"What did this prince say just now to provoke such rage from Vice Minister Xiao that he fainted in sheer anger?"
Listening to Song Yu's sarcastic tone, Xiao Zhang also felt his vision darkening.
The expressions of those present grew increasingly peculiar.
Could it be that the identity of the former imperial family had truly been exposed by Prince Qin's few words? Was the Xiao Family actually descendants of the fallen dynasty?
Prince Qin's luck... was almost too uncanny.
Song Yu lightly patted Xiao Zhang's face. "Your father named you 'Zhang,' surely placing great hopes in you. What a pity—you’re about to become the first direct descendant of the Xiao Family to meet your end."
"If your father wakes tomorrow and confesses the full truth to this prince, begging the Great Qi to spare at least one of his bloodline, our dynasty might just grant his plea." Every word Song Yu spoke struck deep into Xiao Zhang’s heart. "But that spared bloodline will never be you, Xiao Zhang."
With that, Song Yu stood and walked to the front of the crowd, all eyes fixed on Xiao Zhang, who lay on the ground like a lifeless heap.
"Guards, execute him."
The sound of blades unsheathing sent Xiao Zhang’s nerves to their breaking point.
Song Yu’s words echoed relentlessly in his mind.
Just as the blade hovered inches from his neck, Xiao Zhang shut his eyes and blurted out, "If I confess everything, will you spare my life?"
Prince Qin was right—if he died here, none of it would matter anymore.
Instantly, the faces of the court officials twisted in disbelief.
Shen Xiao, however, had grown accustomed to Song Yu’s rapid-fire interrogation tactics and even felt a hint of pride.
"Speak. This prince can promise to spare your life."
Song Yu signaled to Shen Qingping, who immediately prepared brush and paper to record the confession.
"My Xiao Family... we are the descendants of the Xiang Prince, the fallen imperial line." As Xiao Zhang spoke these words, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, his gaze defiantly locked on Song Yu. "So my status is nobler than all of yours."
Song Yu rolled his eyes dramatically.
He had no patience left for whatever came next.
"Did you record his admission about the Xiao Family’s identity?"
"Your Highness, every word is noted." Shen Qingping grinned widely, his teeth on full display.
Song Yu then stuffed a rag into Xiao Zhang’s mouth. "Nobler? Right now, your life is in this prince’s hands. Shut your filthy mouth before you spew more nonsense."
Turning to Shen Xiao, he added, "Hand him over to the Imperial Guards. I’ve done my part—the rest is up to you. Just remember to leave Xiao Zhang alive, as promised."
As Song Yu began walking away, the crowd thought the day’s torment had finally ended—until his voice rang out again:
"Oh, and make sure to execute another Xiao Family member today."
That part was crucial.
......
News of the Xiao Family’s true identity as the fallen imperial house quickly reached Emperor Yuanyou, along with a detailed account of how Song Yu had tricked Xiao Zhang into confessing.
At the Purple Palace Hall:
"These were all your words?" The emperor listened as Shen Xiao repeated the exchange verbatim, his disbelief evident as he stared at Song Yu.
Was this truly his and Fen'er’s son?
Had someone replaced him during his trip back to Yong'an County?
"Your Majesty, Prince Qin possesses exceptional talent in interrogation," Shen Xiao remarked.
Hearing praise from Shen Xiao—a man who rarely offered compliments—Emperor Yuanyou was utterly stunned.
After a brief pause, the emperor burst into laughter. "Well done! Truly worthy of being my son."
He circled Song Yu, now seeing him in an entirely new light.
"For cracking this Xiao Family conspiracy, you shall be lavishly rewarded." True to his word, the emperor’s gifts flowed like a river into the Qin Prince’s Mansion.
That night, Song Yu and Song Shihuan didn’t even return home. Instead, they stayed in the palace to celebrate the New Year’s Eve with the emperor.
Overjoyed, Emperor Yuanyou ordered warm wine served, sharing small cups with Song Yu.
"Father, may peace and prosperity be with you." Song Yu raised his cup in toast.
"Grandfather, peace and prosperity." Song Shihuan lifted her cup of milk in unison.
For a moment, the emperor’s eyes glistened. "The same to you both."
Born in poverty, he had clawed his way out of death’s grasp to establish the Great Qi Dynasty—only to lose his beloved wife.
Now, for the first time, he felt genuine gratitude toward the heavens.
......
With Xiao Zhang’s confession in hand, Shen Xiao shattered Xiao Bingsheng’s last defenses. The patriarch admitted everything about their fallen imperial lineage.
On New Year’s Day, an imperial decree was issued from the Purple Palace Hall: the Xiao Family would be exterminated to the ninth degree.
Soon after, another decree arrived at the Shen residence.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Shen Qingping, third son of the Shen Family, has rendered meritorious service in uncovering the Xiao rebellion. He is hereby promoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, rank third-grade. So it is proclaimed."
As Wu Qi finished reading, two figures—one tall, one small—emerged behind him. Song Yu smirked at Shen Qingping. "Has the new third-grade Vice Minister been struck dumb by joy? You’ve forgotten to accept the decree."
Shen Qingping snapped out of his daze.
Hadn’t they agreed that he’d safeguard the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of War until Prince Qin returned from the imperial exams? Only then would he be promoted to third-grade.
Yet here he was, a third-grade Vice Minister before the prince had even taken the exams?
"Congratulations on your promotion, Master." Song Shihuan smiled sweetly, presenting a gift. "I happened upon an ancient musical score—consider it my token of celebration."
Shen Qingping accepted both the decree and the score, his mind still reeling.
Sniffling, he muttered, "While you and the princess were away, I was nearly bullied to death."
Nearby, Shen Mingwen stumbled mid-step.
Bullied to death?
The brat had been the one terrorizing others!
Yet Song Yu and Song Shihuan ignored this, vowing loudly to avenge him—forcing Shen Mingwen to flee the scene in exasperation.
......
Time flew. By the third day of the New Year, Song Yu and Song Shihuan prepared to depart again for Yong'an County.
This time, Emperor Yuanyou, wrapped in a heavy cloak, personally escorted them to the city gates.
"Grandfather, it’s freezing outside. Return to the palace quickly."
Tears glimmered in the emperor’s eyes as he clasped Song Shihuan’s hand and patted Song Yu’s shoulder.
"Yu’er, once you pass the imperial exams, I shall name you Crown Prince."
Song Yu’s eyes blazed with ambition. Swinging his cloak aside, he knelt, his voice brimming with confidence:
"Then this Crown Prince’s seat is as good as mine."
