“Alright, we’ll do it this way for now—stall things and see when Prince Xin decides to set out for the Capital City.”
Mother Qi stood up and patted Song Ning on the shoulder. Her hand was heavy, making his shoulder sink slightly.
“Don’t be upset either.” Her tone carried a hint of gritted teeth. “When I see Yao’er, I’ll definitely have a serious talk with her!”
Mother Qi was clearly dissatisfied that Qi Chuyao had not accompanied her husband that morning.
Already married, yet still acting like a child—running around everywhere without a trace.
She emphasized the word “serious,” as if she intended to make up for it double on her daughter.
Song Ning sighed, his face showing helplessness.
He knew his mother-in-law too well. When she said “talk,” it meant scolding; when she said “talk more,” it meant she might even resort to physical discipline.
He shook his head and spoke gently,
“Mother-in-law, please don’t scold Chuyao so easily.”
“She’s already grown up and married. Give her more respect and dignity—don’t keep reprimanding her at every turn.”
Mother Qi froze, not expecting Song Ning to say such a thing. She stood there with her mouth slightly open, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
This child—being neglected himself and not getting angry, yet speaking up for that troublesome girl instead.
“Sigh,” she let out a breath, her voice tinged with regret. “It’s mainly because I’m upset she still hasn’t entered the ranks. Even reaching the Fourth Rank would be something…”
She recalled her own glory in those years. At Qi Chuyao’s age, she had already entered the ranks, made a name for herself in the army, and was known as a Tiger Daughter of a General’s House.
Why was her daughter so far behind?
If she had known earlier, she should have had more children instead of placing all her hopes on this one disappointing child.
Song Ning slowly shook his head. “Entering the ranks depends on talent. After all, not everyone is as gifted as Qin Junyue.”
“As your daughter, what matters most isn’t entering the ranks, but securing her an official position. I believe she’ll do well.”
That was what he said aloud—but his thoughts were elsewhere.
Were martial artists really this… intense in that regard?
His thighs were still sore, and his waist ached.
Qi Chuyao had not even entered the ranks, yet last night she had already left him in such a state.
First pressing him into the bed and tossing him around, then lifting him entirely and bouncing him repeatedly—so many times he lost count—until he could barely speak, his feet never touching the bed from beginning to end.
Her fingers gripped his waist, her breath hot by his ear, her pull overwhelming, wave after wave.
He remembered that in the end, he could not even cry out, only make faint sounds under her.
If she actually entered the ranks…
Song Ning shuddered and did not dare think further.
Mother Qi did not notice his distraction. Hearing him defend her daughter like this, her earlier dissatisfaction had already faded, and a smile appeared on her face.
“Why are you so eager to get her an official position? I’m not even in a hurry.”
She truly was not.
Sitting in the position of Minister of War, did her daughter’s future need worrying? A few years earlier or later made no difference. Promotions in officialdom came quickly anyway—Qi Chuyao had nothing to worry about.
Song Ning thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully before speaking softly,
“Because becoming an adult isn’t just about getting older.”
“Growing in age alone doesn’t make someone mature. It’s when they gradually gain a voice, gain their own authority, and earn the right to direct their own life—that’s when they become an adult.”
If someone always lived under others’ protection and constant discipline, it would be difficult for them to achieve true independence and maturity.
There was one more thing Song Ning did not say.
Time was actually running short. How long could his mother-in-law remain Minister of War?
When a new emperor ascended in the future, would her position still be so secure?
No one could say for sure. Especially now, with more and more uprisings breaking out, the dynasty was heading toward collapse.
When that time came, only those with troops and power would survive. Children who relied on their parents would be crushed into nothing.
Mother Qi thought carefully about his words, her brows slowly relaxing.
“Alright.” She nodded, her tone carrying a hint of emotion. “We’ll do as you say.”
She gave Song Ning a few more instructions, telling him to rest well, to have Xia Ling prepare some nourishing soup, and not to overexert himself in the first few days of marriage.
As she spoke, she patted his shoulder again, making his body sway, before finally leaving in satisfaction.
She had arrived in a hurry, but left at a leisurely pace, her steps unhurried as she gradually disappeared.
After she left, Song Ning collapsed onto the bed and wailed,
“I’m starving! Food!”
Xia Ling had already been waiting outside with a bowl of warm porridge. Hearing his cry, she suppressed a laugh and hurried inside.
She placed the tray on the small table and was about to help him up when Song Ning added,
“Oh right, after I eat, bring Qin Junyue to see me. I have something to say to her.”
Xia Ling acknowledged, but inwardly felt puzzled. Why was the young master looking for Qin Junyue?
He had just gotten married last night—yet instead of looking for Qi Chuyao today, he wanted to see her?
She did not dare ask and lowered her head to serve the porridge.
……
In the early morning Capital City, the air still carried the lingering chill of the night.
From afar, the bell tower struck the hour, its deep sound echoing against the city walls before fading into a low hum.
Qin Junyue, dressed in military attire, strode down the street.
She wore the standard uniform of a Capital Camp officer—tight sleeves, fitted clothing, and a dark gray half-armor over it.
A leather belt was fastened at her waist, with a horizontal blade hanging on the left and a string of command tokens on the right.
Today, her hair was not tied in a ponytail but coiled up and secured with a bronze pin, revealing her smooth forehead and sharp jawline.
The morning light illuminated her face, making her resolute features stand out clearly.
The streets gradually grew busier. Qin Junyue walked quickly, cutting through the crowd like a gust of wind, her clothes fluttering sharply.
She turned into a narrow alley, winding through several turns before arriving at a gray-brick government office.
Above the entrance hung a plaque with black lacquer and gold lettering: Five City Wardens’ Office — Central District Office.
Two soldiers stood guard at the entrance. Seeing her, they quickly stepped aside.
Qin Junyue strode in, passed through the front courtyard, and headed straight for the rear hall.
Inside, someone was lounging in a chair, stretching lazily.
“Well, well, who do we have here?” Her voice was slow and teasing. “Isn’t this the great expert Qin? What brings you here today?”
The person wore the uniform of the Central City Deputy Commander. On others, the attire looked imposing, but on her, it carried a lazy air.
She leaned back in her chair, her long legs stretched out and resting on the desk in front of her.
Those legs were exceptionally long—almost absurdly so.
Even sitting down, her knees rose above the desk. Standing up, she would likely be half a head taller than Qin Junyue.
After stretching, she placed both hands behind her head, tilting it as she looked at Qin Junyue, a faint, amused smile playing on her lips.