Chapter 351: Meeting Song Que
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Liu Ling kept Madam Liu company and chatted for a while. When he heard the commotion outside, he got up.
“There is still a lot of work to do at the workshop. Old Mistress, I have to take my leave first.” As he spoke, Liu Ling bowed to Madam Liu.
Madam Liu also heard the commotion outside, and a flash of understanding flashed across her eyes.
“Alright. Young Master Liu, please go ahead. I’ll talk to you about the century eggs next time.”
Liu Ling’s eyes were tinged with a trace of a smile.
He bowed to Madam Liu again before turning around and leaving.
After Liu Ling left, Madam Liu also stood up.
When she saw the maidservant returning, she gestured for her to come over and help her up.
Then, she followed the maidservant back to her own courtyard in a good mood.
Before she came to the capital, she was struggling inwardly.
After she embarked on the journey, her heart was in her mouth throughout the trip.
And now, she unexpectedly met her long-lost nephew.
She now felt that this trip to the capital was much more worthwhile.
In the evening, Qin Xiaoyao finally returned with the three little ones.
The three little ones had purchased many things on this shopping trip.
Food, toys, and many new, novel things. Of course, there were also many practical things.
When she saw this, Madam Liu said that Qin Xiaoyao spoiled them too much and should not let them spend money so recklessly.
Qin Xiaoyao, on the other hand, was very happy all the while and said that she didn’t spend much.
Thereafter, she started to pick out the things she bought for Madam Liu from the heap of gifts and showed them to her.
Madam Liu kept muttering that her daughter-in-law was wasting money, yet she appeared very happy outwardly.
In particular, when she saw some good-quality fabrics, she couldn’t bear to put them down the moment she touched them.
“I’ll take these fabrics then.
“I have nothing to do at home. I can cut some fabrics and make some new clothes for all of you,” Madam Liu said, looking very pleased.
Her identity was special, and it was not appropriate for her to appear in public. It was just right for her to stay in the residence to make clothes.
Qin Xiaoyao knew her mother-in-law’s intention and did not stop her.
“Sure! Then take your time to make them. Once they are done, our whole family will wear what you made!” Qin Xiaoyao said with a laugh.
Madam Liu smiled and replied in the affirmative. She was already prepared to do that.
Following that, Qin Xiaoyao led the three little ones and quickly sorted out all the gifts.
Then, she asked the servants to send the gifts to the respective owners’ courtyard.
At this moment, the Qin family’s father and son, as well as Liu Ling, had also returned.
When they heard that they also had gifts, they were very happy.
“As for what they are, you can go back and see for yourself.
“However, you have to come back quickly after you’re done. Because we’re going to have dinner soon,” Qin Xiaoyao said with a laugh.
The father and son reassured her and left.
Upon seeing this, Liu Ling also excused himself to go back to his courtyard to look at his present.
About fifteen minutes later, everyone returned to the front hall for dinner.
After spending time together and interacting during the day, the people eating dinner at the same table tonight were finally familiar with each other, or rather, they were much more friendly.
Everyone was talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was very good.
When Qin Xiaoyao saw this scene, she felt much more at ease.
The next day, Qin Xiaoyao woke up early.
After having breakfast with everyone, she brought Princess Xiangyang and Qin Dahu to the army camp.
As soon as she arrived at the army camp, Qin Xiaoyao heard that Prince Huaiyin had sent someone to summon her for a meeting.
She knew that Prince Huaiyin was going to bring her to the Ministry of Rites to meet Song Que.
After suppressing the emotions in her heart, she arranged for Qin Dahu to follow Huang Fei.
She also told Xiangyang to go to the Special Forces Team for training before going to look for Prince Huaiyin.
Inside Prince Huaiyin’s tent.
“Greetings, Your Highness!” After Qin Xiaoyao entered the tent, she bowed to Prince Huaiyin.
“Please dispense with the formalities.” When he saw Qin Xiaoyao, Prince Huaiyin was all smiles.
“The Ministry of Rites has entered the final stage of the peace talks with the Liao State.
“After today, the peace talks will conclude. He might return to the Prime Minister’s residence. That’s why I was in a hurry to get someone to invite you over.”
“Mm-hmm. Thank you for your thoughtful arrangement, Your Highness,” Qin Xiaoyao replied.
When he noticed that Qin Xiaoyao’s expression wasn’t too happy, Prince Huaiyin sighed and stood up.
“In that case, let’s go.
“After the meeting, if you two have anything to say, you can talk face to face.”
“Mm-hmm,” Qin Xiaoyao responded again.
She then left with Prince Huaiyin.
After leaving the tent, the two of them each got on a horse.
After arriving at the palace gate, they changed to a horse carriage and entered the Ministry of Rites.
In the Ministry of Rites, a bustling, rowdy hall suddenly fell silent when Prince Huaiyin appeared.
“Greetings, Your Highness!” Immediately after that, the officials came forward and bowed to Prince Huaiyin.
Qin Xiaoyao followed Prince Huaiyin into the hall.
Her gaze swept across the officials who were bowing with their heads lowered. Finally, she spotted Song Que in a not-so-remote position in the second row.
At this moment, Song Que also lowered his head like everyone else very respectfully. Qin Xiaoyao felt a wave of emotions inwardly.
“Please rise,” Prince Huaiyin responded.
“Thank you, Your Highness!” The officials then straightened up.
Qin Xiaoyao watched intently as Song Que straightened up. When her eyes met Song Que’s gaze, she finally saw Song Que’s face clearly.
Upon seeing Qin Xiaoyao, Song Que’s expression froze.
Then, under Qin Xiaoyao’s eager gaze, he avoided her gaze.
Qin Xiaoyao panicked and was about to step forward…
However, Prince Huaiyin reached out and stopped her with his hand.
In the face of Prince Huaiyin’s cautionary gaze and the gazes of many people locking onto her, Qin Xiaoyao glanced at Song Que and finally chose to give up. Prince Huaiyin then heaved a sigh of relief.
After that, he introduced Qin Xiaoyao to the officials.
“This is Marquis Xiaoyao.”
The officials were astounded.
“Greetings, Marquis Xiaoyao.” Thereafter, they hurriedly bowed to Qin Xiaoyao.
The reason they were able to negotiate with the Liao State in the capital and even had the upper hand now was all due to Marquis Xiaoyao’s achievements.
They had heard many rumors about Marquis Xiaoyao.
However, they did not expect the real Marquis Xiaoyao to appear so gentle. At the very least, she was completely different from the image of the legendary female demon they had heard.
“Please dispense with the formalities,” Qin Xiaoyao replied. Her gaze was still fixed on Song Que.
Many people noticed this.
However, they only thought that Qin Xiaoyao was attracted by Song Que’s appearance. Other than despising Song Que in their hearts, the officials didn’t think too much about it.
“Alright. Let’s talk about business first,” Prince Huaiyin said quickly.
Then, he went to the main seat and sat down to discuss with the officials.
Qin Xiaoyao sat on the right side of Prince Huaiyin and listened absent-mindedly.
Only when Song Que spoke did she regain her spirit and continue to stare at Song Que.
Song Que spoke with assurance, and the few points he mentioned all concerned the crux of the negotiation. And these points made Prince Huaiyin nod repeatedly.
Although there were quite a few people among the officials who detested Song Que for using his looks to rise through the ranks, they couldn’t help but agree after hearing Song Que’s words.
Thus, many of Song Que’s suggestions were retained.
After Qin Xiaoyao heard the suggestions, she was also impressed by some of Song Que’s ideas.
She was wondering whether her husband had joined Minister Shen to expand his ambitions…
The meeting did not last long.
Prince Huaiyin had just set the general policy and terms when the Liao envoys arrived.
Following this, Qin Xiaoyao followed Prince Huaiyin to another chamber to negotiate with the envoys of the Liao State.
This time, Prince Huaiyin did not bring many people with him.
They were all officials who had spoken first, including Song Que..