After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, the atmosphere remained warm and lively throughout.

Master Liu was cultured and elegant in speech, with refined temperament and excellent breeding – absolutely not the type to deliberately make things difficult for others.

While Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan’s words consistently showed obvious intent to curry favor and please, Master Liu went along with their conversation throughout, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.

Seeing the atmosphere had warmed up considerably, Gu Shixiong finally sighed helplessly: “Originally we sought Gao Wenyao to handle that matter, intending to share the Grand Manager’s burdens. Who would have thought that while Gao Wenyao appeared so righteous and upstanding, he actually had such a morally corrupt son? This caused so much trouble for nothing. This truly wasn’t our intention.”

“Indeed.” Yuchi Yan also sighed: “I was simply too honest. I was deceived by that Gao Wenyao. When things developed so intensely in the end, even if we wanted to continue imprisoning that person, we ultimately feared the people’s grievances would boil over and make matters uncontrollable, so we had no choice but to let them make their commotion.”

Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan sang in harmony, attributing all the reasons for this failure to problems with Gao Wenyao’s character – it was Gao Wenyao’s deliberate concealment and deception that led to such major loopholes appearing behind the scenes.

Actually, when these two spoke thus, both felt somewhat embarrassed.

While problems with Gao Wenyao’s character did exist, as those employing him, they had failed to calculate these details before using him. This time they lost to Pang Zhixi, losing in strategy, and the problems didn’t exist solely with Gao Wenyao.

However, they currently urgently needed the powerful assistance of Sitong Company. If they wanted to restore the Yan Dynasty, relying solely on their scattered subordinates and meager financial resources was absolutely impossible.

Previously, Yuchi Yan had still felt he at least possessed the hearts of the Yan people.

But since witnessing what scenes looked like when people gathered in revolt, understanding what the people truly wanted, Yuchi Yan had lost confidence in popular support.

Therefore, now he needed Sitong Company’s favor even more. He absolutely couldn’t let problems like poor personnel selection, inadequate investigation, and careless planning appear on his record.

Hearing this, Master Liu’s face still wore a gentle smile as he nodded warmly in agreement: “Yes, who would have thought District Magistrate Gao was that kind of person? This was truly too unexpected.”

Hearing such words, Gu Shixiong and Yuchi Yan not only didn’t feel relieved, but felt even more guilty. Master Liu was a cultured person – this was clearly not exposing them face-to-face, going along with their words to save their face.

But not exposing them face-to-face didn’t mean they would continue receiving Sitong Company’s favor in the future. The other party was simply well-bred, not out doing charity work. They needed a capable assistant, and with Sitong Company’s wealth and abilities, wouldn’t people line up just at a beckoning finger?

Gu Shixiong grew somewhat anxious and hastily stood to pledge loyalty: “Regarding this matter, we truly feel very ashamed, but in the future, whenever the Grand Manager has instructions, just tell this old fool – though lacking in talent, I can still guarantee dedicated service.”

Hearing Gu Shixiong say this, Yuchi Yan also nodded with restraint.

He wasn’t someone who could bring himself to speak soft words, and being able to say so much earlier had already required gritting his teeth and pushing his limits.

No matter what, he had been a crown prince, an emperor, and a prince. However, watching Gu Shixiong at his advanced age still bowing and scraping for his sake made Yuchi Yan feel very uncomfortable. Unable to ignore it, he could only speak up as well.

“We will not lack sincerity.”

Master Liu smiled: “Your sincerity has always been greatly treasured by our Grand Manager. One small failure – you gentlemen needn’t mind it.”

Hearing this, Gu Shixiong’s face couldn’t help showing a relaxed expression.

Calming down to think, he hurriedly continued: “This represents your Grand Manager’s magnanimity, but we cannot fail to appreciate such kindness. Having communed in spirit with the Grand Manager for so long without the fortune to meet – now this old fool presumes to ask Master Liu to convey a message to the Grand Manager. If the Grand Manager would honor us by coming for a simple meal together, this old fool would certainly sweep the couch in welcome.”

Some words were better discussed face-to-face. They had intent to align themselves, but they didn’t even know whether this Sitong Company Grand Manager was round or flat. Always relying on an “accountant” to relay messages made Gu Shixiong constantly worry that his words might accidentally be conveyed with altered meaning when Master Liu transmitted them to the Grand Manager.

Master Liu continued smiling, nodding gently: “I understand your meaning. However, our manager is busy and may not have leisure time. When the Grand Manager finds free time and wishes to meet you both, he will naturally come to visit.”

Gu Shixiong’s heart sank.

It seemed this Grand Manager still didn’t truly take them to heart. They had never entered that inner circle.

Never mind that Yuchi Yan was now Prince Zhennan. Perhaps this Sitong Company Grand Manager didn’t consider Yuchi Yan, a prince without real power, worth much attention at all.

To truly be regarded differently and gain Sitong Company’s recognition, utilization, and assistance, they would probably need to truly let the other party see their capabilities and usefulness.

Qin Yining and Pang Xiao were unaware of Yuchi Yan’s situation. At this moment, they were in the front hall, receiving an invitation handed to them by servants.

The attendant sent by Governor Yang, standing respectfully in the center, showed extremely deferential attitude toward Pang Xiao and Qin Yining, carefully saying: “My master will host a banquet at home tomorrow afternoon, sincerely inviting Your Majesty and the Princess to honor us with your presence.”

Pang Xiao opened the invitation and looked at it, a slight smile appearing at his lips. He put down the invitation and said warmly: “Since arriving here, I haven’t truly had a proper meeting with Governor Yang, indeed due to busy official duties preventing me from getting away. Now that I have leisure time, I should certainly meet. Tell Governor Yang that I will definitely attend.”

“Yes, this subordinate will certainly convey the message.” The attendant respectfully performed a grand bow and withdrew.

Qin Yining leaned against the chair’s armrest, thoughtfully musing: “When we first arrived, Governor Yang wouldn’t even show his face. He consistently targeted you – why would he suddenly send an invitation now? When things are abnormal, there must be demons at work. We should be more cautious.”

“You’re right.” Pang Xiao said seriously: “There are no good wines at bad banquets, no good banquets at bad feasts. I’d like to see – this dignified governor lacks ability to handle local affairs properly, but does he have the ability to stir up trouble?”

“That’s really hard to say. After all, not doing proper work well is because there’s no profit in it for him – he doesn’t want to do it. But stirring up trouble is something he’s determined to do, so naturally it’s different. I think Governor Yang isn’t a foolish person – this time we don’t know what kind of pit he’s deliberately dug waiting for us to jump into.”

Pang Xiao was very concerned about Qin Yining’s safety, fearing Governor Yang might set some ambush this time. He, a rough man, would be fine, but Qin Yining was a fragile woman – he was actually afraid she might be in danger.

“How about tomorrow I attend the banquet alone? I imagine if I go by myself, he wouldn’t shut me out at the door. If he doesn’t let me enter, that would be even better.” Pang Xiao pondered, becoming increasingly certain of his idea: “This is good – this way we needn’t worry about him harming you.”

Qin Yining found this both amusing and exasperating: “I’m an inner court woman – what would Governor Yang do to harm me? If he can see you, he naturally has things to discuss with you. When I mentioned digging pits, I didn’t mean truly laying out inescapable nets.

“I think by having you bring female family members, Governor Yang should also arrange for women from his household to come out and accompany me. We female family members are just for livening the atmosphere and warming up the scene. Think about it – if you don’t bring female family members, if you two men disagree about something, wouldn’t you end up quarreling? If things end unpleasantly, this banquet would lose its meaning, wouldn’t it?”

Pang Xiao was stunned, suddenly understanding from Qin Yining’s words, and felt somewhat ridiculous about himself.

“I’ve really become paranoid about everything.” Pang Xiao shook his head helplessly: “Ever since you went missing that time, I’ve become like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bowstring. You’re right – bringing you along is indeed this meaning. Rest assured, I’ll bring Elite Tiger Guards to protect our safety. As for what Governor Yang actually wants to do…”

Pang Xiao revealed a cold smile: “If he dares do anything out of bounds, I naturally have ways to deal with him.”

Qin Yining just smiled and nodded.

The two began arranging matters for attending the banquet the next day.

When afternoon of the sixth day arrived, Qin Yining coaxed the two children to sleep, then went with Pang Xiao to inform Lady Zheng before departing in their carriage.

In the carriage, Pang Xiao sat askew against soft cushions with his long legs bent, one hand playing with the small bell on the brass hand warmer the size of an apple that Qin Yining held, smiling: “Yining, there’s one thing to be careful about when we go to the Yang household – don’t leave my sight. No matter what those Yang family women say or do, just stay by my side. Understand?”

Qin Yining was amused by Pang Xiao’s seemingly casual but actually serious words: “Rest assured, where could I go? Moreover, Governor Yang wouldn’t dare do anything to us openly.”

“Taking precautions isn’t wrong. Anyway, don’t leave my sight – even if you need to change clothes, call me to accompany you.”

Qin Yining felt both amused and warmed, helplessly rolling her eyes at him: “Would you follow me into the privy too? Alright, just be at ease.”

Pang Xiao couldn’t nag anymore, but in his heart he still reviewed the Yang Mansion’s layout he had scouted beforehand, thinking through the best escape routes if danger occurred. Only after making full mental preparations did Pang Xiao feel somewhat confident.

Soon, the gorgeous vermillion-wheeled canopied carriage slowly stopped before the Yang Mansion.

Unexpectedly, the Yang family’s main gate was wide open, with Governor Yang dressed in regular clothes, accompanied by a medium-built middle-aged woman and two young ladies behind him, leading a houseful of servants in welcoming them at the entrance.

Qin Yining looked out through gaps in the window gauze and couldn’t help but pause.

That middle-aged woman must be the Governor’s wife.

Of the two women behind the Governor’s wife, one had a pretty face and slender figure, resembling Governor Yang somewhat – she should be Governor Yang’s daughter. On the other side, that young lady dressed in men’s clothing, tall, heroic, and extraordinarily handsome, truly captured Qin Yining’s attention.

She considered herself to have seen many beauties. Besides the handsome and distinguished Pang Xiao, Ji Zeyu was also a rare beauty, yet this young lady in men’s clothing was actually comparable to Ji Zeyu in appearance.