Emperor Yuanyou could hardly bear to look, scoffing inwardly at the so-called "wish" for Yan Zheng to top the imperial exams—no doubt that scoundrel secretly hoped Yan Zheng would fail even the preliminary county-level tests.
Like father, like son. With that rascal’s character, he could see right through him with his eyes half-closed.
"Seeing Yan Zheng so dedicated to the imperial examinations truly fills me with admiration," Prince Chu remarked with a sigh, patting Song Yanhong beside him. "Yanhong, you must learn from your elder brother."
Song Yanhong promptly stood up. "I will strive to emulate my elder brother."
His earnest expression amused Emperor Yuanyou, who had always held some fondness for this grandson who never caused him trouble. Pondering this, the Emperor added, "Just focus on walking your own path steadily."
No need to imitate his elder brother—lest he pick up only the bad habits and none of the good.
The atmosphere in the hall grew lively.
After Shen Hua'er took her seat, she exchanged glances with Song Yanchao and Song Yanming. The two brothers eagerly approached Emperor Yuanyou, even pouring tea for him personally.
"Imperial Grandfather, last night, Father appeared to me in a dream," Song Yanchao said, lowering his head.
"Oh? What did your father say?"
Emperor Yuanyou stared into his teacup, his expression unreadable.
"Father said that since he is gone, my younger brother and I must grow stronger and uphold the honor of Ping Prince's Mansion alongside our elder brother." Song Yanchao’s heart pounded like thunder. "After much thought, my brother and I wish to enlist as common soldiers and train in the military camp. If given the chance in the future, we would fight for the people of Da Qi."
"That’s right, Imperial Grandfather. My brother and I are not afraid of hardship."
Emperor Yuanyou remained silent for the time it took an incense stick to burn before finally lifting his gaze to his grandsons. "We grant your request."
"Thank you, Imperial Grandfather!" The two were overjoyed, clearly not expecting such a swift approval.
"Yu'er, inform Gu Zheng tomorrow that We are entrusting these two grandsons to him," Emperor Yuanyou said, glancing at Song Yu, who had been watching the scene with amusement. "They start as ordinary soldiers—no special treatment."
"Gladly." Song Yu grinned. Under Gu Zheng’s command, these two youngsters would shed more than a few layers of skin.
Beaming, Song Yanchao and Song Yanming returned to their seats, unaware of Emperor Yuanyou’s piercing gaze following them.
If military discipline could temper their restless spirits, then perhaps he wouldn’t need to intervene further to clear obstacles for Yu'er.
After the farewell banquet, Emperor Yuanyou retired to his chambers, fatigued and leaning on Wu Qi for support, while the others made their way toward the palace gates.
......
At the palace gates.
Watching Song Yu and Song Shihuan board their carriage, Song Xiling anxiously turned to Prince Chu. "Father, I... I’d like to bid farewell to Elder Sister. Now that she’s leaving, I find myself reluctant to part with her."
Prince Chu studied Song Xiling for a moment, his gaze alone enough to make her tremble.
"I never realized you and Ah Huan were so close. Very well, go ahead and see her off." He waved at Song Xiyan. "But return quickly."
If Xiling could forge a bond with Ah Huan, it would only benefit Chu Prince's Mansion.
Song Xiling hurried to the Qin Prince's carriage, but her gaze wasn’t fixed on Song Shihuan—it was on Song Yu.
"Why are you staring at Us?" Song Yu asked, puzzled.
Song Xiling’s eyes reddened instantly, her handkerchief crumpled beyond recognition in her grip. After several steadying breaths, she whispered, voice barely audible:
"Uncle... may I also call you Father...?"
Song Yu’s eyes nearly bulged out of his skull.
Beside him, Song Shihuan reacted swiftly, shielding Song Yu with her body and glaring at Song Xiling. How dare she try to steal her father right off the bat?
"No."
Song Yu, sensing her fear, kept his voice low to avoid being overheard outside the carriage, but his refusal was firm.
"Do you truly want a father who wastes his days on cockfights and cricket battles?" He fixed her with a penetrating stare. "Or is it because We are now in favor, and you seek to benefit?"
His blunt words sent tears rolling down Song Xiling’s cheeks like pearls.
"I only want a father who will protect me... and has the power to do so."
"Then We cannot grant your wish."
Song Xiling stumbled out of the carriage, her spirit broken. When her eyes met Prince Chu’s, a flash of hatred flickered within them.
Why was fate so unfair? Why was her father such a coward?
Inside the carriage.
Recalling how Song Shihuan had shielded him earlier, Song Yu felt as though he’d swallowed honey.
He pulled a piece of malt candy from his pocket. "Good Ah Huan, Our pouch always carries just one piece—reserved for you."
Now embarrassed by her earlier outburst, Song Shihuan quickly unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth.
Ah, so sweet!
......
On the eve of their departure, neither Emperor Yuanyou in the Purple Palace nor Song Yu in Qin Prince's Mansion slept well.
At dawn’s first light, Song Yu led his retinue toward the city gates. Song Shihuan brought only Baoxia with her, leaving the meticulous Yingchun and the matron to oversee the Qin Prince's shops.
As they neared the gates, Song Yu kept glancing back, as if searching for someone.
He even ordered the party to wait at the gates for the time it took an incense stick to burn.
"Father, Imperial Grandfather is holding morning court at this hour. He likely won’t make it," Song Shihuan said softly, reading his thoughts.
The early November chill bit through the air. Song Yu tightened his cloak. "True."
"Then let us proceed."
Just then, hoofbeats echoed from within the city. Song Yu whirled around to see Wu Qi rushing toward them, sweat beading his forehead.
"Your Highness, His Majesty ordered this servant to deliver provisions for your journey," Wu Qi panted, handing over a bundle.
Provisions?
Song Yu unwrapped it to find stacks of flatbread, its aroma instantly filling the air.
"His Majesty said that when he left Ji'an Prefecture with the late Emperor and Empress Dowager to forge his own path, he carried a bundle of flatbread made by the Empress Dowager herself. The kitchens recreated it dozens of times before His Majesty was satisfied with the taste."
Wu Qi caught his breath. "Now that Your Highness departs the capital, His Majesty insisted you have these—to aid you in achieving your ambitions."
A gust of wind blew past. Song Yu swiftly brushed his fingertips against the corner of his eye.
"We will not fail."
