Qin Yining felt helpless at Sun Shi’s question. “Mother, people outside say all sorts of things about me, which I don’t care about. I don’t even mind what the Old Madam says about me behind my back. But don’t you believe me either?”
“Ah…”
Sun Shi actually regretted asking the question as soon as the words left her mouth. This matter wasn’t Qin Yining’s fault to begin with. Being seized back then wasn’t her intention either. Whatever happened in between, she was the one who suffered grievances. As her mother, instead of standing up for her daughter, she was questioning her instead—this was truly wrong.
“Yining, don’t think too much. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Pulling Qin Yining into her embrace, Sun Shi patted her shoulder and said, “Don’t be afraid. When we return, we’ll ask your father to think of a solution. That man has a very clever mind and can solve any problem. Your father has long been concerned about your situation. Everything will be fine.”
Hearing the trust and admiration for Qin Huaiyuan in Sun Shi’s words, Qin Yining couldn’t help but smile and nod. “I understand. I’m not afraid.”
Indeed, she wasn’t afraid.
After today’s events, she could see Pang Xiao’s true feelings for her even more clearly, and she looked forward to the future even more.
In front of the Empress Dowager and other ladies of noble status, Pang Xiao could confront the Lu family head-on for her sake. When she was nervously thinking about how to refuse Lu Heng, Pang Xiao had already boldly resolved the matter. If this wasn’t true love, what was?
However, now that things had developed to this point, beyond her previous expectations, it seemed she should discuss the marriage with Pang Xiao with her father when she returned home.
Although it was somewhat embarrassing for a young lady to bring up marriage herself, for a lifetime of happiness, Qin Yining didn’t care about such things in front of her own father.
After returning to the mansion, the Old Madam inevitably pulled the two of them over with curiosity, carefully inquiring about everything they had seen and heard at the Empress Dowager’s palace.
Qin Yining and Sun Shi only mentioned the harmless details, but by mutual understanding, they didn’t breathe a word about Pang Xiao overturning the table.
However, being summoned by the Empress Dowager was already a tremendous honor. The Old Madam still felt somewhat bitter inside—after all, her son had become an important court minister, but it wasn’t she, his mother, who got to be in the limelight and glory; instead, it was Sun Shi who benefited.
Because Sun Shi had today’s events weighing on her mind, she unusually didn’t engage in confrontation with the Old Madam. Instead, she was thinking about the consequences that Pang Xiao’s actions today might bring.
After Qin Huaiyuan returned from court, the family of three gathered in the bedroom.
Sun Shi dismissed the servants and worriedly recounted the day’s events to Qin Huaiyuan in detail.
“Master, our Yining is an innocent young lady, yet her reputation has been ruined by these reckless people. The Empress Dowager’s intention was to have Yining become that Lu fellow’s second wife. We don’t know the Lu family’s background—we only see his human appearance, but who knows if he would be sincere toward Yining?
“And there’s Prince Zhongshun—his behavior is far too arrogant. He harbors hatred over that incident involving you years ago. With such a temperament, plus the grudges between our fathers’ generation, I don’t think he’s a good man either.”
Saying this, Sun Shi became so worried that tears fell. Grasping Qin Yining’s hand, she said: “My daughter, how can you be so unfortunate! Not only did you never enjoy any blessings from childhood, you barely had a few peaceful days, and now people are gossiping about you again! Seeing those people’s expressions, I wish I could tear their mouths apart!”
Qin Yining couldn’t bear to see Sun Shi cry. She quickly got up to embrace and comfort her.
Qin Huaiyuan also took out a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Qin Yining, indicating for her to wipe Sun Shi’s tears.
Qin Huaiyuan sighed and asked Qin Yining: “Yining, tell your father honestly—do you want to marry Pang Zhixi?”
Hearing this, Sun Shi immediately straightened up with a start. “No! That brute has caused our daughter so much suffering. I don’t agree!”
Qin Huaiyuan patted Sun Shi’s shoulder and smiled: “Madam, please remain calm. Let’s hear what our daughter has to say.”
“Since ancient times, marriage has been decided by parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words. Although our Yining is clever, she’s still an unmarried young lady—what could she understand?” Sun Shi said urgently. “This is precisely when we as parents need to carefully screen for our child to prevent her from going astray!”
“Madam speaks correctly.” Qin Huaiyuan smiled soothingly at Sun Shi, first affirming her thoughts before saying, “It’s just that our daughter is different from those simple-minded ordinary women. We must respect her wishes.”
Sun Shi’s voice rose: “Your way of doting on her is harming her! What’s so good about that Pang Zhixi!”
“Don’t shout. This isn’t something that can be shouted about.” Qin Huaiyuan said good-naturedly. “Our daughter’s experiences are different from those sheltered young ladies, and her horizons are broader than theirs. Naturally, she has her own opinions about marriage—that’s the first point. Second, we haven’t brought our child any good fortune since childhood. She’s suffered for so many years—now that she’s returned to us, is it just to be controlled by us?”
Sun Shi was left speechless by Qin Huaiyuan’s words, unable to find a response for a long while.
Only then did Qin Huaiyuan ask Qin Yining: “Yining, tell me yourself—do you want to marry Pang Zhixi? You don’t need to consider too many factors or think about court affairs. Just think about whether he’s worth entrusting your entire life to.”
Qin Yining slowly nodded: “Father, I truly will marry no one but him.”
“Silly child!” Sun Shi’s tears welled up in her eyes.
Qin Huaiyuan grasped Sun Shi’s hand and patted it, successfully stopping her from crying out, then said to Qin Yining: “You won’t change your mind?
“Actually, if you married Lu Heng, your future would be more stable. The Lu family is a prestigious clan of a hundred years with deeply rooted influence. Even His Majesty must be wary of them. Lu Heng is also refined and noble without any bad habits. Although marrying him would make you a second wife, he has no legitimate sons, and from my observation, Lu Heng seems to have some feelings for you.
“Marrying Pang Zhixi, on the other hand, would expose you to more dangers and hardships. Although he no longer has military power, his prestige in the army has always been something His Majesty fears. If you follow him, you’ll have to face future dangers and trials together with him. You’ll live a very exhausting life.”
Qin Huaiyuan patiently analyzed all the pros and cons but still didn’t dictate her choice. He just looked at Qin Yining, waiting for her to make her own decision, while making clear his attitude that whatever she chose, he would support her unconditionally.
Qin Yining was deeply moved, her eyes slightly moistening. “Father, I understand everything you’ve said.”
But she still chose Pang Xiao.
Qin Huaiyuan smiled and nodded: “Your father understands. Given the current situation, it would be better to fulfill your marriage. Leave the rest to your father. You should go rest now.”
Qin Yining looked at Sun Shi, who had cried herself into a state, then at Qin Huaiyuan, who was busy comforting Sun Shi, and quietly withdrew.
Qin Yining couldn’t guess what Qin Huaiyuan would do.
But with her father’s promise, she felt particularly at ease.
The news of Pang Xiao overturning the table at the Palace of Compassionate Peace still spread rapidly throughout the court and among the people.
Everyone was speculating about what actions the Lu family would take.
At the grand court assembly the next day, Qin Huaiyuan knelt down and kowtowed under everyone’s surprised gazes, getting ahead of War Minister Cheng.
“Your Majesty, this subject requests that Your Majesty make a decision for this subject’s only daughter!”