Qin Prince's Mansion.
Song Yu pretended to sip his tea leisurely, though his peripheral gaze never left Shen Qingping. Even Song Shihuan lingered nearby, tugging at Gu Mingliu and Gu Mingzhu’s sleeves, waiting for Shen Qingping to speak.
Finally, Gu Zheng lost his patience.
"Lord Shen, won’t you speak some sense into this?"
"My father is still alive and well—how could it be my place to speak?" Shen Qingping’s reply nearly made Song Yu choke on his tea, earning him a sharp glare.
"Forgive my bluntness, but your elder brother is a fool," Gu Zheng grumbled. "He ought to take a good look at his own brat before opening his mouth!"
"Ahem—"
Song Yu cleared his throat pointedly. His dear Shihuan was present—such language was hardly appropriate.
"General Gu, rest assured my father won’t let my brother act recklessly."
Only with Shen Qingping’s assurance did Gu Zheng relax slightly.
"General Gu, they say you can’t guard against a thief forever. Rather than letting others covet Sister Mingliu, why not personally arrange a worthy match for her?"
Song Shihuan’s sudden interjection left Gu Zheng stunned.
A worthy match for Mingliu?
"Though young, I know that to find Sister Mingliu a suitable husband, she must first note what she values most. Then, General Gu can seek a man who meets her criteria."
If one must marry, it should be to someone who fulfills every expectation.
Gu Zheng instinctively turned to Gu Mingliu. "Mingliu, what do you think?"
I appreciate the princess's kindness.
Gu Mingliu’s gentle eyes met Song Shihuan’s. She understood the princess’s concern—if this continued, her reputation might be ruined.
"I’ve actually given this much thought. Father, I request your permission to hold a martial contest for my hand in marriage."
As Gu Mingliu spoke, Song Shihuan smiled knowingly.
A martial contest.
It was the perfect method for a daughter of the Gu family.
"My elder brother is only a year older than me, yet he’s guarded the border for five years without returning. The Gu family has served loyally for generations. Any man who wishes to marry me must be capable of wielding a blade and commanding the battlefield. I care not for noble lineage, but a weakling has no right to claim me."
"Well said!" Song Yu slapped his thigh. "A true general’s daughter—your reputation is well-earned."
Seeing Gu Mingliu’s resolve, Gu Zheng’s eyes glistened. "Good! Your father grants your request."
Gu Mingliu smiled. She would secure another fierce warrior for her family.
With only her father and brother left, the Gu lineage was dwindling. As a daughter of the house, it was her duty to shoulder its burdens.
......
"Liu Xi, once the Gu family announces the martial contest, spread the news across the entire Great Qi. We mustn’t miss a single worthy candidate."
Song Shihuan gave meticulous instructions.
At the thought of Shen Zhikui, she scoffed. "When word of this contest spreads, Elder Shen’s face will surely darken."
"That Elder Shen is utterly shameless! The moment he returned, he hurled insults at our Lord Shen and even dared to covet Lady Gu." Bao Xia fumed beside her. "How could a man as upright as Lord Shen raise such a son?"
"When the heart is crooked, the path it follows twists as well."
Song Shihuan only regretted not witnessing Shen Qinghui’s expression when he learned of the martial contest.
Shen Residence.
"What? The Gu family is holding a martial contest?"
Shen Qinghui, lying prone on his bed, paled. "This is an outright insult to the Shen family!"
"Wrong." A familiar voice sounded from the doorway as Shen Qingping stepped inside, his expression dripping with mockery. "It’s an insult to you, Shen Qinghui—not the Shen family."
"Shen Qingping, I am still the eldest son of this house!" Shen Qinghui gritted through the pain, his voice strained.
"Before, when you scolded me for being unruly, I assumed you shared Father’s principles and never retorted." Shen Qingping looked down at him. "But now I see it’s you who lacks integrity."
"Third Brother, must you torment your elder brother so?" Madam Lin interjected, only to shrink under Shen Qingping’s glare.
"If you were upright, would you resent a younger brother who outshines you?"
"If you were upright, would you scorn me for tarnishing the family name while scheming to use my influence for your son’s marriage prospects?"
Shen Qinghui’s eyes widened. "How dare you slander me!"
"Without me, would you and your wife have dared to eye the Gu family’s daughter?"
Each of Shen Qingping’s words stabbed like a blade. "You’ve made me owe the Gu family a favor, and I don’t appreciate it."
"If you don’t learn your lesson, go out and ask about my methods. This is the first and last time I’ll warn you with words alone."
With a low chuckle, Shen Qingping left.
Blood ties meant little.
Even parents and children could turn against each other—let alone brothers.
He, Shen Qingping, would never let such ties blind him to those who truly cared for him.
......
With the Qin Prince's Mansion fanning the flames, news of Gu Mingliu’s martial contest spread swiftly across Great Qi.
Purple Dawn Palace.
Emperor Yuanyou hummed contentedly as tiny fists kneaded his shoulders.
"Grandfather, Sister Mingliu is holding a martial contest for marriage," Song Shihuan murmured.
"I’ve heard. A martial contest suits the Gu family well."
"Grandfather, once the contest ends, might you grant the winner a chance to train in the military?" Her kneading grew more earnest.
For commoners, Gu Zheng’s word alone could secure enlistment. But for the Gu family, the Emperor’s approval was needed.
"Oh? Did the Gu family ask this of you?"
Emperor Yuanyou’s gaze sharpened. Any ruler would weigh carefully when it came to military power.
Song Shihuan shook her head like a rattle-drum. "I asked on my own. If you grant this, consider it my way of repaying the Gu family for my teacher’s sake."
She then recounted Shen Qinghui’s misdeeds in detail.
"The same soil grows wheat and weeds alike. I’ll console Shen Qing myself another day. As for your request—granted."
Delighted to have found fresh material to tease Shen Qing, Emperor Yuanyou chuckled mischievously.
One Shen Qingping was enough for the Shen family.
Heaven truly was just.
