Lu Heng stared blankly at Elder Lu’s eyes gradually losing their luster; watched the dark blood flow from Elder Lu’s nostrils and mouth corners; watched his slack eyelids half-open with pupils gradually dilating; watched the withered, aged hand that had tightly gripped his sleeve slowly release…

Lu Heng’s heart felt as if someone had carved out a piece with a knife. His eyes stung with soreness and his head buzzed with ringing.

“Grandfather, grandfather…”

His voice was hoarse as if scraped by rough stones, his lips moving as he called to Elder Lu.

Had he done wrong?

Had he truly erred?

“Second Master, please don’t be too heartbroken.”

“Yes, Heng’er, your grandfather was advanced in years. At his age, this was a natural death. Being able to see you return home safely, your grandfather must have felt comforted.”

The relatives around him were all trying to console him.

But Lu Heng remained in a daze.

If they knew what grandfather had said before dying, they probably wouldn’t comfort him this way, would they?

He didn’t know whether his actions in breaking the Lu family rules were correct. But the repeated assassinations and schemes he’d endured since following Cao Yuqing back were very real.

He had originally been somewhat hesitant. But after nearly being poisoned by crane’s crown red and having an assassin’s blade almost slice his throat, those hesitations gradually disappeared.

During this period, he’d had enough of being a homeless dog. Since leaving the capital to search for treasure, he hadn’t had a single peaceful day. Hiding in Tatar territory, being driven into the desolate desert of no man’s land, even falling gravely ill with the constant possibility of death – when he searched his heart, didn’t he harbor some resentment and grievance?

Why should he be the one to sacrifice?

Why, when his second uncle was already the family head, wouldn’t he let him go?

His original wavering, after repeated unhesitating assassinations and several betrayals by servants around him, finally transformed into determination.

In this world, only money and power would never betray him.

Why must grandfather be so angry?

Though he hadn’t voluntarily sacrificed himself according to family custom but had instead taken down his second uncle to become family head himself, everything he did was still based on family interests. He and Li Qitian had now reached an agreement – under the premise of guaranteeing family interests, he could obtain a more stable position. What was wrong with that?

Lu Heng’s mind was a tangled mess. His heart questioned whether what he’d done was right, but whenever one voice questioned him, another would jump out to refute it.

Kneeling before Elder Lu’s coffin, mechanically burning paper money, tears fell from Lu Heng’s eyes like broken strings, beyond his control.

Those who flattered him all praised his filial piety, how heartbroken he was over his grandfather’s passing.

He was indeed heartbroken.

But what saddened him more was his own fog-shrouded future path.

The woman he loved was now carrying another man’s child. He repeatedly told himself not to force it, not to compete, just silently watch her from afar. But when he received news of Qin Yining’s pregnancy, who could understand that thunderstruck bewilderment and heartbreak?

Throughout their escape journey, he spent every day and night with Qin Yining. Because he could see her constantly then, he could persuade himself not to demand more, to let go of everything and allow her to live happily with her husband.

But truly separating from Qin Yining and realizing he’d probably live this way for life, only occasionally seeing her at holiday banquets, he felt unbearable heartache.

Perhaps grandfather’s scolding was right.

Wretch.

He truly was a wretch.

He thought he’d become enlightened, but in the end he still couldn’t let go. He even wished he could be satisfied just staying by Qin Yining’s side watching her every day, but how could Pang Xiao allow that?

He couldn’t have the woman he loved.

Couldn’t have genuine family affection.

Now he’d even lost his most beloved grandfather.

Lu Heng closed his eyes, letting tears wet his face.

Perhaps only power and money could accompany him faithfully through life?

The Lu family’s funeral was conducted on a grand scale. Qin Yining was pregnant and observing taboos against the “three rooms,” so she couldn’t personally attend the funeral, but Pang Xiao went in person.

It was now July, the weather gradually growing hot, yet Lu Heng had grown much thinner with a pale, sickly complexion.

Compared to Pang Xiao’s spirited vigor, Lu Heng’s dejection seemed brought back from the desert and had never dissipated.

“Your Highness.” Lu Heng bowed.

Pang Xiao sighed and returned the bow. “Brother Lu, please accept my condolences.”

Lu Heng sighed: “Thank you, Your Highness.”

“I haven’t seen you for many days – you’ve grown much thinner. Though you’re working hard for family matters and grieving over Elder Lu’s passing, you must also take care of your health. The Lu family’s foundation will depend on you to support it in the future.” Though Pang Xiao had noticed Lu Heng’s feelings for Qin Yining, now Qin Yining was his wife and was carrying his child. Lu Heng’s behavior had never been excessive, and he’d even saved Qin Yining’s life in Tatar territory, so his concern for Lu Heng was genuine.

Lu Heng smiled at Pang Xiao, blood seeping from his pale, cracked lips. “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll take care of myself.”

Pang Xiao nodded, making no mention of Lu Heng’s affairs with His Majesty.

Looking at Pang Xiao, Lu Heng couldn’t help asking about Qin Yining: “How is the Princess Consort recently?”

Pang Xiao’s eyes narrowed slightly, then he smiled: “She’s well. Her mother and grandmother have moved into our home, and Aunt Cao found two good nannies to accompany her. Though her body is heavier now, everything is going well.”

Lu Heng lowered his eyes, concealing his undisguisable longing and jealousy.

How wonderful it would be if Qin Yining were his woman, carrying his child?

“Congratulations. In five more months, you’ll be a father.”

Pang Xiao smiled: “Thank you. When the time comes, as the child’s uncle, don’t be stingy with a generous red envelope.”

Lu Heng’s heart jumped, understanding the meaning in Pang Xiao’s words, and couldn’t help but marvel at this man’s shrewdness and perceptiveness.

Deliberately calling him the child’s uncle was positioning him and Qin Yining as siblings. This was a reminder not to harbor improper thoughts about Qin Yining.

Lu Heng smiled back at Pang Xiao: “Naturally.”

After talking a while longer, they each took their leave. Lu Heng watched Pang Xiao’s departing figure, his smile gradually fading.

Pang Xiao returned home and first went to the outer courtyard study, ordering hot water to thoroughly wash himself and changing into fresh robes before returning to Siqing Garden.

It was now early summer. Qin Yining wore a warm, light honey-colored buttoned vest, one hand supporting her swollen belly, the other held by Ma Shi, followed by several maidservants as they strolled along the covered walkway around Siqing Garden.

Ma Shi chattered: “…just listen to grandmother – you’re right. Though your mother truly dotes on you, not letting you move around is wrong. Look at those wealthy families’ women giving birth – they constantly have difficult labor or lose strength halfway through delivery. Why? Isn’t it because those women live in luxury daily, unwilling to walk a few steps, always wanting sedan chairs? Look at country women – childbirth isn’t so difficult for them. They still do housework while seven or eight months pregnant. Just follow me and walk every day – it’s good for your health.”

Qin Yining smiled and nodded. The breeze carrying the fresh scent of trees blew loose strands from her loosely pinned hair across her cheeks, which she brushed away with her raised hand.

“Grandmother makes sense.” Pang Xiao smiled as he approached, supporting Qin Yining’s other arm. “Later I’ll teach you some martial arts sets. Practice them when you have time – they’ll strengthen your body too.”

Ma Shi also said: “Right, once you learn them, you won’t worry about being unable to handle Dafu when he misbehaves.”

Qin Yining couldn’t help laughing, and Bingtang, Lian Xiaozhou, Jiyun, and Xianyun following behind all laughed along.

Qin Yining asked: “Did you see Second Master Lu today? How is their family situation?”

Pang Xiao said: “Second Master Lu is in decent health, just much thinner. I could see he was preoccupied, as if harboring many concerns.”

Qin Yining nodded: “Their family affairs are indeed difficult to handle.”

Seeing Qin Yining’s slightly furrowed brow and worried expression, Pang Xiao couldn’t help feeling somewhat jealous: “You seem very concerned about him?”

Qin Yining smiled: “I am somewhat worried. After all, he’s a good friend who shared hardships with us, and I feel that perhaps his grandfather’s death is related to his return to the capital. If he hadn’t initially seized the family head position to cut off grain supplies, we probably would have had fewer advantages in court. Regardless of whether he did it intentionally for us or just incidentally, I acknowledge this favor.”

Thinking of Lu Heng’s handsome, refined face and this man’s deep feelings for Qin Yining, Pang Xiao felt indescribable displeasure. But with Qin Yining being so forthright, he couldn’t express this displeasure and only nodded silently.

Ma Shi, listening to their conversation, though guessing who they were discussing, didn’t know much about the situation and said nothing. She just held Qin Yining’s hand while observing Pang Xiao’s expression. Seeing him fall silent too and sensing the awkward atmosphere, she proactively asked: “By the way, is that extremely beautiful young aunt of yours going out again?”

“Yes.” Qin Yining smiled and nodded. Cao Yuqing had returned home last month, but Sun Shi found her displeasing, making things awkward for her. Plus, Jingzhe, Xiaoxue, and their four companions were recuperating at an outer estate and had mostly recovered. Cao Yuqing said she wanted to find these people, though it was unclear whether Qin Huaiyuan had arranged work for them.

Ma Shi smiled: “She really is a beautiful girl.”

Qin Yining nodded: “Yes, and her martial skills are excellent. She’s a very loyal chivalrous woman.”

“Really? I truly couldn’t tell.” Ma Shi was surprised, then became eager to try: “When she returns, have her spar with this old lady. I’m idle with nothing to do – my bones are getting lazy. Fighting with Dafu’s people isn’t interesting.”

The people around Pang Xiao only practiced lightly with Ma Shi – who dared use real force against her?

Qin Yining couldn’t help smiling and nodding: “If grandmother enjoys it, I’ll speak with Aunt Cao later.”

As the two chatted, Pang Xiao listened from the side, his heart no longer so conflicted.

Just then, Huzi strode to the courtyard entrance, bowed to Qin Yining’s group, then said: “Your Highness.”

Pang Xiao knew Huzi had something to report and voluntarily left Siqing Garden.

“What is it?”