Qin Bohan felt quite helpless; the longer he served in the court, the more he realized that someone like him from a humble background, managing to reach his current position, was truly dependent on the perfect timing, environment, and synergy.

Back then, he happened to encounter the current Emperor’s discontent with those old aristocrats, feeling they wielded too much power, and wanted to promote talented individuals from humble origins to counter those aristocrats, and he was the one selected.

He did not disappoint the Emperor’s expectations, knowing that if he truly wished to stand out in the court, he could only be the blade in the Emperor’s hand.

He, Zhu Haoran, and Chen Wenbai, despite their varying lengths of service with the Emperor, were greatly trusted by His Majesty for the same reason.

Do not be fooled by their current favored status with the Emperor; should the time come when they must be sacrificed, the Emperor would not be inclined to show mercy.

And those aristocrats, even if the Emperor wanted to weaken them, would need to proceed discreetly and gradually, lest a big move provoke dissatisfaction and unification among them.

After all these years in court, witnessing too much, he asked himself honestly that he too had ambitions, hoping for the Qin Family to stand firm and prosper for generations.

Not wanting to just be a fleeting existence, he hoped to avoid disappearing after leaving office when his contributions are forgotten.

Thus, he had been contemplating how to seek a retreat for the Qin Family while loyal to the Emperor.

Only that a good opportunity had always eluded him.

But the arrival of Song Chongjin finally gave him hope.

Qin Bohan, though his own son was not promising, had married a well-educated and reputable lady, who had already given birth to a grandson. Although the child was only two or three years old, he seemed to show considerable potential, stronger than his father at least.

If he worked hard, personally educating his grandson by his side, as long as he could hold on until the boy grew up, the Qin Family would have hope for succession.

This plan was only concealed within his heart, briefly mentioned in vague terms to his old wife.

Qin Bohan’s old wife, due to her humble origins, followed by rising in status with her husband’s success, initially faced disdain when socializing during Qin Bohan’s early low-ranking official days, and thus later avoided interactions and socializing.

Even after Qin Bohan secured high office, meeting people who greeted her with smiling faces, she became fearful and stayed home.

Thus, her vision was somewhat short, and her knowledge fairly limited.

Especially after marrying such a high-born daughter-in-law, she felt incapable of asserting herself as a mother-in-law, constantly stepping aside.

Moreover, since that daughter-in-law was indeed capable, taking over the household management rights from Qin Bohan’s old wife after entering the family, running things smoothly in just a few months.

Qin Bohan’s old wife grew increasingly self-conscious, not only failing to impose herself as a mother-in-law but also obeyed her daughter-in-law’s every word.

If Qin Bohan hadn’t been in control and the daughter-in-law was not so virtuous, the Qin Family’s inner quarters might have turned into a joke of a timid mother-in-law and a bold daughter-in-law.

But today, a loyal assistant’s remark alerted Qin Bohan, indicating his daughter-in-law’s growing ambitions.

His assistant, normally very measured, was one of the few respected by the Qin Family, apart from him, his old wife held some sway over them.

But the old wife, despite her limited insight, always believed in women managing the inner affairs and men the outer, not interfering with the major affairs managed by men outside, never speaking out of turn throughout the years.

This time, it was likely his seemingly virtuous daughter-in-law playing tricks, coaxing the old wife to speak out.

Reflecting on the in-laws, seemingly neutral scholarly family in court, their kinship relations were remarkable, nearly every family in court had been linked to them by marriage.

Back then, he had thoroughly evaluated this family, bearing a longstanding reputation, with a family of scholars, dignified and only slightly lesser than the Gu Family.

At one point, he desired to secure a daughter from the Gu Family for his son, though Gu Changqing had no daughters, there was an unmarried niece.

Unfortunately, after careful consideration and fearing the Emperor’s suspicion, he abandoned the idea and switched to the family he chose now.

Reflecting now, seeing his daughter-in-law’s actions, the in-laws may not be as noble and indifferent to fame and fortune as believed.

If known this earlier, he might as well have braved the Emperor’s suspicion to seek the daughter from the Second Wife of the Gu Family for his son.

If Wang Yongzhu knew, he might mock him. Thankfully, you didn’t pursue, otherwise, given Gu Zimei’s nature, upon marrying into the Qin Family, the Gu and Qin Families would likely feud rather than bond.

Fortunately, Qin Bohan didn’t know, feeling regretful briefly but then brushed it aside.

His mind mostly focused on solving matters here; in the Capital City, less than a month away, so many issues had arisen, although knowing it wouldn’t lead to major trouble, but lacking personal involvement made him uneasy.

Qin Bohan felt the urgency, added to by the apparent rush from the grassland side.

Both sides determined to negotiate, regardless, soon after the snow stopped, even as the snow piled to the knees could not hinder the negotiation resolve.

Due to Qin Bohan’s involvement, the negotiation team instantly grew by dozens, including his aides, accompanied by guards assigned by the Emperor. Furthermore, military teams were arranged, fearing any accident involving Qin Bohan.

It must be noted, others facing mishaps would be manageable, but if Qin Bohan incurred any harm, those Military Generals risked losing their positions, fearing his life compensation.

Thus extra caution was exercised.

The negotiation team previously numbering mere dozens, suddenly grew nearly double.

Just after the snow ceased, the cold wind fiercely howled, slicing through the faces like razors.

Everyone was bundled up like bears, arduously advancing on horseback.

From afar, the grassland side seemed more populated than before, slowly heading towards the negotiation site.

Both sides observing each other from a distance paused briefly, then quickened the pace.

Once barely reaching the negotiation site, both teams were exhausted.

Moreover, the site inside was still freezing, everyone temporarily waited outside, each side sending members inside to tidy up, igniting fire pits.

Both sides increased numbers, revealing many unfamiliar faces.

The leading figure on the grassland side stood out notably.

With striking appearance, facial contours revealing several Western Region traits, high nose, deeper-set eyes, even his pupils, ordinary at first glance, glinted green at varying angles.

The young man seeming youthful, dressed luxuriously, distinct from others, exuding a domineering air, disregarding those around.

Though previous negotiators from the grassland side, sons of grassland nobility with decent standing, showed particular respect towards him.

With a proud demeanor, he slightly inclined his head, listening to the grassland side’s introductions of Great Chu’s officials.

Naturally introducing Song Chongjin first, the young man intently stared at Song Chongjin momentarily, issuing a vague snort.

Then he shifted his gaze to Qin Bohan standing two steps ahead of Song Chongjin, finally speaking leisurely: "Who is that old man?"