Seeing Qin Huaiyuan arrive, Qin Yining felt a wave of relief, as if she suddenly had a backbone to rely on.

Sun Shi, tears streaming, quickly stepped forward and embraced Qin Huaiyuan’s arm, sobbing like a wronged child: “Master, you’ve come.”

“Yes, I rushed here immediately upon receiving word from Master Xu. Are you all unharmed?”

Qin Huaiyuan adjusted Sun Shi’s disheveled cloak, then nodded to the Duchess and looked toward Qin Yining. Seeing that she had only slightly messy hair and a few bloodstains on her clothes but was otherwise uninjured, he finally felt completely at ease.

Sun Shi sobbed: “Thanks to Yi Jie’er protecting us, and this Young Master Yao—without Young Master Yao’s help, we might already be…”

Qin Huaiyuan followed Sun Shi’s gaze to the young man nearby with an arrow through his shoulder and half his body stained with blood.

This young man appeared to be in his early twenties, tall in stature, and extremely handsome, with slanted sword-like eyebrows and deep phoenix eyes—an unfathomable figure.

“Young Master Yao, thank you for your intervention.” Qin Huaiyuan cupped his hands in salute.

Pang Xiao’s left hand, hidden behind his back, clenched and relaxed repeatedly as he smiled palely: “No need for courtesy.”

“Young Master Yao possesses extraordinary bearing and superior martial skills. With only my daughter’s four guards, you managed to withstand attacks from over twenty assassins—truly admirable.” Qin Huaiyuan’s smile was elegant, his gratitude sincere, though suspicion wasn’t entirely absent.

Pang Xiao had resumed his scholarly appearance, covering his wound with a pale face: “This humble one trades in commerce and learned martial arts in childhood from a master. But I was also fortunate that my guard is skilled, otherwise I alone wouldn’t have managed.”

Upon hearing this, Huzi immediately smiled honestly and shook his head: “No, no, no, Young Master’s martial arts are also excellent.”

Qin Huaiyuan studied Huzi, noting his youthful face with tiger-like features and shrewd eyes, prominent pressure points, and solid build—clearly a martial artist. Observing this handsome gentleman again, though also tall, his temperament was quite scholarly, and Qin Huaiyuan began to believe him halfway.

His suspicion was understandable—this person’s coincidental appearance at the Immortal Maiden Temple and rescue of his wife and daughter deserved thorough investigation.

Qin Yining pressed her rosy lips together. Seeing their conversation come to a pause, she asked with concern: “Are the women in the side courtyard all safe?”

The Duchess also looked over nervously.

Upon hearing this, Qin Huaiyuan glanced at Xu Mao beside him.

Xu Mao replied: “Rest assured, Grand Tutor. We’ve already checked—all the women in the side courtyard are fine. The assassins never went there, though three nuns in the Immortal Maiden Temple died, along with two sedan chair bearers at the mountain gate. From the positions of the bodies, this group of assassins seems to have headed straight for this courtyard.”

As Xu Mao spoke, he cast suspicious glances at the Duchess, then at Immortal Liu.

The Duchess remained composed, though her complexion wasn’t good.

Immortal Liu wore an expression of lingering shock, eyes closed as she muttered prayers—clearly terrified.

Xu Mao’s suspicious gaze finally settled on Pang Xiao and Huzi.

Pang Xiao frowned slightly while covering his shoulder.

Huzi cursed inwardly: after cursing Qin Huaiyuan for ingratitude and Great Yan for having no good officials, he finally cursed Qin Yining as a femme fatale! They could have left long ago—why get involved in this mess! All because of this troublemaker!

Seeing Xu Mao’s expression, Qin Yining furrowed her smoky willow-like brows with concern.

She could already confirm this person’s background wasn’t simple, but today he had saved her life, her mother’s, and her grandmother’s. Without him shielding her from arrows with his own body, she would likely be dead.

She was always one to repay kindness. Moreover, she had only met this Young Master Yao twice—his reluctance to reveal his true identity was understandable. She couldn’t erase his life-saving grace just because he wanted to keep his identity secret.

Qin Yining had no good impression of Great Yan’s officials and deeply despised the corrupt Yan Dynasty. She certainly wouldn’t help these people target her savior.

She quickly calculated in her mind, thinking of countermeasures.

Pang Xiao’s previously gloomy mood suddenly improved upon seeing Qin Yining worry for him.

His powers of observation were exceptional. Even without staring at Qin Yining, he clearly saw her slightly furrowed brow and thoughtful expression as she squinted in contemplation.

How could she be so adorable!

It made him want to snatch her away and keep her by his side. This girl was as beautiful as a painting—just looking at her daily would be wonderful.

However, regarding Pang Zhongzheng’s death, Qin Huaiyuan couldn’t escape responsibility.

Morally, Pang Xiao understood this matter couldn’t be entirely blamed on Qin Huaiyuan. First, it was the Northern Ji emperor’s suspicions to blame, and second, their positions differed. As a Yan citizen, Qin Huaiyuan fighting invaders was normal.

But emotionally, seeing Qin Huaiyuan still made him uncomfortable.

Why did such an interesting woman have to be Qin Huaiyuan’s daughter…

As both men’s thoughts churned, Qin Huaiyuan had already taken Sun Shi’s hand and called to Qin Yining, turning to Xu Mao: “In that case, this official will take his family home first.”

Unexpectedly, Xu Mao stepped forward to block Qin Huaiyuan’s group, cupping his hands politely: “Grand Tutor, please wait! Regarding today’s events, your family members are also witnesses. This humble official would like them to remain for questioning.”

Qin Huaiyuan replied displeasedly: “There are nuns from the Immortal Maiden Temple here, and others present—so many people. Aren’t they sufficient for Master Xu’s inquiries?”

Xu Mao’s face remained wreathed in smiles as he respectfully bowed to Qin Huaiyuan, though his words and attitude were quite firm: “Grand Tutor, forgive me, but this humble official has his duties. The Grand Tutor is a model for court officials—surely you wouldn’t refuse such a reasonable request? If word spread, it wouldn’t be good for your reputation.”

Qin Huaiyuan’s expression darkened as he frowned at Xu Mao.

Xu Mao maintained his smile while standing immovably before Qin Huaiyuan.

Qin Yining observed all this clearly and understood.

This Master Xu wasn’t from her father’s faction—he was likely one of Imperial Uncle Cao’s followers.

Imperial Uncle Cao’s relationships in court were deeply rooted, with years of cultivating trusted associates in various departments. Though her father was powerful, he didn’t have Cao’s advantage of backing from the Empress in the palace.

Qin Yining didn’t want her father to clash with Cao’s faction over this matter. Even if not opposing Cao directly, making enemies unnecessarily wouldn’t be good.

Moreover, she wanted to protect her savior.

With her speaking up, this person’s identity would be more credible when explained.

Even though she suspected him, helping him cover up would repay his debt.

Qin Yining stepped forward and bowed: “Father, why don’t you take Mother home first? There are matters at home requiring your attention. I’ll remain here to explain things clearly to Master Xu and return home shortly.”

Qin Huaiyuan frowned: “You’re an unmarried woman—what propriety is there in public exposure?”

Qin Yining replied: “Father knows I’m different from ordinary girls. Besides, I’m not alone—Grandmother is here, along with friends from my business dealings and our guards.”

“Business friends?” Qin Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow questioningly.

Qin Yining said: “Yes, Young Master Yao. Father knows that Zhaoyun Company has other enterprises under it, doesn’t he?”

Qin Huaiyuan frowned again while looking at Pang Xiao.

Though he wanted to ask more, he knew this wasn’t the appropriate time—who knew how many informants had gathered here.

Considering this, Qin Huaiyuan nodded: “Be careful.”

There was still the matter of formally welcoming Cai Shi into the household at home. He was inclined to stay, but that affair was also urgent. Having already delayed so much time, if things escalated, his plans might change.

Moreover, by leaving Qin Yining to cooperate with questioning before Xu Mao, Xu Mao wouldn’t dare harm her in the slightest.

Qin Huaiyuan took Sun Shi’s hand and left quickly.

Sun Shi, with her hand held by Qin Huaiyuan, almost forgot her grievances about taking a concubine, and even forgot to bid farewell to her mother, leaving the Immortal Maiden Temple both moved and delighted.

While Xu Mao investigated the courtyard with his men, Qin Yining instructed Bingtang and Qiu Lu: “You two go help Young Master Yao examine his injuries.”

She said “you two” but looked specifically at Bingtang.

Bingtang nodded solemnly: “Miss, rest assured. I’ll go immediately.”

Qin Yining told Pang Xiao: “Please be at ease, Young Master. My maid knows some medicine—let her bandage and stop the bleeding first, then we’ll summon a physician.”

Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining with an ambiguous smile, neither nodding nor refusing.

Under his gaze, Qin Yining felt her heartbeat accelerate, and even the hand he had pulled earlier felt warm.

She nervously lowered her long lashes.

Only then did Pang Xiao release her, smiling: “I’m grateful, Miss.”

Immortal Liu quickly led everyone inside: “Here will do. This poor Taoist has some herbal medicines available.”

After Pang Xiao and Huzi followed Bingtang and Qiu Lu inside, Qin Yining answered some of Xu Mao’s questions with Song Lan.

Xu Mao asked only about the day’s events—how Qin Yining had discovered the situation and sent for help.

Qin Yining answered evasively, and the more she conversed with Xu Mao, the more she disliked him.

This man appeared friendly and intelligent but was actually quite arrogant. Sometimes before Qin Yining finished speaking, he’d interrupt with “I know, I know” or “Alright, understood.”

Eventually, Qin Yining simply stopped elaborating. Since he had his own judgment, what more was there to say?

Xu Mao crossed his arms and asked: “This Young Master Yao—he’s your friend?”

“Indeed, Young Master Yao has some business dealings with me.”

“Business?” Xu Mao’s tone carried some disdain: “Miss Qin is quite the capable person.”

Qin Yining naturally detected his disdain and smiled: “Master jests. I’m merely a sheltered young lady—how capable could I be?”

This ambiguous statement reminded Xu Mao of who stood behind this girl.

She was Qin Huaiyuan’s daughter and Duke Dingguo’s granddaughter!

Though Duke Dingguo’s household had fallen, those old ministers of his faction remained, and Qin Huaiyuan was currently ascendant. This girl—he truly couldn’t afford to offend her!

Xu Mao ignored Qin Yining and began analyzing the case by pointing at the corpses on the ground.

“This official has examined carefully—these people came to Great Yan for assassination yet wore Great Zhou military uniforms. Hah! Do they take the Five Cities’ Military Commissioner’s office for fools? I say they definitely aren’t from Great Zhou!”

Someone immediately flattered him: “Exactly, Master is right!”

“Master is truly wise—if they were really Great Zhou people, why would they wear Great Zhou uniforms!”