Return of the Swallow

ost of our days together during this time, but we still saw each other everyday.
I can’t handle having to suddenly leave you.”

Qin Yining was teased into laughter by this rare display of childishness.
“Look at you, saying such irresponsible things at your age.
How can I possibly leave at this time? That’d be elopement! Whoever elopes becomes a concubine.
Do you, Pang Zhixi, want to fob me off with just the identity of a concubine?”

Her tone was light, completely joking right back at the prince, but Pang Xiao considered it very seriously.
He adjusted his posture upright and thought carefully, then responded gravely, “Forget it.
You’re right.
I’ll send you home in a bit.
We can decide the rest when you reach the capital with your family.”

“How can you be so sure that my family will be summoned to the capital?”

“His Majesty means to treat generously all surrendered officials that are fourth rank and above.
A renowned subject such as Grand Preceptor Qin will naturally be summoned from the Yan capital.
Once the ceremony is over, the first batch of officials will set off with Weichi Yan.”

Qin Yining heaved a long sigh.
It was still a very depressing affair that Great Yan had fallen, just like that.
It stabbed at her heart despite knowing that this had been an inevitable outcome, given trash like the former emperor.

Seeing a frown cross her forehead, Pang Xiao’s heart ached and he gathered her into his arms, patting her back comfortingly.
“Don’t worry and come to the capital with your father.
I’ll figure out a way for us to marry when you’re there.”

Qin Yining closed her eyes and nodded morosely in his embrace.

……

Pang Xiao personally sent Qin Yining back to the Qin Manor.
When they reached the avenue that the manor was on, he had the carriage halt.

“My darling, I won’t go any closer.
You can go on, I’ll watch you from here.”

“Why aren’t you coming inside with me?”

Pang Xiao shook his head with a smile, but didn’t say anything else.
Understanding dawned on Qin Yining.

Qin Huaiyuan was now a surrendered official and Pang Xiao possessed an exceedingly grand position.
Her father would have to bow and greet the prince if they met.
Pang Xiao plainly didn’t want to make things awkward or embarrassing for her father.

Qin Yining wrapped her arms around Pang Xiao’s neck and kissed his cheek.
“I see.
Take care of yourself.
I’ll see you in the capital.
It won’t take too long.”

A wave of heat rose in Pang Xiao’s body at her initiative.
His heart racing, he hugged her and spent quite a while whispering sweet nothings into her ear before finally resigning himself to her departure.

Seeing the girl reach the manor’s door with Jiyun and Bingtang’s companionship, Pang Xiao put down the window curtains and headed back to the army camp.

News of Qin Yining returning home quickly traveled to the Garden of Loving Piety thanks to a fleet-footed runner.

Those in the manor were the same as the group who’d made it up Mt.
Eternal Spring.
Thanks to the fourth miss and Steward Zhong making early preparations, life had been difficult on the mountain, but no one had died of starvation.

In the residence, née Sun completely ignored the old dowager when she heard that her daughter was back.
She came out in welcome, along with Jin-mama.

Awkwardness crept over the old dowager’s expression, but she had Qin-mama help her up when she thought of how the future looked.
She too came out to welcome Qin Yining, along with the second madame, eighth miss, and Qin Huining.

Née Sun and Qin Yining had already entered the inner residence by the time the group made it to the flower-hung gate.

The old dowager smiled.
“Aiyo, granddaughter Yi’s finally returned.
The emperor’s given us orders to travel to the capital.
We were wondering if you would be coming with us or the Faithful Prince of the First Rank.”

Qin Yining looked at her mother, askance.
“Travel to the capital? So the date for the ceremony and journey have been set already?”

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