Qin Yining was helped down from the carriage by Pang Xiao. Raising her eyes to look around, she saw many soldiers from the Capital Garrison separating the roads on both sides, with official sedan chairs blocked at both ends.
Such a grand display by the Emperor—when Prince Zhongshun arrived, other official sedan chairs weren’t allowed to pass, and so many soldiers formed barriers on both sides. Clearly, he wanted to proclaim his favor toward Prince Zhongshun while also making everyone present feel the Prince’s arrogance.
Qin Yining sneered inwardly, thinking Li Qitian’s methods were becoming increasingly petty. He specialized in such manipulations, no different from an inner palace woman.
Seeing a hint of displeasure on Qin Yining’s exquisitely made-up face, Pang Xiao smiled consolingly, “Yi Jie’er, don’t be like this. Don’t let others succeed in harming yourself.”
Qin Yining nodded. Since becoming pregnant, she seemed particularly susceptible to emotional fluctuations, which was indeed bad for her health.
Supported by Pang Xiao’s hand as she descended from the carriage, Qin Yining looked up and suddenly, through layers of crowd, met a pair of familiar eyes.
It was Father!
Those eyes, so similar to her own, were now full of joy and concern. Stretching his neck through the crowd, he was anxiously trying to see her condition clearly.
Tears immediately welled up in Qin Yining’s eyes, and she nearly cried on the spot.
Father was such an outstanding, immortal-like person, yet now he was like thousands of fathers throughout the world, excitedly craning his neck to look at his child.
Seeing that Qin Huaiyuan had grown much thinner, Qin Yining felt very guilty. This time when she got into trouble, Father must have been terribly worried. She knew without being told about the chaotic situation at home—Father had probably been enduring various pressures while still protecting her as before.
Tears swirled in Qin Yining’s eyes as she wanted to walk toward Qin Huaiyuan.
But Qin Huaiyuan smiled and nodded at her while waving his hand to indicate she shouldn’t come over.
He could see that his daughter had endured hardships. Though she was much thinner and appeared more fragile than before, Pang Xiao’s attitude toward her remained the same as before. This showed that Pang Xiao didn’t mind at all that Qin Yining had been kidnapped to Tatar territory.
As long as the young couple were united, Qin Huaiyuan felt very satisfied.
Following Qin Yining’s gaze, Pang Xiao also saw Qin Huaiyuan.
Although this was before the court assembly, with many civil and military officials present watching, Pang Xiao thought that since the situation was already like this, and after his arrangements, the Emperor would probably detest their faction deeply. Qin Huaiyuan was his father-in-law, and given the Emperor’s character, he would definitely classify him as part of their faction.
Therefore, Pang Xiao didn’t avoid anything and simply took Qin Yining’s hand and walked toward Qin Huaiyuan.
The crowd couldn’t help but look their way.
The scene fell momentarily silent.
Qin Huaiyuan first frowned, then understood, watching Pang Xiao and Qin Yining with a smile.
Qin Xiuyuan worriedly tugged at Qin Huaiyuan: “Big brother, this…”
“It’s fine.” Qin Huaiyuan said reassuringly.
By this time, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had reached them, and even the Capital Guard soldiers stepped aside.
Qin Yining and Pang Xiao walked side by side to Qin Huaiyuan and bowed together.
“Father.”
“Father-in-law.”
“Good, good, no need for formalities.” Qin Huaiyuan supported them both, first smiling at Pang Xiao, then looking at Qin Yining, “You’ve grown thin. But it’s good that you’re back.”
“Yes. Father, I’m well. Fortunately, His Highness arrived in time. Though I experienced some dangers, I’m unharmed.”
“That’s good, that’s good.” Qin Huaiyuan smiled and nodded repeatedly.
Qin Yining and Pang Xiao also greeted Qin Xiuyuan beside them.
“Second Uncle.”
“Good, good, safe return is what matters, safe return is what matters.” Qin Xiuyuan was also overjoyed, his eyes already reddening.
Pang Xiao said, “Father-in-law need not worry. Though Yi Jie’er was kidnapped and experienced hardships, she’s clever and strong, always able to turn danger into safety. Now Yi Jie’er is three months pregnant—by year’s end, father-in-law will be able to hold his grandson.”
Both Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuan were stunned.
Qin Huaiyuan couldn’t help but calculate silently, confirming that Qin Yining’s child was Pang Xiao’s, that his daughter hadn’t been violated by the Tatars, and that she hadn’t been spurned by her husband. He immediately nodded joyfully, even abandoning his usual immortal-like demeanor, laughing heartily, “Good, good, you must come home afterward so we can nourish you properly. You’re far too thin.”
Qin Xiuyuan also said joyfully, “Yes, your mother and second aunt miss you terribly.”
Qin Yining felt somewhat shy, “Are Mother and Second Aunt well? Is everyone at home well?”
“All well, all well. After the court assembly, you’ll go home to see them and know for yourself.” Qin Huaiyuan said with a beaming smile.
Qin Yining smiled and nodded.
The originally heavy atmosphere was considerably lightened by this casual conversation. Qin Yining had been somewhat worried, but now seeing Qin Huaiyuan’s natural expression, as if he had everything under control, and seeing Pang Xiao’s composed demeanor, she thought that since she was pregnant, Pang Xiao wouldn’t discuss certain matters with her, but he must have made arrangements outside.
Qin Yining’s suspended heart settled halfway.
While they were talking, Pang Xiao had already instructed the Capital Guards who were blocking other officials: “There’s no need to do such things in the future. We’re all subjects loyal to the Emperor, each fulfilling our duties. Why must we rank high and low, creating distance in our relationships? On whose orders are you doing this?”
Pang Xiao’s words already implied criticism that they were sowing discord between him and other ministers. How could the Capital Guards dare directly say this was the Emperor’s order? They could only withdraw awkwardly to avoid further trouble.
Officials within hearing distance understood something from this exchange. But since they were merely ordinary officials who didn’t want to truly participate in court struggles, they naturally wouldn’t speak much about it outside. However, when chatting privately with trusted family members or saying things like “I’ll only tell you this, don’t tell anyone else,” today’s events would inevitably spread, and Pang Xiao’s purpose would eventually be achieved.
This was Qin Yining’s first time witnessing a grand court assembly. Due to Li Qitian’s special instructions, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had to temporarily bid farewell to Qin Huaiyuan and Qin Xiuyuan, waiting for the Emperor’s summons.
This wasn’t Qin Yining’s first time facing such an urgent situation, but it was her first time not participating in it. Pang Xiao, worried about her health, barely let her intervene in anything. Qin Yining knew nothing about how things were progressing. Though she trusted Pang Xiao, she was still very worried.
Feeling her palms were sweating, Pang Xiao couldn’t help but take her hand and wipe it on his princely court robes.
“Don’t be afraid, nothing will happen. I can definitely protect you and our whole family.”
Qin Yining smiled bitterly, “I naturally trust you, but the current situation doesn’t look optimistic, and you won’t tell me anything. I know nothing, so of course I’m worried.”
Pang Xiao chuckled, “Alright, I’ve told you that from now on, following me, you just need to peacefully enjoy happiness without worrying about these matters. Isn’t it good that I’ve handled everything properly?”
Qin Yining certainly thought this was good. But thinking of the current predicaments, it was impossible to completely ignore them.
Just as Qin Yining frowned in silence and Pang Xiao worriedly wanted to comfort her, a eunuch’s voice suddenly came from outside.
“By imperial decree, summon Prince Zhongshun and the Princess to court!”
“Your subject obeys.” Pang Xiao straightened Qin Yining’s clothes, pulled her hand to his lips for a light kiss, saying, “Be at ease, trust me.”
Qin Yining looked at him and nodded solemnly.
Things had reached this point—there was no room for hesitation. Regardless of success or failure, they were together.
The two walked hand in hand with the eunuch to Zhenghe Hall. Inside, the eunuch’s high, sharp voice carried far, echoing through the spacious hall and shaking people’s eardrums.
Soon, a eunuch’s voice came from within the hall: “Summon Prince Zhongshun and the Princess for audience!”
Pang Xiao once again took Qin Yining’s hand and patted it, then stepped ahead of her to turn and climb the steps, walking steadily toward the hall first.
Qin Yining looked at the palace, took a breath, then gazed at Pang Xiao’s upright figure, smiled, and slowly followed.
The atmosphere in Zhenghe Hall was very tense, already carrying a hint of murderous intent.
The arrival of Pang Xiao and Qin Yining didn’t ease this atmosphere but instead escalated the scene to near sword-drawn tension.
After entering the hall, Qin Yining lowered her eyes and displayed all the etiquette she had learned from her education nannies, striving to avoid any fault.
The crowd had seen much of Pang Xiao but was seeing for the first time this “enemy’s daughter” whom Pang Xiao had once forcibly taken but who ultimately married him. They had originally been very curious about Qin Huaiyuan’s daughter. Seeing her up close today, many couldn’t help but think “indeed so.”
Without such devastating beauty, radiant as clouds and moon-like grace, how could she have made Prince Zhongshun cast aside even revenge?
Qin Yining had certainly seen grand occasions. Regarding these people’s curious or ill-intentioned stares as they looked directly at her, she pretended they didn’t exist. She followed dignifiedly behind Pang Xiao to bow before Li Qitian.
Li Qitian said with a beaming smile, “Beloved subject, please rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” After rising himself, Pang Xiao didn’t forget to turn back and help Qin Yining up.
This action, seen by the ministers, sparked even more thoughts.
Li Qitian said with a beaming smile, “Having beloved subject bring the Princess here is regarding the sudden death of Tatar Khan A’na Ri. As beloved subject knows, the current Tatar Utekin Khan won’t let this matter go, insisting that Princess Zhongshun killed her. Now he’s about to send cavalry to invade our Great Zhou’s borders.”
Li Qitian looked at Qin Yining, asking gently, “Regarding this matter, the Princess should have an explanation, shouldn’t she?”
Li Qitian displayed this benevolent ruler’s attitude, not interrogating but gently inquiring about the parties’ situation at the time. His posture was perfect, determined not to let anyone find any impropriety.