Lian Xiaozhou had also reached marriageable age, and Qin Yining had always kept her affairs in mind. Ji Yun and Bingtang both had people they fancied, and it was rare for Lian Xiaozhou to have someone she admired. Qin Yining was very afraid that her decision would delay Lian Xiaozhou’s happiness.

But thinking carefully, this couldn’t be considered much of a problem. If Fang Hailing had feelings for Lian Xiaozhou, he would naturally find ways to meet her, and she wouldn’t prevent their meetings. She was experienced in these matters—she could still vividly recall how Pang Xiao had initially approached her.

Thinking of this, Qin Yining was no longer so hesitant.

Having made the decision, Qin Yining had someone fetch Fang Hailing back.

“Young Master Fang, I’ve already discussed with Xiao Zhou. When returning this time, she plans to travel with me.” She imperceptibly observed Fang Hailing’s expression. “Thank you for your thoughtful care during this time, Young Master Fang.”

Fang Hailing’s face clearly showed a moment of shock as he looked questioningly at Lian Xiaozhou. But seeing no unwillingness in Lian Xiaozhou’s expression and hearing Qin Yining speak so decisively, he pursed his lips and remained silent.

Qin Yining observed his reaction and couldn’t help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed this wasn’t one-sided affection from Lian Xiaozhou—Fang Hailing also had feelings for her.

Qin Yining softened her tone: “Young Master Fang, thank you for all your trouble during this time.”

Fang Hailing stiffly responded with a “Mm,” then returned to his usual cold-faced appearance, showing some hostility toward Qin Yining and saying distantly: “No need for courtesy. This was originally Young Master Mu’s instruction.” The implication was that he was merely helping out—if she wanted to show gratitude, she should thank Mu Jinghu, not concern herself with him.

Lian Xiaozhou looked at Fang Hailing, gradually lowering her head, then pulled Qin Yining’s hand: “Sister, when shall we depart?”

Hearing the word “sister,” Fang Hailing immediately looked at Qin Yining with more attention.

Qin Yining observed his expression while hiding her smile and answered Lian Xiaozhou seriously: “Affairs in the capital are urgent, and we don’t have time to delay. We’ll rest today and depart tomorrow.”

Lian Xiaozhou nodded, then turned to Fang Hailing: “Young Master Fang, I’ll need to trouble you to take me back to Tianji Valley later so I can pack my belongings.”

Fang Hailing had been looking down at Lian Xiaozhou. Hearing this, he was silent for a moment, then gave a light grunt of agreement.

Lian Xiaozhou bit her lower lip lightly, then returned to her usual manner and looked back at Qin Yining inquiringly.

Qin Yining observed both their expressions—what was there not to understand? She smiled encouragingly at Lian Xiaozhou: “Go ahead, I’ll wait for you here.”

“Yes.” Lian Xiaozhou gave Qin Yining a brilliant smile that made Fang Hailing’s brow twitch.

After Lian Xiaozhou left with Fang Hailing, Ji Yun said quietly: “Those two seem to have something between them.”

But Bingtang said: “That fellow surnamed Fang looks difficult to get along with at first glance. He might be harsh in his actions and bully our Xiao Zhou. This separation is for the best—it saves Xiao Zhou from suffering grievances.”

“Grievances?” Qin Yining shook her head and smiled: “Forget it, let’s prepare ourselves. We should depart for the capital tomorrow.”

Hearing this, the two maidservants stopped their idle chatter. One tidied the room while the other went out to inform Xie Yue and the others.

When Lian Xiaozhou returned, Maidong and Banxia each carried a large bundle, but Fang Hailing wasn’t seen following them.

The corners of Qin Yining’s mouth moved, but she didn’t voice her question.

But Bingtang was straightforward and asked directly: “Xiao Zhou, where is that Young Master Fang?”

Lian Xiaozhou seemed somewhat dejected, then forced herself to appear spirited: “He returned after escorting me out of the valley. He said worldly affairs were something he didn’t want to get involved in. He told me to take care of myself.”

Bingtang’s eyes immediately widened with anger: “He actually said that? Who does he think he is, telling you to take care of yourself? Does he really think he’s some immortal sect disciple? ‘Worldly affairs’—does he think he’s about to become an immortal?”

Lian Xiaozhou was startled by Bingtang’s temper and said timidly: “Sister, don’t be angry. That’s just his personality.”

Seeing Lian Xiaozhou like this, Bingtang couldn’t bear to lose her temper anymore. But she thought to herself that it was better for this person to stay in Tianji Valley—it would save her Xiao Zhou from always thinking about him when he was near. Separation was better. She couldn’t stand those who considered themselves from prestigious sects and looked down on everyone.

Qin Yining rested her chin on her hand, watching Lian Xiaozhou and Bingtang talk, and finally smiled silently.

She remembered the scene when she first met Lian Xiaozhou. Though she was already nine years old, she still looked like a six or seven-year-old child. Having lived alone in the mountains for a long time without companionship, care, or guidance, she couldn’t even speak a complete sentence properly.

Now seven years had passed, and that little child had grown into a young woman. Qin Yining’s heart was filled with mixed emotions, as if she had personally watched her own sister grow up—a feeling that was indescribable. It was both touching and satisfying.

As Lian Xiaozhou and Bingtang bantered, they noticed Qin Yining smiling at them the whole time. They couldn’t continue their argument and both started laughing.

Qin Yining patted both their shoulders and smiled: “Alright, don’t think so much about it. Fate is determined by heaven. If someone is truly yours, even if separated by thousands of mountains and rivers or different countries, you’ll eventually come together. But if someone isn’t yours, even if they’re right beside you, you’ll grow tired of each other.”

“Just like sister and the prince, and Sister Bingtang and Guard Deng,” Lian Xiaozhou said seriously.

Bingtang’s face immediately turned red as she chased after Lian Xiaozhou: “You little rascal, now you’ve learned to tease people! Just wait until I catch you—I’ll tear your mouth apart!”

“Good sister, good sister, please spare me!” Lian Xiaozhou ran circles around the room, giggling as she was chased, breathlessly begging for mercy.

The girls’ clear, joyful laughter carried far, making everyone who heard it feel much more cheerful.

The next day, the group bid farewell to the elderly Cui couple and set off for the capital, traveling through the fragrant grass and flowers of May.

Continuous reports of victory arrived in the capital about Pang Xiao and Ji Zeyu leading their armies against the Tatars. Later came news that Tatar Khan Si Qin had been captured alive by Pang Xiao, and that important Tatar generals and officials would soon be escorted back to the capital. When the people learned this news, they were all jubilant.

Before the Great Zhou, during the Northern Ji period, they had suffered greatly under Tatar oppression. The court then was weak and easily bullied—when repeatedly provoked by the Tatars, they still had to negotiate with smiling faces, ultimately offering gold and silver to settle disputes while maintaining the appearance of “not stooping to argue with barbarians.”

This was the first time their Great Zhou people had left their own territory to march into Tatar lands and defeat the Tatars so thoroughly they couldn’t fight back. This truly gave the Great Zhou people a chance to vent their long-held resentment.