She held him tightly, with heartache for his five years of forbearance, and with natural protectiveness… just as he had protected her when she was young.

Qi Ying felt her emotions and also sensed the wonderful bond between them. For a moment his heart became incomparably soft, and the dust that had unconsciously settled on his heart from recent court affairs naturally dissipated, becoming clear and clean again.

He said nothing more, only embracing her in return with infinite tenderness.

The two were quiet together for a while, but the worries in Shen Xiling’s heart had not yet dissipated. She looked up at him, brow slightly furrowed, thinking before saying: “I understand your meaning. You don’t covet current power and have no desire to become emperor. You truly want to nurture that child well and someday return governance to him… but he may not think so, and the court officials and common people may not believe it either.”

Shen Xiling was perhaps the person in this world who understood Qi Ying best. She knew he had a heart for withdrawal – rather than wielding power in court, he actually preferred days of leisurely clouds and wild cranes, afternoon naps and fishing. But with Jiangzuo’s situation still unstable and the young emperor insufficient to govern, given his nature, he would certainly remain here to clean up the mess.

But…

“Your good intentions might be wasted, though that’s secondary,” Shen Xiling sighed. “What I fear most is that three people making up a story can create a tiger, ultimately bringing great disaster.”

She leaned in his embrace, saying somewhat despondently: “Second Brother… I really don’t want to experience all that again.”

She was very afraid.

Indeed, though Shen Xiling was only twenty-one now, she had witnessed too many rises and falls. She had experienced so much turmoil and hardship, and now that she could finally live peaceful, smooth days, she absolutely didn’t want to be drawn back into past nightmares.

Qi Ying naturally knew her fears. He held her, gently patting her shoulder, saying: “I know what you’re afraid of. This time everything will be fine.”

“You’re right about everything,” he looked down at her, his expression also very serious. “I will teach that child with all my heart, but if his hostility ultimately cannot be worn away, I won’t force it either.”

The meaning of his latter statement was profound.

“Won’t force it” – these words sounded very mild, but upon careful consideration seemed to carry some hint of decisive action. Was he saying that if Xiao Yizhao harbored evil intentions, he would unhesitatingly make him abdicate?

Shen Xiling wasn’t certain, but she knew he was guarded against that child, which gave her some peace of mind.

She felt relieved, and smiles appeared more on her face as she took his hand and said: “It’s good that you’re prepared.”

After a pause, she realized something was wrong, looking up at Qi Ying again with a very serious expression: “No, being prepared isn’t enough. You must also rest well and not toil constantly – that physician we found in Qingyuan said you must avoid overwork and worry, can’t spend all day hunched over documents wearing yourself out. You must listen to this advice!”

She became spirited, extricating herself from his embrace to sit up straight and look at him, continuing to chatter: “After you went to Xiaoshan I wasn’t idle either. I found several physicians for you, some from north of the river and some from Jiangzuo. They should arrive in a few days. When they come you must let them examine you properly, follow medical orders, and not act recklessly.”

She talked incessantly. Qi Ying didn’t interrupt, just watched and listened to her. Rather than listening to her admonishments, he was more appreciating her lively manner while speaking, which was very endearing.

Shen Xiling noticed his distraction and couldn’t help pushing him angrily, asking: “Are you listening to me?”

Qi Ying grasped her hand, good-naturedly responding: “I listened.”

Shen Xiling didn’t believe him, asking back: “Then what did I just say?”

Qi Ying answered: “Avoid overwork and worry, follow medical orders.”

Hearing him get it right, Shen Xiling felt slightly satisfied.

However, she hadn’t been satisfied long before hearing Qi Ying say: “But recently there’s one matter that probably can’t avoid taking some effort.”

Shen Xiling hadn’t expected that right after she’d said so much, this person would immediately start talking about political affairs with her, and she inevitably became somewhat angry. Seeing her thus, Qi Ying couldn’t help laughing. He also sat up straighter, gently holding her delicate white hand and saying: “Just this one matter, and speaking of it, there’s not much I can specifically do. I might even need to borrow your strength.”

This piqued Shen Xiling’s interest. She forgot about being angry and only asked: “What matter?”

Qi Ying was referring to relations with Northern Wei.

When he had left Shangjing, he had met with Wei Crown Prince Gao Jing and left a scroll with him, discussing only one thing: if Great Liang came under his governance in the future, he would do his utmost to promote trade between the two countries.

Trade was something both countries had long desired. North and south had very different crops, and other industries also needed mutual exchange. Unfortunately, years of constant warfare and mutual hatred had led the court to prohibit all trade routes – partly due to national enmity, partly to prevent enemy countries from affecting their monetary lifelines.

Now that north and south were to pursue great unity together, trade had become urgent. Many barriers needed breaking, many roads required opening – truly everything needed revitalization.

Qi Ying and Gao Jing already shared this understanding, and Great Liang’s domestic affairs now showed signs of stabilizing. If so, it was time to begin planning revival efforts.

Chaos would soon end, and those in power had to find ways to let the common people live stable, prosperous lives.

However, though the two courts could open ports for trade with a single decree, actual merchants might remain cautious and hesitant to act. The two countries had been estranged too long – those in commerce might still choose to trade within one country to avoid risk. If trade showed no results for long, both courts might view it as useless, which was definitely not what Qi Ying and Gao Jing wanted to see.

Shen Xiling had originally been in commerce herself. Through years of business, she had countless merchants both north and south under her, backed by the Shen family’s remaining influence. With her mediation and coordination, many things would likely be twice as effective with half the effort.

Hearing him mention this, Shen Xiling was also very happy.

She had started in commerce and lived in both Jiangnan and north of the river for long periods, thoroughly familiar with local customs and conditions of both places, and well aware of both countries’ specific commercial situations. She had long hoped to break barriers for mutual trade – this would not only benefit merchants, but more importantly allow common people to buy goods at lower prices, good for all sides.

She was very pleased and quickly agreed, enthusiastically discussing arrangements for this matter with Qi Ying.

Qi Ying smiled and said: “I don’t understand much about commercial matters. The specifics need discussion with the Imperial Secretariat. Li Wei has now been promoted to Right Vice President. In a few days I’ll have him come to our home, and we can discuss it together.”

Shen Xiling was quite familiar with Li Wei’s name, knowing he was the top scholar Qi Ying had personally selected when first presiding over spring examinations. During these years when Qi Ying was deeply mired in difficulties, Li Wei remarkably neither sought other patrons nor kicked him when down, giving Shen Xiling a very good impression of him – and thinking carefully, when Qi Ying first visited her Yilou years ago, this Lord Li had accompanied him.

She nodded enthusiastically in agreement, not realizing Qi Ying’s change toward her.

Previously he never voluntarily discussed political affairs with her. Even when she persistently asked, he would avoid the topic or brush her off with simple responses. Now it was different – he was beginning to trust her, knowing she had the ability to help him and no longer considering relying on her something shameful.

They were truly becoming equals.

These changes came so naturally that neither really had clear awareness of them, yet such changes silently nourished their hearts like gentle rain, making them both feel more comfortable with each other.

After talking a while longer, Shen Xiling thought of something, her expression showing slight hesitation.

Qi Ying noticed and asked: “What is it?”

Shen Xiling pressed her lips together and smoothed her long hair, saying: “It’s just… for the enthronement ceremony, did Wei send envoys to offer congratulations?”

Qi Ying was startled, then understood she was asking about Gu Juhan.

Seeing her awkward expression, seeming somewhat embarrassed, he couldn’t help finding it amusing and said: “Wenruo didn’t come personally. If you have anything to say or give him, we can find someone else to handle it.”

Shen Xiling responded with a sound, lowering her head slightly and saying nothing more.

Qi Ying sighed and pulled her into his embrace again. Shen Xiling heard him say: “Wenwen, between you and me, why such formality?”

Just one sentence made her heart relax.

She did want to ask if Gu Juhan had come, and did want to see him again, but not out of romantic feelings – she simply felt she owed him much and always wanted to find opportunities to repay him.

She wanted to personally give him that ledger she had once used to threaten him, both to express gratitude and as a promise – bilateral trade would be a long journey, and if everything favored her side too much, the two countries’ cooperation couldn’t last long. Moreover, schemes and power plays could only succeed temporarily – how could they endure? She was willing to use those ledgers to secure a good beginning for bilateral trade.

Shen Xiling leaned in Qi Ying’s embrace and shared this thought with him. He also approved greatly and praised her, saying she was methodical and generous, making her blush from his compliments.

She thought more and said: “Great Wei emphasizes agriculture and denigrates commerce. To achieve truly equal trade with Great Liang probably requires a considerable journey. In the initial years, we might need to yield some profits.”

Qi Ying nodded, having long thought of this too.

Their two countries now needed to pursue lasting peace, but this didn’t mean the era of great competition had passed. Great Liang could yield on trade matters, but the extent of yielding needed careful control, and they would certainly need to recoup these concessions elsewhere.

This was politics, this was state affairs – they couldn’t allow personal feelings to interfere.

Shen Xiling also understood this principle. In coming years she might help Great Wei develop commerce, but she would never forget her position – what she could repay Gu Juhan was limited, but that was fine. They had plenty of time, and she would always keep her gratitude toward him in her heart. Whenever opportunities arose she would repay a little, and accumulated over time, she could always express her sincerity.

She set this concern aside and felt more relaxed and happy, but Qi Ying had become silent again. Not knowing what he was thinking, Shen Xiling asked: “What’s wrong?”

He looked at her but didn’t immediately respond, staying silent for quite a while before seeming ready to speak.

His expression was somewhat complex, the emotions in his eyes heavy, yet his demeanor was rarely gentle.

He said to her: “Wenwen, let’s get married.”

Author’s Note: Young Master Qi forced to go offline after marriage PS: Some content everyone’s waiting for might go in side stories. For the main text I still want to rush toward finishing within 800k words before the 10th… the flag cannot fall!