At this moment, Qin Fang couldn’t verify what Wei Wu had said, but since Wei Wu had spoken up in front of so many people, Qin Fang could only respond, “Even if she is an old acquaintance, Young Master Wei, one should not joke about a woman’s reputation. A woman’s honor is as important as a man’s loyalty and filial piety. I ask that you take it seriously.”

Wei Wu knew he was in the wrong.

In the capital, he and his peers of equal status were used to joking around.

Usually, when they joked about a maid or a young woman, nothing serious ever happened.

So this time, he had spoken without thinking. Wei Wu apologized, “Please forgive me, Captain Qin. That was my mistake.”

Qin Fang wasn’t familiar with the personalities of these noble sons, but seeing that Wei Wu had a good attitude, he didn’t want to dwell on the matter any longer.

He said, “However, since you and my wife are old acquaintances, it’s only natural for me to show some extra hospitality. Tonight, I’ll host a meal for you, Young Master Wei, on behalf of my wife.”

Wei Wu didn’t really want to go; he still felt some fear toward Qin Fang.

But since Qin Fang had extended the invitation, he couldn’t refuse, so he said, “Alright.”

Qin Fang then said, “Alright, everyone, take a break. We still have duties tonight, so don’t slack off.”

“Yes, sir.”

As Qin Fang left the group, he turned to Kunshi, one of his men, and said, “Go to the family quarters and inform my wife about what happened here.”

Kunshi replied, “Yes, sir.”

At the family quarters, Yang Haiyan was teaching Qin Siya embroidery.

Over the past month, Qin Siya had been very diligent in both literacy and needlework, progressing rapidly.

Every three days, there was a test, and she could now recognize 30 characters, earning herself a reward of three coins.

At the door, Granny Lian called, “Madam, Captain Kun is here, under orders from the Commander to see you.”

Yang Haiyan was a bit surprised. “Invite Captain Kun to the study.”

“Yes, madam.”

Kunshi entered the study, greeted Yang Haiyan respectfully, and relayed the events from the camp.

Upon hearing this, Yang Haiyan felt a headache coming on.

Years ago, the Yang family had been engaged to the Wei family, and everyone thought the two families were on the same side.

But later, when the Yang family was executed and the Wei family became trusted by the emperor, things became more complicated.

Though the specifics weren’t mentioned in the storybooks, Yang Haiyan could guess that the alliance between the two families hadn’t been simple.

The Yang family had clearly been used and betrayed.

Being a modern woman, Yang Haiyan had no interest in the power struggles and wealth of the ancient world.

She truly didn’t want to acknowledge any bond with Wei Wu.

In her heart, she only wished for Qin Fang to retire and live a peaceful life in Baili Village.

But Qin Fang wanted to make a name for himself, and she wouldn’t stop him, knowing that he was a man of this time with different aspirations.

But why had Wei Wu dragged her into this?

Although accepting a godparent relationship could help preserve her reputation, she didn’t need it.

She was doing just fine as she was.

Moreover, in the original novel, Wei Wu hadn’t even been mentioned.

Though it did describe how noble sons from prestigious families came to the camp, it was mostly focused on Yang Dahua’s perspective, so there was little detail about the military.

The few mentions of noble sons only referred to how they resented Han Zhen, a commoner, and how Han Zhen taught them a lesson.

Yang Haiyan was flooded with emotions.

She wrote a letter to Qin Fang, explaining the complicated history between the Yang family and the Wei family.

She also shared her suspicions that the Wei family had betrayed the Yang family after the latter failed in their political maneuverings.

It was clear to anyone with half a brain what had happened.

In her letter, she also advised Qin Fang not to worry too much about these noble sons.

They wouldn’t stay long at the border—at most two or three years.

They would either return home without any merit or return home with honors.

She suggested he shouldn’t bother disciplining them; he just needed to handle things on the surface.

Bluntly speaking, this was still the Yonghe Marquis’s territory.

And even more bluntly, according to the original plot, when that particular prince ascended the throne, both the Yonghe Marquis and Han Zhen would become his trusted allies.

No one else would be able to take control here.

Even if that prince didn’t ascend in this timeline, the emperor wouldn’t move against the Yonghe Marquis for the next ten years or so.

Although the emperor had infiltrated the territory, the real authority still lay with the Yonghe Marquis.

After reading the letter, Qin Fang understood that Yang Haiyan didn’t want to have much contact with Wei Wu, so he formulated a plan.

He burned the letter in the brazier and then went to invite Wei Wu to dinner at the mess hall.

Wei Wu was still anxious, thinking he might avoid having dinner with Qin Fang, but Qin Fang arrived.

Wei Wu greeted, “Captain Qin.”

Qin Fang responded, “Young Master Wei, dinner is ready.”

Wei Wu chuckled awkwardly. “Commander Qin, you’re too kind.”

Qin Fang replied, “As you are a guest from afar, it’s only right. However, I do have a small favor to ask of you.”

Wei Wu was surprised and said, “Please, Commander Qin, feel free to ask.”

Qin Fang had rehearsed his words many times in his mind before speaking, “Young Master Wei, I understand that during the sparring earlier, you brought up the matter of being a sworn sibling to my wife to protect her reputation. However, I kindly ask that you don’t mention it again. First, as a nobleman, if word of this reaches the capital, it could harm your family’s reputation. If, someday, you were to arrange a marriage, rumors of you recognizing a maid as your sworn sister could damage your own standing.

Secondly, you’ve just arrived in Yongzhou, and if you one day achieve military merit, people might say it was only because you were favored by me, your supposed brother-in-law. That would tarnish your achievements.

Lastly, my wife is still a woman, and even if you claimed the relationship of sworn siblings, the world is harsh on women. If malicious people spread rumors, it could destroy both your honor and hers. In such a case, my wife would have no choice but to take her own life to defend her reputation.”

Wei Wu froze, and the mention of taking one’s life reminded him of Miss Yang.

After a moment, he said, “It was my mistake, and I was indeed too forward. Please forgive me, Commander Qin. But I assure you that there is absolutely nothing inappropriate between me and Madam Qin. I hope you can believe me.”

Qin Fang responded, “Of course, I believe you.”

He could tell that Wei Wu wasn’t someone frivolous, but perhaps due to his high status from birth, he was somewhat presumptuous.

Besides, even if Qin Fang didn’t fully trust Wei Wu, he certainly trusted his wife.

Meanwhile, the Qin household was lively, as Meng An and Chen Dashi were getting married.

Though the servants’ quarters weren’t large, they managed to set up two tables for the feast.

Meng An and Chen’s families shared the cost, so it wasn’t expensive.

Yang Haiyan had also gifted two chickens, which were made into two large bowls of soup, adding an impressive touch to the meal.

There were separate tables for men and women, and the atmosphere was lively.

The feast was held at noon, as the evening was less convenient.

Yang Haiyan didn’t eat much, just a few bites, before she set down her chopsticks.

She then took out a sachet and said, “Meng An, congratulations on your marriage. I wish you and Chen Siwei a long and happy life together with many children.”

Meng An accepted the sachet and said, “Thank you, Madam.”

After giving her gift, Yang Haiyan excused herself, knowing that her presence made it hard for the others to relax and enjoy their meal.

As soon as she left, Meng Qiu’s wife urged Meng An, “Meng An, quickly open the gift Madam gave you!”

Meng An hesitated, “Right now?”

Meng Qiu’s wife insisted, “Why not? Open it!”

Knowing her sister-in-law’s nature, Meng An complied.

She emptied the sachet into her hand, revealing a pair of pearl earrings that sparkled in the sunlight.

Meng An was filled with joy as she gazed at the earrings.

Meng Qiu’s wife exclaimed, “They’re beautiful!”

Madam Qin was indeed generous.

Meng An nodded in agreement, feeling grateful.

……

Time quickly passed, and soon it was May 28th.

Since Qin Fang had been on duty the previous night, he could rest during the day.

Moreover, he had the 29th and 30th off, so after his shift on the 28th, he planned to return home for breakfast, knowing his wife would have something saved for him.

Over this period, he hadn’t interacted much with Wei Wu, treating him like any other soldier.

Besides, they had few opportunities to meet, as Wei Wu followed the centurions on duty, which wasn’t Qin Fang’s responsibility.

After changing out of his commander’s uniform and packing it to take home for cleaning, Qin Fang left his tent and bumped into Wei Wu, who had clearly come looking for him.

Qin Fang raised an eyebrow, “Does Young Master Wei need something?”

Wei Wu chuckled awkwardly, “Commander Qin, I’d like to ask you a favor.”

Qin Fang asked, “What is it?”

Wei Wu replied, “Could you bring me some cakes from your wife’s bakery when you return after your break? There’s nothing good to eat around here, and her bakery’s cakes are the best.”

Qin Fang considered it, not wanting to refuse outright, so he said, “I won’t be back until the first of May, which is three days from now.”

“Ah?” Wei Wu seemed disappointed. “That’s a bit long… never mind then.”

Qin Fang didn’t say more and left with Kun Shi to head home.

When Qin Fang arrived home, he was informed that his wife was out in the countryside.

After having breakfast, he quickly set off to find her.

Yang Haiyan had gone to inspect the fruits and vegetables.

She found life in the family quarters a bit too dull. If not for spending her time embroidering and selling her work, she felt she might go crazy with boredom.

As her carriage arrived at the entrance of the estate, Niu Da, who was always there, emerged from the grounds.

He spent his days inspecting everything, never leaving the estate.

Seeing Hong Shu driving the carriage, he called out, “Uncle Hong.”

Uncle Hong dismounted, saying, “Madam has arrived.”

In the carriage were Yang Haiyan and Granny Lian, accompanied by Chen Dashi as their escort.