Upon hearing this, Governor Yang was slightly stunned, then couldn’t help but smile with understanding, “Miss sees clearly – I was overthinking.”

Qiu Feishan smiled and shook her head gently, saying no more, only picking up her brush to write a reply.

Here, Qin Yining received the confirmation and went to the kitchen to instruct the cooks on preparing tomorrow’s banquet.

Upon hearing Qin Yining’s whispered instructions, the cook said in surprise, “Princess Consort, this…”

Qin Yining smiled gracefully, “Just do as instructed – this isn’t too much. If there’s anything you can’t manage, tell me and I’ll arrange for help. You only need to focus on cooking the dishes well, and there will be generous rewards afterward.”

“Yes!” The cook was delighted and bowed to Qin Yining together with the kitchen servants.

This was the first time Qin Yining hosted guests at the Qin Manor since returning to the old capital. All the servants and kitchen staff throughout the mansion put forth their utmost effort. From receiving the orders, the women responsible for purchasing began busily preparing, early seeking ways to gather various vegetables, meats, and seasonings.

When Qin Yining returned to her room, Ji Yun finally voiced her confusion, “Won’t treating her to so many fine dishes be too much of an honor?”

Qin Yining shook her head, saying gently, “We don’t know her background, but with Sitong Trading House’s wealth, she must have seen many good things. If we’re hosting a banquet, it should be done well, lest Manager Qiu find the food unpalatable. Moreover…”

Qin Yining paused slightly, then smiled and lowered her voice, “That’s not my only purpose.”

Ji Yun had already understood and nodded, “The Princess Consort has excellent strategy.”

Qin Yining laughed, “You’ve learned to flatter too. This doesn’t count as a good strategy – just a method I was forced to devise. It depends on fate.”

Qin Yining propped her chin and gazed out the window. In spring, the old capital received frequent rain, already wetting the fresh green leaves of several potted plants under the corridor.

She wondered if this method would be effective.

Most importantly, she needed to test Qiu Feishan’s attitude.

The next day, heaven smiled upon them – it was a beautifully clear day.

The kitchen had been bustling with activity since early morning, with Qin Yining even going to check on them midway.

In the afternoon, when the boy posted at the crossroads came running back to report, Qin Yining was playing chess with Cao Yuqing on the first-floor corridor of Shuoren Studio.

“The carriage has been spotted coming.”

Qin Yining placed down a white stone and smiled, “She’s quite punctual.”

Cao Yuqing casually tossed a small handful of black stones back into the basket and lazily yawned behind her hand, “From what you described earlier, she should also be no simple woman. She’s probably already seen through your banquet’s ulterior motives.”

“Yes, my little schemes are all on the surface. With her intelligence, she’s definitely prepared several contingency plans.” Standing up and smoothing her clothes, “We’ll continue after this is over – don’t clear away the chess board.”

Cao Yuqing laughingly shooed her away, “I know! Now hurry along, don’t keep your honored guest waiting, or she might go privately to the military camp to complain to your husband about you.”

Qin Yining paused mid-step, knowing Cao Yuqing was reminding her to be cautious, and couldn’t help but laugh, “I know Sister Cao cares for me. Rest assured, I’m not a soft persimmon anyone can bully.”

Seeing her confident appearance, Cao Yuqing couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

Qin Yining personally led people to greet the guest at the entrance, just as the ordinary-looking flat-topped carriage lifted its curtain.

Qiu Feishan, dressed in an ivory arrow-sleeved brocade robe, descended from the carriage with her maid’s assistance. Every gesture displayed elegance and nobility. Upon looking up, their four eyes met, and both smiled first.

Qiu Feishan stepped forward first to bow, “Thank you for the Princess Consort’s generous invitation.”

“No need for such courtesy – given our families’ relationship, this is only proper.”

She referred to the relationship between Sitong Trading House and the Pingnan Army.

The process of reaching the current balanced situation between Sitong Trading House and the Pingnan Army hadn’t been pleasant – Pang Xiao had nearly forced Sitong Trading House’s business in the old capital to close down completely.

Qiu Feishan secretly noted that this Princess Consort was indeed not easy to deal with, and also smiled, “Exactly so. Thanks to the Prince leading his soldiers to guard this place, we common people can live good lives. Even if the Princess Consort hadn’t sent an invitation, this humble woman would have found an opportunity to pay respects and express gratitude for the protection.”

Qiu Feishan’s meaning was clear – everyone knew how the Pingnan Army “protected” Sitong Trading House. This was a veiled threat.

The two women exchanged verbal thrusts, yet showed no trace of displeasure and spoke no harsh words. Both smiling, they had already exchanged one round, leaving Bingtang and Ji Yun following nearby, as well as Qiu Feishan’s companion Biying, all startled and thinking today’s banquet was truly not simple.

They proceeded to the flower hall for entertaining guests. This place had obviously been redecorated and cleaned, with thick carpets featuring blooming flowers spread on the floor. A black lacquered long table in the center was already laden with cups, plates, bowls, and dishes. The feast was so abundant and complete it didn’t resemble an ordinary banquet, but rather the grand style of the Empress Dowager and Empress dining in the palace.

“Manager Qiu, please take your seat.”

“Princess Consort, please.”

The two women deferred to each other, then sat at opposite ends of the long table as host and guest. Their maids stood behind them respectively.

Qin Yining ordered the song and dance to begin.

While the musicians prepared and dancers entered, Qiu Feishan looked at the exquisite bowls and dishes containing delicacies from various regions on the table, and the corners of her mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

“The Princess Consort’s generous hospitality is overwhelming. The ‘capital’ chef your family brought is truly a rare talent.”

What kind of capital chef was this? Clearly chefs from various regions had been gathered!

How could Qin Yining not hear the sarcasm in her words? However, she remained unperturbed, even nodding in agreement, “Indeed, I’ve always thought his skills were excellent. Receiving Manager Qiu’s praise further proves his talent – this Princess Consort will definitely increase his monthly wages later.” She gestured for Qiu Feishan not to be polite, “Manager Qiu, please help yourself, don’t be formal.”

The table was too large and there were too many dishes to serve oneself. Qiu Feishan simply and generously directed her maid to serve her food. Biying was well-trained and knew what Qiu Feishan wanted with just a glance.

Qin Yining’s side was the same, with Ji Yun serving nearby while occasionally lowering her eyes to secretly observe Qiu Feishan’s situation from the corner of her eye.

Qin Yining leisurely ate while appearing to focus her attention on the dancing girls. However, she inadvertently paid attention to Qiu Feishan’s taste preferences.

Qiu Feishan particularly loved spicy food. Even with her lips flushed red and perspiration beading on her nose tip, she continued enthusiastically eating those several Sichuan dishes.

Qin Yining said little more. After both finished eating and tea was served, they discussed capital scenery, landscapes from various regions, and local customs of the old capital.

It must be said that Qiu Feishan was extremely learned and knowledgeable. Conversing with her, regardless of which topic arose, she could speak substantively about it. When the two women stopped verbal sparring and set aside their positions, they discovered they actually got along quite well.

As the sky gradually darkened, Qiu Feishan rose to take her leave. Qin Yining personally escorted her to the ceremonial gate before returning.

Ji Yun said quietly, “Princess Consort, that Manager Qiu’s taste preferences make her seem like someone from Shu region.”

Qin Yining replied indifferently, “Not necessarily so.”