Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were also thinking of ways to respond. After connecting Qiu Feishan’s behavioral patterns with recent events and considering various possibilities, they consistently reached the same conclusion.

“From this perspective, the probability of the Emperor ordering you to campaign is quite high. If such an edict truly comes down, what will you do then?” Qin Yining pressed her lips together, sitting close to Pang Xiao. “The national treasury is empty, and the Emperor’s private funds have probably been drained for building the imperial mausoleum. If they send you to the battlefield without providing provisions, what will the soldiers eat and drink?”

Actually, Pang Xiao also had concerns in his heart, but since things had reached this point, there was no need to show his worries in front of Qin Yining and make her worry as well.

Embracing her delicate shoulders, Pang Xiao planted a kiss on her cheek. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Know what he’s doing? Even if he knew, what could he do? Even the cleverest housewife cannot cook without rice. Making soldiers fight on empty stomachs—these men would probably be full of complaints.

Qin Yining sighed softly and said in a low voice, “If it really comes to that, there’s still a way. The things we’ve hidden outside Jingang could solve urgent needs at a critical moment.”

“I’ve thought about the method you mentioned. But having so much silver appear out of nowhere would make anyone suspicious.”

Seeing Qin Yining looking at him earnestly, Pang Xiao worried she might misunderstand that he was reluctant to use the treasure money. He smiled and explained, “I’m not reluctant to use the silver. That silver was taken from the people, so naturally it should be used for the people. I’m just considering our own safety and want to find a foolproof method.”

“I understand.” Qin Yining smiled. She had wondered what Pang Xiao wanted to say. “Don’t I know your character? I was thinking the same thing. We need to save people, but we must also preserve ourselves so we can do more.”

Pang Xiao couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “You’re right. I won’t act rashly. Don’t worry.”

The two smiled at each other. Though the court situation was chaotic and the war pressing, it seemed that as long as they could be together, they could find a patch of tranquility.

Over the following days, Qin Yining carefully tended to Pang Xiao’s health. Perhaps because Qin Yining was by his side, Pang Xiao’s mood remained very good, and his injuries had improved considerably compared to the previous two days, allowing everyone around them to breathe easier.

Since being beaten with boards in court, Pang Xiao had been recuperating behind closed doors and no longer participated in court sessions. But for several consecutive court meetings, the most heated debate had been about the Tatar issue. Through his connections, Pang Xiao received some news and knew that Li Qitian was engaged in intense discussions with his ministers about whether to employ him.

Pang Xiao was indifferent about it, waiting calmly for news without any panic. But many ministers couldn’t maintain their composure.

For several consecutive days, the previously deserted prince’s manor suddenly had an endless stream of visitors. Even the manor’s stewards and tea room servants became busy, spending their days receiving and seeing off guests with great enthusiasm.

After seeing off another official, Pang Xiao let out a tired sigh.

Qin Yining emerged from the inner room, smiling. “How is it? Have you been exhausted these past few days?”

Pang Xiao naturally leaned against Qin Yining as she approached, nodding as if he had suffered great injustice. “Indeed. Talking with these people is too tiring. What they care about is just those few things, and I have to explain everything to them over and over again.”

Qin Yining was amused by him. “Among all those people visiting you, some want to persuade you to campaign for the country’s righteousness, some think you might be reinstated and came specifically to curry favor, and others came with meaningful intent to appease your emotions. I see these people don’t care about your feelings at all. Now that there’s a war and they need you to act, they come once—as if everyone else were fools.”

“Those in office should fulfill their duties. They probably really couldn’t think of reliable methods before thinking of me.” Pang Xiao shook his head indifferently. “I just feel that the current situation in Great Zhou’s court is very sad. Everyone is thinking about their own petty interests, but I don’t see them caring for or protecting Great Zhou’s common people. Do you think such a court, such officials, can truly lead the people to good lives?”

Qin Yining patted his hand consolingly. “When water is too clear, there are no fish. Haven’t court officials always gotten along this way? For their own petty interests, they can abandon and sacrifice more important things for Great Zhou. Their eyes probably only see themselves—only gleaming silver is practical to them. Those who deliberately put on such acts in front of you have ulterior motives. That’s most of the current court.”

“I understand the reasoning, but thinking about it still feels helpless.” Pang Xiao put his arm around Qin Yining’s shoulder and sighed deeply.

Just as the two were speaking quietly, Jiyun’s somewhat anxious voice suddenly came from outside: “Your Highness, Princess! Eunuch Xiong from the Emperor’s side has arrived and is currently arranged to drink tea in the front.”

Qin Yining and Pang Xiao exchanged glances, both their hearts skipping a beat.

They knew Li Qitian had finally lost his patience.

Pang Xiao thought for a moment, then lay prone on the soft couch and called outside: “Go tell Eunuch Xiong that this Prince currently has difficulty moving. If he doesn’t mind, please ask Eunuch Xiong to come to the inner quarters for a talk.”

“Yes.” Jiyun quickly went to the front hall and relayed Pang Xiao’s words to him.

Xiong Jinshui was always tactful. Hearing this, he didn’t get angry. He was determined to maintain good relations with all sides, and Pang Xiao’s beating wasn’t a secret. On his way here, he had already prepared mentally for various scenarios, even thinking that if Pang Xiao was in a bad mood and kicked him, he couldn’t harbor any resentment lest he lose his life in the future.

So when Jiyun spoke, Xiong Jinshui immediately smiled and said, “This servant was thoughtless. I should have gone to disturb His Highness at his resting place.”

Jiyun knew this person was shrewd and that this hurdle was passed. She smiled and led the way, guiding Xiong Jinshui to the inner quarters to see Pang Xiao lying prone on the couch with a pale complexion.

Xiong Jinshui didn’t dare be negligent and bowed. “Greetings to Your Highness.”

“So it’s Eunuch Xiong. You may rise.” Pang Xiao waved his hand, indicating for Xiong Jinshui to stand, then smiled. “This Prince’s injuries haven’t healed, so I couldn’t personally welcome Eunuch Xiong. How improper of me.”

Xiong Jinshui quickly said he didn’t dare accept such words, respectfully saying, “Your Highness, this servant has come to disturb you to convey the Emperor’s intent.”

He cupped his hands toward the imperial palace direction to show respect and reverence: “Tomorrow is the grand court session. The Emperor has instructed this servant to inform Your Highness to attend court on time tomorrow.”

Qin Yining frowned with displeasure, deliberately putting on a domineering appearance: “Naturally we must obey the Emperor’s orders, but His Highness’s injuries… Eunuch Xiong, please don’t take it to heart. I’m just anxious for His Highness. These past days, His Highness has had a persistent high fever that hasn’t broken even today. If he attends the grand court session with all that moving and exertion, and his injuries worsen, what then?”

At this point, her domineering displeasure transformed into deep grievance. Qin Yining quickly shed two lines of clear tears: “Our entire family has sacrificed lives for Great Zhou, including my poor child… Now His Highness’s injuries are so severe, yet instead of letting him recover properly, he must attend court. Could Eunuch Xiong please discuss with the Emperor and spare my husband?”

Xiong Jinshui was so frightened that cold sweat flowed from his temples. He almost wanted to call Qin Yining “ancestor.”

“Please spare this servant! You think too highly of me. What status do I have to discuss anything with the Emperor? I’m just following the Emperor’s orders.” Xiong Jinshui couldn’t help but kneel. “I beg Your Highness for mercy. Considering we both serve the Emperor, please don’t let this servant fail in his duties!”

Pang Xiao quickly helped him up with one hand: “Eunuch Xiong is also in a difficult position. Moreover, since the imperial edict has been issued, I’ll obey it.”

Seeing that Pang Xiao was willing to speak for him and that Qin Yining didn’t seem likely to object, Xiong Jinshui couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief and gratefully bowed to Pang Xiao.

“Thank you for Your Highness’s understanding! Thank you for Your Highness’s understanding!”

“Think nothing of it.” Pang Xiao smiled gently. “You serve beside the Emperor and have always been devoted and diligent. To speak honestly, without you managing things by the Emperor’s side, how could the Emperor have everything go smoothly and conveniently? As we both serve the Emperor, naturally we should understand each other.”

Xiong Jinshui couldn’t tell how much of what Pang Xiao said was true or false, but he knew he had passed this test.

After more pleasantries with Pang Xiao, Xiong Jinshui took his leave.

But as soon as he left, Qin Yining gave him a small pouch containing an exquisitely carved palm-sized gold and jade pixiu.

Just looking at the pixiu’s craftsmanship and the jade’s quality, Xiong Jinshui’s heart immediately jumped violently. Suppressing the involuntary upward curve of his lips from joy, he smiled and said, “Thank you, Princess.”

“It’s nothing much. I’m just a woman whose mind sometimes isn’t sharp, and my words lack consideration. In my anxiety earlier, I spoke improperly. Please don’t take it to heart.” Qin Yining smiled.

Xiong Jinshui felt extremely pleased inside, but if someone said Prince Zhongshun’s wife sometimes had an unsharp mind, he absolutely wouldn’t believe it. He could only say that at this critical juncture, the Princess still sided with the Prince, never leaving or abandoning him—such affection made even a eunuch like him envious.

“Not at all. The Princess and Prince have deep marital affection. Being anxious for the Prince and thinking of the Prince’s concerns is completely understandable. This servant greatly admires Your Highness and the Princess and won’t spread rumors.”

Qin Yining thought privately that those who served beside Li Qitian probably couldn’t survive to now without being perceptive. She smiled and politely saw Xiong Jinshui off.

Returning to the bedroom, she saw Pang Xiao with a furrowed brow, seemingly contemplating some momentous matter.

Qin Yining knew he was now caught in a dilemma, so she didn’t offer much advice. She believed Pang Xiao would make the most appropriate choice.

The next day at the grand court session, while everyone was still discussing amongst themselves, Pang Xiao arrived outside Fengtian Gate in a small sedan chair carried by two people.