Gu Shixiong held back a belly full of anger, yet at this moment another voice unexpectedly arose in his heart, saying: If the person he assisted could also possess such intelligence and strategy, could assess situations and timing, and could even shamelessly do such things, why would he, Gu Shixiong, need to exhaust himself so much mentally and physically that even his family members had all died?

Looking again at Yuchi Yan, whose face was flushed red with rage, Gu Shixiong felt an indescribable stuffiness in his heart. Yuchi Yan’s conduct had actually disappointed him many times already. It was just that he had already chosen a path and had already sacrificed so much for it—there was no longer any possibility of turning back.

If he gave up at this time, wouldn’t he become exactly what Qin Yining said—someone who cared only about his own reputation?

Gu Shixiong’s thoughts churned through countless turns, though it was actually only in the blink of an eye.

He consolingly said to Yuchi Yan, “Your Highness need not be overly concerned. When dealing with opponents, no one has ever established rules requiring the use of only honorable and upright methods. If Prince Zhongshun didn’t act this way, he probably couldn’t think of any other solution. In a battle of wits, naturally each relies on their own abilities—if we could manage it, we could also use various methods.”

Upon hearing this, Yuchi Yan shook his head disdainfully, “I’m not as shameless as he is.”

Gu Shixiong shook his head helplessly.

Looking out the window again, Pang Xiao was mingling with the crowd, speaking intimately and heartily with these common people about his determination to suppress bandits.

Originally having left no good impression on people in this area of the old capital, but after these few major incidents, Gu Shixiong was surprised to realize that he had actually established a firm foothold among the common people! While he and Yuchi Yan were originally from the old capital and had the identity of Great Yan’s imperial family, now their standing among the people wasn’t as high as Pang Xiao’s.

How could this not make one feel defeated?

If Gu Shixiong felt this way, Yuchi Yan’s mood at this moment need not be mentioned.

Not far from them in another restaurant’s private room, Mr. Liu from Sitong Trading Company—who had contacted Yuchi Yan and personally gone to press Pang Xiao for debt—looked equally grim.

What bandit suppression? What serving the people? That madman Pang Zhixi was even more ruthless than actual bandits! Did they think everyone at Sitong Trading Company were blind and deaf? They had robbed them several times and “rescued” their people several times, yet that group of Pingnan Army soldiers hadn’t even changed clothes once!

Such obvious provocative behavior was utterly shameless!

Most importantly, their boss had already begun to be displeased about this matter. The things lost these few times, when added together, equaled a full year’s income from Sitong Trading Company’s shops in the old capital. Although this amount of money was just a drop in the bucket for Sitong Trading Company’s vast enterprise, who would complain about having too much money?

Moreover, this time their plan had failed and they had been targeted by rogues instead. No matter how capable Sitong Trading Company was, they couldn’t match the hard fists of those rough men. No matter how many experts they hired, even a good tiger couldn’t withstand a pack of wolves.

This feeling wasn’t just about losing goods—it was about being humiliated.

His position was closer to Pang Xiao than Yuchi Yan and Gu Shixiong’s, so he heard his boastful words even more clearly. Such a shameless person, Manager Liu felt, was the first he had seen in his entire life, making him so angry his face turned green.

After Pang Xiao had chatted enough with the common people, he jumped onto the high platform again and declared loudly, “Everyone rest assured, our Pingnan Army’s bandit suppression operations will continue. We seek nothing else but to eliminate the bandit troubles in the surrounding areas and restore peace for everyone.”

“Good! Good! Your Highness is excellent!”

“The men of Pingnan Army are excellent!”

The people all excitedly cheered loudly. Pang Xiao, this demon’s previously poor image had been completely corrected, giving his enemies no reason whatsoever to be smug.

Yuchi Yan slammed the table and rose angrily, “What incredibly thick skin!”

Manager Liu was equally furious, but more than that, he was panicked. Because Pang Xiao said they would continue “bandit suppression,” which meant this shameless prince would continue robbing goods. Could he possibly be planning to rely on robbery to pay wages for the hundred thousand Pingnan Army?

How much cargo would their family lose!

Manager Liu couldn’t wait for Pang Xiao to finish speaking. He immediately left quickly to find the head manager and devise countermeasures.

Meanwhile, Qin Yining, who had been watching the excitement in the crowd as usual, now instructed those beside her, “Drive our carriage to the road His Highness must take on his way back.”

After more than ten days of separation, Qin Yining thought that being able to catch even a glimpse would be satisfying enough.

Bingtang and Ji Yun exchanged glances and couldn’t help but smile.

Qin Yining kept craning her neck to look for Pang Xiao in the crowd outside the carriage. Under the surging masses, she couldn’t distinguish who was who at all, but she just couldn’t help searching for Pang Xiao’s figure.

The convoy left the square and took a detour to the nearby road that was the only route to the Pingnan Army camp. After waiting not long, they saw Pang Xiao approaching on horseback with a small team.

As if he had spotted Qin Yining’s carriage from a distance, before Pang Xiao drew near he had already instructed his men to slow down. When he reached them, without waiting to rein in his horse, he shook the reins and leaped down.

The glossy black-coated Wuyun also had intelligence, slowing down on its own and leisurely walking to the side to stand still.

“Yining.” Pang Xiao stood by the carriage window.

Qin Yining lifted the carriage curtain, her snow-white fur collar making her fair cheeks appear flawless as jade.

Seeing him, her eyes and brows were all filled with smiles as she teasingly said, “I knew you must have been living very fulfilly these past days. How is it? Is there enough grain and wages for the Pingnan Army?”

As she spoke, Bingtang and Ji Yun both got down from the carriage, curtsied, and withdrew to the side.

Pang Xiao jumped onto the carriage, entered the compartment and sat beside Qin Yining, first embracing her and giving her a loud kiss on the forehead.

“You’re right, but the Pingnan Army has many people after all—it’s not so easy to raise enough wages all at once. At least what we have now has solved the urgent crisis and also given me another chance to establish a firm foothold in the old capital. I wonder if Yuchi Yan is angry enough to cry by now.”

Qin Yining smiled charmingly, “You’re too wicked. They were already frustrated enough that their repeated schemes failed, but you won’t let them have peace. Now you’ve transformed from a demon who could stop children’s nighttime crying into a righteous good man. I believe he’s not just crying from anger, but dying of vexation.”

“Vexation about what?”

“Naturally vexed that they provided you such a perfect stage for nothing.”

Qin Yining’s long lashes fluttered, particularly playful and lively. Pang Xiao loved watching her intelligent expression when her brows slightly furrowed as she used her brain—it made his heart itch.

His large hand pressed her into his arms, and after taking several deep breaths, Pang Xiao said somewhat helplessly, “Ah, no wonder they say heroes have trouble passing the beauty barrier. I really don’t have the willpower I used to. Now I just think about when I can quickly solve the current problems and hurry home, so I can see you every day and embrace and kiss you whenever I miss you. Now, having wife, children, and a warm bed would be perfect.”

This man changed topics so quickly that Qin Yining was startled by what he said, her face flushing red, “We’re talking about serious matters—how did you steer to something else?”

Pang Xiao looked at her face that was white with a touch of red and couldn’t help teasing her further, “Wasn’t what I said serious business?”

Qin Yining rolled her eyes at him speechlessly. But Pang Xiao was extremely pleased and laughed, holding her and gently swaying, “Alright, don’t be angry. I just missed you. Rest assured, my plan is going smoothly. It won’t be long before the Sitong Trading Company manager comes looking for me, which will give me a chance to see what kind of person he is. How about you? Are things good at home? How are Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er?”

Qin Yining knew Pang Xiao’s capabilities and was naturally at ease. Hearing him ask about home, she smiled and said, “Everything at home is fine. The wet nurses are watching the two children. When I heard you were going to make another announcement, I hurried out to see. The weather is still a bit cold—I was afraid the children would catch chill, so I didn’t dare bring them along.”

“I know that with you at home, everything will be fine.” Pang Xiao kissed her cheek again and sighed, “I have to go now. I can’t keep the brothers waiting long.”

“Go ahead. Be careful yourself and take good care of your health.”

Pang Xiao squeezed her hand, “Don’t worry. You stay well, and I’ll come back to accompany you when I have time.”

“Alright.”

Pang Xiao turned and nimbly leaped down from the carriage.

Qin Yining lifted the curtain to watch him, seeing that Pang Xiao had already mounted his horse. Huzi and the attendants beside Pang Xiao, seeing Qin Yining’s reluctant gaze, couldn’t help but make “oh oh” sounds and start teasing.

Originally, given Pang Xiao’s usual dignity, these people wouldn’t dare to offend, but when Pang Xiao saw Qin Yining, his entire temperament changed, his whole being radiating his current joy.

When His Highness was in a good mood, the brothers naturally had to seize the time to tease him a bit.

“Ahem! Time is getting late. Let’s go.” Pang Xiao put on a stern face and turned to give orders.

Everyone couldn’t help but laugh heartily. They all cupped their hands to bid farewell to Qin Yining before following Pang Xiao and quickly departing together.

Qin Yining watched Pang Xiao’s convoy disappear into the distance. After a moment, she lowered the curtain.

“Princess, shall we return to the residence now?”

“Yes, let’s return first.” The children were still small, and after being away from them for so long, Qin Yining was naturally uneasy. Her own children—only when they were under her own watch could she be completely at ease.

Let’s not speak of how Pang Xiao continued his “great bandit suppression enterprise” after returning to the Pingnan Army camp, nor of the real bandits and highway robbers who had been frightened into defensive formations after hearing that the Pingnan Army would suppress bandits. Let’s just say that Qin Yining had been home for less than three days when Manager Lu San came calling.

“Princess, all is well. This humble person Lu Dashun pays his respects to you.” Lu Dashun stood five steps away from Qin Yining and properly performed his salute.

Qin Yining smiled, “Manager Lu San need not be so polite. Please sit and talk. Ji Yun, serve tea.”

“Yes.”

Ji Yun nimbly served tea. Lu Dashun nervously accepted it with thanks and placed it on the small table beside him.

“Princess, this humble person comes today bearing an invitation from Manager Xia.”

“Oh?” Qin Yining raised an eyebrow.

Manager Xia had been so haughty. Throughout her journey to the old capital, she had ordered Manager Xia to send her messages informing her of situations in the old capital, but Manager Xia had acted as if he didn’t know. After she arrived, Manager Xia still refused to show his face, making many excuses.