Pang Xiao shook his head with a bitter smile. He wanted to say something pleasant in front of Qin Yining, but considering her usual wisdom, even if he spoke eloquently, she might not necessarily believe him, so he had to tell the truth.

“I told the Old Madam that this time my family fortune has been completely ruined, and I’ve also offended His Majesty at court. From now on, I’ll have to rely on your money. When I leave and am not in His Majesty’s presence, I can only depend on father-in-law to speak well of me before His Majesty. Moreover, all matters big and small at home will need father-in-law’s help to arrange.”

Qin Yining understood his meaning without needing Pang Xiao to elaborate further.

She supposed Pang Xiao was afraid she would be angry, which was why he hesitated in his words.

But Pang Xiao didn’t know that she had long stopped getting angry over Yao Shi and Yao Chenggu. She was no longer like before, holding such high expectations of human nature and hoping she could make the family elders like her.

She now understood that even biological parents sometimes disapproved of their children, let alone in-laws. After all, if she set aside her relationship with Pang Xiao, she and Yao Shi and Yao Chenggu were merely acquaintances. People as genuinely kind-hearted as Meng Shi were becoming increasingly rare.

“Yining, are you angry?” Pang Xiao sat beside her sideways, carefully observing her expression.

Pang Xiao was a decisive hero who killed without hesitation, a domineering figure outside, yet for her sake, he was willing to be so cautious and accommodating.

Qin Yining knew that Pang Xiao truly loved and cared for her.

She had married Pang Xiao the person. As long as Pang Xiao truly had her in his heart, why should she care about other matters? Her discord with his family would only put him in a difficult position between them. And human emotions couldn’t withstand the erosion of life’s small disappointments.

Qin Yining didn’t want to make things difficult for Pang Xiao, nor did she want their love to be worn down and changed by those unpleasantries. So she wouldn’t complain to Pang Xiao, much less let him feel unhappy.

She leaned against Pang Xiao’s shoulder, hugging his arm and smiling: “How could I be angry? Actually, the Old Madam isn’t some irredeemably bad person. People need to spend time together to become close. The Old Madam has misunderstandings about me, but over time, when she understands me better, they’ll be resolved. You should continue treating the Old Madam as before. It wasn’t easy for a woman to raise you, so you should be filial to her. Don’t let the Old Madam think you’ve forgotten your mother after marrying a wife – that would break a mother’s heart.”

“Yining, you’ve been wronged.”

How could Pang Xiao not understand Qin Yining’s consideration and yielding?

Holding her in his embrace, Pang Xiao’s tender kisses fell on her forehead, as if no amount of heartache for her would be enough.

“Rest assured, I understand your meaning. I won’t be an unfilial son. But if she bullies you, I won’t tolerate it either.”

Qin Yining felt warm inside hearing this and smiled: “We’re all family. What bullying? The important thing is that we live our own little life well.”

How fortunate to have such a gentle and magnanimous woman as his wife.

Pang Xiao held Qin Yining, breathing in her faint fragrance, and almost didn’t want to go out anymore.

In the afternoon, Pang Xiao had Xu Weizhi contact Manager Zhong.

Learning that Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were about to depart for the old capital of Great Yan to take up his post, Manager Zhong immediately began packing without a second thought, planning to travel with them.

Xu Weizhi smiled: “His Highness and Her Royal Highness mean to say please don’t feel obligated. Her Royal Highness said she knows you’ve been diligent and conscientious all along, following her all the way from Great Yan to Great Zhou, and she’s very grateful. Now that you’ve finally established roots in the capital with your family, there’s no need to burden your family with another life of wandering. If you wish to stay with your family, Her Royal Highness won’t object.”

Manager Zhong laughed: “Master Xu needn’t say more. I understand your meaning completely. I was originally Manager Zhong of the Sun family. When Her Royal Highness’s grandmother first gave Zhaoyun Company to Her Royal Highness, I’ve been following by Her Royal Highness’s side ever since. Though I lack talent, I can certainly achieve loyalty. I understand Her Royal Highness’s good intentions completely. I’ll ask my sons for their opinion – if they won’t leave, then they needn’t follow me. But I must definitely accompany Her Royal Highness.”

Xu Weizhi truly admired Manager Zhong, who appeared shrewd but was genuinely loyal. He bowed deeply, and Manager Zhong quickly returned the courtesy. The two had become even more familiar than before.

Everyone worked together, and within two days, all the personnel and carriages for the journey were prepared.

Looking at the luggage prepared in the rear courtyard of the residence, Sun Shi pulled Qin Yining’s hand and couldn’t help crying again.

“My poor child, this is just too… you’re about to give birth, yet you must travel. I can’t go with you either. What can be done? What can be done?”

Learning the news that His Majesty had ordered Qin Yining to accompany him was like a bolt from the blue for Sun Shi, who now doted on Qin Yining immensely. She only hated that she lacked the ability to follow along.

Qin Yining had finally managed to comfort Sun Shi, but now she was crying again. Qin Yining felt quite helpless and looked to Qin Huaiyuan for help.

Qin Huaiyuan understood and said: “Don’t worry. Yining has brought enough people with her, and son-in-law will take good care of things on the road. Though we can’t leave the capital, we can correspond frequently. Yining will be fine. Stop crying too – if you keep weeping like this, Yining will also feel sad.”

Sun Shi reluctantly stopped her tears, forcing a smile as she instructed Pang Xiao: “…Away from home, everything depends on you. Yining is heavy with child, so please be more understanding… send more letters home. I’ll be waiting for good news…”

She gave detailed instructions about everything, big and small, leaving nothing out.

Pang Xiao kept nodding in agreement throughout, not questioning Sun Shi while continuously comforting her. Finally managing to calm Sun Shi down, it was already evening.

Qin Huaiyuan said: “It’s about time for the banquet arranged by the Empress Dowager. Hurry and prepare so you won’t be late.”

Pang Xiao was currently at the center of a storm. Even speaking loudly could result in impeachment for arrogance, and being late to a royal banquet could earn him a charge of treason.

Pang Xiao nodded, pulling Qin Yining away to prepare for entering the palace.

Qin Huaiyuan also pulled Sun Shi away to wash and dress elaborately, not forgetting to instruct: “When we enter the palace later, you absolutely must not show any reluctance. You must be cheerful and happy, otherwise it will bring the disaster of family extermination.”

Sun Shi wiped her tears with her sleeve and nodded solemnly: “I understand. I’ll be careful.”

On the other side, Yao Chenggu, Meng Shi, and Yao Shi were also dressing to prepare for entering the palace.

However, the atmosphere in the Empress Dowager’s palace at this moment didn’t seem as joyful as one about to host a banquet.

Li Helan knelt beside the Empress Dowager, wiping sweat from her forehead as she anxiously lowered her voice: “Mother, what do you think is wrong? Uncle is strong and healthy – how could he suddenly fall ill? Your daughter has helped you visit several times, but uncle refuses to see anyone. Do you think Imperial Brother is still angry, so uncle…”

“Don’t speak nonsense.” The Empress Dowager quickly stopped Li Helan’s next words, scolding sternly: “Foolish thing, are you trying to bring disaster upon your uncle?”