A few days later, during the morning court assembly.
"I have heard that the people of the northern deserts are starving, so I have ordered the Ministry of Revenue to prepare a large quantity of grain to be transported there," Emperor Yuanyou announced, prompting the civil and military officials to straighten their postures.
"Your Majesty is truly wise and benevolent."
"The Emperor's grace moves heaven and earth!"
As soon as Emperor Yuanyou finished speaking, a flood of praises surged forth.
Song Yu rolled his eyes dramatically. The silver for this had come from him—from his own pocket! It had wiped out half of the Qin Prince's Mansion's current wealth!
Emperor Yuanyou, sensing Song Yu's displeasure, shot him a guilty glance and cleared his throat. "Given the sheer volume of grain this time, I intend to appoint a special envoy to oversee its delivery and investigate the situation in the northern deserts."
"Which of my esteemed ministers is willing to take on this task?"
The moment the Emperor posed the question, many officials began scheming. Delivering relief grain was a mission that could earn them a good reputation. If handled well, it would not only win them the people's favor but also the Emperor's attention—a double victory.
Before anyone else could speak, Sun You immediately stepped forward, his eyes gleaming.
"Your Majesty, this humble servant Sun You is willing to escort the grain to the northern deserts."
"Having served in the Ministry of Revenue for many years, and with the grain being prepared by the Ministry, if Your Majesty grants me this duty, I guarantee it will reach the people of the northern deserts safely."
At the sight of Sun You, Emperor Yuanyou frowned.
He might be getting older, but he wasn’t senile!
His current impression of Sun You could be summed up in one word—unreliable.
Just as he was about to refuse, Song Yu cut in, "Sun You has served in the Ministry of Revenue for years without credit but certainly with toil. Now that he’s volunteered for this mission, Father, it’s only fair that you give him this opportunity."
Song Yu was desperate to prevent Emperor Yuanyou from rejecting Sun You.
When he heard Sun You speak up, he had nearly laughed out loud.
Heaven was truly on his side!
Emperor Yuanyou couldn’t openly undermine Song Yu in front of the court, so he reluctantly agreed. The moment court adjourned, however, the Emperor’s temper flared. He kicked Song Yu.
"You fool! Have you forgotten what the Sun family is like?"
"Father, just a few days ago you called me your proudest son. Now, after mere days, I’m a fool again?" Song Yu retorted. "Do you think I don’t know Sun You is unreliable?"
"Then what were you thinking, making me agree to let him escort the grain?"
"If Sun You dares to lay a finger on that grain, Father, I won’t let him off easily."
Emperor Yuanyou instantly grasped Song Yu’s true intentions.
He kicked him again, though with less force.
So this rascal was setting a trap for the Sun family. Clever—just like him!
......
Meanwhile, at Prince Chu's Mansion.
"Your Highness, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Sun You exclaimed, his usual timid and cautious demeanor gone, replaced by excitement. "I’ve just inspected the grain—it’s enough to exchange for a massive sum of silver."
"Truly?" Prince Chu’s eyes lit up.
"With the Qin Prince controlling the court, our situation grows more precarious by the day," Sun You said, a flash of hatred in his eyes. "We need silver to win over local officials, Your Highness. We cannot let this chance slip away."
"But during court today... why did Song Yu speak in your favor?"
A thought flickered in Prince Chu’s mind but vanished before he could grasp it. Something felt off, but he couldn’t pinpoint what.
"Probably because the journey to the northern deserts is long and arduous, and he wanted to make me suffer," Sun You sneered. "Little did he know he’s paved the way for us."
"In that case, the grain is in your hands."
Prince Chu patted Sun You’s shoulder. "Do it quietly. Don’t get caught."
"Your Highness need not worry. I’ve handled such matters before—I’ll leave no traces." Sun You smiled confidently. The northern deserts were a world away from the capital. Who would bother checking how much grain actually reached the people?
Prince Chu and Sun You exchanged knowing smiles.
Outside the room, Song Yanhong’s mind reeled in shock. His father and uncle... they actually dared to...
"Fourth Imperial Grandson."
A servant’s voice snapped the two men inside back to attention. Prince Chu pushed the door open. "Yanhong, what are you doing here? When did you arrive?"
Summoning all his strength, Song Yanhong forced a smile. "I just got here. I was about to have someone announce me."
Seeing no unusual reaction from Song Yanhong, Prince Chu relaxed slightly.
He couldn’t have heard anything.
......
On the twenty-second day of the seventh month, the wedding took place.
The Gu residence was adorned with lanterns and red silk, the entire household brimming with joy.
When Song Yu and Song Shihuan arrived, Gu Zheng was already waiting at the gate with Yu Fan to welcome them.
The moment he saw Song Yu and Song Shihuan, Yu Fan moved to kneel.
"I have yet to personally thank Your Highness and the County Princess for arranging the grain. I—"
Song Yu quickly pulled him up. "Today is your joyous occasion. We’ve come to celebrate—no need for formalities. The grain convoy will depart tomorrow, just in time for the people of the northern deserts to share in your happiness."
"Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, County Princess."
Inside the Gu residence, Song Yu and Song Shihuan were treated like priceless porcelain, with everyone tiptoeing around them, afraid to offend.
When the auspicious hour arrived, Yu Fan and Gu Mingliu performed their wedding rites before the gathered guests. Even the servants were permitted to crowd outside the courtyard, straining for a glimpse.
Just then, Gu Mingzhu tugged at Song Shihuan’s sleeve from behind, signaling her to follow.
A short while later, the two mischievous girls sneaked into the bridal chamber.
"Mingzhu, what... what are we doing here?" Song Shihuan whispered, her voice laced with panic. This was Gu Mingliu and Yu Fan’s wedding chamber!
"Shh—"
Gu Mingzhu blinked innocently. "They say children bring good fortune. Early this morning, my father even made me roll around on this bed several times!"
"The County Princess is noble and clever—surely your blessings are even greater!" Gu Mingzhu’s next words left Song Shihuan gaping. "Let’s hide under the bed and give Big Sister and Brother-in-law extra luck!"
Song Shihuan gulped.
She knew this was wrong.
But the temptation was irresistible...
After an internal struggle, she followed Gu Mingzhu under the bed, where the two girls waited, wide-eyed, for the newlyweds to arrive.
They waited for a full hour.
Song Shihuan marveled at her own energy—apparently, mischief fueled boundless patience.
Finally, footsteps approached. Song Shihuan’s eyes sparkled—they were here!
