How could Governor Yang have expected Yuan Shi to say such things? He was already agitated and worried about serious matters, yet now he was being criticized and his relationship with Qiu Feishan was being slandered. Most importantly, Qiu Feishan’s identity couldn’t be disclosed, which meant Governor Yang couldn’t explain clearly.

Governor Yang’s face immediately turned ashen with anger as he scolded: “Stop being unreasonable! I have absolutely no relationship with her. She’s about the same age as our daughter—what kind of person do you think I am?”

“Did I hit a nerve? Even if you shout at me with a red face, it can’t cover up the sordid things you’ve done. I think you’re utterly ungrateful—you’ve forgotten all our past feelings.”

Governor Yang was driven to distraction by her crying. Her accusations were precisely what he couldn’t explain, and he couldn’t let women know about outside affairs, lest she run her mouth and spread everything around.

Unable to stay in the room any longer, Governor Yang grabbed the invitation and strode out.

Seeing Governor Yang’s cold attitude toward her, so unlike the gentle consideration of their youth, Yuan Shi immediately cried even more heartbrokenly.

Governor Yang stood in the corridor, repeatedly examining the invitation in his hands. Hearing Yuan Shi’s crying through the door, he grew increasingly impatient. He called through the door in a heavy voice: “Tomorrow Prince Zhongshun is hosting a banquet at his mansion and has invited us both. Prepare yourself properly.”

Just as his words fell, something struck the door with a loud crash, followed by the sharp sound of shattering porcelain hitting the floor.

“I’m not going! You have someone to accompany you, so why drag along this burden to embarrass you? Go find your precious niece!”

“You! You ignorant foolish woman, being unreasonable!”

Governor Yang angrily swept his sleeves and left.

Yuan Shi in the room heard no sound from outside for a long time. When she pushed open the door to look, the courtyard was empty—even the servants had hidden away. This made her cry even more fiercely.

Naturally, Qin Yining and Pang Xiao had no interest in knowing about the marital quarrel at Governor Yang’s residence. At this moment, the two were discussing tomorrow’s banquet proceedings.

With no one left around them—Qin Yining had even sent Bingtang and the others away to attend to their own duties—they spoke in lowered voices, discussing tomorrow’s plans. She then leaned close to Pang Xiao’s ear to quietly share her suggestions.

Pang Xiao’s phoenix eyes brightened as he listened, and he couldn’t help but tap Qin Yining’s nose: “You little clever sprite, whenever I ask you to study something, you always come up with so many crafty ideas.”

“I’m influenced by those around me. Being with you all day naturally gives me all sorts of methods.”

Pang Xiao chuckled at her words: “Though you’re complimenting me, the more I listen, the stranger it sounds.”

Qin Yining just pressed her lips together and smiled silently.

“So you dare tease me. Let’s see how I deal with you.” Pang Xiao breathed on his finger and pounced to tickle Qin Yining. She was most afraid of being tickled and laughed until she couldn’t breathe, dodging and begging for mercy until Pang Xiao finally stopped.

Pang Xiao admired Qin Yining’s flushed face and sparkling eyes, feeling the warm fragrant jade in his arms—even her breath was sweet. He couldn’t help but hold her on his lap and thoroughly shower her with affection.

Later, when Qin Yining was provoked to pant and pound his chest, Pang Xiao finally restrained himself.

“You’re not serious at all. We’re discussing serious matters—if you keep being handsy, I won’t talk to you anymore.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. Quick, tell me.” Pang Xiao smiled and leaned his ear closer.

Qin Yining then explained her thoughts in detail again, and after discussing with Pang Xiao, they settled on a plan.

The next day, Governor Yang arrived with his wife Yuan Shi. Pang Xiao and Qin Yining both wore casual clothes and greeted them with smiles at the mansion gate.

Seeing that Pang Xiao and Qin Yining had actually come out to the gate to welcome them, Governor Yang relaxed considerably.

He knew about the relationship between Qiu Feishan and the Pingnan Army, and knew that Pang Xiao currently still depended on Qiu Feishan to support the Pingnan Army. Secretly, he interpreted Pang Xiao’s courtesy as flattery and attempts to curry favor with Qiu Feishan.

Governor Yang didn’t put on airs, smiling and cupping his hands: “I’m imposing on you.”

“Not at all. Governor Yang’s presence brings honor to our humble residence. Please enter.”

“Please.”

Pang Xiao and Governor Yang walked ahead, staggered by half a step.

Qin Yining smiled and exchanged courtesies with Yuan Shi, asking with a smile: “Why didn’t you bring your daughter along to look around?”

Yuan Shi’s eyes were still somewhat swollen. She had come while still harboring resentment, but one doesn’t strike a smiling face, and this was a family matter not appropriate to air before outsiders.

Yuan Shi forced a smile: “She caught a cold these past few days and it’s inconvenient for her to go out. We were also afraid of spreading the illness.”

“Is that so? The nights have been getting chilly lately, so one must pay attention to health.” Qin Yining smiled.

The two women chatted casually, following behind Pang Xiao and Governor Yang as they walked straight into the garden.

The Qin Manor had been renovated, and many flowers and plants had been transplanted into the garden. This was when the flowers and trees were at their most brilliant, with the clear lake surface reflecting the weeping willows by its shore—a scene of serene beauty.

Yuan Shi couldn’t help but exclaim: “Your residence truly has wonderful scenery. Living in such a place, just looking at the views would refresh one’s spirit.”

“If Madam doesn’t mind, you’re welcome to visit often. I don’t have anyone here to talk with either.” Qin Yining smiled as she invited her.

Yuan Shi thought about it. Although she was only a governor’s wife, there was no other noble lady of higher status locally who could match the identity of Prince Zhongshun’s consort. She naturally smiled and nodded in agreement: “Thank you for your kind offer, Princess Consort. I’ll have to impose on you frequently then. I hope you won’t find me bothersome.”

“How could that be? I’d be delighted.”

They arrived at the flower hall where the banquet was set, with a round table already prepared with food and wine.

Since there were only two couples with no one else present, there was no need to be formal about seating arrangements. After sitting according to their status, both sides began toasting and drinking.

Seeing Qiu Feishan taking the initiative to get close to Pang Xiao, Governor Yang also made an effort to befriend Pang Xiao. His words were like a spring breeze, and Pang Xiao naturally was happy to reciprocate. The relationship between them had never been so harmonious.

Qin Yining and Yuan Shi spoke in low voices, both being very polite and appearing quite close.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, the family banquet was nearing its end.

Governor Yang stood up with a smile: “Thank you, Your Highness and Princess Consort, for your generous hospitality. It’s getting late today, so we’ll take our leave.”

Yuan Shi also stood up, preparing to bid farewell.

Pang Xiao and Qin Yining both rose. Pang Xiao stepped forward, subtly blocking Qin Yining, and smiled: “I haven’t had the chance to chat with Governor Yang in detail before. Meeting today truly gives me a feeling of regret at meeting so late. Why don’t Governor Yang and Madam stay at our humble residence? We could have long conversations frequently—wouldn’t that be wonderful?”

Governor Yang was slightly tipsy and hadn’t yet noticed anything amiss, declining with a smile: “No need, thank you for Your Highness’s kind intention. There will be opportunities for good conversations in the future.”

“You should stay. There’s no one at your home right now anyway.” Pang Xiao smiled.

Governor Yang was stunned, blinking his hazy drunken eyes, not yet understanding what was happening.

Yuan Shi’s heart skipped a beat, and her voice rose as she asked: “What does Your Highness mean by this?”