, do you want me to give you a push in the right direction?¡±

    Huzi¡¯s face flushed red as he stammered a response, ¡°A man of character should have certain professional achievements before starting a family. I, I haven¡¯t done anything worthy yet.¡±

    Amused by the awkwardness, Pang Xiao teased, ¡°Don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t noticed what you¡¯ve been sneakily carving every day. You should learn from your master here when ites to things like this. If you like someone, go after them. What, do you expect her to take the initiative if a man doesn¡¯t make the first move?¡±

    ¡°I, I just, there just hasn¡¯t been an opportunity to.¡±

    ¡°If there isn¡¯t an opportunity, just create one! Getting a wife is just like going to war, you have to take even the tiniest opportunity. So if there¡¯s none, then create one!¡± Pang Xiao pped Huzi¡¯s head. ¡°Hemming and hawing like this is untoward. Just watching you makes me anxious. How about I have my consort help you?¡±

    ¡°Nonono, Mengmeng thinks of Her Highness as her savior, her sister, and her mistress. Mengmeng will do whatever Her Highness says. If that happens, it would feel like she doesn¡¯t really want to marry me. It¡¯s better if I do the asking.¡±

    ¡°Tsk tsk, you¡¯ve even got nicknames for each other. Looks like I was worrying about nothing!¡±

    Startled, Huzi hastily blurted out the excuse that nature was calling before whirling around to run away.

    Pang Xiao bellyughed in the wake of the young man¡¯s trail. He had a different line of thinking from his wife. Qin Yining always fretted when she sketched out the future, but Pang Xiao never thought about things negatively. He always carried himself with confidence, as if he were in control of everything.

    As chaotic as things became outside, he didn¡¯t want to bring the unhappiness home and worry his loved ones. He was a man, so it was his duty to support his family. If he worried himself to the bone when nothing had even happened yet, then wouldn¡¯t his family have to spend every day in fear?

    Just as he wouldn¡¯t stop Huzi from wooing Bingtang because of their tense situation, the same went for trying for a child.

    On the contrary, he couldn¡¯t wait to have a child with Qin Yining.

    If they had a son, that would probably make his family very happy. However, he actually preferred a girl. If they had a baby girl just as pretty and intelligent as his darling, he would pamper her like the apple of his eye. He would never let her suffer like his dearest had when she was young.

    A certain mighty and awe-inspiring God of War shed a gentle, fatherly smile while he stood in the training fields, overseeing a group of men spar.

    A group of Dragon Riders far off in the distance sighed with emotion when they noticed. The rumors were very true, His Highness was truly someone who loved his soldiers like his own sons.

    ......

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining remained in Skyzone Pass for ten days before Yi Binghu could no longer bear it and urged them to set out.

    Pang Xiao studied his beloved¡¯s face as she swallowed thest dose of medicine. She¡¯d recovered some weight and there was much more color in her face. As such, he dered magnanimously, ¡°This prince shall return to the capital now. General Yi, you may escort us.¡±

    Yi Binghu almost fainted from anger. Just who exactly was the master here?? He was to arrest and drag back a traitor, so when did things turn into escorting a prince back to the capital!

    However, seeing as he was faced with the keen stares of the Elite Tigers and the Dragon Riders that Pang Xiao had be friendly with, as well as a hundred of the prince¡¯s own men, Yi Binghu didn¡¯t dare say anything back.

    The next stop was Skywolf Pass! It¡¯s not possible that he has men there as well! Just watch how I p him in irons and shove him into a prisoner¡¯s carriage!

 Chapter 557.1: The Status Quo

    <h4>Chapter 557.1: The Status Quo</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    It didn¡¯t seem as if they were sinners returning to the capital with a heavy heart, what with the way they stopped intermittently. Rather, it seemed as if Pang Xiao were taking the princess consort out on vacation.

    Yi Binghu¡¯s head ached out of frustration, yet those around him held Pang Xiao in particr high regard¡ªthey assented to every statement the prince made.

    Qin Yining lifted the carriage¡¯s curtain and looked out to see Yi Binghu¡¯s face all scrunched up; he seemed to have lost some weight over the past few days.

    She leaned back into Pang Xiao¡¯s embrace. ¡°At this rate,¡± she murmured, ¡°General Yi¡¯s robust physique will be no more. He¡¯s barely eaten anything over the past couple of days.¡±

    Leaning against arge cushion, Pang Xiao was half lying down with his long legs propped up. He held a book about military tactics in one hand and hugged Qin Yining against his chest with the other. The two of them shared a thick nket; Qin Yining even had a little portable heater in herp, warm andfortable as could be.

    ¡°That man is both crooked and pompous. It would do him some good if this experience tempered his character; if not, there¡¯s little else we can do about it. He was kicked out of the Valiant Tigers because his temperament is too unstable. Something like that could easily affect the state of the army as a whole.¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t helpughing at that. ¡°It seems that you have a rather deep understanding of your subordinates. As the saying goes, one should put the right people in the right ce.¡±

    Pang Xiao chuckled and kissed the top of Qin Yining¡¯s head. ¡°It¡¯s like ying chess¡ªyou must know the function of every single piece and what they are capable of when arranged on the board.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded and turned over in Pang Xiao¡¯s arms. ¡°That''s why I say that man can¡¯tpare to you.¡±

    Her approving tone tickled a burst ofughter out of Pang Xiao. ¡°Your heart is biased towards me, so you always think well of me no matter what it is.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not true. Anyone who sees clearly can tell who is more outstanding. If you weren¡¯t truly excellent, why would the men of the military, men with no fear of killing or risking their lives, approve of you?¡±

    Tens of thousands ofpliments from outsiders couldn¡¯t hold a candle to how happy one word from Qin Yining made him feel. Pang Xiao cheerfully kissed her on the cheek. ¡°For thedy to approve thusly, this husband is most delighted,¡± he murmured in a low voice.

    Qin Yining buried her face into Pang Xiao¡¯s chest. ¡°You and your glib tongue,¡± she retorted, her lips just barely concealing her mirth.

    ¡°What¡¯s this glib tongue you speak of? I mean every word I said from the bottom of my heart.¡±

    It was too warm beneath the covers and her cushion toofortable; Qin Yining¡¯s head buzzed, her eyelids growing heavier as she clutched her hand warmer.

    The sight of his darling curled up in his arms like a kitten intensified Pang Xiao¡¯s urge to coddle her. He slowly patted her back and murmured as if cooing to a child. ¡°Sleep. I''ll watch over you.¡±

    Qin Yining closed her eyes and slipped into a deep slumber.

    After roughly eight days of crawling progress, the entourage finally arrived at the two checkpoints of the northern border: Skywolf Pass.

    As they approached, Pang Xiao switched to riding horseback next to Qin Yining¡¯s carriage.

    Yi Binghu mentally cursed Pang Xiao for being a wily fox. He usually enjoys the luxury of riding in a carriage like a woman, then changes to a horse after arriving at the border so he can pretend to be a man!

    Pang Xiao noticed the odd look in Yi Binghu¡¯s eyes, but he didn¡¯t take it to heart. As he led the retinue to the gates of the Skywolf Pass, someone shouted down at them from the top of the guard tower. ¡°State your name and business!¡±

    ¡°We are escorting the Faithful Prince of the First Rank back to the capital and seek passage through Skywolf Pass,¡± Huzi called out. ¡°Please open the gates.¡±

    Jumbled footsteps traveled from the gates. A momentter, someone leaned outside to take a look. After confirming that they were indeed who they said they were, the man descended from the tower, and the gates opened shortly after.

    A troop of guardsmen came forward and nked them in two lines. A tall, strong, and armored middle-aged man with a scarred face followed in quick strides, sword in hand. Seeing that the other man was on foot, Pang Xiao jumped down from his horse. Behind him, the Elite Tigers followed suit.

    Yi Binghu smirked and scoffed lightly. ¡°Just look at him put on this show.¡±

    Standing next to him were Wei Erbao, Li Daniu, Qian Dongji, and a few others who had long developed a distaste for Yi Binghu. But seeing how he outranked them by quite a bit, though, there was nothing they could do about him except go along with the Elite Tigers and dismount from their horses.

    Yi Binghu stuck out like a sore thumb as the only one still on horseback. In the end, he had no choice but to dismount with a dark look on his face. The general who oversaw Skywolf Pass was a non-nonsense man¡ªsurely he didn¡¯t intend on going against royal decree and letting Pang Xiao off easily!

    Thinking this, Yi Binghu quickly strode in front of Pang Xiao and raised a cupped fist salute at the approaching man. ¡°General Tao.¡±

    "General Yi. So you¡¯ve found the Faithful Prince of the First Rank¡¯s entourage and are apanying them on their return?"

    These words practically had Yi Binghu¡¯s brain exploding with fury. Apanying them? No, he was dragging back a traitor to stand trial!!

    But when he turned his head back, he was greeted by the sight of a majestic carriage, impressively arrayed troops, and the illustrious prince himself¡ªall of this pointed toward him apanying them on their travels, not guarding a criminal.

    Yi Binghu¡¯s face became as ck as thunderclouds. ¡°Yes, I located the prince,¡± he answered stiffly. ¡°I trust that the general has arranged temporary amodations for the prince and hispany?¡±

    ¡°The ry station is indeed ready to receive them at any time, but His Highness is a distinguished guest. This general shall have the rear residence organized at once for His and Her Highness.¡±

    This again!

 Chapter 557.2: The Status Quo

    <h4>Chapter 557.2: The Status Quo</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Pang Xiao fiddled with his whip while he observed Yi Binghu¡¯s expressions from the side. What an utterly amusing sight.

    On the other hand, the prince¡¯s whip caught General Tao¡¯s eye. He gave it a nk stare, then stepped forth to offer a respectful salute.

    ¡°This subordinate Tao Jun greets His Highness.¡±

    This is Tao Jun?

    A scar snaked across his brows that extended to his temples and he wore a pipe tucked into his belt. Though his rough skin aged him, he appeared to be around his thirties. His appearance was just as Ji Zeyu had described, so Pang Xiao understood at once¡ªthis man was the head of his sworn brother¡¯s one hundred confidantes. There was no doubt that he¡¯d suddenly be even more respectful upon seeing his oldmander¡¯s whip.

    ¡°At ease. Felicitations to General Tao¡¯s recent promotion! This prince has yet to send my congrattions.¡±

    At the time of his departure, Ji Zeyu had told him that Tao Jun was amander, but now he was the suprememander of Skywolf Pass. He must have been recently promoted.

    Tao Jun knew that he was no one of importance. Since he and the prince had never crossed paths before, Pang Xiao never would¡¯ve known his previous rank. However, he spoke of a recent promotion and held Li Zeyu¡¯s token in his hand. This man was definitely someone the prince consort greatly approved of, so Ji Zeyu must¡¯ve been the one to tell Pang Xiao about Tao Jun!

    ¡°His Highness must be worn from travel and all its hardships.¡± An amiable note colored Tao Jun¡¯s respectful tone. ¡°It has been a hard trip indeed. This subordinate will send for people to prepare food and wine at once for a weing banquet.¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed at that. ¡°Many thanks to General Tao.¡±

    ¡°This way, Your Highnesses.¡± Tao Jun turned to the side to let them pass. Pang Xiao and the princess consort¡¯s carriage took the lead, while the general himself walked in front of the Elite Tigers and remained extremely courteous as he fell in with their ranks.

    Wei Erbao, Li Daniu and the others couldn¡¯t help snickering.

    ¡°His Highness¡¯s prestige shakes the four corners of the earth indeed!¡± they discussed quietly. ¡°Even the Dragon Riders treat him with utmost respect in every way.¡±

    ¡°Now, ain¡¯t that the truth! Some people think they¡¯re oh-so-important because they hold a minor position when really, they¡¯re just a clown dancing around. I couldugh until my teeth fell out!¡±

    Yi Binghu had already beside himself with rage from seeing Tao Jun treat Pang Xiao the way Kang Qiong had, but now, even those apanying him were saying such things. His flush turned an rming red and veins throbbed on his forehead. If he didn''t have a reputation to uphold, he would¡¯ve broken out in loud curses at them.

    ¡°You will cease this impudence! Stop dawdling and enter the city!¡± With that self-righteous rebuke, Yi Binghu recovered his dignity and promptly brought up the rear with his horse.

    Wei Erbao and the others watched from behind, unable to suppress their mirth. They walked and chatted withughter as they followed, the atmosphere as rxed and merry as if it was the new year.

    Once again, Qin Yining was brought to the rear residence to rest while Pang Xiao brought his men to the banquet. He also took Ji Zeyu¡¯s whip with him, which had quite a few people treating him courteously and cordially at first sight.

    After the banquet, Tao Jun solemnly saluted Pang Xiao in the main hall of the rear residence.

    ¡°Your Highness, since my master gave his token to you, all one hundred of us brothers are also yours. If Your Highness has any instructions for us, just say the word and we will risk life and limb to see it done.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s gratitude toward Ji Zeyu grew further. He lifted Tao Jun up with both hands with a chuckle.

    ¡°Please, there is absolutely no need for such grand courtesies. This prince is returning to the capital to face trial, so there is nothing that I need done for now.¡±

    Hearing this, Tao Jun replied, ¡°Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but your situation will be far from optimistic when you return to the capital. I fear His Majesty ns to make you answer for your actions with your life.¡±

    Seeing how honest Tao Jun was in spite of everything, a deep understanding dawned on Pang Xiao that Ji Zeyu¡¯s men were also recognizing him as their master as well because of the whip. He couldn¡¯t help but take his respect for Ji Zeyu¡¯s leadership skills up a few notches.

    ¡°Has anything major happened in court while I was away?¡±

    ¡°Everything is recorded in the imperial reports down to the most minor detail, and most of them are unrted to His Highness,¡± Tao Jun answered. ¡°The most critical matter at hand is that the Tatars have begun to stir, and their intent to attack Great Zhou is very clear.

    ¡°Though they lost their first shipment of war provisions, their Utkin Khan seems very adamant on stirring up conflict and appears to be gathering rations yet again in preparation for battle.

    ¡°If I may be frank, the nation¡¯s treasury is empty, which already makes disaster relief efforts a difficulty. His Majesty has issued a series of troop deployments in preparation for war. This subordinate was just amander before, it was because of recent developments that I was promoted to guard the pass as a general.

    ¡°However, sessful as troop maneuvering has been, what the court stillcks the most is silver. A deration of war will require the nation¡¯s resources. The Tatars remain unyielding, saying that they mean to avenge their Anari Khan. His Majesty''s own intentions also remain to be seen.

    ¡°But in this subordinate¡¯s humble opinion, it would be best if Your Highness didn¡¯t bring Her Highness back. This subordinate is concerned His Majesty will hand Her Highness over in order to prevent war.¡±

 Chapter 557.2: The Status Quo

    <h4>Chapter 557.2: The Status Quo</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Pang Xiao fiddled with his whip while he observed Yi Binghu¡¯s expressions from the side. What an utterly amusing sight.

    On the other hand, the prince¡¯s whip caught General Tao¡¯s eye. He gave it a nk stare, then stepped forth to offer a respectful salute.

    ¡°This subordinate Tao Jun greets His Highness.¡±

    This is Tao Jun?

    A scar snaked across his brows that extended to his temples and he wore a pipe tucked into his belt. Though his rough skin aged him, he appeared to be around his thirties. His appearance was just as Ji Zeyu had described, so Pang Xiao understood at once¡ªthis man was the head of his sworn brother¡¯s one hundred confidantes. There was no doubt that he¡¯d suddenly be even more respectful upon seeing his oldmander¡¯s whip.

    ¡°At ease. Felicitations to General Tao¡¯s recent promotion! This prince has yet to send my congrattions.¡±

    At the time of his departure, Ji Zeyu had told him that Tao Jun was amander, but now he was the suprememander of Skywolf Pass. He must have been recently promoted.

    Tao Jun knew that he was no one of importance. Since he and the prince had never crossed paths before, Pang Xiao never would¡¯ve known his previous rank. However, he spoke of a recent promotion and held Li Zeyu¡¯s token in his hand. This man was definitely someone the prince consort greatly approved of, so Ji Zeyu must¡¯ve been the one to tell Pang Xiao about Tao Jun!

    ¡°His Highness must be worn from travel and all its hardships.¡± An amiable note colored Tao Jun¡¯s respectful tone. ¡°It has been a hard trip indeed. This subordinate will send for people to prepare food and wine at once for a weing banquet.¡±

    Pang Xiaoughed at that. ¡°Many thanks to General Tao.¡±

    ¡°This way, Your Highnesses.¡± Tao Jun turned to the side to let them pass. Pang Xiao and the princess consort¡¯s carriage took the lead, while the general himself walked in front of the Elite Tigers and remained extremely courteous as he fell in with their ranks.

    Wei Erbao, Li Daniu and the others couldn¡¯t help snickering.

    ¡°His Highness¡¯s prestige shakes the four corners of the earth indeed!¡± they discussed quietly. ¡°Even the Dragon Riders treat him with utmost respect in every way.¡±

    ¡°Now, ain¡¯t that the truth! Some people think they¡¯re oh-so-important because they hold a minor position when really, they¡¯re just a clown dancing around. I couldugh until my teeth fell out!¡±

    Yi Binghu had already beside himself with rage from seeing Tao Jun treat Pang Xiao the way Kang Qiong had, but now, even those apanying him were saying such things. His flush turned an rming red and veins throbbed on his forehead. If he didn''t have a reputation to uphold, he would¡¯ve broken out in loud curses at them.

    ¡°You will cease this impudence! Stop dawdling and enter the city!¡± With that self-righteous rebuke, Yi Binghu recovered his dignity and promptly brought up the rear with his horse.

    Wei Erbao and the others watched from behind, unable to suppress their mirth. They walked and chatted withughter as they followed, the atmosphere as rxed and merry as if it was the new year.

    Once again, Qin Yining was brought to the rear residence to rest while Pang Xiao brought his men to the banquet. He also took Ji Zeyu¡¯s whip with him, which had quite a few people treating him courteously and cordially at first sight.

    After the banquet, Tao Jun solemnly saluted Pang Xiao in the main hall of the rear residence.

    ¡°Your Highness, since my master gave his token to you, all one hundred of us brothers are also yours. If Your Highness has any instructions for us, just say the word and we will risk life and limb to see it done.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s gratitude toward Ji Zeyu grew further. He lifted Tao Jun up with both hands with a chuckle.

    ¡°Please, there is absolutely no need for such grand courtesies. This prince is returning to the capital to face trial, so there is nothing that I need done for now.¡±

    Hearing this, Tao Jun replied, ¡°Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness, but your situation will be far from optimistic when you return to the capital. I fear His Majesty ns to make you answer for your actions with your life.¡±

    Seeing how honest Tao Jun was in spite of everything, a deep understanding dawned on Pang Xiao that Ji Zeyu¡¯s men were also recognizing him as their master as well because of the whip. He couldn¡¯t help but take his respect for Ji Zeyu¡¯s leadership skills up a few notches.

    ¡°Has anything major happened in court while I was away?¡±

    ¡°Everything is recorded in the imperial reports down to the most minor detail, and most of them are unrted to His Highness,¡± Tao Jun answered. ¡°The most critical matter at hand is that the Tatars have begun to stir, and their intent to attack Great Zhou is very clear.

    ¡°Though they lost their first shipment of war provisions, their Utkin Khan seems very adamant on stirring up conflict and appears to be gathering rations yet again in preparation for battle.

    ¡°If I may be frank, the nation¡¯s treasury is empty, which already makes disaster relief efforts a difficulty. His Majesty has issued a series of troop deployments in preparation for war. This subordinate was just amander before, it was because of recent developments that I was promoted to guard the pass as a general.

    ¡°However, sessful as troop maneuvering has been, what the court stillcks the most is silver. A deration of war will require the nation¡¯s resources. The Tatars remain unyielding, saying that they mean to avenge their Anari Khan. His Majesty''s own intentions also remain to be seen.

    ¡°But in this subordinate¡¯s humble opinion, it would be best if Your Highness didn¡¯t bring Her Highness back. This subordinate is concerned His Majesty will hand Her Highness over in order to prevent war.¡±

 Chapter 558.2: Secret Imperial Decree

    <h4>Chapter 558.2: Secret Imperial Decree</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Pang Xiao caressed her soft, tender hand.

    ¡°Out with it, there are no outsiders here. Besides, I¡¯ve always felt that a woman¡¯s sixth sense is uncannily urate. You, my mother, and my grandmother are all like this. They sometimes have an inexplicable idea, like it¡¯d be dangerous if I didn¡¯t do a certain thing. Although there was no basis to their words at the time, events that unfoldedter proved them to be right. So go ahead and speak your mind, it might give me some ideas.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded. ¡°Back when Great Yan was gripped by war, the Soothsayer took the alias of Priestess Liu and hid in Great Yan to avoid pursuers. She stayed in the Celestial Nunnery on the surface, but in reality, she had ties with both the dog emperor and trampress, as well as frequent dealings with many influential figures at court. Although none of their rtionships were particrly deep, there are times when you only need an imperceptible influence to change something.

    ¡°When she saw Great Yan falling in ruin, the Soothsayer went to Tatar. I saw her in the Tatar pce. At that time, her intent to stir chaos was even more evident and she even urged Anari Khan to kill me. We then saw Tatarter fall into internal unrest, and though I never saw her take action with my own eyes, I¡¯ve always felt that she had something to do with all of it.

    ¡°The Soothsayer is famous for telling the fortunes of the three of you.¡± Qin Yining looked at Pang Xiao¡¯s expression and added carefully, ¡°I don¡¯t know what she originally said, but after that, Li Qitian seemed to grow increasingly fearful of you. I¡¯ve always had a feeling that the Soothsayer yed a role in all of these incidents, but I¡¯m still not sure what exactly her aim is.¡±

    Hearing that, Pang Xiao fell into deep pondering.

    He hadn¡¯t given thought to any of this until Qin Yining mentioned it. Now that she mentioned it, he reviewed all of the Soothsayer¡¯s actions over the past few years and found that things were really as she¡¯d said. The Soothsayer was involved in every incident that had ured.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Pang Xiao said thoughtfully. ¡°What exactly was she nning in doing that?¡±

    Qin Yining pursed her lips, ¡°When she was foretelling your fortune, she said something about the Emperor Star and three killer stars. Do you believe what she said?¡±

    Startled, Pang Xiao broke into a wide grin. ¡°No, I don¡¯t actually believe those sorts of sayings.¡±

    ¡°Sir Mu once said the Soothsayer foretold, ¡®In times of chaos, a fox spirit shall descend with indescribable disorder and snuff out the previous dynasty¡¯s fortunes. Three ominous stars: the Greedy Wolf Star, Field Marshal, and Army will escort the Emperor Star to the apex and restore peace to the world¡¯.

    ¡°The fox spirit throwing the world into chaos should refer to Great Yan¡¯s trampress. The Greedy Wolf Star lies to the north. Looking at things now, it should be referring to Utkin Khan. Field Marshal, Army, and the Emperor Stars are clearly Ji Lan, Li Qitian, and you.

    ¡°After the Army Star, also known as Seven Kills, ascended to the throne, he was particrly wary of you because you¡¯re the originally divined Emperor star. He guards against you at every turn while his hostility toward Prince Consort Ji is rtively lower.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering, are her divinations real or not? If they are real, what should¡¯ve happened to the world? If they¡¯re not and the Soothsayer said such things on purpose, what is she plotting?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s brows scrunched together as she pondered, deep in thought. With how tense the situation was right now, Li Qitian had inly finished with his preparations and was just waiting for them to return to the capital.

    If the couple was the cowardly or less dependable sort, they should make good their escape and live a peaceful life. However, whether it was Pang Xiao or herself, neither of them couldpletely cast off all of the responsibility on their shoulders and force their families to deal with the consequences.

    Therefore, no matter how daunting their prospects seemed, they still had to return to the capital. All these unknown elements were making the situation even moreplicated.

    ¡°My dear? Alright, let¡¯s not think about it any more.¡± Pang Xiao called Qin Yining¡¯s name several times, but received no response. He knew that she was fretting over everything she¡¯d just shared with him.

    He pulled her into his embrace, rocking her as he spoke. ¡°All you need to do isy down your worries and stay by my side. I¡¯ll handle everything. I have my ways to deal with His Majesty. Your health is fragile and after experiencing so many torments outside, aren¡¯t you just looking for trouble if you keep thinking so much for no reason?¡±

    He dropped kisses on her forehead,shes, and nose bridge before finally pecking softly at her lips. ¡°There¡¯s a dear, stop thinking about it. Just leave it all to me.¡±

    Warmth obstructed Qin Yining¡¯s lips from voicing further worries. The kiss was like a hot spring, gentle and rxing, making her feel warm and cozy. She slowly melted in his chest, her body quickly turning hot as her heart raced.

    ......

    Their days at Skywolf Pass were even more leisurely than their stay at Skyzone Pass. Tao Jun gathered his friends and the soldiers under hismand to host a feast for the prince every day.

    Pang Xiao tried bidding farewell several times and wanted to return to the capital, but Tao Jun kept protesting, ¡°My brothers haven¡¯t met enough with Your Highness.¡±

    If not that, he¡¯d say, ¡°There¡¯s still a brother of mine that¡¯s arriving here the day after tomorrow. He¡¯s always admired Your Highness and wished to see you with his own eyes. Your Highness must stay another two days and give him some face.¡±

    How could Pang Xiao not see that Tao Jun was stalling for time?

    Whenever there was a chance over the past couple of days, the general would either directly or indirectly urge the prince to not return to the capital. He constantly cautioned against various schemes or traps. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to live a free andfortable life with Her Highness? He could quietly return for his family at another opportunity.

    With that, the prince¡¯s entourage stayed at Skywolf Pass for more than twenty days.

    Grass was about to start growing on Yi Binghu¡¯s head! Over the past twenty days, he sent five secret letters to the capital, each one painstakingly describing how arrogant and unbridled Pang Xiao unted himself and clearly listing all of his offenses.

    Just when Yi Binghu ordered the sixth letter to be sent out, a royal decree from the capital finally arrived.

 Chapter 559.1: Pregnancy

    <h4>Chapter 559.1: Pregnancy</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The secret decree ordered him not to be rude to the prince and princess consort, to escort the prince with all pomp and circumstance that should be orded to him, and treat the prince with utmost courtesy on the way back.

    What did His Majesty mean by this?!

    His first orders had been to seize and escort Pang Xiao back to the capital like a felon, to transport the prince in a criminal¡¯s carriage for sentencing and judgment!

    Why had His Majesty suddenly changed his mind?!

    He¡¯d already shed all pretense of cordiality with the prince, but now had to suddenly turn all deferential and respectful in ordance to his new orders. He would be made an utter fool, aughingstock, a, a, a nothing!

    Yi Binghu was furious, but didn¡¯t really dare to be angry at the emperor. He could only redirect all the pain and anguish onto Pang Xiao¡¯s head.

    If it weren¡¯t for Pang Xiao, why would he have to endure such humiliation??

    He¡¯d lost face in the Valiant Tigers before but finally regained some of it when he was escorting a disgraced criminal. But now that sinner was someone he had to bow and scrape before?!

    A hot knot of anger and frustration in his chest, Yi Binghu had nowhere to vent it. Despite everything, all he could do was clench his teeth and change his attitude in the end. The next time he saw Pang Xiao, all manner of proper greetings and honorifics were on full disy. The prince gave the orders, and Yi Binghu no longer subjected him to daily abuse of setting out on their way.

    This naturally didn¡¯t go unnoticed, and Pang Xiao had a goodugh with Qin Yining when he returned to their quarters.

    After indulging in a fit of giggles, Qin Yining asked doubtfully, ¡°Why has he suddenly changed his attitude for no reason? There is always something untoward behind unexpected turns of events. You should thoroughly investigate this, there must be a reason behind this sudden change in attitude.¡±

    ¡°Our thoughts have traveled down the same path.¡± Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining with deep praise and affection. ¡°His Majesty sent Yi Binghu a secret decree that our people intercepted first before delivering it to him. His Majesty has ordered him to treat us with all due courtesy.¡±

    Qin Yining instantly understood. ¡°It looks like they¡¯ve finished preparing for us at the capital. His Majesty is afraid of startling us, lest we run away en route and waste all his preparations, correct?¡±

    ¡°Precisely. Furthermore, His Majesty also wants to save face. Very few people believe his promation that Imitted treason. Even if you put aside my own moral conduct and achievements, just the fact that my wife killed the Tatar khan makes it impossible for me to have defected to the Tatars. His Majesty must¡¯ve been slow from anger to make such a im earlier.

    ¡°His Majesty has changed tactics now. Perhaps too many don¡¯t believe his version of events, or that public opinion is just too much, he wants to smooth things over so his dignity is salvaged. The best method is to coax us back to the capital first, where it¡¯ll be much easier to punish us."

    Qin Yining nodded, her brows still creased with worry. Possibly due to a surplus of anxiety, she felt her stomach turn and a wave of nausea wash over her. However, she didn¡¯t want her husband to worry, so she swallowed down the reflex and suppressed the disgusting feeling.

    Pang Xiao was very observant and Qin Yining was his greatest love. Her appetite hadn¡¯t been too good these days, and she¡¯d suffered nausea and dry heaving this morning, moaning her stomach felt unwell. Seeing her paleplexion now and how she swallowed like she was forcing something down, he couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    ¡°Does your stomach hurt? Are you still nauseous?¡±

    Qin Yining shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes as a biological reaction from suppressing the urge to throw up. It proved too much for her to endure in the end and she pushed Pang Xiao away, stooping down to throw up.

    Pang Xiao panicked, not knowing what to do as he patted her back. ¡°What is it? What¡¯s happening?¡± He roared in the direction of the door, ¡°Somebody hurry for a physician!¡±

    Tao Jun¡¯s family wasn¡¯t with him and there were no womenfolk in the office. Even the maids in the courtyard had only been prepared after Pang Xiao¡¯s retinue arrived.

    The maids were scared witless by Pang Xiao¡¯s thunderp of a roar. Dazed, it took them a while to collect their wits before they scrambled every which way for a doctor.

    Throwing up all of the porridge she¡¯d had for breakfast, some of it even overflowed to Qin Yining¡¯s nose. She screwed her eyes shut from the biting pain in her head, unable to help tears from streaming down her face.

    Pang Xiao was so heartbroken that he almost started crying with her. He grabbed a handkerchief to dry her face and fetched water to rinse her mouth. Finally, he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, setting her down on nketsid out on the heated tform.

    He sat down beside her, holding her ice-cold hand. ¡°What should we do about this? I didn¡¯t see you eat anything either. Don¡¯t tell me... has somebody poisoned you?!¡±

    The more he thought about it, the more likely the possibility seemed. Why, Yi Binghu¡¯s face twisted whenever he saw the prince! He was behind all this! Pang Xiao flew into a sudden rage, ¡°Yi Binghu, that damned bastard! I¡¯ll have his head for this!¡±

 Chapter 559.2: Pregnancy

    <h4>Chapter 559.2: Pregnancy</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Alright, alright, alright, I¡¯ll be quiet. I¡¯ll just keep youpany here.¡±

    Pang Xiao had already nned out how he¡¯d torture Yi Binghu to death. He didn¡¯t care that the bastard had been sent by the emperor. Whoever dared so much as look at his wife in the wrong way must die!

    The physician soon arrived, entering with Tao Jun and his wife when they also heard the news. Pang Xiao fidgeted off to the side while the physician examined Qin Yining.

    Tao Jun waited out in the courtyard, his moodplicated. With how deep the prince¡¯s feelings were for Her Highness, how would His Highness be able to cope if she met with an unexpected ident?

    However, he was also a little d. Now that Her Highness has fallen sick at this critical juncture, wouldn¡¯t that postpone Pang Xiao¡¯s return to the capital? Considering that, Her Highness¡¯s illness was truly timely.

    Inside the room, the physician carefully took Qin Yining¡¯s pulse before turning to Pang Xiao. ¡°Would it be possible to have Her Highness reveal her elegant face so this old physician can see herplexion?¡±

    Pang Xiao immediately raised theting by the bed.

    The old doctor observed her for a while before finally checking her tongue. He smiled when he reached his conclusion. ¡°Congrattions, Your Highness. Her Highness is blessed with a child!¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes went round with shock.

    Pang Xiao froze into a stone sculpture, asking only a long whileter, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°Congrattions, Your Highness. Her Highness is blessed with a child! She looks to be only one month along. Although her pulse isn¡¯t the clearest, this old physician has many years of experience and wouldn¡¯t mistake her condition.¡±

    Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but think back over recent times. Sure enough, it seemed like her monthly bleeding hadn¡¯te for almost two months!

    Furthermore, she couldn¡¯t ce how many times they¡¯d been together after their reunification. Based on the amount of time that¡¯d passed, conception seemed to have taken ce the first time they were together after he found her!

    She suddenly noticed how her beloved was grinning like a fool.

    ¡°Ahaha, a child? I¡¯m going to be a father this soon?!¡±

    The handsome prince¡¯s lovestruck smile reminded the old doctor of his own youth. He couldn¡¯t help but smile as he raised cupped hands. ¡°Congrattions, so many congrattions! Your Highness will be a father around the eleventh or twelfth month of the year.¡±

    ¡°You are wise in the ways of medicine and skilled in your craft, sir!¡± Pang Xiao bobbed his head rapidly in delight before calling out to Huzi. ¡°Hurry and prepare arge red envelope. There will be many times in which we have to rely on the good doctor in the future!¡±

    The old physician was all smiles as he followed Huzi to receive his tip.

    Pang Xiao jumped onto the tform like an enormous spoiled cat and carefully embraced Qin Yining, nuzzling and kissing her. ¡°My dear, my darling, we are to have a child! Did you hear that? Did you? I¡¯m going to be a father!¡±

    Although Qin Yining still felt nauseated, Pang Xiao¡¯s sheer giddiness and exuberant antics truly amused her.

    ¡°You were practically shouting it from the rooftops, how could I have not heard you?¡± she snorted withughter.

    Pang Xiao merrily kissed her cheeks. ¡°Are you still feeling unwell? Do you want to eat something?¡± He fired off more questions before Qin Yining could reply, ¡°Say, do you think it¡¯ll be a boy or a girl?¡±

    ¡°Do you want a boy or a girl?¡± Qin Yining asked jokingly.

    ¡°Both are fine.¡± Pang Xiao pulled Qin Yining closer, lying by her side as he let his mind wander. ¡°If it¡¯s a girl, she¡¯ll definitely be as intelligent and beautiful as you. I have to spoil her to the heavens and give her the best life. I can also teach her martial arts so if our future son-inw ever dares to bully her, she and I can beat him to death together!

    ¡°A boy would also be good. I would raise him well and teach him how to be a good older brother. A boy should have a proper sense of responsibility. In the future, he has to take care of his younger brothers and sisters.¡±

    Hearing that, Qin Yiningughed. ¡°You said both are fine, but why do you sound so ridiculously biased? If it¡¯s a girl, you¡¯ll pamper her to the high heavens, but a boy¡¯s ¡®just fine¡¯ and you even n on strictly disciplining him from young?¡±

    ¡°Boys should be treated with tough love so they can shoulder responsibility when they¡¯re older. Girls should be spoiled. Things are done right no matter how you pamper them.¡± Pang Xiao dered righteously, his eyes bright. He helped her sit up and ced a kiss on Qin Yining¡¯s pale lips. ¡°My dear, thank you.¡±

    Qin Yining looked at the emotion running deep in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes. It felt like the softest part of her heart was wrapped in the warmest hug of contentment. Her eyes couldn¡¯t help but curve into smiling crescents as she flung her arms around his neck, stretching forward to peck his cheek.

    ¡°What are you thanking me for? We¡¯re husband and wife. The child will call you father and me, mother. If we¡¯re speaking of thanks, shouldn¡¯t I be thanking you?¡±

    ¡°Just look at you, that mindset of yours is what makes you live a life harder than ordinary women.¡± Pang Xiao drew her in closer. ¡°Carrying a child for ten months is much more exhausting, the one who should be saying thank you is me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we don¡¯t need to keep thanking each other back and forth,¡± Qin Yining giggled.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Pang Xiao suddenly eximed, ¡°I need to go arrange a luxurious feast and invite all of the Elite Tigers to feast!¡±

    ¡°What are you doing? Do you have to go that far?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean, go that far? I just want to celebrate bing a father.¡± Pang Xiao was like the mouse that¡¯d gotten into the cookie jar and strode out majestically to inform his men.

    Out in the courtyard, Tao Jun gave his happy congrattions when he heard the news. He even mentioned that he would have his brotherse drink in celebration.

    After giving his orders, Pang Xiao immediately returned to the room, refusing help from all four maids and experienced wives that Tao Jun sent. He insisted on serving tea and fetching water himself, making the servants sigh with, ¡°His and her Highness are truly in deep love¡± and ¡°Her Highness sure is fortunate.¡±

    Meanwhile, in stark contrast to the cheers andughter that filled the residence upon hearing of Her Highness¡¯ blessing, Yi Binghu¡¯s face sank with anger. If Her Highness was pregnant, wouldn¡¯t that mean their journey would be dyed even further? His Majesty would be furious with him!

 Chapter 560.1: Control

    <h4>Chapter 560.1: Control</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    As for Yi Binghu, it went without saying that he wasn¡¯t invited to Pang Xiao¡¯s gatherings with his Dragon Rider brothers.

    He felt something wing within him everytime he heard another mention of who Pang Xiao had been feasting with, or men singing praises of the prince¡¯s fighting prowess after sparring with him.

    This man had inlymitted the grave crime of treason, so why was he living his best life? His wife was pregnant, he garnered the admiration of those around him, and even his poprity among the people grew.

    Conversely, Yi Binghu was here by royal decree, yet cast aside and thoroughly ignored like a dried vegetable. The Dragon Riders couldn¡¯t be bothered with him, and even those he¡¯d brought from the Metropolitan refused to take orders from him. They also never treated him with as much respect as they showed to Pang Xiao.

    For Yi Binghu, every passing day felt like a year. If the prince continued to dilly-dallying like this, would His Majesty take his anger out on Yi Binghu when they finally returned to the capital? Though the emperor had been the one to send the decree, it wasn¡¯t umon for those who didn¡¯t execute his orders to his liking to still experience his wrath.

    In contrast with Yi Binghu¡¯s turmoil, Qin Yining had never lived in suchfort before.

    When Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t attending a banquet, he was essentially joined at the hip with her. He served her tea and water, personally fed her, and spent the rest of his free time massaging her shoulder and legs. He even once attempted to carry her when she needed the washroom, which had earned him a swift kick from a furiously blushing Qin Yining.

    Though Qin Yining had little appetite and often felt nauseous, she was ted to be so carefully doted upon by Pang Xiao.

    ......

    On this day, Pang Xiao once again moved to take his leave.

    ¡°I really must be going. Spring will be upon us soon and we must travel slightly slower than we¡¯d anticipated before. I estimate it will be summer by the time we return to the capital. We have already dyed our return for too long, so it will be difficult exining ourselves to His Majesty.¡±

    Having interacted with the prince in close quarters for almost a month now, Tao Jun could read Pang Xiao¡¯s strong determination to return to the capital. It wasn¡¯t right for him to keep dying the prince like this. What¡¯s more, though Yi Binghu couldn¡¯t make sugar sweet if he tried, he could definitely make vinegar sour without even attempting to. The situation would be sticky if he really decided to tattle to the emperor.

    With this in mind, all Tao Jun could do was sigh. ¡°His Highness must treat this matter with utmost caution. I shall await your good news at these borders.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded with a smile and pped Tao Jun on the shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, thank you for your hospitality.¡±

    "Say nothing of it. Your Highness is a good friend of my formermander and a war god that my brothers admire. What I¡¯ve done is nothing worthy of gratitude. If we have the chance to get together again in the future, we must drink together until the sunes up."

    Pang Xiao smiled. "Indeed,¡± he vowed. ¡°Let us meet again.¡±

    He then excused himself to make arrangements for departure and the servants busied themselves with organizing the luggage.

    Yi Binghu could finally have a sigh of relief upon seeing him getting a move on. Up ahead were Skyaxis Pass and Skygates Pass, he certainly wasn¡¯t going to let Pang Xiao dy the trip any further. Otherwise, it would be more than a year before they returned to the capital.

    His worries wouldter be proven groundless¡ªPang Xiao had no intent of postponing their journey to begin with, so he wasn¡¯t about to deliberately dy their uing travels. Though the guards of Skyaxis and Skygates Pass weed them with eager hospitality, the prince stayed only for two days before setting out once more.

    Their travels were to be smooth-sailing once they passed through all four major passes of the border. Seeing their shortening distance to the capital, Yi Binghu was finally able to heave a big sigh of relief.

    The closer they were, the more he could call on men from his own faction¡ªPang Xiao would be increasingly less capable of stirring up trouble.

    After a month of long faces, Yi Binghu finally broke out into a wide grin. However, no smiles were to be found just a few dayster.

    As the emperor¡¯s instructions were for Yi Binghu to indulge the prince with patience and allow Pang Xiao to return with pomp and circumstance as befitting his station, every citizen on their way back knew that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was returning to the capital with his princess consort.

    Since the princess consort had killed the former Tatar khan and the prince was an awe-inspiring hero, the general popce held the couple in extremely high regard. Since Li Qitian had previously dered to all that Pang Xiao was a traitor who had defected to Tatar, it was incredibly thought provoking that he now appeared again in public with the princess consort, and with his usual entourage.

    Not only did the people gossip, so did the schrs and officials exchange notes.

    Ultimately, the rumor mill was divided into two schools of thought: one faction held the view that nefarious masterminds were behind the usations of treason, since Pang Xiao had made significant contributions to Great Zhou and his princess consort had killed the Tatar khan. The emperor should severely punish those involved!

    The other faction believed His Majesty was the originator behind the rumors because he envied the prince¡¯s military aplishments. This brought back memories of what had happened to Pang Zhongzheng back in the day.

    Of course, no one dared voice the second version aloud; they only whispered it amongst themselves in secret. Since it was a sensitive subject involving confidential imperial affairs, that only made such spection all the more convincing.

 Chapter 560.2: Control

    <h4>Chapter 560.2: Control</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Qin Yining had fallen into a constant state of difort ever since boarding the carriage. Whether it was because her body was too weak or that the traveling had taken a toll on her, her nausea intensified as they continued to traverse bumpy roads.

    Things were bearable when the road was t, but when it was uneven and riddled with potholes, the carriage would shake so much that Qin Yining couldn¡¯t keep down anything she ate. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached so terribly for his darling that he ended up wrapping Qin Yining in a mink cloak and carrying her in front of him atop his horse.

    Yi Binghu was highly impatient along the way, but urging them to hasten would bepletely ineffective as their progress was tied to the princess consort¡¯s condition. Therefore, it seemed to Yi Binghu that their return to the capital was to be dyed to the end of the year.

    ......

    Seven hundred miles outside the capital stood the Valiant Tigers campsite, which had be a part of the local scenery. Stationed along the foot of the mountains, an army of a hundred thousand men formed a city of their own.

    In arge tent of the Valiant Tigers¡¯ central troop, Ji Zeyu stood pensively before a massive map with his arms crossed. He was dressed in a fiery red cloak with stiff, small cors that rounded out his look.

    The map was a topographical depiction of the four northern border gates and Tartar border terrain. It was so detailed that it marked mountain rivers, creeks, and even a forest, a clear indication of how well Ji Zeyu knew the northern border after years of guarding the region.

    A frowning head eunuch Li Guanwen was half inclined behind Ji Zeyu; he¡¯d been here for nearly forty-five minutes.

    Ji Zeyu had been in this exact position when Li Guanwen arrived, and seemed to have heard nothing after Li Guanwen ryed the emperor¡¯s message to him. Or had Prince Consort Ji not heard him at all because he was contemting some great dilemma concerning warfare or national security?

    Li Guanwen pondered over whether he should bring up his inquiry once more, but he was also afraid of interrupting Prince Consort Ji¡¯s train of thought. Growing bored of idly standing around, he craned his neck to peer at the map. As someone whose daily activities were limited to the meager confines of pce walls, however, he couldn¡¯t make heads or tails out of the map no matter how long he stared at it.

    Thus, Li Guanwen was left with no choice but to continue waiting patiently. Since men of martial arts disciplines were typically very sensitive to their surroundings, perhaps the prince consort would notice there was a person standing behind him soon enough.

    And so he waited for another fifteen minutes.

    Finally, Li Guanwen began to lose his patience. As a favored subordinate of the emperor, it wasn¡¯t umon for people to curry favor with him whenever he was out and about. What was truly rare was for him to be thus given the cold shoulder.

    Though Ji Zeyu was the suprememander of the Valiant Tigers in addition to being a prince consort, Li Guanwen was still an imperial messenger¡ªto treat him in this way was equivalent to disregarding His Majesty!

    When his thoughts traveled here, Li Guanwen cleared his throat. Not daring to startle Ji Zeyu, he gently repeated himself. ¡°Prince Consort Ji, His Majesty means to ask to what degree is your control over the Valiant Tigers? Please tell me so that this servant may report back to His Majesty and assuage his worries.¡±

    Ji Zeyu, however, gave no response and continued studying the map.

    Anxiety, irritation, and displeasure from being ignored chased each other in the eunuch¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Prince Consort Ji? This servant has been sent in His Majesty¡¯s stead to inquire after how much control you exert over the Valiant Tigers.¡±

    Again, he received no response.

    Li Guanwen began to suspect Li Zeyu meant to stand there until he turned into a statue. Impatience boiling over and he was just about to ask again when Ji Zeyu abruptly turned around and fixed his stunning eyes on the eunuch in a frigid stare.

    The prince consort¡¯s eyes brimmed with a frosty air that nearly froze Li Guanwen stiff. Despite being clothed in burning scarlet, it only served to entuate Ji Zeyu¡¯s proud, noble self. It was as if his entire being had been carved from ice, and he was thoroughly unapproachable.

    Li Guanwen stared nkly, a shiver coursing through his entire body. At the same time, Li Zeyu coldly called out, ¡°Men.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir!¡± A troop of ten men rushed inside the tent and bowed in synchronized salute. ¡°Commander!¡±

    Ji Zeyu indicated Li Guanwen with a pale, slender finger. ¡°One hundred boards across the back. Take him away.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir!¡± The soldiers immediately responded and dragged Li Guanwen out of the tent without another word.

    Li Guanwen was so terrified that he dropped his ivory horsetail whisk and didn¡¯t think to adjust his cap that¡¯d been knocked askew.

    ¡°What is the meaning of this, Prince Consort Ji?!¡± he squawked shrilly. ¡°This servant is here on His Majesty¡¯s orders! Do you mean to revolt with this kind of treatment?!¡±

    Despite Li Guanwen¡¯s wailing, the subordinates dragged him out of the tent with all their might, not faltering in the slightest.

    I¡¯m done for, I¡¯m done for! Why did I have the misfortune of catching Prince Consort Ji nning a revolt?! Your Majesty, I became the protruding nail in carrying out your orders, you¡¯ve sent me to my death!

    As he struggled, panicked tears streamed down Li Guanwen¡¯s face out of fright.

    Just as soldiers were about to haul him through the tent p, Ji Zeyu spoke up again. ¡°Unhand him. You may stand down.¡±

    Though confused, the ten soldiers saluted him in unison without question.

    ¡°Yes sir.¡± With that, they exited the tent in formation. The only people left in the tent were Ji Zeyu and Li Guanwen.

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± Ji Zeyu asked, a mild expression upon his face.

    Li Guanwen''s knees buckled, leaving him wheezing on the floor. His face had gone so pale that he was whiter than a sheet of paper.

    After what seemed like half a day, he finally caught his breath and looked nkly up into Ji Zeyu¡¯s aloof face. His brain¡ªwhich had shut down from fright¡ªregained its capability for thought.

    ¡°This servant understands Prince Consort Ji.¡±

 Chapter 561: Outskirts of the Capital

    <h4>Chapter 561: Outskirts of the Capital</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The emperor deeply favored Li Guanwen. In court, even officials of the inner council showed him respect. He was sometimes sent toplete tasks on the emperor¡¯s behalf, such as questioning Ji Zeyu right now.

    Everyone under the heavens knew this. Even the uncouth boors of the Valiant Tigers knew that the supervising official by the emperor¡¯s side should not be offended. However, they¡¯d immediately hauled him off without the slightest shred of protest or hesitation when Ji Zeyu gave the word.

    Li Guanwen had no doubt that if Ji Zeyu had casually ordered him to be executed on the spot just now, his head would¡¯ve separated from his neck in the next moment!

    Valiant Tigers obedience to Ji Zeyu had reached a stage in which they didn¡¯t even think before following his orders. They didn¡¯t even care if their actions could lead to a charge of high treason, only that Ji Zeyu had given his orders. Wasn¡¯t this a clear representation of the control that the prince consort held over this portion of the army?

    Ji Zeyu used these actions to bluntly answer Li Guanwen¡¯s previous question.

    Some things were best believed when seen. Not everyone would believe that the prince consort now graspedplete control over the Valiant Tigers, but Li Guanwen was forced to be a believer now.

    Li Guanwen wiped the sweat from his forehead, cutting a sorry figure as he scrambled up from the ground and pasted a wide grin on his face.

    ¡°Prince Consort Ji is indeed a hero to sort out the Valiant Tigers in such a short amount of time and with such thoroughness. His Majesty will be very happy to hear of this.¡±

    Ji Zeyu nodded indifferently, ¡°Anything else?¡±

    Li Guanwen choked. The prince consort was known for treating others in an aloof manner, but the eunuch had just mentioned the emperor! Shouldn¡¯t ordinary people make some sort of modest remark, exchange pleasantries, then thank His Majesty for his trust and patronage?

    Why did it feel like Prince Consort Ji was showing him the door?

    ¡°In response to Prince Consort Ji, this servant has nothing left to address. Rest assured, I won¡¯t say anything untoward when I report back to His Majesty. His Majesty will only know that you have taken control of the Valiant Tigers. He is certain to be so pleased that he willvish you with praise.¡± Li Guanwen¡¯s smile was so wide that it creased two deep rows of wrinkles by his eyes.

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s face was stony from start to finish; he nodded without a single flicker of emotion. ¡°I won¡¯t see you out.¡±

    Li Guanwen hastily bowed and walked outside, finally feeling alive again after breathing in fresh air.

    Ji Zeyu was indeed a veteran of the battlefield who¡¯d reaped countless lives; the frosty aura around him was simply too overpowering. It felt like he could snap one¡¯s neck from his stare alone, and Li Guanwen felt that the events of today would give him nightmares for weeks.

    But fortunately, he had good news. His Majesty would be highly pleased to learn that Prince Consort Ji heldplete control over the Valiant Tigers. They no longer had to worry about the Valiant Tigers betraying the throne to support the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.

    Li Guanwen quickly departed to make his report to the emperor.

    Back inside the tent, Ji Zeyu returned to contemting the map. His slender, powerful fingers tapped a border station, Skyzone Pass, before sliding down to Skywolf Pass, then to Skyaxis and Skygate Pass. The route passed through countless towns, slowly making its way to the capital.

    Pang Xiao was on his way back, he had found Qin Yining. However, the emperor had already prepared arge and was just waiting for them to rush in.

    The emperor has even given me the Valiant Tigers withplete peace of mind in order to deal with Pang Xiao. His Majesty truly wants topletely eliminate Pang Xiao this time.

    Ji Zeyu narrowed his eyes, tapping somewhere on the map with his fingertips. Only after a long while did he awake from his trance with a sigh. It¡¯s better to not return this time. What are you doing, hastilying back here with your wife?

    The happy couple naturally couldn¡¯t hear Ji Zeyu¡¯s thoughts. However, the pace of their travels was indeed hampered by Qin Yining¡¯s severe morning sickness.

    ¡°My dear, are you feeling better?¡± Pang Xiao fed Qin Yining a piece of dried plum and coaxed it down her throat, ¡°I hear this can help alleviate nausea, try some.¡±

    They were lying together in a soft, cozy carriage. In order to reduce the bumpiness that caused her to vomit, Pang Xiao had ordered the vehicle¡¯s wheels to be bound with ayer of thick cotton. That really did lessen the jolting and noisy din, but the decline in speed was unavoidable. Just looking at the carriage now made Yi Binghu¡¯s stomach churn with anger.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, it¡¯s already a lot better.¡± Qin Yining scrunched her brows up as she leaned on Pang Xiao¡¯s chest, a few tears still hanging on hershes from when she¡¯d thrown up earlier. She closed her eyes, weakly giving all of her weight to Pang Xiao.

    The prince lowered his head and looked tenderly at her pale face. He used his sleeve to wipe her tears away.

    ¡°We¡¯ll arrive at the capital soon. I don¡¯t feelfortable with your body like this. I¡¯ll send for an imperial physician to give you a proper examination as soon as we arrive.¡±

    Qin Yining found it funny. ¡°We¡¯re being escorted into the capital as criminals, how would they let you call for an imperial physician? If we really do request one upon our arrival, His Majesty would probably die of apoplexy.¡±

    Although her tone was very rxed, her voice was weak and hoarse.

 Chapter 561.2: Outskirts of the Capital

    <h4>Chapter 561.2: Outskirts of the Capital</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Qin Yining gripped Pang Xiao¡¯s hand and closed her eyes, her voice low. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t want to be a father, I still want to be a mother. This isn¡¯t just about you. As long as our child can have a safe birth and grow up happy and healthy, I¡¯ll be satisfied.

    ¡°Besides, look around, all mothers undergo this process. Both of ours suffered through a great deal. That¡¯s why the saying goes that one doesn¡¯t understand the gratitude owed to their parents until they have children themselves. When we return, we must demonstrate deep filial piety to our mothers.¡±

    She still marshalled her spirits to talk things through with him despite her deep weariness, a consideration that only made Pang Xiao¡¯s heart hurt even more.

    ¡°Alright then, we¡¯ll do as you say. You should grab the chance to sleep now that the symptoms are a bit better. We¡¯ll reach the outskirts of the capital soon, and I¡¯m not sure if there will be people waiting for us there. If His Majesty doesn¡¯t do anything immediately, I¡¯ll summon an imperial physician for you.¡±

    Hearing that, Qin Yining could only docilely nod her head. Moreover, she truly was tired. She closed her eyes, hugging Pang Xiao¡¯s waist and finding afortable spot on his chest before falling into a deep sleep.

    Pang Xiao pulled the quilt over her. Weather at the end of the fourth month was still a bit chilly, and his darling was especially sensitive to the cold right now.

    They¡¯d spoken with many doctors along the way, and all to a man said Qin Yiningcked vitality blood, and that it wasn¡¯t the best timing for her to be pregnant right now. Regret assailed Pang Xiao everytime it was repeated. He shouldn¡¯t have made Qin Yining carry a child when her body was so weak. However, what was done was done, so they had to try their hardest to protect this child.

    Pang Xiao closed his eyes, but the arm around Qin Yining didn¡¯t rx in the slightest. His mind raced through what awaited them at the capital. Most had already been scouted out by the Elite Tigers, so he had a general grasp of the situation.

    Now, he just had to see if those close to him truly shared a tacit understanding with him. Especially him and Ji Lan.

    He knew that the emperor would choose to attack him at his weakest, at a moment in which he was least able to fight back. The most likely candidate was at the moment of their return, before they had time to prepare anything.

    Everything proceeded ording to Pang Xiao¡¯s spections. The prince¡¯s entourage was met with Metropolitan troops as soon as they approached the outskirts.

    When Yi Binghu saw one of his own, he felt like he¡¯d finally returned home. He greeted them happily, ¡°Have youe on His Majesty¡¯s orders?¡±

    The leader of the squadron was called Sun Yan, and he was rtively close with Yi Binghu. He cupped his fists upon seeing the two carriages, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here on imperial orders to wee the prince¡¯s entourage into the capital. I¡¯ve been waiting here for many days. His Majesty believed that His Highness would return around this timeframe and ordered me to keep watch here.¡±

    Hearing that, Yi Binghu suffered a burst of frustration. They were so close to the capital, so shouldn¡¯t His Majesty just seize and arrest Pang Xiao¡¯s party? Sending out more soldiers to wee the prince was giving him his due respect. This wasn¡¯t what Yi Binghu had anticipated, not at all.

    Pang Xiao alighted from the carriage, gravely solemn as Qin Yining¡¯s condition wasn¡¯t very good. ¡°So it¡¯s General Sun. Please give thanks to His Majesty on this prince¡¯s behalf.¡±

    Sun Yan immediately raised cupped fists in greeting, ¡°Your Highness, it would be better for you to thank His Majesty yourself. His Majesty also gave orders for Your Highnesses to rest in a manor outside of the capital. Everything has already been fully prepared there. There happens to be a big court session tomorrow morning in which Your Highnesses are requested to attend together. You will have the opportunity to personally thank His Majesty at that time.¡±

    Yi Binghu¡¯s brows immediately rose with happiness. So this was what the emperor was nning!

    This meant keeping the prince¡¯s group in house arrest outside the capital, not permitting him time to prepare anything before trying him in court tomorrow morning!

    When he thought of this, Yi Binghu almostughed aloud.

    Pang Xiao naturally understood Li Qitian¡¯s intentions, but he wasn¡¯t afraid. ¡°Many thanks for His Majesty¡¯s arrangements. However, my wife is currently with child. Was a physician arranged for at the manor?¡±

    The secret messages Yi Binghu had sent along the way had already reported Qin Yining¡¯s pregnancy. Each of their stops along the way was also to search out doctors or medicine, so Li Qitian had long known the news.

    Given how directly the prince phrased the question, Sun Yan naturally couldn¡¯t say His Majesty hadn¡¯t arranged for anything. He thought quickly on his feet, ¡°I will immediately request a doctor for Her Highness.¡±

    ¡°An ordinary doctor won¡¯t do, I need an imperial physician from the pce that specializes in pregnancies. Send for one. If you can¡¯t, this prince will personally go,¡± said Pang Xiao.

    The threat in his words was clear. Sun Yan wouldn¡¯t dare to allow the prince to search out an imperial physician, not for anything under the sun! If they escaped along the way, the soldiers here would be the ones to bear the me!

    Sun Yan nodded and saluted, ¡°Please be at ease, Your Highness. This general will certainly do so.¡±

    While Sun Yan sent men to summon an imperial physician, Pang Xiao returned to the carriage and ordered his men to set out. Following the soldiers from the capital, they traveled to the manor the emperor had prepared for them.

 Chapter 562.1: Public Opinion

    <h4>Chapter 562.1: Public Opinion</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it before,¡± Pang Xiao smiled, ¡°and there¡¯s only so many imperial manors around the capital. I just didn¡¯t pay much attention to it.¡±

    ¡°Since he¡¯s readied it for us, he must¡¯ve picked one you weren¡¯t familiar with,¡± Qin Yining sneered. ¡°He¡¯s probably made his own arrangements there.

    ¡°However, we don¡¯t need to worry about today. The emperor¡¯s already gone this far, he¡¯s only one step away from his goal. For the sake of his reputation, we¡¯ll definitely be safe tonight.¡±

    Hearing that, Pang Xiao couldn¡¯t help but pull her closer and kiss her hand. He¡¯d nned onforting his wife, but she¡¯d just taken all of the words out of his mouth.

    It had to be said, having a wife as smart and knowledgeable as Qin Yining was truly a blessing for someone like him, always on the run and never able to spend a day in peace.

    The wagon slowly rolled to a halt outside the manor. Pce servants sent to staff it quickly flung open the gates to reveal eunuchs and maids kneeling in two rows around the walkway.

    ¡°Greetings to the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank!¡±

    Pang Xiao found the ostentatious disy hrious and whispered next to his wife''s ear, ¡°Are you tired? Ignore all that for now, let''s go in and rest up first.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded with a smile. When she saw Pang Xiao step off from the carriage, she also raised the curtain to alight. However, Pang Xiao took her hand as soon as she reached out and pulled her into a bridal carry, striding into the manor.

    The maids and eunuchs didn¡¯t dare recklessly raise their heads and observe their masters. Eyes were resolutely trained on the ground, so all they saw was a pair of ck boots striding past. Only when they heard footsteps fade into the distance did they finally dare, keeping their heads down as they shuffled into the manor in lines.

    Qin Yining was ufortable with Pang Xiao carrying her into the manor at first, but slowly felt a little more at ease when she saw that no one dared look at them. She rolled her eyes at him and whispered with a beet red face, ¡°It¡¯s not like my legs are injured, there¡¯s no need for this.¡±

    ¡°Your legs aren¡¯t injured, but you haven¡¯t been able to eat or sleep well this entire journey. Just looking at you makes my heart ache. It¡¯s just a few steps, so let me do it for you.¡±

    His words only induced further shyness. Qin Yining decided that what she couldn¡¯t see didn¡¯t count and closed her eyes, leaning in and dozing into his chest.

    Their entourage arrived in the main hall of the main building before long.

    A dignified senior pce maid of roughly thirty years old stepped forward with a curtsey. ¡°Your Highness, His Majesty has instructed for you and the princess consort to reside in the main building. Everything has already been readied and prepared.¡±

    Pang Xiao felt this maid looked a bit familiar and asked her about it.

    ¡°In response to Your Highness, this servant is Lanchi and previously served in the empress dowager¡¯s pce.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded; he did remember seeing her on his visits.

    Lanchi was indeed part of the empress dowager¡¯s household, but she''d also been the head overseer for the Grand Princess of Anyang before she married Ji Zeyu. When the princesster set up her own household outside of the pce, Lanchi hadn¡¯t gone with her for some reason, and instead stayed with the empress dowager.

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t expected His Majesty to arrange for Auntie Lanchi toe, this prince is ovee with gratitude and fear. This prince cannot thank Auntie Lanchi enough for taking care of my wife.¡±

    Lanchi dipped in a curtsey, gently protesting thepliments and calling the other servants forward. Together, they brought Pang Xiao and Qin Yining¡¯s group into the main hall.

    Although the Great Zhou capital was located further south than Tatar, it was still overall considered to be in the north. As such, the weather was a bit chilly though the days approached the fifth month of the year.

    Braziers burned in the primary hall of the main residence, filled with fine, glittering charcoal that wafted smokeless heat. Everything was neat and orderly, the room adorned in a luxurious and cozy fashion.

    Pang Xiao carefully set Qin Yining on the padded tform in the bedroom and turned his head to address the crowd of servants, ¡°My consort is quite far along in her pregnancy and prefers quiet. There is no need to enter and serve us unless you receive other orders. Lanchi is enough.¡±

    The servants withdrew with sounds of acknowledgement, and they all heaved a sigh of relief when they were out of the room. Thank goodness they didn¡¯t have to stay in the same room with the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!

    Lanchi wore a smile as she directed the servants in properly adjusting the room for their masters before giving orders to prepare food.

    Pang Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly before ordering, ¡°Have them prepare food for the others first. The pce will be sending over imperial physicians, and my consort¡¯s needs must be consulted with them first.¡±

    Lanchi¡¯s steps paused as she immediately grasped the prince¡¯s meaning. The pce servants were not to tamper with Her Highness¡¯ food. He was still a valued subject in the emperor¡¯s eyes, else there wouldn¡¯t have been such a grand wee nor so many pce servants sent to serve them in the manor. Imperial physicians would¡¯ve also never been sent to Her Highness otherwise.

    ¡°Of course, this servant will follow His Highness¡¯ orders,¡± Lanchi hastily assented. ¡°This servant wouldn¡¯t dare to neglect Her Highness¡¯ diet in the slightest.

    Instead of responding immediately, Pang Xiao looked down solemnly.

    Lanchi was still dipped in a curtsey, one foot behind her, head down and bent from the waist. Her calf was close to spasming from cramps, but she knew she had to maintain her position no matter how much she shook. She could feel Pang Xiao¡¯s razor-sharp stare stabbing into her back, and for a second, she even thought she¡¯d be dragged outside and executed on the spot.

    Just as Lanchi was about to burst into terrified tears, a soft feminine voice sounded from beside her. ¡°Alright, now what are you doing?¡±

 Chapter 562.2: Public Opinion

    <h4>Chapter 562.2: Public Opinion</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    When Lanchi ever so cautiously lifted her eyes, she happened to meet the gaze of the woman on the padded tform. She thought she was dreaming for a split second because the woman was simply too unbelievably beautiful. She didn''t seem real, but more like a figure of jade delicately carved by the gods themselves. wless and perfect, every single detail about her was exquisite.

    No wonder! Compared to the princess consort, the Grand Princess of Anyang wasn¡¯t worth writing home about. It¡¯s no wonder that the prince would turn from hard-tempered steel to soft glue around her fingers.

    ¡°You may rise,¡± said Qin Yining when she saw that the maid still maintained her curtsey even though she was shaking all over. ¡°I¡¯m a bit tired, prepare some hot water for me.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± Lanchi curtsied gratefully before retreating. Something as minor as preparing hot water was a task left to the junior eunuchs. Her Highness was just giving her a way out.

    Qin Yining smiled as she watched the maid leave and pinched the back of Pang Xiao¡¯s hand. ¡°You¡¯re ying the viin so as to make me the hero!¡±

    ¡°I would never.¡± Pang Xiao rubbed his nose with a smile, ¡°I just pressured them with a few words. What if someone¡¯s thoughts strayed otherwise and they somehow hurt you, wouldn¡¯t it all be toote then? So I¡¯m following the saying of nipping trouble in the bud and taking preventive measures in advance.¡±

    ¡°You always find a logical exnation for your actions. Qin Yining shook her head with a chuckle and leaned into him. ¡°But don¡¯t levy too much pressure on people who aren¡¯t relevant. Life is hard for those eking out a living in the lower ss.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be on our guard when we must, but we shouldn¡¯t purposefully be at odds with others. We especially shouldn¡¯t engage in arbitrary ughter. We have a child now and should umte good karma for them.¡±

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart turned gentle as he looked into Qin Yining¡¯s soft eyes. He leaned forward,nding a kiss on hershes. ¡°We''ll do whatever you say. I¡¯ll also do a lot of good deeds to collect good karma for you and our child.¡±

    Truth be told, he was very tense at the moment. He wouldn''t have cared about any of this if his darling hadn''t said anything. He''d never believed in the metaphysical, and felt that humans would prevail over the heavens.

    But he truly had a weakness now and a family he cared about. Pang Xiao suddenly found himself concerned with all of the lives he''d taken or been indirectly responsible for before. He wasn¡¯t afraid of facing retribution, but was indeed afraid of dragging in Qin Yining and their child.

    This was why somebody like him shouldn¡¯t have a weakness or ties to others. It would impede him and create hesitation at critical junctures. However, Pang Xiao was still very grateful for everything he possessed now.

    Upon the arrival of hot water, Qin Yining and Pang Xiao washed up with the servants waiting on them hand and foot.

    Before long, Sun Yan returned with the two doctors most experienced in pregnancies in the imperial hospital.

    ¡°Your Highness, the imperial physicians have arrived.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded, but didn¡¯t follow Sun Yan out. He opted for waiting at the side while the two physicians made their inspection.

    The two imperial physicians took her pulse and examined her with the greatest of care. Once they made their rounds, they exined Qin Yining¡¯s current condition to Pang Xiao. Their exnations were the same as the other doctors who¡¯d previously inspected Qin Yining, putting his heart at ease.

    It looks like Li Qitian wouldn¡¯t cause trouble with the imperial physicians.

    But that further emphasized how thorough Li Qitian¡¯s preparations were this time. He no longer cared about petty tricks and was just waiting to close in for the kill.

    If it¡¯d been anyone else facing the emperor in court tomorrow, they might be anxious with fear and too nervous to rest. After all, the odds of sessfully defying imperial power were close to none. Brave heroes and schrs abounded in history, ones who upheld justice and helped found the nation, but their final reward was an inglorious end at the hands of imperial power.

    However, Pang Xiao wasn¡¯t afraid in the slightest. Rather, excitement exuded from his very bones.

    He was the sort to charge straight into difficulties; retreating without putting up a fight wasn''t his style. His sworn brother had employed roundabout methods and tactics for many years, and he wanted to see just what Li Qitian had in mind this time to finally put him to death.

    While Pang Xiao and Qin Yining rested in the manor, news of their return had already somehow spread around the capital.

    ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rankmitted treason, but the emperor still arranges for him to stay at an imperial manor. Ah, the emperor truly loves his subjects. What a pity that the subject is unworthy of this favor and chose to betray the country instead. He really needs to die!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that right! His Majesty really is benevolent toward the prince. The prince is apparently so arrogant that he even defies imperial decrees!¡±

    .......

    When Qin Huaiyuan, second and third elder master returned home in a carriage, the streets buzzed with talk of the manor that¡¯d been prepared for Pang Xiao¡¯s return.

    The second elder master was scared witless and whispered lowly, ¡°Big brother, they...¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan waved a gentle hand, hinting for his brother not to say anymore. The second elder master promptly shut his mouth.

    They were Qin Yining¡¯s maternal family, undoubtedly under imperial surveince all this time. Wouldn''t they bring trouble down on the entire family if they carelessly said something that infuriated the emperor?

    The carriage slowly made its way back to the Qin Manor and the group alighted from the vehicle, returning home just as normal.

 Chapter 563.1: Morning Court (1)

    <h4>Chapter 563.1: Morning Court (1)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Milord, has our daughter returned? Everybody on the streets were talking about it when I went out today!¡±

    Qin Huaiyan nodded with a smile. ¡°His Majesty is benevolent and arranged for an imperial manor outside the capital for our daughter and His Highness to spend the night at.¡±

    ¡°They aren¡¯ting back home?¡± n¨¦e Sun asked in surprise. ¡°It''s been almost a year since I¡¯vest seen our daughter after her wedding in the sixth month of thest year. I really miss her very much so, and who knows what she¡¯s suffered in Tatar! What if His Highness doesn¡¯t treat her with the same trust and love as before?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Qin Huaiyan chuckled when he saw how worriedly his wife was frowning. ¡°The prince is a treasured subject of His Majesty, so how would he be a heartless man who discards the old for the new? I¡¯m sure our daughter will be home soon.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun adroitly picked up on how her husband¡¯s tone was different from usual and immediately went on the alert.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, milord.¡± She nodded with a stiff expression. ¡°His Majesty is a wise ruler and the prince is a faithful subject. Our daughter is also a kind and virtuous wife, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    Qin Huaiyan nodded and the group made for the rear residence to pay their well wishes to the old dowager.

    Another round of sickness had struck the old dowager a few days ago, so she wasn¡¯t in the best of spirits. Combined with her grave disappointment in Qin Huaiyuan during this period, she only scowled when she saw her firstborn and redirected her attentions to her second son.

    Upon making their bows, the old dowager acknowledged only her favorite, ¡°So you¡¯vee back. Xiu¡¯er,e sit by mother. It¡¯s warm here.¡±

    The second elder master nodded smilingly and took a seat in front of the old dowager. The second madame also walked in, personally serving them tea.

    The old dowager ignored her eldest son and daughter-inw, and couldn¡¯t be bothered to even look at her third son. She pulled the second elder master into an animated discussion before finally asking about Pang Xiao¡¯s return to the capital. ¡°Was what I heard them say earlier true?¡±

    The second elder master¡¯s expression stiffened. Who¡¯d run off their mouth and told the old dowager about affairs outside??

    The old dowager was in poor health and needed to rest and recover quietly. More important was that Pang Xiao had been sent to an imperial manor outside the capital upon his return. Those who weren¡¯t in the know praised the emperor for being so concerned about his subjects, but those who read the situation clearly knew this was just another form of house arrest.

    Who knew what kinds of punishment and denouncements would be forting?

    Given the situation, no one knew whether the Qin family would be implicated or not. Therefore, there were undoubtedly numerous pairs of eyes fixed on them from the surroundings.

    The second elder master worried deeply that the old dowager would say something untoward that¡¯d be passed into the emperor¡¯s ears and create trouble for the family. He looked at Qin Huaiyuan for help.

    His older brother was much more experienced at dealing with such things. Right now, he had no idea how to respond.

    ¡°Mother, recuperation is the true task at hand.¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded to the second elder master¡¯s signal for help. ¡°You can¡¯t affect the affairs outside the family, so asking about them will only result in fruitlessbor.¡±

    ¡°Do I not even have the right to ask anymore?!¡± the old dowager flew into a rage. ¡°You took the power to handle matters of the household from me and now want me to be blind, deaf, and dumb?? You unfilial son!¡±

    ¡°Mother, please calm down,¡± Qin Huaiyuan said in exasperation. ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to anger, it might harm your body.¡±

    ¡°I might be able to live for a few more years if you spoke less!¡± the old dowager retorted. ¡°Besides, I was speaking with Xiu¡¯er, what are you butting in for?!¡±

    She returned to speaking lovingly to her second son, ¡°There are quite a lot of rumors outside all having to do with how that wretched Pang Zhixi betrayed His Majesty¡¯s favor and grace. Hemitted treason and defected to the Tatars for the sake of a woman! Now that he¡¯s returned, who knows how the emperor will punish him?

    ¡°Our family was so unlucky in bing inws with the Pangs. It¡¯s all because of that no-good Yining who weed disaster through our front door. Judging from His Majesty¡¯s current attitude, he might pin all of the crimes on the Pangs. What a good thing that only Yining married into their family! I was wise and far-seeing enough to not marry off eighthss to that good-for-nothing Pang. Oh, the trouble we would be in then if two Qin daughters were Pang wives!

    ¡°Now, I¡¯m telling you all this and I¡¯m telling you good, keep to ourselves! Break off all ties to the Pangs so we¡¯re not dragged down by them. Us Qins have experienced so many trials and hardships to finally be able to live our stable and peaceful days now. We can¡¯t afford any mistakes in this matter, I won¡¯t be able to endure it.¡±

    The old dowager shook her head as she spoke, the very picture of stalwart benevolence in the face of arduous suffering.

    N¨¦e Sun struggled to repress her anger. If this old woman hadn¡¯t been Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s birth mother, she would''ve already dished out a few ps to the face!

    This was what they meant by a shameless and despicable woman who was utterly devoid of gratitude!

    She couldn¡¯t be bothered to quarrel with the old woman. It¡¯s not worth the bad reputation I¡¯ll get if I infuriate her to death. Instead, she turned her heel and left without another word.

    ¡°Look at her, putting on airs even though she¡¯s the one who failed to teach her own daughter well.¡± sneered the old dowager and spat on the ground as she watched N¨¦e Sun leave.

 Chapter 563.1: Morning Court (1)

    <h4>Chapter 563.1: Morning Court (1)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Milord, has our daughter returned? Everybody on the streets were talking about it when I went out today!¡±

    Qin Huaiyan nodded with a smile. ¡°His Majesty is benevolent and arranged for an imperial manor outside the capital for our daughter and His Highness to spend the night at.¡±

    ¡°They aren¡¯ting back home?¡± n¨¦e Sun asked in surprise. ¡°It''s been almost a year since I¡¯vest seen our daughter after her wedding in the sixth month of thest year. I really miss her very much so, and who knows what she¡¯s suffered in Tatar! What if His Highness doesn¡¯t treat her with the same trust and love as before?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Qin Huaiyan chuckled when he saw how worriedly his wife was frowning. ¡°The prince is a treasured subject of His Majesty, so how would he be a heartless man who discards the old for the new? I¡¯m sure our daughter will be home soon.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun adroitly picked up on how her husband¡¯s tone was different from usual and immediately went on the alert.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, milord.¡± She nodded with a stiff expression. ¡°His Majesty is a wise ruler and the prince is a faithful subject. Our daughter is also a kind and virtuous wife, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.¡±

    Qin Huaiyan nodded and the group made for the rear residence to pay their well wishes to the old dowager.

    Another round of sickness had struck the old dowager a few days ago, so she wasn¡¯t in the best of spirits. Combined with her grave disappointment in Qin Huaiyuan during this period, she only scowled when she saw her firstborn and redirected her attentions to her second son.

    Upon making their bows, the old dowager acknowledged only her favorite, ¡°So you¡¯vee back. Xiu¡¯er,e sit by mother. It¡¯s warm here.¡±

    The second elder master nodded smilingly and took a seat in front of the old dowager. The second madame also walked in, personally serving them tea.

    The old dowager ignored her eldest son and daughter-inw, and couldn¡¯t be bothered to even look at her third son. She pulled the second elder master into an animated discussion before finally asking about Pang Xiao¡¯s return to the capital. ¡°Was what I heard them say earlier true?¡±

    The second elder master¡¯s expression stiffened. Who¡¯d run off their mouth and told the old dowager about affairs outside??

    The old dowager was in poor health and needed to rest and recover quietly. More important was that Pang Xiao had been sent to an imperial manor outside the capital upon his return. Those who weren¡¯t in the know praised the emperor for being so concerned about his subjects, but those who read the situation clearly knew this was just another form of house arrest.

    Who knew what kinds of punishment and denouncements would be forting?

    Given the situation, no one knew whether the Qin family would be implicated or not. Therefore, there were undoubtedly numerous pairs of eyes fixed on them from the surroundings.

    The second elder master worried deeply that the old dowager would say something untoward that¡¯d be passed into the emperor¡¯s ears and create trouble for the family. He looked at Qin Huaiyuan for help.

    His older brother was much more experienced at dealing with such things. Right now, he had no idea how to respond.

    ¡°Mother, recuperation is the true task at hand.¡± Qin Huaiyuan responded to the second elder master¡¯s signal for help. ¡°You can¡¯t affect the affairs outside the family, so asking about them will only result in fruitlessbor.¡±

    ¡°Do I not even have the right to ask anymore?!¡± the old dowager flew into a rage. ¡°You took the power to handle matters of the household from me and now want me to be blind, deaf, and dumb?? You unfilial son!¡±

    ¡°Mother, please calm down,¡± Qin Huaiyuan said in exasperation. ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to anger, it might harm your body.¡±

    ¡°I might be able to live for a few more years if you spoke less!¡± the old dowager retorted. ¡°Besides, I was speaking with Xiu¡¯er, what are you butting in for?!¡±

    She returned to speaking lovingly to her second son, ¡°There are quite a lot of rumors outside all having to do with how that wretched Pang Zhixi betrayed His Majesty¡¯s favor and grace. Hemitted treason and defected to the Tatars for the sake of a woman! Now that he¡¯s returned, who knows how the emperor will punish him?

    ¡°Our family was so unlucky in bing inws with the Pangs. It¡¯s all because of that no-good Yining who weed disaster through our front door. Judging from His Majesty¡¯s current attitude, he might pin all of the crimes on the Pangs. What a good thing that only Yining married into their family! I was wise and far-seeing enough to not marry off eighthss to that good-for-nothing Pang. Oh, the trouble we would be in then if two Qin daughters were Pang wives!

    ¡°Now, I¡¯m telling you all this and I¡¯m telling you good, keep to ourselves! Break off all ties to the Pangs so we¡¯re not dragged down by them. Us Qins have experienced so many trials and hardships to finally be able to live our stable and peaceful days now. We can¡¯t afford any mistakes in this matter, I won¡¯t be able to endure it.¡±

    The old dowager shook her head as she spoke, the very picture of stalwart benevolence in the face of arduous suffering.

    N¨¦e Sun struggled to repress her anger. If this old woman hadn¡¯t been Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s birth mother, she would''ve already dished out a few ps to the face!

    This was what they meant by a shameless and despicable woman who was utterly devoid of gratitude!

    She couldn¡¯t be bothered to quarrel with the old woman. It¡¯s not worth the bad reputation I¡¯ll get if I infuriate her to death. Instead, she turned her heel and left without another word.

    ¡°Look at her, putting on airs even though she¡¯s the one who failed to teach her own daughter well.¡± sneered the old dowager and spat on the ground as she watched N¨¦e Sun leave.

 Chapter 563.2: Morning Court (1)

    <h4>Chapter 563.2: Morning Court (1)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The third elder master quickly spoke up, ¡°Big brother, please don¡¯t take it to heart. Mother¡¯s getting on in the years, her mind¡¯s a bit muddled these days.¡±

    When the old dowager heard this, she immediately threw a cushion at him. ¡°You little bastard raised by a filthy concubine! Since when was it ever your turn to pass judgment on me?! Get out!!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t wrong to call the third elder master a concubine-raised son. However, during the years of the Yan Dynasty, apart from some household expenses covered by Qin Huaiyuan and the second elder master¡¯s monthly stipend, therge majority of the family¡¯s expenses all came out of the third branch. The third elder master and deceased third madame had both contributed very much to the family over the years.

    Now that the old dowager had conveniently forgotten everything his family branch had done and cursed people at the drop of a hat, the third elder master had reached the end of his patience.

    ¡°You say that sister-inw hasn¡¯t taught her daughter well, but I wonder what kind of person could teach an official mother as heartless and ungrateful as you!¡± He stood up with a cold snort. ¡°You never remember what others do for you and turn them out on the street the second something goes against your wishes. How are you fitting to be a family¡¯s old dowager like this?!¡±

    ¡°Outrageous, such insolence! Someone throw this evil fiend out!¡±

    ¡°No one needs to do that, I don¡¯t want to waste another second looking at you either! Since you¡¯ve never considered me as your son, neither shall I further waste my time treating you as my mother!¡±

    The third elder master whirled around in a huff and stalked off, pausing at the door.

    ¡°Elder brothers, you also saw what happened. Rather than me being unreasonable, it¡¯s the old dowager simply being too vicious. Although you two are her blood-rted sons, you should be careful not to let the old dowager instigate disharmony. If us brothers turn against each other, the entire family will fall apart.¡±

    Clutching her chest, the old dowager went into a coughing fit and jabbed an usatory finger at the third elder master. Only after his departure via a furious brandish of the door curtain did she stop and spit furiously at the ground.

    Apart from Qin-mama, only Qin Huaiyuan, the second elder master and his wife remained.

    ¡°Mother is wise and knows how to judge the situation, so I won¡¯t say too much. I¡¯m sure mother has thought of all these matters. Your son will be taking his leave.¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood up and bowed before leaving.

    The old dowager didn¡¯t spare a nce for Qin Huaiyuan from start to finish. But when the corner of her eye caught him leaving without looking back even once, the mes of anger burned even more fiercely in her heart.

    The son she had once doted on the most now no longer cared for her; this was all because of his wife and child! She¡¯d wasted all these years on him!

    Sadness suddenly overwhelmed the old dowager and she pulled the second elder master aside for a good cry.

    ¡°I must have been born under an ominous star! I¡¯ve never had a single good day after marrying into the Qins. Back then, your father...¡±

    The second elder master had no other choice but to listen silently. As resigned as he was, the old dowager was his blood mother. He could neither hit her nor curse her, just endure her antics.

    These age-oldints and tired phrases had long grated on the second madame¡¯s ears. She felt disinclined to pay attention to the increasingly unreasonable old dowager and quietly took her leave.

    When she exited through the door curtain, she saw Qin Huaiyuan standing in the corridor with his hands behind his back. Pausing, she then walked over with a sigh.

    ¡°Brother-inw, please don¡¯t be sad. Mother¡¯s getting on in the years and her mind really isn¡¯t as sharp as before. Sometimes, she bes delirious and says things she doesn¡¯t mean.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan exchanged greetings with his sister-inw, keeping three steps of distance between them. ¡°Sister-inw is right. As her children, whatever mother says, we can only listen.¡±

    The second madame grasped the meaning behind Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words. Since the old dowager didn¡¯t make the decisions in the family anymore, what did it matter what she thought? She was able to assume great airs only behind closed doors at home.

    ¡°Has my niece already arrived at the imperial manor with His Highness?¡± she asked worriedly.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled at the second madame. ¡°His Majesty is gracious and benevolent. Our family will be able to reunite soon.¡±

    During their idle chatter earlier, Qin Huaiyuan constantly brought up the emperor¡¯s magnanimity. rm bells ringing in the second madame¡¯s heart, she knew to nod and y along. ¡°Quite so, His Majesty has always treated His Highness dearly.¡±

    By now, the entire senior generation of the Qin n understood the situation. As rtives by marriage, they were all under close imperial surveince and every move reported to the emperor.

    If even they at home were like this, what was there to say about Pang Xiao¡¯s group that had just returned to the capital?

    Who knew what kind of inescapable had been draped over the imperial manor? Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were most likely under strict surveince without any freedom to speak of.

    Just being monitored wasn¡¯t much cause for concern, but most important was that they had no clue what the emperor would do next.

    Thus, it was imperative that the family carried on just like any other day, spending their days in a hubbub of noise and activity.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t sleep well that night. He didn¡¯t dare share the news with the inws at this critical juncture. He could only hope they were smart enough to refrain from emerging at this time. If they couldn¡¯t resist the urge, they might very well be captured as hostages for the emperor to threaten Pang Xiao with.

    Qin Huaiyuan and the second elder master rose early the next morning and headed for the pce to attend morning court. Their sedan chair had just reached the pce gates when a group of imperial guards suddenly blocked their way.

    ¡°Milords, please wait a moment. The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank are arriving. Our lines will move again shortly.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had been resting in the sedan chair with his eyes closed when he heard the news. Eyes shooting open, he raised the window curtain to look outside.

    He could just barely make out Pang Xiao¡¯s entourage slowly stopped not too far away in the dense crowd.

    The prince deftly jumped off his horse before walking back to the luxuriously decorated carriage behind him, personally lifting the heavy embroidered curtains and carefully supporting a splendidly dressed Qin Yining off the carriage.

    Although his daughter had lost a lot of weight and her face was pale, at least she was safe and sound. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s tense heart could finally settle as he released a surreptitious sigh of relief.

 Chapter 563.2: Morning Court (1)

    <h4>Chapter 563.2: Morning Court (1)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The third elder master quickly spoke up, ¡°Big brother, please don¡¯t take it to heart. Mother¡¯s getting on in the years, her mind¡¯s a bit muddled these days.¡±

    When the old dowager heard this, she immediately threw a cushion at him. ¡°You little bastard raised by a filthy concubine! Since when was it ever your turn to pass judgment on me?! Get out!!¡±

    It wasn¡¯t wrong to call the third elder master a concubine-raised son. However, during the years of the Yan Dynasty, apart from some household expenses covered by Qin Huaiyuan and the second elder master¡¯s monthly stipend, therge majority of the family¡¯s expenses all came out of the third branch. The third elder master and deceased third madame had both contributed very much to the family over the years.

    Now that the old dowager had conveniently forgotten everything his family branch had done and cursed people at the drop of a hat, the third elder master had reached the end of his patience.

    ¡°You say that sister-inw hasn¡¯t taught her daughter well, but I wonder what kind of person could teach an official mother as heartless and ungrateful as you!¡± He stood up with a cold snort. ¡°You never remember what others do for you and turn them out on the street the second something goes against your wishes. How are you fitting to be a family¡¯s old dowager like this?!¡±

    ¡°Outrageous, such insolence! Someone throw this evil fiend out!¡±

    ¡°No one needs to do that, I don¡¯t want to waste another second looking at you either! Since you¡¯ve never considered me as your son, neither shall I further waste my time treating you as my mother!¡±

    The third elder master whirled around in a huff and stalked off, pausing at the door.

    ¡°Elder brothers, you also saw what happened. Rather than me being unreasonable, it¡¯s the old dowager simply being too vicious. Although you two are her blood-rted sons, you should be careful not to let the old dowager instigate disharmony. If us brothers turn against each other, the entire family will fall apart.¡±

    Clutching her chest, the old dowager went into a coughing fit and jabbed an usatory finger at the third elder master. Only after his departure via a furious brandish of the door curtain did she stop and spit furiously at the ground.

    Apart from Qin-mama, only Qin Huaiyuan, the second elder master and his wife remained.

    ¡°Mother is wise and knows how to judge the situation, so I won¡¯t say too much. I¡¯m sure mother has thought of all these matters. Your son will be taking his leave.¡± Qin Huaiyuan stood up and bowed before leaving.

    The old dowager didn¡¯t spare a nce for Qin Huaiyuan from start to finish. But when the corner of her eye caught him leaving without looking back even once, the mes of anger burned even more fiercely in her heart.

    The son she had once doted on the most now no longer cared for her; this was all because of his wife and child! She¡¯d wasted all these years on him!

    Sadness suddenly overwhelmed the old dowager and she pulled the second elder master aside for a good cry.

    ¡°I must have been born under an ominous star! I¡¯ve never had a single good day after marrying into the Qins. Back then, your father...¡±

    The second elder master had no other choice but to listen silently. As resigned as he was, the old dowager was his blood mother. He could neither hit her nor curse her, just endure her antics.

    These age-oldints and tired phrases had long grated on the second madame¡¯s ears. She felt disinclined to pay attention to the increasingly unreasonable old dowager and quietly took her leave.

    When she exited through the door curtain, she saw Qin Huaiyuan standing in the corridor with his hands behind his back. Pausing, she then walked over with a sigh.

    ¡°Brother-inw, please don¡¯t be sad. Mother¡¯s getting on in the years and her mind really isn¡¯t as sharp as before. Sometimes, she bes delirious and says things she doesn¡¯t mean.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan exchanged greetings with his sister-inw, keeping three steps of distance between them. ¡°Sister-inw is right. As her children, whatever mother says, we can only listen.¡±

    The second madame grasped the meaning behind Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words. Since the old dowager didn¡¯t make the decisions in the family anymore, what did it matter what she thought? She was able to assume great airs only behind closed doors at home.

    ¡°Has my niece already arrived at the imperial manor with His Highness?¡± she asked worriedly.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled at the second madame. ¡°His Majesty is gracious and benevolent. Our family will be able to reunite soon.¡±

    During their idle chatter earlier, Qin Huaiyuan constantly brought up the emperor¡¯s magnanimity. rm bells ringing in the second madame¡¯s heart, she knew to nod and y along. ¡°Quite so, His Majesty has always treated His Highness dearly.¡±

    By now, the entire senior generation of the Qin n understood the situation. As rtives by marriage, they were all under close imperial surveince and every move reported to the emperor.

    If even they at home were like this, what was there to say about Pang Xiao¡¯s group that had just returned to the capital?

    Who knew what kind of inescapable had been draped over the imperial manor? Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were most likely under strict surveince without any freedom to speak of.

    Just being monitored wasn¡¯t much cause for concern, but most important was that they had no clue what the emperor would do next.

    Thus, it was imperative that the family carried on just like any other day, spending their days in a hubbub of noise and activity.

    However, Qin Huaiyuan didn¡¯t sleep well that night. He didn¡¯t dare share the news with the inws at this critical juncture. He could only hope they were smart enough to refrain from emerging at this time. If they couldn¡¯t resist the urge, they might very well be captured as hostages for the emperor to threaten Pang Xiao with.

    Qin Huaiyuan and the second elder master rose early the next morning and headed for the pce to attend morning court. Their sedan chair had just reached the pce gates when a group of imperial guards suddenly blocked their way.

    ¡°Milords, please wait a moment. The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank are arriving. Our lines will move again shortly.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan had been resting in the sedan chair with his eyes closed when he heard the news. Eyes shooting open, he raised the window curtain to look outside.

    He could just barely make out Pang Xiao¡¯s entourage slowly stopped not too far away in the dense crowd.

    The prince deftly jumped off his horse before walking back to the luxuriously decorated carriage behind him, personally lifting the heavy embroidered curtains and carefully supporting a splendidly dressed Qin Yining off the carriage.

    Although his daughter had lost a lot of weight and her face was pale, at least she was safe and sound. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s tense heart could finally settle as he released a surreptitious sigh of relief.

 Chapter 564.1: Morning Court (II)

    <h4>Chapter 564.1: Morning Court (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    What a tremendous disy of imperial favor toward the Faithful Prince of the First Rank, that none other may travel before him and even soldiers were deployed to clear his path! That it also happened to disy the prince¡¯s overbearing arrogance?

    Surely a coincidence.

    Qin Yining sneered inwardly and felt that Li Qitian¡¯s methods were bing ever more low ss. He seemed to love pulling little tricks like these, putting him on the same level as petty schemes in an inner residence.

    When Pang Xiao saw burgeoning anger peek through Qin Yining¡¯s exquisite makeup, he mollified her with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this, my dear. You¡¯ll let others get their way and hurt yourself in the process.¡±

    She nodded, it did seem that her emotions were easily influenced ever since she''d gotten pregnant. This was indeed not good for her health. Taking Pang Xiao¡¯s hand, she looked up as she alighted from the carriage and happened to meet a pair of familiar eyes through the dense crowd.

    It¡¯s father!

    That pair of eyes that were so much like hers were filled with joy and care. He was peering through all of the heads in his way, anxiously trying to ascertain her condition.

    Tears welled up in her eyes and she almost burst out crying. Her father was such an extraordinary figure who seemed too remarkable for this world. But now he was just like any other father beneath the heavens, waiting on bated breath for a glimpse of his child.

    Qin Yining felt incredibly guilty to see her father having be much skinnier. He must have been worried out of his mind during this time. She knew full well just how chaotic things at home could be; he¡¯d undoubtedly endured all sorts of pressure to defend her like he¡¯d always had.

    Her vision growing blurry through the tears, she made to walk toward her father. Though he nodded at her with a smile, he waved a hand to indicate that she shouldn''t approach him.

    Qin Huaiyuan could tell that his daughter had undergone severe hardship and trial. She lost a lot of weight and looked much more feeble than before, but Pang Xiao¡¯s attitude toward her was the same as ever. It was in to see that he didn''t have any reservations about her being kidnapped to Tatar.

    All was well in Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s world if the married couple were still of one heart.

    Pang Xiao followed his wife''s gaze and saw his father-inw on the outskirts of the crowd. Though it was prior to morning court and hundreds of civil and martial officials were looking at them from the sidelines, he felt that whatever they did now didn''t really matter given the circumstances. Li Qitian was sure to hate their faction after all of the arrangements he¡¯d made. Given the emperor¡¯s character, he was sure to assign Qin Huaiyuan to the prince¡¯s faction since the minister was his father-inw.

    Therefore, Pang Xiao took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and walk toward his father-inw without hesitation.

    Following their every move, the crowd fell silent at this development.

    Qin Huaiyuan first frowned, then underwent the same thought process and smiled at the coupleing his way.

    Qin Xiuyuan tagged anxiously on his brother¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Brother, this...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Qin Huaiyuan patted him reassuringly.

    Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had reached them, upon which even the soldiers parted way. They greeted Qin Huaiyuan in unison.

    ¡°Father.¡±

    ¡°Father-inw.¡±

    ¡°Good, good, there¡¯s no need for further courtesies.¡± Qin Huaiyuan helped one up with each of his hands, first smiling at Pang Xiao, then looking Qin Yining over. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten skinnier, but it¡¯s good that you¡¯re able toe back.¡±

    ¡°Yes father, I¡¯m doing very well. His Highness got there just in the nick of time. Though I weathered spell of fright, I didn''t suffer much for it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s very good.¡± Qin Huaiyuan nodded merrily.

    The couple then greeted Qin Xiuyuan. ¡°Second uncle.¡±

    ¡°Good, good. It¡¯s so wonderful to see you safe and sound.¡± The second elder master¡¯s eyes were reddened with emotion.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about, father-inw. Though Yining was kidnapped and was plunged into a perilous situation, she is smart, strong, and always able to dissolve danger. She is now three months pregnant and father-inw will be able to hold your grandson at the end of the year.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuan both started at the news. Qin Huaiyuan immediately ran mental calctions and confirmed that the child was Pang Xiao¡¯s, that his daughter hadn''t been defiled by the Tatars nor disdained by his son-inw. He nodded joyously andughed uproariously without a hint of his usual genteel demeanor.

    ¡°Wonderful, fantastic! We must nourish you well when we return home, you''re simply too skinny.¡±

    ¡°That''s right, your mother and second aunt miss you dearly,¡± Qin Xiuyuan joined in happily.

    Qin Yining ducked her head bashfully. ¡°How is mother and second aunt? Is everything fine at home?¡±

    ¡°Fine, they¡¯re all very fine. You¡¯ll know when you return home after morning court,¡± replied a Qin Huaiyuan wreathed in smiles.

    Qin Yining nodded with delight as well.

    The casual chat lightened up the previously stern atmosphere. Qin Yining had been a bit worried at first, but rxed upon seeing her father in natural spirits and full of assurance, as well as her husband walking around with rxed ease.

    Since she was pregnant, there were certain things that Pang Xiao wouldn''t raise with her. He¡¯d undoubtedly finished all of his preparations beforehand.

 Chapter 564.2: Morning Court (II)

    <h4>Chapter 564.2: Morning Court (II)</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    His words ran deep with connotations of rebuking whoever sowed discord between him and the other great officials. How would those from the Metropolitan dare say they were here on the emperor''s orders? They backed down with embarrassment, not wanting to inadvertently cause trouble.

    The officials closest to him understood certain things when they heard the exchange. However, since they were just ordinary officials, they didn''t want to be embroiled in the politics of court and so refrained from expressing any specific sentiments.

    It would be another matter entirely when it came to chit-chat with trusted confidantes or under the table whispers with the caveat of ¡°I¡¯m only telling you this so don''t tell anyone else¡±. Pang Xiao¡¯s goal would be aplished sooner orter.

    This was Qin Yining¡¯s first time attending morning court and also her first time facing such a tense situation without being involved. Due to express orders from Li Qitian, the married couple could only exchange a few words with Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuan before moving on to await imperial summons.

    Pang Xiao was greatly worried about her health and wouldn''t let her participate in anything. Qin Yining waspletely oblivious to what was going on; though she trusted Pang Xiao, she was still very worried.

    Feeling that her palms were mmy with sweat, Pang Xiao pulled her hands over and wiped them on his official princely robes.

    ¡°Don''t worry, everything''s going to be fine. I will ensure the safety of you and our family.¡±

    Qin Yining smiled wryly. ¡°Of course I trust you, but things don''t look very good at the moment and you won''t tell me anything. Of course I''ll worry if I don''t know anything.¡±

    ¡°I told you before to just stick by my side and focus on enjoying life,¡± Pang Xiao chuckled. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about these matters anymore. Isn''t it good that I''ve handled everything?¡±

    Well, of course this was nice, but it was also impossible for Qin Yining to not devote any attention to the straits they were in.

    Just as she remained deep in furrowed thought and an anxious Pang Xiao wanted tofort her further, a eunuch¡¯s high-pitched voice cut across the gathering.

    ¡°Upon His Majesty¡¯s orders, the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank are to attend morning court and participate in the administration and discussion of state affairs!¡±

    ¡°This subject hears and obeys.¡± Pang Xiao adjusted his wife''s robes and brought her hand up for a soft kiss. ¡°Don¡¯t worry and believe in me.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded emphatically at him. Now that circumstances had progressed to this point, there was no point in shuffling one foot forward while constantly looking behind her. The two of them were together, no matter how the oue would be.

    The two followed the messenger to the Hall of Governmental Union, passing by waves of announcements delivered in the trademark tones of the pce eunuchs. The high pitched delivery of imperial degrees traveled forth for a great distance, reverberating in the ears of those assembled in the za outside the hall.

    ¡°Summoning the Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank!¡± came the call shortly thereafter.

    Pang Xiao once again patted his beloved¡¯s hand before heading up the stairs first, striding into the hall with steady steps.

    Looking at the hall¡¯s entrance, Qin Yining took a deep breath and smiled when her gaze fell on her husband¡¯s upright back. She slowly followed him in.

    Taut as a drawn string, the atmosphere inside the Hall of Governmental Union was gravely tense and thrummed with jeopardy. The married couple¡¯s arrival did nothing to alleviate it¡ªin fact, it only set everyone more on edge.

    After entering the hall, Qin Yining kept her head down and eyes trained on the ground, fully disying every bit of etiquette and protocol that she¡¯d learned before from the pce mamas. She strove with all her might to present a wless exterior.

    Those gathered for morning court were highly familiar with the prince, but it was their first time seeing the ¡°enemy¡¯s daughter¡± that he¡¯d seized by force andter married. They were immensely curious about Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s daughter to begin with and after seeing her in person today, many had their spections confirmed.

    How else would the Faithful Prince of the First Rank set aside his vengeance if not for stunning looks, delicate skin, and an elegantportment?

    Qin Yining had seen more than her fair share of grand asions, so she pretended that none of the curious or calcting gazes on her existed. She followed demurely behind Pang Xiao to make her greetings to Li Qitian.

    ¡°You may rise, beloved subject,¡± called out a Li Qitian wreathed in smiles.

    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty.¡± Pang Xiao didn¡¯t forget to turn around and help Qin Yining up when he stood up, a gesture that set off a new round of hypothesizing in the assembled officials¡¯ eyes.

    Li Qitian graced them with a wide smile. ¡°We have summoned Our beloved subject here today with your princess consort to discuss the sudden death of the Tatar khan Anari. You are sure to be aware of how much this matters to the current Utkin Khan of Tatar. He refuses to set the matter aside and insists that the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank killed their former liege. They threaten our borders even now with a Tatar army.¡±

    He looked at Qin Yining and asked gently, ¡°We are sure the princess consort has an exnation for this matter?¡±

    He was the epitome of a benevolent ruler without a single hint of censure on his kind face. His attitude was perfectly in order, a result of his determination to not let anyone find fault with him.

 Chapter 565.1: The Ten Grave Offenses

    <h4>Chapter 565.1: The Ten Grave Offenses</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    A shrill male voice furiously interrupted her before she could finish, and a middle-aged official stormed forward to bow. ¡°Your Majesty, this subject would like to make a statement!¡±

    ¡°Beloved subject Gu, We are in the middle of an interrogation.¡± Li Qitian appeared rather surprised at this, his brows scrunching in displeasure. ¡°Do you not think it is improper of you to interrupt the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank so abruptly?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject is aware that I have overstepped the bounds of propriety, but this subject is straight as an arrow¡ªif I see someone attempt to mislead His Majesty with flowery speech and the facade of a prim and properdy, I simply must speak out.¡± Imperial Scribe Gu bowed before continuing, ¡°This subject humbly requests that His Majesty hears him out. If this subject speaks incorrectly or untruthfully, I will ept any punishment from His Majesty!¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s furrow deepened, caught between a rock and a hard ce. Seeing Imperial Scribe Gu¡¯s raw sincerity, he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Very well. You speak first, then.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Majesty!¡± The imperial scribe bowed passionately, his indignation at the injustice of the situation swelling within his chest. ¡°Your Majesty, as an imperial scribe, this subject has the responsibility to present the ten grave offensesmitted by the Faithful Prince of the First Rank!

    ¡°The first offense: killing innocents without showing a hint of mercy;

    ¡°The second offense: humiliating senior subjects of Northern Ji in a disy of high hubris;

    ¡°The third offense: misappropriating provisions and causing misunderstandings between liege and subject;

    ¡°The fourth offense: forcing himself upon the daughter of a court official and ignoring the will of the emperor;

    ¡°The fifth offense: leaving the capital without permission with the intent of iming treasure for himself;

    ¡°The sixth offense: embezzling relief funds without regard for the wellbeing of the people;

    ¡°The seventh offense: lusting after power and begrudging the talents of his colleagues;

    ¡°The eighth offense: uwful assembly and raising a private militia for impure purposes;

    ¡°The ninth offense: disrespecting his father''s official wife and failing his filial duties;

    ¡°The tenth offense is the most serious of them all: defying imperial decrees, disrespecting the emperor, and defecting to another nation!

    ¡°Someone as arrogant, delinquent, unfilial and disloyal as he hasmitted too many crimes to inscribe! This subject beseeches His Majesty to punish him severely!¡±

    ¡°This subject agrees!¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject agrees as well!¡±

    ¡°The Faithful Prince of the First Rank has failed his duties as a royal subject! We beseech His Majesty to judge this harshly and uphold thews of the court!¡±

    ......

    As soon as Imperial Scribe Gu finished speaking, dozens of court officials stepped forward to loudly echo his words. Emotions boiling over from the din of denouncement, they could¡¯ve convinced anyone that Pang Xiao was actually a robber from the mountains who was capable of every possible crime beneath the heavens and then some.

    Li Qitian sat upright at the head of the hall with his brows slightly pinched, the very picture of someone greatly shaken but forcing himself to remain calm. In spite of all this, Pang Xiao, Qin Yining, Qin Huaiyuan, and Qin Xiuyuan didn¡¯t utter a single word to defend themselves.

    At the same time, a majority of the aristocracy had seen through what was at y here¡ªHis Majesty had set the stage thusly because Pang Xiao¡¯s achievements threatened his authority. As those who¡¯d fought alongside Li Qitian and jointly established the nation together, they were all in the same boat as Pang Xiao. If he was taken down, they were likely next in line.

    Thus, many of them stepped forward and fiercely defended Pang Xiao on the spot. Officials whom they were friendly with and members of their respective political factions also went with the flow and threw their hat in the ring to debate with the scribes.

    Seeing that the aristocracy had joined the fray, Li Qitian¡¯s underlings followed suit. As the opposition grew, those personally familiar with Pang Xiao came forth to interject.

    Not long after, the scene devolved into the fric chaos of a farmer¡¯s market. Dignified officials squabbled more fiercely than street hoodlums out for extortion, dishing out arguments, counter arguments, quoting history and precedent with even more aggression and persuasiveness than spitting profanities.

    Li Qitian¡¯s brows furrowed with true emotion at the scene. He hadn¡¯t expected to see so many speak on Pang Xiao¡¯s behalf at a critical moment like this. It seemed that Pang Xiao¡¯s standing amongst the court and the people wasn¡¯t at all what he¡¯d thought it to be.

    He couldn¡¯t help but relish his decision to strike first¡ªhad he given Pang Xiao more time to develop and grow into his own, the prince¡¯s roots would have deepened to the point where destabilization would be difficult.

    The mes of discord from the two sides practically scorched the heavens as they fiercely argued their stances. This was the first time since the birth of Great Zhou for a debate of this scale to take ce during a court session.

    Qin Yining took in the tumult with her head down, growing nervous despite herself. Imperial Scribe Gu had most certainly stuck his neck out on Li Qitian¡¯s orders, so the emperor must definitely have more in store.

    Though Pang Xiao had been appointed Grand Secretary of the Hall of Military Glory, he was first a soldier of great acim known as a war god among the people. If Li Qitian was truly set on moving against Pang Xiao, how would the emperor not send in any troops?

    As of now, the Metropolitan, the Firearms Division, and the Division of the Three Thousand of the capital guard were stationed near the capital. Most worthy of note were the Valiant Tigers stationed at the farnds outside the capital.

    Heart lurching, Qin Yining couldn¡¯t help but cast surreptitious nces out of the corner of her eye to size up the imperial officials who¡¯d arrived at the Hall of Governmental Union today. All in attendance were of fourth rank and above.

    And yet, Ji Zeyu wasn¡¯t among them!

 Chapter 565.2: The Ten Grave Offenses

    <h4>Chapter 565.2: The Ten Grave Offenses</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    The bottom fell out of her stomach.

    If Ji Zeyu mobilized the Valiant Tigers and joined forces with the rest of the men near the capital, there would be no hope for Pang Xiao and his mere fifty Elite Tigers.

    Furthermore, she¡¯d noticed upon entering the capital that the guards of the Office of the Five Wards were patrolling more diligently than ever. It seemed that Li Qitian hade prepared for every possible oue¡ªhe nned to take Pang Xiao down, and as for those associated with him...

    Qin Yining drew a sharp breath and forced herself to cease this line of thought.

    First off, Pang Xiao was no brainless blockhead¡ªthat he¡¯d dared bring her to this treacherous banquet meant that he¡¯d made full preparations as well. He wasn¡¯t the type to offer up his right cheek after getting pped on the left, and he wasn''t one to turn a blind eye to family being threatened.

    Besides, Li Qitian would have had to win over public opinion if he wished to achieve anything. As long as he yed his cards right and maintained a tight grasp on the turn of events, there was still room to maneuver.

    In truth, Pang Xiao was very worried about Qin Yining and feared her anxiety would affect the baby. But she seemed as cid as usual to his eyes. It wasn¡¯t a front, it looked like she¡¯d slowly worked her way through her initial shock. He felt a rush of pride; he was truly fortunate to have such a clever wife who could see the bigger picture!

    By this point, the bickering between the two factions had reached its peak. Many officials who¡¯d remained neutral suddenly noticed head eunuch Li Guanwen shuffle quickly over to Li Qitian from the side, murmuring a few words into the emperor¡¯s ear.

    Seeing how Li Guanwen hadn¡¯t attended the start of court this morning, the crowd couldn¡¯t help their curiosity at the head eunuch¡¯s sudden appearance. Had something happened?

    While arguments flew thick and fast beneath his seat, Li Qitian growled at his servant, ¡°Why has Ji Lan not shown up with his men yet?¡±

    Li Guanwen¡¯s face scrunched up like a bitter melon and he spoke with a constipated expression.

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± he stammered quietly, ¡°P-prince Consort Ji said, said, there have been disturbances at the Valiant Tiger camp. He can¡¯t leave because he has to hold down the fort.¡±

    Li Qitian balled his hands into tight fists, nearly crushing the string of topaz beads he¡¯d been fiddling with. Without betraying a trace of agitation, he quietly rebuked, ¡°What is the meaning of this?! Didn¡¯t you examine the Valiant Tigersst time?! Ji Zeyu''s control over the Valiant Tigers is no less than that of Pang Xiao¡¯s, so why would there be disturbances at a crucial moment like this? Does he speak the truth, or is he simply unwilling toe to my aid?¡±

    Terrified, Li Guanwen didn¡¯t dare utter a single word. At a time like this, anything he said would get him into more trouble.

    ncing down at the morning assembly, Li Qitian realized that several people had begun looking in his direction and hastily rposed himself. He once again donned the expression of one worrying about the state of his court.

    ¡°There could be an uproar at any moment,¡± he hissed through clenched teeth. ¡°What if the situation here turns dangerous? He refuses toe when I need his protection in favor of holding down the fort? Holding down the fort? Who is he holding down the fort for?!¡±

    The reprimanded Li Guanwen shook like a quail who wanted to run far away and turn invisible. Since he couldn¡¯t exactly ry the entirety of Ji Zeyu¡¯s words to Li Qitian, all he could say was, ¡°Prince Consort Ji said that if anything happened, he would protect His Majesty even if it meant losing his life.¡±

    ¡°His life?¡± Li Qitian was on the verge of cursing. By the time Ji Zeyu came to offer up his life, Pang Xiao would already be holding Li Qitian¡¯s head!

    He was incredibly furious¨Che¡¯d arranged for civil officials to attack Pang Xiao, but his martial officials hadn¡¯te through. Pang Xiao¡¯s poprity with the people ran deep, their reverence toward him transcended convention. If Li Qitian couldn''t attack him both internally and externally, his chances of sess were almost nonexistent.

    If he failed to deliver a fatal blow to Pang Xiao this time around and allowed the prince the chance to catch his breath, the future would be even more difficult and perilous.

    ¡°Go back and order him toe!¡± he muttered vehemently at Li Guanwen.

    ¡°Understood.¡± Li Guanwen swiped his sweat as discreetly as possible before beating a hasty retreat.

    As the debate grew more chaotic, those in favor of censuring Pang Xiao continued to dispute with his sympathizers to the point of attacking each other and airing out dirtyundry.

    Li Qitian had put on a pretense of worry at first while enjoying the verbal attacks on Pang Xiao. Those people spoke to his heart, leaving him immensely satisfied. Over time, however, his concern grew genuine.

    If Pang Xiao¡¯s anxiety got the better of him and he really decided to rebel, only Ji Zeyu stood a chance at defeating Pang Xiao inbat out of everyone in the capital. Pang Xiao¡¯s fighting style was swift and ruthless¡ªif he decided to shed all pretense of cordiality, Li Qitian probably would¡¯ve kicked the bucket long before Ji Zeyu came to his rescue.

    Just then, a young eunuch walked in from a sideroom. Li Qitian¡¯s pupils constricted violently, he had a feeling the youth didn¡¯te bearing good news.

    Far from being an ordinary eunuch, the young man was a spy specially trained for espionage, assassination, and the like. They normally corresponded in secret, so for him to appear out in the open dressed as a eunuch had Li Qitian suspecting something had gone amiss.

    The youth came forward, bowed, then stepped to Li Qitian¡¯s side for a few words, shocking the emperor so much that he dropped his string of topaz beads.

 Chapter 566.1: In Shambles

    <h4>Chapter 566.1: In Shambles</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    ¡°Your Majesty, this subject¡¯s investigation outside has discovered changes in House Lu¡¯s circumstances. Their patriarch¡ªthe second elder master¡ªhas drowned himself in a well and Lu Heng has taken over the position.

    ¡°The other is that the rations the previous Lu patriarch were responsible for have suddenly stopped in ce. They no longer travel to the border and this subject feels that it must be on ount of the new patriarch Lu Heng.

    ¡°Due to the sudden change in situation and gravity of the issues, this subject felt that it be best if I reported back to Your Majesty posthaste.¡±

    It felt like a storm of thunderbolts had smited Li Qitian.

    Wasn¡¯t Lu Heng dead?

    He¡¯d sent scouts to the border some time ago, upon which they determined that Qin Yining was returning by herself with Pang Xiao. After several investigations, they learned that Lu Heng had lost the fight against a bout of serious illness in Tatar.

    Li Qitian had actually congratted himself then, thinking that that odious troublemaker had finally died. The new patriarch was someone with his head on right, listened to orders, and was easy to manipte.

    Who would''ve thought that someone supposed to be dead would suddenly appear, and that the useful tool of a Lu patriarch would suddenlymit suicide??

    He would never believe that Pang Xiao¡¯s deliberate machinations and Lu Heng¡¯s wanton plotting wasn''t behind this!

    Li Qitian couldn¡¯t rival House Lu¡¯s wealth, resources, orwork to begin with. Though he was the emperor and theoretically owned the entire world, he didn¡¯t actuallymand that much wealth and power.

    It''d been less than five years since he¡¯d ascended to the throne, and the national treasury ran lower by the day as revenue could never keep up with expenses. There seem to be a never ending stream of troubles and woes¡ªif disaster struck somewhere today, then robbers would be sighted elsewhere tomorrow.

    Everything required his personal touch as those idiots serving him only knew how to ask for more silver. Meanwhile, House Lu¡¯s foundations ran deep. Sometimes, Li Qitian had to curry favor with them to attain his goals.

    As things were currently, Great Zhou did indeedck sufficient silver to answer Tatar¡¯s deration of war with corresponding force. The task of transporting army rations had just been entrusted to the newly vested Lu patriarch, but Lu Heng had thrown it out the window immediately upon his return!

    All factions attending the morning court session had expressed their opinions in full by now, and the sides for and against the prince were evenly matched. No one imed the clear upper hand. Ji Zeyu couldn''te to Li Qitian¡¯s aid as he was preupied by the disturbance in the Valiant Tigers, and now this mess cropped up with House Lu!

    Li Qitian truly felt that he was caught between a rock and a hard ce. Should he allow the scene in front of him to continue developing as it would?

    If one looked at things with a critical eye, the installment of a new Lu patriarch and subsequent pause of army rations halfway to their destination were just another log on the zing bonfire. These events wouldn''t actually affect the current situation any.

    If Ji Zeyu could resolve the unrest within the troops and rush over to the pce in time, Li Qitian would still have a chance of sessfully closing his around Pang Xiao.

    As for Lu Heng, it was impossible for those great aristocracies topletely ignore imperial power. Li Qitian could employ both rational and emotional arguments, as well as promise various benefits to recruit the new patriarch.

    As the saying went, there were no permanent enemies in life, just permanent interests. As long as the emperor¡¯s interests aligned with House Lu, he was confident of pulling Lu Heng over to his side.

    Li Qitian pondered with furrowed brows for a while, then rxed when he thought things through.

    Spittle flew through the air as officials argued with the burning rage of a thousand suns. It seemed that quite a few of them were about toe to blows. The incessant din grated on Li Qitian¡¯s ears; this would reflect badly on him if word got out.

    Therefore, he raised his hand and pressed it downward. ¡°Let there be silence.¡±

    However, his voice didn''t cut through the hubbub and arguments continued to thunder furiously. It was Pang Xiao who noticed Li Qitian¡¯s motions and stepped out to roar, ¡°Be silent, milords! Didn¡¯t you hear His Majestymand you to be silent?!¡±

    Imperial Scribe Gu: ...

    The assorted officials: ...

    That someone who¡¯d just been censored for disrespecting his elders and superiors could pay attention to the emperor¡¯s every move at every second, and execute the emperor''smand for silence on his behalf... Well, the contrast was especially great since those assembled hadpletely ignored their emperor''s wishes.

    In fact, the contrast was too great and too embarrassing.

    Those in support of Pang Xiao immediately stepped forward with cupped fists. ¡°So you see, Your Majesty, the Faithful Prince of the First Rank is a forthright and candid individual. Perhaps he''s a bit too blunt and rough around the edges after prolonged service in the army, but he would never be the sort to defy his superiors and incite rebellion.

    ¡°The crimes presented earlier were just fabrications! If Imperial Scribe Gu is so loyal, why does he need the prince¡¯s reminder to be silent?¡±

    ¡°Precisely! Your Majesty, this subject feels that the Faithful Prince of the First Rank aplished deeds of greet valor and distinguished himself with meritorious service when we warred for thends of Great Zhou.

    ¡°The prince is further honored to be Your Majesty¡¯s sworn brother, which is no wonder that he attracts envy and jealousy from others. They plot against him and manufacture sheer fiction in order to pin baseless crimes on him.

    ¡°How is the court¡¯s officials to be convinced without evidence, and how will the people ept our word? If we rush into action and the people do not ept our subsequent exnation, this subject fears that rumors will grow of Your Majesty being wary and fearful of aplished subjects!¡±

    ¡°Aye, Your Majesty is a wise ruler and would never proceed down that path, but there are many foolish elements among the people. If gossip flourishes, wouldn¡¯t Your Majesty be hard pressed to exin it away?¡±

    ¡°For the good of Your Majesty, this subject strongly rmends further deliberating over this!¡±

    ......

 Chapter 566.2: In Shambles

    <h4>Chapter 566.2: In Shambles</h4>

    Tranted by: etvre

    Li Qitian sneered inwardly to himself. Was this what they meant by loyalty to their country and fealty to their lord? All of them were biased towards an outsider when push came to shove.

    He was much calmer now and had refocused on how to knock down all of the obstacles that had appeared in his path. The agenda of the day was to arrest Pang Xiao. Nothing else mattered.

    Upon seeing their liege remain silent, the one hundred officials below the dais broke out into further debate.

    His ears ringing and head aching from the renewed cacophony, Li Qitian was about to speak up when he saw the young man disguised as a eunuch return to the hall. The young man¡¯s footsteps were more urgent than before, and he lowered his voice to whisper, ¡°Your Majesty, word has just arrived that Prince Consort Ji is being confined in the army barracks by some of the main Valiant Tiger generals...¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s eyes shot wide open. Since the string of topaz he liked to fiddle with had long dropped to the ground, he could only clench his fists tightly to conceal his reaction. He had no attention to spare for the bloody crescents his nails dug into his palm.

    Don¡¯t panic, remain still, remain calm. Don¡¯t panic, I must be calm, I can''t let anyone tell that something¡¯s developed on my end.

    But now that Ji Zeyu was under house arrest, he couldn¡¯t counteract Pang Xiao. Once the affairs of this morning courtpletely infuriated Pang Xiao and caused his barbaric nature to erupt in full-out ughter, Li Qitian¡¯s guards wouldn''t even be enough for the prince to y with.

    And what if regicide urred to Pang Xiao in the throes of his fury?

    It seemed highly likely to Li Qitian that if he sent Pang Xiao up a wall, that madman really might stake everything on a desperate throw!

    Anxiety and frustration assailed Li Qitian. Ji Zeyu had run into troubles, House Lu added fuel to the mes, and he¡¯d held back untold rage for all this time so to lure Pang Xiao into this perfect trap. Sess was at hand and he might exterminate this threat once and for all! So was he supposed to suffer boundless humiliation in front of all of his officials now?!

    Discourse rose and fell in waves of sound beneath the throne. Li Qitian¡¯s headache deepened and he teetered on the edge of screaming back at them himself.

    It was at this time that Pang Xiao stood out and coolly hectored the endlessly squabbling officials.

    ¡°Enough, this is the Hall of Governmental Union and His Majesty¡¯s great court session! It''s one thing for you all to give voice to your opinions, but this unbridled disy of sheer venting is ludicrously over the line!

    ¡°This prince followed His Majesty into the battlefields back in the day and we forged our bonds through hell and high water. We are able to entrust our backs to each other because of our brotherhood! When my wife went missing, His Majesty continuously suggested that I return to the capital because he is my sworn brother.

    ¡°That this prince refused is also a matter between a younger brother and an older brother. How preposterous that it bes an act of rebellion in your eyes! Are you so foolhardy to think that His Majesty will pronounce a punishment on this prince just because of some malicious usations and intentional creation of discord between us?

    ¡°So you use this prince of killing innocents without a hint of mercy, how absurd! Is there no killing to be had in war? Does literal shit fill the brains of whoever brainstormed this trumped up charge?

    ¡°So this prince humiliates the old subjects of Northern Ji? There they stand, free for the questioning. When has this prince ever humiliated them?!

    ¡°This prince has misappropriated provisions? That might be the most bullshit fantasy of them all. When we first took control of the Northern Ji treasuries, if this prince may be so crude, that dog emperor of Northern Ji was so poor that the mice in his vaultsmitted mass suicide after prolonged starvation! Of what does this prince misappropriate? The air?

    ¡°using this prince of forcing myself upon the daughter of a court official is even more cock and bull. His Majesty bestowed the match between me and n¨¦e Qin, from whence is this forcing upon?

    ¡°I left the capital on His Majesty¡¯s orders to relieve the people struck by disaster and search for the treasure along the way. To use me of embezzling relief funds is the greatest joke that I''ve heard so far today! My wife''s dowry and all of my personal fortunes were donated to the cause. If not, the citizens of the former Great Yan capital would''ve long rebelled from starvation after the earthquake! How else are you be able to sit here today and waggle those stupid tongues and point useless fingers?

    ¡°As for me being envious of my peers?¡± Pang Xiao suddenly threw his head back in uproariousughter. He pointed at a group of senior officials. ¡°Comee, let¡¯s fight. This prince will allow you to attack me all together! Tell me, just what do you possess that this prince should be envious of?

    ¡°This prince raises a private militia? Let me ask you this, does an imperial prince possessing fifty manor guards vite any custom?¡±

    He strode to Imperial Scribe Gu. ¡°Master Gu is arge schr, so you respond. As amon-born prince with a title personally bestowed by His Majesty, is it so outrageous that this prince possesses fifty men?¡±

    Trembling, the imperial scribe shuffled backwards and couldn¡¯t find an answer.

    ¡°As for being unfilial to my official mother, this is a matter I must speak more of since things have developed this point.¡± Pang Xiao turned to Li Qitian with a bow. ¡°Your Majesty pities my background and helped locate my official mother who had survived the events of yesteryear. I am very grateful, but after repeated interaction and some investigation, I discovered that the woman Your Majesty found is a fake!¡±

    Li Qitian arched a brow.

    ¡°This subject understands Your Majesty¡¯s kind intentions and didn''t want to put Your Majesty into an awkward situation. That was why I sent the fake Madame Pang elsewhere and intended to take the truth of this matter to my grave.¡±

    ¡°sphemy! How dare that harlot deceive Us for the sake of fame and fortune!¡± Li Qitian flew into a towering rage and shot to his feet.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty, this matter is not your fault. It was that woman and her greed that led her to use scraps of what she knew to deceive Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡°The crime of defrauding one¡¯s liege cannot be pardoned!¡± Li Qitian roared. ¡°Take that woman into custody immediately and publicly execute her at noon tomorrow!¡±

    His words meant that the tides had shifted entirely.

 Chapter 567.1: Title of Honor

    <h4>Chapter 567.1: Title of Honor</h4>

    Color drained out of the faces of those who¡¯d followed Imperial Scribe Gu in censuring Pang Xiao. They could see their lives sh before their eyes as the tables have turned, and they would be the ones to be sentenced today.

    Indeed, Li Qitian rebuked them bitingly, ¡°As subjects, thou art to relieve Our daily worries and lessen Our troubles. We already turn a blind eye to your ipetence, so how dare you scheme to falsely incriminate a loyal subject?!

    ¡°If We had believed your nder and beguiling words today, wouldn¡¯t We have be a despotic tyrant who practices treachery against a pir of the nation?! What kind of picture are you trying to paint of Us?? All of you should be harshly punished!¡±

    He fully unleashed all of the wrath that had been brewing during this time. No one present could recall when Li Qitian had ever been in such an incandescent rage. Imperial dignity wasn''t for the faint hearted; everyone was deathly afraid that they would be dragged in from the sidelines.

    Even those who¡¯d remained neutral in this matter were overawed by the emperor¡¯s fury, to say nothing of those trembling and shaking on the ground like Imperial Scribe Gu and the others.

    Seeing that Li Qitian meant to have others shoulder the me for his actions so he could remove himself from the situation, Pang Xiao immediately stepped forward with a bow.

    ¡°Please quell your anger, Your Majesty. Imperial Scribe Gu¡¯s duties are indeed thus. He must censure the target of whoever he finds fault with, and he has performed his obligations admiringly.

    ¡°Their actions today must be a result of misunderstandings that others have purposefully orchestrated for them. They are conscientious and dutiful, though they have been made a fool of by others, that is no crime. Please be angry no longer, Your Majesty.¡±

    Many of the officials congregated in the hall regarded these actions with surprise. They¡¯d thought that with Pang Xiao¡¯s overbearing personality, he¡¯d seize every opportunity for revenge. Who would¡¯ve thought that this harbinger of doom, one who killed without blinking, would be soft hearted at times? He was begging for mercy on behalf of those who¡¯d just criticized him!

    However, those in the know understood full well what was at y here. Pang Xiao was hardly being benevolent or gracious. He just wanted those imperial officials to experience the difference between how he treated them and what sort of attitude Li Qitian showed them.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for the emperor¡¯s express authorization, they never would¡¯ve dared censure the Faithful Prince of the First Rank. They¡¯d followed Li Qitian¡¯s orders, but would now be dragged down to the dungeons for their loyalty, and the only one to plead for leniency on their behalf was the one they were just attacking!

    Such a contrast was apparent to even outsiders, much less the yers caught in the middle of everything.

    Li Qitian felt the same way and inwardly cursed Pang Xiao for being a sanctimonious pig putting on a show. However, there was nothing he could do to change public perception. None of his preparations had borne fruit and he was now deathly afraid of Pang Xiao erupting on the spot. He had to grin and bear it even if he couldn¡¯t, so as to not have matters spiral out of control.

    ¡°Forget it, We shall defer to the Faithful Prince of the First Rank,¡± Li Qitian sighed. ¡°But all of you would do well to remember that you cannot sow discord between Us and Our subjects in the future. It is the fourth year since the founding of the Great Zhou dynasty, and what is most crucial is everyone¡¯s wholehearted dedication to improving the livelihoods of the people. You are not to waste time and energy on internal struggles. Heed well the lessons from Northern Ji.

    ¡°It was due to the Northern Ji court not being of one heart, rampant corruption, and wasteful extravagance that induced the people to rise up for justice in the end. The remembrance of past deeds is the best teacher for the future, and we must take to heart what we¡¯ve learned from Northern Ji.¡±

    The officials bowed in unison at the lecture. ¡°Your Majesty is noble and wise!¡±

    Li Qitian heaved a long sigh of relief to see the situation stabilize. Thank goodness he hadn¡¯t provoked Pang Xiao to unredeemable straits. Things would rapidly take a turn for the worse if the prince¡¯s berserk nature came out to y.

    Another round of frustration and suspicion chased each other in Li Qitian¡¯s heart when he thought of Ji Zeyu confined to the Valiant Tigers barracks. Ji Zeyu was no ipetent buffoon; he wouldn''t have dominated the north otherwise and the Tatars wouldn''t shake with fear whenever they heard of his title.

    Li Qitian had sent Li Guanwen to probe the prince concert a few days ago and had witnessed his perfect control of the troops then. Why had he suddenly be indisposed when the time came to use him?

    He wouldn''t believe anyone who told him now that Ji Zeyu hadn''t done this on purpose.

    His mind flitting rapidly from thought to thought, Li Qitian had already made up his mind to harshly punish Ji Zeyu. The man would pay for ruining his ns and making him lose so much face!

    Thinking back to Qin Yining¡¯s words earlier, Li Qitian seized this perfect opportunity to change the subject. ¡°Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank, you will continue to answer Our question from earlier.¡±

    Qin Yining had kept a close eye on everything and seen Li Qitian¡¯s attitude undergo aplete change after a few people made their reports to him. She immediately understood that these must be the results of her husband¡¯s preparations. Now that the emperor had changed the subject, she knew that they had defused the crisis!

 Chapter 567.2: Title of Honor

    <h4>Chapter 567.2: Title of Honor</h4>

    ¡°Your Majesty, I was not the one behind Anari Khan¡¯s death. Her true murderer is the current Utkin Khan.¡± She gave a brief overview of what had happened that day, concealing Mu Jinghu¡¯s involvement and not mentioning Lu Heng at all.

    ¡°¡­ and then I merely knocked her unconscious. Never had I fathomed that Utkin Khan would kill his own wife after he arrived with his men, then use her death to incite the people¡¯s sympathy and rage.

    ¡°When I was on the run in Tatar, I observed firsthand how their people sang the praises of Utkin Khan¡¯s deep devotion to Anari in vowing vengeance on her killers. It would be no exaggeration to say that even ten-year-old children would take to the battlefield to enact revenge for her.

    ¡°Their culture is one of passionate ferocity, a marked difference from ours in Great Zhou. Utkin Kahn has very cleverly manipted public sentiment and thought for his purposes.¡±

    The court of assembled officials sink into thoughtful musing after taking in Qin Yining¡¯s graceful summary of events.

    ¡°It looks like We have underestimated Utkin Khan¡¯s shamelessness.¡± Li Qitian grit his teeth. ¡°He was the one who helped Anari assume the position of female regent, and he also supported her to bing khan at every step of the way.

    ¡°Now it seems that all of his actions pursued the end goal of a legitimate takeover from a ruler of the royal bloodline. He did this so that his coronation and authority would be epted by his nation. He is truly an unscrupulous snake without a sense of honor.¡±

    Murmurs of assent rose and fell through the crowd as everyone denounced the despicable Utkin Khan.

    ¡°In light of this,¡± someone stepped forth. ¡°The Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is quite innocent and thoroughly undeserving of her circumstances. She was kidnapped to Tatar while on her way to provide disaster relief, and she is hardly at fault now that the Tatars wish to dere war. She has nothing at all to do with this matter.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, the princess consort is a woman, but was able to maintain her grace and dignity in enemy territory. She didn''tmit any deed that would be to the detriment of Great Zhou, and she stalwartly protected her chastity until our rescue. She set an example for all women in Great Zhou with her temperament and resolve.¡±

    When the officials saw that Li Qitian showed no signs of refuting the first person to speak up in support of the princess concert, more of them quickly joined in.

    The subject of their attention remained silent with her eyes trained on the floor. Pang Xiao, Qin Huaiyuan, and Qin Xiuyuan stayed quiet as well, the spitting image of waiting for imperial orders.

    Li Qitian smiled affably and nodded repeatedly, but was inwardly so irked that he almost wanted to spit blood. What did they mean by this? So not only have his n failed in arresting Pang Xiao, they wanted him to reward his wife?

    How did anyone know if this woman was still clean after being abducted to Tatar? They all praised her chastity, but this happened to be the sole im that he could not definitively reject.

    Pang Xiao must be behind them!

    Li Qitian gnashed his teeth so hard he almost broke them into pieces. However much it pained him to do so, he had to ept the loss.

    ¡°Our beloved subjects are correct. The Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is indeed a hero amongst women.¡± He smiled. ¡°Take note of this promation, n¨¦e Qin.¡±

    ¡°This subject hears and obeys.¡± Qin Yining dipped into an elegant curtsey.

    ¡°The Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank n¨¦e Qin is quick-witted and virtuous, gentle and possesses a strong morals. She can be viewed as a paragon of a woman. Today, she is especially bestowed with a paramount rank and will be awarded a hundred taels of gold, bolts of silk, and numerous treasures.¡±

    Qin Yining swept into a grand gesture of gratitude on her knees. ¡°This subject thanks Your Majesty for his bountiful favor.¡±

    Li Qitian chuckled heartily. ¡°Alright, that''s enough of that. You carry another with you now, so do rise. If you suffer any bumps and bruises while kneeling on the floor, Our silly little brother will throw another fit at Us again.¡±

    These words sounded like Pang Xiao often used his status as a sworn younger brother to make trouble for the emperor.

    Pang Xiao helped his wife up with a smile and turned to bow respectfully at Li Qitian. ¡°Many thanks to Your Majesty. This subject is an adult now, so I wouldn''t go throw a tantrum in your house like I might have before.¡±

    This reply perfectly held his ground and also insinuated that such behavior belonged to the na?ve and innocent days of childhood.

    It sparked another round of quick contemtion. The truth of this morning court was now readily apparent to everyone. Li Qitian had inly made preparations to arrest Pang Xiao, and this move was more than likely because the prince¡¯s aplishments threatened to eclipse those of his liege.

    However, Pang Xiao truly did deserve his military awards and he was a sworn brother with the emperor from childhood. It chilled the soul to see Li Qitian be in such a hurry to dispose of a meritorious official, now that he no longer had any need of them.

    While some could unravel the situation to this level of rity, there were naturally those who couldn''t. Thetter chuckled along with the emperor, thinking that they were also expressing gratification of close childhood bonds.

    Frankly, the scene now disgusted Li Qitian. There were no longer any benefits to be salvaged out of today. Immensely bored, he quickly dismissed the morning court session.

    All of his preparation and efforts had gone down the drain. Not only had he failed to take out Pang Xiao, but he''d also been forced to honor the prince¡¯s wife with a paramount rank. And gold. And treasures.

    This was worse than digging Li Qitian¡¯s heart out of his chest, and he couldn''t even express it!

    Men from the Metropolitan and the Five Wards returned to their posts. It had been aplete waste of time and their deployment concluded when they received no further instructions.

    When Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuan left the pce, they didn''t dare discuss the events of the day or even show too much expression on their faces. They hurried back to the Qin Manor while Qin Yining and Pang Xiao climbed into the same carriage after exiting the pce.

    It wasn''t until they pulled out of the Meridian Gate and traveled ever further away from the pce did the couple look at each other. Chuckling in the background noise of crowd¡¯s chatter, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining fully vented their feelings.

    ¡°Milord perfectly predicted everything that would happen today. So what preparations did you make in advance, will you tell me now?¡±

    Qin Yining¡¯s cheeks were flushed and she was entirely unfazed by the situation she¡¯d just endured. Calm and collected as usual, she could even joke with Pang Xiao. His heart overflowing with love, Pang Xiao grabbed her hand for a kiss and began his exnation.

 Chapter 568.1: Enraged

    <h4>Chapter 568.1: Enraged</h4>

    ¡°Of course not.¡± Pang Xiao grinned broadly. ¡°Ji Lan and Lu Heng did that all on their own. I only made some careful calctions to ensure that everything woulde to a head today. Though it may look like we managed to emerge unscathed, that¡¯s only how the situation appears on the surface. His Majesty is sure to look into the events of the day after dismissing morning court. He''ll think of a way to assign a few crimes to me, even though I haven''t done anything. He''d go mad if I really had pulled the strings from the shadows.¡±

    An unbidden chuckle bubbled out of Qin Yining when she recalled how Li Qitian looked so infuriated that it looked like he would faint. She poked her husband''s shoulder.

    ¡°You¡¯re too devious. Igniting all of these issues together lends itself to suspicion that a mastermind orchestrated it all. But to the contrary, you haven''t done anything. He can''t find fault with you no matter how much he wants to. At this rate, he''ll die of sheer anger.¡±

    Pang Xiao shrugged with resignation and turned his hands up to the sky. Indeed, it was out of his hands. He was so very innocent, the most innocent of kittens andmbs.

    Qin Yiningughed uproariously when she saw the act, and Pang Xiao rxed to see that his darling wasn¡¯t harboring any unpleasantness from the events of the day.

    ¡°But after today, there''s only one fragile sheet of rice paper left between you and the emperor.¡± The princess consort leaned against her husband¡¯s shoulder and thought for a moment. ¡°Though he had no choice but to back down during this court session, he is certain to strike again when he finds the ideal opportunity. You n carefully and think about how you¡¯ll answer his salvos in the future.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled to see Qin Yining frowning and fretting over him. He rubbed his forehead against hers. ¡°I know, I¡¯ll take care of all of this. Be at ease, what you need to focus on these days is to nurse yourself back into good health. Don¡¯t worry about anything else.¡±

    Qin Yining rubbed her stomach that wouldn¡¯t be t for much longer and nodded with a smile. ¡°I know.¡± She lifted the curtains for a peek outside. ¡°Where are we going now?¡±

    ¡°I think father and uncle-inw have returned home, so we should pay a visit as well. You haven''t seen mother-inw in a very long time.

    ¡°Alright!¡± Qin Yining¡¯s eyes lit up and she nodded happily. ¡°How our grandpa, grandma, and mom? When can they return?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Pang Xiao chuckled, ¡°it''s all taken care of. Their trip to the rtives will conclude roughly when our situation stabilizes.¡±

    Qin Yining grew more lighthearted the more she thought about things, and her spirits lifted even higher when she thought back to how twisted Li Qitian¡¯s expression had been at the morning court session earlier.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s setup this time had given her a tremendous surprise. Due to their rtionship and her trust in him, she hadn''t pried into how he would handle everything. She¡¯d entrusted him entirely and her faith in him had been confirmed to be well ced.

    The prince was indeed capable enough for her to rely on him, and he was able to properly handle a matter even when she wasn''t involved. In fact, he resolved things in a far better way than she would''ve done.

    She leaned back on his shoulder with contentment and discussed what would happen after they returned home.

    ¡­¡­

    At the same time in the imperial study, Li Qitian glowered in the head seat and hadn''t said a word for a very long time. The pce servants serving the study trembled with fear and dread, ardently wishing that they were invisible and wouldn¡¯t be caught up in imperial wrath.

    Li Guanwen kept his eyes trained firmly downward and stood far away by a paulownia wood disy casecquered with ck paint. He¡¯d repeated endless prayers for his master not to notice him.

    A deeply frowning Li Qitian seemed to pull himself out of his thoughts and raised his tea cup for a sip. Reviewed rage billowed forth when slightly chilled tea entered his mouth and he smash the cup to the ground with a roar.

    ¡°Who is in charge of this task?! What do We keep you useless trash around for? None of you know to share our troubles in crucial moments and only add to Our burdens! You can''t even prepare a proper cup of tea!¡±

    Li Guanwen could immediately tell from his master¡¯s words that he was still irate at Prince Consort Ji and was venting his spleen on everyone else.

    The emperor usually had a pce servant dedicated to looking after his tea, ensuring that it remained at optimal temperature and richness for consumption. But given his towering rage today, who would dare refresh his tea without being summoned to do so?

    That would just be courting death.

    Due to these reservations, the emperor had just taken a sip of cold tea. The trembling maid on tea duty sank to her knees on the spot, ignoring the mess of porcin shards that cut into her knees and hands. She kowtowed repeatedly and raised in a shaking voice, ¡°This servant apologizes, Your Majesty! This servant knows her wrongs!¡±

    Li Qitian grew even more furious when he heard the voice of a young female. It brought to mind Qin Yining¡¯s earlierposure andplete indifference to all favors, humiliation, and threats. Now that he thought about it, wasn''t that a sign ofplete confidence when a mere woman was so calm and unafraid?

    That meant that Pang Xiao had already made all of his preparations!

    All of these people had colluded with each other to gang up on him!

    This line of thought poured adle of oil on the fires of his wrath and they burned ever more hotly. He pointed at the maid on tea duty, ¡°Drag this wretched maid out for a hundred beatings of the nk!¡±

 Chapter 568.2: Enraged

    <h4>Chapter 568.2: Enraged</h4>

    ¡°Mercy, Your Majesty! Please spare me, Your Majesty! This servant doesn¡¯t want to die, doesn¡¯t want to die, Your Majesty!¡± Anguished howls sent chills down the backs of the listeners in the study.

    The heart-wrenching screams deepened the furrows on Li Qitian¡¯s forehead. Li Guanwen rushed out as well and gestured to the guards, ¡°Well?! Hurry up and gag her! All of us will pay for it if His Majesty is truly angered!¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡± A guard fished out a handkerchief from his sleeve and balled it up to shove into the maid¡¯s mouth. They dragged her into a far off corner and summoned two eunuchs to administer the punishment.

    A hundred nk beatings were administered without mercy and broke the maid¡¯s bones after a dozen blows. Fresh blood welled up out of her mouth after thirty, and she stopped breathing after her eyes bulged out.

    When all one hundred had been overseen, she''d separated into two segments. The eunuchs held their hands to their nose and mouth to prevent themselves from vomiting and fetched water to scrub the ground. The unlucky maid was bundled up into a reed mat and unceremoniously thrown out of the pce.

    Disregarding how others felt, the steady thwacks of the nks mollified Li Qitian somewhat. He even felt much more at peace when he smelled the faint tang of blood and could calm his mind down to consider next steps.

    Li Guanwen almost curled up into a ball from fright when he saw his master contemte things with narrowed eyes. How ruthless must his heart be to find sce in violence and gore? Killing a maid was most likely on par with stepping on an ant in His Majesty¡¯s eyes.

    After several more moments, the deeply pondering Li Qitian ordered, ¡°Li Guanwen.¡±

    ¡°This servant is here.¡± Li Guanwen suppressed his inner panic and fear to walk forward for a bow. ¡°What orders does Your Majesty have?¡±

    ¡°You will deliver Our decree to the Valiant Tiger camp andmand Ji Zeyu and those generals who confined him to enter the pce. Say it is Our orders and that all disagreements will be resolved in front of Us. We do not wish to see shes beneath the table.¡±

    Li Guanwen heaved a sigh of relief at first, then quickly felt apprehensive at the thought of venturing into a military camp overrun with upheaval. Who knew if he might lose his life on this errand?

    There was nothing for it but to bow and receive his orders. ¡°Understood, this servant will be on his way.¡± He left with the fatalistic attitude of going to his death.

    Li Qitian stroked his chin in thought, deliberating over what the brutes in the Valiant Tigers meant by all of this. If Pang Xiao really had arranged for the conflict, then the emperor would be facing a rebellion in short order.

    Face dark, Li Qitian gave a few more orders in quick session,manding the men of the Metropolitan and Five Wards to be ready.

    Those who received these orders flew into a flurry of panic. They had no idea what the emperor meant by ¡°being ready¡±. What were they supposed to be ready for? What did the emperor want to do?

    Truth be told, they dearly wished that they weren''t officials in the capital at the moment. There was nothing more they wanted than to be far, far away from thisnd of turmoil and danger.

    While his subordinates froze with fear, Li Qitian was a simrly taut bowstring. His agitation and uneasested until Ji Zeyu and six mid-grade Valiant Tiger generals entered the hall.

    Li Guanwen felt reborn when he saw his master again. He really had thought he would die on this trip. If the army had truly rebelled, it¡¯d be as easy as stepping on an ant for these soldiers to kill him.

    But he¡¯de back alive!

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± The eunuch kept a firm grip on his emotions and bowed properly.

    Li Qitian nodded from the head seat and looked at the two partiespletely distinct from each other.

    Ji Zeyu stood to one side with a frosty expression, noticeably far away from six generals andmandants who had served under Pang Xiao. They inly couldn''t stand the sight of each other and bristled threateningly whenever they looked at the other side. Though they stood before the emperor in his imperial study, it seemed that they wouldn''t be happy unless they took a bite out of each other.

    ¡°How dare you confine yourmander?! Do you know your crimes?!¡± Li Qitian roared.

    The six immediately took a knee and raised cupped fist salutes. ¡°These subjects know our crimes, Your Majesty, please quell your anger. However, we had our reasons for doing so.¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s ears rang and head ached from the loud roars of these brutes responding in unison. Scowling, he pointed at one of the youngestmandants. ¡°You, speak.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The youngmandant took two steps forward and knelt on the floor again. ¡°Your Majesty, Prince Consort Ji wants to break apart the squads that we have trained in for many years and forbade us to lead our original troops.

    ¡°We Valiant Tigers have already established tried and tested training and battle methods for us. The prince consort wants us to discard it all as soon as he receives his newmand. He obviously wants to monopolize authority and marginalize our ability so he can take credit for our achievements!

    ¡°But if we agree to this farce, what was an army at full strength will be reduced to less than thirty precent of our battle capabilities. We didn¡¯t want Your Majesty¡¯s valiant tigers and wolves to be mewling cats, so we debated with Prince Consort Ji.¡±

 Chapter 569: Assigning Responsibility (I)

    <h4>Chapter 569: Assigning Responsibility (I)</h4>

    ¡°You may be the temporarymander of the Valiant Tigers, but you know nothing about our internal affairs and give nonsensical orders. This will easily destroy troop morale! Since we are entrusted with important duties due to His Majesty¡¯s confidence in us, our loyalty to the emperor must be at the forefront of our minds at all times. You¡¯re just a new official freshly installed in your position, but you want to concentrate all power in your hands. Now you speak of army orders? What army orders??¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! You just want to control everything! You don''t care how the army operated before and act on whatever half-cocked idea strikes you at the moment. Are you even giving thought to the nation¡¯s interests and His Majesty¡¯s trust in you?!¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The six of them criticized Ji Zeyu in rapid denunciation of his words and actions. The prince consort didn¡¯t possess a glib tongue and was greatly outnumbered. Perhaps he also didn''t care to argue with these people, so he remained standing with his hands behind his back and a frigid expression on his face. The only reaction he gave them was a continuous darkening of his face; it was in to see that he was reaching the end of his patience.

    Regarding the scene with calmposure, Li Qitian made use of the opportunity to observe their faces and expressions. He wanted to see if they were truly shing against each other or had decided on this act ahead of time.

    To be honest, while he trusted Ji Zeyu more, he didn''t fully trust the prince consort either. Some skepticism and wariness is still drifted in his heart. He''d given the most crucial task of taking down Pang Xiao to Ji Zeyu, but Ji Zeyu had failed in such a spectacr manner right when he was needed. How could Li Qitian not suspect him?

    After prolonged scrutinization, however, the emperor couldn''t find any ws or hints that there was anything going on beneath the surface than what it appeared to be. Ji Zeyu and the six rough and ready fellows really did hate each other to the point of wanting to kill the other party. Li Qitian felt that if it wasn''t for his presence, they might''ve already drawn swords on each other.

    Since Ji Zeyu wasn''t colluding with the Valiant Tigers, then they were only two possibilities. Either the Valiant Tigers were acting on Pang Xiao¡¯s orders and had timed their disobedience perfectly, or Ji Zeyu¡¯s stubborn temper had elicited public ire in the Valiant Tigers. His men chafed at his leadership and resentment had umted until Pang Xiao¡¯s return acted as a catalyst.

    While Li Qitian pondered over the truth of the matter, the atmosphere in his study had be so tense that a fight was about to break out.

    He didn''t want things to get out of control either and wanted even less to see them cause trouble right in front of him. ¡°Silence, all of you.¡±

    His voice was measured and not particrly loud, but it was an imperial decree all the same. The group immediately fell silent and also lowered their heads when realization crept in that they¡¯d acted inappropriately by arguing in the imperial study.

    Li Qitian snorted coldly. ¡°How dare you scream and gesticte in Our study! Do you wish to rise up in a revolt?!¡±

    ¡°Your subjects know our crimes. Please forgive us, Your Majesty.¡± They knelt at the same time.

    ¡°No matter what Ji Lan¡¯s orders were, he is Our handpickedmander,¡± Li Qitian berated. ¡°That means We trust his ability to lead and nned to hand over everything regarding the Valiant Tigers to him. All of you need only to obey the orders of the army, do you understand that?!¡±

    The six had nothing in response to that. After a prolonged bit of silence, they answered, ¡°Yes.¡±

    As he scanned the six of them again, Li Qitian confirmed that they were all Pang Xiao¡¯s right hand men. Delight crept into his heart at the thought of this golden opportunity. If he could use this chance to arrest them all, then wouldn¡¯t Pang Xiao lose six confidantes in the army in one fell swoop?

    The emperor almost leapt to his feet to order their immediate execution.

    However, he quickly reconsidered his impulsive action. Though these six weren''t as famous as Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu, they were still army officials that had served the imperial court for many years. If they all lost their heads like this, he could exin it away that it was a well-deserved punishment for confining theirmander and attempting an insurrection. However, this wasn''t an exnation watertight enough to prevent outside skepticism.

    After Pang Xiao¡¯s matter, Li Qitian could endure no further gossip and doubt from his subjects and people.

    ¡°The crime of confining one¡¯smander and defying an imperial decree is punishable by death!¡±

    Color drained out of the men''s faces, but none of them fell into a panic. They remained with their heads down and awaited the final imperial order.

    Renewed doubt swirled in Li Qitian¡¯s mind to see them so calm and collected. Perhaps they really were acting at Pang Xiao¡¯s beneath and were confident that he wouldn¡¯t kill them?

    He tightly grasped the armrest of his chair. Truth be told, he really wanted to ke his frustration with an execution or two. But his reputation was the most important, so he couldn''t act on his desire.

    ¡°However, seeing as you have faithfully served the nation for many years and shed your blood in the battlefields of war, We shall see fit to let this pass. Though your death sentences may bemuted, punishment of the living shall not be foregone. Guards!¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± Thirty imperial guards surged in from outside the study, nervously taking up positions inside.

    ¡°Strip these six of their uniforms and administer twenty beatings of the nk each. Send them back to the residences afterwards and strip them of their positions. They will never be employed by the government ever again.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± The guards moved forward.

    The six allowed themselves to be manhandled out of their outerwear without a word of protest. With only undergarments left on their bodies, they were dragged outside for a vigorous beating. Eunuchs escorted each of them back afterward.

    While the six underwent their punishment, Ji Zeyu remained kneeling in the study. Li Qitian didn''t give him the order to rise, instead keeping him on the ground for wordless scrutiny.

    The prince consort¡¯s expression was as aloof as ever; nothing flickered across his face when they heard the soldiers¡¯ sentence being carried out. He lifted his nomittal face to meet Li Qitian¡¯s eyes.

    The emperor looked straight into the perfectly impersonal eyes. ¡°Ji Lan, you have greatly disappointed Us this time.¡±

    Ji Zeyu lowered his head again, pursing his red lips while his fineshes cast shadows across his cheeks.

    ¡°You were a main general of the Dragon Riders for many years, We do not believe that someone with your caliber of ability would¡¯ve allowed things to devolve to this state.¡±

    He rose and walked up to the prince consort. Li Qitian¡¯s fury boiled over again when he looked down at Ji Zeyu¡¯s ramrod straight back. He lifted his foot and kicked out at the prince consort¡¯s shoulder.

    Ji Zeyu neither flinched nor dodged, taking the blow head-on and falling to the ground.

    ¡°Ji Lan! Do you dare im that you didn''t do this on purpose today?! You knew how important this morning court was, that it was the best opportunity to take down a brewing threat. But Our ns and efforts have all gone to waste because of your inaction. You have made Us aughingstock in front of the nation¡¯s officials!¡±

    Ji Zeyu crawled up and resumed his kneeling position, his voice as cool and emotionless as ever. ¡°This subject did it all for Your Majesty.¡±

    Li Qitian¡¯s wrath exploded to new heights at this response.

    ¡°So you do admit that you did this on purpose? You admit to it! Li Guanwen¡¯s observation of your control over the Valiant Tigers wasn¡¯t false, you directed them as you would use your own arms! There¡¯s no reason that they were confine you at the moment of critical importance! Do We not know of your abilities? We didn¡¯t believe it in the first ce when you said you were grounded to your quarters!¡±

 Chapter 570.1: Assigning Responsibility (II)

    <h4>Chapter 570.1: Assigning Responsibility (II)</h4>

    ¡°What, what kind of attitude is this?!¡± Li Qitian flew into renewed rage and kicked Ji Zeyu again.

    Tumbling to the ground, the prince consort¡¯s handsome face still remained expressionless.

    ¡°During this time, We had thought you were of one heart with us and elevated you at every possible opportunity. We entrusted great responsibilities to you and have treated you well. But you? Is this how you repay Our trust?!¡±

    The emperor blustered, cursed, and stomped Ji Zeyu a few more times before he finally bent over, huffing and puffing with his hands on his waist.

    Ji Zeyu raised himself back to a properly kneeling position. ¡°Your Majesty, your subject really did do this for your sake.¡±

    Li Qitian jabbed his finger at the prince consort¡¯s nose and nodded emphatically with each furious word. ¡°Alright, then speak of this mighty reason! If your logic is sound and rational, then We shall let this matter pass. But if you seek to pull the wool over our eyes with wordy, then you will find out if We really must suffer your presence due tock of any other option!¡±

    ¡°Your subject has never thought so,¡± responded Ji Zeyu with his head lowered. ¡°Great Zhou abounds with plentiful talent and the people¡¯s will is with Your Majesty. How would Your Majestyck for options? Your subject undertook these actions today for two reasons. Firstly, it is indeed inappropriate to take down Pang Zhixi at this time given the current situation at court. The Tatars prowl threateningly on our borders. With foreign aggression at hand, how can we erupt into internal conflict first?

    ¡°We must first pull together in a concerted defense against foreign invaders. Our own troubles can wait until thend is at peace.

    ¡°Secondly, though the Valiant Tigers obey my orders, those people were still once Pang Zhixi¡¯s men and thus atent threat. What if they¡¯re simply biding their time until a moment of urgent action sometime in the future? Why not take advantage of this opportunity to mollify Pang Zhixi and also give Your Majesty a legitimate reason for dismissing all of his men in important positions? Wouldn''t that be killing two birds with one stone?¡±

    Ji Zeyu was normally a taciturn man and seldom spoke so many words in one go. Given the rarity of the asion, the emperor listened very carefully.

    Much of his anger had subsided after all that kicking and stomping. The prince consort hadn¡¯t so much as grunted in protest from the abuse. Therefore, Li Qitian was is in a proper frame of mind to muse over his subject¡¯s exnation and actually agreed with what was being said.

    His setback in court today informed him that he¡¯d been too hasty this time. Not only had he not taken Pang Xiao out of the picture, but he¡¯d also very much adversely impacted his overall reputation. Moreover, he¡¯d alerted his enemy to his intentions and deepened the conflict between them. There was only a thin sheet of paper between the two of them and open hostilities now. If Pang Xiao wanted to rebel right at this very moment, he''d be able toe up with a perfectly valid excuse.

    Pang Xiao had always enjoyed very high poprity with the people; his charisma in the army was also unparalleled. The Tatars were brewing for a fight, and their intentions to invade the south were clear as could be. If the prince was forced into challenging Great Zhou at this time and allied with Utkin Khan to attack his former home¡­

    Beads of sweat dotted the emperor¡¯s forehead when his thoughts traveled to this point, and his approval of Ji Zeyu¡¯s actions deepened further.

    At least now they¡¯d removed six leaders in the Valiant Tigers whose loyaltiesy with Pang Xiao. Li Qitian could rece the six with his own men and yank the Valiant Tigers out of Pang Xiao¡¯s control. If it came down to a rebellion, the prince¡¯s first choice of troops would certainly be the Valiant Tigers that he¡¯d led for many years. The Dragon Riders of the north would never listen to his orders since Ji Zeyu was the war god of that army.

    If Li Qitian firmly grasped the reins of the Valiant Tigers, he would fully control all of the militaries in thend. If he then took Pang Xiao out of the picture, it would be easy enough to deal with Ji Zeyu if he ever harbored seditious thoughts. He would be only one person then, a much better situation than constantly fretting over the possibility of Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu colluding together for a coup.

    Li Qitian sighed at this point and stretched out both hands to help the prince consort up from his knees.

    Ji Zeyu seem to have been injured from the physical barrage. One of his shoulders moved stiffly and though his expression remained as usual, the emperor could glean a few clues from the ease of his movements. Guilt crept into Li Qitian¡¯s heart.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind this, beloved subject. We did this only because of a moment of towering anger.¡±

    Ji Zeyu hastened to kneel again. ¡°This subject understands the painstaking effort that Your Majesty goes to. Please do not express such sentiments.¡±

    How would Li Qitian permit the prince consort to kneel again? He quickly helped Ji Zeyu up and steered the conversation in a casual direction, purposefully avoiding matters of court.

    ¡°Anyang hasn¡¯t entered the pcetely to greet her royal mother. The dowager empress asked about her a few days ago.¡±

    Ji Zeyu looked down at the ground. ¡°Neither has the princess summoned this humble subject during this time. However, she possesses many¡­ cherished servants in her residence. Her days should be filled with joy andughter.¡±

    Li Qitian immediately understood the connotations of the response. He knew quite well just how spoiled and pampered his younger sister was. Anyang was stubborn, willful, petnt, and self-absorbed. Political considerations had driven her match to Ji Zeyu; examination from any other angle would''ve emphasized how ill suited they were for each other.

    Add to that Ji Zeyu previously bumping into Li Hn cavorting with male escorts at Madame Lu¡¯s¡­ well, the prince consort seemed to have lost all hope in the marriage. As a result, Li Hn grew ever more outrageous in her behavior and now kept a harem of escorts at her residence.

    Preupied as he was with official matters, Li Qitian couldn''t attend to every single one of his sister¡¯s affairs. Since the dowager empress didn¡¯t involve herself in this, there was no room for the emperor to express his opinions either. With how things had developed, Li Hn¡¯s reputation as a loose woman had be open gossip.

 Chapter 570.2: Assigning Responsibility (II)

    <h4>Chapter 570.2: Assigning Responsibility (II)</h4>

    ¡°Many thanks for Your Majesty¡¯s consideration.¡± Ji Zeyu bowed quickly. ¡°However, your subject has not given this kind of thought to this area.¡±

    It was very surprising that the emperor would offer to send beauties to a prince consort. When one wed a princess, they married a superior. Prince consorts were not allowed to take concubines or have bedwarmers¡ªthey could only wait in their residence for their noble wife¡¯s summons. But Li Qitian was voluntarily expressing a willingness to gift women to Ji Zeyu?

    This gesture spoke volumes of how important the prince consort was to the emperor.

    The two men chatted for a while further before Li Qitian said, ¡°You''ve done very well this time and kept the bigger picture in mind. We will be awarding you a hundred tales of gold and a treasured sword. They will be sent to your residence shortly.¡±

    Ji Zeyu lowered his head in thanks at this disy of imperial favor.

    Such a prominent exhibition from the emperor would give rise to varied interpretations in the eyes of others. Those on Pang Xiao¡¯s side would think the prince consort had aplished something unsavory for the emperor.

    But so what?

    Ji Zeyu¡¯s expression remained as cool as ever. He¡¯d always followed his heart and did whatever he felt was right. He never worried over the consequences.

    ¡­¡­

    In front of the Qin Manor, Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun hugged each other tightly with wracking sobs as soon as they saw each other. Their reunion brought tears to the eyes of all womenfolk present¡ªapart from the old dowager and Qin Huining.

    Qin Huaiyuan and his brothers led Pang Xiao inside and instructed the servants to prepare dinner. Meanwhile, the second madame approached n¨¦e Sun wailing outside the front door, ¡°Sister-inw, niece Yi has returned safely, has she not? Not only is she alright, but she¡¯s even pregnant. Now don¡¯t be so busy with tears of joy that you forget to consider your daughter¡¯s health.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun immediately nodded when she heard this and took her daughter¡¯s hands. ¡°Right, right, right. Just look at me, I¡¯ve forgotten about this after your father told me about it. How are you feeling?¡±

    Qin Yining wiped at her eyes with her sleeves and responded with resignation, ¡°I¡¯m fine, mother.¡±

    ¡°Good, good, let¡¯s head inside to talk further.¡±

    The family joyfully traipsed inside the manor, the womenfolk heading to the front hall of the inner residence while Qin Huaiyuan, his brothers, his nephews, and Pang Xiao sat in the outer hall partaking tea.

    After several rounds of sickness, the old dowager was much skinnier than before. Wrinkles and furrows on her face had deepened after these hardships, and her eyes drooped down to form triangles. She looked more caustic and harsher than before, and was still reeling from shock.

    Qin Yining had returned safe and sound from Tatar, and was pregnant?

    The old dowager raked the girl with suspicious eyes, trying to read something from the t stomach.

    Is she really pregnant?

    Or is she so skinny that her monthly messes can¡¯t make it out of her body?

    Is the child really Pang Xiao¡¯s?

    Thest thought scared the old dowager herself when it urred to her. That demon Pang Xiao would chop up all of the Qins and feed them to the dogs if he learned that Qin Yining¡¯s child wasn¡¯t his!

    Color drained from the old dowager¡¯s face and she urgently beckoned to Qin Yining. ¡°Granddaughter Yi,e over here. Grandmother has a few words for you.¡±

    If Qin Yining hadn¡¯t known about the dirty things the old dowager hadmitted behind her back, such as wanting to shove the eighth miss and Qin Huining to Pang Xiao in her absence, she might¡¯ve been able to squeeze out a smile for her paternal grandmother. As it weren¡¯t, the old dowager¡¯s actionspletely chilled her heart.

    Out of consideration for face and for the eighth miss¡¯ dignity since she wasn¡¯t a thoroughly rotten girl, Qin Yining refrained from jeering in response. She looked expressionlessly at the old dowager before making her way over in a very reluctant and slow manner. She didn¡¯t take a seat, but remained standing instead.

    ¡°Old Dowager.¡±

    Her lukewarm attitude ignited the old dowager¡¯s suppressed fury with a roar. Why else would her most loving firstborn no longer be so close to her if not for this wench??

    As a senior, the old dowager nursed a certain sense of pride. She wanted to warm the rtionship with her son again, but he seemed to be holding a grudge against her and she couldn¡¯t bear to lower herself to extend an olive branch.

    Now that the source of all the tension with her firstborn stood in front of her, though the old dowager kept reminding herself that this granddaughter was a princess consort rather than an ordinary girl, her emotions still red out of control. The corners of her lips twitched withe the effort to keep them under control.

    ¡°Was your trip smooth and safe? Did anything ur along the way?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry, Old Dowager,¡± Qin Yining responded coolly. ¡°Nothing happened, this granddaughter is fine.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Then howe I heard that the emperor wanted to interrogate the prince in morning court earlier?¡± the old dowager¡¯s tones turned very gossipy.

    Qin Yining¡¯s expression sank and she responded sternly, ¡°Such things are better left unsaid, Old Dowager. They will easily bring trouble to the family. His Majesty greatly favors and trusts the prince. In fact, I have been bestowed a paramount rank in recognition of that. The old dowager¡¯s words would be immensely discouraging if the emperor caught wind of them.¡±

 Chapter 571.1: Depose

    <h4>Chapter 571.1: Depose</h4>

    Jealousy gnawed at the old dowager¡¯s heart. What hadn''t she seen before when they were still in Great Yan? She¡¯d looked forward to her firstborn raking in further honors and glory after arriving in Great Zhou, but he was estranged from her instead. She had yet to receive a title of honor, but it¡¯d alreadynded in the hands of a granddaughter who¡¯d married out of the family!

    That granddaughter had first been made a princess consort and now added a paramount rank to the list. The more the old dowager thought about it, the more green-eyed she grew.

    She wasn''t the only one. Qin Huining stood off to the side with a lowered head, her nails digging into her palm so much that they almost drew blood. Everything Qin Yining enjoyed now should¡¯ve been hers!

    She was the fourth miss of the Qing in the past! Everything she¡¯d possessed had been stolen from her the moment Qin Yining appeared!

    Just look at the two of them now! One lived under another''s house while the other was a princess consort. This unbridgeable gap filled Qin Huining with a thwarted frustration that she would never catch up to Qin Yining no matter what she tried. This would be how things were in their lives, forever! How she burned with resentment at the brazen theft of what had once been hers!

    The scene turned peculiarly quiet.

    It took only a single nce for Qin Yining to know what the old dowager was thinking. Her waist ached from prolonged standing anyway, so she returned to n¨¦e Sun¡¯s side for a seat.

    Anger red when the girl walked away before the old dowager could ask her very important questions. ¡°You walk away without so much as a by-your-leave before I''m finished? Is this the kind of good manners that you''ve been taught? N¨¦e Sun!¡±

    Bystander n¨¦e Sun responded to her mother-inw with an enormous eye roll and took her daughter¡¯s hand, asking quietly about her experiences outside.

    This kind of response made the old dowager flush beet red with indignation, to which Qin Huining and the eighth miss quickly offered tea and patted her back.

    Fortified with a sip of tea, the old dowager caught her breath and pointed at n¨¦e Sun and Qin Yining.

    ¡°What kind of decent children will you be able to raise with these kind of manners, huh?!¡± the old dowager cursed. ¡°All you¡¯ll do is birth good-for-nothing whelps who can only hope for mediocrity!¡±

    Her words were still echoing when a displeased, resonant male voice traveled in from outside. ¡°What''s going on here?¡±

    The door curtains lifted to admit Pang Xiao. He entered in time to catch the old dowager¡¯s caustic sneer, to which he met with a frosty look. That stopped the old dowager in her tracks and she didn''t dare say anything she wanted to say after that.

    ¡°I hadn''t thought that my wife would elicit so much anger from the old dowager upon her return. That truly makes her unfilial, but she is this prince¡¯s concert. Her mistakes are this prince¡¯s mistakes, so let this prince make my apologies on behalf of my Yining.¡±

    Pang Xiao walked forward with a smile and cupped fists. ¡°The old dowager is the elder of the family and most magnanimous.¡± Hw bowed from the waist. ¡°You are ever tolerant of your junior¡¯s mistakes. After all, we need to be given the chance to redeem ourselves, no?¡±

    It was a deftly delivered response and Pang Xiao tendered his apologies from the position of amon-born prince. Such a tremendous disy of deference and filial piety won great approval from everyone else. The second and third elder master nodded merrily, highly satisfied with their nephew-inw. Here was a notable personage who didn''t conduct himself with overweening arrogance just because of his rank. He remained exceedingly respectful and filial.

    Sadly, no one knew of the old dowager¡¯s struggle. She¡¯d almost wet herself from the ruthlessly keen look in Pang Xiao¡¯s eyes!

    She finally truly understood that those who led men into war emerged with hands covered in blood. A simple narrowing of the eyes was the precursor to them chopping heads off! Though the prince was bowing to her, he was also warning her not to challenge his bottom line.

    Color drained from her face due to fright and she trembled like a leaf. So much cold sweat dotted her forehead that it streaked down her temples.

    Pang Xiao worried over the sight. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the old dowager?¡± He looked beseechingly at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Father-inw? Have I said something wrong?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan sighed with resignation. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, the old dowager hasn''t been in the best of healthtely. When Yining went missing, she worried herself into sickness and has been beset with aches and pains since then. She''s yet to make a full recovery and is likely too emotional at seeing her granddaughter.¡±

    The exnation salvaged the old dowager¡¯s dignity and pinned her constant disrespectful acts onto growing muddleheaded in her old age. Everyone present knew that she¡¯d tried to foist the eighth miss onto Pang Xiao, including the prince himself.

    Such words represented a son¡¯s concern for his mother¡¯s dignity.

    Pang Xiao immediately nodded and respectfully retreated to the side, disying highest regard for his father-inw.

    When the old dowager calmed down and thought clearly again, she wanted to get in a few jabs at Qin Yining to recover lost face. But Pang Xiao seemed to sense whenever she looked in her granddaughter¡¯s direction and always met her eyes with a supercilious half-smile. Her heart quailed to be regarded thus, which resulted in her looking away.

    After a few repeated instances, the old dowager no longer dared disyed any sort of negative inclination in her expression.

    Qin Yining and n¨¦e Sun quietly took a note of their subtle struggle. N¨¦e Sun ducked her head to repress her chuckles while Qin Yining cast a long-suffering look at her husband. Since there wasn¡¯t any anger or condemnation in the followup eye roll, it rather seemed like she was flirting with the prince instead.

    Highly amused by his beloved¡¯s reaction, an entertained Pang Xiao kept himself a bit more in check and refrained from scaring the old dowager further. It was only because she was his darling¡¯s grandmother that he settled for this kind of intimidation.

    If it¡¯d been anyone else treating his Yining this way, he would¡¯ve already pped the other silly and pounced on any toe out of line.

 Chapter 571.2: Depose

    <h4>Chapter 571.2: Depose</h4>

    The eunuch read out Qin Yining¡¯s newly bestowed paramount rank in ringing tones and directed her rewards of gold, bolts of silk, and head ornaments into neat cements in the yard. The family happily looked over everything and gifted arge red envelope in turn before sending the delighted eunuch off on his way.

    Congrattions abounded in the yard after the messenger¡¯s departure. What further honors and glory could a woman want for in life, other than entering the pce to be part of the royal harem?

    Qin Yining was less than twenty years old, but she was a princess consort of the paramount rank, was partnered with a loving and doting husband, and now was heavy with child. It seemed that she held in her hands everything that any woman could ever desire.

    The family stood around and happily chattered away about what¡¯d just happened. N¨¦e Sun couldn¡¯t stop smiling as she held her daughter¡¯s hands, while the old dowager¡¯s eyes were caught by the rows of silver and gold ingots. She looked at them again and again with an eager glint in her eyes.

    ¡°His Majesty greatly values brother-inw alright!¡± eximed the second madame. ¡°His Majesty knew that Yining was sure to return home after morning court, so he sent the rewards here.¡±

    She meant to tter Pang Xiao with thesements, but Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao understood the gesture for what it was.

    Li Qitian was keeping them under surveince. Sending Qin Yining¡¯s rewards directly to the Qin Manor was a message that the emperor knew their rtionship was overly close.

    Normally speaking, it was inevitable and reasonable that father and son-inw were close to each other. However, Qin Huaiyuan and Pang Xiao¡¯s rtionship was no ordinary one. They¡¯d joined efforts to craft a story that they loathed each other, which had been the key to Li Qitian personally arranging the marriage for couple.

    if Li Qitian had known that the two interacted like one family when they were together and even frequently brainstormed ideas for each other, his regret would know no bounds.

    And now, it seemed like he was indeed aware.

    Qin Huaiyuan had abstained from doing anything in court today and stayed away from Li Qitian¡¯s faction when they were censuring the prince. Now that everything had calmed down, so did the emperor have spare time to muse over the situation and contemte his way to the right answer.

    Pang Xiao looked worriedly at Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Father-inw¡­¡±

    Smiling, Qin Huaiyuan pped the prince¡¯s muscr shoulders. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡± He was perfectly at ease, as if none of this mattered to him. His smile widened when he saw Pang Xiao looking at him. ¡°I¡¯m no spring chicken anymore, it¡¯s time for me to take a step back and enjoy life with my grandchildren.¡±

    This sudden deration seemed to speak of an intent to remove himself from worldly affairs. The second elder master and second madame registered this with a wave of concern. Qin Huaiyuan was in the prime of his life and as the Minister of the Rites, was poised to enter the inner council in the future. That he suddenly expressed such sentiments was a puzzling and unwee development.

    An urgent tter of hooves sounded outside the front door at this time. When a gray-robed eunuch swung open the door and saw everyone gathered in the front yard, he unfurled his imperial decree and read it out loud.

    ¡°The Emperor, who governs with the Mandate of Heaven, does hereby decree that any Qin surnamed male who serves at court is summarily deposed from office, never to be employed again. Proimed to all under the Heavens, let it be known!¡±

    The announcement bombed the bustling yard into stillness. Other than Qin Huaiyuan who retained his calm, everyone else was so shocked that they couldn''t find the words to express their feelings.

    Apart from Qin Huaiyuan, second elder master Qin Xiuyuan was also an official at court. Though Qin Yining¡¯s cousins weren¡¯t in service yet, they were all eagerly preparing for the civil examinations toy down the foundations for their future career.

    This imperial decreepletely severed any hope of an illustrious future in a government position. Though the emperor meant to remove Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuan from their positions, and to forever bar only these two from imperial employment, how would anyone dare associate with the Qins after this? No one would keeppany with Qin Han and Qin Yu with this precedent!

    Qin Huaiyuan received the imperial decree with equanimity and gave thanks. Dazed for a long while, Qin Xiuyuan jolted into action when his brother bowed and offered his gratitude as well.

    In the stunned silence, the old dowager suddenly wailed and burst into tears.

    ¡°What''s the reason for this, how can this be?? Didn''t the emperor just bestow a paramount rank onto our young miss?! Howe he takes away her father¡¯s position in the next breath?? What¡¯s going on?!¡±

    Her cry articted the question in everyone''s hearts, but to question an imperial decree was a grave crime. Beside her, the second madame and Qin-mama quickly pped hands over her mouth with unspoken ord.

    Still standing within the yard, the eunuch wanted to angrily rebuke the old woman. But when he saw the imposing Pang Xiao standing off to the side with his hands behind his back, he was so frightened by the sight that he swallowed his remarks.

    No one dared antagonize this one! He¡¯d be killed on the spot if things went south, and if that happened, the eunuch was certain that the emperor would only say, ¡°well done¡± and nothing else. There¡¯d be absolutely no value in his death!

    The eunuch didn¡¯t want to linger any longer or catch wind of anything he wasn''t supposed to hear. He took his leave with a much more polite attitude than he¡¯d shown upon his arrival.

    Pang Xiao sent off the eunuch and the group returned indoors. No one stoppered the old dowager¡¯s mouth now, so her noisy sobs filled the rafters.

    ¡°Woe betide us, woe is me! Why has something like this happened?! The son that I¡¯ve raised for so many years has been removed from his position! How is this possible? Yining received rewards just moments before Meng¡¯er and Xiu¡¯er were removed!

    ¡°What should we do now?? How will the Qins find any glory or honor in the future?!¡± The old dowager¡¯s weeping caused the second madame¡¯s eyes to redden as well.

    Staring nkly, n¨¦e Sun didn¡¯t know what else to do other than hold her daughter¡¯s hand.

    Qin Huaiyuan patted his brother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Second brother, I¡¯ve dragged you down with me this time.¡±

 Chapter 572: Moving (I)

    <h4>Chapter 572: Moving (I)</h4>

    ¡°Be it raging thunderbolts or a gentle rain, all are the favor of our liege. Whatever can we subjects do when His Majesty wishes to take action? You aren¡¯t allowed to speak like this in the future, big brother, or you¡¯d be estranging your younger brothers.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, senior uncle,¡± Qin Yu piped up. ¡°We just need to follow the imperial decrees that His Majesty sets for us. Our family has endured so much in Great Yan that it¡¯s already an enormous blessing that we are safe and sound and gathered in one ce. It¡¯s not a bad thing to not be officials or participate in the politics of court.¡±

    ¡°I think that way too,¡± Qin Han added. ¡°What¡¯s better than our family peacefully living out our days together? After experiencing all that we¡¯ve gone through, I feel that all honors and status are but fleeting clouds.

    ¡°Our greatest fortune is to see everyone alive and living together. As for all that other wealth and prestige, well, they ze gloriously when we are noble and powerful, but are consumed in a hot sh when someone else wishes to take them from us. We¡¯vee to terms with it long ago and set aside such pursuits.¡±

    The Qins had suffered such a disaster in Great Yan and lost so much of the family. Anyone with any empathy would remember such grief for the rest of their days. Though there weren¡¯t many who¡¯d set all secr desire aside like Qin Han, they shared his feelings when he mentioned what the family had once endured.

    Caught in the grip of emotion, Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s nose twinged and he nodded.

    ¡°When ites down to it, it¡¯s my unsuitable behavior at court that elicited His Majesty¡¯s disfavor.¡±

    The old dowager stopped crying when she heard this and tugged at her son. ¡°Meng¡¯er, exin yourself. Why has His Majesty suddenly stripped you of your office? What unsuitable thing have you done? You¡¯re no longer a spring chicken and you were highly employed¡ªyou were tapped to enter the inner council! Why have you suddenly fallen out of favor?

    ¡°Can it be¡­¡± She looked suspiciously at Qin Yining. ¡°Why have you been deposed as soon as granddaughter Yi returned? Does it have something to do with her?¡±

    Neither his brothers nor nephews had med Qin Huaiyuan, but not only was the old dowager not gratified by her children pulling together in times of trouble, she was even the first to jump out and point fingers!

    Pang Xiao was highly displeased by this, especially as the old dowager was attempting to cast all me on Qin Yining. Before he could speak, n¨¦e Sun had already risen to her feet to take her daughter¡¯s hand.

    ¡°These words hardly make sense. My daughter is a woman and received rewards from the emperor himself. All of the honors held by the rest of the family¡¯s women don¡¯t add up to what Yining possesses. How can the affairs of men be her fault?

    ¡°Since you''re used to being the head of the household, you should think about how to perpetuate at atmosphere of harmony, Old Dowager. What will others think when you only think of saying these kinds of words first?¡±

    The old dowager flew into a rage and put all thought of anyone else out of her mind. She levied a finger at n¨¦e Sun¡¯s nose. ¡°Shut up, you shameless harlot! It¡¯s all due to an idiot like you that we¡¯re in these straits!

    ¡°How talented is my Meng¡¯er?? He is Wise Pan An! Showered with des wherever he walked, the emperor treasured him so greatly when we first arrived in Great Zhou! It¡¯s all you, it¡¯s all because of you! If it wasn¡¯t for a fool like you, how would my Meng¡¯er be robbed of his career?!¡±

    Satisfied in her bout of unwarranted cursing, the old dowager beat her chest and burst into loud sobs. She covertly observed the crowd¡¯s expression through her tears and cried with increased grievance when she saw that Qin Huaiyuan didn''t show the slightest inclination of stepping forward tofort her.

    "I finally raised my son to adulthood, but his career and future are no more! There¡¯s no reason for me to live anymore, no reason!¡±

    Her loud wailing gave Qin Yining a headache and her brows knit together in a tight frown. As an outsider, it wasn¡¯t appropriate for Pang Xiao to lecture the mother of the father-inw that he held with great respect. Besides, Qin Huaiyuan was indeed the poor victim of the prince¡¯s affairs in this matter.

    Li Qitian was sure to vent his wrath on all rted parties after the failure of his schemes today. That Qin Huaiyuan and his men hadn¡¯t censured the prince during the court session was cause enough for resentment. As for Ji Zeyu¡­ who knew how the emperor would target him?

    Unconcealed worry floated onto his handsome face when Pang Xiao¡¯s thoughts traveled here.

    Meanwhile, the second madame and second elder master were busy consoling the old dowager.

    N¨¦e Sun tugged on her daughter¡¯s hand. ¡°It''s too noisy here and not a good environment for you. Let us go.¡±

    This added to Qin Yining¡¯s stress, but she rxed slightly when she saw that her father remained coollyposed, as if not caring about anything happening here. She followed her mother out of the main hall and toward the doors. The old dowager¡¯s wails were so piercing that they still shook the rafters even when the two were outside.

    ¡°She was never grateful when our family was prosperous,¡± n¨¦e Sun grumbled. Your second and third uncle haven''t said anything even though your father''s been deposed, but she''s the one who starts carrying on. Is this how one acts as a mother?!¡±

    Qin Yining wrapped her hands around n¨¦e Sun¡¯s arm infort. ¡°Let¡¯s just keep this to ourselves, mother. If we talk about this in front of father, he¡¯ll be saddened.¡±

    N¨¦e Sun nodded and sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on these irritating matters, my daughter. You live for two now, so just focus on your health. Look at how skinny you¡¯ve gotten on this trip! Yourplexion isn¡¯t looking that good either.¡±

    This was already a version of Qin Yining that¡¯d been heavily nourished by Pang Xiao on the way back. How badly would n¨¦e Sun have cried if she¡¯d seen her daughter in the desert?

    As the old dowager¡¯s sobs weakened, Pang Xiao was the first to lift the door curtains and leave. He was followed by Qin Huaiyuan, the second and third elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu. The second madame, second wife, eighth miss, and Qin Huining remained inside tofort and console the old dowager.

    ¡°Since we¡¯vee under imperial suspicion, it won¡¯t be easy for us to change this impression,¡± Qin Huaiyuan said. ¡°As opposed to living our lives hobbled in everything we do, we might as well adopt a carefree attitude and be who we want to be.¡±

    The second elder master nodded. It took only some moments of careful thought to identify the funny business at court today. The emperor was undoubtedly ready to burst after failing to eradicate Pang Xiao and having to graciously reward Qin Yining. He would naturally find a way to vent his fury, which was why they, as Pang Xiao¡¯s inws, hade under the knife.

    We should be thankful that Li Qitian is at least a rtively clearheaded person. If they¡¯d been under the rule of the dog emperor of Great Yan, an imperial decree to raze the family to the ground would¡¯ve arrived. At least they¡¯d evaded that kind of disaster.

    ¡°What ns do you have now, big brother?¡± asked the second elder master.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been tired in body and mind for a very long time now,¡± Qin Huaiyuan sighed. ¡°I have only one daughter and hope to y with my grandchildren in the future. I don¡¯t care about anything else. The emperor has ced me in the same camp as His Highness now, so his suspicions won¡¯t change no matter what I do. In that case, I might as well live with a bit more nonchnce.¡±

    He looked at Pang Xiao with a smile. ¡°Zhixi, what do you think about your mother-inw and I moving to your manor?¡±

    Pang Xiao lit up at this suggestion and nodded rapidly. ¡°That¡¯d be wonderful! Father-inw, there¡¯s nothing I¡¯d want more! The manor isrge and it¡¯s always more fun for the family to be together. My darling would be happy too and that would be good for her health. There would be nothing better!¡±

 Chapter 573.1: Moving (II)

    <h4>Chapter 573.1: Moving (II)</h4>

    His suggestion of moving to the prince¡¯s manor was also out of consideration for his family.

    Apart from Qin Huaiyuan, the Qins still had second elder master Qin Xiuyuan present at court. Granted, he was a minor official with a nominal title and no real power. Whenever Li Qitian needed anything from the family, he had to seek out Qin Huaiyuan. If any enemies wanted to send in assassins for revenge, they¡¯de for Qin Huaiyuan as the remaining Qin members fell far below public register.

    Thus, though Qin Huaiyuan made it sound like his proposal of moving away at this time was for his own benefit, it was in reality out of concern for dragging the rest of his family into his troubles.

    In addition, living with Pang Xiao in the prince¡¯s residence would make it easy for him to remain under protection. Qin Yining and Pang Xiao, at the very least, wouldn¡¯t have to spend their days on tenterhooks and be distracted by concern for their kin.

    The only caveat to him moving away was that Qin Huaiyuan was equally concerned for the remainder of his family. What if his enemies turned their attentions to the rest of the Qins when they couldn¡¯t find him? Since he was Pang Xiao¡¯s father-inw, he couldn¡¯t just tantly suggest moving his entire family into his son-inw¡¯s home.

    Pang Xiao knew everything that his father-inw was weighing up and immediately proposed, ¡°Father and mother-inw must do me the honor of living with me, there are plenty of empty residences in my manor. It would be even better if second and third uncle-inw could do the same as well.¡±

    The second and third elder master, Qin Han, and Qin Yu were very astonished by his words, then equal parts touched and overwhelmed.

    What kind of person was the prince? It was always others currying favor with him andvishing attention on him. Rare were the asions in which he did the same to others. Yet he valued rtionships so much that he was including them in all of his ns.

    They weren¡¯t quite as sharp-witted as Pang Xiao, but enlightenment was forting when they thought about it some more. Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s intentions sent another wave of gratitude through the men. Their patriarch had tactfully made a request of the prince in order to keep the family safe.

    ¡°The prince¡¯s suggestion is wonderful and we are very appreciative, but would it be too much of a disturbance if we moved in?¡± the second elder master exhibited hesitation.

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Qin Han was also worried about making trouble for Qin Yining.

    The old dowager was a constant thorn in everyone¡¯s sides. Wouldn¡¯t she turn the prince¡¯s manor upside down on a daily basis after moving in? Qin Yining had her own mother and grandparents-inw to consider. If this caused them to dislike her, it would be the family¡¯s wrongdoing.

    The same thoughts also struck the third elder master and Qin Yu; they couldn¡¯t be selfish when it came to other people¡¯s goodwill. And so, all of them demurred.

    ¡°There are indeed plenty of empty ces at the manor,¡± Qin Yining chuckled. ¡°So don¡¯t be shy, second and third uncle, and my brothers.¡± She turned to Pang Xiao. ¡°What if we clean up Snowplum Yard and move our family there?¡±

    ¡°But of course.¡± Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. ¡°Snowplum Yard is located in the west of the manor and is an individual residence three houses deep. It has a separate side door, so you can ess the streets through it when you don¡¯t wish to circle around to the main door.¡±

    ¡°Snowplum Yard is part of the manor, but the hallway leading to the rest of theplex can be shuttered at any time,¡± Qin Yining continued. ¡°Using the yard¡¯s side door makes forpletely removed day-to-day living. This will ce our family closer to the prince, making it more convenient for his men to protect us. When you wish to walk around, simply open the passage door to visit the inws in the rest of the manor. You¡¯ll maintain a high degree of autonomy.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan was very satisfied by these arrangements from his daughter and son-inw. He turned to his brothers. ¡°Second and third brother, what do you think?¡±

    They were very tempted, but looked at each other. ¡°Why don¡¯t we take it up with the old dowager?¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan nodded. ¡°I will abstain then. Second brother, will you discuss it with mother?¡±

    The second elder master nodded with a sigh. ¡°That¡¯s just as well.¡± He paused, then said, ¡°Mother¡¯s getting on in her years, so it can¡¯t be helped that she¡¯s sometimes muddle-headed. She¡¯s like a big child sometimes, so don¡¯t be sad, big brother. You know that she still loves you the most.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Qin Huaiyuan smiled. ¡°At our age, it¡¯s all water under the bridge.¡±

    Seeing the carefree smile on their oldest brother¡¯s face, the second and third elder masters knew him to be a open-minded person. If he said he didn¡¯t mind, then he really wouldn¡¯t mind it. Thus reassured, they set out to convince their mother.

    When the old dowager first heard that Qin Huaiyuan wanted to move out, she cursed him for being a worthless ingrate and forgetting his mother after gaining a wife. But when she heard that Pang Xiao invited them all to move to his manor, she was sorely tempted.

    That was the manor of a prince! If she refused, she¡¯d probably never have another chance to enjoy life in such luxurious surroundings!

    Besides, she¡¯d be the highest one on the hierarchy, given her identity. Everyone would have to dance attendance on her then!

    She smiled through her tears when her thoughts traveled to this point and she dered with pride, ¡°At least they¡¯ve remained filial.¡± Her assurance quickly turned to worry. ¡°What is the situation like outside? Will we be dragged down into something if we move over there? I just feel that the emperor removing your big brother from his position this time has something to do with granddaughter Yi and her husband.¡±

    Disgust rose in the second elder master and second madame when they heard these words. Thank goodness that no one from the eldest family branch was present! Who knew how saddened they¡¯d be to see their good intentions meet with such an egotistic, selfish miser?

 Chapter 573.2: Moving (II)

    <h4>Chapter 573.2: Moving (II)</h4>

    ¡°Niece Yi is a filial child and big brother sees things with an open heart. He is truly filial to you, so speak no more of this. It will sadden others to hear of it and we would be hurt as well.¡±

    ¡°Mother, don¡¯t be bothered with the likes of our generation.¡± The second madame added with a smile. ¡°The lord speaks too bluntly, but he means well. You are most considerate of your children and the most generous. As the saying goes, ¡®a prime minister''s mind is broad enough for poling a boat¡¯ and ¡®the master should sometimes turn a blind eye and a dear ear¡¯.

    ¡°You are the most elder in the family, mother, and we need you to be in charge of us all. Otherwise, we¡¯ll sorelyck for a pir of strength.¡±

    The second elder master and madame alternated between projecting a sympathetic attitude and an aggressive one, fully defusing the old dowager¡¯s temper. She was also immenselyforted by her daughter-inw¡¯s words and nodded approvingly.

    ¡°Alright then, the family will temporarily move over to the prince¡¯s manor. We¡¯ll move right back out if anything happens, and we¡¯ll have someone watch over our residence. That ensures we have a ce to live if we need to move back in a hurry.¡±

    The second madame nodded while inwardly rolling her eyes. Niece Yi owns this residence since bandits made off with everything the family owned when we traveled here, what residence do ¡®we¡¯ own? The old dowager eats, lives, and breathes from niece Yi but knows no gratitude.

    As Yining¡¯s aunt, the second madame¡¯s teeth ached from the sourness of it all.

    The second elder master went out to discuss the matter of moving with Qin Huaiyuan, Pang Xiao, and the others. Actual execution of their ns was easy once they decided upon a course of action.

    Servants abounded in Pang Xiao¡¯s household and his personal guard and Elite Tigers disyed dominating prowess both on the battlefield and moving house. Since the prince¡¯s manor was amply stocked with bedding and daily necessities, the Qins only needed to take their clothing and personal belongings. Everything was put in order very shortly.

    They readied a dozen carriages and left behind some servants to guard the residence. The rest took their personal servants with them and set out for the prince¡¯s manor. Snowplum Yard was staffed with people at all time; all Pang Xiao needed to do upon his return was give orders to his head overseer.

    The old dowager, second and third branches of the family settled into Snowplum Yard. Pang Xiao sent his overseer with more servants to help make themselves at home. Qin Yining arranged for her parents to reside in Snowtrace Garden, where she¡¯d stayed previously.

    That was a quiet and refined residence, located in an important part of theplex despite not possessing a door leading straight to the outside. Close to the outer study and separate from the inner residence, it was ideal for drawing clear boundaries¡ªimportant due to the fact that Qin Yining had a single mother-inw.

    The eighth miss was naturally sent with the old dowager, while the household had to ept Qin Huining since she was a foster child. Highly afraid of the girl causing any trouble, N¨¦e Sun volunteered to keep Qin Huining under her nose.

    ¡°Daughter Hui can stay with me. You can go pay your respects to the old dowager every day.¡±

    Bedazzled by the vast residence and opulent elegance of the prince¡¯s manor, Qin Huining¡¯s jealousy frothed and churned. Feeling highly aggrieved that n¨¦e Sun was on guard against her like she was a thief, Qin Huining nheless nodded docilely when she thought of how she wanted to repair her rtionship with Qin Huaiyuan and n¨¦e Sun.

    N¨¦e Sun had a maid lead Qin Huining to her room to rest.

    Lamps red to life when the skies grew dark and lit up the indoors like it was day. Qin Huaiyuan spoke to his daughter when he noticed how tired she seemed, ¡°You two must be tired after the events of the day, go get some rest. The rest can wait until tomorrow.¡± He turned to Pang Xiao. ¡°I¡¯ve already sent people to escort the inws home. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll arrive in a day or two.¡±

    Pang Xiao smiled. ¡°Indeed, thank you, father-inw. You¡¯ve braved the emperor¡¯s surveince to take care of my mother and grandparents when I was away. You must have expended a lot of effort. The two of us shall drink to our heart¡¯s content when we have a moment!¡±

    N¨¦e Sun was very surprised by their conversation as she had no idea this had taken ce. Pang Xiao left Snowtrace Garden with Qin Yining.

    It was nowpletely dark and a maid lit the way ahead with antern. Pang Xiao decided to carry his wife in his arms when he saw how Qin Yining¡¯s waist ached and slowly she walked.

    Caught off guard by the weightless feeling, she cried out softly and grabbed for his neck. ¡°What are you doing? Put me down.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re tired, be a good girl and rest for a bit. I¡¯ll have them prepare some congee and a few dishes. You can rest after you¡¯ve had them.¡±

    Qin Yining chuckled when she heard this and rested her head against Pang Xiao¡¯s shoulders, feeling his strong arms wrap her in a strong grip and easily return to their residence. She was tired and didn¡¯t want to talk. Immensely grateful to Pang Xiao for how he¡¯d handled everything today, she rubbed her cheek against his shoulder.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart melted and he bent his head to kiss her forehead, saying gently, ¡°My heart.¡±

    He stopped before long. ¡°My dear, take a look.¡±

    Qin Yining was already drifting off to sleep and blearily opened her eyes. ¡°What is it?¡±

    He tilted his forehead and she followed his gaze. The warm illumination of thenterns cast light upon a brand new signboard over the doors. Familiar characters flew across it, saying Pineheart Garden.

    Qin Yining¡¯s eyes reddened and she smiled through a watery gaze, ¡°It¡¯s your calligraphy.¡±

 Chapter 574.1: Warm and Cold

    <h4>Chapter 574.1: Warm and Cold</h4>

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was finding you. Time passed swiftly, and I was a little bit more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. Time suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good timing to leave the capital in search of you. I could only wait at home since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with things at court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this signboard is one of the fruits of mybor from then.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but he¡¯d created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted up again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with resignation when he saw the twinkling glisten of her eyes. He walked inside the residence with her.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had passed the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare for too long when they saw the princee back with his princess consort in his arms. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned it up.

    Lamps had been lit inside and the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining down on the bed carpeted with soft nkets and took down pearl hairpins looped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy hair behind her and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving gentleness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. When he asionally lifted his head, he¡¯d involuntarily smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After their wedding, they¡¯d yet to be familiar with their marital home before having to leave the capital. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, though there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is conscientious and I asked him to hide them when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so in secret, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been entranced. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strangeness,¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be for the best if you could manage it.¡± Qin Yining nodded with a smile, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking of her family in all possible ways.

    The two spent a night in wonderful sleep, feeling very reassured that they were by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon, when Qin Yining was napping on a warm chair after lunch, a maid reported, ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head back to Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why doesn¡¯t this servant help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve rushed out already. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    When they left Pineheart Garden and took the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, the servants along the way paused their motions and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An old mama stood by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids behind herpleted the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    The sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path and Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall and bulky, slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. She walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. They were happily exchanging words andughter.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°Good girl,e let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly without letting her down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with that. Good girl, you¡¯ve suffered incredibly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What else is he good for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who smiled foolishly back with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 574.2: Warm and Cold

    <h4>Chapter 574.2: Warm and Cold</h4>

    ¡°Good, good.¡± Yao Chenggu nodded with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you¡¯vee back safe and sound. Nothing else matters.¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± n¨¦e Yao smiled as well. ¡°Dafu¡¯s been a dead man walking these days and everything is fine now that you¡¯vee back. As your grandparents say, nothing else matters. To be at peace is one of the great fortunes of life. A perfectly fine girl came to our household¡ªhow would we ever exin ourselves to the inws if anything happened to you?¡±

    Qin Yining inclined her head with an amiable smile, but the scales of her heart had already weighed up their performance.

    N¨¦e Ma truly cared about her and weed her to the family; there wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of suspicion there.

    Yao Chenggu liked to keep his cards close to his chest and she could tell from his words that doubts brewed. He wasn¡¯t the sort to openly express anything, so all he said was, ¡°nothing else matters.¡±

    Her mother-inw, n¨¦e Yao, was highly skeptical of her purity and wasn¡¯t really asking after her good health. N¨¦e Yao was obliquely probing her¡ªthere was nothing wrong with any part of the exchange, but stringing all of the words together levied pressure and tension on her mind.

    Being of good character and having learned from the pce mamas in Great Yan, no one saw through to Qin Yining¡¯s true state of mind given her wless manners.

    No one except Pang Xiao.

    Displeasure grew in his heart when he heard his mother¡¯s words. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, mom, my father-inw is a reasonable and empathetic person. He didn¡¯t say anything when I lost Yining and when I was almost caught up in disaster a while back, it was father-inw and second uncle who gave up their positions to save me. If he med me for Yining¡¯s matter, why would he help me? The Qins are kindhearted people, they wouldn¡¯t do that.¡±

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s expression shifted with worry when she heard mention of ¡°disaster¡±. ¡°What happened? Was it because you left the capital without orders?¡± She frowned and cast a sidelong nce at Qin Yining, her gaze full of resentment.

    The princess consort was both angry, aggrieved, and resigned at the look. Her bottled up emotions grew stronger and she had to cover her mouth as she dry heaved.

    ¡°Aiya, what¡¯s happening?¡± N¨¦e Ma jumped with shock and took Qin Yining¡¯s hand, finding it covered with cold sweat. She asked anxiously, ¡°Littless Bingtang,ee, take a look at your miss.¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡± Standing in the back, Bingtang, Jiyun, Xianyun, and Xiaozhou came flying over.

    They¡¯d stayed outside with the grand-madame and old madame during this period of time; Jiyun and Xianyun had taught Bingtang and Xiaozhou the numerous customs of living in a prince¡¯s household. They weren¡¯t at liberty to approach when their masters and mistresses greeted each other and Qin Yining¡¯s line of vision had been obstructed earlier, hence she¡¯d missed out on taking notice of the small group far in the distance.

    Now that she took a clear look at them, she was delighted as she repressed the urge to vomit. Though Pang Xiao had said before that they were alive, it wasn¡¯t until she saw them with her own eyes that she was fully at ease.

    ¡°Your Highness, how are you?¡± Jiyun took Qin Yining¡¯s hand. N¨¦e Ma stepped out of the way to make space for Bingtang.

    Bingtang eximed with surprise when she took her mistress¡¯ pulse and broke out in a smile. ¡°The princess consort is three months pregnant and you¡¯ve already started using medicines to nurture the child.¡±

    Qin Yining nodded, though her brows were knit together and her lips tightlypressed, joy filled her eyes. Bingtang, Jiyun, Xianyun, and Xiaozhouughed with delight. The merriment of girls was pleasing to the ear and they quickly offered profuse congrattions, livening the atmosphere.

    N¨¦e Ma widened her eyes with astonishment and then apuded with heartyughter, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.

    ¡°Aiya, this is so good, so wonderful! Ai, why didn¡¯t say so earlier,ss? You¡¯re newly pregnant and your health is so poor, why aren¡¯t you lying down in bed?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, grandma.¡± Qin Yining smiled, very grateful for n¨¦e Ma¡¯s care. Compared to n¨¦e Yao¡¯s suspicion and Yao Chenggu¡¯s aloofness, her genuine sincerity was even more touching.

    N¨¦e Yao frowned at Qin Yining, then turned to look at her son. No happiness was forting in her eyes, just a further furrowing of her brows.

    Pang Xiao knew full well what his mother was thinking of.

    ¡°We spent five months on the way back as it was a journey through deserts and harsh cold. Yining was captured by the female khan of Tatar to threaten Great Zhou with, they even tortured her! She¡¯s never been in the best of health and this truly is my fault, I shouldn¡¯t have let her fall pregnant at this time. Ai, it¡¯s all my fault, we should go back and rest now.¡± He went over to support Qin Yining and though he didn¡¯t hug her, he squeezed her hand with his.

    The warmth traveled all the way to her heart, touching her greatly.

    N¨¦e Ma didn¡¯t mind any of this to begin with; her only thought was that it was most important that her granddaughter-inw was home safe. It was even better now that she was with child! Thus she nodded rapidly, equal parts happy and worried.

    ¡°Right right right, Dafu, hurry and take your wife back to rest. Use everything to help her get stronger, whether it¡¯s ginseng or cinnamon. We have a lot of silver, so don¡¯t be miserly!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Pang Xiao nodded with a smile. ¡°I will definitely not be miserly, if only for your firstborn grandchild.¡±

    ¡°Now, what kind of nonsense is that? It¡¯s also for dear Yining to grow stronger. Let me tell you, it¡¯s the hardest thing in a woman¡¯s life to give birth for a child. She¡¯s suffered so much by your side, so don¡¯t you short change her on anything you should do.¡± N¨¦e Ma rolled her eyes at Pang Xiao and red warningly at Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao again.

 Chapter 575.1: Bloodline

    <h4>Chapter 575.1: Bloodline</h4>

    Qin Yining had been taken by the Tatars for so long and she looked the way she did. Great Yan¡¯s impression of the Tatars was a ferocious and savage people who essentially ate raw flesh and drank blood. Would their men not be moved at seeing such an exquisite and beautiful woman?

    It would be one thing if she came back cleanly without a child. They wouldn¡¯t doubt the child¡¯s bloodline if she became pregnantter on. One of their greatest fears was that Pang Xiao was entranced by her beauty and didn¡¯t even know that he was raising another¡¯s child!

    Frustration and resignation rose in Yao Chenggu¡¯s heart as he watched a blithe n¨¦e Ma walk hand-in-hand with Qin Yining. This old woman is simply too uncaring about the matters of the world! What if her grandson¡¯s been cuckolded??

    In his mncholy, Yao Chenggu reached for his brass pipe and fished for tobo stored in a small silk pouch hanging off of the pipe.

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s expression sank when she turned back at the sound. She hectored, ¡°You bumbling old man! Dafu¡¯s wife is with child and you want to smoke?? Put that away!¡±

    If it¡¯d been before, Yao Chenggu would¡¯ve ceased his motions out of a desire to not fight with n¨¦e Ma. But now as he considered the possibility that his grandson possibly didn¡¯t even know that he¡¯d been cuckolded, that perhaps his timeline was incorrect, or perhaps the girl was pregnant with some savage whelp, he lowered his head morosely. Firmly stuffing his pipe with tobo, he pretended he hadn¡¯t heard n¨¦e Ma¡¯s words.

    N¨¦e Ma was already nursing a ball of anger. Ever since she¡¯d beaten n¨¦e Yao with a shoe on ount of all the heartless words she¡¯d said, the way Yao Chenggu had allowed that they would keep n¨¦e Qin like it was some kind of imperial favor, and that he supported Dafu taking concubines, she¡¯d felt that this father and daughter duo thoroughly went against expectation.

    Who would¡¯ve thought that instead of being delighted by news of Qin Yining¡¯s pregnancy, Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao would reveal those expression instead??

    N¨¦e Ma¡¯s annoyance burned all the more hotly for it, but she kept it down when she looked at her granddaughter-inw. It wouldn¡¯t do to worsen her mood if the rest of the family fought. Instead, she pulled Pang Xiao over, ¡°As people, we must live with one hand on our conscience. Yining¡¯s parents spent so much blood, sweat, and tears to raise her to the fine youngss she is today. They gave her to us without a word and upon joining our family, she has to take care of you, be a filial daughter-inw, oversee the household, and raise your children.

    ¡°You must be just as good to her and her family as she is to you! They gave you their daughter, so you must repay them in their twilight years as well! Do you hear me? Your children will learn from what you do and if you don¡¯t do things properly now, your children will do the same to you when you¡¯re old!¡±

    She freed a hand to pinch Pang Xiao¡¯s muscr arm.

    He¡¯d heard more than his fair share of nagging when he grew up and felt the familiar cadence veryforting. Pang Xiao smiled, ¡°Grandma, I know. Father-inw and Yining¡¯s second uncle have lost their positions because of certain events, and I¡¯m worried their family might be in danger because of me.

    ¡°Therefore, I took the initiative to ready Snowpear Courtyard and Snowtrace Garden so I could invite them in. It will be easier for us to protect them when they¡¯re part of the family.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful!¡± n¨¦e Ma smiled. ¡°Has their old dowagere as well?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The old dowager is very kind to Yining and she is also very filial. They¡¯re delighted by Yining¡¯s pregnancy and now our joy can be doubled with everyone living close to each other.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma bobbed her head happily, not doubting anything her grandson said. ¡°I¡¯ll go visit my old sister in a while. I¡¯ve long hoped for someone to talk to in thisplex, we¡¯re normally so quiet. It¡¯s so much more like a home when there¡¯s more people around!¡±

    N¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu, however, furrowed their brows further.

    Yao Chenggu took a deep pull on his pipe and turned over the same thoughts again and again. Isn¡¯t this inviting the wolf into the chicken coop? The emperor obviously doesn¡¯t like the Qins since he¡¯s stripped them of their titles. Have we brought trouble through our doors in weing them at this time?

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s thoughts turned to more practical affairs. How will expenses be handled when we all live together? It¡¯s not going to be my son in charge of everything, is it?!

    ¡°When did this happen?¡± N¨¦e Yao blurted out. ¡°Oh, you child. Look at you still running around haphazardly at your age. Why didn¡¯t you discuss this with us first? What if your brash actions have resulted in inadequate hospitality for the inws?¡±

    Though Qin Yining hadn¡¯t turned back to observe everyone¡¯s expressions since she was walking side-by-side with n¨¦e Ma and Pang Xiao at the front, she could clearly discern all of the blows exchanged.

    N¨¦e Yao suspected her purity and that her child wasn¡¯t Pang Xiao¡¯s. This was maddening enough, but she didn¡¯t want any discord with Pang Xiao¡¯s family. They all lived under the same roof and the days ahead were long. If they had a falling out, things would be awkward in the future and Pang Xiao would have a difficult time being caught in the middle.

    He was already beset with enemies at court, she didn¡¯t want him toe home to chaos and animosity.

    However, n¨¦e Yao didn¡¯t seem to think much of her self restraint. Perhaps she even took it as a sign of guilt?

 Chapter 575.2: Bloodline

    <h4>Chapter 575.2: Bloodline</h4>

    ¡°Mother-inw treats me as an outsider with these words. Though my family is temporarily staying here, they¡¯re not upying the two residences for no good reason. They¡¯d nned on moving to a new manor as the old one was a bit crowded, but it¡¯s difficult to immediately find a suitable ce when every inch ofnd is so deeply precious and crowded in the capital.

    ¡°They also wanted to provide for me in a disguised manner, which is why they offered to rent the Snowpear Courtyard and Snowtrace Garden.

    ¡°It¡¯s as easy as closing the door to the rear alley if our families wish to live apart, and our lodgings and meal times will naturally remain independent. My family retains many estates and manors in the capital of the old Yan Dynasty, as well as hot springs and parks in the mountains.

    ¡°They¡¯re a bit too far though, and we are not in times of peace. It would be inconvenient to travel from the capital, or else my grandmother would rather return to the south.¡±

    Everyone was well aware of the change in situation when they heard Qin Yining call n¨¦e Yao ¡°mother-inw¡± instead of ¡°mom¡±. She¡¯d inly grasped every detail about their earlier arguments¡ªno one here was a fool.

    N¨¦e Yao¡¯s expression grew even more unpleasant and she curved her lips upward. ¡°Now those words truly ce yourself as an outsider. It¡¯s no matter to lend those residences to your family, what is this talk of rent?¡±

    ¡°I understand mother-inw¡¯s meaning,¡± Qin Yining smiled. ¡°But there should be a clear reckoning of ounts even between blood brothers, not to mention that that''s not the case here. Don''t worry, mother-inw, my parents will only support us with more, rather than less. As for the child¡­ I know your thoughts. But whether it''s a son or a daughter, it¡¯s still my child.¡±

    Us Qins can still afford to raise a child even without you Pangs. If worstes to worst, we¡¯ll just raise it ourselves. We¡¯re not afraid of you!

    Pang Xiao¡¯s heart was already aching for his beloved and he was deeply worried that she would damage her health with anger. He was also rather furious as well when he looked at his mother. Thus, he supported Qin Yining¡¯s arms with his own and patted her soothingly.

    The princess consort moved her gaze from the beet red n¨¦e Yao and smiled at Yao Chenggu. ¡°Grand-Lord, the smoke from your pipe makes it difficult to draw breath. I''m afraid it might harm your first grandchild. Could you put it out? And when I make my greetings at Pinecrane Hall in the future, please smoke in a room next door. It would be bad for the child otherwise.¡±

    Yao Chenggu¡¯s expression was every bit as dark as his daughter¡¯s; his lips and beard vibrated before he tapped his pipe against his shoe and ground the ming pieces into the dirt.

    ¡°A girl from a respectable family is more delicate then a girl from a random vige, alright!¡± he sneered.

    ¡°Indeed that is.¡± Qin Yining drew herself up in a prim and proper fashion, her bearing telling Yao Chenggu that she was a noble daughter to be given due consideration. Don¡¯t bully me like you¡¯d bully someone who doesn¡¯t know better! Do you really think I¡¯ll just cry and bear it?

    Both n¨¦e Yao and Yao Chenggu were quite put out by the exchange and inwardly cursed Qin Yining for having no manners.

    N¨¦e Ma bore even fewer suspicions about Qin Yining¡¯s child upon seeing her granddaughter-inw¡¯s ferocious attitude. Wouldn¡¯t thess keep her head down and quietly ept any manner of treatment if she felt guilty?

    ¡°Lass, don¡¯t bother with those two bumpkins. What rent? We don¡¯t need it! Your father and uncle sacrificed their careers for Dafu, and what is this talk of charging rent for family to live together? Would anyone with a heart do that?? Comee, grandma will escort you back and see what else you might need.¡±

    N¨¦e Ma pped away Pang Xiao¡¯s hand on Qin Yining¡¯s shoulder and sniffed, ¡°All you¡¯re good for is standing off to the side and watching your wife be bullied! Stand up straight if you¡¯re a man and show some fire when someone treats yourdy poorly!¡±

    Pang Xiao felt himself quite innocent from his grandmother¡¯s lecture. ¡°Does grandmother mean for me to bully my mom and grandpa?¡±

    His doleful question teased n¨¦e Ma into giggles. ¡°That¡¯s right! You bully back whoever bullies your wife and bully them into the ground!¡± She turned around to level Yao Chenggu with a fierce re. ¡°Has the old man turned into an old fool? We need to find a doctor to take a look at you and see if you¡¯ve gotten water in your brains.¡±

    She took Qin Yining¡¯s hand and walked in the direction of Pineheart Garden.

    Pang Xiao¡¯s dejection abated and he followed merrily behind n¨¦e Ma. ¡°I could do all that and more if it were outsiders, but I can only turn a blind eye if it¡¯s family.¡±

    Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Ma remained awkwardly where they were, seething at the sight of n¨¦e Ma and Pang Xiao nking Qin Yining into the distance. They didn¡¯t want to incite more distaste, so they returned to Pinecrane Hall.

    Newly delivered home, Salt and Pepper bounded up the father and daughter with their tails wagging. Frustrated as he was, Yao Chenggu kicked Salt away.

    The small Pekingese dog whimpered from the kick and cautiously wagged its tail once. Pepper nuzzled him infort and the two ran off together.

    Yao Chenggu started smoking again once they were inside. N¨¦e Yao sat at the edge of the heated tform and pursed her lips, tightly gripping a table. She clenched it so hard that she almost snapped two of her exquisite nails.

    ¡°Dad, what do you think about this? Is whatever¡¯s growing inside n¨¦e Qin¡¯s belly really from our family?¡±

    Yao Chenggu took a pull on his pipe and slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke. He answered calmly, ¡°I actually suspect her less after all that. She wouldn¡¯t be so hard-headed about things if the father was someone else, and do you not know anything about Dafu? You¡¯re his mother, so you should know that him protecting his wife so fiercely means that he¡¯s certain it¡¯s his child.¡±

 Chapter 576.1: Making a Statement

    <h4>Chapter 576.1: Making a Statement</h4>

    ¡°If we were in the general¡¯s manor of old, the senior madame would drill the rules into her until her spirit broke! But ai, she¡¯s lucked out in having such a mild-mannered mother-inw such as me.¡± N¨¦e Yao felt much better after a rapid-fire round of sharp criticism. She exhaled with ease and continued, ¡°It¡¯s just as well that she doesn¡¯t call me mom, I don¡¯t care to hear it! I didn¡¯t raise her, so how can I expect her to be anything good? She better pay up quickly if she wants to pay rent, I¡¯m worried that our silly Dafu will supplement her ie instead.¡±

    Yao Chenggu rebuked his daughter after hearing all of that. ¡°Now this isn¡¯t the thing to say, you need to consider Dafu¡¯s future career at court after all is said and done. Minister Qin isn¡¯t an ordinary person and thought he¡¯s an official at court no longer, he¡¯s still an excellent strategist.

    ¡°With his daughter married to our Dafu, he¡¯ll have to wrack his brains for ideas and solutions every time Dafu runs into trouble. So don¡¯t you say this in the future.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true enough.¡± N¨¦e Yao thought for a moment and asked worriedly, ¡°Dad, do you think the child in n¨¦e Qin¡¯s belly is really our Dafu¡¯s child? There can¡¯t be a mistake, can there be?¡±

    ¡°Of course, Dafu is a smart one.¡± Yao Chenggu spoke no more and continued puffing on his pipe. Inwardly, however, his daughter¡¯s question kindled a new round of questions. With Qin Yining and Pang Xiao¡¯s attitudes, he felt that it was certain the child was Pang Xiao¡¯s.

    But who could be sure?

    Not to mention, the little girl¡¯s looks could make anyone fall head over heels in love with her. What if Dafu was covering things up for her because he liked her and was entranced by her? Young men were prone to act on emotions; it was understandable if theymitted some actions that couldn¡¯t be helped when the mood seized them.

    And so what if the child was Pang Xiao¡¯s? What if she¡¯d served another man? To have such an unclean woman service his grandson rather revolted Yao Chenggu.

    He put down his pipe and crunched his way through some sunflower seeds, staring off into the distance as he continued to think over present matters.

    Pang Xiao was young and it only stood to reason if he was impulsive. But as his elder, Yao Chenggu had a responsibility to keep a weather eye on thed¡¯s decisions so that he wouldn¡¯t bepletely hoodwinked and have no idea about it.

    A servant came in with a report at this time.

    ¡°Grand-Lord, the lord from the Qin inws requests an audience.¡±

    Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao blinked at each other. What a coincidence!

    ¡­too much of a coincidence. Had something made its way to him?

    ¡°Show His Grace in.¡± Yao Chenggu stood up and brushed off the seed husks on him. The maids quickly made sure everything was in order on the table and ground. After a moment''s thought, n¨¦e Yao decided to stay as well. She took a position next to her father.

    A middle-aged man lifted the door curtain before long. He was tall and slender, his genteel aura as if an immortal from the heavens. Just his demeanor and looks put one in the mindset of the nickname ¡°Wise Pan An¡±. Wisdom and intelligence shimmered unmistakably between his brows; his features and bearing were simply too extraordinary.

    Qin Huaiyuan immediately bowed in greeting when he entered the room. ¡°Grand-Lord Yao and Old Madame, my guards report that my inws have been safely returned to home. Was everythingfortable enough on the trip?¡±

    Yao Chenggu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Anyone of a more frank and direct nature wouldn¡¯t think twice about these words¡ªthere was nothing wrong with them.

    But given the recent bout of unpleasantness, Yao Chenggu couldn¡¯t help but dwell on it a little more than he would. As befits someone who spent so many years at court, alright, and he¡¯s called Wise Pan An for a reason. He lightly delivers such a nomittal greeting, but each word is carefully chosen and stabs straight to the point

    That very brief exchange had clearly touched upon two points:

    Firstly, Grand-Lord ¡°Yao¡± had a surname of Yao. This manor was the Pang Manor, and the careful usage of ¡°Old Madame¡± was a reminder that women had no business sticking their nose in the affairs of men.

    Secondly, that they could safely return home was all due to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s covert protection detail during this time. Without his help, they would¡¯ve been captured by Li Qitian after Pang Xiao¡¯s departure and there would be no happy reunion now.

    Yao Chenggu thought this over with narrowed eyes and gave up his seat with a smile. ¡°Of course, everything was wonderful. Your Grace has arranged for everything in a most proper way. We wanted for nothing along the way! Servants, bring fine tea!¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan exchanged a few more pleasantries before taking the seat of a guest of honor. He chuckled, ¡°My daughter is a clumsy one and reached above her station when she married the prince. The days ahead are long, so please instruct her whenever she falls short. As her father, I will not have the slightest word ofint in return.¡±

    Qin Yining fished out three one-thousand-tael notes from his sleeve. Stamped with the seal of the Great Zhou Dynasty, they could be exchanged for silver ingots anywhere in the nation.

    With a smile, Qin Huaiyuan ced them on the table and pushed them toward Yao Chenggu.

    ¡°This is the rent for upying Snowplum Yard and Snowtrace Garden. Though the young couple is newly wed and Yining¡¯s dowry is substantial, my wife and I fear that they won¡¯t act with wisdom given their youth. What if she spends a little too freely? Her dowry will be expended in short order.

    ¡°Therefore, I request that the Grand-Lord and Old Madame keep watch over these notes for Yining. That way, the youngsters won¡¯t identally spend what they should save. As elders, we all want the best for our children, wouldn¡¯t you say so?¡±

 Chapter 576.2: Making a Statement

    <h4>Chapter 576.2: Making a Statement</h4>

    Yao Chenggu, on the other hand, inwardly swore at Qin Huaiyuan for being a sly fox. What keep watch over these notes? What wanting the best? He meant that these bank notes were a gift from a father to his daughter. The Yaos could only look and not touch them!

    There was also another clearly conveyed meaning to Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s words: the Qins weren¡¯t staying at the prince¡¯s residence for free. They were perfectly in the right¡ªwasn¡¯t it just and proper for them to stay at their daughter and son-inw¡¯s, even if they didn¡¯t pay rent?

    And finally, the third level of meaning caused even greater indignation to Yao Chenggu.

    Here I am, offering money. Now it¡¯s your turn to express simr sentiment.

    Yao Chenggu dearly wished to be able to make a grand gesture as well¡ªwaving off his inws with a dismissive flourish would adequately vent his disgruntlement. But that would only benefit others. He lived off his grandson as well, so he didn¡¯t have any personal wealth to make such a grandiose statement with.

    When his thoughts traveled here, Yao Chenggu saw even more fully what was going on when he another nce at Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s warm smile. This old guy actually means that since I can¡¯t take out a simr amount of silver, I need to treat his daughter better!

    Had the events of the hallways already spread throughout the residence?

    Yao Chenggu¡¯s face started burning, as if the three thousand taels had pped him fiercely across the face. He¡¯s an old fox well experienced with court, alright. Just look at this level of cunning craftiness!

    Qin Huaiyuan¡¯s meaning seemed very apparent on the surface. No one would think twice of what he¡¯d just said, even if it was recorded with brush and paper. They would just think that this is a very good inw, a satisfactory father, and possibly a soft and gentle father-inw.

    Butbined with his tone and expression? That cast a different light on things. It was very easy to read several levels of meaning into his words, and most maddening of all was that Yao Chenggu couldn¡¯t find anything to refute. He also couldn¡¯t convey their conversation to Pang Xiao¡ªhis grandson would only think that he was sowing discord and telling tales.

    Yao Chenggu didn¡¯t think himself slow on the uptake; he also possessed sufficient dignity tomand others. But the little girl had just lectured him into extinguishing his pipe and now her father came knocking!

    He¡¯d suffered several ps in a row and hadn¡¯t been able to do anything other than just take them. If he epted this silver, he wouldn¡¯t be able to exin himself once word got out. There would be no exnation ptable enough for his grandson either.

    With that, Yao Chenggu¡¯s smile froze on his face and he sullenly pushed the bank notes back to Qin Huaiyuan. ¡°Yining is a good girl and it¡¯s Dafu¡¯s great fortune that he found favor in her eyes. Our entire family has liked her very much since she crossed our threshold. Her grandmother loves her like she was our own.

    ¡°She suffered a great deal in traveling with Dafu and I feel quite guilty as well. There is nothing we can do to make it up to her, or to you. Your family showed us great kindness by sending your daughter to us. It is immensely unfortunate that the situation at court is thus.

    ¡°There is no need to worry, our family would never shortchange Yining on her daily necessities or life¡¯s needs. Please take the three thousand taels back. Isn¡¯t it the natural state of things for a family to live together? You distance us with this talk of rent.¡±

    Qin Huaiyuan shook his head with a slight smile and pushed the bank notes back.

    ¡°I understand the grand-lord¡¯s sentiments, but rent must be paid. I understand that the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame are good, honest people who would never change us rent, but it does no harm to keep clear ounts.

    ¡°I was nning on remunerating silver beyond the rent fee. However, I felt His Highness would not ept it, hence I came to the grand-lord.¡± With that, he merrily rose from the chair. ¡°I will refrain from nattering on given how the grand-lord has made an arduous journey today. Yining is pregnant and she can be a silly girl sometimes. If she gives offense and does not listen to you, juste to me and I will discipline her well.¡±

    We have paid your silver and owe nothing to the prince¡¯s family. Our daughter is the princess consort and the mistress of the household. Come what may, it is not the ce of the prince¡¯s family¡ªalso tenants of theplex¡ªto bully the mistress of the house.

    The Qins pay rent, do the Yaos pay rent?

    If any dissatisfaction crops up in the future,e to Qin Huaiyuan instead of browbeating a pregnant woman!

    Qin Huaiyuan raised cupped hands and left before Yao Chenggu and n¨¦e Yao could respond.

    Yao Chenggu flushed hotly as he looked at the bank notes on the table. N¨¦e Yao was bright red and gnashed her teeth.

    ¡°Dad, what does he mean by this?! His daughter doesn¡¯t cleave to the virtues of a woman, yet he has the audacity to confidently find fault with us!¡±

    ¡°Oh no, he didn¡¯t find fault with us. He¡¯s someone well versed in the manners of court¡ªwas anything he said out of line?¡± A glowering Yao Chenggu sat down again and picked up the bank notes, flicking them with callused fingers. ¡°This is a tricky matter. If we sh openly with the girl again, Dafu will me us if the matter blows up. We need to think of a way to quietly take care of the issue.¡±

 Chapter 577.1: Justice

    <h4>Chapter 577.1: Justice</h4>

    Yao Chenggu shoved the bank notes into his robes and grasped his pipe again, methodically packing it with tobo. ¡°Isn¡¯t our biggest problem now that the child in n¨¦e Qin¡¯s belly might not be Dafu¡¯s?¡±

    The shoe dropped and n¨¦e Yao abruptly understood her father¡¯s meaning.

    ¡°Dad, you mean¡­¡± She paled.

    Yao Chenggu took a long pull on his pipe and narrowed his eyes, not following up further.

    N¨¦e Yao sank into deep thought next to the heated tform. ¡°If Dafu finds out about this¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to handle things cleanly so he won¡¯t find out? The girl¡¯s child is of unknown origin and it would only be an eyesore if she delivered it. Since the Qins are a willful family and Dafu needs such a father-inw, not to mention that the emperor decreed the marriage¡­

    ¡°We cannot divorce n¨¦e Qin. Given the situation, we must ensure her cleanliness. A child can be had at any time. They can have more in the future.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ the girl is not yet eighteen. What if this impacts her health and she is no longer able to bear child?¡±

    ¡°Is Dafu never to take concubines?¡±

    The more she looked upon her father¡¯s benevolent expression, the more unswerving N¨¦e Yao¡¯s resolve became.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, dad. As a mother, I must be responsible toward my son. I cannot allow his bloodline to be sullied with doubt and suspicion. I will think of a way to handle this matter. Dad, you¡ª¡±

    ¡°The dowager madame has returned!¡± came a maid¡¯s voice from the courtyard.

    N¨¦e Yao immediately stopped talking and her mother shot through the door curtains half a breathter. Her brows were furrowed tight and she demanded as soon as she saw the two, ¡°Where are the bank notes?¡±

    ¡°Mom.¡± N¨¦e Yao stood up.

    Startled, Yao Chenggu was about to ask how n¨¦e Ma knew them when his wife swiped his pipe with a quick gesture. She dumped the ashes in the spittoon, grasped the pipe with both hands, and broke it over her thigh. The jade mouthpiece and bronze pipe body split into two with a sharp crack.

    N¨¦e Ma furiously threw the pieces to the ground. ¡°Try smoking now, will you!¡±

    ¡°What in the heavens has gotten into you!¡± Yao Chenggu bounded to his feet.

    N¨¦e Yao also drew close to calm the situation down. ¡°Mom, what are you doing?? Why have you suddenly broken dad¡¯s pipe¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up and get out of my way. On your knees!¡± N¨¦e Ma smashed her hand across n¨¦e Yao¡¯s face and left a swollen red imprint.

    N¨¦e Yao held her face and looked incredulously at the older woman. ¡°Mom, why did you hit me?!¡±

    ¡°Because I need to! You damn chit with a crooked heart, wasn¡¯t I clear enoughst time?! Look at what the two of you did today!¡± N¨¦e Ma pushed her daughter off to the side and pointed an usatory finger at Yao Chenggu. ¡°Yao, I know what you¡¯re plotting. I¡¯ve spent decades with you and I know the shape of your sh*t when you twitch your leg!

    ¡°You listen to me and you listen good! Don¡¯t even think about it and return the inws¡¯ silver as soon as possible, or don¡¯t me me for what I do next!¡±

    ¡°You damn woman!¡± Yao Chenggu mmed his hands on the table in a fit of rage. ¡°This isplete lunacy! Don¡¯t forget who¡¯s the head of the household!¡±

    ¡°Head of the household?? Do you want to say yourself? Hah! This is the prince¡¯s residence with the men taking charge outside and the women ruling the inside. Dafu is the head of the household and the princess consort is the matriarch of the inner residence¡ªthat¡¯sss Yi!

    ¡°Who do you think you are?! Put away those base and dirty thoughts of yours! I¡¯ve always lived a good and clean life, so to think that I¡¯d marry someone as crooked as you!¡±

    ¡°How am I crooked?! I have Dafu¡¯s best interests in mind and what¡¯s wrong about worrying that he¡¯s raising another man¡¯s child??¡±

    ¡°Dafu isn¡¯t a fool, do you think he doesn¡¯t know if that¡¯s his child or not? Any other family would be overjoyed by the addition of a great grandchild and sharing a roof with their inws. But you two, you two are never satisfied!

    ¡°Do you know how much of her dowry thess spent for Dafu on their aid mission?? If it wasn¡¯t for that silver, the emperor might¡¯ve punished Dafu long ago! The venerable Sir Qin spent these days protecting and hiding us, how dare you turn around and demand three thousand silver from him?! Do you have a heart??¡±

    ¡°When did I demand that from him?? He gave it to me! And why did we have to go into hiding? It¡¯s because Dafu had to go find Qin¡¯s dear daughter! Qin is supposed to protect us after that!¡±

    ¡°Listen to that bullsh*ting out of your rotten mouth! Do you not know why Yining was kidnapped? The Qins haven¡¯t taken us to task for that, but you carry yourself like this. Your sted brains were kicked by a donkey!¡± N¨¦e Ma smashed her palm down in her fury and shattered the heated tform to pieces.

    The tform cracked into multiple sections and its legs also broke. Compared to the thumps that Yao Chenggu had given it, n¨¦e Ma was erupting in the full glories of yesteryear and didn¡¯t seem affected by old age at all. If her blows hadnded on a person, she would¡¯ve at least broken bone.

    N¨¦e Ma leveled a finger at her husband¡¯s nose. ¡°None of you Yaos are anything good! Your heart is crooked and so you raised a girl who knew nothing but to climb into her master¡¯s bed at a young age! She¡¯s still a brat at forty and only knows how to vie with her daughter-inw. What kind of heaven forsaken things are you two?!¡±

    Beet red with humiliation, Yao Chenggu pointed at n¨¦e Ma with shaking hands. He tried, but failed, to find the proper words and it was even more unthinkable to return his wife¡¯s blows. He¡¯d never won when it came to a contest of strength between the two.

    N¨¦e Ma jerked him up by the cor and fished out the three bank notes.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to return these and I warn you, don¡¯t think of getting up to no good! I just told Dafu that I¡¯ll be moving to Pineheart Garden as soon as I pack my things. I¡¯ll be staying with them until my great grandchild is born, so don¡¯t you think of doing anything or I¡¯ll skin both of you alive!¡±

 Chapter 574ï¼ŒPart1 â€“ Warm and Cold

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 574ï¼ŒPart2 â€“ Warm and Cold

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 575ï¼ŒPart1 â€“ Bloodline

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 575ï¼ŒPart2 â€“ Bloodline

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 576ï¼ŒPart1 â€“ Making a Statement

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 576ï¼ŒPart2 â€“ Making a Statement

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 577ï¼ŒPart1 â€“ Justice

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 577ï¼ŒPart2 â€“ Justice

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 578ï¼ŒPart1 â€“ Head of the Family

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 578ï¼ŒPart2 â€“ Head of the Family

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 579ï¼ŒPart1 â€“ Mental State

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 579ï¼ŒPart2 â€“ Mental State

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 580.1 â€“ Dual Joy

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

 Chapter 580.2 â€“ Dual Joy

    Chapter 574£¬Part1 ¨C Warm and Cold

    Pang Xiao nodded and looked tenderly at the person in his arms.

    ¡°I spent my days in an anxious haze when I couldn¡¯t find you. All I could think about was looking for you. Time passed by swiftly, and I was a little more at ease when I heard you were in Tatar. The days suddenly slowed down then.

    ¡°After discussing it with father-inw, we decided that it wasn¡¯t a good time to leave the capital to bring you home. There was nothing for me to do but loiter around since I couldn¡¯t be bothered with the affairs of court. I filled my days with whittling something or another, and this sign board is one of the fruits of mybor from that time.¡±

    To think that not only had he written the words, but created the signboard as well!

    Qin Yining chuckled, but her eyes misted over again. Pang Xiao¡¯s heart ached with helplessness when he saw the twinkling gleam of her eyes. He walked inside the residence, still holding her in his arms.

    ¡°Howe you¡¯re crying again?¡± She seemed to easily turn emotional ever since bing pregnant.

    Embarrassment prickled at Qin Yining as well, but further pity and anguish swept over her when she thought of how her beloved had spent the days after her disappearance. If she¡¯d been in his shoes, she probably would¡¯ve lost her mind long ago.

    The servants didn¡¯t dare stare too long when they saw the princee back holding his consort. Merriment ying out across their faces, they drew up the satin door curtains and pinned them up.

    Lamps were lit inside; the soft glow peeking out from silkmpshades cast a particrly cozy hue over the room.

    Pang Xiao gingerly set Qin Yining on the bed carpeted with soft nkets. His movements soft and gentle, he dismantled the pearl hairpins securing hair wrapped in dizzying patterns around her head. He spread out her long wavy locks on the bedspread and stooped at the edge of the bed to take off her socks and shoes, loving tenderness marking his movements.

    Qin Yining propped herself up with her arms and looked happily at her husband. Whenever he lifted his head, he couldn¡¯t help but smile as he looked into her limpid eyes.

    After the wedding, they¡¯d had to leave the capital before growing acquainted with their marital home. Now that she¡¯de home, Qin Yining could finally rx, although there were still a few things on her mind.

    ¡°Grandpa, grandma, and mom will be returning tomorrow, right?¡± she asked.

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°Father-inw is capable and conscientious. I asked him to hide my family when I left the capital. I was worried that the emperor would vent his spleen on them when I was gone. He did so secretly, hiding them so well that even I couldn¡¯t find them.

    ¡°Whenever I converse with father-inw, I always think that everything he does is right and everything he says should be listened to. Although I know that he is surely correct, it really feels like I¡¯ve been put under a spell. It¡¯s so strange!¡±

    ¡°What strange!¡± Qin Yining burst outughing. ¡°Father¡¯s just a very charismatic man.¡±

    Pang Xiao nodded. ¡°That¡¯s very true as well. Ah right, I see that the two youngdies from your household have alsoe. I fear that trouble is only a matter of time when they¡¯re together with the old dowager. Why don¡¯t I keep an eye out and see if there¡¯s anyone suitable for them? They¡¯re about that age as well.¡±

    ¡°That would be wonderful if you could manage it!¡± Qin Yining nodded smilingly, extremely touched that her beloved was thinking on her family¡¯s behalf in all possible ways.

    The night passed in peaceful and unbroken sleep. Both were highly reassured that theyy by each other¡¯s side.

    The next day after noon as Qin Yining napped on a warm chair after lunch, a maid came in with a report.

    ¡°Your Highness, the grand-lord, grand-madame, and old madame have returned!¡±

    Delighted, Qin Yining scrambled off the chair and rose so swiftly that her head spun when she stood up. The maids next to her hastily reached out when she swayed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be in a rush, Your Highness. The grand-madame and old madame will certainly head for Pinecrane Hall after their return. Why don¡¯t we help you that way first?¡±

    With her being pregnant, she wasn¡¯t inclined to run around or she would¡¯ve already rushed out. She could only nod and slowly follow the maid outside.

    As they left Pineheart Garden and followed the long covered hallway to Pinecrane Hall, servants along the way paused and respectfully greeted her as ¡°Princess Consort¡±. Qin Yining was wearing a pale pink shoulder wrap and had one arm around a maid¡¯s waist. An oldmamakept pace by her side with her arms spread out, like a hen protecting her chicks. Four second rank maids brought up the rear of the entourage and she swiftly shuffled ahead.

    Sounds of conversation suddenly crossed her path. Qin Yining lifted her eyes to see a tall, bulky, and slightly chubby n¨¦e Ma in wonderful spirits. The old woman walked ahead with the beautiful n¨¦e Yao, followed by Pang Xiao and Yao Chenggu. Happy words andughter flew through the air.

    N¨¦e Ma smiled broadly when she saw Qin Yining and rushed up to her granddaughter-inw, leaving her daughter behind.

    ¡°My good girl,e and let grandma take a look at you!¡±

    ¡°Grandma!¡± Qin Yining bent her knee and wanted to dip in a curtsey, but n¨¦e Ma gripped her hands tightly and didn¡¯t let her bob down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t, our family doesn¡¯t bother with all that. My dear girl, you¡¯ve suffered terribly outside! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re back, all that matters is that you¡¯re back. I¡¯ve already beat that stinking Dafu for losing you, we¡¯ll see if he¡¯s so one-track-minded in the future! What good is he for when he loses even his wife!¡±

    She whipped her head back with a hard re at Pang Xiao, who grinned foolishly back along with his grandfather. N¨¦e Yao smiled faintly without a word.

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    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!