This result was somewhat unexpected for Pang Xiao. Mrs. Liao’s subordinates wouldn’t go find Lu Zheng to buy such a dangerous position as county magistrate without reason.

Huichuan County definitely had problems.

But obviously, the Jinhu Guards’ ability to investigate information wasn’t outstanding.

Pang Xiao nodded, “You’ve worked hard. Go rest first.”

“Yes.” The man cupped his hands in salute and quickly withdrew.

Qin Yining said, “It seems the other party acts very secretively and isn’t easily discovered.”

Pang Xiao nodded, “Actually, when it comes to blending into the marketplace to gather information, no one is more suitable than the Azure Sky Alliance. Look at my subordinates—they can be spotted at a glance standing in a crowd.”

“That’s true.” Qin Yining nodded, “Although the Azure Sky Alliance consists of virtuous people from among the common folk, their ability to gather information is indeed first-class. It’s just that the current situation is unclear. Mrs. Liao and her two subordinates—we have no idea who’s still alive, or whether they’re all alive. We also don’t know if they still have contact with the Azure Sky Alliance. If Mrs. Liao is alive, Liao Zhibing’s heart would surely be with his wife. I really don’t dare take this risk.”

The Azure Sky Alliance people might not be disloyal to her. But since ancient times, wealth moves people’s hearts—especially such a vast fortune that even Li Qitian couldn’t ignore. Who wouldn’t want to possess mountains of gold and silver, enough to spend for a lifetime? Who wouldn’t want to leave blessings for their descendants?

Having rolled around in the marketplace for many years, Qin Yining had witnessed human nature in the face of disasters. She wouldn’t use malice to judge anyone, but she also wouldn’t think of people’s hearts as too selfless.

Pang Xiao lowered his eyes in contemplation for a moment, “The Silver-faced Shadow Guards aren’t weak at assassination and reconnaissance skills. But with the family departing this time, I want them to follow along.”

Qin Yining nodded, “I think the same. Without us by their side, having more people to protect the family would put our minds at ease. Father said they’ll depart soon—we can’t let the Silver-faced Shadow Guards travel far anymore.”

Pang Xiao rested his hand on the table edge, his slender index finger tapping the surface. After a while, he said, “If that doesn’t work, I’ll go personally.”

Qin Yining frowned, “You’ll go personally?”

“Yes, this matter is of great importance and cannot have any mishaps.” Pang Xiao said gravely, “The whereabouts of the treasure must be thoroughly investigated. If we can obtain it, that would be best. If not, it would be better to let Mrs. Liao’s group get the treasure than to let the Emperor have it. Once His Majesty obtains the treasure, he won’t care about warfare or not—he’ll definitely make eliminating us his top priority.”

“Yes, the realm is now settled, and the person threatening his position has become you. He’ll definitely spare no effort to eliminate you at any cost.”

Pang Xiao smiled bitterly, “In the end, I’m not that noble either. I’m equally selfish in fighting for my life. Perhaps in the Emperor’s eyes, I’m the kind of existence that threatens his safety, which is why he spares no effort against me…”

Seeing Pang Xiao sigh this way, Qin Yining couldn’t help but sigh as well, then said seriously, “What is noble? What is selfish? We’re just ordinary people—we shouldn’t force ourselves to be immortals. Should we stretch out our necks and wait for that Li fellow to chop us down, and then we’d be good people?

“That’s not called being good people—that’s called being foolish! Since ancient times, history has been written by the victors. You think sacrificing yourself for peace under Heaven is for the good of the people, but who can guarantee that the history books won’t smear you? Moreover, you have a large group of brothers following you, and you have family. Should they all be buried with you too?”

At this point, Qin Yining stood up, looking up at Pang Xiao with particularly determined eyes.

“Stop thinking so much. Good and evil will naturally be judged by the people of the world. Reality has forced us onto this path, so we can only continue walking. What is right? What is wrong? There’s no distinction between right and wrong in this world—only whether one regrets or not.”

When Qin Yining spoke, her eyes bloomed with a soft, gentle radiance like the bright moon, her expression so determined it surprised him.

He hadn’t expected that while he still hadn’t figured things out clearly, Qin Yining had already thought it through so thoroughly.

Mu Jinghu, who had been listening for so long, also somewhat understood what they were planning to do and nodded, “Zhixi, I think your wife is right. You just carry too heavy a burden in your heart.”

Hearing this, Pang Xiao looked toward Mu Jinghu.

Mu Jinghu said, “This world doesn’t have to belong to any particular surname, and the lives of the people aren’t your responsibility alone. If you did nothing, would people stop experiencing birth, aging, sickness, and death? I understand you don’t want to harm innocents, but aren’t the innocent people only on their side? Aren’t your own family members innocent?”

Although Mu Jinghu was an honest person, having spent so much time with Tianji Zi, he was naturally influenced by her. He didn’t view matters of life and death so heavily.

Pang Xiao nodded thoughtfully.

The situation was changing, and his inherent thinking should change too—otherwise, it would harm both others and himself.

“Then it’s decided. Once father-in-law’s matters are settled, I’ll depart to take a look. I’ll arrange for someone to disguise themselves and replace me as usual, while you stay here to observe for me.” Pang Xiao instructed Qin Yining.

Qin Yining nodded, feeling reluctant about Pang Xiao leaving. But she also knew that once both families left, only the two of them would remain to support each other. Perhaps there would be many more times they’d need to act separately in the future, and they couldn’t always have opportunities to be together.

With matters decided, Qin Yining left this space for Pang Xiao and Mu Jinghu, returning to the inner residence to look after the two children. After thinking, she called Xianyun over and had her send the supplements she’d prepared to Qiu Feishan.

“Tell Mrs. Mu that I’ll definitely attend when Yan Ge’er has his third-day washing ceremony.”

Xianyun smiled and agreed, quickly going to carry out Qin Yining’s instructions.

Whenever Qin Yining saw Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er, her thoughts could no longer focus on anyone else.

The Qin family had everything ready and departure was imminent. In Qin Yining’s view, each day spent with the two children was one day less together. She had decided to stay and accompany Pang Xiao, having no idea what her future held. She truly feared she might never have another chance to see her children and family.

But no matter how afraid or anxious she was, Qin Yining didn’t want her emotions to affect others.

When playing with the children, she remained as cheerful as always.

Pang Xiao now treasured any time he could stay home and was reluctant to leave. Watching Qin Yining dressed in colors similar to Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er’s clothing, holding the two children’s hands as they played with various small toys, or teaching them to recognize characters, or having them identify flowers and plants—seeing the three of them together filled Pang Xiao with joy.

On the day of the third-day washing ceremony, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining brought Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er to the Mu residence.

Qiu Feishan couldn’t go out, and since Mu Jinghu had no elders, and Tianji Zi was confined by Pang Xiao with no intention of release, the only guests who came were the Pang Xiao couple.

Qin Yining personally placed the longevity lock around Mu Yan’s neck.

The tiny baby wrapped in bright red swaddling clothes rested in Qiu Feishan’s arms, blowing spit bubbles and blinking his large eyes at Qin Yining.

“Look at him—he likes you too,” Qiu Feishan smiled at Qin Yining.

Qin Yining smiled as she played with Yan Ge’er, and the little child indeed grinned with his small mouth, “Oh my, he’s truly adorable. This child has taken the best features from you and Young Master Mu—he’ll definitely be a handsome child in the future.”

Qiu Feishan leaned against the large pillow, her eyes curved with laughter.

Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er were bouncing on the ground.

“Mother, Mother, Han Ge’er wants to see little brother!”

“I want to see little brother too!”

Qiu Feishan smiled, “They’ll be brothers in the future too. Let them take a look.” She carefully handed the swaddled baby to Qin Yining.

Qin Yining held Yan Ge’er and sat down on a chair nearby.

Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er crowded around from left and right, both children’s faces showing identical curiosity.

Han Ge’er reached out to poke Yan Ge’er’s cheek but was stopped by Zhao Ge’er.

“Little brother is small. Don’t touch.”

Han Ge’er put his hands behind his back, seriously blinking his grape-like large eyes as he asked Qin Yining, “Mother, was Han Ge’er this small before too?”

“Yes.”

“Will he grow taller than Han Ge’er?”

Looking at her son who wasn’t yet two years old, Qin Yining laughed, “Is Han Ge’er afraid little brother will grow taller than you?”

“I’m not afraid,” Han Ge’er said stubbornly.

Zhao Ge’er said, “Mother, I’ll eat more food.”

“I’ll eat more food too. You have to eat more to grow tall.” Otherwise, wouldn’t this wrinkled little fellow catch up soon?

Qin Yining immediately understood what the two children meant and looked at Qiu Feishan with great amusement.

Qiu Feishan couldn’t help but laugh either, “If Yan Ge’er can be as lively and clever as the two young masters in the future, I’ll be content.”

“He will be. Children grow quickly—they grow up in the blink of an eye.”

“Princess.” Just then, Ji Yun entered and paid her respects, leaning close to Qin Yining’s ear to whisper, “Manager Zhong requests an audience.”

Qin Yining was somewhat surprised. Manager Zhong had made a trip to the capital recently, and with her and Pang Xiao going to handle the Qiu family’s official purchase matter, Qin Yining had confidently left all business matters to Manager Zhong. He must have encountered some problem.

Qin Yining smiled as she returned the swaddled baby to Qiu Feishan’s arms, “I have some business to attend to—I’ll step out for a moment.”

Qiu Feishan smiled and nodded.

Qin Yining left the children with Ji Yun to watch and quickly left the room, making her way to the front hall of the Mu residence.

Manager Zhong was currently drinking tea. Seeing Qin Yining arrive, he quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, “Princess.”

“Manager Zhong, no need for such formality. It’s been a long time—is your health still strong?”

“Thanks to your blessings, this old man’s health is still good. I’ve returned this time with matters to report. I went to the Qin residence first, but the household informed me that you and His Highness were here.”

As he spoke, Manager Zhong looked around.

Qin Yining understood his concerns and smiled, “Why don’t we take a walk in the courtyard?”

“Very well.”

Qin Yining trusted Mu Jinghu, but the servants in Mu Jinghu’s household might not all be reliable. She went with Manager Zhong to an open area in the courtyard and stopped.

Only then did Manager Zhong speak in a low voice, “Princess, Alliance Leader Liao sent word through me to tell you that the Guangqing Grain Shop matter has been settled on their end. The silver has been transported safely, and the grain shop will close immediately.

“Additionally, in recent days, two former Azure Sky Alliance members have been continuously contacting people within the alliance. Alliance Leaders Liao and Qiao both felt something was suspicious. After careful inquiry, they discovered that two alliance members who should have died in the desert that day are actually still alive.”