"Then has Grandfather Emperor consented?" Song Shihuan rested her hands on Emperor Yuanyou's knees, and the emperor felt as if the little girl's eyes sparkled with the essence of heaven and earth.
"Consented. Whatever Ah Huan asks, this emperor shall grant," Emperor Yuanyou replied, his laughter deepening the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. "The people of the northern frontier shall thank you, Ah Huan."
As the ruler of Great Qi, how could he bear to see the northern frontier's people suffer in hardship? Yet some matters could not be resolved by the emperor alone.
"The people of Yong'an County thank me, the people of Laijin Prefecture thank me, and now the northern frontier's people thank me too." Song Shihuan tilted her head. "Granddaughter has gathered so much gratitude from the people—all to pray for Grandfather Emperor's health and long life."
"Who in this world truly lives a hundred years?" Emperor Yuanyou swiftly wiped the corner of his eye. Ah Huan's filial piety nearly moved him to tears.
"Our Song family rose from hardship to the throne. We’ve witnessed too much of life and death—we cannot believe in longevity just because the people cry 'Long live the Emperor.' Life is fleeting; one must think of the realm above all."
Unbeknownst to Emperor Yuanyou, the wisdom he imparted to his little granddaughter far exceeded what a mere noblewoman should know.
"Granddaughter understands. To think for the realm, to strive for the people—only then can we honor the Song ancestors and the empire Grandfather Emperor fought so hard to build."
Emperor Yuanyou smiled and handed her a memorial from the side. "Ah Huan, take a look. How should this emperor respond to this petition?"
......
Qin Prince's Mansion.
"Where is the princess?"
Song Yu, finally catching a brief respite from his sea of exam preparations, stepped out of his study only to find his daughter missing.
"Your Highness, the princess left the mansion early this morning and has not returned since," a servant reported.
"Gone all day?" Song Yu's voice rose sharply. "Yesterday, she returned late from the girls' academy, and today she’s vanished again? Liuxi, go find out where she is."
Had she forgotten about her own father?
Song Yu’s heart ached at the thought.
An hour later, Liuxi returned with an odd expression. "The princess left early with Young Master Shen for the Gu residence, then entered the palace. His Majesty insisted she stay for dinner before returning."
Instantly, the feast laid before him lost all flavor.
"Unacceptable. This prince is going to the palace."
A sense of urgency gripped Song Yu. Preparing for the imperial exams was one thing, but safeguarding his irreplaceable place in Ah Huan’s heart was another—neither could be neglected!
Only two days into his exam preparations, and Ah Huan already seemed to have forgotten him.
This would not stand!
Unable to sit still, Song Yu boarded his carriage and raced toward the palace.
Zichen Hall.
Grandfather and granddaughter were enjoying a warm dinner when Wu Qi’s voice interrupted. "Your Majesty, Princess, the prince has arrived."
"What is he doing here?" Emperor Yuanyou frowned.
"Father is here?" Song Shihuan brightened.
"Ah Huan, my fingers ache from writing. I couldn’t bear it any longer and had to rest. When I went to find you, you weren’t home, so I came here instead."
Song Yu’s pitiful expression made Emperor Yuanyou clench his fists.
He reviewed memorials daily—had he ever complained of sore hands?
"Let me see your fingers."
Song Shihuan hurried to Song Yu’s side, her face etched with worry. "I’ll ask Imperial Physician Mei for ointment later. The exams matter, but your health matters more."
Song Yu shot Emperor Yuanyou a triumphant glance, so infuriating that the emperor suddenly lost his appetite.
After dinner, Song Yu whisked Song Shihuan out of the palace without delay. Only when they were safely in the carriage home did he relax.
"Father, I visited the Gu family today. I plan to..."
Song Shihuan poured out her plans like scattered beans.
"What does Father think?"
"Excellent!"
Song Yu beamed with paternal pride. "The Qin Prince's Mansion has silver and grain to spare. Let the others contribute too—send aid to the northern frontier."
"When does Ah Huan plan to begin?"
"Young General Gu departs the capital in three days, so we must start tomorrow." Song Shihuan blinked. "Father should attend court tomorrow."
......
The next morning.
The sight of Song Yu at court made the ministers’ eyes gleam as if spotting gold.
His absence these past days—devoted to exam preparations—had only solidified their belief that the Qin Prince had no interest in the throne. Some officials had grown so anxious their lips blistered.
Now, hope rekindled in their hearts.
"Present your petitions, or this court adjourns."
No sooner had Wu Qi spoken than Song Yu stepped forward leisurely. "This subject has a petition."
"Speak."
Emperor Yuanyou, still simmering with irritation, offered no warmth.
The ministers bristled at the emperor’s dismissiveness. Now was the time to appease the Qin Prince and secure the crown prince’s position!
Only the Shen Family faction rejoiced silently. Were the emperor and Qin Prince at odds?
Perfect!
Reading the room, Emperor Yuanyou suppressed a scoff. Just wait until they heard what this rascal had to say—their smiles would vanish.
Song Yu began, deliberate:
"This subject has heard of the northern frontier’s hardships—where many struggle for even three meals a day. Thus, the Qin Prince's Mansion pledges grain and silver for their relief."
"His Highness the Qin Prince loves the people as his own—a blessing to Great Qi!"
"The northern frontier’s people will sing Your Highness’s praises!"
"With such a prince, Great Qi’s future shines bright!"
Before Song Yu could finish, flattery rained upon him.
"My words are not yet complete." His interruption hushed the court, all ears primed for the next round of praise.
Those in the know—the Shen and Gu families—lowered their heads, already envisioning the coming storm of expressions.
"However... the Qin Prince's Mansion alone cannot sustain the entire northern frontier."
Song Yu feigned hesitation, his gaze sweeping the hall.
"Might the honorable ministers join us in donating grain and silver?"
Silence—
A pin-drop stillness engulfed the court.
They had anticipated the beginning, but not this devastating twist.
Gu Zheng stepped forward.
"The Gu Family pledges grain and silver for the northern frontier, following the Qin Prince's Mansion."
Shen Mingwen echoed:
"The Shen Family pledges the same."
Emperor Yuanyou and Song Yu exchanged satisfied smiles.
The moment had arrived.
Time for a collective contribution.
