That Qiu Feishan would tell her their whereabouts surprised Qin Yining. But upon further thought, she could understand Qiu Feishan’s meaning.

Qiu Feishan had completely broken with Qiu Yuanqing.

Qiu Yuanqing would certainly not choose to support Pang Xiao, which put him in direct opposition to Qiu Feishan, who had chosen Pang Xiao. Since Qiu Feishan had made clear before her family that she would support Pang Xiao, she would absolutely not change her stance now.

The conflict between Qiu Feishan and the Qiu family was irreconcilable. Though her Sitong Trading Company had outstanding economic strength, it ultimately lacked hard military power.

Pang Xiao was exactly the opposite—he commanded an army but had to scramble everywhere for silver to sustain it.

They could complement each other perfectly, benefiting mutually.

Therefore, Qiu Feishan would certainly continue supporting Pang Xiao. By explaining her whereabouts, she was telling her that they were indeed all in the same boat now.

Understanding this point, Qin Yining had no more concerns and smiled: “I’ve made some clothes and shoes for the Prince. If it’s convenient, please help me take them to him.”

Qiu Feishan nodded with a smile: “Naturally convenient.” Her expression then became thoughtful.

She lowered her voice and asked: “Should all women do needlework for their husbands?”

Qin Yining was startled by Qiu Feishan’s question.

Before she could answer, Qiu Feishan said bashfully: “I lost my parents early and grew up with my grandfather. I don’t understand these things well. Grandfather raised me like he would a grandson, and I can’t do any needlework… Do you think I should learn to make clothes?”

Qin Yining smiled gently: “It’s not necessary, just a way of expressing affection. What I make is different—I truly have nothing else to do in my leisure time, so I do it to pass time. Besides, my needlework isn’t good either. I can’t embroider flowers well, only do rough patching and mending. But you’re so clever, if you set your mind to learning, you’d certainly pick it up quickly.”

Qiu Feishan nodded earnestly.

“What you say makes sense. Whether done well or poorly, it’s my sincere intention. He’s not the type to be disdainful either. I see his daily life is very frugal—when eating, he won’t even let a single grain of rice drop.”

Remembering how Pang Xiao privately described Mu Jinghu, Qin Yining said with amusement: “Young Master Mu is indeed simple.”

Hearing Qin Yining’s description, Qiu Feishan giggled.

As the two chatted, Mu Jinghu returned after a while. Seeing them conversing happily, he quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Mu Jinghu smiled: “It’s getting late. It’ll be dark soon. Shall we chat with the Princess another time?”

Hearing Mu Jinghu coax her so gently, Qiu Feishan said with amusement: “I’ll listen to you. I just mentioned we’re going to the old capital, and the Princess said she has some things for us to take to the Prince.”

Mu Jinghu smiled even more cheerfully: “Excellent! I’ll go collect them later.”

“It’s nothing. I wanted to come along to collect them myself.”

Mu Jinghu’s face grew stern: “No, you’re already tired today. You must take better care of yourself. Running errands to collect things is easier than snapping my fingers anyway.”

Seeing Mu Jinghu’s insistence, Qiu Feishan could only compromise: “Alright then, you go collect them.”

Watching these two, Qin Yining couldn’t help but show a genuinely warm smile.

She felt happy for them both, and also because it reminded her of how gently Pang Xiao treated her when she was by his side.

Qin Yining returned to the mansion and had Bingtang and Ji Yun help organize everything to be taken to Pang Xiao, wrapping it in a large bundle. She also prepared some precious medicinal herbs and ingredients in a basket, planning to give them to Qiu Feishan.

After dinner that evening, as Qin Yining was chatting with Qin Huaiyuan in the flower hall, Ji Yun came to her side to report quietly: “Young Master Mu came earlier and took the things.”

Qin Yining nodded: “I understand. Did he also take the things for Miss Qiu?”

“Yes. Young Master Mu looked very pleased and asked this servant to convey his thanks.”

Qin Yining smiled: “He must have hurried back to accompany his wife.”

Ji Yun also smiled: “Exactly so.”

Having listened for a while, Qin Huaiyuan knew who Qin Yining was talking about and asked with some surprise: “Miss Qiu married Young Master Mu?”

“Yes, and their relationship seems quite good now.” Qin Yining told Qin Huaiyuan about their situation.

Qin Huaiyuan smiled with feeling: “This truly is a marriage destined by heaven’s red thread. Young Master Mu and Miss Qiu—two completely different people coming together in such a manner. It sounds incredible when you think about it.”

“Indeed. Though Tianji Zi’s methods of forcing people are somewhat repugnant, seeing them happy now puts one’s heart at ease.”

Qin Huaiyuan smiled: “You and Zhixi are the same. Speaking of which, you two coming together is even more incredible.”

Qin Yining was startled, remembering those past events and the national enmity and family hatred that had stood between them, couldn’t help but smile again.

That night, Qin Yining dreamed only of Pang Xiao.

In the middle of winter, Qin Yining actually dreamed of when Pang Xiao had infiltrated the old capital and cooked her that bowl of cold noodles in beef soup at a farmhouse.

Pang Xiao’s cooking skills were excellent.

If he ever stopped being a prince, they could find a small place and open a restaurant to support themselves. Life then would surely be much more flavorful than now.

Thinking this, Qin Yining was smiling even in her dreams.

The next day she slept until naturally waking. Since she didn’t need to enter the palace to learn etiquette, she just casually wore everyday clothes, went to Chunhui Hall to properly greet Yao Chenggui and Yao Shi, then went to the Old Madam’s quarters.

It was rare for the whole family to have a chance to gather together. With New Year approaching, the women were busy preparing for the celebration and also preparing spring clothes for the coming year, making the entire household bustling with activity.

After Princess Tana entered the capital, Qin Huaiyuan and the Court of State Ceremonials also became busy.

After Princess Tana was enfeoffed as Consort Shun, she reportedly won Li Qitian’s considerable favor with her charming nature and appearance so different from Zhou women.

Meanwhile, General Nasu who had come to escort the bride also received proper reception.

After the first lunar month, Nasu requested audience with Li Qitian to bid farewell. Before leaving, he also requested permission to bid farewell to “Consort Shun,” since once married into the imperial family, she could never return to Tatar territory.

Li Qitian was currently favoring Princess Tana, so naturally he granted permission.

Nasu was then led by a court eunuch to see Princess Tana.

Princess Tana still wore Tatar women’s attire, but unlike before, she was like a cat with retracted claws, now carrying an indescribable soft allure.

Princess Tana dismissed everyone and arranged for people to guard outside.

Nasu smiled and said in Tatar: “It seems Her Highness the Princess is doing well here. Are you also satisfied with this emperor?”

Nasu was a trusted confidant of Si Qin. Though Princess Tana was displeased with his frivolous and direct manner of speaking, she couldn’t offend him.

“Don’t the Zhou have a saying, ‘Since you’re here, make yourself at home’? Since the Khan sent me here, could I possibly run back? If I don’t plan for myself, who else will?” Princess Tana also spoke in Tatar, the dissatisfaction and bitterness in her tone almost uncontrollable.