The Qin Prince's Mansion, capital city.
"Your Highness, a letter has arrived from Qingshui County."
At the mention of Qingshui County, Song Yu's eyes lit up. "Quick, bring it to me."
There were two letters—one written by Song Shihuan and the other by Zheng Fang addressed to Guo Feng.
Without hesitation, Song Yu tossed Zheng Fang's letter onto the table and eagerly opened the one from Song Shihuan.
As he read, the smile on his face gradually faded.
Liuxi immediately sensed danger.
"Your Highness, did something go wrong in Qingshui County?"
"Wrong? No, everything went perfectly—far too perfectly." The words practically ground out from between Song Yu's teeth as he glanced at the towering stack of books on his desk. "Liuxi, your prince is suffering."
Liuxi was baffled. What drama was His Highness stirring up now?
"That scoundrel Shen Qingping is making waves in Qingshui County, solving cases that have been unresolved for nearly a decade, while I'm stuck here reviewing textbooks." Song Yu felt utterly pitiful. "And on top of that, he even took Ah Huan away."
"The provincial exams aren't far off. I must set off for Ji'an Prefecture!"
On the table, Zheng Fang's letter lay untouched, as if silently protesting the injustice.
That night.
Just as Emperor Yuanyou was about to retire, a commotion arose outside the Zichen Hall.
"Father, are you asleep?"
The emperor's good mood dimmed slightly.
"Sneaking into the palace like a thief—what is it now?"
"Well, I did claim to be ill in public," Song Yu replied with an ingratiating grin. "Father, the provincial exams are approaching. I plan to leave for Ji'an Prefecture tomorrow in secret. What do you think...?"
Father, I really must go.
If I don’t, your granddaughter might forget about me entirely.
"Go, then."
Emperor Yuanyou didn’t even pretend to object, merely adding, "Finish the exams quickly and bring Ah Huan back."
"Absolutely!"
Song Yu beamed like a flower in bloom at the approval. "Your son will surely return with news of triumph in the exams."
In the blink of an eye, he vanished from the emperor’s sight.
Emperor Yuanyou chuckled and muttered a few fond curses before settling into his dragon bed.
Tonight, he’d dream of his precious granddaughter.
......
At the crack of dawn the next day, Song Yu slipped out of the capital unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Song Shihuan and Shen Qingping were still discussing their return to the capital.
"My lady, the commoners left eggs outside the residence again today."
Baoxia glanced at Shen Qingping as she spoke, noting the faint blush creeping up his ears.
The usually unflappable Magistrate Shen was actually embarrassed.
"The opera troupe’s performance was a bit too effective," Shen Qingping muttered, rubbing his nose. He wasn’t used to this kind of attention.
"The people are grateful to you and the young magistrate. They’ve finally understood," Nian'an chimed in happily, his own reputation also restored. "You only punish the wicked and protect the innocent."
"Since the magistrate refuses to show himself, they can only express their gratitude with small gifts." Song Shihuan teased, watching Shen Qingping grow increasingly flustered before finally relenting with a laugh.
Enough—no more teasing the magistrate.
"With matters in Qingshui County settled, Magistrate, it’s time we returned to the capital."
Relieved at the change of subject, Shen Qingping exhaled imperceptibly. "Indeed. Any longer, and His Highness might write to scold me for keeping you away so long."
That sounded exactly like something the prince would do.
"Then we’ll leave tomorrow. First, we’ll stop at Lord Ye’s in Ji'an Prefecture to hand over Zhao Yao and the others. Lord Ye can handle the rest."
Song Shihuan thought for a moment before adding, "Keeping them in Qingshui County isn’t wise."
Shen Qingping nodded. "Zhao Zhi should be taken as well."
And so, with a few bundles in tow, Song Shihuan and Shen Qingping departed Qingshui County, the townspeople lining the streets to see them off.
"The lady’s might, the magistrate’s might,
Makes the wicked tremble in fright.
No bending laws, no fearing night,
As long as Qingshui shines with light."
The children’s chorus rose in the air, prompting Song Shihuan and Shen Qingping to peer out of the carriage window.
The same children who once burst into tears at the sight of Shen Qingping now wore bright smiles, hand in hand, singing a rhyme that immortalized them both.
"My lady, this rhyme... is oddly charming."
Sunlight bathed their faces as Song Shihuan smiled, her eyes brimming with warmth.
"Yes, it truly is."
......
Neither Song Shihuan nor Shen Qingping could have guessed they’d run into Song Yu in Ji'an Prefecture.
"Father!"
"Your Highness!"
"Shh—"
Song Yu circled Song Shihuan, inspecting her for injuries before noting with satisfaction that she’d even gained a little weight. Only then did he spare Shen Qingping an approving glance.
"Father, didn’t we agree you’d wait for us in the capital?"
"I thought, since the exams are near, I’d come to Ji'an Prefecture early to focus on studying. Then I heard you were here too, so I came to find you."
Song Yu feigned innocence. "Why are you here? Weren’t you supposed to be in Qingshui County?"
Shen Qingping barely suppressed an eye roll. If the prince wasn’t here for his daughter, he’d eat his own name backward.
"What a coincidence."
Song Shihuan, overjoyed to see her father after so long, seemed to lose all critical judgment—at least in Shen Qingping’s eyes.
The prince was cunning.
"Since Your Highness is here, my lady, why not stay in Ji'an Prefecture for a while? We can assist Lord Ye with some cases while keeping His Highness company during his studies."
Shen Qingping’s suggestion dripped with resignation.
"Brilliant idea!" Song Shihuan nodded eagerly. "Father, with Magistrate Shen guiding you, the exams will be a breeze."
"Wonderful."
Song Yu looked utterly content, as if having his daughter nearby solved all problems.
"Then Father can stay at the same inn. Liuxi, find someone discreet to book rooms for His Highness, Zheng Fang, and Ling Ming."
"At once!"
Liuxi nearly wept with relief.
Finally, His Highness’s moods would stabilize!
......
Days later, as Song Shihuan predicted, Ling Ming and Zheng Fang arrived at the familiar inn.
"Young Masters, rooms have been reserved for you by Magistrate Guo."
The innkeeper smiled warmly.
Before Ling Ming could react, Zheng Fang sniffled emotionally. Guo Feng had anticipated his financial struggles and, to spare him embarrassment, even booked a room for Ling Ming.
"Which room is Magistrate Guo in?"
A short while later, a knock sounded at Song Yu’s door.
The moment he opened it, Zheng Fang engulfed him in a bear hug.
"Brother Guo, words cannot express my gratitude! From now on, if you ever need Zheng Fang, I’ll brave fire and water without hesitation!"
"Think nothing of it."
Song Yu grinned broadly. Oh, he’d definitely find a use for Zheng Fang later.
