When the Jade Bone Fan fell into Song Shihuan's hands, Shen Pu was utterly dumbfounded.
What kind of absurdity was this?
Had he gone through all that trouble just to arrange a personal talent showcase for Princess Fu'an?
"Thanks to Minister Shen's efforts in organizing this hunt, We have discovered Our granddaughter's hidden archery prowess—truly remarkable."
Emperor Yuanyou even delivered a slow, deliberate blow, watching as Shen Pu struggled to maintain his smile. The emperor inwardly scoffed; the Shen Family was still restless. It was time to find an opportunity to deal with them.
Entrenched noble families like these had to be uprooted entirely.
As for Song Yanming, who was bawling nearby, no one bothered to console him.
"What are you crying for?"
Song Yu's frown was deep enough to crush a fly. "Your Fourth Uncle cried at the sight of bugs when he was young. You’re even worse than him."
Prince Qi, standing nearby, lifted his head—lest his own tears spill.
Truly, adding insult to injury.
"Yanzheng, you should try a few shots too. This prince wants to see who among the imperial grandsons is the best archer."
Song Yu's gaze slowly shifted to Song Yanzheng. He hadn’t forgotten Yu Fan’s words—it was Song Yanzheng who had tipped off the Fourth Prince.
Why was everyone from the Ping Prince's Mansion so insufferable?
Song Yanzheng, who thought he had escaped unscathed, stiffened. "M-me too?"
"What, are you not an imperial grandson?"
A single sentence threatened to strip Song Yanzheng of his golden sash.
Glancing at Emperor Yuanyou and Shen Pu, neither of whom would even look at him, Song Yanzheng clenched his fists inside his sleeves and reluctantly took the bow.
First shot—missed.
Second shot—also missed.
By the third, Song Yanzheng didn’t dare draw the bow.
"Seems even those who hired martial tutors are nothing special."
Song Yu shook his head dismissively. "Yan Hong isn’t skilled in archery either. It appears Our Ah Huan is the finest marksman among the imperial grandsons."
"The princess didn’t miss a single shot today. Even seasoned soldiers would struggle to match her skill. She is truly deserving of the title 'the best.'"
Yu Fan had now become Song Shihuan’s most fervent supporter.
"The best—Our Ah Huan!"
With Emperor Yuanyou’s declaration, Song Shihuan’s archery prowess was indisputable.
"Thank you for your praise, Grandfather."
Song Shihuan smiled at the emperor. "If enemies ever invade, this granddaughter vows to protect the people of Da Qi."
For a moment, Emperor Yuanyou’s heart trembled violently, and a glimmer of moisture flickered in his eyes.
"My father once told me how Your Majesty never missed a shot on the battlefield," Gu Zheng remarked with admiration. "The princess has truly inherited Your Majesty’s gift."
The emperor didn’t respond, simply gazing at Song Shihuan with pride.
He was old.
But his granddaughter was like the rising sun at dawn, inheriting everything from him.
"Ah Huan can safeguard Da Qi’s legacy for a century."
......
Before the hunt even concluded, Prince Qi and Song Yanming were unceremoniously packed off to their respective mansions—Prince Qi's Mansion and the Ping Prince's Mansion.
Before being sent back, they were paraded through the capital. Within half a day, the entire city knew what had happened at the hunt.
Meanwhile, the court officials were left reeling. Even as they returned home after the hunt, many still hadn’t processed the events.
"Did the emperor truly say that?"
At the Xu residence, Elder Lady Xu’s eyes widened in shock at Xu Jinruo’s words.
"Mother, how could I lie about something like this?" Xu Jinruo’s plump frame trembled. "'Can safeguard Da Qi’s legacy for a century'—if the princess weren’t a woman, I’d think the emperor wanted to name her heir, not just crown prince!"
"Don’t speak recklessly."
Elder Lady Xu recalled her first meeting with Song Shihuan last year—back then, the girl had been thin and dark-skinned. She had thought the child would be fortunate just to live peacefully in the Qin Prince's Mansion.
Yet in just over a year...
The Eastern Palace was abolished, the deposed crown prince died, and Song Yanchao lost his golden sash.
Prince Chu was confined to the imperial temple, while Song Yanhong left the capital with his household.
Only Prince Qin had secured the title of Da Qi’s crown prince.
Looking back now, it sent chills down her spine.
"Jinruo, we’ve underestimated her. That princess is no ordinary girl." Elder Lady Xu tightened her grip on her handkerchief. "Because of that concubine of yours, Prince Qin still holds a grudge against our family. Remember this—if the Qin Prince's Mansion ever needs help in the future, the Xu family must spare no effort."
"We must break that barrier, no matter the cost."
Similar conversations took place in many noble households across the capital. Song Yu, however, remained unfazed—he had long since witnessed the extent of Ah Huan’s favor.
"Minister Shen."
Song Yu called out to Shen Pu, who was trying to slip away.
"This prince must thank you for organizing the hunt. Liuxi, prepare some modest gifts for Minister Shen’s household later." As he spoke, Song Yu stepped closer. "However... Song Yanming’s little scheme backfired spectacularly. Minister Shen, do make sure to inform Princess Consort Ping—she ought to discipline him properly."
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."
Shen Pu could no longer force a smile. He had lost on all fronts.
"This prince is merely offering friendly advice. Until next time, Minister Shen."
With that, Song Yu boarded his carriage. The dragon insignia emblazoned on it burned Shen Pu’s eyes, leaving him dizzy and furious.
......
The day after the hunt.
Song Yu sat obediently in his study, working through a practice booklet while Song Shihuan ground ink beside him, occasionally glancing at his answers.
"Father, this allusion isn’t in the official histories—did you get it from a storybook?"
"Father, you wrote this character wrong."
"Father..."
Song Yu squirmed in his seat.
Having Ah Huan away made him uneasy, but having her nearby wounded his pride.
What was he to do?
Just then, hurried footsteps approached. "Your Highness, Princess."
Hearing Liuxi’s voice, Song Yu immediately set down his brush, exhaling imperceptibly in relief. Liuxi, his savior.
"The whole capital is abuzz, saying Your Highness has inherited His Majesty’s talents. Not only that, but in just over a year, you’ve honed the princess’s archery to perfection—truly a prodigy unseen in centuries."
"They’re talking about me, not Ah Huan?"
Song Yu was stunned. Had he inherited his father’s skills?
"Yes, Your Highness... Should this servant have someone clarify?"
Liuxi fretted. What if someone challenged the prince to shoot? The truth would be exposed.
"Clarify? No need."
Song Yu’s grin stretched ear to ear. "This prince never once claimed to be better than Ah Huan. These are just rumors—let them spread."
"Keep praising this prince. It’s perfect."
