That scolding voice was too intimidating, causing Manager Xia’s footsteps to suddenly halt in place. He turned around abruptly to see a tall, handsome young man with bright eyebrows standing under the corridor with his hands behind his back. He wore the standard military uniform of azure satin, with a purple-gold crown adorned with tassels on his head and a tiger-head cloak on his shoulders – all displaying his identity.

Wasn’t this Prince Zhongshun, who should still be guarding the military camp? How had he returned at this time!

Although he knew that Pang Xiao’s position in the army was awkward, this man was still a notorious killer whose fierce reputation preceded him. Even the current Emperor had to yield three parts when seeing him.

Manager Xia dared to manipulate Qin Yining because he was certain that the properties under her jurisdiction were her private assets. A woman wanting to keep private money wouldn’t let her husband’s family interfere with her business.

But he didn’t dare act presumptuously before Pang Xiao, because this man was truly a ruthless brute who killed without blinking! If he made one wrong move and this person killed him in disagreement, his death would be in vain!

Cold sweat immediately broke out on Manager Xia’s forehead.

Manager Zhong and Manager Lu standing behind Pang Xiao had even more sweat on their foreheads than Manager Xia.

They had been following Pang Xiao and heard the conversation between Manager Xia and Qin Yining clearly from outside. How presumptuous and disrespectful Manager Xia had been – even they felt it was inexcusable. What more of Pang Xiao?

Any man seeing his wife being bullied would be unable to bear it. Others might not understand Pang Xiao’s feelings for Qin Yining, but Manager Zhong understood best. Thinking that Manager Xia was someone he had recommended, yet had caused such trouble, Manager Zhong didn’t know how the Prince would rage. Cold sweat streamed down his back in fear.

Everyone’s thoughts turned in just a breath’s time. Pang Xiao had already called Huzi over and pointed at Manager Xia.

“How dare you act presumptuously in the Prince’s mansion! Arrest this dog with ulterior motives for this Prince!”

“Yes!” Huzi accepted the order and immediately led people forward with large strides, grabbing Manager Xia’s arms and twisting them behind his back, pushing him outside.

Manager Xia never imagined that Pang Xiao would be so swift and decisive, not even giving him a chance to speak.

Being dragged by Huzi, he struggled with all his might but couldn’t break free from Huzi’s iron-like grip. In shock and fear, he turned back and roared, “By what right do you arrest me! Do you know who’s behind me!”

“I don’t care who’s behind you – take him away!” Pang Xiao completely disregarded this, waving his hand to signal Huzi to take the man away.

Huzi applied even more force and directly dragged him away like a dead dog.

Qin Yining stepped up to Pang Xiao, patting her chest and blinking her long lashes as she laughed softly, “Ah, fortunately the Prince returned in time, otherwise this consort would have been bullied.”

Her beautiful eyes contained laughter with softness mixed with playfulness, causing all of Pang Xiao’s anger to dissipate as he burst into laughter.

“You!” His phoenix eyes contained laughter as he feigned anger, “How is it that when someone is so ungrateful, you refuse to tell me earlier? At the very least, you’re still a Princess Consort. Being bullied by a servant coming to your door – those who don’t know would think I, Pang Zhixi, lack the ability to protect my wife.”

Upon hearing this, Manager Zhong and Lu Dashun’s knees went weak and they both knelt down simultaneously.

“Prince, please forgive us. It’s this humble person’s fault for not selecting good personnel for the Princess Consort, instead causing such an incident and making the Princess Consort suffer.” Manager Zhong was full of guilt.

Lu Dashun was so nervous he couldn’t say a word, only repeatedly kowtowing.

Pang Xiao laughingly helped up Manager Zhong with a smile, “Manager Zhong, please rise. I have no intention of blaming you. You’re an old hand who’s been at Sister Yi’s side. During idle conversation, Sister Yi often mentions you to me. You’ve always been loyal and devoted, helping Sister Yi greatly. Whether big or small matters at home, we’ve troubled you quite a bit. We’re all family – why be so formal?”

Manager Zhong was moved and grateful, “Thank you for the Prince’s grace in not blaming me, but the fact that this old man failed to judge character clearly initially is indeed true.”

Pang Xiao waved his hand and laughed, “This has nothing to do with you.”

Looking down at Lu Dashun kneeling on the ground, Pang Xiao didn’t speak.

Lu Dashun felt like a rabbit being stared at by a fierce beast, trembling all over as if his body was no longer his own.

Who could have thought that someone like Pang Xiao, already too busy suppressing bandits, would still have the mind to care about such trivial matters around the Princess Consort? With the Prince backing her, wouldn’t the Princess Consort be able to walk sideways from now on?

Those calculating little schemes of his now seemed like the greatest joke in the world. He was just a small fry temporarily promoted by Manager Xia, having been Third Manager for only a few days before forgetting his own name, yet daring to play mind games before the Princess Consort. Simply courting death!

Lu Dashun pressed his forehead to the ground, regretting endlessly those thoughts of scheming against Qin Yining. If he had known earlier that the Princess Consort would be so favored, he absolutely wouldn’t have looked down on and schemed against her as before.

Pang Xiao had also heard a bit about Lu Dashun’s actions in recent days. However, seeing the man was already frightened to this state, and his actions weren’t too excessive, he mercifully turned his gaze away and said indifferently, “Get up.”

“Thank you, Prince! Thank you, Prince!” Lu Dashun repeatedly kowtowed, knowing that Pang Xiao intended to spare him, so grateful he nearly cried.

Qin Yining smiled reassuringly at both men, “Thank you for your hard work. There’s nothing more here, you may each go about your business.”

She knew that Pang Xiao had called these two at this time simply to make an example of them, to prevent another Manager Xia type from appearing around her.

Manager Zhong and Lu Dashun bowed and withdrew.

Qin Yining and Pang Xiao walked toward Xueli Courtyard arm in arm. Qin Yining laughed softly, “The Prince was so imposing just now. It seems from now on they wouldn’t dare have crooked thoughts even if beaten to death.”

Pang Xiao put his arm around her shoulder and laughed, “Did you eat honey today? Why is your mouth so sweet?”

“I didn’t – I’m speaking the truth.”

Pang Xiao laughed cheerfully, in excellent spirits. Although he knew Qin Yining might not necessarily be unable to solve those problems herself, she was willing to rely on him when encountering trouble, which made Pang Xiao’s heart very warm.

The two entered the main room. Bingtang, Ji Yun and the others busied themselves preparing hot water and clothing. Bingtang couldn’t help complaining at this moment, “What a pity – I had just prepared tea with half a bottle of itching powder that didn’t get used on that old thing.”

“Half a bottle?” While helping Pang Xiao remove his cloak, Qin Yining couldn’t help turning back, “Isn’t just a tiny bit of that medicine enough? How could you bear to use half a bottle?”

“Originally I put in just a tiny bit, but he was too infuriating. I couldn’t help it – my hand shook.”

Everyone in the room burst into laughter upon hearing this.

While putting on his inner garments and walking toward the bathing room, Pang Xiao laughed, “Don’t throw away that tea. I’ll have Huzi specially deliver it to that old thing later.”

“That would be wonderful.” Bingtang covered her mouth and laughed, exchanging knowing looks with Ji Yun, Qian Yun and the others as they tactfully withdrew from the main room.

Qin Yining prepared clean undergarments for Pang Xiao and asked with a smile, “How are things being resolved in the military camp?”

“Not bad.”

Pang Xiao bathed efficiently while calling out, “There are no major issues anymore. The bandit suppression in the surrounding areas is also proceeding well. There’s no movement from Sitong Trading House either.”

Qin Yining smiled, “That’s good. I was worried Manager Qiu would cause more trouble. I always feel that everything she does, as you said, has impure motives.”

“It’s fine, I’m on guard.” After the sound of trickling water, Pang Xiao stood up and took a towel to dry himself. “Don’t worry. How have you been these past few days? How are Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er?”

“Everything at home is fine. But there’s one thing I’m somewhat worried about.”

Placing the undergarments on the screen for Pang Xiao to take, Qin Yining frowned, “The family letter I wrote to Father still has no reply. Have your people received any news from home? I wonder if something has happened at home.”

“So it’s about this.”

Pang Xiao put on his silk pants while arranging his snow-white inner garments, “Nothing’s wrong at home, and I have good news to tell you.”

“What good news?”

When she asked this question, her head tilted in a way that was truly endearing. Pang Xiao couldn’t help reaching out to touch her cheek, “Ah, I suddenly can’t remember. Sister Yi must kiss me before I can recall.”

Qin Yining’s face immediately flushed red. She glared at him coquettishly, “Not being serious. What exactly is it? Tell me quickly.”

Pang Xiao bent down and brought his face close to hers, pointing at his own cheek and looking at her with pursed lips and a smile.

Qin Yining was amused by his appearance and laughed, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

“This side too.” Pang Xiao pointed to his other cheek.

Qin Yining laughingly kissed the other side as well.

Only then did Pang Xiao embrace her, pretending to ponder, “Mm, let me think.”

“What good news exactly? Stop being mysterious.” Qin Yining looked up urging him.

Taking advantage of her unpreparedness, Pang Xiao stole a kiss on her cheek before kindly no longer keeping Qin Yining in suspense, “I just received news that Grandmother and Mother-in-law are on their way here, saying they want to see the two precious babies.”

“Really!” Qin Yining’s eyes widened in delighted surprise.

Pang Xiao smiled and embraced her slender waist, gently swaying, “Of course it’s true. I’ve already received definite news. Han Ge’er and Zhao Ge’er are both eagerly anticipated by the family. How could Mother-in-law and Grandmother bear to stay away?”

“But would the Emperor feel at ease letting them come out?” Qin Yining was somewhat worried.

Pang Xiao smiled, “The Emperor is already overwhelmed with northern affairs. Moreover, Grandmother and Mother-in-law are both women – the Emperor’s guard against them won’t be so strong. Father-in-law said in his letter that he asked Sister Cao to bring covert agents along for protection, so safety on the road can be guaranteed.”

Qin Yining nodded.

She somewhat understood Father’s thinking. If Mother came out while Father kept Cao Yuqing, who had feelings for him, by his side, it would inevitably cause Mother’s misunderstanding. It was better to have them travel together.

Qin Yining then said, “Then I must prepare well. Do you know when they’ll arrive?”

“When I received the news, Grandmother and the others had already been traveling for over a month. They should arrive soon.”