Yan Xiuping, standing on Lin Zimo's other side, also wore an displeased expression. He cast a sidelong glance at Yan Xiuping beside him, forcing the latter to step forward and smooth things over.
"Madam, please don't joke about such matters."
Perhaps it was Lin Qingge's overly dramatic demeanor, but Yan Xiuping first issued a perfunctory reprimand and then offered Lin Qingge an apologetic smile.
"Lord Lin, my wife spoke unintentionally. Please don't take it to heart."
Upon hearing her husband's words, the beautiful woman, realizing she had misspoke, hastily apologized.
"Yes, yes, it was unintentional. Lord Lin and Madam Lin, please don't hold it against this rough person.
I'm just too eager for Hao'er to get married!
I'm almost driven mad with it!
It's not that I'm in a hurry to hold my grandson, but I fear that after we are gone, Hao'er will have no one to look after him.
As you know, Hao'er is very stubborn and trusts people too easily. If we aren't around to watch over him, he could be bullied by others in the blink of an eye.
Why don't you keep Hao'er with you, Lord Lin? Just give him some food when you eat. My Hao'er has never been picky since childhood and is very easy to raise!"
...
Lin Qingge, who was unexpectedly burdened by the sudden turn of events, was about to speak when three weak words drifted from the bed:
"I am willing!"
Influenced by her past life, Lin Qingge's mind automatically substituted other scenarios, and goosebumps instantly erupted all over her.
"Willing your sister!
Let me tell you, I don't have idle people under me, not even a stray dog.
Captain Li is imprisoned. You need to focus on recovering from your injuries; there are plenty of matters waiting for you at the yamen!"
"Yes, my lord!"
For Yan Tinghao, nothing was more motivating than his lord's expectations and trust.
Meanwhile, Yan Xiuping's gaze flickered. After examining Yan Tinghao's injuries, he specifically called Lin Qingge aside.
Yan Xiuping took out a small pure gold token engraved with the character 'Xia' from his sleeve and presented it to Lin Qingge.
"Lord Lin, this is a token of the Great Xia Bank. With this token, you can unconditionally withdraw two hundred thousand taels of silver or a thousand taels of gold from the Great Xia Bank."
"Master Yan, this is...?"
"Lord Lin, my wife and I will be departing shortly, so I entrust Hao'er to your care."
With that, Yan Xiuping directly placed the small token into Lin Qingge's hand.
Instantly understanding, Lin Qingge's smile became exceptionally brilliant as she assured him.
"Master Yan, you are too kind. It is my duty to take care of my subordinates.
Please rest assured, I will treat Constable Yan like a brother and will never let him suffer any grievances from anyone else!
However, Master Yan, since you and your wife have come to reunite with Constable Yan, why not stay for a few more days?
As Constable Yan's superior, I haven't had the chance to host you properly."
"We appreciate Lord Lin's kindness, but we have a mess to resolve at the Northeast Barracks.
I must be loyal to my lord and serve my lord. I still have to show some semblance of duty."
"The Northeast Barracks?"
"Right, I haven't had a chance to tell Hao'er yet, but my resignation memorial was rejected, and I've been transferred to the Northeast Barracks, commanding half of the military power."
"I didn't realize Master Yan was a military officer?"
Although Lin Qingge knew this Master Yan was likely formidable, his scholarly demeanor and the air of strategic planning surrounding him truly did not align with the title of a military officer.
Yan Xiuping smiled upon hearing this. "I'm ashamed to say, but originally, like Lord Lin, I was a scholar who placed third in the imperial examinations. However, after years of navigating the officialdom, I've forgotten what I was like before.
I hope Lord Lin can maintain your current aspirations and not be swept away by the currents.
While marrying into a good family does have its advantages, the key is to find the right person."
...
Lin Qingge, having been inexplicably fed a mouthful of affection, was about to take her leave when Yan Xiuping suddenly said with a serious expression.
"With your current momentum, promotion is only a matter of time, Lord Lin.
However, if you wish to balance your family life and prevent them from being dragged into unnecessary disputes, you must stay away from the capital, as far as possible."
"Master Yan, what do you mean by that?"
"Husband, why are you standing here? Is our grandnephew here to bid us farewell?"
Hearing his wife's call, Yan Xiuping quickly walked over.
Lin Qingge, left behind, felt utterly speechless.
Seeing Lord Lin approaching from a distance, Hua Jinrong stepped forward and cupped his hands.
"My lord, why have you come?
Leave these minor characters to me to handle. You should return to your residence with your lady and rest~"
"Am I hindering your performance?"
Hua Jinrong's smile faltered as his intentions were exposed. He then chuckled.
"My lord, you jest~
I'm merely concerned that these ungrateful brutes might injure you~"
The guards, who had been accustomed to the second prince's domineering presence for years and had never been openly ridiculed like this, repeated their earlier declaration.
"Audacious!"
"Tsk, this is nothing. I haven't done anything truly audacious yet~"
Hua Jinrong's smile widened, but a careful observer would notice that the smile did not reach his eyes.
With a slight parting of his lips, he commanded in his usual flippant tone.
"An Yi, An Er, come out and clean up the trash~"