Upon hearing this, Qin Huaiyuan smiled, “I imagine in this vast court, only you would have the courage and boldness to say such words.”

Pang Xiao also laughed, “I only speak so freely in front of father-in-law. If I were outside, I wouldn’t be so bold. The Emperor rules the realm with benevolence and filial piety – how could he allow such things to happen?”

Both were intelligent men who understood each other without needing to speak plainly. Given Li Qitian’s character, even if he had done wrong, he would never let anyone know about it and would always find ways to cover things up.

Qin Huaiyuan thought for a moment and said, “I understand your meaning. But when the Huben Army is owed military pay, don’t you end up bearing all the blame in the end? That’s why I admire your abilities. You lead troops in battle, need to maintain their loyalty so they’ll risk their lives fighting enemies on the front lines, and even when military pay is in arrears, you can still command their respect without reaching the point where everyone turns against you. This truly isn’t an easy thing to accomplish.”

Hearing this, Pang Xiao couldn’t help but laugh, “Father-in-law, this matter really isn’t difficult. As long as I share hardships with the soldiers, charge ahead in battle, and retreat last, that’s already sufficient.”

Qin Huaiyuan looked at him with eyes full of approval, “Though the principle is as you say, how many people can actually do it? Many principles are actually the most obvious ones – so obvious that everyone knows them.

“Take studying, for example. Everyone knows that to pass the imperial examinations, one must first thoroughly research the scope of questions from previous years, then work hard to master the material completely, while also paying attention to court politics and grasping the mindset of those in power.

“Eighty percent of scholars understand this principle, yet only a few can actually leap through the dragon gate, because they cannot achieve self-discipline or persistence.

“If ordinary people are like this even with studying, which doesn’t endanger life, how much more so when you’re fighting on battlefields, constantly risking your life?”

Pang Xiao felt embarrassed by Qin Huaiyuan’s words and waved his hand with a laugh, “How could I be as excellent as father-in-law describes? I’m just bold, that’s all.”

“Bold, careful, and with a benevolent heart.” Qin Huaiyuan reached across the small table to pat his son-in-law, “You are very good. I feel completely at ease entrusting Yining to you.”

Qin Huaiyuan’s words were the greatest affirmation for Pang Xiao. Having grown up without a father, Pang Xiao’s guiding light had always been Yao Chenggu. Yao Chenggu was indeed very clever, but his cleverness was more than sufficient for running a restaurant in the marketplace – when applied to court politics, his vision was inevitably limited.

Now that the wise and handsome Qin Huaiyuan had become his father-in-law, Pang Xiao felt he had more confidence in his actions, knowing that when he was confused and couldn’t make decisions, Qin Huaiyuan would surely point him toward the correct path.

Especially with his complete trust. Ever since the time in the Great Yan court, he had always trusted him greatly.

For him as a son-in-law, this was already the greatest praise.

The noon meal was still set up in the old matriarch’s main room.

With the whole family dining together, they didn’t adhere strictly to formalities. They simply placed a screen in the middle and sat separately on either side.

Qin Yining sat next to Sun Shi and Second Madam, constantly hearing the elders urge her to eat more, while also catching the men’s spirited discussions and political critiques from the other side of the screen.

In front of others, Pang Xiao wasn’t as talkative as when he was with Qin Huaiyuan alone, but he didn’t put on the aloof airs of a prince either – he was simply steady. He didn’t speak much, but whenever he opened his mouth, he always hit the mark. This earned praise from Second Master and Third Master, and gave Qin Han, Qin Yu, and the others a new understanding of Pang Xiao. They had previously thought him just a crude fellow, but now realized they had been completely wrong.

On this side of the screen, Second Madam held Sun Shi’s hand and said in a low voice, “It seems Yining has chosen a good family. Sister-in-law can rest easy now.”

After hearing Qin Yining’s introduction and adding her own observations, Sun Shi couldn’t be more satisfied with Pang Xiao now. She nodded and said softly, “I only have this one daughter. If her life goes well, then I can be at peace.”

Qin Huining, sitting not far from Sun Shi, heard that phrase “only have this one daughter” and felt so bitter inside that she almost burst into tears on the spot.

She no longer held any hope for Sun Shi’s affection toward her. She knew that this family now keeping her was no different from keeping an old cat or dog that had followed its master for years, wagging its tail for food.

But truly hearing that Sun Shi completely didn’t care about her anymore, Qin Huining still felt so sad she wanted to cry.

She sniffled, forcing herself not to shed tears on this good day of Qin Yining’s return visit and invite people’s disgust. But when she looked up, she met Qin Yining’s smiling eyes.

Qin Huining’s pupils contracted, feeling as mortified as if someone had slapped her several times. She awkwardly looked away.

Qin Yining had originally wanted to express goodwill. She thought that after all, Qin Huining was also father’s adopted daughter. Although they had quarreled unpleasantly in the past, those matters were over. She now had her own family and a husband who loved her – there was no need to cling to past grievances.

She just hadn’t expected her goodwill to be misunderstood.

Never mind. If she appeared too friendly, she might even frighten Qin Huining. Since she didn’t expect any future interactions anyway, let it be for now.

After the meal, Qin Yining accompanied Sun Shi back to her room to talk, even taking a brief afternoon nap, while Pang Xiao continued discussing state affairs with Qin Huaiyuan.

In the main room, the old matriarch pulled Nanny Qin aside and said in a low voice, “Go see what Fourth Girl is doing. Why won’t she come stay by my side and talk when she’s returned home?”

Hearing this, Nanny Qin couldn’t help but sigh helplessly. After quarreling with Fourth Miss and falling out with her initially, now she complained that the girl wouldn’t interact and come close. Fourth Miss wasn’t shameless and had self-respect – how could she eagerly come forward?

Though she thought this way, she couldn’t say it aloud. Nanny Qin could only say, “Fourth Miss isn’t used to being away from Madam yet. Since she’s just married, she probably has some private words to say to Madam.”

Hearing this, the old matriarch naturally thought of some matters between husband and wife. She nodded understandingly. Though still dissatisfied with Qin Yining’s distance, at least she didn’t show it so obviously.

By evening, as the sky gradually darkened and curfew would soon begin if they didn’t leave, Qin Yining reluctantly bid farewell to her family and boarded the carriage with Pang Xiao.

Watching the Qin family’s gate grow more distant until they turned the corner, Qin Yining finally sat up straight and sighed softly.

Pang Xiao reached out to embrace her, letting her lean against his shoulder, asking quietly, “Can’t bear to leave? It’s fine – our mansion isn’t far anyway. Whenever you want to come back in the future, you can return anytime.”

“Mm.” Qin Yining nodded gently, saying wistfully, “Actually, it’s not simply reluctance to leave. I just feel somewhat melancholy. When I was at home before, I always felt many things were unsatisfactory, thinking that perhaps after marrying and leaving those troublemakers, things would improve. But now that I’m living a new life, I still feel some nostalgia for those chaotic days. Not nostalgia for being troubled by others, but nostalgia for that time.”

“I can understand what you’re saying.” Pang Xiao sighed softly and kissed the top of her head, “It doesn’t matter. Everyone has such feelings. Remembering and missing things isn’t bad, but life must still move forward. Future days will be better, with more things worth treasuring in your heart.”

His large hand rubbed along her spine, finally grasping her slender waist and pulling her closer into his embrace, “When we have children in the future, you’ll be even busier.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining froze, her face suddenly flushing red.

Yes, she hadn’t thought much about it, but now realized that since they were married, they would have children. They were so loving, and Bingtang had told her that although she was physically weak, it wouldn’t affect childbearing. At this rate, she might soon have Pang Xiao’s child.

Thinking this way, Qin Yining felt both embarrassed and anxious, but also had some hidden anticipation in her heart.

Pang Xiao lowered his head and gently bit her earlobe.

Qin Yining shuddered from the stimulation, hastily pulling back a bit, covering her ear and glaring at him with a red face, “What are you doing?”

Pang Xiao was aroused by her blushing, bashful appearance until his heart itched unbearably. He stretched out his long arm to pull her into his embrace, urging those outside, “Hurry up. Get back to the mansion before curfew, don’t delay.” His words were proper, but his hands’ actions were quite improper.

Qin Yining was flustered by his teasing until her face was red and ears burning. Upon returning home, she rushed straight back to their room, not daring to raise her head to look at the surrounding servants’ expressions.

Pang Xiao was completely at ease, acting as if nothing had happened. He also followed back to the room for deeper communication that couldn’t be conducted in the carriage.

A sleepless night.

When Qin Yining rose the next day, she felt sore all over without any strength, her waist aching so much she didn’t want to get up. She reached out to feel beside her, only to discover the outer side of the canopy bed was already empty.

She suddenly opened her eyes, seeing bright daylight through the red gauze curtains.

“What time is it now?”

Hearing her question, Ji Yun, who was waiting in the outer room, came in smiling, “Princess, you’re awake. It’s already the si hour. The Prince left for court long ago, but he ordered us servants not to disturb your rest.”

Qin Yining’s cheeks flushed. She first put on yesterday’s undergarments before getting up to dress and wash.

After everything was properly arranged, Bingtang brought over ginseng chicken soup that had been simmering in the small kitchen, smiling, “The Prince ordered that you should nourish yourself well.” After saying this, she even winked at her.

Qin Yining glared at her, then quietly drank her soup.

Just then, Qianyun’s voice came from outside, “Princess, Mr. Xie and Mr. Xu request an audience. They have urgent matters to report.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining froze, the relaxed comfort disappearing from her face. They were Pang Xiao’s most trusted confidants – their sudden visit must mean something urgent had happened.

“Please invite them in quickly.”

Qin Yining wiped her mouth and hurried to the main hall.

Upon seeing Qin Yining, Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi first bowed properly, then without delay, directly explained their purpose.

“Princess, Huzi, who follows the Prince, just arranged for a brother to return with a message. The southern former capital of Great Yan has suffered an earthquake, and the Emperor plans to send the Prince for disaster relief.”