Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi were currently gathered with several advisors in the study of the outer courtyard of the prince’s mansion, waiting for Pang Xiao and Qin Yining.

Everyone’s expressions were very grave.

They had originally thought that Pang Xiao’s achievements in the south were extraordinarily meritorious. Now that Southern Yan’s new emperor Yuchi Chuan was young and ignorant, and with powerful ministers surrounding him, they would have a long period of time being busy with domestic affairs, not daring to actively disturb the borders. Although Pang Xiao had indeed delayed his return to the capital, this was insignificant compared to his accomplishments.

Who could have imagined that the Emperor would truly disregard sentiment and ignore his achievements, arranging such a position for Pang Xiao.

This clearly showed intent to use the opportunity to harm Pang Xiao!

The national treasury was empty. The imperial mausoleum construction had already been interrupted several times by various reasons—to put it plainly, they lacked both people and money.

Even a clever housewife cannot cook without rice. Under such conditions, no matter who went would face an enormous mess. If Pang Xiao took up the post, the situation would not improve at all. When the time came, wouldn’t they be able to easily find some fault to pin a crime on Pang Xiao?

Xie Yue sighed with both anger and resignation, “Who would have thought that such a heroic figure as the prince, who has risked his life for the court for so many years, would now fall to such a state.”

Several advisors also sighed. Pang Xiao trusted them greatly and had never treated them poorly. Seeing that Pang Xiao was about to meet the fate of a bird shot down after the bow is no longer needed, everyone felt heavy-hearted.

Xu Weizhi said regretfully, “The prince is an honest and straightforward person, yet he’s always misunderstood and guarded against. Now they’ve given the prince such a position where he could be made a scapegoat at any time. If the prince doesn’t react, I fear the future environment will become even harsher.”

Xu Weizhi spoke diplomatically, but everyone present was intelligent—his implied meaning was already quite clear.

Xu Weizhi supported Pang Xiao making early “preparations.”

Xie Yue nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, carefully observing and memorizing everyone’s reactions.

Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi often worked together. The two understood each other, and they both participated in some secret matters, so they could trust each other. But among Pang Xiao’s advisors were also some they couldn’t fully trust.

Therefore today, while the prince and princess had not yet arrived, they used words that couldn’t be used as evidence against them but could be understood by all to test them. If anyone harbored ulterior motives, they could identify them early. Even if they couldn’t, even if it was just a difference of opinion, they could take early precautions.

Everyone chatted for a while longer before Pang Xiao and Qin Yining arrived.

Hearing footsteps outside, several people stood up and respectfully bowed.

“Please, no need for ceremony. Everyone, please sit down.” Pang Xiao pulled Qin Yining’s hand, sitting with her in the seats of honor, smiling as he said, “I’ve asked all of you here today to inform you that the Emperor has issued an edict. This prince will soon go to Huichuan County to oversee the imperial mausoleum construction. Once this prince’s health improves and arrangements are made, we’ll depart. All of you gentlemen have followed this prince through travels east and west for so many years. The environment in Huichuan County truly cannot be called good. If any of you have other arrangements, or wish to return home to retire, you may come find this prince privately later.”

None of them had expected that at this most critical moment, Pang Xiao would give everyone an opportunity to withdraw from his “camp.”

Was Pang Xiao afraid that his dangerous situation would implicate them?

All the advisors, including Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi, couldn’t help but be moved.

Human hearts are made of flesh. The reason these men followed Pang Xiao was because he knew how to employ people well, giving them space to display their talents, and he never put on airs, treating them with trust and favor.

Now was Pang Xiao’s most difficult time. If they left at this moment, how could they ever face their former brothers again?

Thinking of this, several people led by Xie Yue and Xu Weizhi stood up and respectfully bowed, “This old one shall wholeheartedly serve the prince.”

Pang Xiao smiled, “Good. This prince must thank all of you gentlemen as well. In that case, please make preparations early. When this prince’s health improves, we can depart.”

“Yes.” Everyone responded in unison.

Pang Xiao chatted idly with everyone for a while longer before dismissing them.

Qin Yining walked arm in arm with Pang Xiao back to the inner residence.

It was currently the season of spring warmth, with new green visible everywhere. Willow branches sprouted tender buds, the grass was carpeted with unknown small flowers, not to mention the potted seasonal flowers visible throughout the mansion.

Qin Yining looked at this peaceful and harmonious scenery, sighing softly, “We haven’t lived here for many days, and we’re going to Huichuan County again. At that time, we’ll surely be busy beyond belief, probably with no mind to notice the surrounding scenery.”

Pang Xiao looked down. From his angle, he could see Qin Yining’s raven-black silky long hair coiled into a bun, with a pearl flower hairpin with flowing tassels swaying gently as she walked, gleaming with soft, elegant pearl light.

The words Pang Xiao had been holding in his heart for several days could finally be spoken.

“Yining, actually, I’ve been thinking carefully these past days. For the Huichuan matter, Master Xie and the others can handle it well with me. I have quite a few capable subordinates, so you…”

“You want me to stay behind?” Qin Yining stopped walking and looked up at Pang Xiao expressionlessly.

The man who wasn’t the least bit intimidated before thousands of troops and horses was now made to tremble inwardly by a small woman’s glare, his tongue tied, even momentarily not knowing how to explain. He cared so much for Qin Yining—how could he bear to make her angry? And how could he let her misunderstand him?

“I think that…”

“Zhixi, you’ve forgotten what we discussed before again. Why is it that whenever something happens, you want to hide me away in some deserted place? Why don’t you think that I’m not like those delicate women? I can fight alongside you, I won’t drag you down, and I might even help you?”

“I know, I’ve always known.” Pang Xiao’s voice was somewhat urgent as he grasped Qin Yining’s hands, “I’ve never said you would drag me down, and I know you’re not an ordinary weak woman. Because you’re by my side, many of my difficult problems can be solved easily. It could be said that with you there, I’m like a tiger with wings.”

“Then why did you have this thought again? Are you afraid this Huichuan journey will be a one-way trip?”

Qin Yining’s words hit the nail on the head. Pang Xiao couldn’t find words to respond and could only say, “Yining, others may not know, but you do know that the treasure is hidden there. Paper cannot wrap fire—once there’s the slightest variable, it will bring deadly disaster.

“Moreover, Manager Hu and Liu Ban are not people of deep wisdom and strategy. Although they want to monopolize the treasure, their actions might accidentally sell us all out. It’s enough for me alone to be there. There’s really no need for you to take such risks.”

Qin Yining pointed her scallion-white finger at Pang Xiao’s shoulder, “I’ll say this for the last time. You and I are companions fighting side by side. I don’t accept your proposal. Furthermore, I’ve also thought of a proper method to first explore the treasure’s reality clearly. I plan to depart for Huichuan County first, just like when we entered the capital.”

“No, Yining…”

“Why not? When I entered the capital first, did I encounter any danger?”

Pang Xiao was momentarily speechless and shook his head.

Qin Yining continued, “Or are you saying I did something wrong and ruined your important matters?”

“How could that be!” Pang Xiao said urgently, “You did extremely well. Even Master Xie and the others have praised you countless times behind your back, saying you’re a rare female Zhuge Liang in this world, with the ability to think ten steps ahead when taking one step—a skill so refined they must bow in defeat.”

Qin Yining’s tense expression relaxed slightly, “I wouldn’t claim to be a female Zhuge Liang, but I do have ideas about this matter. You just shouldn’t interfere for now. Also, my going to Huichuan County first isn’t like entering a dragon’s den. If I go alone first, and you lead people to depart later with Lu Heng, very few people will notice me. Moreover, I’m just a woman—would they think a woman could accomplish anything?”

“Yining, I know you’re intelligent. You’ve encountered danger several times and were able to survive through your own clever strategies. This is indeed very remarkable, but you can’t rely on luck…”

“Where am I relying on luck? I’m certain nothing will happen.” Qin Yining said seriously, “This time you’ll assign me a few guards, and I’ll take Bingtang and Ji Yun with our household goods and depart first. To the Emperor and court officials, you can say you’re first sending me to Huichuan County to arrange housing and tidy things up. You’ve just taken office and don’t know how long you’ll need to stay in Huichuan County. Our needing to arrange a residence makes perfect sense, and since your health hasn’t fully recovered, sending me is most appropriate. Whether to outsiders or your subordinates, this is the best decision.”

Pang Xiao had to admit that Qin Yining’s analysis was correct.

But although he knew it rationally, emotionally Pang Xiao was reluctant to part with Qin Yining no matter what.

His earlier proposal to have Qin Yining avoid danger had taken him several attempts to resolve himself, because sometimes he was just so arrogant, always feeling that people were only safe under his own watchful eyes. But truly entering a dragon’s den, he was also afraid he might truly implicate Qin Yining.

He hadn’t expected this girl to not only refuse to agree, but to propose an even more excessive request.

Qin Yining said, “Zhixi, now is not the time to act on impulse. I’ll go arrange housing, going under the banner of the princess consort. Who would do anything to me? Those people want the treasure, not to alert their prey. They’d be fools to make a move on me. Precisely because of this, as a mere woman, my actions will be even more convenient once I’m there.”

Qin Yining carefully explained the pros and cons to Pang Xiao once more, finally saying, “Don’t forget, we two now have no way back, but of course we also have no worries behind us. Whatever needs to be done, you should just let loose and do it, don’t miss opportunities. Only by quickly finishing everything can we reunite with our family.”

Pang Xiao looked at Qin Yining with furrowed brows, feeling heartache and guilt, worry and helplessness.

“Yining, you always leave me speechless.”

“That’s because my methods are good.” Qin Yining thought for a moment, then added, “This time let Young Master Mu accompany you, and just arrange some guards to accompany me.”

Hearing this, Pang Xiao became anxious, “No, I’ll only feel at ease if Mutou follows you.”

“Silly. Huichuan County poses no danger to me, but the capital is a dragon’s den for you. Who can predict the future? What if that person’s brain short-circuits someday and he orders someone to harm you? Only if you’re alive and well can I have hope. If you’re gone, wouldn’t I be at the mercy of others, to be kneaded and squeezed at will?”