Chapter 418: Recognition

Chapter 418: Recognition

She wasn't sure whether to believe it or not.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled again, thinking to herself, this young man is quite wary.

"I've discussed it with my husband, and we agreed to help the Prince of Huaiyin achieve his ambitions. To overthrow Empress Jia, the Jia family, and Minister Shen as well."

"Once the task is completed, we will return to Lingquan Town together."

"If you and your cousin are willing, you can join us on our return."

Liu Ling was stunned.

He no longer suspected that Qin Xiaoyao was deceiving him.

He stood up immediately.

He bowed respectfully to Qin Xiaoyao.

"Liu Ling greets you, sister-in-law," he said.

Qin Xiaoyao's lips curled up.

"No need to be so formal. Sit down and let's talk," she replied.

"Thank you, sister-in-law," Liu Ling responded, then sat down.

Interacting with Qin Xiaoyao under a new identity and being met with her warm gaze, Liu Ling felt a faint joy in his heart.

"Tell me about your family, the Lius. And how did my husband come to recognize you before?"

"And are you really just here to help me expand my business?"

Liu Ling was startled.

After a moment's hesitation, he told Qin Xiaoyao what she wanted to know.

It was only then that Qin Xiaoyao learned the Liu family had been implicated by the Song family.

After the Liu family was convicted, only the two siblings remained.

For many years, the two siblings led a difficult life.

It wasn't until Song Rui appeared and acknowledged the two siblings that they began to harbor thoughts of revenge.

At the same time, Qin Xiaoyao discovered that Yunxiang Fang was actually owned by the Prince of Huaiyin.

And it was there that the Prince of Huaiyin and Song Rui would meet.

"My brother and sister didn't want me to get too involved, so they arranged for me to stay by your side," Liu Ling said with a hint of helplessness.

"If it weren't for Jia Kun's relentless pursuit, he wouldn't have agreed to their arrangement."

"Now, although my sister can gather a lot of information at Yunxiang Fang, without my assistance, she would be far more exhausted."

Qin Xiaoyao nodded.

"It must have been your sister's idea; my husband simply went along with her wishes."

This kind of situation is actually quite understandable.

The Liu family now only has Liu Ling as the sole male heir, and as the elder sister, Yun Niang naturally wants to protect her brother.

Liu Ling nodded.

"But I really want to do my part too," he said, sounding a bit frustrated.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled.

"So, that’s why my preserved egg workshop is thriving?"

"You’ve managed to build connections with quite a few big shots in the capital," she said slyly.

This cousin of yours is a natural at networking, and now, with her backing, those big shots not only respect him but are practically falling over themselves to get on his good side.

Liu Ling also smiled.

He clasped his hands respectfully toward Qin Xiaoyao.

"You see right through me, sister-in-law."

"I’m actually using the business as a cover to gather intel for my brother."

Qin Xiaoyao's smile grew even brighter.

"Well done," she praised.

"Keep it up," she added, noticing Liu Ling’s surprised expression.

Liu Ling's face lit up with joy.

"You’re so wise, sister-in-law!" he blurted out.

Qin Xiaoyao laughed and responded without a hint of modesty, "Of course I am."

Right away, she laid out some of her plans to Liu Ling.

"Next, I’ll be joining their plan too. How about we team up and push this plan forward together?" Qin Xiaoyao's eyes sparkled.

Liu Ling felt instantly valued and was thrilled.

"Great! Thank you, sister-in-law, for backing me up!" he nodded eagerly.

Qin Xiaoyao looked pleased.

Soon, she started going over her plans with Liu Ling.

After wrapping up with Liu Ling, Qin Xiaoyao added, "I’ll head over to Yunxiang Fang later."

"Tell your cousin to come back home. It’s time for you siblings to reunite with your mother."

Liu Ling was taken aback.

He was deeply touched.

"Sister-in-law—" he clasped his hands respectfully, and when he looked up, his eyes were glistening with tears.

Qin Xiaoyao gave a warm smile.

"This is a good thing, no reason to cry."

With just one sentence, Qin Xiaoyao got Liu Ling to laugh.

Qin Xiaoyao continued, "Once the important matter is settled, our whole family will return to Lingquan Town together."

"When that happens, the marquis’s residence will be your home."

"With me and your brother-in-law around, you won’t have to suffer anymore."

Liu Ling felt a warm glow in his heart.

"Yes!" He nodded firmly.

Only then did Qin Xiaoyao say goodbye to Liu Ling and leave the estate.

After returning to the capital, she headed straight to Yunxiang Fang.

Because of her close relationship with Yun Niang, Qin Xiaoyao was promptly shown to a private room as soon as she arrived.

Shortly after, Yun Niang arrived.

Yun Niang hadn’t expected Qin Xiaoyao to visit today and was a bit surprised by her arrival.

"Greetings, Marquis—" she said without asking, stepping forward and gracefully bowing to Qin Xiaoyao.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled warmly.

"Come, have a seat!" she said directly.

Her eyes then shifted to the young maid who had accompanied Yun Niang.

"You can go now," she added.

The young maid quickly glanced at Yun Niang.

After seeing Yun Niang nod, she bowed to both of them and exited the room.

Once the maid had left, Yun Niang walked over to Qin Xiaoyao.

She took a seat across from Qin Xiaoyao.

With a graceful motion, Yun Niang stood and poured wine for Qin Xiaoyao.

"Didn’t the Marquis go to the military camp today?" she asked, feigning casualness.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and gave Yun Niang a knowing look.

"Are you fishing for information?" she teased.

Yun Niang’s expression faltered for a moment.

"The Marquis is teasing," she said, quickly regaining her composure.

Qin Xiaoyao kept smiling at Yun Niang.

"I never realized it before, but Yun Niang, you bear a striking resemblance to my mother-in-law," she remarked.

Yun Niang's hand trembled, nearly spilling the wine.

Seeing the curiosity in Qin Xiaoyao's eyes, she felt a pang of regret.

She worried she might have given herself away.

And whether her sister-in-law had already caught on.

"Why are you staring at me like that, Marquis?" Yun Niang poured herself a drink, sat down, and finally spoke to Qin Xiaoyao, her face flushing slightly.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled before looking away.

"Alright, I’ll stop teasing you."

"I came to take you back to the marquis's residence."

Noticing Yun Niang's gaze, Qin Xiaoyao continued, "My husband has permitted me to join their plan."

"My cousin has also confirmed his identity. This trip is specifically to fetch you, cousin."

Yun Niang was taken aback.

"Now that we’ve recognized each other, we should get together."

"Especially since I’ve arranged for someone to take my mother-in-law back to Lingquan Town tomorrow."

"Once she’s gone, it’ll be at least a month before we can meet again."

"Of course, that’s assuming our plan goes smoothly." At this point, Qin Xiaoyao shot Yun Niang a knowing look.

Yun Niang was stunned but kept her cool.

"While there’s still time, I came to take you back so you can meet and share a meal."

Qin Xiaoyao looked at Yun Niang.

"Your aunt misses you terribly," she said earnestly.

Hearing this, Yun Niang finally broke.

"Marquis—"

"Call me sister-in-law," Qin Xiaoyao immediately interrupted.

Yun Niang's cheeks flushed.

"Sis—sister-in-law," she stammered, finally acknowledging her identity.