Chapter 894: First Volume, Chapter 894: The Liang Emperor Returns to Beijing

First Volume, Chapter 894: The Liang Emperor Returns to Beijing

If these words had come solely from Xiao Xiangxiang, Shen Qingci might have thought Xiao Xiangxiang was merely comforting her with exaggeration.

But Shu Feng was different—this girl spoke little, yet never blustered.

Shen Qingci frowned slightly and asked Shu Feng softly: "Did Feng'er really say that?"

Shu Feng nodded firmly: "Since Master became Marquis, he's been swamped with daily troubles and has had little time with Elder Sister; even when together, he only exchanges pleasantries, likely too busy to tell her these things."

"As for us maids, our situation is exactly the opposite."

"After all, we don't have to worry about major affairs, so sometimes Master chats with us."

"Master once said that although Beixi County is prosperous and united, there is no such thing as an iron barrel—unless carefully managed, even Beixi County will one day betray us."

"What was that saying again? No eternal friends, only eternal interests… Yes, that's exactly what Master said."

"Although Beixi County is now thriving, if Master remains content in seclusion, confined only to Beixi County, he will eventually hit a bottleneck; once all factions gradually adapt to their pattern of interaction with him, mutual reverence will slowly fade, followed by probing, provocation, threats, and declaration of war…"

"Once Beixi County's strength is deployed against enemies, and as that strength is consumed, people's lives begin to decline, Master's position in Beixi County will begin to waver."

"Therefore, when Master looks toward a broader horizon, someone must remain to hold Beixi County in place."

"Master said that Second Miss is to Beijing what Elder Sister is to Beixi County."

Shu Feng, usually silent and sparing with words, suddenly spoke at length when she did.

Yet after hearing her words, Shen Qingci was deeply surprised—she never imagined her weight in Qin Feng's heart was so great.

But to call her a "Pillar of the Sea"? Even if she were the most arrogant, she could not believe herself capable.

Besides, Mother is still in Beixi County—it would never fall to her.

Xiao Xiangxiang, naturally aware of Qin Feng's evaluation of Shen Qingci, quickly added: "Yes, Master truly said that since Elder Sister took up residence in Beixi County, the county has remained peaceful and prosperous, with lost items untouched on the road, and life consistently moving in the right direction."

"Among the four Qin sisters, only Elder Sister is active on the First Line daily, directly interacting with the people; in Beixi County, from major finances down to people's livelihood, Elder Sister handles everything herself. Though these are merely Tactical Reserve roles, seemingly insignificant, they actually allow her to grasp the full picture."

"Even if all of Beixi County's talents vanished, as long as Elder Sister remains, the county will continue to function normally."

"As for the Lady, though her authority is extremely high, she rarely steps out, spending her days deep within the County Yamen's Rear Residence, making her seem unattainable to the people of Beixi County."

Under the combined soothing of Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng, Shen Qingci's gloomy mood gradually calmed.

She had never imagined her seemingly insignificant work in Beixi County carried such weight.

Nor had she imagined that Feng'er had been secretly observing her all along, knowing every one of her actions intimately.

Shen Qingci gradually regained her confidence; her desolate eyes once again sparkled. She silently sighed: "So I am truly useful to Feng'er."

Thinking of this, Shen Qingci's mood lifted. She looked at Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng and grumbled: "You two little maids—usually so quiet and so clumsy with words—what's gotten into you today?"

"All this long-winded talk—you've turned into completely different people. Honestly, did Qin Feng make you say all this?"

Xiao Xiangxiang and Shu Feng exchanged glances and burst out laughing together.

Xiao Xiangxiang smiled lightly: "Master only meant well, Elder Sister, don't be angry."

Hearing this, Shen Qingci exclaimed in surprise: "So it really was Feng'er who told you to say this?"

Shu Feng nodded softly: "Master once said that among the four sisters, Elder Sister is the most sensitive."

"If Elder Sister ever feels troubled about anything, just repeat to her what Master told us."

"And Master also told us that if such a day ever comes, we should speak directly on his behalf and tell Elder Sister: don't worry—Master will never forget that night you stayed at Qingyage. One day, Qingyage will become Master's second home."

Second home?

At first, Shen Qingci didn't grasp it—she thought Qin Feng meant to buy Qingyage or convert the Shuzhai into a residence.

Then she noticed the two maids grinning mischievously, and recalling the earlier mention of "staying overnight," she suddenly understood—and her cheeks flushed crimson.

"Pah! Shameless!"

"Qingyage is my territory—if Qin Feng dares come again, I'll throw him out!"

Hearing this, Xiao Xiangxiang chuckled teasingly: "Throw him out? Elder Sister, could you really bear to?"

Shen Qingci's cheeks reddened further; she wrapped her arms around Xiao Xiangxiang's neck and grumbled: "You little devil—you've been around Qin Feng too long and turned rotten! How dare you tease me? I'll punish you!"

Xiao Xiangxiang laughed loudly, begging for mercy; the room filled with giggles and chatter, lively and bright.

In the room across, Li Xiaolan lay limp against Qin Feng's chest; she was astonished to find that the once slender, scrawny boy had grown so solid—his powerful physique forged by countless battles—and she felt unprecedented peace.

Qin Feng held Li Xiaolan's shoulders tightly and whispered: "Xiaolan, when we return to Beijing, we'll…"

Before Qin Feng could finish, Li Xiaolan gently interrupted: "Don't make promises to me—let things unfold naturally. I trust you."

"Also… I like it when you call me by my name, not Third Sister."

"Though we were family before, I always felt something missing—when you call me Xiaolan, I finally feel at home."

Hearing this, Qin Feng didn't know whether to feel comforted or heartbroken.

Li Xiaolan lifted her head, her eyes impossibly tender: "I don't compete or fight—I only need to be with you, and I'm content."

"And don't neglect Yun'er because of me—after all, she is your lawful wife."

Qin Feng nodded firmly: "Rest assured—I won't betray Yun'er, nor anyone who relies on me."