Song Yu quickly recounted the events to the young man.
The boy’s eyes were red with fury as he spat out, "I want Cui Qian to pay with his life."
"Don’t worry. Cui Qian has committed countless evils—he will pay the price."
Song Yu swallowed, his throat dry, his voice trembling as his heart pounded violently:
"But there’s one thing I must ask you. Did your sister bring back... some silver, and a peachwood plaque like this?"
As the boy pondered, Song Yu prayed to the heavens with unprecedented fervor in his heart.
Please, let Ah Huan be safe.
The next moment, the boy spoke. "Yes, when my sister returned, she said she’d met a kind soul who gave her silver to buy medicine for our grandmother."
"Then she ran out again, saying she’d work as a maid for a wealthy family to earn more. As for the peachwood plaque, is this the one you mean?"
From the wall of the house, the boy took down a peachwood plaque.
"The kind soul gave this to my sister, saying it would bring her protection," the boy added after a pause. "But in the end, my grandmother still passed away."
Song Yu stared at the two characters carved into the plaque—Shihuan.
His vision darkened.
His body, strained to its limit, finally gave way, and he collapsed unconscious.
In the last flicker of awareness, a barely visible tear escaped the corner of Song Yu’s eye.
When Shen Qingping arrived with his men, he found Song Yu lying motionless on the ground, the peachwood plaque clutched tightly in his hand.
Shen Qingping bowed deeply to the boy. "Could you do us a favor?"
A gust of wind swept past.
Song Yu’s disheveled hair revealed a few silver strands at his temples.
......
Eastern Palace, capital.
"Your Highness, the Qin Prince's Mansion is openly defying you by disregarding your orders," Shen Hua'er said indignantly, feigning sympathy for the Crown Prince. "Your command was delivered, yet Song Shihuan acted as if she hadn’t heard."
"That girl has indeed been raised poorly."
Humiliated, the Crown Prince’s goodwill toward Song Shihuan vanished.
"Any news from His Majesty?" he asked, a nagging unease in his heart. His father was in robust health—how could anger have kept him unconscious for so long?
"I’ve already spoken to my grandaunt. The moment there’s movement in the Purple Palace, she’ll send word," Shen Hua'er reassured, mentioning Consort Mei.
Only then did the Crown Prince relax slightly.
"Father, we must act before Uncle returns to the capital," Song Yanzheng interjected. "Once he’s back, with his defiance even against imperial decrees, we’ll have no leverage."
"Yes, if we wait until His Majesty wakes, he’ll surely shield the Qin Prince's Mansion. This opportunity will be wasted," Song Yanming added urgently.
"Your Highness, the Qin Prince’s change began when Song Shihuan entered his household, didn’t it?"
Shen Hua'er’s words sharpened the Crown Prince’s gaze.
"Even if Song Shihuan is later proven innocent, the mere fact of imprisonment will stain her reputation forever, hindering her marriage prospects. With such a blemish, the Qin Prince will no longer dote on her as before."
"Driving a wedge between Song Yu and Song Shihuan will return him to his former reckless ways—a great advantage for you."
Shen Hua'er had never pinned her hopes on the Crown Prince but on Song Yanzheng.
Having the Crown Prince drag the Qin Prince's Mansion down with him in his final days was a calculated gain.
"You’re right," the Crown Prince resolved. "We must act swiftly. No more delays."
He turned to Song Yanchao. "Yanchao, your elder brother is unwell. You will go to the Qin Prince's Mansion in my stead, with Wu Ming and his men."
Song Yanchao’s spirits lifted instantly.
"Father, I will not fail you."
......
Outside the Qin Prince's Mansion.
Liuxi’s eyes narrowed as Song Yanchao arrived with officers from the Court of Judicial Review.
"Second Imperial Grandson."
"Step aside."
Song Yanchao glared coldly at Liuxi. "This is His Highness’s direct order—Princess Fu'an is to accompany us for questioning. Blocking me is a grave offense."
"Forgive me, Second Imperial Grandson, but the Prince left strict orders: no one but His Majesty may take the Princess away."
"Insolence! A mere servant dares to defy my father’s authority?" Song Yanchao’s expression darkened. "Men, force your way in."
Previously, Wu Ming had hesitated, mindful of his rank. But Song Yanchao had no such reservations.
He took a crossbow from an attendant. "Perfect timing—I’ve been practicing archery. Let’s see how this insolent servant fares as my target."
Before the stunned crowd, Song Yanchao drew his bow, aiming at Liuxi.
The onlookers, who had initially relished the Eastern Palace’s intervention, fell silent. This Second Imperial Grandson... was he not just as ruthless?
The arrow whistled through the air—until Baoxia darted from the mansion, shoving Liuxi aside. The arrow embedded itself in the wall.
"You dare evade me?"
Song Yanchao’s fury flared, but a fiery figure emerged from the Qin Prince's Mansion.
"Song Yanchao, didn’t I beat you thoroughly last time? You dare cause trouble here again?"
The woman before him showed no trace of sorrow—only defiance.
Song Yanchao laughed mockingly. "Song Shihuan, finally done hiding? Men, escort Princess Fu'an to the Court of Judicial Review."
His men advanced, but the Qin Prince's guards swiftly shielded Song Shihuan.
"Resistance is futile. I’m here to take you today," Song Yanchao sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. "The Eastern Palace upholds justice, unlike the Qin Prince, who indulges in favoritism."
Glancing at the shaken Liuxi, Song Shihuan’s aura turned icy.
Just as Song Yanchao ordered her arrest, the thunder of hooves approached.
Song Yu, dust-covered from his journey, dismounted and instantly positioned himself between Song Shihuan and the threat.
Meeting Song Yu’s gaze, Song Yanchao faltered.
"Uncle, I’m only following Father’s orders to... escort Ah Huan for questioning."
"Your father’s orders?" Song Yu smirked. "They mean nothing."
"Wu Ming, I have new evidence. Summon Cui Qian for interrogation—immediately."
