Mother’s string of scolding right in front of Second Brother made Zhao Yao extremely embarrassed, her face turning even redder. But she heard her Second Brother say very calmly: “It’s an old matter. Aunt need not be concerned.”

His calm attitude and indifferent tone were exactly the same as when she had broken that hand piece years ago. At that time, both her father and mother were reproaching her, and Father had even wanted to beat her, but Second Brother had protected her, saying to her father: “Yao’er is still young, and besides, this is just an object. Uncle need not be so angry.”

Indifferent, yet protecting her.

Zhao Yao lowered her head, the corners of her mouth slightly turning up.

Such girlish demeanor naturally fell under everyone’s eyes. Zhao Qishi said nothing, but her gaze swept toward her sister-in-law. Seeing that Yao Shi only smiled with loving kindness, she couldn’t discern any deeper meaning. At this moment, they heard a commotion outside the hall. After the maids reported, they learned that the two young masters Qi Ning and Qi Le had finished school and, hearing that Aunt and their female cousin had come, had immediately rushed over.

These two young masters were not Yao Shi’s own children, but born to two of Qi Zhang’s concubines. Qi Zhang and Yao Shi had always been a harmonious couple, and as the head of a noble family, he had always respected his wife and not favored concubines. Under such proper family conduct, the other concubines also respected the principal wife and dared not act presumptuously. Yao Shi had always been like a bodhisattva in nature, so the household was harmonious, and both Qi Ning and Qi Le had very good relationships with Yao Shi.

Yao Shi laughed and said: “These two monkeys—when they heard a few days ago that their female cousin was coming, they kept chattering about not wanting to go to school today, and were thoroughly scolded by their father. Though they obediently went this morning, I estimate they didn’t listen properly to their lessons. Look, they’ve just finished school and rushed back so urgently.”

Just as she finished speaking, they heard the two young masters walking in while saying: “Mother, don’t wrongly accuse us—we didn’t idle away today’s lessons!”

Third Young Master Qi Ning, courtesy name Jingan, was now sixteen years old. Fourth Young Master Qi Le, courtesy name Jingkang, was now fourteen years old. The Qi family was blessed with good looks, and all the young masters had distinguished appearances. Qi Ning had the spirited look of youth, with particularly bright eyes. Qi Le was younger but tall, and though still young, he was almost only half a head shorter than his third brother.

The two entered and greeted their mother, aunt, and two elder brothers, then exchanged greetings with their female cousin. Qi Le said with a grin: “When we were small, just because Cousin Yao’er was a little bit taller than me, Third Brother kept teasing me about it. Today I’ve finally turned things around—I’m taller than my sister!”

Everyone in the hall laughed upon hearing this. Qi Ning couldn’t help but roll his eyes at his younger brother, saying: “That’s all you amount to—comparing height with a little girl?”

After saying this, he smiled and said to Zhao Yao: “Little cousin, you’ve finally come. Otherwise your Fourth Brother would truly have looked until his eyes wore through—when he heard you were coming, he had people pick several crickets early this morning, saying he wanted to show them to you for amusement.”

“Exactly, exactly,” Qi Le enthusiastically continued, “Third Brother also picked several restaurants that only became popular after you went to Linchuan. Some have exquisite flavors—we’ve been waiting for you to come so we can take you to try them!”

When they were small, Qi Yun and Qi Ying had already entered officialdom and rarely played with them anymore, but Third Young Master Qi and Fourth Young Master Qi were similar in age to Zhao Yao, and having played together much in childhood, they were closer.

Though their enthusiastic hospitality was very loyal, to the ears of the elders and brothers it seemed improper. Qi Yun frowned and scolded: “Nonsense! Your sister is a proper young lady—how can she run around wildly with you two! And you two still dare to fight crickets with people? Have you both forgotten what Father said last time?”

Upon hearing their elder brother’s scolding, Qi Ning and Qi Le obediently closed their mouths. Qi Yun earnestly continued: “I’m not forbidding you from playing with your sister, but you two must be more ambitious. Think of your Second Brother—he was runner-up scholar at thirteen! Look at you two, still with such childish hearts—no wonder Father gets angry!”

Qi Yun scolded them a few more sentences, but considering that Aunt and Yao’er were present, he stopped after a few words. He knew these two mischievous monkeys, though appearing docile, might not have taken his words to heart. At this time, servants announced that Qi Zhang had returned from court and sent someone to summon Second Young Master to the study.

Upon hearing this, Qi Ying rose and begged forgiveness from his mother and aunt, greeted his elder brother, then turned to walk outside. Passing by his two younger brothers, he paused, looked at them both, and said: “I’ve finished revising the essays Father asked me to correct for you the other day. Remember to come find Second Brother tomorrow to retrieve them.”

Upon hearing this, Qi Ning and Qi Le immediately bowed their heads in acknowledgment. Though Second Brother didn’t often discipline them like Elder Brother, nor was he as stern as Father, they had been somewhat afraid of Second Brother since childhood—much more so than of Elder Brother.

Zhao Yao stood behind Qi Ning and Qi Le, watching Qi Ying’s departing figure, her cheeks quietly flushed with crimson.

The main mansion of Jiangzuo’s premier noble family was built extremely square and proper. Compared to Fenghe Garden, it had righteousness in abundance but lacked refinement. Qi Ying walked through the corridors with his hands behind his back, heading toward Qi Zhang’s study.

The young servant at the study door greeted Qi Ying and opened the door for him.

Inside the room, Qi Zhang was standing bent over before a potted landscape, admiring it. Qi Ying greeted him with proper etiquette. Qi Zhang straightened up and beckoned to Qi Ying: “You’ve come? Sit.”

Though the Left Chancellor had already passed the age of knowing his destiny this year, his temples showed no white. Between his brows, due to frequent frowning, were very clear lines, making him appear serious and unsmiling. This minister had navigated the political seas for decades without a single error, earning great reliance from Emperor Liang and respect from all officials outside, while maintaining a stern paternal manner at home. Qi Ning and Qi Le had often received beatings in childhood, and even the steady and prudent Qi Yun had frequently received his scolding. Only toward his second son did the minister show a better countenance.

Both sat down. Qi Zhang picked up the teacup on the table and sipped some hot tea, casually asking Qi Ying: “How have things been at the Bureau of Military Affairs recently? All going smoothly?”

The Bureau of Military Affairs was the most crucial lifeline of Great Liang’s court, controlling military and state secrets, military defense, border preparations, and cavalry administration, handling confidential orders to assist in governance, with twelve departments below handling different affairs. Now that Qi Ying served as Vice Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs, though his official rank was only fourth grade, the importance of his position and the reality of his power were self-evident. The current Director Zhang Heng was cautious and prudent but indecisive. Though in the director’s position, his capabilities were far inferior to Qi Ying’s.

Qi Ying answered: “After the great defeat at Stone City, personnel changes within the Bureau of Military Affairs have been frequent, inevitably causing unsettled hearts. Director Zhang now has a dejected spirit and seems unwilling to take bold measures. The twelve departments have both new and old personnel who still need adjustment—I am getting acquainted with them individually.”

Qi Zhang nodded and said: “Personnel adjustment is indeed crucial, and you must also be attentive to governmental affairs.”

Qi Ying bowed with hands clasped: “Your son will remember.”

Qi Zhang continued: “Your elder brother has some objections to transferring you into the Bureau of Military Affairs. What do you think?”

Qi Ying said: “I follow Father’s arrangements completely.”

Qi Zhang sighed and said: “Do you know why your father arranged for you to handle such a difficult position?”

Qi Ying pondered for a moment and answered: “Northern Wei is arrogant. Father hopes I can resolve national difficulties.”

Qi Zhang smiled slightly and glanced at Qi Ying: “Not entirely.” After a pause, he continued: “Not honest enough in your answer. After only a few days in the Bureau of Military Affairs, have you already learned such roundabout official rhetoric?”

Qi Ying lowered his head and also smiled faintly, then said frankly: “Perhaps Father is worried due to the Shen family’s downfall.”

Qi Zhang’s eyes brightened as he looked at Qi Ying with approval, then sighed deeply with feeling in his eyes: “Thirty years ago when the former emperor moved south, he relied entirely on the support of the great families. These years of confrontation with Northern Wei have also depended on the great families’ full support. Now that the Shen family has been destroyed, even though there was Shen Qian’s weakness and incompetence, what this truly shows is that Great Liang’s imperial house is no longer willing to be constrained by the great families as in years past.”

Qi Ying’s eyes gradually darkened as he suddenly recalled his final meeting with Shen Qian in the Court of Judicial Review’s prison several days ago.