The northern border of Yandi was bordered by the Kingdom of Jin, and it was also one of the destinations for the Yin family to sell silk and tea. Since the Yin family had already established various relationships in Yandi, it was best to take that commercial route to the Kingdom of Jin. Yin Yong usually sent his stewards to take people for trade, but he liked to go on such long and dangerous business routes himself.
In the previous life, the Yin family’s caravan going to the Kingdom of Jin was robbed, resulting in the loss of both goods and lives. Only the old man who stayed in Pingcheng survived. Since Yin Hui’s rebirth, she was determined to help her grandfather safeguard the goods and people of the Yin family.
Before the incident involving Liao Qiuniang and Yin Wen, Yin Hui had made various arrangements in advance. While Yin Wen’s actions were truly reprehensible, she later fabricated a story, claiming to have had a dream about the incident. Fortunately, the old man accepted this explanation easily. However, regarding the caravan matter, if Yin Hui kept saying that it was a dream, the old man probably wouldn’t believe it.
Therefore, Yin Hui took precautions. She asked Uncle De and Jinzhan to stand guard outside. After closing the door, she approached the old man in a low voice and asked, “Grandfather, is the tea and silk from the south of the Yangtze River coming soon?”
“We are sending them to the Kingdom of Jin, why are you suddenly asking this?”
Yin Hui glanced at Yin Lang, her voice lowered, “Grandfather, I heard some news that the Kingdom of Jin may be about to gather troops. It is best for our family not to go trade there for the next six months. Going there, losing a batch of goods is nothing, but we may lose people.”
Yin Yong’s face changed drastically, and he looked at Yin Lang subconsciously, secretly worried that the young man would leak the information. Yin Lang was also extremely shocked in his heart. First, he was shocked by the news, and then he was shocked by his sister’s trust in him.
For such a big matter, his sister didn’t tell him to leave. She genuinely treated him as family, a reliable family member like the old man. Meeting the old man’s gaze, Yin Lang nodded slightly, expressing that he understood the seriousness of the situation.
Yin Yong then asked Yin Hui solemnly, “Is this news true?”
Yin Hui nodded, “I can’t tell you from where I heard it, I’m sorry, but I am worried about the family’s business. Please, grandfather, trust me once.”
Of course, Yin Yong believed that if there was any disturbance in the Kingdom of Jin, besides the border guards, the first person to get the news would be King Yan. The third master probably heard about it and mentioned it to his granddaughter.
Thinking of it, Yin Yong told Yin Hui, with difficulty concealing his fear, “Ah Hui, no matter what news you hear in the future, as long as it involves important affairs of the court, you should not tell us, or come here, and don’t send anyone to pass messages, let alone write letters. In short, you should be the daughter-in-law in peace and order, and don’t reveal any secrets of the palace. Otherwise, you will suffer, and our Yin family will also be implicated.”
He would rather lose money, troops, or even his own life due to ignorance, but he didn’t want his granddaughter to face scrutiny from King Yan because of her love for her natal family and the potential leakage of military information.
Since ancient times, business success has always hinged on luck and misfortune. If it was the Yin family’s turn to be unlucky, that would be their fate. There was no need for the granddaughter to take such risks.
Yin Hui understood the old man’s painstaking efforts and spoke with determined eyes, “It’s about your life; how can I stand by and watch? You really love me. Only the three of us should keep this secret, and we must not utter a word to outsiders.” As she finished speaking, Yin Lang swore to the sky.
Yin Hui interrupted the solemn words, pouting to the old man, “Don’t swear to me that way. I just trust you.”
Yin Yong sighed, having his own arrangements for business matters but being consumed by worry about his little granddaughter’s situation.
Yin Hui deliberately touched her abdomen, reassuringly saying, “Don’t worry, I have my own plan.”
Yin Yong shook his head, concerned that their prolonged discussion might raise suspicions about a conspiracy.
The siblings moved to the small garden of the big house. Peonies were in full bloom as Yin Hui led Yin Lang into the gazebo beside the flowers.
“Brother Lang, you’ve grown so fast. I don’t dare to treat you like a child anymore,” Yin Hui said with a smile after they sat down.
Yin Lang, sitting opposite her, responded, “I was afraid you would still see me as a child. I’ve learned a lot from my grandfather this year. In the future, if you have any orders, just tell me.”
Yin Hui replied, “It’s enough for me to have Uncle Zhou’s help. I only have two expectations for you: to become a promising individual yourself and to take good care of grandfather, fulfilling my filial duties on my behalf.”
Yin Lang assured her, “Don’t worry, sister; it’s all my responsibility.”
Jinzhan brought over tea, with Yin Lang being the one to partake while Yin Hui opted for warm water, given her pregnancy.
Yin Lang took the initiative to discuss the changes in the Yin family over the past six months. Yin Wen’s restricted movements yielded nothing noteworthy for the time being. However, the old man used assertive tactics to dismiss several stewards, both high and low-ranking. Though not explicitly stated, Yin Lang surmised that these stewards were loyal only to Yin Wen and disregarded the old man’s authority. The move signaled the old man’s intention to reclaim the rights he had granted Yin Wen. Despite pleas from Yin Jingshan and Mrs. Zhao, they couldn’t alter the old man’s decision.
Another significant development was the Yin family’s exclusion of the Wang family from their banquet for relatives and friends that year. Yin Hui nodded in understanding. The young master of the Wang family, Wang Yunshi, had played a role in harming Liao Qiuniang, suggesting he was not a person of good character. While the old man couldn’t directly intervene with other families’ descendants, he could draw a clear line with the entire Wang family.
After leaving Yin’s house, Wei Luo instructed the coachman to head to Taihe first. Taihe was the most renowned pastry store in Pingcheng, where Wei Luo had often purchased pastries during his childhood in the palace. Many times, when Wei Luo paid respects to his mother, he would share the food with her.
Although Xiao Heng wanted to accompany them, Wei Luo declined. However, his son’s pleading eyes compelled him to offer some compensation.
Upon reaching the street where Taihe was located, Chang Feng, who was following on horseback, noticed a long queue. Unable to see from the carriage, Wei Luo decided to stop on the street and sent Chang Feng to purchase Taihe’s signature pastries.
Chang Feng suggested, “I’ll go right away, but there are thirty people ahead in the queue. Why don’t you go to the nearby teahouse to drink tea first?”
Wei Luo replied, “No need.”