Pang Xiao’s thoughts raced, and he immediately understood Lu Heng’s intention.

At this point, Lu Heng must have already confirmed that the treasure was in the stone quarry. The arrival of the Empress and Consort Zhuang added another layer of pressure for Lu Heng—more people were watching his movements, and these were people who could report directly to the Emperor. It would be even more impossible to secretly transport things out.

So he was thinking of a way to act openly and legitimately while preventing others from interfering in the matter.

The two of them were both political enemies and rivals in love—their conflicts were already irreconcilable. Even if they had to eat from the same pot now, even if they appeared so close as to wear the same pants, the wariness in their hearts could never be let down. Pang Xiao had to constantly guard against Lu Heng, and presumably Lu Heng felt the same.

Pang Xiao couldn’t help but think from Lu Heng’s perspective.

Lu Heng must think that only he himself knew about the treasure.

Therefore, Lu Heng would definitely try every means to squeeze him out of the ranks of those who could access the stone quarry.

How to squeeze him out?

He would have to make him voluntarily withdraw.

How to make him willingly withdraw?

Make him feel crisis! Make him feel that continuing to interfere with the stone quarry might bring bad consequences!

The Lu family had deep foundations. In building the imperial mausoleum, the process of buying and selling materials would inevitably involve Lu Heng’s influence. So if Pang Xiao participated, he might very well be sabotaged in the intermediate steps.

Throughout dynasties, officials who built imperial mausoleums mostly didn’t end well. Corruption, bribery, and using inferior materials instead of quality ones were all reasons for execution. If he didn’t withdraw with the tide, he might really be framed by Lu Heng with such charges in the future.

They were both intelligent men. Just as Pang Xiao guessed Lu Heng’s purpose, he could immediately confirm that Lu Heng’s suggestion was aimed at forcing him to voluntarily withdraw and no longer interfere with any matters regarding materials needed for imperial mausoleum construction. This way, Lu Heng could naturally move the treasure.

Pang Xiao’s thoughts turned like lightning—it was just the blink of an eye. He smiled slightly and said admiringly: “The Loyal and Righteous Earl’s consideration is thorough. This prince feels ashamed of his inferiority.”

Lu Heng smiled slightly: “Your Highness is too modest.”

Pang Xiao smiled: “This prince has an unreasonable request. I wonder if the Loyal and Righteous Earl could agree to it.”

Lu Heng’s smile deepened: “Please instruct me, Your Highness.”

“This prince is a crude person, the most impatient of all. The materials for building the imperial mausoleum are extremely complex, and there are already quite a few accumulated at the stone quarry. My head aches just looking at them. In my opinion, the materials for building the imperial mausoleum should all be managed by the Loyal and Righteous Earl. This way, My Lord Earl can take care of everything comprehensively, and this prince can also avoid the trouble. What does My Lord Earl think?”

“This… since Your Highness instructs, I naturally obey and act accordingly.”

“Then I must trouble you.”

“I don’t deserve such words. These are all this official’s duties. In serving His Majesty, one should naturally do their utmost.” Lu Heng smiled: “Since Your Highness doesn’t object, this official will memorialize His Majesty about investigating materials. Once His Majesty approves everything, we’ll begin execution.”

Regarding the imperial mausoleum construction, neither of them had the authority to make private decisions—naturally they had to report back before acting.

Pang Xiao nodded with a smile: “Regarding materials, I’ll listen entirely to the Loyal and Righteous Earl.”

Lu Heng was satisfied and began chatting casually with Pang Xiao.

Both men had their own thoughts, but their conversation didn’t seem awkward at all.

Before coming, Lu Heng had actually long anticipated that Pang Xiao would definitely agree. Though Pang Xiao always claimed to be a crude person who was impatient with managing such affairs, Lu Heng knew that if this person really were crude, he probably wouldn’t have survived to today.

Pang Xiao had extremely keen instincts, as if naturally able to avoid danger.

Since the Lu family had the ability to interfere with imperial mausoleum materials, even if he didn’t personally visit today, Pang Xiao would probably find an opportunity to step back and withdraw in the future to avoid being implicated later.

Now that he took this opportunity to make this request, as expected, Pang Xiao agreed.

Lu Heng was in a good mood all the way back to his mansion.

Once he memorialized His Majesty, he could begin the investigation.

Then moving the treasure would be easy.

After Lu Heng took his leave, Pang Xiao immediately told Qin Yining about today’s events.

Qin Yining had been embroidering, but hearing this, she had no mind for needlework. She put down her embroidery hoop and pondered: “He’s forcing you to let go.”

“Indeed.” Pang Xiao had always known Qin Yining was intelligent—she could guess the details and key points of many matters with just one glance. But even so, when he explained the situation and Qin Yining immediately hit the nail on the head, Pang Xiao couldn’t help but admire and be impressed.

Qin Yining quickly reviewed the current situation in her mind, then smiled: “Actually, this isn’t necessarily bad. Right now the stones and such are still untouched. If we step back and withdraw now, we can avoid him actually framing us. Now that we’re throwing everything to him, we’re safe, and he can focus on dealing with the treasure. This kills two birds with one stone.”

Pang Xiao nodded with a smile: “Lu Heng should have made the same calculation.”

“Of course. He doesn’t know we already understand where the treasure is located, so in his eyes, you were just frightened by his threat and took the opportunity to avoid risk.”

Qin Yining’s eyes sparkled as she continued: “No matter. If he wants to memorialize His Majesty, let him memorialize. Let him be happy for a while. But it’s fortunate he could think of this method—otherwise we’d still have to find ways to give him an opening to successfully take away those stones.”

Hearing this, Pang Xiao laughed heartily, pulled Qin Yining over to embrace and rock her: “How is my Yi Jie’er so clever?”

Qin Yining couldn’t help but laugh: “Enough, you’ve already made your decision, yet you come around in circles to praise me? Your mouth is so sweet—did you eat honey?”

Seeing Qin Yining’s smile-filled appearance, Pang Xiao’s heart nearly melted into softness.

From their first meeting when she hadn’t yet reached the hairpin ceremony, she was already like a delicate, charming flower bud on early spring branches.

Six years had passed. She had become his wife, borne him Zhao Ge’er and Han Ge’er, and she had blossomed like a ripe peach—every frown and smile made one’s heart race and spirit soar.

Whenever this happened, Pang Xiao felt a strong sense of crisis. She was still so young and beautiful, but he was approaching his thirtieth year. She wasn’t an ordinary woman either—such intelligence and courage were rare in the world. Even married, those who admired her still couldn’t forget her. Wasn’t Lu Heng one of them?

Pang Xiao carefully touched her lips with his, treasuring the moment as he traced her lip shape with his tongue tip, mumbling unclearly: “Did I eat honey? Hmm? You should taste and see.”

The room fell quiet, with only occasional low whispers and soft breathing.

At this time, Lu Heng had already returned to his mansion and written the memorial to Li Qitian, ordering someone to rush it to the capital.

Simultaneously, an edict from the capital was being carried by an internal supervisor dressed in iron-gray round-collar sunflower shirt, rolled in a bamboo tube and wrapped in several layers of oiled paper, traveling day and night to Huichuan County government office.

Pang Xiao and Qin Yining received the news the next day.

“Your Highness, we’ve investigated clearly. Tatar Khan Wute Jin is bringing his queen and substantial tribute to the capital to celebrate the Empress Dowager’s birthday. Due to rain conditions, they’re detouring through Huichuan County. His Majesty has already issued an edict instructing the Loyal and Righteous Earl to handle all reception arrangements and escort Khan Wute Jin and his queen to the capital.”

Huzi frowned as he reported, his expression grave as he stood with lowered head.

Qin Yining pondered for a moment: “This matter seems somewhat suspicious to me.”

“Yes. Didn’t Hall Master Liao and Jingzhe tell you when they returned that the Tatars had unusual movements in the desert?” Pang Xiao hit the nail on the head.

Qin Yining nodded: “If the Tatars truly intended to surrender, they wouldn’t be mobilizing troops while also coming to celebrate a birthday. However, we can’t make wild guesses based on our own judgment. What if this is just a coincidence?”

Pang Xiao smiled: “Being prepared is never wrong. The Empress Dowager’s birthday is on August 26th—there are still two months. Si Qin’s arrival in Huichuan now probably allows time for potential problems on the journey.”

“It’s just that if the Loyal and Righteous Earl escorts Khan Wute Jin to the capital, it will inevitably delay our serious business.”

They had just created an opportunity for Lu Heng to transport the treasure, but at this critical juncture, Si Qin arrived. Were they truly naturally at odds?

Pang Xiao naturally understood this principle, but hearing this, he just laughed casually: “No matter. We’re anxious about this, but the Loyal and Righteous Earl is even more anxious than us. It’s like having a gold brick right in front of you—just brush away the surface dirt and you can pick it up, but suddenly people arrive and he doesn’t want to be discovered. Tell me, isn’t he anxious?”

Hearing Pang Xiao say this, Qin Yining also understood and shook her head with a smile: “Naturally he’s anxious. He’s not a stupid person. I think he won’t allow Khan Wute Jin’s group’s arrival to disrupt his plans. Let’s just observe quietly for now. Maybe without us acting, he’ll think of a way to avoid going to the capital himself.”

Pang Xiao naturally knew Qin Yining was right. If Lu Heng were a stupid person, he wouldn’t have reached his current position or shouldered the heavy burden of being the Lu family head. However, seeing her so confident in Lu Heng’s abilities, Pang Xiao felt somewhat sour.

But discomfort aside, as a grown man, he couldn’t very well dwell on such trivial details. He had initiated this discussion with Qin Yining—it wasn’t as if she was idly commenting on Lu Heng’s abilities.

Though Pang Xiao didn’t speak, Qin Yining could guess what he was thinking just by looking at his subtle expression changes. She couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement.

Such a grown man, yet sometimes still like a child fighting over candy. Men really had childish sides regardless of age.

At the Lu mansion, Lu Heng properly settled the eunuch who delivered the edict, then walked toward his study with a beaming smile.

Lu Wenru had followed him for many years. Looking at Lu Heng’s back as he walked forward with hands behind him, his heart was already becoming apprehensive. Though My Lord Earl appeared calm, his heart should be extremely agitated right now. A careless move at this time could anger him, with unthinkable consequences.

Lu Wenru kept his eyes lowered and followed Lu Heng closely, holding the oil-paper umbrella high to shield him from the misty drizzle.

But as soon as Lu Heng entered the study, he could no longer maintain his expression and sat down irritably on the heated kang by the window.

“Wenru, tell me, why did His Majesty entrust the reception of the Tatar Khan to me alone, and not to Prince Zhongshun?”