"Why am I the most suitable one?"
Song Yu was dumbfounded. If he went to the palace to ask the old man to spare Shen Lin'er's life temporarily without giving a straight reason, wouldn’t he get beaten to death by the emperor’s shoe?
"Because Father is the most favored by His Majesty," Song Shihuan tilted her head. "And Father’s carefree and unrestrained nature means the Emperor won’t scrutinize his motives too deeply."
In other words, even if Song Yu went straight to Emperor Yuanyou and asked to spare Shen Pu’s life for a few months before execution, the Emperor would first give Song Yu a good thrashing—then hand the prisoner over to him without a second thought. He wouldn’t bother wondering why; he’d just assume Song Yu wanted to torment the man for a few months.
Shen Qingping nodded repeatedly beside them. "The Princess is absolutely right. Your Highness is indeed the most suitable candidate."
"Besides, there’s nothing in this world my father can’t accomplish!"
At these words, Song Yu immediately surrendered.
"Very well, I’ll go speak to His Majesty tomorrow."
Joking aside, when it came to maintaining his heroic image in Ah Huan’s eyes, he couldn’t refuse.
Shen Qingping couldn’t help but laugh but, fearing Song Yu might snap out of his daze, quickly fled the room to chuckle outside.
Leaning against the railing with one hand, Shen Qingping bent over, his grin widening as he thought of his newly acquired official position—Second Rank Crown Prince’s Tutor.
Not bad at all.
But...
If His Highness ascends the throne one day, would the Grand Tutor position go to him or his own father?
......
The next day after the morning court session, Song Yu trotted eagerly behind Emperor Yuanyou.
The Emperor stopped; Song Yu stopped. The Emperor quickened his pace; Song Yu matched it, maintaining a steady distance.
As he walked, Song Yu rehearsed his upcoming plea in his mind.
"Ouch—!"
His chin collided with the back of the Emperor’s head.
"What mischief have you gotten into now?"
Emperor Yuanyou glared at him. "You’ve been distracted since court began this morning. Out with it—how big of a mess have you made?"
"Let’s discuss it inside, inside," Song Yu chuckled nervously. If the old man started swinging his shoe here, wouldn’t he be humiliated in front of all these palace attendants?
Inside the Purple Palace Hall...
"Will you speak now?"
"Father, I’d like to spare Shen Lin'er’s life... for now."
Emperor Yuanyou shot to his feet, his face flushing red. "Don’t tell me you’ve taken a fancy to that Shen Lin'er? I forbid it!"
"Not only is that girl not yet of age, but the Shen family has committed countless atrocities. If you insist on marrying a Shen daughter, your mother’s coffin won’t stay shut!"
As he spoke, the Emperor grabbed his shoe and chased Song Yu around the hall.
"Wronged! I’m wronged!"
Song Yu dodged and bellowed, swearing to the heavens—how could he possibly be interested in Shen Lin'er?
Fifteen minutes later, Emperor Yuanyou finally stopped, panting heavily.
"You truly harbor no such thoughts?"
"Absolutely not! If I did, may lightning strike me dead," Song Yu said, nearly in tears. "I only asked to spare her life temporarily."
"Do as you please."
The Emperor tossed out these three words before settling onto his throne to sip tea.
As long as it wasn’t what he’d feared, this rascal could do whatever he wanted.
......
Shen Lin'er was taken from the imperial prison and thrown into a carriage.
"Where... where are you taking me?"
"To the Ping Prince’s Mansion."
Her eyes lit up with wild hope—had the Princess Consort pleaded with the Emperor to spare her?
At the Ping Prince’s Mansion...
Shen Hua'er sat motionless under the eaves like a withered tree. When Song Yanzheng arrived, this was the sight that greeted him, yet he felt not an ounce of pity.
"I’ve kept my promise. Shen Lin'er’s life has been spared."
At his words, Shen Hua'er finally showed emotion. "How do I know you’re not lying?"
Song Yanzheng called toward the courtyard, "Bring her in."
The next moment, Shen Lin'er rushed into Shen Hua'er’s line of sight.
"Lin'er!"
"Princess!" Shen Lin'er flung herself into Shen Hua'er’s arms, tears streaming like broken pearls. "Uncle and Father... they’re going to die..."
"As long as you live," Shen Hua'er wiped her tears, "in a few years, marry well and bear children. At least the Shen bloodline will endure."
"Princess..."
Watching this sisterly display, Song Yanzheng’s impatience grew visible.
"His Majesty’s decree will arrive shortly. You’re to be demoted to a secondary consort."
Silence.
The courtyard fell still—even Shen Lin'er’s sobs ceased.
"A secondary consort it is, then." Shen Hua'er forced a smile, her gaze slowly lifting to Song Yanzheng.
Her demotion wouldn’t change his status as an imperial grandson born of a concubine.
"Additionally, the household’s management will now fall to my mother. You’ll be confined to Li Garden under supervision, while Shen Lin'er will be placed under Xi Yan’s care."
At this, Shen Hua'er gripped Shen Lin'er’s hand.
Song Xiyan’s methods...
"Couldn’t we... Couldn’t Lin'er and I just remain in this courtyard? We won’t take a single step beyond it." Shen Hua'er pleaded with desperate humility.
"Secondary Consort, sparing Shen Lin'er was no small feat. Don’t make this harder for me."
With that, Song Yanzheng turned on his heel and left.
Not far away, he encountered Song Xiyan.
"Will Mother ever regain her position as primary consort?"
"Why ask?" Song Yanzheng frowned at the sight of her.
"If Mother were primary consort, I’d be a legitimate princess—the difference in status is monumental." Song Xiyan smirked. "If you get the chance, Brother, help Mother. It benefits us both."
In an instant, Song Yanzheng recalled Song Shihuan’s unusual interest in Li Garden.
Perhaps there truly was an opportunity...
"Shen Lin'er will be moved to your quarters. Don’t use your usual tricks to torment her to death."
"Understood."
Song Xiyan smiled agreeably.
......
Li Garden.
Lady Chang regarded Shen Hua'er with increasingly gentle warmth. "Nanny, prepare the side courtyard for Secondary Consort Shen."
"My Li Garden is usually too quiet. Having you here to chat will lift my spirits."
Such hospitality left Shen Hua'er uneasy.
"Thank you, Sister Chang."
The term of endearment churned Lady Chang’s stomach, but she maintained her smile. "Bi'er, show your mistress to her quarters."
Ah Huan had asked her to ensure Shen Hua'er’s survival.
And she would guard this woman closely—
For Ah Huan’s sake.
