Chapter 59: Maneuvering (3)

Shen Xiling hadn’t originally intended to ask this, but hearing him say it caught her off guard. She asked hesitantly, “…Master, you’re leaving now?”

Though she was reluctant to see him go, what truly concerned her was his well-being.

He had given up the inner chamber’s bed for her last night, likely staying up all night himself. He had just returned from a place rife with conflict, had been traveling nonstop recently, and had spent a long time dealing with that fearsome general earlier. He must already be exhausted. Yet here he was, preparing to leave again. She worried he would overexert himself…

Upon hearing Shen Xiling’s question, Qi Yin nodded.

Having returned to Jiankang, it was only natural for him to visit the palace and report to the emperor. He had already sent in his request to attend court that morning and was now waiting for the imperial summons. Before heading to the palace, he also needed to return home—his father, being well-informed, likely already knew of his return last night. If he delayed any longer, it might raise questions.

Moreover, he needed to make arrangements regarding Shen Xiling.

He told her, “I may return late tonight, but I will definitely come back—eat your meals without waiting for me.”

At that moment, Shen Xiling actually wanted to ask if he’d had breakfast or if he should rest before leaving. But seeing how hurried he was, she didn’t dare interfere. Hearing that he would return today reassured her, and she nodded silently as she watched him.

Today happened to be a day of rest for the officials, but since Qi Yin was attending the palace later, he had changed into his official robes. When returning home, he wore his formal court attire, appearing elegant and composed, showing no signs of fatigue.

Baisong remained on the carriage, while Qingzhu accompanied him into the estate.

The steward of the household, seeing Qi Yin’s return, quickly ushered him inside. As they walked, Qi Yin asked, “Is Father in the study?”

The steward replied respectfully, explaining that Qi Zhang was currently conversing with Lady Yao in Jiāxǐ Hall. This was a common occurrence; Qi Zhang doted on Lady Yao, and when not preoccupied with official duties, he often spent time in her quarters.

Qi Yin nodded and headed toward Jiāxǐ Hall.

After being announced by the servants, he entered to find Qi Zhang and Lady Yao sitting together in leisurely conversation. Upon seeing her son return, Lady Yao was overjoyed and immediately gestured for him to come closer. She pulled him near, examining him from head to toe, her brows furrowing as she exclaimed how much thinner he had become.

Whenever Lady Yao noticed her son had lost weight, her next move was inevitably to scold the Chancellor. Qi Zhang, well-versed in his wife’s temperament, preemptively cleared his throat and addressed his younger son, “Why are you dressed in your official robes? Are you going to the palace later?”

This question successfully diverted Lady Yao’s attention, making her momentarily forget about reprimanding the Chancellor. Turning back to Qi Yin, she frowned and asked, “What? You’re leaving again so soon after returning? What about lunch? Will you eat at home?”

Lady Yao had always doted on her children. Qi Yin, aware of his mother’s concern, reassured her, “I’ll attend the palace in the afternoon and have lunch at home. Don’t worry, Mother.”

Hearing this, Lady Yao felt slightly more at ease, her expression softening. She pulled Qi Yin closer and said, “Then I must personally arrange something. Look at you—you’ve only been gone for half a month, and you’ve grown so thin! Now that you’re home, you must nourish yourself properly. This can’t continue.”

Qi Yin readily agreed, responding affirmatively to everything Lady Yao said.

She glanced at him, knowing that this visit was primarily to discuss official matters with his father. Though she pitied him, she understood that her son was not someone easily dissuaded once his mind was set on public affairs—just like his father, who often neglected other concerns when focused on work.

With a sigh, she rose and said, “Then speak with your father first. Make sure to stay for lunch—no excuses.”

Qi Yin smiled at his mother and nodded in agreement.

Lady Yao left with her maids, and Qi Zhang watched her go. Once she was out of sight, he gestured for Qi Yin to sit, his expression warm as he said, “I’ve heard about the situation in Nanling. You handled this assignment exceptionally well.”

Though Qi Zhang had always trusted his younger son, he harbored some concerns about his youth and his recent appointment to oversee the Privy Council. During the Shicheng incident, though Qi Zhang appeared uninvolved on the surface, he had secretly monitored the situation closely, fearing that Qi Yin might mishandle things. However, his son had exceeded expectations, handling such a grave national crisis with remarkable ease.

Qi Yin took his seat, calmly thanking his father for the praise, and added, “Though Gu Juhán has yet to fully retreat, there may still be unforeseen developments. We cannot afford to let our guard down.”

Qi Zhang was even more pleased: humble and cautious, treading carefully—excellent.

He responded, “Indeed, we cannot afford complacency. The Gu family has always been tenacious, and there’s a chance they might turn the tide. Keep an eye on Zou Qian.”

Qi Yin nodded.

After a brief pause, he added, “This morning, Uncle Han paid a visit to Fenghe Garden.”

Qi Zhang raised an eyebrow, asking, “Uncle Han Shousong?”

Qi Yin shook his head. “The Grand General.”

Realizing it was the impulsive Han Shouye, Qi Zhang immediately understood what had transpired. Sitting upright, he asked Qi Yin, “Did he come to confront you?”

Qi Yin nodded.

Qi Zhang let out a cold snort, visibly irritated. “That cousin of Han Shousong is the epitome of incompetence! Such recklessness, yet he holds the position of Grand General. When will our military affairs ever be in order?”

Suppressing his anger, he paused for a moment, then glanced at Qi Yin, asking, “Did you manage to reason with him?”

Qi Yin thought for a moment, then nodded. “Uncle now understands why I executed his protégé, but he still opposes the Privy Council’s cease-fire order. Though he agreed with me today, there’s a chance he might change his mind later. I believe Father could perhaps mention this to Uncle Han Shousong. Within their family, it might be easier to rein him in than it would be for me.”

Qi Zhang considered this for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right to think this way. Your uncle is more level-headed than his brother—he’ll understand.”

Having said this, Qi Zhang cast a thoughtful glance at Qi Yin—not because of anything else, but due to the matter of Jiang Yong’s execution.

Qi Zhang had long been aware of Jiang Yong’s death and initially approved of Jingchen’s decision. However, now, sitting beside him, watching his son speak so calmly about taking a life, Qi Zhang couldn’t help but feel astonished.

He suddenly realized that he didn’t fully understand his younger son. Such decisive actions—had he not been his own flesh and blood, Qi Zhang might have even… felt a twinge of fear toward him.

Noticing his father’s unusual gaze, Qi Yin asked, “Father?”

Qi Zhang snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he had momentarily betrayed a hint of apprehension toward his own son. Feeling foolish, he quickly masked his emotions and resumed his authoritative demeanor, shaking his head dismissively. Changing the subject, he asked, “It’s nothing. I heard from your older brother that you returned home last night. Why did you stay at the other residence?”

Qi Yin detected the probing look in his father’s eyes but remained composed, pausing briefly.

“It’s regarding the daughter of Fang Gong,” Qi Yin said frankly, meeting his father’s gaze. “I was just about to discuss this matter with you.”

Few things in Jiankang escaped the Left Chancellor’s notice. Qi Zhang had long been aware of the expulsion of the Fang family’s young lady by the matriarch and knew that Lady Yao had secretly arranged for her to stay at Fenghe Garden. Naturally, it wasn’t difficult for him to deduce why his younger son had rushed to the other residence last night.

To be honest, Qi Zhang held little regard for the orphan left behind by Fang Yukai. Her life or death mattered little to him. Had Qi Yin attempted to conceal this matter, Qi Zhang might have suspected some deeper connection between his son and the young girl. However, seeing Qi Yin address the issue so openly made Qi Zhang feel even less concerned about it.

His mother was growing senile, thinking there could be anything between Jingchen and a twelve-year-old girl—how absurd!

Qi Zhang found the matter utterly uninteresting and casually replied, “Mm, go ahead.”

Qi Yin discreetly observed his father’s expression before withdrawing his gaze and saying, “I’ve heard about the quarrel between Wenwen and Yao’er. She’s young and immature, and what she did was indeed wrong. However, Grandmother’s decision to expel her was excessive. I cannot disregard her father’s trust, nor can I simply abandon her to drift alone.”

Qi Zhang glanced at him, pondering for a moment before saying, “Jingchen, you’re far too clever not to understand your grandmother’s intentions. Can you really not see why the Fang family’s young lady was punished?”

In truth, Qi Yin hadn’t figured it out.

Yesterday, when he asked Shen Xiling why the matriarch had punished her, the girl had hesitated and asked him not to inquire further. His older brother’s letter had also been vague, leaving him still unclear about the full picture. Moreover, he was unaware that the matter involved one of his own outer robes. Now, confronted by his father’s question, confusion flickered in his eyes.

Qi Zhang noticed this and inwardly sighed. His younger son, despite his prowess in court, was still somewhat inexperienced in matters of the heart. He hadn’t discerned the subtle intricacies here. Smiling faintly, Qi Zhang offered a hint: “Your grandmother has always favored her own family, intending for Rong’er to marry you. With this incident, both Yao’er and the Fang girl were expelled from the household. What do you think?”

Though Qi Zhang rarely paid attention to household affairs, his years in court had honed his ability to read people’s intentions. The matriarch’s motives were clear. As for the Fu family’s young lady, though she believed herself clever and discreet, her schemes were obvious to him. A few words from Lady Yao had been enough for Qi Zhang to piece everything together. It was simple: the Fu family’s young lady, relying on the matriarch’s favor, had orchestrated the expulsion of both Fang Jun and Zhao Yao—a two-birds-with-one-stone strategy.

At this point, how could Qi Yin fail to understand?

He simply hadn’t expected that Shen Xiling’s punishment and expulsion were still linked to him.

For a moment, he felt a mix of helplessness and amusement, along with a pang of guilt toward Shen Xiling. The girl had already endured so much hardship, and he had intended to protect her, only to inadvertently cause her to suffer unjustly because of him.

How difficult it must have been for her then.

As for Cousin Fu… Qi Yin’s gaze darkened.

Qi Zhang took one look and knew his younger son had pieced everything together. Smiling faintly, he said, “I know you feel indebted to Fang Yukai and don’t wish to mistreat his orphaned child. Bringing her into the household was meant to benefit her, and I never opposed it. Your grandmother may be a bit muddled, but she’s aging and in poor health—it wouldn’t do to argue with her. The girl cannot be brought back. So, how do you plan to settle matters for her in the future?”

Qi Yin had no intention of bringing Shen Xiling back to the main household.

The girl carried heavy burdens on her heart and possessed a sensitive, reticent nature. Though she might not voice it, resentment would surely linger within her. Even if she could overlook it, there was no guarantee that the matriarch or Fu Rong wouldn’t torment her again. No matter how much he tried to shield her, returning to the main household would likely bring her further suffering.

It was safer to keep her by his side.

Qi Yin sighed and looked at Qi Zhang, saying, “I intend to keep her at Fenghe Garden and personally oversee her upbringing.”