The news of Song Xiyan and Shen Lin'er's upcoming inter-class competition quickly spread to every corner of the capital, while the instigator herself leisurely arrived at the Gu residence with Shen Qingping in tow.
"Where is Young General Gu?"
Song Shihuan counted the people before her and noticed someone was missing—Gu Mingning.
"Your Highness, my elder brother is afraid our father will chase him down for a beating, so he's too scared to come home," Gu Mingzhu blurted out without restraint, exposing Gu Zheng's well-kept secret.
Gu Zheng's aged face immediately darkened.
"General Gu, I wish to speak with Young General Gu to learn more about the situation in the northern frontier."
At Song Shihuan's words, Gu Zheng wasted no time in turning to the servant beside him. "Go fetch the young general at once."
At that moment, a faint glimmer of tears welled up in Gu Zheng's eyes.
The Gu family had guarded the northern frontier like a lone poplar in an endless desert, nearly forgotten by all. Now, the deity who governed the land had come to inquire—this... this was a tremendous blessing.
Gu Mingning sprinted back to the Gu residence in haste. By the time he stood before Song Shihuan, he was still panting heavily.
Without hesitation, Gu Mingning lifted the hem of his robe and knelt on the ground, speaking solemnly:
"The northern frontier needs grain, silver, and troops."
This was the first time Gu Mingning had spoken so bluntly before the imperial family. His heart pounded like thunder as he uttered these words.
He was gambling.
"Young General Gu, such matters should be addressed to His Majesty." Before Song Shihuan could respond, Shen Qingping stepped forward, his expression sharp.
Gu Mingning's head gradually lowered, his voice quieter now. "Young Master Shen, I have hinted at this to His Majesty before."
But the Great Qi was vast—places in need of grain and silver were not limited to the northern frontier.
As for troops... a border general could not amass a formidable army.
It was an unsolvable dilemma.
Yet, the moment he saw the princess, he inexplicably felt compelled to try once more. Perhaps... perhaps there was still a chance?
"Do the people of the northern frontier still suffer frequent enemy raids?" Song Shihuan did not directly address Gu Mingning's plea, causing his initially fervent heart to gradually calm.
Indeed, if even His Majesty could not resolve this, he should not burden the princess.
"Nearly every fortnight. But we retaliate with equal frequency." Gu Mingning's brows carried the arrogance of youth.
"Ultimately, the Great Qi has yet to grow strong enough to instill fear in our enemies."
Song Shihuan studied the young man before her. "His Majesty founded the Great Qi and spent decades lifting it from ruins to what it is today. That alone is no small feat. You have endured much, Young General Gu."
"Your Highness, protecting the people of Great Qi is the duty I was born to fulfill."
Gu Mingning spoke resolutely. He bore no regrets—his earlier plea had been solely for the sake of the northern frontier's people.
"I can provide grain and silver to alleviate the northern frontier's immediate needs."
Song Shihuan's almond-shaped eyes curved slightly. "But true prosperity for the north must come from its own people standing strong."
"As for troops... I have a better solution."
That day, Song Shihuan remained at the Gu residence for a long time.
When she finally took her leave, her expression was earnest as she spoke:
"The northern frontier is part of Great Qi's territory. Its people deserve the same peace and prosperity as all others. The imperial family will not forget the north."
"Young General Gu, the north is entrusted to you."
Behind her, Gu Mingning stood motionless, his gaze lingering on her retreating figure.
"Father, the princess, she..."
"Mingning, the fate of Great Qi lies with the Qin Prince and Princess Fu'an."
Perhaps...
He believed the fate of Great Qi rested entirely on Princess Fu'an alone.
For even the Qin Prince's transformation had been because of her.
......
"You barely spoke a word at the Gu residence, Master."
Inside the carriage, Shen Qingping looked at Song Shihuan, his eyes softened with a rare gentleness.
"I feared interrupting Your Highness's thoughts."
In truth, he simply couldn't get a word in.
Of course, if the prince had been present, he wouldn't have fared any better—they were equally matched in that regard.
"So, Master, do you think my plan is feasible?" A mischievous glint flashed in Song Shihuan's eyes. "Or is it somewhat... unethical?"
"Unethical?" Shen Qingping's voice rose several pitches. "Your Highness is far too kind."
Song Shihuan twitched her lips. She had asked the wrong person.
An hour later.
Outside the Zichen Hall, Wu Qi spotted Song Shihuan's figure, his eyes gleaming with excitement. The little ancestor had arrived!
"Eunuch Wu, please inform His Majesty. I have matters to report to my grandfather."
"Your Highness may enter directly. His Majesty has decreed that neither the prince nor the princess need announcement."
Wu Qi's aged face crinkled like a chrysanthemum in delight. Ah, how endearing their little princess was—simply seeing her warmed the heart!
"Then I shall go in."
Song Shihuan arched a brow. "Baoxia, give Eunuch Wu the sun-dried floral tea. It's exceptionally fragrant—I had Baoxia bring it just for you."
"Many thanks, Your Highness."
Wu Qi was overwhelmed, feeling as though he would gladly give his old life for her.
Inside the hall.
Emperor Yuanyou had long abandoned his focus on the memorials the moment he heard Song Shihuan's voice. Still, he clutched his vermilion brush, feigning diligence.
"Grandfather, you mustn't overwork yourself reviewing memorials. Rest is necessary to preserve your health."
Her clear voice flowed like a refreshing spring into Emperor Yuanyou's heart, prompting him to toss the brush aside at once.
"Ah, Shihuan is here! Come to me."
How thoughtful his precious granddaughter was.
"Grandfather, regarding the flood relief efforts in Laijin Prefecture, the Gu family also contributed. Have you decided on their reward?"
At this, Emperor Yuanyou sighed.
The Gu family now stood at the pinnacle of military officials—every reward required careful consideration.
"If you haven't settled on one, perhaps the Gu family's reward could be bestowed upon the people of the northern frontier instead?"
Emperor Yuanyou pinched his granddaughter's nose playfully. "What scheme have you concocted now, little one?"
"Lately... the court officials have been overly attentive to the Qin Prince's Mansion. If the mansion publicly donates silver and grain to the north, followed by the Gu and Shen families, the other officials would likely follow suit. The north would gain substantial funds."
"Additionally, you could permit Young General Gu to recruit soldiers in the north. Talents like Yu Fan should not go to waste among the common folk. This way, the north strengthens its forces while bolstering Great Qi's military as a whole."
Song Shihuan delivered this without batting an eye.
Yes, she was subtly scheming to squeeze the court officials dry.
But her master had called her "kind," so surely it wasn't too unethical.
Moments later, Emperor Yuanyou burst into laughter, circling his granddaughter with pride.
"Shihuan takes after me the most."
