Qin Yining deeply sympathized with what had befallen Bingtang’s family. Bingtang was also utterly loyal to her. When she had seized Bingtang from Prince Ning’s side, Qin Yining had never truly treated her as a servant – though their social positions left no other choice, in her heart she considered her a sister.

Bingtang had helped her greatly. Qin Yining was someone who repaid kindness. Besides arranging Bingtang’s future well, she also wanted to make up for the regrets in Bingtang’s family from years past, so Bingtang wouldn’t constantly worry about it.

Of course Bingtang understood Qin Yining’s good intentions. Qin Yining’s character was trustworthy – she had never disappointed her. Qin Yining treated her like a sister, and wasn’t Bingtang the same?

“Alright, we needn’t argue about these things. You still have two little princes to care for, and we’re not without other people under us. Just have someone else handle this kind of matter.”

Listening, Qin Yining thought of Huzi, looked at Bingtang again, and decided to give Huzi a chance to prove himself.

“You make sense. Why don’t I have Huzi oversee the people handling this matter?”

Hearing this, Bingtang’s face instantly turned red, saying awkwardly with reproach: “Princess, really! How can you connect everything to that fool? If he handles this matter, I’d be even more worried!”

Qin Yining suppressed her laughter, appreciating Bingtang’s awkward expression: “Don’t say that. I think Huzi is quite good – he’s not stupid by nature and cares about you. Entrusting this matter to him would surely be done better than by others.”

How could Bingtang not know what Qin Yining was saying?

It’s just that every time Qin Yining teased her about this, she felt very embarrassed.

She also knew Huzi had feelings for her. But following beside Qin Yining, she had seen much of how Pang Xiao treated Qin Yining. Now he had even made the decision to cut off his own lineage for Qin Yining’s sake – she felt even more moved by and envious of Pang Xiao and Qin Yining’s relationship.

As a physician, Bingtang’s views on life and death were naturally different from ordinary people. Now with this new understanding, her standards for Huzi naturally became higher. Though he was also a good choice, Bingtang didn’t want to just casually take that step.

Seeing the changing expressions on Bingtang’s face, Qin Yining gained some understanding and stopped discussing the matter further.

At this moment, Pang Xiao at the front of the procession gradually reined in his horse and gestured to those behind him.

The convoy immediately stopped. The escorting personal guards and Elite Tiger Guards all maintained solemn military bearing with unified movements and imposing momentum.

Facing Pang Xiao’s group, Yuchi Yan and the former Yan court ministers beside him couldn’t help feeling afraid. They still vividly remembered the Huben Army’s prowess, unforgettable even for a moment. The pain of losing their country was almost like having flesh carved away – how could their hearts be completely free of resentment?

Yuchi Yan pressed his lips together looking at Pang Xiao. His originally pale face was now completely bloodless. His brows were tightly furrowed, the deep “川” character between his brows and the frost at his temples all proclaimed his downfall and defeat to everyone.

He had already regained that position, but Li Qitian had been so despicable, using such underhanded methods to deceive Yuchi Xujie, making him once again become a surrendered minister, a captive.

Yuchi Yan even had a moment when he wanted to end his own life.

Because his existence seemed to tell others of Great Yan’s downfall. The dignified Yan emperor had now become a vassal of the Zhou emperor, still a mediocre person who repeatedly tried to escape but could never escape from others’ grasp.

He didn’t know which link had gone wrong. But in fact, he had been casually kicked off the throne by someone’s promise.

Prince Zhennan?

Ridiculous, truly ridiculous.

Li Qitian was going with the flow, knowing that the people in the rebellious states and prefectures still felt allegiance to Great Yan, which was why he acted accordingly. But Yuchi Xujie was busy becoming emperor and temporarily couldn’t attend to him, no longer caring about Yan’s survival either.

The resentment, frustration, and various negative emotions in Yuchi Yan’s heart reached their peak when Pang Xiao walked spiritedly toward the carriage to help Qin Yining down.

That was the woman he loved. Now she was even more radiant than before, her face full of happiness as she held another man’s children – twins no less!

His country had been destroyed by Pang Xiao. The woman he loved wholeheartedly thought of Pang Xiao and had given birth to two sons for him in one go! And what about himself? When he had left the capital searching for treasure, his empress and concubines had all become sacrifices on his path to success. Those two women had long since departed for the underworld. Now he too was alone.

Yuchi Yan stared deadly at Qin Yining and Pang Xiao, his hatred almost materializing as black mist spreading around him. But his hate, his anger – all of it could neither be vented nor resolved.

“…Your Highness, Your Highness?”

A minister loyal to Great Yan beside him called softly, finally pulling Yuchi Yan’s consciousness back.

Yuchi Yan turned back to meet Gu Shixiong’s concerned gaze.

Beside Gu Shixiong, everyone looked at him with worry.

Yuchi Yan came to his senses with a start.

These were all former ministers who had followed him back to Great Yan. They had entrusted all their fervor and trust to him – he couldn’t retreat.

At least this was Yan territory, and the people’s hearts still sided with him!

Yuchi Yan had thought much, though it was actually just in the blink of an eye.

On Qin Yining’s side, she had already wrapped both children tightly and handed them to the wet nurses, then followed behind Pang Xiao with her servants toward Yuchi Yan.

Pang Xiao walked over with a smile, his sword-like brows relaxed, phoenix eyes smiling. He showed none of his former sharp-edged aura like an unsheathed blade. Now he looked like an elegant young master, particularly amiable.

“How has Prince Zhennan been?” Pang Xiao cupped his hands.

Yuchi Yan wished he could tear apart Pang Xiao’s smug face, but still had to maintain decorum, gritting his teeth to squeeze out a smile: “Prince Zhongshun, long time no see.”

“Yes, long time no see. We were delayed somewhat on the road, keeping Prince Zhennan waiting.”

“Not at all. Prince Zhongshun was traveling with his family – some delays on the journey are expected.”

Yuchi Yan couldn’t help but look toward Qin Yining.

Seen up close, Qin Yining in her snow-white fox fur was even more radiant. Having given birth to two sons, she had become somewhat more voluptuous, radiating a languid charm from head to toe. When her watery eyes turned, even her glances seemed to contain little stars.

Yuchi Yan’s heartbeat was just like before – when meeting Qin Yining’s gaze, it quickly skipped a beat.

Qin Yining nodded in greeting: “Prince Zhennan.” Looking toward those behind Yuchi Yan, she also greeted: “Minister Gu, Minister Zhao, Minister Gu.”

While Yuchi Yan was entranced, Gu Shixiong and others felt extremely awkward.

Qin Yining was Qin Huaiyuan’s daughter, and Qin Huaiyuan had been the former Grand Tutor. When Yuchi Yan led them in escape, he hadn’t taken Qin Huaiyuan along.

This had been Gu Shixiong’s idea. He firmly believed that since Qin Yining had married Pang Xiao, Qin Huaiyuan was unreliable. In their hearts, they had long considered Qin Huaiyuan a traitor.

If everything had gone smoothly after their departure, that would have been fine.

But now all their plans had failed, and they had fallen into the pit once again, while having to face Qin Huaiyuan’s daughter. This feeling was truly subtle.