Qin Huaiyuan had always been steady. No matter how great the incidents that occurred in the past, he could always remain stable, like a sea-calming needle that stabilized the entire family’s hearts.

Hearing her son speak this way, Old Dowager relaxed considerably and patted the back of Qin Huaiyuan’s hand, saying, “Meng Ge’er must be more careful in the future. These second-generation rich kids racing horses in the streets don’t have simple backgrounds. If they dare to run in the streets, they’re not afraid of injuring people. Even if someone really gets trampled and injured or killed, they can only blame their own bad luck. These young masters have ways to clear themselves completely. Whoever suffers a loss just suffers in vain, doesn’t they?”

“Mother is right,” Qin Huaiyuan smiled gently.

Old Dowager then said, “So from now on, just avoid this matter. Fortunately, you weren’t injured this time, so let it be.”

Seeing Old Dowager holding onto Qin Huaiyuan with another intention to lecture, Qin Yining smiled and said, “Old Dowager is also too worried about Father and is truly tired. Why don’t you go rest first?”

Hearing this, Old Dowager’s continued nagging got stuck in her throat. She glared at Qin Yining and wanted to say more, but facing her son’s calm eyes, the nagging words couldn’t come out.

Everyone dispersed, and Sun Shi went to speak privately with Qin Huaiyuan.

Qin Yining, thinking not to disturb her parents, didn’t go to Sun Shi’s room and went directly to rest.

She thought that today’s matter was so significant that it might already be known to everyone. She just didn’t know how the Five Cities Military Commissioner’s office and Shuntian Prefecture would handle it.

That young man just now was obviously pulled out to take the blame. The people behind the scenes hadn’t been uncovered yet. Even if they punished this one person, it wouldn’t really accomplish anything. Qin Yining felt stifled and frustrated.

After this incident, not only Qin Yining, but Qin Yu and Qin Han also truly experienced for the first time the difficulties Qin Huaiyuan faced daily.

Because Qin Huaiyuan handled everything so easily that they had almost forgotten he was just an ordinary person of flesh and blood.

To Qin Yining’s surprise, by the next afternoon, rumors had already spread.

Han Le’an, son of the Vice Minister of Rites, had raced horses in the street and collided with a court official. Moreover, he showed no remorse. After investigation confirmed the facts, he was submitted by the Five Cities Military Commissioner’s office to Shuntian Prefecture. After the Shuntian Prefect’s review found no errors, Han Le’an was sentenced to exile three thousand li away.

When Ji Yun told Qin Yining this news, she was stunned speechless with surprise: “You said exile three thousand li? Are you sure you heard correctly?”

“This servant is certain, it’s indeed exile three thousand li.” Ji Yun observed Qin Yining’s expression and, seeing she seemed unable to believe it, said, “That Han fellow collided with our Master. Fortunately Master is unharmed, but if something had really happened, not to mention exile three thousand li, even beheading wouldn’t be enough compensation. Miss is too kind-hearted and needn’t feel sad for such a person.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining came to her senses, smiled slightly, and shook her head, “You’re overthinking. I’m not thinking about this matter. That Han Le’an was just pulled out to take the blame. The Vice Minister of Rites is not a minor official either. He wouldn’t willingly let his son come out to take the blame for others. I imagine the real perpetrator’s status is not low.”

Hearing this, Ji Yun nodded, “That makes sense. At the foot of the Son of Heaven, what the capital lacks least is high officials. A falling plaque could hit three officials, with rank upon rank, very complicated indeed.”

“Yes.” Qin Yining sighed softly.

“Though this matter was investigated by the Five Cities Military Commissioner’s office and decided by Shuntian Prefecture, the incident was ultimately caused by my father. I worry they might retaliate.”

After thinking, Qin Yining called Jing Zhe over and said, “Go tell the brothers around my father to be very careful during this period and absolutely not let any petty villains find an opportunity.”

“Yes, Miss can rest assured.” Jing Zhe bowed and went to handle the matter according to instructions.

However, Qin Yining’s worries seemed excessive.

Over the next several days, Qin Huaiyuan continued as usual without any incidents occurring.

Qin Yining also felt that perhaps she had overthought it. Maybe that faction wanted to make big matters small and didn’t wish to stir up more disputes.

After several days like this, it was already the time of spring warmth and blooming flowers.

Qin Yining changed into spring clothing and ordered people to prepare a carriage: “Let’s go out for a stroll. I also haven’t visited Manager Zhong in some time.”

“Yes.” Hearing they were going out, Bingtang immediately said joyfully, “Miss, we haven’t gone out for quite a while. Xiao Zhou has also been stifled at home. Why don’t we bring Xiao Zhou along?”

Their current residence wasn’t as spacious as before. Though everyone could live there, individual movement was ultimately inconvenient. No matter how sensible Lian Xiaozhou was, she still had a child’s nature. Bingtang truly cherished Lian Xiaozhou, so naturally wanted to bring her along whenever there was a chance to go out and play.

Qin Yining couldn’t help but laugh, pulling Lian Xiaozhou’s hand and saying, “Your Sister Bingtang cares for you so much, thinking of you for every good thing. Don’t forget her in the future.”

Lian Xiaozhou nodded with a smile. Her speech still wasn’t smooth, but she had become very skilled at using nods, head shakes, and eye blinks to replace many words.

Lian Xiaozhou patted Qin Yining’s shoulder, “Sister is also good, also won’t forget.”

Qin Yining was stunned, warmth filling her heart instantly. She smiled and gently pinched Lian Xiaozhou’s cheek, making her giggle.

The carriage outside was ready. Qin Yining brought Bingtang, Ji Yun, and Lian Xiaozhou together in the carriage, additionally bringing Jing Zhe and four other secret agents as followers, while Qian Yun and Qiu Lu stayed home to watch the house.

One large carriage with four attendants following outside—this group wasn’t conspicuous. They left the Qin residence discreetly, took a roundabout route from behind, and headed for the bustling marketplace. Though it was somewhat out of the way to Manager Zhong’s place, they were out to relax today anyway and didn’t mind the extra detour.

Qin Yining held Lian Xiaozhou’s hand, pointing outside through the window gauze to teach her some common knowledge. Lian Xiaozhou listened very attentively.

Bingtang and Ji Yun chatted and laughed quietly nearby.

Waves of laughter continuously came from inside the carriage, causing the four secret agents outside to also relax.

However, just as the carriage was traveling along the edge of the marketplace, confused horse hoofbeats suddenly came from ahead.

Hearing the sound, Jing Zhe looked up and saw seven or eight men in brocade clothing riding tall horses, charging straight toward them without reducing speed.

Seeing trouble ahead, the coachman hurriedly reined in the horses. The horses pulling the carriage were also startled by the oncoming group, neighing and rearing up on their front legs.

The four people inside the carriage were suddenly tossed about by the jolting.

Xiao Man quickly jumped onto the carriage, grabbed the reins to steady it, and blocked the carriage door.

Jing Zhe, Xiao Xue, and Da Han formed a triangular formation in front of the carriage.

The approaching horse group had reached close proximity. Jing Zhe stood foremost as the first line of defense. Seeing the galloping horses nearly upon them, he burned with rage. Having once served under the emperor, he was naturally different from others. He raised his hand and struck with one palm, hitting squarely on the horse’s head.