“Indeed. Sitong Trading House wants to hide itself thoroughly, so it can only use such cunning methods. They spread false information to mislead everyone. After all, with great distances involved, not everyone has our capability for detailed investigation.”

Pang Xiao shook his head, “However, through these days of investigation, Sitong Trading House’s business model has become clearer. Their ability to involve themselves in various industries is truly admirable. Although Sitong Trading House is a century-old establishment, it was always very low-key before – the type that makes money quietly. Coming to the forefront and extending their reach into the military is only a recent development.”

Qin Yining nodded upon hearing this. After all, she didn’t really do business and wasn’t familiar with commercial affairs.

But she understood that the marketplace was like a battlefield – equally a place requiring mental and physical effort. To operate Sitong Trading House for a century without collapse and develop it to its current state was definitely not something simple people could accomplish.

“What about Manager Qiu’s background? Can’t that be investigated either?”

Pang Xiao said, “That was actually easily discovered. Her household registration is in the capital – she’s a genuine capital native without any flaws.”

Qin Yining nodded thoughtfully, “How strange – nothing found in Guinan, yet registered in the capital. Such mystery is enough to prove that Sitong Trading House’s affairs must have irregularities. If we don’t clarify their origins, it probably won’t benefit us in the future. This time Sitong Trading House schemed against you seeking mutual benefit, but who knows if next time they’ll create other troubles for you to clean up? Their origins must be investigated clearly.”

Qin Yining smiled and pulled over Pang Xiao’s hand, playing with his distinct, callused fingers with both hands. After lowering her eyes and pondering for a moment, she smiled, “Just focus your energy on the military camp. Leave investigating Sitong Trading House to me. It’s perfect timing with Mother and Grandmother here – I can concentrate on pondering this matter.”

Pang Xiao looked down, gazing tenderly at Qin Yining. His gaze shifted to her slender hands, white as congealed jade. Their hands placed together – one dark, one light; one strong, one soft – interlocked fingers fitting so perfectly that watching made his heart melt.

He didn’t want to trouble Qin Yining. After all, with him away from home, she had to manage the household, care for the children, and handle her own business affairs – already very exhausting. He didn’t want her to worry too much at such a young age and help him manage other matters as well.

But he also understood her capabilities. Since she had spoken up, she already had a plan. He was indeed overwhelmed with court affairs and military camp duties – political matters already left him unable to divide his attention.

Qin Yining saw all his hesitation and understood his thoughts without needing to guess.

“We’re husband and wife – what matters don’t we share together? Whether good or bad, they all belong to our family. Whoever has time contributes more effort – it’s nothing serious.” Qin Yining moved closer to Pang Xiao, deliberately teasing him, “Don’t tell me the Prince fears I’m too capable, making the Prince appear less formidable?”

When she spoke, her fluttering long lashes made her appear both well-behaved and mischievous. Her voice was soft like a small brush sweeping across his heart. Pang Xiao pulled her over to sit on his lap, encircling her waist and laughing, “Is the Prince not formidable?”

Qin Yining froze, then her face immediately flushed red, her face and ears burning hot. This person usually seemed so proper – how could he now say such suggestive words?

Pang Xiao buried his head in her neck, breathing in her familiar scent, his voice lazy, “Alright, then let this girl of mine do as she pleases. If you need me to do anything, just tell me – I’ll have my people help you.”

“Good.”

Qin Yining accepted without courtesy, then whispered her thoughts quietly in Pang Xiao’s ear.

Pang Xiao listened and nodded frequently, finally unable to resist embracing her and stealing quite a few kisses.

“How can my Sister Yi be so clever? Following your method, we needn’t worry about not discovering the truth.”

“I hope so.” Qin Yining smiled softly while leaning in his embrace.

They rarely had such peaceful, quiet time to enjoy. Before long, Pang Xiao would have to return to the Pingnan Army camp. Who knew how many days they’d have to wait before meeting again? Such frequent separation could drive a person to breakdown.

But they were both intelligent and sensible people who wouldn’t become dejected over such matters. Instead, they would treasure their time together even more and become more determined to quickly resolve surrounding issues so they could be together without burdens.

With Sun Shi and Ma Shi present, Qin Yining could barely get close to Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er. Cross-generational relationships were naturally close. If there were only one child, they’d worry about Sun Shi and Ma Shi not having enough to share. Now with one holding each child, it was quite peaceful.

Without worries, Qin Yining ordered preparations to begin. After everything was arranged properly, she called Ji Yun to her side and handed her a calling card.

“Go to Governor Yang’s mansion and deliver this card to Manager Qiu. Say that my mother came to this place and specially brought a chef from the capital for me. Knowing that Manager Qiu is also from the capital, I’m specially inviting her to come tomorrow and taste hometown flavors.”

Ji Yun nodded and carefully stored the calling card.

Qiu Lu was honest though, “But Princess Consort, isn’t your hometown this very place, not the capital? The capital chef makes northern cuisine, right?”

Qin Yining burst into laughter, “What are you saying such truths for? You deserve a beating.”

Bingtang, Ji Yun, Qian Yun, and Lian Xiaozhou all laughed, pretending to chase after Qiu Lu to beat her. The several girls’ laughter was especially cheerful and pleasant.

Ji Yun followed Qin Yining’s instructions and successfully delivered the calling card to Yang Mansion, conveying the message as well.

The Yang family servants treated Ji Yun very courteously, making her feel that Governor Yang was now afraid of the Prince.

After Ji Yun left, Qiu Feishan held the snowflake paper in her hands, carefully examining the handwriting, and a playful smile bloomed on her lips.

Governor Yang watched from the side, advising, “Miss should think thrice before acting. Their behavior this time is truly abrupt – they might have set a trap for you.”

Qiu Feishan smiled and nodded. Her heroic and beautiful face showed no trace of annoyance, but rather an expression of great interest.

“They may not necessarily believe I’m from the capital either. Prince Zhongshun’s consort isn’t authentically from the capital herself, yet can brazenly write about tasting hometown cuisine here. This shows she’s also an interesting and wonderful person – I’ve long wanted to meet her. Considering the current relationship between Prince Zhongshun and Sitong Trading House, their family banquet may not necessarily be a Hongmen Feast.”

Governor Yang lowered his eyes and thought, “If Miss plans to attend the banquet, that’s acceptable, but you should bring sufficient personnel just in case.”

“Bringing two guards will suffice. The Pang family won’t let anything happen to me. If something happened to me in their territory, their troubles would be much greater.”