Qin Prince's Mansion.
"Your Highness, Master Shen, the way the two of you worked together... truly left no chance for Dayue to snatch anything from the tiger's mouth." Song Shihuan raised her thumb in approval. This time, Dayue had tried to steal a chicken only to end up losing the rice.
"This plan was entirely His Highness's quick thinking," Shen Qingping rarely praised Song Yu, but this time he did so willingly. "I merely followed his lead."
"No, no, it was all thanks to Shen Qingping's cleverness."
As the two began complimenting each other, Song Shihuan twitched her lips in amusement, and even Liuxi, who was waiting nearby, couldn't help but chuckle.
"Your Highness, General Gu is here to see you."
"Gu Zheng is here?" Song Yu straightened up. "Let him in."
Gu Zheng arrived with Yu Fan in tow. Noticing Shen Qingping was also present, he paused. "Ah, Master Shen is here as well. Perfect. I have an important matter to report to Your Highness."
"What is it?"
"As the year draws to a close, I propose... sending Yu Fan as an envoy to Dayue under the pretext of delivering New Year's gifts. In truth, there are two purposes: first, to establish contact with our spies in Dayue, and second, to gather intelligence on their military deployment."
Ever since the decision to attack Dayue was confirmed, Gu Zheng had been brimming with energy.
Sending an envoy to Dayue at this time, especially with such intentions, was undeniably dangerous.
But for a military officer, true merit could only be earned in the face of peril.
"I beg Your Highness to grant me permission to go to Dayue."
"Very well."
After a moment of contemplation, Song Yu slowly smiled. "You may go, but the pretext must be adjusted."
Gu Zheng didn’t immediately grasp Song Yu’s meaning, but Shen Qingping had already turned away, stifling a laugh.
"General Gu, what my father means is that instead of using the excuse of delivering New Year's gifts to Dayue, we should say... we’re sending an envoy to borrow grain from them." Song Shihuan grinned from ear to ear. "We’re not willing to give Dayue any advantages now."
"The Princess is right." Gu Zheng quickly caught on, his eyes brightening further.
"I will present this proposal at court tomorrow morning."
Song Yu spoke deliberately. Sending an envoy to Dayue at this time was indeed an excellent move.
......
The next morning, Song Yu formally requested Emperor Yuanyou’s permission to dispatch Yu Fan to Dayue. After some consideration, the Emperor agreed.
This son-in-law of the Gu family had spent years training in the military camp but had yet to see real battle or earn any merit. When war came, the soldiers might not respect him.
This mission to Dayue was Yu Fan’s opportunity.
"Just one condition—do not overstep."
Emperor Yuanyou shot Song Yu a reproachful look. Had this troublemaker proposed sending Shen Qingping to Dayue instead, he would never have agreed.
They couldn’t afford to provoke Dayue into desperation.
"Your Majesty need not worry. I will ensure Yu Fan is thoroughly briefed. This mission will proceed without a single mishap."
Gu Zheng was practically vibrating with excitement, eager to rush home and relay all the necessary instructions to Yu Fan.
Gu Residence.
"My love, I won’t bring much for this trip to Dayue. Traveling light is best." Yu Fan watched as Gu Mingliu bustled about, packing for him, his eyes filled with tenderness.
"You’ll be gone for at least two or three months. You won’t even be home for the New Year’s Eve celebrations." Gu Mingliu reached out to caress his face. "But I won’t stop you. You’re a man of the Gu family now. I can’t keep you by my side forever."
Yu Fan’s expression softened, and he wrapped his arms around her waist.
Tighter... and tighter...
Gu Mingliu gasped and smacked his shoulder. "Let go, let go!"
"I’m about to leave, and my wife won’t even let me hold her?" Yu Fan pouted. "Have I grown too dark from training in the camp? Or is it the beard? Do I look unappealing now?"
His world was crumbling. His wife didn’t love him anymore.
"It’s not that... I don’t dislike you." Gu Mingliu struggled free and pointed at her stomach. "What if you crush the baby?"
"Baby?!"
Yu Fan froze in shock.
"My monthly courses haven’t come for two months. The physician confirmed it today—I’m with child."
She had only just learned of her pregnancy when news arrived that her husband was to be sent to Dayue.
Gu Mingliu hadn’t even figured out how to break the news to him, and now this reckless fool—
"Hahaha! I, Yu Fan, am going to be a father?!" He planted a loud kiss on her cheek and then, in a burst of joy, scooped her up and dashed outside, sending the maids into a panic as they chased after them.
Gu Family Study.
"Father! Mingliu is pregnant!"
Gu Zheng nearly jumped out of his seat. What? His daughter was with child?
"Auspicious! Truly auspicious!"
Gu Zheng was overjoyed. "This means your mission to Dayue will surely be a triumphant success!"
......
The next day.
"Sister Gu!"
Song Shihuan’s voice rang out as she entered. Gu Mingliu set down her brush. "Princess, you’ve come? You should have told me—I would have greeted you at the gate."
"Don’t blame them, Sister Gu. I asked them not to disturb you."
Song Shihuan’s eyes immediately locked onto Gu Mingliu’s stomach. "Sister Gu, how far along are you?"
"Almost three months." Gu Mingliu smiled gently. "It’s not showing yet."
"How wonderful. Soon, you’ll have a child of your own." Song Shihuan gazed at her with warmth before hesitantly asking, "May I... touch her?"
"Of course."
Song Shihuan carefully placed a hand on Gu Mingliu’s belly. "Little one, grow safely and soundly in your mother’s womb. Your mother loves you dearly, and you’ll have the most loving mother in the world."
She adored seeing children nurtured in their mothers’ love.
Gu Mingliu’s eyes softened with sympathy. "With the Princess’s blessings, the child will surely thrive."
A commotion outside signaled Yu Fan’s return.
"Princess."
Yu Fan stood awkwardly before Song Shihuan, arms laden with children’s toys—tiny drums and the like.
Would the Princess think him... irresponsible? Neglecting his duties to Dayue in favor of shopping at the South Market?
But Song Shihuan only beamed. "Perfect timing. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you privately."
"Princess, please... speak freely."
"Previously, when Great Qi turned the tables and asked Dayue for grain, it must have affected Song Yanzheng’s treatment. When you’re there, don’t forget to visit him—then spread the word that Dayue is mistreating Great Qi’s imperial grandson."
"How does the Princess know the Grand Imperial Grandson is being mistreated?" Yu Fan asked, bewildered.
"I divined it."
Song Shihuan struck a mystic pose, winking at Gu Mingliu, who burst into laughter.
"Rest assured, Princess. I will pay the Grand Imperial Grandson a visit."
Song Shihuan nodded. Good. She wanted to hear of Song Yanzheng’s miserable state.
And then, using him as leverage, they could tarnish Dayue’s reputation.
Two birds with one stone. Perfect.
