Hearing this, Pang Xiao said understandingly: “After so many years, Xiao Zhou should also visit to pay respects to General Liu who protected her. We rarely have opportunities to go out, so paying respects while passing through on our way back to the capital would be perfect.”

Qin Yining raised an eyebrow: “But that was a general of Beiji.”

“Even if he was a general of Beiji, he was still a loyal and righteous man. Such people deserve respect.”

Qin Yining smiled slightly. Actually, from the time when Great Zhou and Great Yan were at war and Pang Xiao had taken care to collect and bury the bodies of her grandfather’s household men, one could see his character. He held respect for this type of loyal, patriotic person.

Lian Xiaozhou couldn’t help stealing glances at Pang Xiao, the corners of her mouth turning up.

“Paying respects to General Liu is one thing – the important matter is something else.” Qin Yining moved close to Pang Xiao and whispered a few words in his ear.

Pang Xiao suddenly sat up straight, his phoenix eyes wide with amazement as he stared at Qin Yining.

“What you’re saying is true!”

“Of course it’s true. However, only Xiao Zhou and I can find that place – ordinary people entering the mountains probably couldn’t locate it quickly.”

Pang Xiao’s expression became somewhat complex as he looked at both Qin Yining and Lian Xiaozhou.

“You two are truly remarkable… His Majesty has been searching for this item ever since ascending the throne. Some said Beiji’s imperial seal had long disappeared, which was later confirmed to be true. His Majesty was even cursing before, saying the Beiji emperor was brain-damaged – losing the imperial seal, probably handling court affairs with seals carved from radishes. Who would have thought this thing was actually with you.”

Pang Xiao looked at Lian Xiaozhou.

Lian Xiaozhou said: “I don’t understand either. I don’t remember palace affairs, and I had no concept of the imperial seal. Later when Sister brought me away from there, she hid this item.”

Pang Xiao nodded: “If that’s the case, we really must make a trip to the mountain. But this means we need to carefully plan who to bring and who not to bring.”

Qin Yining held Lian Xiaozhou’s hand, smiling: “You make the arrangements.”

Pang Xiao thought for a moment, then stood up: “Now that the imperial envoy has arrived and all necessary business is handled, I’ll make arrangements so we can depart as soon as possible.”

If they delayed further, His Majesty’s next move probably wouldn’t be as simple as issuing an edict – he might even arrange for people to arrest and bring him back.

After Pang Xiao left, Qin Yining held Lian Xiaozhou’s hand: “Don’t worry. His Highness isn’t unreasonable – he won’t harm you.”

“I’ve always known that.” Lian Xiaozhou looked at Qin Yining trustingly: “Since Sister arranged to tell His Highness about this matter, you must have been certain of my safety before speaking.”

“Good girl.” Qin Yining patted Lian Xiaozhou’s head, smiling: “Go tell your Sister Bingtang and Sister Ji Yun that we should pack up and prepare to depart for the capital.”

“Yes!” Lian Xiaozhou ran out joyfully.

Qin Yining rubbed her temples. Who knew what the situation in the capital would be like, but one thing was certain – it definitely wouldn’t be as comfortable as living here. Under Li Qitian’s watchful eyes, they would inevitably have to stay on high alert.

But after brief weariness, Qin Yining’s fighting spirit rekindled.

To reunite with family sooner, for her two children to live freely in this world in the future without having to hide constantly – she would do anything. Though Xiyu was good, it was ultimately a refuge from the world. They couldn’t have the whole family live there cautiously forever, could they?

With the imperial envoy present, Governor Qi was also more active than usual. Several times when Lu Tingzhong traveled between the military camp and government office, Governor Qi followed alongside. Perhaps with Imperial Envoy Lu present, Governor Qi had found his backbone and was no longer fearfully hesitant.

When news spread that Pang Xiao was being transferred back to the capital and a suitable candidate would be selected to replace him as Pingnan Army commander, the entire Pingnan Army camp was in an uproar.

Those soldiers who had initially been dissatisfied with Pang Xiao and caused him no small amount of trouble were now privately discussing his sudden transfer. The more straightforward rough soldiers even formed groups to question the imperial envoy.

“The court doesn’t provide grain, telling us to raise military funds locally. We brothers have never seen the government office produce money, but since His Highness came, he’s never shorted us on provisions and pay!”

“Exactly! His Highness also led us brothers to suppress bandits. Before, when common people in this area of the former Great Yan capital saw us, they looked at us like enemies, but now they treat us as benefactors!”

“Now I can walk with my back straight in front of common people.”

“Such a good commander – you can’t just replace him with one word!”

…

The soldiers were rough in nature with loud voices, making both Governor Qi and Lu Tingzhong’s heads buzz. After these men finished expressing their opinions, Lu Tingzhong said: “His Majesty’s arrangement for His Highness to return to the capital must be to commend His Highness’s achievements here. This official has noted everyone’s thoughts and will certainly report them to His Majesty. Please rest assured!”

Governor Qi also nodded repeatedly, indicating that Pang Xiao’s transfer was entirely His Majesty’s order.

Hearing it was an imperial edict, those present had no more objections. The crowd dispersed while discussing among themselves.

Pang Xiao stood with Huzi not far away, hands behind his back, taking in everything.

Huzi pursed his lips and said indignantly in a low voice: “How are these big fools so easily deceived? If it were me, I definitely wouldn’t believe it. Even if His Majesty was satisfied with your work, he could openly reward you. Who applies powder to their pants instead of their face? This transfer back to the capital comes without any promotion or commendation – it looks like you’re being escorted back for trial.”

Pang Xiao didn’t refute Huzi’s words but didn’t engage either, only saying: “Tell our brothers to prepare. Have Mr. Xie, Mr. Xu, and the others pack up as quickly as possible – we depart tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Huzi nodded, then asked: “Your Highness, we still have two people confined here.”

Who was confined? Naturally Tianji Zi and Yuan Yujiang, the Yuan head manager whom the Lu family had sent to Guangtong to examine accounts.

Pang Xiao smiled: “No matter. With Tianji Zi’s abilities, she can leave whenever she wants.”

“This subordinate will go release Tianji Zi now.”

“When did I say to release her?” Pang Xiao raised an eyebrow.

Huzi said puzzledly: “Didn’t you just say she could leave whenever she wanted?”

Pang Xiao curved his lips: “She’s so capable – let her use her abilities to get out. Does she need this prince to release her?”

“Would Young Master Mu have any objections to this…”

“No. He said himself that we provide good food and drink here, letting his senior uncle calm her mind to avoid wild thoughts after getting out.”

Huzi was speechless for a moment, then asked: “What about Head Manager Yuan?”

“He covets your princess with all his heart and still wants to leave grandly? Let him properly eat prison food and quietly reflect on exactly where he went wrong.”

Huzi nodded, unable to help sighing that given His Highness’s jealous nature, not directly taking Yuan Yujiang’s life was already merciful.

After arranging military camp affairs and mocking Imperial Envoy Lu Tingzhong who had “successfully persuaded” him to return to the capital, he finally left the camp to visit the Mu household.