Time passed swiftly, and Song Shihuan had already spent a full month recuperating in the Zichen Hall.
Main Hall.
Shen Mingwen knelt before Emperor Yuanyou, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Your Majesty, I believe Prince Qin possesses an extraordinary talent for learning. He grasps the essence of everything I teach after just one explanation."
At the mention of the word "talent," Emperor Yuanyou nearly choked on his lunch.
This reaction was hardly surprising. In recent days, the emperor had heard the word "talent" more times than he had in half his lifetime.
The moment he stepped out of court, the Crown Prince would buzz around him like a fly, endlessly praising Xi Yan as a child of remarkable talent, destined to become the jewel of the Great Qi.
When he visited Kunning Palace, the Empress would weave subtle hints into her words, extolling Xi Yan as the epitome of talent among noble maidens in the capital.
Even when he met with his grandchildren, Yan Zheng would earnestly come forward to testify to Xi Yan's brilliance.
Emperor Yuanyou couldn't fathom it—was talent something to be proclaimed by mere words?
"Wu Qi, show Shen Mingwen this."
Wu Qi promptly handed a sheet of paper to Shen Mingwen, who examined it carefully before cautiously remarking, "Your Majesty, this appears to be a poem written by a young lady. The style is rather naive, fit only for idle amusement."
Emperor Yuanyou instantly felt relieved.
This was more like it. At his age of over sixty, he had begun doubting his own judgment.
In his eyes, Xi Yan was simply a diligent and hardworking child.
What was wrong with diligence? He didn’t just favor talented children—he equally admired those who persevered through effort.
Finally finding someone who shared his view, the emperor relaxed and narrowed his eyes. "Now, who did you say was talented?"
"Your Majesty, Prince Qin."
"Who?" Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes widened. Wait—wasn’t that scoundrel the one he had enfeoffed as Prince Qin?
He only had four sons—surely he couldn’t have mixed them up.
"Prince Qin."
Shen Mingwen’s booming voice made the emperor’s heart tremble.
......
Eastern Palace.
In an opulent courtyard, all the palace servants waiting outside held their breaths as the sound of crashing objects echoed from within.
"Spare me, Princess! Spare me!"
Song Xiyan viciously pinched the soft flesh at her maid’s waist, her face twisted with malice far beyond her years.
"Why did Grandfather call me a slow bird that must fly early? Chun, tell me—am I stupid?"
The maid named Chun trembled violently. "Your Highness is the most intelligent young lady in all of Great Qi."
"Lies!"
A sharp slap struck Chun’s face as Song Xiyan gnashed her teeth. "If even Grandfather doesn’t think I’m clever, how dare you say otherwise? Are you defying His Majesty’s judgment?"
When Song Yanzheng entered, this was the scene that greeted him.
"Defying the Emperor’s will? Guards, take her away and deal with her." His tone was indifferent, but his expression softened into fondness as he turned to Song Xiyan. "Xi Yan, this time, it’s my fault."
Chun’s cries for mercy faded into silence, leaving the other servants trembling in fear.
To the outside world, Princess Fuyun was a celestial beauty, but only those who served her knew the true horror lurking beneath.
Every year, several palace servants vanished from this courtyard.
"Brother, that wild girl must be gloating now, laughing at me behind my back!" Song Xiyan buried herself in Song Yanzheng’s embrace, her voice thick with tears.
"Don’t cry. I’ll make her pay."
Song Yanzheng gently patted her back, his expression darkening. "To think she turned the tables on us—we underestimated her."
"I want her to become a laughingstock in everyone’s eyes, just like Song Yu, the kingdom’s biggest fool!" Song Xiyan lifted her tear-streaked face. "Brother, you’ll help me, won’t you?"
"Of course. Have I ever refused you anything?"
Song Yanzheng continued soothing her. "Tomorrow, she’ll return to the Qin Prince's Mansion. Unlike Zichen Hall, there will be plenty of opportunities for us to act."
At this, Song Xiyan finally smiled through her tears. "I knew you’d never let me down."
Song Yanzheng ruffled her hair affectionately. "When Mother was pregnant with you, we sought Master Fuyuan to divine your fate. He said your birth would ensure the prosperity of the Eastern Palace."
"Brother, I’ve heard this a thousand times!" Song Xiyan giggled. She was born into nobility, and one day, she would be the most exalted princess of Great Qi.
As for Song Shihuan? She would crush her beneath her feet.
"No matter how many times you hear it, I’ll keep saying it." Song Yanzheng’s gaze softened. "The master said we owed a debt to the child in Mother’s womb—a cycle of a thousand years before we could make amends."
"You are the Eastern Palace’s lucky star. Who else would we cherish if not you?"
Song Xiyan toyed with the hem of his sleeve. "If only Master Fuyuan were still alive—I’d love to meet him."
"The master passed into Nirvana the day after your divination."
"What a shame," she muttered.
......
Back in Zichen Hall, Song Yu and Song Shihuan had already packed their belongings for their departure the next day when Emperor Yuanyou suddenly arrived, staring intently at Song Yu.
"What... what is it?"
Song Yu stammered under the scrutiny, mentally reviewing his recent actions—none of which had been remotely improper.
Straightening his back, he reassured himself: a clear conscience fears no accusation.
"Nothing." The emperor’s voice turned uncharacteristically gentle, sending shivers down Song Yu’s spine. He leapt back in alarm—something was off.
"Is there something on my face?" He couldn’t resist touching his cheek.
Emperor Yuanyou merely chuckled before turning to Song Shihuan. "Ah Huan, how are your studies on the historical records progressing?"
"Your Majesty, I’ve finished more than half of this volume."
Song Shihuan, too, sensed the emperor’s odd behavior and began to suspect his intentions.
The emperor nodded approvingly. "Then I shall test you. Answer correctly, and I’ll grant you another wish. How does that sound?"
"Truly?" She feigned delight. "Your Majesty may quiz me as you please."
A series of questions followed, each met with flawless responses.
Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes brightened with each answer. It seemed talent wasn’t exclusive to that scoundrel—his dear granddaughter was equally gifted!
Shen Mingwen had disclosed everything he had taught Prince Qin, so the emperor knew many of Ah Huan’s answers included her own insights.
Photographic memory, deductive brilliance—this was true talent.
"Magnificent!"
The emperor clapped in admiration, his joy unmistakable.
"Ah Huan, once you finish this volume, should you wish to read more, you need only ask."
"Your Majesty needn’t worry. The Qin Prince's Mansion has its own library—I’ll have plenty to study there." She smiled sweetly. "And if I encounter difficulties, Father will explain them to me."
Song Yu’s internal alarms blared instantly.
