Eastern Palace.
"Yan Zheng, how much do you actually know about the affairs of Red Rouge Pavilion?" The Crown Princess gazed at Song Yanzheng before her, suddenly feeling as though she no longer recognized her eldest son.
"Mother, I don’t know the full picture either," Song Yanzheng replied softly, his expression gentle and obedient. "Father and I often have to manage dealings in the official circles, and our stipends alone aren’t enough. Aunt said she could help us, so..."
The Crown Princess’s eyes grew distant, clearly unable to process his explanation.
"Mother, while Red Rouge Pavilion does bring in considerable profit, a large portion of it was used by Aunt for charitable deeds," Song Yanzheng bent slightly at the waist. "If this displeases you, I will refuse Aunt’s silver from now on. I would never wish to do anything that saddens you."
The Crown Princess’s breath hitched.
If His Highness ascends the throne in the future, Yan Zheng would rightfully be the heir apparent.
No wonder the Chang family was willing to share their wealth to support His Highness and Yan Zheng.
"This time, we’ll help the Chang family cover their losses," the Crown Princess forced a smile, realizing she couldn’t let this incident damage the relationship between the Chang family and the Eastern Palace.
If that happened, she would become the Chang family’s greatest disgrace.
"Mother, the Chang family and I are one. If I prosper in the future, the Chang family will naturally rise alongside me."
Under Song Yanzheng’s words, the Crown Princess gradually regained her composure.
"If anything like this happens again, you must inform me beforehand."
"Yes, yes. This time, it was my mistake." Seeing that he had placated the Crown Princess, Song Yanzheng exhaled in relief. "This time, Prince Qin’s faction gained the upper hand, especially that Song Shihuan—smooth-tongued and rotten to the core. It was absolutely the right decision not to let her step foot in the Eastern Palace."
"What happened?" The Crown Princess wasn’t aware of the details, only that the Chang family had to repay an enormous sum.
After Song Yanzheng recounted how Song Yu and Song Shihuan had bullied Song Xiyan, the Crown Princess’s expression darkened. She had always regarded Xi Yan as her proudest daughter, but lately...
First, the Emperor had called her untalented, saying she was a slow bird that needed to fly early, then bestowed upon her the "Admonitions for Women."
Now, she no longer dared to boast about Xi Yan’s excellence in front of her sisters-in-law.
"They actually treated Xi Yan like this." After all, Xi Yan was her own flesh and blood, and the Crown Princess’s heart softened.
"Indeed. Recently, since you haven’t visited Xi Yan much, she’s been deeply saddened," Song Yanzheng spoke earnestly. "You know her temperament better than anyone."
"I’ll go see Xi Yan now."
With a sigh, the Crown Princess left Song Yanzheng’s courtyard.
Song Yanzheng stood tall and slender, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Your Highness need not worry. Her Highness still cares deeply for you and the young mistress."
"Mother has been the jewel of the Chang family since childhood, doted on by Grandfather to the point of naivety. What she values most in life is her dignity, so some things are best kept from her," Song Yanzheng’s expression darkened. "As long as Mother visits Xi Yan’s courtyard, Xi Yan will surely soothe her."
But the thought of having to return the silver they had taken made Song Yanzheng’s entire body radiate coldness.
......
Qin Prince’s Mansion.
"So much money! My lady, in all my life, I’ve never seen so much... gold!"
Baoxia’s eyes sparkled, and even the usually composed Yingchun couldn’t help stealing a few more glances.
"This is just the profit from Red Rouge Pavilion," Song Yu grinned so widely it nearly reached his ears. "With all the other shops under our mansion, we’d need an entire room just to store the gold!"
Even Song Shihuan couldn’t help but feel her palms grow damp.
Was Father... this wealthy?
"Ah Huan, you should’ve seen the Chang family’s expressions—like I’d taken a bite out of their flesh!" Song Yu pouted. "Made me look like the villain."
More than just a bite.
They’d probably taken a chunk out of the Empress Dowager and the Eastern Palace too.
Song Shihuan’s eyes gleamed. "Father, the Chang family used our silver to play the philanthropist—what kind of virtue is that? If we use our own wealth for good deeds, then we’re the true benefactors!"
She would drag Madam Chang down from her pedestal as the great philanthropist, one step at a time.
Let everyone see the Chang family’s true ugliness.
"Ah Huan, you mean..."
"Since we’ll have plenty of money from now on, why don’t you go to the palace and tell His Majesty that we’re willing to donate Red Rouge Pavilion’s annual profits to aid disaster victims?" Song Shihuan’s gaze was sincere. "If someone like that had helped me back then, I wouldn’t have gone hungry."
Hearing this, Song Yu’s heart clenched painfully.
"Ah Huan, you’re too kind. I’ll go to the palace at once."
Song Shihuan nodded, staring at the mountain of gold before her.
Her desire to help disaster victims was genuine.
Her wish to leave a good impression on the Emperor was also genuine.
And her intention to reclaim the profits from their other shops under the Emperor’s protection? Equally genuine.
Thinking of her multifaceted motives, Song Shihuan couldn’t help but laugh.
Oh well.
A noble person is judged by their actions, not their intentions—and she and Father were first-rate good people.
Purple Dawn Hall.
Song Yu sang Song Shihuan’s praises as if she were the reincarnation of Guanyin’s attendant.
"Father, you wouldn’t believe it—Ah Huan only wants to help those disaster victims because no one helped her when she was suffering," Song Yu even wiped his eyes with his sleeve. "That mountain of gold? She didn’t hesitate before offering to donate Red Rouge Pavilion’s annual profits."
"Truly worthy of being my granddaughter."
Emperor Yuanyou was deeply moved.
The world was full of wealthy individuals, but how many would willingly pledge their annual profits like a child?
"Father, just set a date and send someone to my mansion to collect the gold."
Seeing Song Yu’s enthusiasm, Emperor Yuanyou chuckled. "Rare to see you so generous."
"If it means children like Ah Huan won’t go hungry, I’d give half my fortune without hesitation."
Song Yu’s resolute words stunned the Emperor.
For the first time, Emperor Yuanyou examined Song Yu as a prince—and realized that among his four sons, only this eldest one possessed a heart of true generosity.
A ruler must hold the people close to his heart.
"Wu Qi, issue my decree: Anyone who has seized shops belonging to Prince Qin must return all profits within three days and restore the properties to him."
Emperor Yuanyou’s gaze softened. "I imagine your mansion is short on manpower to oversee the shops. I’ll assign some of my men to assist you temporarily."
"Thank you... thank you, Father."
Song Yu left the hall in a daze. Why had His Majesty been so kind to him lately?
Was he saving up for something bigger—like another round of beatings?
