Drawing closer to Lian Xiaozhou, Qin Yining said in a low voice: “To tell you the truth, the emperor will definitely settle accounts with the prince in the future. When that time comes, not only him, but everyone related to him will be purged.”

Lian Xiaozhou shuddered all over, looking at Qin Yining with frightened eyes.

“That man, the Son of Heaven, is strongly jealous and skilled at scheming. He has repeatedly set traps for people to fall into, which is truly disagreeable. He fears the prince, perhaps worrying that the prince will threaten his position in the future.

“But you know the prince isn’t someone who covets power and position. He values relationships more. With the emperor’s petty mind, he will definitely want to eliminate him first for peace of mind. I’m truly worried. If we don’t prepare now, when the emperor really makes his move, we’ll only be able to sit and wait for death.”

Lian Xiaozhou nodded in agreement and said seriously: “Sister, what do you think we should do now? You came looking for me—is there something I can help with?”

Looking at Lian Xiaozhou’s trusting eyes, Qin Yining grasped her hands and said earnestly: “I indeed want to discuss this matter with you. I can guarantee that I absolutely won’t harm you, but I need you to cooperate with the prince and me in doing some things. This matter might push you into the spotlight, might place you at the center of a storm. I can only give you my verbal guarantee that I absolutely won’t let you encounter danger, nor will I let anyone force you to do things you don’t like. But right now I have no evidence to prove that what I’m saying is true.”

Lian Xiaozhou unconsciously pursed her lips, looking at Qin Yining’s eyes that were full of gentleness and trust, and slowly nodded.

“Sister, I believe you.”

Qin Yining hadn’t expected Lian Xiaozhou to nod so quickly and hurriedly said: “Don’t blindly trust me. Think about your own wishes first. If you don’t want to take risks, I won’t force you.”

“I know sister’s character. Over all these years, only sister has truly protected and helped me. If sister wanted to harm me, there were so many opportunities before. I know you regard me as a real sister and wouldn’t hurt me.” Lian Xiaozhou looked at Qin Yining seriously. “Sister, whatever you need me to do, just tell me. Whatever I can help with, I’ll definitely help.”

Looking at Lian Xiaozhou’s sincere eyes, Qin Yining was so moved that tears fell.

Having seen so much scheming and deception, Lian Xiaozhou’s complete trust deeply touched Qin Yining’s heart.

Actually, thinking carefully, how fortunate she was that the people around her all treated her wholeheartedly, sharing life and death, facing difficulties together. This had become the most fortunate and boast-worthy thing in all her years.

“Good.” Qin Yining nodded with a slightly trembling voice and leaned close to Lian Xiaozhou’s ear to explain her plan.

Hearing this, Lian Xiaozhou was silent for a moment: “Will sister’s method really help you and the prince?”

Qin Yining nodded with certainty.

“Sister, this approach does seem somewhat deceptive. I will definitely cooperate with sister, but will this matter be discovered? If it’s discovered and people slander the prince, that would be bad.”

“It shouldn’t be. I’ll plan it carefully when the time comes.”

“That’s good then.” Lian Xiaozhou lowered her head briefly, then raised it again: “Sister, as long as it can help you and the prince, I have no objections to this matter at all. I’m just somewhat worried.”

Qin Yining didn’t speak immediately, giving Lian Xiaozhou time to think.

After a long while, Lian Xiaozhou said: “Since the prince has designs on that position, my existence might be feared in the future. I’m afraid it won’t be easy for the prince to protect me later.”

“This is indeed possible. After all, even when above ten thousand people, there are still many things beyond one’s control. But I absolutely won’t allow anyone to bully you.”

Lian Xiaozhou said: “I know sister is someone who does what she says. Since sister feels this matter will greatly help the prince, then let’s do it this way.”

Qin Yining stroked Lian Xiaozhou’s long hair: “I know this is the result of your careful consideration. Right now the outside world is in great turmoil, so actually even if we do it this way, it might not succeed in the end.”

“But this method is better.” Lian Xiaozhou consolingly patted Qin Yining’s shoulder. “Sister, let’s do it this way.”

“No more regrets?”

Lian Xiaozhou giggled: “Since I’ve decided, how could I regret it?”

The two looked at each other for a moment and couldn’t help but smile.

Qin Yining tapped the tip of Lian Xiaozhou’s nose and said seriously: “On behalf of the prince, I thank you.”

“If not for sister, I might have died long ago. Sister saved my life and protected me afterward. Sister treats me like a real sister, yet I’ve never been able to help sister with anything. Now that there’s an opportunity, and it’s not asking me to do anything difficult—just to cooperate—and it won’t hurt or trouble me, what’s difficult about that? So sister’s thanks are really more than I deserve.”

But Qin Yining said: “This is different. One thing is one thing. You originally didn’t have to participate or take risks in this matter. You know yourself that a life in seclusion would bring you more stability and comfort. Once exposed, your future might fall into trouble, which is precisely why I thought of this method but hesitated to use it.”

“Sister is overthinking. Things won’t reach that point. Sister needn’t hesitate—I think this matter is feasible.”

Qin Yining nodded, looking at Lian Xiaozhou gratefully, and after a long while said: “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you well.”

Lian Xiaozhou nodded firmly: “Mm!”

Bingtang and Ji Yun had been listening nearby. Seeing that Lian Xiaozhou and Qin Yining had reached an agreement and everything was proceeding so smoothly, both felt very happy.

Bingtang smiled: “Since that’s the case, you can continue following the princess consort from now on. We sisters can stay together for a long time.”

“Yes.” Ji Yun nodded repeatedly. “With you not by the princess consort’s side, she really missed you.”

Lian Xiaozhou also nodded happily, but as she smiled, her smile gradually faded.

“Following sister means leaving Tianji Valley.”

“Yes.” Qin Yining nodded. “You’ll need to stay with me for a while.”

Thinking of how Lian Xiaozhou had looked at Fang Hailing’s departing figure earlier, Qin Yining suddenly seemed to understand something.

“Xiao Zhou, you and Young Master Fang…”

Lian Xiaozhou jumped up as if burned, waving her hands repeatedly: “No, no, no, sister, please don’t talk nonsense. I’m just… just grateful to Young Master Fang. During this time I’ve been living in the valley outside Tianji Gate, and it’s always been Young Master Fang who regularly brings me food. Even Maidong and Banxia are grateful to Young Master Fang. In daily matters, Young Master Fang has truly helped me greatly.”

This was clearly a case of love growing over time.

Qin Yining sighed inwardly. Taking Lian Xiaozhou away like this—what if it caused a rift between Fang Hailing and Lian Xiaozhou?