Yuchi Yan’s frustration at this moment was beyond description. He was a person of high pride who rarely did anything to curry favor with others. But this time, for Sitong Trading Company, he had broken his own principles. He had truly lowered his posture to the lowest point, showing unprecedented humility, all for the sake of winning Sitong Trading Company’s support to restore the Great Yan Dynasty, which would at least make him worthy of his ancestors.

However, all his efforts now seemed worthless in comparison to Pang Zhixi.

Sitong Trading Company’s people actively contacted Pang Zhixi while ignoring him. Even the female manager they suspected from Sitong Trading Company had not only taken the initiative to go to the military camp but had also gone to see Qin Yining alone.

With this, it was obvious whom Sitong Trading Company favored. What hope did they have in the future?

Yuchi Yan shook his head wearily. “What urgent matters do we still have to do? Now it’s clear we’ve been abandoned.”

Seeing Yuchi Yan’s dejected appearance, Gu Shixiong’s heart began to burn with anger. This helpless look reminded him of himself struggling like an old ox pulling a cart, but the cart was stuck in place, unable to move even a step. Not only could it not move, but Yuchi Yan, as the master, kept adding weight to the cart.

Gu Shixiong couldn’t help but feel anxious. “How can Your Highness say such things! If Sitong Trading Company won’t cooperate with us, at most we just won’t have their assistance – why should it come to this? Just because we don’t have them, should we abandon our great cause?”

Yuchi Yan was left speechless by these words. Though his heart was still restless and angry, he had to admit that Gu Shixiong was right.

The great cause still had to be pursued. It’s just that without Sitong Trading Company’s assistance, and if Sitong Trading Company were to help Pang Xiao instead, their chances of success would become even more difficult.

This was truly one obstacle after another, each in a different way, tormenting him both physically and mentally.

However, such was life – when did anyone have everything go smoothly according to their wishes? Everyone lived their lives without full control.

Yuchi Yan resignedly closed his eyes and asked wearily, “What urgent matter does Minister Gu say we have?”

Though Gu Shixiong was angry that Yuchi Yan wouldn’t think for himself, at least his attitude was now properly adjusted.

“Although Sitong Trading Company doesn’t actively approach us, we can continue our efforts. If we try our best and still don’t gain their favor, at least we’ll have no regrets in our hearts.” Gu Shixiong said in a deep voice, “I plan to find another opportunity to seek an audience with Master Liu and ask him to help introduce us to the manager.”

When Yuchi Yan heard this, his head throbbed with irritation. Hadn’t they humbled themselves enough? Did they have to continue shamelessly begging people?

But he also knew Gu Shixiong was right. They couldn’t give up on anyone who might become an ally. If they didn’t make an effort to try, he would probably regret it later.

“Then let’s go,” Yuchi Yan said wearily. “Let’s try once more.”

When Pang Xiao received the message Qin Yining had sent, he immediately returned to the mansion.

When the two met, Qin Yining first pulled him into the room and told him about her conversation with Qiu Feishan and the details of the banquet. Finally, she took out a brocade box from her bosom and handed it to Pang Xiao. “Take a look at this.”

Pang Xiao took the brocade box and opened it. Seeing the maple leaf-shaped jade pendant with the character “Qiu” carved on it, he took it out and carefully examined it from all angles.

“You think she’s from Shu region?” Pang Xiao placed the jade pendant back in the brocade box.

Qin Yining sat down next to Pang Xiao and shook her head. “Not necessarily. I just feel she seems to be deliberately trying to draw our attention to Shu region. We’re currently investigating Sitong Trading Company’s background. Since the lead in Gui’nan has been cut off and we found nothing in the capital, whether this clue is real or fake, we should still take a look.”

Speaking of this, Qin Yining hesitated. “Actually, I have a premonition. Shu region must have the answers we want to know. And the jade pendant she gave at the end must have other purposes. Because from observing these past days, Manager Qiu is exceptionally intelligent and strategic. Everything she does has deeper meaning, and Sitong Trading Company’s behavior is also quite strange…”

According to their investigation results, although Sitong Trading Company had been in business for a hundred years, its most prosperous period began around two years ago.

Qin Yining had good reason to believe that Qiu Feishan was the driving force behind Sitong Trading Company’s sudden rise.

Pang Xiao said, “If that’s the case, then I’ll send people to Shu region to take a look.”

“Yes. Tell them to go and return quickly. Our affairs cannot be delayed.”

After Pang Xiao and Qin Yining reached an agreement, he hurried back to the military camp to make arrangements.

While Qin Yining was waiting for news, Sun Shi and Meng Shi discussed and came to consult with Qin Yining.

“Yining, I heard your grandmother has now settled in Nanyan. I want to go see her. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your grandmother.” Sun Shi looked at Qin Yining with eyes full of expectation.

Qin Yining hesitated somewhat.

After all, Nanyan was outside the Great Zhou’s territory, and with the current chaos, going out might not be safe.

Seeing her hesitation, Meng Shi smiled. “Yining, you don’t need to worry. We didn’t encounter any danger on our way here, and besides, I’ll be with her. Guard Cao and his men are all skilled fighters, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”

Hearing this, Qin Yining knew that Sun Shi had already made up her mind. Before coming to discuss with her, she had already spoken with Meng Shi and Cao Yuqing.

Actually, she could understand Sun Shi’s feelings.

At worst, she could just arrange more guards to protect them.

Thinking of this, Qin Yining smiled and nodded. “I’ll arrange everything properly with the Prince. Grandmother and Mother can treat it as sightseeing along the way, and safety can be guaranteed.”

Sun Shi nodded happily, but after hesitating, she still said, “Also, I want to bring Han Ge’er and Zhao Ge’er with me.”

As if afraid Qin Yining would refuse, Sun Shi spoke very quickly. “I’ll bring the wet nurses and maids who serve the boys with me. I guarantee they won’t go hungry. And compared to you, your grandmother and I are more experienced in taking care of children. I won’t stay out long – just a month or so before returning and bringing the boys back.”

Qin Yining frowned upon hearing this.

How could she bear to be separated from her two children? These two children were only a few months old – she felt it wasn’t enough even holding them all day long.

Seeing Qin Yining remain silent, Sun Shi was greatly disappointed. Meng Shi smiled and shook her head. She had already told Sun Shi when they came that Qin Yining definitely wouldn’t agree to this proposal. They as elders loved their two grandsons, but would Qin Yining as their mother be willing to be separated from her children?

Since Qin Yining wouldn’t agree to let them take Han Ge’er and Zhao Ge’er away, Sun Shi had no choice. Reluctant to be separated from the children, she decided to stay a while longer.

During this time, the scout sent to Shu region returned.

“Your Highness, Princess, this subordinate found out nothing on this trip!”

“What?” Qin Yining was surprised.

This scout was one of Pang Xiao’s veteran operatives, experienced in reconnaissance work, and had never failed before.

Pang Xiao asked in a deep voice, “What happened?”

“Reporting to Your Highness, when this subordinate reached Shu region, I couldn’t even enter the city gates and kept wandering outside the city. The mountains there are high and steep, and the city gates are built against the mountains – it’s truly a place where one man can hold the pass against ten thousand. I tried several times to sneak in under cover of night, but couldn’t break through the checkpoints. Entering through the city gates would alarm many people, and if I didn’t go through the city gates but tried to infiltrate from elsewhere, those steep cliffs couldn’t be scaled. Shu region is like an iron barrel – this subordinate couldn’t get in no matter what, and didn’t gather any useful information.”

Speaking of this, the scout lowered his head in shame.