Upon hearing these words, Qin Yining couldn’t help but turn back to look at Qiu Feishan.

She hadn’t expected this young lady to possess such chivalrous spirit in contributing to the dynasty, to be so generous!

Qiu Feishan’s face bore a light, gentle smile, her temperament as warm and refined as a piece of fine ancient jade, making people want to get close to her, yet worry that the ancient jade might not withstand touch.

This type of woman with such unique temperament and natural nobility, Qin Yining didn’t believe she could be an ordinary merchant’s daughter. If she were merely a merchant’s daughter, how could Governor Yang go to such great lengths to help them make this connection and arrange this meeting?

Pang Xiao carefully tied the satin ribbon at Qin Yining’s collar. Seeing that Qin Yining was still looking at Qiu Feishan who was dressed in men’s clothing, he frowned with displeasure, turned her small face back to face himself, and roughly tied the ribbon into a bow. He replied carelessly, “This prince still needs to train those brats’ willpower, but thank you for your kind intentions.”

Having said this, Pang Xiao took Qin Yining’s hand warmer from Bingtang’s hands, tested the temperature and tucked it into Qin Yining’s hands, then bid farewell to Governor Yang once more.

Governor Yang said with a face full of smiles, “Your Highness, Your Highness the Princess, take care.”

“Governor Yang, no need to see us off.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Pang Xiao put his arm around Qin Yining and led their people out of Yang Mansion side by side.

Qiu Feishan stood in place with a smile, her expression serene as she watched the two depart into the distance.

Governor Yang’s brow gradually furrowed deeply, saying with displeasure, “This Prince Zhongshun is really too ungrateful. Back then I thought he was a shrewd and perceptive hero who understood the times, but now it seems he’s nothing more than an arrogant and conceited fool.”

Qiu Feishan smiled gently and shook her head, turning with her back straight to walk toward the warm pavilion.

Governor Yang immediately turned to follow, respectfully trailing behind Qiu Feishan.

“Uncle Yang needn’t mind. There’s no need to get angry either. Being able to see such a Prince Zhongshun, I’m still quite satisfied.”

“Satisfied? He was so ungrateful, completely ignoring you…”

Qiu Feishan waved her hand, her pale, slender fingertips lightly touching her sleeve cuff, saying with lowered eyes, “If he could be moved by such trivial benefits, then he would also be…”

She didn’t finish her words, but Governor Yang immediately understood, coughing somewhat awkwardly before agreeing, “That’s also true reasoning. Those who fawn and curry favor are the ones that make people unable to value them.”

Qiu Feishan said nothing more, simply smiling with gentle tranquility.

On their side, Pang Xiao and Qin Yining returned home by carriage, discussing in low voices what they had just seen and heard.

“That Miss Qiu is not simple. She’s definitely not a mere merchant. Her actively seeking ways to befriend us like this, even being able to ask Governor Yang to act as intermediary for her, is enough to show her status and position.”

Pang Xiao said, “Simple or not doesn’t matter. Whatever she wants to do has nothing to do with us.”

“You’re quite broad-minded.” Qin Yining laughed with a soft sound, “How is it that I see you’re somewhat unhappy? Are you sulking at me?”

“Not at all.” Pang Xiao held Qin Yining close, burying his face in the hollow of her shoulder, “I just don’t like you staring at other people. Today when you met that Miss Qiu, you kept staring at her.”

Qin Yining found this both amusing and exasperating: “Everyone has a love of beauty. Miss Qiu is a beauty, so naturally I couldn’t help but look a few more times. Besides, we’re both women—surely you’re not jealous?”

Pang Xiao would never admit to being jealous. He said seriously, “Who knows what kind of intentions she harbors? You should be more wary.”

Qin Yining couldn’t help but laugh at Pang Xiao’s awkward appearance.

Seeing her nestled in his arms like an adorable cat, laughing so happily, and thinking back to what he had just said, Pang Xiao didn’t blame Qin Yining for laughing. Only now did he feel somewhat embarrassed.

The next day, after the family had finished breakfast, Zheng Shi set down her tea bowl and said, “Now my health has improved considerably. I’ve also had a reunion with all of you, fulfilling my wish. Now Yi’er has a husband who cherishes you and lovely children. Although there will be many hardships ahead, with you husband and wife working together with one heart, I imagine there’s nothing that can’t be resolved. I can also rest assured and go retire in peace.”

Hearing Zheng Shi’s words, she actually had intentions of retreating from the world. Qin Yining frowned, “Grandmother, what are your plans going forward?”

Zheng Shi smiled kindly, her eyes nostalgic yet also somewhat relieved, “I’m already at such an advanced age. Even if I have the will, I no longer have the strength. This world now belongs to you young people. I also plan to go back and be an old lady who just eats without contributing, and that will be that.”

That day Zheng Shi had said she wanted to give her all those connections under her command. She was certain that grandmother had made up her mind this time not to emerge from retirement again.

Qin Yining didn’t want to obstruct her, because Zheng Shi being able to let go of hatred and retreat bravely at the appropriate time, using the remaining time of her later years to enjoy life and be a happy old matriarch at home—this was actually the best choice for Zheng Shi.

However, hearing that Zheng Shi had truly made this decision, Qin Yining’s heart still felt somewhat melancholy.

“Silly girl. What are you thinking about? From now on you just need to live your little life well with the prince, properly educate Han Ge’er and Zhao Ge’er as they grow up—that’s the best kind of life. I know you’re a clever child, and I believe you can do it.”

Qin Yining felt somewhat sad in her heart, but she still adjusted her emotions and smiled, “Grandmother’s decision is correct. In the future when we have leisure time, we’ll bring Han Ge’er and Zhao Ge’er to visit you, uncle’s wife, and cousin-in-law.”

“Good. Good.” Zheng Shi smiled, then turned to Pang Xiao, “The words I spoke with you before, you must take them to heart. Your future days will depend on you.”

Pang Xiao said respectfully, “Yes, I’ve remembered it all. I will also properly honor my father-in-law and mother-in-law. Grandmother need not worry.”

“I know you’re a filial and understanding child.” Zheng Shi smiled with relief.

That very day Zheng Shi took Qin Yining to meet Meng Shi, the manager of Zheng’s Fabric Shop, and handed everything over to Qin Yining.

When the two left, it was already afternoon. The afternoon sun of winter wasn’t very warm and seemed rather pale. The grandmother and granddaughter didn’t take a carriage, but walked on the quiet street covered with thin snow.

Zheng Shi said, “Remember my words—these people are double-edged swords. You must plan properly when wielding them. They’re different from the people of the Azure Sky Alliance, so you must be careful and attentive.”

“I understand. I’ll grasp the proper measure and will lend a hand when they need it. With give and take, such relationships last long.”

Zheng Shi smiled with relief, “It seems you understand all my meaning. The prince has already arranged the carriages, horses, and luggage for me. I plan to depart tomorrow.”

Qin Yining was startled, saying with both surprise and reluctance, “Grandmother, why are you in such a hurry to return? Wouldn’t it be better to stay a while longer and return after the ice and snow melt?”

“The season won’t wait. After the ice and snow melt there might be rainy days, and besides, the journey isn’t very far anyway. The prince will arrange everything carefully, so you needn’t worry about safety on the road.”

Qin Yining tried to persuade Zheng Shi for quite a while, but Zheng Shi remained unmoved and insisted on returning. Qin Yining could only give up.

Pang Xiao arranged for the Elite Tiger Guards to escort Zheng Shi.

Qin Yining saw Zheng Shi onto the carriage. Although her nose felt somewhat sour, her face wore a smile as brilliant as peach blossoms, “Grandmother, don’t worry. When matters here are settled, I’ll bring the prince, mother, and the two boys to see you.”

“Good. Then this old lady will wait for you.” Zheng Shi’s smile held a relaxation unprecedented in the past two years.

She still hadn’t forgotten her deceased husband and children and grandchildren. Those people’s voices and faces had been engraved in her mind and would never be forgotten for the rest of her life. Even when she reached the end of life, as long as she carried these memories, she would surely be content.

She had already avenged her family members, preserved the Sun family bloodline, and done her best to make amends for her guilt toward Qin Yining.

Now Zheng Shi had no more entanglements or worries. For the remaining years of her life, Zheng Shi wanted to live for herself.

The driver and guards were ready. With a crack of the whip, the carriage slowly moved forward. Light, fluffy snow was falling from the sky, laying a thin white carpet on the ground.

Pang Xiao feared Qin Yining would be cold, so he stepped forward to put his arm around her shoulders, comforting her in a low voice, “Don’t be sad. There will be many opportunities to meet in the future. This is just a temporary parting.”

Qin Yining held back her tears, smiled and nodded, “You’re right. When we miss her in the future, we can just go visit.”

Pang Xiao looked at her eyelashes that seemed to be dampened somewhat by tears, his heart having long since melted into a pool of water. At this moment, whatever Qin Yining said, Pang Xiao would agree without even frowning. He didn’t mind his occasional lack of principles at all, because being able to spend every day and night with Qin Yining was his greatest happiness.

The two returned to the mansion. Just as they got off the carriage, the gatekeeper came to report, “Your Highness, Your Highness the Princess, someone just came, claiming to be the manager of Sitong Company, saying he wants an audience with Your Highness.”

Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining in surprise, and they said in unison, “They’ve come.”

Ever since hearing Zheng Shi’s analysis, Pang Xiao knew that his ability to gain control of the Pingnan Army so quickly was essentially jumping from one pit into another big pit. Sitong Company might give Lu Zhang face, but they might not necessarily give him face. Moreover, the Pingnan Army was now facing the time when military pay needed to be distributed again, but apart from being heavily in debt, Pang Xiao didn’t even have anywhere to continue borrowing money.

However, although Pang Xiao felt somewhat troubled in his heart, his expression remained calm as usual.

He took Qin Yining’s hand and walked forward, saying as they walked, “Tell that person to go to the front hall. The princess and I will be there immediately.”

“Yes.”

The servants hurried off to give instructions.

When Qin Yining and Pang Xiao arrived at the front hall, braziers burning silver-frost charcoal had already been brought in, and the Sitong Company manager was sitting in the guest seat.

Seeing Pang Xiao enter with Qin Yining, the man quickly rose and bowed deeply, “Your Highness, Your Highness the Princess, this commoner is surnamed Liu and is the manager of Sitong Company. I’ve come this time to discuss with Your Highness the matter of the Pingnan Army owing Sitong Company three million taels of silver.”

Three million taels?

Pang Xiao was so angry he laughed on the spot.

“I never expected Lu Zhang to be truly capable.”