#213: Returning Home (4)

She clung to him tightly, her embrace filled with both the pain of his five years of endurance and an instinctive protectiveness—just as he had once held her when she was a child.

Qi Yin felt her emotions, along with the strange yet profound bond between them. His heart softened immeasurably, and the dust of recent political struggles that had unconsciously settled over him began to dissipate, leaving behind clarity and peace.

He said nothing further, only pulling her closer into an embrace overflowing with warmth.

They sat quietly for a while, but Shen Xiling’s worries had yet to fully subside. She looked up at him, her brows slightly furrowed, and after some thought, said, “I understand your intentions. You don’t crave the power you hold now, nor do you harbor ambitions of becoming Emperor. You truly wish to nurture that child and one day return governance to him… But he might not see it that way. The court officials and common people may not believe in your sincerity either.”

Perhaps Shen Xiling was the person who understood Qi Yin best in this world. She knew he harbored no desire for dominance; rather than wielding absolute authority, he preferred the life of a recluse—fishing by day and sleeping under the clouds. However, given the unstable situation in Jiangzuo and the young Emperor’s inability to govern, Qi Yin’s sense of responsibility would surely keep him tethered here to clean up the mess.

But…

“The effort you put into this might be squandered,” Shen Xiling sighed. “And that’s not even the worst of it. What I fear most is the power of rumors. If enough people start believing falsehoods, it could lead to disaster.”

Leaning against him, her voice low and melancholic, she added, “Second Brother… I really don’t want to go through all that again.”

She was afraid.

Indeed, though Shen Xiling was only twenty-one, she had already witnessed too many rises and falls. She had endured so much turmoil and hardship, and now that they were finally on the verge of living peaceful, stable lives, she wanted nothing more than to escape the nightmares of the past.

Qi Yin, of course, understood her fears. He held her close, gently patting her shoulder, and reassured her, “I know what you’re afraid of. This time, everything will be fine.”

“You’re right about everything,” he continued, looking down at her with a serious expression. “I’ll do my best to guide that child. But if his resentment cannot be smoothed away, I won’t force it.”

The latter half of his statement carried deep meaning.

“Won’t force it”—these words sounded simple enough, but upon closer reflection, they hinted at decisive action. Was he implying that if Xiao Yizhao harbored malicious intent, he wouldn’t hesitate to remove him from power?

Shen Xiling wasn’t sure, but knowing that he harbored precautions toward the boy brought her some comfort.

Reassured, her smile returned. She took his hand and said, “As long as you have a plan, that’s good enough.”

After a pause, she realized something else and looked up at Qi Yin again, her expression grave. “No, having a plan isn’t enough. You also need to rest properly—you can’t overwork yourself every day. Even the doctor you found in Qingyuan said you must avoid overexertion and stress. You can’t keep burning the candle at both ends like this!”

Revitalized, she pulled herself out of his arms, sitting upright and continuing earnestly, “While you were at Xiaoshan, I didn’t sit idle either. I sought out several doctors for you—some from north of the river, others from south. They should arrive in a few days. Once they’re here, you absolutely must let them examine you thoroughly and follow their advice. No cutting corners!”

She rambled on, and Qi Yin didn’t interrupt, simply watching her as she spoke. More than listening to her admonishments, he was captivated by how animated she looked when speaking—it was utterly endearing.

Noticing his distraction, Shen Xiling pushed him lightly, annoyed. “Are you even listening to me?”

Qi Yin grasped her hand, replying patiently, “I’m listening.”

Unconvinced, she challenged, “Then tell me what I just said.”

Qi Yin answered smoothly, “Avoid overexertion and stress, follow medical advice.”

Satisfied that he’d gotten it right, she relaxed slightly.

However, her relief was short-lived. Soon after, Qi Yin added, “There is one matter lately that will inevitably require some effort.”

Shen Xiling hadn’t expected him to bring up politics so soon after her lengthy lecture, which naturally irritated her. Seeing her reaction, Qi Yin couldn’t help but laugh. Sitting up straighter, he gently held her delicate hand and said, “It’s just one matter. Moreover, there’s not much I can personally do about it—I might even need your help.”

This piqued Shen Xiling’s interest, and her irritation faded. She asked, “What is it?”

Qi Yin referred to relations with Northern Wei.

When he left Shangjing, he had met with Crown Prince Gao Jing of Wei and left him a scroll containing a single proposal: if Great Liang were to come under his governance, he would strive to promote trade between the two nations.

Trade had long been desired by both countries. The differences in crops between north and south, as well as the mutual needs of other industries, made commerce appealing. Unfortunately, decades of warfare and animosity had led both courts to ban trade entirely—to preserve national pride and prevent foreign influence over their economies.

Now, with the push for unity between north and south, reopening trade became urgent. Many barriers needed dismantling, and numerous channels required reestablishment—it was a time of rebuilding.

Qi Yin and Gao Jing had already reached this consensus. With internal affairs in Liang stabilizing, it was time to begin planning for revival.

With chaos subsiding, those in power had a duty to ensure the common people lived prosperous, peaceful lives.

Though official decrees could reopen trade ports, merchants might still hesitate due to longstanding distrust between the two nations. To mitigate risks, traders might prefer to operate within their own borders. If trade stagnated, both courts might view it as expendable—a scenario neither Qi Yin nor Gao Jing wished to see.

Shen Xiling, having risen from commerce, commanded extensive networks of merchants across north and south, bolstered by the remnants of the Shen family’s influence. With her mediation, progress could accelerate significantly.

Hearing him mention this, Shen Xiling was thrilled.

Having built her career in commerce and lived extensively in both regions, she was deeply familiar with their customs and economic conditions. She had long hoped for trade barriers to fall, benefiting not only merchants but also allowing ordinary people access to goods at lower prices—a win-win for both sides.

Elated, she quickly agreed, enthusiastically discussing plans with Qi Yin.

Smiling, Qi Yin added, “I’m not well-versed in commercial matters, so we’ll need to consult further with the Board of Civil Affairs. Li Wei has recently been promoted to Vice Minister. I’ll invite him over soon, and we can discuss together.”

The name Li Wei was familiar to Shen Xiling. She knew he was the top scholar Qi Yin had personally selected during his first stint as chief examiner. Despite Qi Yin’s many trials, Li Wei had remained loyal, never betraying or undermining him—a fact that greatly impressed Shen Xiling. Moreover, she recalled that Li Wei had accompanied Qi Yin on his first visit to Yi Lou.

Eagerly nodding, she agreed without realizing the shift in Qi Yin’s attitude.

In the past, he rarely discussed politics with her, deflecting her questions or offering vague answers. Now, however, he trusted her, acknowledging her ability to assist him without shame.

They were becoming truly equal.

These changes came so naturally that neither of them consciously noticed. Yet, these subtle shifts quietly nourished their hearts, bringing them closer and making their bond feel even more comfortable.

After a while, Shen Xiling remembered something, her expression tinged with hesitation.

Noticing this, Qi Yin asked, “What is it?”

Biting her lip, she smoothed her hair and said, “At the coronation… did Wei send envoys to congratulate?”

Qi Yin paused, realizing she was asking about Gu Juhán.

Seeing her awkwardness—and perhaps embarrassment—he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Wēn Ruò didn’t come personally. If you have anything to say or give him, someone else can deliver it.”

Shen Xiling murmured an acknowledgment, lowering her head silently.

Sighing, Qi Yin pulled her back into his arms. “Wenwen, between us, why be like this?”

Just one sentence eased her heart.

She had indeed wanted to ask about Gu Juhán and see him again—not out of romantic feelings, but because she felt indebted to him and wished to make amends.

She intended to personally return the ledger she had once used to threaten him. It was both a gesture of gratitude and a promise: fostering trade between the two nations was a long road, and if one side benefited disproportionately, cooperation wouldn’t last. Moreover, schemes and manipulations could only succeed temporarily. She was willing to use the ledger to pave the way for fair trade.

Nestled in Qi Yin’s arms, she shared her thoughts. He praised her, commending her wisdom and generosity, making her blush.

After a moment, she added, “Wei prioritizes agriculture and suppresses commerce. Achieving equitable trade with Liang will take time. In the early years, we might need to concede some profits.”

Qi Yin nodded, having already considered this.

Peace between their nations was paramount, but it didn’t mean the era of great contention was over. Liang could afford concessions in trade, but the extent must be carefully measured, and reciprocal gains ensured elsewhere.

This was politics, this was statecraft—personal feelings had no place.

Shen Xiling understood this principle. In the coming years, she might aid Wei’s commercial development, but she wouldn’t forget her loyalties. Her ability to repay Gu Juhán was limited, but that was fine. They had time. She would cherish her gratitude toward him and repay it bit by bit whenever opportunities arose.

Having resolved this concern, she felt lighter and happier. Yet Qi Yin grew silent again. Unsure of his thoughts, she asked, “What’s wrong?”

He looked at her but didn’t reply immediately. After a long silence, his expression turned complex, his eyes heavy with emotion, yet uncommonly gentle.

He said to her,

“Wenwen, let’s get married.”