On the day of Gu Mingliu and Yu Fan's grand wedding, Song Yanhong entered the palace once again.
Standing outside the Zichen Hall, Song Yanhong's mind was filled with Emperor Yuanyou's reprimands from his last visit. Yet, for the sake of Prince Chu's Mansion, he mustered his courage and said,
"May I trouble Eunuch Wu to announce my arrival? I have... something very important to discuss with His Majesty."
Wu Qi glanced at Song Yanhong and hurried inside to relay the message.
Half an incense stick later, Song Yanhong stood before Emperor Yuanyou.
"What brings you here?" the emperor asked.
Song Yanhong knelt immediately. "Grandfather, I beg you not to send Uncle Sun You to deliver the grain. His household has faced many upheavals recently. I fear... if he leaves, further chaos may erupt in his absence."
"So, you don’t want Sun You to escort the grain to the northern deserts?"
Emperor Yuanyou set down the memorial in his hand and finally looked directly at Song Yanhong.
When Song Yanhong nodded, the emperor’s interest was piqued. He pressed further, "Is your objection solely due to the disturbances in the Sun household, or is there another reason?"
"Yes," Song Yanhong replied after a long hesitation.
Instantly, disappointment flashed in Emperor Yuanyou’s eyes.
"Enough. Household matters pale in comparison to affairs of state. Sun You will proceed with the grain delivery as planned."
The emperor lowered his head to resume reading the memorial, releasing a heavy sigh.
After leaving the Zichen Hall, Song Yanhong felt numb, moving through the palace corridors like a lifeless shell.
He wanted to protect both Prince Chu's Mansion and the Sun family, yet he also wished for the northern desert’s starving people to receive their grain.
But he was powerless—unable to persuade his father or uncle to halt their schemes, and unable to convince his grandfather to change the grain escort.
Tears streamed down his cheeks, and he hastily wiped them away, afraid of being seen.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts:
"What a coincidence. This humble official greets the Fourth Imperial Grandson."
"Magistrate Shen?" Song Yanhong quickly composed himself, knowing he must not underestimate the man before him.
"The Fourth Imperial Grandson rarely visits the palace. Could today’s visit be related to the Sun family’s grain delivery?"
Shen Qingping’s words struck true, and Song Yanhong responded just as swiftly, "So, Magistrate Shen has long had Prince Chu's Mansion and the Sun family under surveillance."
He even dared to suspect that this entire affair was a trap set specifically for them.
Shen Qingping chuckled softly.
It seemed there was still one clever person in Prince Chu's Mansion.
"Allow this humble official to speak boldly. As a member of the imperial family, you enjoy the support of the Great Qi’s people. Thus, you bear the responsibility of securing their welfare. If the grain reaches the northern desert’s people without issue, how could I possibly scheme against Prince Chu's Mansion or the Sun family?"
"If Your Highness is certain the Sun family will act, yet still seeks to shield them, then what of the innocent people of the northern deserts?"
Song Yanhong had no rebuttal. He could only murmur, "But I am Prince Chu's grandson. My mother is a daughter of the Sun family."
"Your Highness is mistaken. Your identity is far greater than that. You are the Fourth Imperial Grandson of Great Qi. Do not disappoint His Majesty, nor the people of Great Qi."
With that, Shen Qingping walked away, leaving Song Yanhong standing frozen in place.
"Third Master is truly benevolent, taking the initiative to guide the Fourth Imperial Grandson," remarked a servant.
Shen Qingping shot him a sidelong glance and replied coolly, "Wrong."
"I want to see father and son in Prince Chu's Mansion tear each other apart. Let’s see who wins."
The servant immediately regretted his words.
Was he an idiot?
Since when had his master ever been benevolent?
---
Meanwhile, in Qin Prince's Mansion...
Since the wedding night, when Song Yu had displayed his prowess, Gu Mingzhu had become his most devoted admirer. She even moved her books to Qin Prince's Mansion, claiming the atmosphere there was more conducive to reading.
She no longer showed the slightest fear of Song Yu.
Her boldness left Song Shihuan utterly stunned.
After five consecutive days of Gu Mingzhu visiting, Gu Zheng could no longer tolerate it and arrived at the mansion.
"Your Highness, my daughter has been intruding these past few days. I’ll take her home at once."
"No need. I find Mingzhu clever and spirited—a delightful presence."
Song Shihuan twitched her lips at the side. These days, Mingzhu’s flattery had nearly sent her father floating into the clouds.
"Father, you’ve come just in time!" Gu Mingzhu grabbed Gu Zheng’s hand. "You must ask His Highness for advice on being a good father. He’s quite the expert."
Instantly, Gu Zheng’s palm itched with the urge to discipline her.
"Since General Gu sincerely seeks guidance, I shall reluctantly share my wisdom."
Song Shihuan quickly pulled Gu Mingzhu out of the room, leaving Gu Zheng to face the storm alone.
The old general’s face stiffened. When had he agreed to seek parenting advice?
His philosophy had always been: spare the rod, spoil the child!
"Your Highness, would you like to dress in commoner’s clothes and explore the city? That’s the best way to have real fun!"
Song Shihuan studied Gu Mingzhu for a long moment. How could someone who disliked reading have so many mischievous ideas?
Well then... why not?
"Very well," Song Shihuan agreed with a smile.
An hour later, the two girls wore plain hemp garments, their hair tied with simple red ribbons instead of ornate hairpins. No guards openly followed them.
"This is the way to enjoy the city—eating whatever we please, going wherever we want!" They each held a stick of candied hawthorns, thoroughly delighted.
Song Shihuan nodded in agreement.
Her father had been diligent in his duties, and with her tutor overseeing court affairs, she often found herself bored.
Thankfully, there was Mingzhu.
"Your Highness, look! There’s a sugar figurine stall over there. Let’s go see!"
Hidden guards kept their eyes locked on the pair, vigilant against any mishap.
They played until sunset.
"Alright, Mingzhu, it’s getting late. We should head back," Song Shihuan said, her cheeks flushed from the day’s excitement.
Gu Mingzhu, her mouth full of snacks, could only nod.
Just as they turned toward the mansion, a burly man with a sly grin blocked their path.
"Little misses, my wife makes sugar rabbits at home. Why not come with me? I’ll treat you."
As if sensing their hesitation, he added, "I’ve got daughters your age too. You can all play together!"
A flicker of cold fury passed through Song Shihuan’s eyes.
"Uncle, are you sure there are other girls at your home?"
"Absolutely!" The man grinned wider. These two would fetch a fortune on the market.
"Wonderful! I’d love a sugar rabbit."
Song Shihuan’s smile did not reach her eyes.
