"Your subject Shen Mingwen pays respects to the Emperor and Prince Qin."
In the main hall, Emperor Yuanyou had arranged a soft couch behind a screen for Song Yu. Reclining on it, Song Yu held a history book identical to the one Song Shihuan was reading.
"Minister Shen, you must explain these pages to me before dawn tomorrow."
Song Yu gestured to a few pages—based on Ah Huan's reading speed, these were likely the ones she'd reach by then.
"Begin as soon as you're ready. My time is very limited."
He emphasized "very limited" pointedly.
He'd overheard the Crown Princess saying she would return tomorrow, proof that her scheming hadn't ceased!
Shen Mingwen, well aware of Song Yu's notorious reputation as a wastrel, began his explanation nervously, prepared to be dismissed at any moment.
Yet, to his surprise, Song Yu listened with unwavering focus throughout.
When confused, he even asked questions proactively.
Emperor Yuanyou's expression shifted from astonishment to numb disbelief. He turned to Wu Qi and ordered, "Not a whisper of Prince Qin's affairs is to leave this room."
Had this scoundrel truly changed his ways because of Ah Huan?
He needed to pay his respects at the ancestral altar.
......
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the Eastern Palace was thick with tension.
The Crown Prince lay on his bed, his temper flaring as he shattered a tea set. Servants knelt in terror, not daring to move.
"Your Highness." The Crown Princess signaled for the attendants to withdraw, then patted Song Xiyan beside her. "Xiyan, go comfort your father."
At the sight of Song Xiyan, the Crown Prince's expression softened.
"Well? Did she agree to return to the Eastern Palace?"
Though reluctant, even he recognized the advantages of having Song Shihuan back.
Song Xiyan burst into sobs. "Father, Sister seems to dislike us. She ignored Mother entirely, and Uncle drove us away."
"What? Song Yu dares?!" The Crown Prince tried to rise. "I will appeal to His Majesty for justice!"
"Your Highness, don’t aggravate your injuries." The Crown Princess hurried to soothe him. "The child must still resent us over that day’s events... I’ll try again tomorrow."
"Tomorrow, lay everything out plainly. Let her choose for herself."
His tone was icy—since when did the Crown Prince beg some stray girl? His disgust for Song Shihuan deepened further.
"Understood."
The Crown Princess paused, watching as Song Xiyan coaxed a laugh from the Crown Prince. Whatever sympathy she’d felt for Song Shihuan faded.
Enough.
The moment she stepped out, Song Yanzheng followed. "Mother, her return might benefit us, but think of how much Xiyan has suffered these days—forcing herself to cheer Father up even now. It pains me."
"Indeed, Xiyan has endured enough."
The Crown Princess glanced tenderly toward the room. "As your father said, we’ll make our position clear tomorrow. If she still refuses, we’ll drop the matter."
Song Yanzheng exhaled in relief.
Just last night, he’d seen Xiyan weeping alone behind the rockery.
It had shattered his heart.
A mere stray girl—even if the Emperor doted on her—how could she compare to him, the Eastern Palace’s rightful heir?
......
The next morning.
Song Shihuan took one look at Song Yu’s dark-circled eyes and felt both amusement and warmth. She tactfully offered him an excuse:
"Father, did you stay up all night reading novels again?"
"I... I acquired two riveting new ones and lost track of time." Song Yu stammered. "Ah Huan, why aren’t you reading the history book today?"
Read it!
Or else his efforts would be wasted.
Under Song Yu’s eager gaze, Song Shihuan reopened the book.
For the next while, Song Yu watched her intently, willing her to ask him about every line.
When she stumbled over a few passages, his explanations flowed effortlessly.
Praise from Song Shihuan left him dizzy with joy, his palms damp.
So this was the thrill of erudition?
Her eyes curved like crescent moons. "Father is incredible! Ah Huan will work harder to be like you."
Song Yu’s ears burned.
Just then, a matron entered. "Your Highness, Princess, the Crown Princess has arrived."
Song Yu’s face darkened instantly.
"Ah Huan, I’ll send her away. Keep reading."
He rolled up his sleeves. Trying to steal his daughter right under his nose? Did they think him dead?
"Father, let her in." Song Shihuan closed the book, subtly gesturing toward the main hall.
Silly Father—the Emperor was still watching!
The Crown Princess arrived empty-handed, her demeanor colder than yesterday.
"Your Highness, I have no questions today." Song Shihuan’s tone was distant.
"If given the choice again, would you return to the Eastern Palace?"
The Crown Princess held her gaze. "If you agree, I promise you’ll receive the same privileges as Xiyan."
Song Yu’s eyes reddened with fury.
"Sister-in-law, first you sent Ah Huan to the temple, now you want her back?" His voice dripped scorn. "Did those beatings knock sense into you?"
"Elder Brother, I carried Ah Huan for ten months."
The words struck Song Yu silent. He glanced helplessly at Song Shihuan.
He could dismiss most of her claims—but not this one.
"I refuse to go to the Eastern Palace."
Song Shihuan’s reply was a balm to Song Yu’s spirit.
"Are you certain?" The Crown Princess’s body ached as she pressed again.
"I, Song Shihuan, am the rightful daughter of Prince Qin’s household. He is my father."
She tilted her head. "You scorned me before—why seek me now? Did I suddenly become valuable?"
Humiliated, the Crown Princess stormed out.
Song Yu grinned ear to ear, bustling to pour tea. "Ah Huan, drink up!"
After obediently sipping, Song Shihuan dropped a bombshell:
"My father is better than Song Xiyan’s, right?"
When Song Yu hesitated, she pouted. "Everything her father can do, mine can! And more!"
Song Yu’s heart quaked.
He... wasn’t so sure about that.
